Coral reefs support over 1 billion people worldwide, and harbour the highest biodiversity of any ecosystem on the planet.
Unprecedented global warming and anthropogenic impacts such as pollution and coastal development have made coral reefs one of Earths most threatened Ecosystems
According to UNESCO, the coral reefs in all 29 reef-containing World Heritage Sites would cease to exist the end of this century if we continue under 'business-as-usual' scenario.
Now more than ever, coral reefs need our help.
Coral Cay Conservation is a renowned conservation specialist and
expedition provider dedicated to providing the resources to help protect coral reefs throughout the developing world and committed to creating real-time solutions to the many plights suffered by our Ocean.
We have over 30 years' experience of operating successful marine and terrestrial conservation projects, providing opportunities to budding-scientists, collectively protecting biodiversity, empowering local stakeholders and building a sustainable future. Throughout this process we have taught lifelong skills, and provided practical conservation experiences, to thousands of volunteers allowing them the opportunity to take action against environmental impacts, strengthen their CV, or undertake thesis data collection. All those who join us have a shared passion; to protect the natural world.
"Providing resources to help sustain livelihoods and alleviate poverty through the protection, restoration and management of coral reefs and associated ecosystems"
Volunteer to Take Action
The Ocean, its inhabitants, and the local communities that depend on it, are at the centre of all of our conservation projects. We provide in-depth training to volunteers from diverse backgrounds to create efficient and competent survey divers who collect essential marine ecological data, engage with local stakeholders and drive the ethos of our projects.
The actions of our volunteers have been critical in the protection of some of the worlds most threatened ecosystems, working with local communities to protect the natural world
We engage local communities through education and capacity building initiatives to empower stakeholders to take action and catalyse conservation;
ensuring sustainability
ensuring sustainability
Through the protection and promotion of coral reefs and their associated ecosystems, you will help to build a sustainable future, where humans and the environment thrive in harmony
We believe in a future where our choices today will benefit the generations of tomorrow, where coral reefs will sustainably provide for local communities in the face of growing demand, allowing these systems to thrive in harmony with humankind.
We believe in a future where our choices today will benefit the generations of tomorrow, where coral reefs will sustainably provide for local communities in the face of growing demand, allowing these systems to thrive in harmony with humankind.
Conservation;what's our approach?
Conservation;
what's our approach?
We understand that successful conservation hinges on a holistic approach where equal measure is given to the collection of scientific data, education, and capacity building. Our volunteers are critical to this approach and for over 30 years, they have been at the centre of our work, using a citizen-science framework. Our projects successfully operate with volunteers and the three-tiers at their heart.
Conservation;what's our approach?
Conservation;
what's our approach?
We understand that successful conservation hinges on a holistic approach where equal measure is given to the collection of scientific data, education, and capacity building. Our volunteers are critical to this approach and for over 30 years, they have been at the centre of our work, using a citizen-science framework. Our projects successfully operate with volunteers and the three-tiers at their heart.
"CCC has been instrumental in launching so many careers in coral reef conservation, my own included. Some of the best PhD students I've had arrived from the CCC boot camp and all have gone on to do wonderful things. We all owe CCC a debt of gratitude! "
Professor Peter Mumby
Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, University of Queensland
Learn to Dive.Travel the World.Conserve Coral Reefs.
This is your opportunity to work on the forefront of marine conservation and protect some of the world's most threatened ecosystems. Home to over 25% of all marine life, coral reefs are essential to the health of the Oceans, the planet, and the human population. With Coral Reefs and our Oceans facing unprecedented impacts, it is now, more than ever, that we must join together as conservation advocates to reverse our historic actions, reduce environmental impacts and protect the natural world.
Dive
The reef is our classroom where you learn to dive and develop scientific skills that are essential for collecting critical ecological data. You'll be introduced to the incredibly diverse colours and species found on coral reefs whilst being trained by highly qualified marine ecologists that share an infectious passion for the marine world.
Travel
You will be immersed in local culture as you join our team to engage with local communities, demonstrating the importance of coral reefs and their sustainable use through our Education & Outreach programmes. Experience rural life, off the tourist track, with welcoming people, providing you with a true sense of paradise.
Conservation
Your actions will directly contribute to the conservation of coral reefs and their associated systems as the data that you collect are used to increase knowledge on the marine world, inspire local communities to conserve their resources and in the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. Your actions provide real-time solutions.
Dive
The reef is our classroom where you learn to dive and develop scientific skills that are essential for collecting critical ecological data. You'll be introduced to the incredibly diverse colours and species found on coral reefs whilst being trained by highly qualified marine ecologists that share an infectious passion for the marine world.
Travel
You will be immersed in local culture as you join our team to engage with local communities, demonstrating the importance of coral reefs and their sustainable use through our Education & Outreach programmes. And experience rural life, off the tourist track, with welcoming people, providing you a true sense of paradise.
Conserve
Your actions will directly
contribute to the conservation of coral reefs and their associated systems as the data that you
collect is used to increase knowledge on the marine world, inspire local communities to conserve their resources and in the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. Your actions provide real-time solutions.
Dive
The reef is our classroom where you learn to dive and develop scientific skills that are essential for collecting critical ecological data. You'll be introduced to the incredibly diverse colours and species found on coral reefs whilst being trained by highly qualified marine ecologists that share an infectious passion for the marine world.
Travel
You will be immersed in local culture as you join our team to engage with local communities, demonstrating the importance of coral reefs and their sustainable use through our Education & Outreach programmes. And experience rural life, off the tourist track, with welcoming people, providing you a true sense of paradise.
Conserve
Your actions will directly
contribute to the conservation of coral reefs and their associated systems as the data that you
collect is used to increase knowledge on the marine world, inspire local communities to conserve their resources and in the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. Your actions provide real-time solutions.
"CCC provides a wonderful platform for ecology, conservation and understanding the importance of coral reef ecosystems for local communities and the wider world. They are environmentally responsible, well respected and a much loved organisation."
