Cephalopods

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During the course of our survey dives we see many representatives of the Phylum Mollusca (mollusks). Frequently we see gastropod (snail) shells but most are carried about the reef by small hermit crabs which have taken up residence in the …

Solomon Islands Reef Survey Reveals Unexpected Sights Underwater

LANDOVER, MD, November 24, 2014 – The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation has completed a large-scale survey of Solomon Islands reefs, and what they saw was quite unexpected. The team of scientists boarded the M/Y Golden Shadow at the …

It’s the Small Things (Nudibranches!)

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As a coral surveyor, it often happens that I can while away an hour-long dive almost thoroughly upside down, my face only inches away from the substrate as I count and measure colonies. This means I often miss the ‘big …

Mapping the Blue Wins Film Award at BLUE!

LANDOVER, MD November 15, 2014 – The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation and its founder, His Royal Highness Prince Khaled bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia, have won the award for Best Film in the Conservation Innovation and Solutions category …

Sneaky Sea Turtle

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Typically, people scuba dive to see beautiful coral reefs that are teeming with life. For most of us (scientists), we are focused on getting our work done, and it’s often difficult to fully appreciate all that is going on around …

Sustainable Seaweed Farming – Part 2

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Today is our last day diving and providing education near Malakobi Island. The wind has picked up; however, the sun is still out. Today the education team traveled to Kia to provide their education program. Families in Kia started seaweed …

Sea Turtle Sanctuary

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Today was our last day surveying the Arnavon Islands. The sun was out, the seas were calm, and the diving was spectacular. The Arnavon Islands are uninhabited; however, they are looked after by three communities: Katupika, Kia, and Wagina. Throughout …

When is a Coral not a Coral?

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During a recent dive I was struck by the number of Blue Lace Corals (Distichopora violacea) that were present. This is not a particularly rare or usually noteworthy species but it was notable on this dive due to its higher …