Rachel Scott
Producer, Blue Planet II, BBC
"CCC provides a wonderful platform for ecology, conservation and understanding the importance of coral reef ecosystems
for local communities and the wider world. They are environmentally responsible, well respected and
a much loved organisation."
for local communities and the wider world. They are environmentally responsible, well respected and
a much loved organisation."
Rachel Scott
Producer, Blue Planet II, BBC
Featured in...
🐠Today is World Manta Day 🐠
Manta and Devil rays are threatened globally, and numbers are dropping in many regions.
Both Manta and Devil rays are targeted for their gill plates, which are used in pseudo-remedies in China and East Asia.
Manta and Devil rays, like many other large marine animals, get easily tangled in fishing nets and ghost nets.
Climate change is changing the availability of phytoplankton in the ocean, and unregulated tourism can push Manta rays away from critical cleaning and feeding habitats.
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank: Lewis Burnett/Simon Hilbourne/ Toby Mathews/ Umeed Mistery
Coral reefs first appeared 485 million years ago, at the dawn of the Early Ordovician.
Throughout their 485 million year existence they have adapted to natural changes in our environment, and have thrived in the ocean.
Global coral bleaching events were first recorded in the 1990's, and the occurrences of bleaching events have increased in prevalence since.
Visit the link in our bio to find out how you can join us!
#CoralCayConservation
📸Ocean Image Bank
Did you see our announcement last week? We are offering 20% of all 2023 expeditions between now and December 1st 🐠
Visit the link in our bio for more information!
#CoralCayConservation
🪸 EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT🪸
For a limited time only we are offering a 20% discount on all expeditions booked between now and December 1st 2022!
We've also added 4 new 2023 dates to our website 👀
Visit the link our bio to book now
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Original photo by Matt Curnock /OIB
Anemone fish and their hosts are synonymous with coral reefs🪸
Anemone fish have evolved to live symbiotically with anemones, meaning that they both benefit mutually from the relationship.
Clownfish are protected from predators by the stinging tentacles of the anemone, and in return, they keep the anemone clean and tidy!
Join our coral reef monitoring team in Egypt and help us protect coral reefs. Link in bio 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
Every space in a coral reef is a potential habitat or refuge for organisms 🦀
Cryptic species such as this Trapezia crab are hard to spot on the reef. Survey divers looking for invertebrates or cryptic species spend most of their time head down, scanning the reef for smaller species that hide amongst coral 🪸
Join us in Egypt and learn to dive, survey coral reefs and contribute to their conservation - link in bio 🤿
#CoralCayConservation
📸 David P Robinson - Ocean Image Bank
Sea turtles migrate thousands of kilometres between foraging and nesting habitats 🐢
The high seas are full of migrating animals, but they're also full of longlines and abandoned ghost nets, both of which threaten migratory animals 🐋🦈
Longline methods are indiscriminate and attract animals with baited hooks, whilst ghost nets capture and entangle marine animals as they travel through the ocean.
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Gaby Barathieu / Ocean Image Bank
Whales migrate thousands of kilometres every year across the high seas, travelling through 'whale superhighways' to get to critical feeding and breeding habitats 🐋
Whales may be protected for certain parts of their migration, but a 2018 study highlighted that 50% of a migratory whale's life is spent in areas of the high seas beyond national jurisdiction.
Only 1% of the high seas are protected, leaving whales and other migratory animals unprotected and vulnerable.
#CoralCayConservation
📸 François Baelen / Ocean Image Bank
The high seas make up 63% of the ocean, but less than 1% is protected🌊
High seas will be hugely impacted if deep sea mining plans go ahead. Dredging the ocean floor and moving minerals to the surface disturbs and displaces sediment, as well as destroying habitats and creating noise and toxic chemical pollution.
The deep sea is often portrayed as a desolate abyss, but this is far from the truth. The deep is sea is teaming with life, and intrinsically linked to the high seas and health of our ocean.
If we take from the deep sea, we take from the whole ocean 🐋
#Coral Cay Conservation
A group of squid is called a squad 🦑
There is an estimated 300 species of squid and a huge size difference between the smallest and largest.
The biggest species of squid is the Colossal squid, which is also the largest invertebrate species on the planet, reaching up to 14m in length! 🦑🦑
The smallest species of squid is the Southern pygmy squid, with males reaching a maximum length of 1.6cm! 🤏🏽
Join us on an expedition and help conserve coral reefs, link in bio 💦
#CoralCayConservation
📸Jeff Hester / Ocean Image Bank
Is there anything more beautiful than a healthy coral reef?
Help us keep reefs healthy and join our monitoring team in November. Survey coral reefs and collect baseline data on our house reef in Ras Abu Galoum 🐟
Click the link in our bio for more information! 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Jasmine Corbett
Are you free in November, or have some annual leave days to take before the year is up?
Join us for 2 or 3 weeks in Sinai and survey our beautiful house reef in Ras Abu Galoum! 🐠
Click the link in our bio for expedition dates and prices 💦
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank / Umeed Mistery
In March we were fortunate enough to see dolphins on our final dive in Ras Abu Galoum 🐬
Dolphins in the Red Sea have been observed queuing in groups to rub their bodies on the reef. Why?
Scientists believe that dolphins were medicating their skin, with specific species of coral used for different parts of the body 🤯
Join us on an expedition and see these incredible animals for yourself! Link In bio 💦
#CoralCayConservation
Coral reefs are home to 25% of ocean biodiversity, but take up just 0.1% of the ocean floor.
Coral reefs are an integral part of our ocean, but they are heavily impacted by climate change, overfishing, ocean acidification and habitat loss.
Join us on an expedition, learn to dive and help us collect data that will protect coral reefs 🪸
Click the link in our bio for more info 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank / Alex Mustard
Eagle Rays are active swimmers and unlike sting rays, do not rest on the ocean floor 💤
Other than the distinctive spots and countershading, eagle rays can also be distinguished by their diamond shape and long tail.
Eagle rays feed on the ocean floor and use their large 'snout' to dig up crustaceans, molluscs and small fish 🦀
Join us on an expedition and help conserve coral reefs, visit the link in our bio 🐡
#coralcayconservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank/ Toby Mathews
🦈SHARK WEEK🦈
An ocean without sharks is not an ocean we can survive with.
📸 Ocean Image Bank
Coral reefs are an integral part of ocean health. If we lose coral reefs, we threaten 25% of our oceans' biodiversity 🪸
We cannot afford to lose coral reefs.
Help us monitor coral reef health and have the adventure of a lifetime, link in bio 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank / Jordan Robbins
Last week the UK reported its hottest weather with temperatures rising above 40°C for the first time ever 🚨
🌞The climate crisis is real and it's happening now🔥
The oceans are the worlds biggest carbon sink and play a crucial role in global temperature regulation.
The oceans are our best weapon against climate change, and we must prioritise the protection and conservation of our ocean before it is too late.
Click the link in our bio to find out how you can join us in Egypt!
🐠
📸Ocean Image Bank
🐠🐠🐠
#CoralCayConservation
Acropora tables are an incredible refuge for cryptic marine animals and small fish 🦀
They are also an important nursery habitat for many species of reef fish, such as tangs and butterfly fish 🐠
Acropora corals create a complex 3D habitat for animals to live and hide within. When reef-building corals like this bleach, we lose this structural complexity and habitat 😥
Click the link in our bio to find out more about joining us in Sinai!
#CoralCayConservation
The ocean is scientifically proven to help us relax, unwind and de-stress🌞
Another great reason to join us in Egypt 😉
#coralcayconservation
If you've ever dived in the Red Sea, you're probably familiar with this vibrant, pink, soft coral 🪸
Soft corals don't get as much attention as hard, reef-building corals, but they are an important part of the reef. They provide habitats for cryptic species, increase reef heterogeneity and biodiversity, as well as providing a source of food for marine animals 🐌
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank
The long-awaited COP27 will be held in Sharm-El-Sheikh this November while Coral Cay Conservation are in Dahab 🐠
COP27 focuses on Climate mitigation, adaptation and finance.
Countries must work together to make sure our global climate doesn't increase by any more than 1.5°C and rule out a scenario of a 2°C increase 🥵
Find ways to adapt to a warmer planet, and minimise the damage of extreme weather events ⛈️
Achieve the goals of the Paris agreement and ensure countries follow through with financial pledges. This will build more trust between developed and developing countries, showing that actual commitments are being fulfilled rather than empty promises 🫱🏼🫲🏿
Click the link in our bio to find out how you can join us in Sinai!
#CoralCayConservation 🐠
Why join us on a Coral Cay Conservation expedition?
🐡 Learn to dive scientifically and become an environmentally conscious diver
🐠 Learn how to ID key invertebrates, corals and fish in the Red Sea
🦐Learn how to survey coral reefs, and collect data for conservation (which will be used for research)
🐋 Become a qualified Open Water/Advanced Open Water diver
Find out more about our upcoming expeditions
🪸www.coralcay.org🪸
#CoralCayConservation
📸Matt Curnock/Ocean Image Bank
When you join us in Sinai, you'll learn how to improve your buoyancy and task loading underwater 🫧
Being able to focus on multiple tasks at once is an integral part of scientific diving and survey diving 🐡
You need to be aware of your surroundings at all times, focused on identifying key organisms, communicating with your buddy as well as monitoring your air consumption and depth ⏱️
Wanter to master your scuba skills and contribute to coral reef conservation? Click the link in our bio 💦
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank
Today is @paditv Women's Dive Day 🐬
Today we celebrate and thank all of the incredible water women, we "big up" female scientists, conservationists and women who have inspired us to love the ocean 🐠
Thank you to all of the women who have fought for inclusion in the dive industry and marine science sector 🐟️
Join us on an expedition and help protect coral reefs, link in bio 🦞
#PADIWomensDiveDay #CoralCayConservation
📸 Pash Baker
🦈Shark Awareness Day🦈
Sharks have been misunderstood and vilified for centuries, and this has had a huge impact on shark populations globally.
The media portray sharks as Monsters, Beasts and Killers, but the reality is quite the opposite. Shark bites are responsible for a yearly average of 10 human deaths. A number considerably lower than the 100 million sharks are killed every year by humans... 🩸
Like all predatory animals, sharks should be respected, but they do not need to be feared 💙
Who has been lucky enough to dive with sharks?!
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Kimberly Jeffries / Ocean Image Bank
Earlier this week, a shark killing tournament in Florida legally took place with protests, petitions and scientific opposition 🦈
Sharks are apex predators and play an important role in the oceanic ecosystem. Sharks indirectly maintain habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass meadows by shifting the spatial habitat of their prey🐟️
Here's an example... If we lose sharks, larger predatory fish will increase in abundance and more herbivorous fish are eaten. 🐠 Less herbivorous fish means an increase in macroalgae on coral reefs and corals can no longer compete for space/light, shifting coral reef ecosystems to unhealthy, algae-dominated reefs.
If we lose sharks, we lose ocean stability 💙
#CoralCay Conservation
📸Ocean Image Bank
It isn’t a long journey from Dahab to Ras Abu Galum, but it is definitely a beautiful one! 🏔 🌞 💦
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#Ocean #ClimateChange #Reef #CoralReef #UnderWaterPhotography #Scuba #Oceanlife #UnderWaterWorld #SaveOurOceans #MarineProtectedArea #VisitEgypt #Egypt #MarineResearch #MarineScience #ChasingCoral #OceanOptimism #RedSea #ConservationExpedition #RedSeaConservation #Lionfish #RedSeaEcology #SaveOurSeas
Interested in joining our next expedition? Scan this QR code and complete a quick form, and we'll get straight back to you with more information.
Go to our website to see prices and dates for our coral reef conservation expedition to Sinai🪸
Dates for 2023 will be on the website soon 🎉
#CoralCayConservation
A 2022 study has shown that reef-building corals are not developing adaptive mechanisms to cope with plastic pollution🐠
This long-term study (15 months) showed that corals do not discriminate between plastic particles and natural food, feeding rates didn't slow after consuming plastics nor did they show any defence mechanisms (mucus production) to prevent plastic uptake.
Go to our story to read/download the paper!
#CoralCayConservation
Corals are extremely specialised animals and can only grow in very specific conditions:
🌡️ Temperatures between 23°C and 29°C
🧂 Salinity range of 32 to 42 ppt
🦠Low nutrient levels (oligotrophic)
☀️Sunlight for photosynthesis
When these parameters fluctuate corals are at an increased risk of disease, bleaching and death.
Now more than ever, coral reefs need help.
#CoralCayConservation
Globally, we catch an estimated 200 million tonnes of fish each year. A staggering 40% of this is caught unintentionally 🐟
The accidental capture of non-target species has a huge impact on ocean health. Bycatch is unmanaged and not part of landing quotas for fisheries, and animals caught accidentally are thrown back dead or dying 🎣
#CoralCayConservation
📣 IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! 📣
We are very excited to announce that we are now officially open for bookings! 💦
Please visit our website to see dates, prices and information about our expedition to Sinai in November 2022. We will also be updating the website with 2023 dates very soon 🎉
We cannot wait to get back underwater, survey coral reefs and work towards protecting these incredible ecosystems. Will you join us? 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
An estimated 250,000 turtles are caught as bycatch and die unnecessarily every year.
How? Indiscriminate fishing methods entangle non-target species like turtles, cetaceans and elasmobranchs, as well as non-target fish species 🐬
Ghost nets (abandoned fishing gear) are also very dangerous, and in the Mediterranean alone kill an estimated 50,000 sea turtles a year 🎣😢
#CoralCayConservation
📸Ocean Image Bank / Lewis Burnett
Coral reefs globally are facing extinction, with 90% of reefs predicted to be dead by 2050 😔
Increasing sea surface temperatures as a result of climate change are pushing corals into dangerously warm waters. Corals are spending extended periods of time in temperatures outside of their thermal maxima, and this leads to mass bleaching.
Unless something changes now, the future for coral reefs is bleak.
However, corals in the Gulf of Aqaba in the northern Red Sea are a beacon of hope for coral reefs. These resilient reefs are withstanding temperatures that have bleached coral reefs around the world. While other reefs are dying, this reef system is thriving.
Scientists are calling for the Gulf of Aqaba to be named a UNESCO Marine World Heritage Site 🌏
#CoralCayConservation
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Did you know that Egypt has approximately 1.34% of the world's coral reefs?
This might not sound like an overwhelming figure, but this puts Egypt 15th in the Coral Reef Atlas. Close behind Egypt is the USA with 1.33% of global coral reefs (Egypt has marginally more coral reefs than all the US territories combined!) 🐡
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Alex Mustard @alexmustard1
Have we spent enough time describing how incredible the reefs are in Ras Abu Galum.....probably not 🐠 🐡 🐬
This is our vibrant, crackling, colourful house reef, conveniently situated about 20 seconds from our base. We will be collecting baseline data on this reef when our first volunteers join us in November.
Dates and prices will be on our website next week! 🐋
#CoralCayConservation
📸 @majesticallysavage
Natural capital is the world's stock of natural resources, which includes geology, soils, air, water and all living organisms.
Some natural capital assets provide people with free goods and services, often called ecosystem services. All of these underpin our economy and society and thus make human life possible
In 2015, the services and resources the ocean provide for humans and the health of our planet was valued at a staggering
💰24 TRILLION US DOLLARS 💰
Healthy oceans are critical for our planet's global ecosystem. If ocean health declines, our health declines 💙
#CoralCayConservation
💙WORLD OCEAN DAY 💙
The world is aware that our oceans need action fast, but sometimes it can be overwhelming and difficult to know how we can help.
The biggest changes will come from governments, but that doesn't mean individuals cannot play a significant role. Simple everyday decisions when replicated by millions will make a huge difference.
💦 Conserving water - this is especially important when living near rivers/coastlines
🧽 Reduce pollutants - switch to eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning chemicals
♻️ Reduce waste - only purchase what you need, and try and buy sustainably
🚲 Reduce emissions - cycling and taking public transport when possible
🎣 Eat less seafood - taking pressure off fisheries
🥡 Go plastic-free - take steps towards a plastic-free lifestyle
🗣️Talk about the issues!
👊🏽 Influence change - stand up and advocate for the environment
👚Shop sustainably - buy recycled fabrics and clothing rather than fast fashion
WORLD OCEAN DAY 💦🐟
We owe so much to our incredible oceans, and we are so fortunate to have this incredible resource! We must not take it for granted 🐳
#worldoceansday
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#conservation #marinebioloy #marinebiologist #chasingcoral #oceanoptimism #marineprotectedarea #marineconservation #30x30 #marineanimals #whaleshark #dolphin #redsea #gapyear #lovenature #nature #underwaterphotography #underwater #underwaterworld
Healthy coral reefs are vibrant,colourful and diverse 🐠
Coral reefs that are declining or suffering are less colourful, less diverse and considerably less resilient 🎣
We know which version we prefer…
#CoralCayConservation
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#MarineBiology #MarineConservation #Ocean #Oceanconservation #OceanOptimism #ScubaDive #conservation #CoralReefs #Coral #Anemonefish
Another Friday, another coral 🐡
Any guesses?
#CoralCayConservation
Is there anything more relaxing than the crackling and snapping of a healthy coral reef? 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
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#marineconservstion #marinebiology #oceanoptimism #chasingcoral #seaofchange #marinebiologist #coralreef #fish #coral #underwater #breathe #environmentalsciences
Estimates suggest that between 25 and 50% of C02 emissions are absorbed by the oceans 💙💚
We owe a LOT to our oceans! 🐳
What's your favourite thing about the ocean?
#CoralCayConservation
📸Ocean Image Bank | Lewis Burnett
HAPPY WORLD TURTLE DAY 🐢
Technically, today is about marine and terrestrial turtles……but we prefer the salty kind
There are 7 species of sea turtle in the world! 💦
The biggest threat to sea turtles is incidental capture/bycatch but fishing vessels 🎣
Coastal developments frantically reduce available nesting habitats for female turtles 🏝
Climate change is skewing the sex ratio, with considerably more females than males now being born.
#coralcayconservation
It's #friyay and time to guess the coral!
We think this ones quite easy...🪐🌟
#CoralCayConservation
📸@a.coral.a.day
💦🐟🐬 🐋That pre-dive excitement 🐬💦🐟🐋
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ahmed Helal
Did you know that only 9% of plastic products are recycled… and by 2050 our Oceans will contain more plastic than FISH! 🐟
We are not willing to sit back and let this statistic become our future, are you?
Single use plastics account for 40% of global plastic production. Imagine the impact we could have on the world if we all decided enough is enough ✋🏽
#coralcsyconservation #enoughisenough #saynotoplastic #saynotosingleuse #marineconservation #chasingcoral #oceanoptimism #marinebiology #oceans #beach #whaleshark #girlsinoceanscience #sustainabletourism #ecotourism
It's #Friyay which means it's time to guess the coral...
Have a great weekend!☀️
#CoralCayConservation
📸@a.coral.a.day
The worlds biggest fish can be found in the Red Sea seasonally between May and July 🌞
Typically they are seen in the upper Red Sea Regions, and studies show that these whale shark aggregations are made up of young whale sharks! Studies suggests that the group is a fairly even split of males and females, whilst most whale shark aggregations are dominated by adult males ♂️
Whale sharks are a protected species in Egyptian waters, and it is illegal to disturb, feed, touch or harm a whale shark 🐟
Whale sharks are on everyone's diving list - have you met one yet 👀
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank / Andy Casagrande
Last week we looked at the physiological mechanisms that enable colour changing in Cephalopods.
But did you know that chromatophores are also responsible for the vibrant pigmentation in fish?
Colour changing in fish acts as a mechanism for camouflage and inter-species communication. Colour change in fish is also a great example phenotypic plasticity!
#CoralCayConservation
📸Ocean Image Bank/UmeedMistery
Happy Friday #TGIF🌊
We're quite enjoying our Friday coral tests....Any ideas?
#CoralCayConservation
📸@a.coral.a.day
The weekend is here!
But before you go...What genus of coral is this? 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
📸@a.coral.a.day
🌟Nudibranchs 🌟
These incredibly colorful sea slugs can also change their pigmentation like cephalopods, and have a complex arrangement of chromatophores
Iridiphores are a specialised chromatophore that are iridescent and reflective. Iridphores create an optical effect known as Rayleigh scattering; Rayleigh scattering is responsible for colourful sunsets/sunrises and blue skies ☀️
#CoralCayConservation
📸@_bugdreamer_
🌟Bobtail Squid🌟
Cephalopods are admired for their intelligence and beauty. But how do they have such varied pigmentation?
Chromatophores are specialised cells that produce colour. They are found in amphibians, fish, reptiles, crustaceans and cephalopods (mammals and birds have melanocytes for coloration) 🐙
Chromatophore cells contain pigment within an enclosed sac. Muscular contraction distorts the shape of the pigment-containing-sac, changing the opacity, reflectivity or translucency of the animal.
#CoralCayConservation
📸@_bugdreamer_
Earth day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970 🌏
We all live and depend on this planet, and we are all accountable.
How have you changed the way you live to help our planet?
#CoralCayConservation 🐠
Welcome to our house reef! 🖐🏽
We are fortunate enough to have this incredible reef less than 20m away from our base in Ras Abu Galoum ☀️
After a brief visit in March, we already know that the reef is species rich, and an ideal location to base our surveys.
Our expeditions in September and November will be the first opportunity to begin collecting baseline data on our house reef - who wants to join us?🐠
#CoralCayConservation
📸@majesticallysavage
Time is ticking and we're closing in on our launch 🐠
If you are interested in joining our coral reef conservation project in Sinai later this year, then please scan this QR or visit our website and complete the 'interest form' 🐚
#CoralCayConservation
Our monitoring program is based in Ras Abu Galoum protectorate, Sinai 🇪🇬
We will be sleeping in traditional Bedouin huts on the beach, meters from our house reef! 🐡
Our schedule is dictated by the sun, with each early morning sunrise signalling the first dive, and the sun setting behind the mountains welcoming dinner and a campfire. Most of our survey dives are done in the morning, and the afternoons will be used to input data whilst there is still daylight 🌞
Our Bedouin hosts will take amazing care of you, with delicious, traditional food prepared especially for our volunteers 🍲
Who wants to join us?
🌕 Ras Abu Galoum 🌙
Last week a small group of volunteers joined is in Sinai to test out our pilot project🐠
We spent 3 days in Ras Abu Galoum. In the mornings we rose early and dived the local coral reefs, practising our survey methods, and in the evenings we wrapped up warm and sat around the fire 🔥
Over the next few weeks, we will be finalising our project and website in preparation for bookings. We aim to be launching our first 3-week expedition in Sinai this September, so if you're interested in joining us, keep September free! 🐚
#coralcayconservation
What a way to wrap up our trial expedition in Sinai, Egypt 🐬
On our last dive in Ras Abu Galoum we were visited by 4 bottlenose dolphins!
We’ve got lots of data to sort through when we’re back home, and soon we will be opening up for bookings later in the year!
#coralcayconservation
International Women's Day - 8th of March 🌎
Women are increasingly being recognized as more
vulnerable to climate change impacts than men, as they
constitute the majority of the world's poor and are more
dependent on the natural resources which climate change threatens the most.
Women and girls are effective and powerful leaders and
change-makers for climate adaptatin and mitigation.
They are involved in sustainability initiatives around the world, and their participation and leadership results in more effective climate action.
Coral Cay Conservation wouldn't be the organisation we are today without the women who have contributed
towards our ambitious conservation goals over the last 36 years. Thank you 💙
Monday blues?! 🐠
Last month we travelled to Ras Abu Galum National Park with our partners at @subsinai and had an incredible time visiting our potential survey sites 🤿
Here's a sneak peak 💦
#CoralCayConservation
Earlier this week, the IPCC released its Climate Change 2022: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability report 🌏
"Approximately 3.3 to 3.6 billion people live in contexts that are highly vulnerable to climate change"🧑🏾🤝🧑🏻
"If global warming transiently exceeds 1.5°C in the coming decades or later, then many human and natural systems will face additional severe risks, compared to remaining below 1.5°C "🔥
IPCC analysis suggests that maintaining the resilience of biodiversity and ecosystem services on a global scale will depend on the effective conservation of approximately 30 - 50% of Earths land, freshwater and ocean areas. 🐋
...Currently, 15% of Earths land and less than 5.7% of our oceans are protected....
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Gaby Barathieu/Ocean Image Bank
There are 38 known species of moray eel found in the Red Sea 💦
Moray eels (Gymnothorax) are characterised by their large mouths, muscular physiology and numerous teeth. Moray eels inhabit tight crevices in coral/rocky areas which limits manoeuvrability when catching prey🐟
Moray eels overcome this issue by using an impressive set of pharyngeal jaws, which they use to pull prey into their gullet. Many fish have pharyngeal jaws to help crush food, but the pharyngeal jaw on a moray eel is unique and equipped with a second set of sharp teeth!
The Red Sea is home to 3 species of anemonefish, but the most common is by far the Red Sea anemonefish (Amphiprion bicinctus)🐠
Like most anemonefish, it is associated with several anemone species and is never found more than 2m from its host anemone. Anemonefish have a symbiotic relationship with their host anemone; the anemonefish provides its host with nutrients (from waste) and protection from predators, whilst the anemone provides shelter 🐠
The Red Sea anemonefish is only found in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and Chagos Archipeligo. 🌍
Also...How is it 2022 and we still don't have an anemonefish emoji?!
Sharks - should we be afraid?
For the first time in almost 60 years, a shark has killed a human in NSW, Australia. Beaches in Sydney are now closed and locals are asking for a shark cull...but will this help?🦈
Hunting for a particular shark is almost impossible, and rather than improving the situation, it will reinforce the message that sharks pose a risk; making people more afraid.
Fatal shark attacks are very rare, but when they happen they receive emotive global media coverage. Shark attacks are incredibly upsetting, but the chances of a shark attack are not as high as you may think.
#coralcayconservation
Sinai looking out to Saudi Arabia 🤿🐠
Blue skies, blue sea, blue lagoons 💦
Who's ready to go diving?
Corals reefs are home to 25% of our oceans biodiversity, but cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floor...
Coral reefs are structurally diverse habitats; they are made up of potentially thousands of species of coral with varying morphologies.
This heterogeneity creates an abundance of unique habitats and unique roles within the ecosystem that can be taken up by animals.
More space ➡️More species➡️ More diversity
#CoralCayConservation
📸@acu_uw
Today is #WorldWetlandsDay🌱
The UK has lost 90% of it's wetlands to date and it's time to take action.
Wetlands are being destroyed 3 x faster than our rainforests.
#WorldWetlandsDay #coralcayconservation
Spaces are filling up fast, but we still have limited availability for our March expedition to Sinai, Egypt.
This trip is a 'trial' expedition, and is being offered at a heavily discounted price of £600.
If you're a confident diver (minimum AOW) with experience with survey diving, and you're free between the 12th to the 19th of March, then contact us at hello@coralcay.org ASAP 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
Surveying coral reefs gives us an image of reef health at that time. We want this 'snapshot' to be as accurate as possible, with as much information as we can get.
Point-intercepts or continuous measurements of benthic cover are traditional methods; these methods rely on diver knowledge and can be time intensive.
Photo-quadrats can be used to improve the efficiency and accuracy of surveys, but photos and videos need to be analysed after dives, and this can take a long time!
#CoralCayConservation
📸 @a.coral.a.day
Bleaching is a term often identified with coral reefs, but bleaching isn't isolated to corals 🤡
Anemones are in the same phyla as corals (Cnidaria), and like corals they have symbiotic dinoflagellates in their tissue called zooxanthellae 🦠
When the temperature is too hot, or too far outside the normal range, zooxanthellae are expelled from the anemone. It is the zooxanthellae that give anemones colour, and when they are expelled the tentacles are left white 🌡️☀️
#CoralCayConservation
📸Jenkins/ Ocean Image Bank
We've all heard of coral bleaching - but what actually is it and why is it bad?🐟
If sea water temperatures stay high for a period of time, corals will bleach. It is the symbiotic zooxanthellae within corals that provide them with pigment, and when it gets too hot these symbiotic will be expelled/leave ☀️
This photo shows a healthy reef on the left; a bleached reef in the middle, and an 'algaeified' reef on the right.
Dead reefs are taken over by algae; nutrient production spikes and the presence and activity of microbes increases. This increased microbial activity reduces available oxygen in the water, reducing the remaining diversity of the reef and making it harder for organisms to survive 🌿
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank
There are several ways to measure coral cover/coral genus.
Measuring random points, or set interval points along a transect is a traditional way of measuring coral, with divers recording the genus/species of coral onto a slate🐠
This method can be made faster and more accurate by using cameras and taking standardised photographs
at points along the transect. Similarly to the SVS, these images can be analysed on a computer
Quadrats can also be used by divers to record % cover of corals in 1m², as well as Photoquads (photographs of quadrats which can later be analysed)
📸@a.coral.a.day
#CoralCayConservation
🎉Exciting announcement 🎉
This March we are launching our first expedition to Sinai, and to make sure it's perfect - we need a group of volunteers to join us for a 'trial run' 🐠
This expedition will be run at a heavily discounted rate, and we will be asking for feedback from volunteers throughout the week to make sure we're getting it spot on 🤿
If you're interested in joining us then please email us at hello@coralcay.org 🐬
When it comes to counting fish, things can get a little more complicated...and there are several methods used 🐡
5m wide belt transects are commonly used for visual surveys of fish, with divers often counting large fish first, and following up with smaller fish such as damsels. Divers counting fish will be the first along the transect 🐟
Stereo Video Surveys are another way to survey fish abundance/size. Divers swim along the transect holding a pole with cameras on each end and film the transect. This data is then analysed on computers using software that records the number and size of fish! 📹
📸Pelayo Salinas de León / Charles Darwin Foundation
#CoralCayConservation
Manta tow surveys are a great way to provide a general description of coral reefs and to detect broad changes (e.g. overall increase/decrease of coral bleaching) 🚤
A surveyor holds on to a rope and is towed behind a boat and makes a recording of what they've observed
at 2-minute intervals (e.g. crown of thorns starfish or general coral cover) as well as the GPS.
Depending on the speed of the boat, manta tow surveys can cover kilometres of the reef in hours!
📹 Excellent video by @johnny_gaskell for @masterreefguides showing a manta tow survey in action 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
Our Science Development Programme is designed to prepare volunteers for survey dives.
Surveys are a snapshot of the reef at a particular time, so the better our understanding of the reef, the better the data 📸
Traditional survey methods are reliant on solid ID skills and require divers to write down exactly what they see whilst travelling across a transect. A basic survey team will be split up into sections and measure fish abundance/species, coral cover/genus and impacts/disease along the transect 🐠
If you were using a traditional point-intercept method and you landed on this coral, what genus would you record...?
📸@a.coral.a.day
#CoralCayConservation
New Year, New us. We're launching a brand new coral conservation project this year....watch this space 🐟
2021 saw the closure of our long-standing Southern Coral Reef Conservation Project in the Philippines. 🌏
Although 2021 hasn't been the year any of us predicted...we would like to reflect on the incredible work achieved in the Philippines.
The establishment of Marine Protected Areas; our on-site staff working with local schools and inciting a passion for coral reefs, and our incredible Scholars - Many of which now work for environmental NGOs in the Philippines 🐟
We would like to end 2021 with a BIG thank you to every volunteer, every member of staff that has been a part of the CCC community 🐠
Thank you!
#CoralCayConservation
Merry Christmas from everyone at Coral Cay Conservation 🐠
The bluespotted ribbontail ray is a species of stingray found in the intertidal zone, down to a depth of 30m
🤿
These sting rays are timid and hide amongst coral during the day, keeping close to the reef. They are a common species in the Red Sea, and have a wide distribution throughout the tropics🇪🇬
#CoralCayConservation
📸 @jakewiltonphoto
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#Ocean #ClimateChange #Reef #CoralReef #UnderWaterPhotography #Scuba #Oceanlife #UnderWaterWorld #SaveOurOceans #MarineProtectedArea #VisitEgypt #Egypt #MarineResearch #MarineScience #ChasingCoral #OceanOptimism #RedSea #ConservationExpedition #RedSeaConservation #Lionfish #RedSeaEcology #SaveOurSeas
What makes a good survey diver?
🐡 Excellent buoyancy
🐠 Good ID skills
🐟 Vigilant and aware dive buddy
💙 Love and respect for the oceans
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank
A healthy coral reef is structurally complex 🐡
Structural complexity creates more space for animals to occupy, so that the reef can support increased biodiversity 🐙
Healthy, biodiverse coral reefs are crucial for healthy oceans - 25% of the oceans biodiversity is supported by coral reefs. If we lose our reefs, we destabilise our marine ecosystem 🐠
#CoralCayConservation
📸@mitty
A healthy reef is not only vibrant and full of life, it is also full of sound 📣
A recent study in Indonesia has compared the sounds of a degraded, rubble reef with a healthy reef and a restored coral reef. Conservation efforts in the last 10 years have focussed on 'planting' coral frags in the restored reef habitat using metal frames 🐚
The sounds of the restored reef matched those of healthy reefs nearby, and contrasted with the local degraded, quieter reefs 🦐
With the correct conservation efforts and investment, this degraded rubble reef was transformed into a healthy and loud coral reef!
#CoralCayConservation
📸 David P Robinson / Ocean Image Bank
One of the many exciting things about our new coral conservation project is its amazing location! 🇪🇬
Incredible coral reefs and tropical beaches are just a 5 hour flight from the UK, rather than a long haul flight across the world 🛬 🌏
Once you're in Sinai, the dive centre is a short walk from the beach, and is surrounded by restaurants, bars and spots to watch the sun set from🌞
North of our base in Sinai takes us to Ras Abu Galum Protectorate, where volunteers have the chance to see and experience the traditional Bedouin lifestyle. Eating around a fire, sleeping under the stars and completely disconnecting 💫
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Sub Sinai
Our new Egypt coral conservation project will be launching in 2022, and this is what you can expect to see a mere meters from the shoreline 🐠
The Red Sea boasts some of the worlds most unique and diverse coral reefs, as well as extremely high endemism in fish and invertebrates 🦞
Endemism means that a species is found exclusively in one location/area. 5.8% of hard corals in The Red Sea are endemic and are found nowhere else on the planet! 🌍
#CoralCayConservation
📸 Sub Sinai
Cephalopods (octopuses, cuttlefish and squid) and Decapods (crabs, lobsters and crayfish) are now acknowledged as sentient beings under the amended UK Animal Welfare (Sentience)Bill 🐙
The Animal Welfare (Sentience)Bill historically acknowledged sentience in animals with back bones (vertebrates), but research has shown that cephalopods and decapods (invertebrates) have complex central nervous systems - a characteristic commonly seen in sentient animals 🦀
What does this mean for our many armed/legged friends? Sadly, not a huge amount. The government states that this reclassification is 'designed to ensure animal welfare is well considered in future decision-making' 🦞
📸@stefan.andrews / Ocean Image Bank
#coralcayconservation
Mondays 💤
Sea turtles can hold their breath underwater for about 4-5 hours, but the longest recorded ‘dive’ without breathing was a loggerhead turtle… with a dive of over 10 hours 🤯
The Red Sea Coral Reef is the worlds most northern tropical reef system, and is one of the worlds most diverse reefs due to incredibly high endemism🌞
Stretching approximately 1,200 miles along the coast, parts of this ancient reef system are estimated to be up to 7,000 years old, making them older than the famous Pyramids 🇪🇬
#coralcayconservation
📸 Ocean Image Bank @alexmustard1
If seagrass, mangroves and salt marshes are such amazing carbon sinks...why are we destroying them?🤨
40% of the WORLDS population lives within 100km from the coast, and with our global population rising, coastal areas are more in demand than ever🏄🏿
🏨Hotels and resorts often remove seagrass habitats in order to create white sandy beaches for guests.
🌴Mangroves are cut down for wood/charcoal and coastal developments.
🐦 Salt marsh habitats are removed to make space for coastal developments, and the soil is often disturbed to access peat.
#coralcayconservation
📸Ocean Image Bank
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#Ocean #ClimateChange #Reef #CoralReef #UnderWaterPhotography #Scuba #Oceanlife #UnderWaterWorld #SaveOurOceans #MarineProtectedArea #VisitEgypt #Egypt #MarineResearch #MarineScience #ChasingCoral #OceanOptimism #RedSea #ConservationExpedition #RedSeaConservation #Lionfish #RedSeaEcology #SaveOurSeas
Seagrass beds only cover 0.2% of the oceans surface, but store 10% of the carbon in our ocean! 🌏
As well as sequestering huge amounts of carbon, seagrass habitats are also critical habitats and sources of food for marine animals 🐢
They act as nurseries for thousands of juvenile marine animals, and also as a refuge for endangered animals such as seahorses 🐟
In the UK, 92% of our native seagrass beds have been lost 🇬🇧
#coralcayconservation
📸Ocean Image Bank
Just like mangroves, salt marshes sequester (store) carbon in soil and remove CO2 from our atmosphere 🌎
Globally, 50% of our salt marshes have been degraded, and the rest remain threatened 🐦
Carbon is stored at a faster rate in wetlands and salt marshes than in terrestrial grasslands, and when carbon is stored in these natural habitats, the effects of global warming are reduced 🌡️
Salt marshes also protect coastal areas from floods and storm surges, and help stabilise soil 🌊
#coralcayconservation
📸@erikjohnsonphoto
Mangroves store more carbon than tropical rainforests, but cover less than 0.1% of the planets surface. 🌴
They sequester carbon from the air and store it in mineral rich soils, where the carbon stays trapped for thousands of years. It's currently estimated that our mangroves store 10 billion tonnes of carbon globally 🦕
1-2% of mangroves are being lost annually 😥
Mangroves are a vital BLUE CARBON habitat: when we protect mangroves we increase carbon sequestration, but when we destroy mangroves we release carbon 🔥
#coralcayconservation
📸Ocean Image Bank @alexmustard1
Planet Earth is 29% land, and 71% water. However, this is often not reflected in conservation efforts.
Over the next week, we are going to look at the habitats in the ocean that sequester and store carbon, and explain why protecting our Oceans has to be central to securing a future for our planet🌏
To get the ball rolling...Marine phytoplankton (one of the oceans smallest organisms) absorbs 25% of the CO2 produced by humans!🦠
#coralcayconservation
💦 W O R L D J E L L Y F I S H D A Y 🌎
🦕 Jellyfish have been on this planet for 500 million years, making them the oldest multi-cellular organism alive.
They have an important ecological role in our oceans as both voracious predators and tasty prey. Jellyfish feed on the planktonic larva of commercially important species such as fish and crustaceans, and jellyfish are predated by turtles and sea birds!🐧🐢
Jellyfish have no brain, gills or lungs, and they absorb oxygen directly through their tissue. They can therefore adapt quickly to our changing oceans, and many species are predicted to thrive in our increasingly warm, acidic and polluted oceans 🧠
📸DM for credit
#coralcayconservation
Paris promised, Glasgow must deliver.
COP26 begins this Sunday. Not sure what COP26 is and why it's important?
Visit the link in our bio to read the official 'COP26 Explained' document
📸 Ocean Image Bank
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#Ocean #ClimateChange #Reef #CoralReef #UnderWaterPhotography #Scuba #Oceanlife #UnderWaterWorld #SaveOurOceans #MarineProtectedArea #VisitEgypt #Egypt #MarineResearch #MarineScience #ChasingCoral #OceanOptimism #RedSea #ConservationExpedition #RedSeaConservation #Lionfish #RedSeaEcology #SaveOurSeas #COP26
COP 26 will be one of the biggest ever global meetings set to tackle climate change. Here are the main goals:
🌡️ Secure global net zero by mid-century and keep 1.5 degrees within reach
🌴 Adapt to protect communities and natural habitats
💰 Mobilise finance (developed countries assisting
🤝 Work together to deliver (finalise the Paris rule book
and accelerate action!)
#CoralCayConservation
📸@alexkyddphoto
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