Ocean and Climatic Research Institute

Looking for a remote volunteering opportunity in digital learning and accessible technology? 🌍💻

UNICEF is seeking a Tech Content Development Specialist through the UN Volunteers programme.

🔗 Apply now via https://app.unv.org/
Direct link: bit.ly/4dX9OXC

🌍🐢 Happy World Turtle Day! 🐢🌊

Today, we celebrate one of the ocean’s most ancient and incredible species — sea turtles. These gentle marine creatures have existed for millions of years and play a vital role in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems. Yet today, they face growing threats from plastic pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, illegal poaching, and marine debris.

At OACRI, we believe protecting turtles means protecting our oceans and our future. Through education, advocacy, and community action, we continue to raise awareness about marine conservation and the importance of safeguarding endangered species across the Pacific and beyond.

🌱 We are also excited to announce that OACRI will soon be launching our new self-paced “Introduction to Turtles” online course — designed to help learners, students, educators, and ocean enthusiasts gain knowledge about turtle biology, conservation, habitats, threats, and protection efforts.

Together, let’s inspire action, spread awareness, and become voices for our oceans. 💙

👍👍👍

CONGRATULATIONS to the IGS 2025 Awardees: Daniel Feltham (Seligman Crystal), Magnus Mar Magnusson (Richardson Medal), Fabien Maussion (Firn Award), and Lilian Schuster (Early Career Scientist Award)!! To find out more about these awesome ice scientists, and IGS awards in general: https://www.igsoc.org/awards

A humpback whale calf named Hope was found dead after a heartbreaking struggle for survival in the waters off Australia. For days, marine rescuers and wildlife experts tried everything they could to help the young whale, who had become separated from her mother and was growing weaker with each passing hour.

Witnesses watched as Hope repeatedly tried to stay close to nearby whales, searching for comfort and guidance in the vast ocean. Despite rescue efforts, exhaustion and starvation eventually claimed her life. 💔🌊

Her story touched thousands around the world, becoming a painful reminder of how fragile marine life can be — especially for young calves who depend completely on their mothers for protection, food, and survival.

Though Hope’s journey ended too soon, she inspired countless people to care more deeply about the oceans and the creatures that call them home. 🐋✨
In the silence of the sea, Hope became a symbol of innocence, resilience, and the heartbreaking reality faced by many marine animals every year.

📚 Source:
Reports from Australian marine wildlife rescuers and news coverage about “Hope” the humpback whale calf.

The Ocean and Climatic Research Institute (OACRI) is deeply saddened and devastated to hear of the tragic passing of our member and scientific advisor, Dr. Monica Montefalcone, following a diving accident in the Vaavu Atoll, Maldives.

Dr. Monica Montefalcone was widely respected across the global marine science community for her remarkable contributions to marine biology and ecology, particularly her groundbreaking work on seagrass meadows, habitat suitability assessments, and large-scale restoration efforts. Her research significantly advanced the world’s understanding of seagrass ecosystems and their critical importance to ocean health.

This heartbreaking loss has shaken not only the marine biology field, but the wider scientific community around the world. Dr. Monica’s passion, dedication, and commitment to protecting marine ecosystems will continue to inspire researchers, conservationists, and future generations.

On behalf of OACRI, we extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives she touched during this incredibly difficult time.

May her legacy continue to live on through the oceans she worked tirelessly to protect.

Recovery efforts for four Italian divers who died while exploring an underwater cave system in the Maldives have been suspended due to rough seas and poor weather conditions, officials say.

The group had reportedly been attempting to explore caves around 50 metres deep in the Vaavu Atoll. One body was recovered on Thursday, while authorities believe the remaining victims are still inside the cave system.

Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said every effort would be made to bring the victims home as recovery operations are expected to resume on Saturday. The cause of the tragedy remains under investigation.

⌛ Last chance to submit your abstract - submissions close in two days for .

Join us 2-5 November 2026 in Barcelona, Spain for the 9th International Symposium on Deep-Sea Corals! The symposium will bring together scientists, artists, policymakers, and stakeholders to advance the understanding and conservation of deep-sea coral ecosystems.

Each day will be dedicated to a main theme:
🪸 Diversity and distribution
🪸 Environmental settings
🪸 Biology and ecology
🪸 Conservation

🔗 Submit your abstract by 9 May 👉 www.9isdsc.csic.es/registration
Learn more about the symposium: www.9isdsc.csic.es

Coral ID: Pavona vs. Pachyseris

Ever find yourself staring at a table coral and wondering if you’re looking at a Pavona or a Pachyseris? At first glance, they both rock those beautiful, undulating plates, but the secret is in the "valleys."

Here is how to tell them apart like a pro during your next survey:

1. Pavona

The skeleton of Pavona is characterized by fine, radiating ridges called septocostae.
The "Frilly" Look: These ridges connect the corallites (the little holes where the polyps live).
Corallites: You can usually see the individual corallite centers. They often look like tiny stars or "eyes" scattered across the surface or arranged in irregular rows.
Growth: While many species plate out, some also grow upright fronds that have corallites on both sides of the leaf.

2. Pachyseris

Pachyseris is all about those concentric, parallel ridges.
The "Labyrinth" Look: Instead of visible individual "star" corallites, the corallites are hidden inside deep, long trenches or valleys that run parallel to the edge of the coral.
Uniformity: The ridges are very distinct and even, giving it that wrinkled, thick skin texture.
One-Sided: Unlike many Pavona species, Pachyseris generally only has the "skin" pattern on the upper surface of its plates.

Want to sharpen your ID skills? Join a local monitoring team or take our Hard Coral Taxonomy & Identifiction course to see these skeletal features in action! 🪸

The Ocean and Climatic Research Institute (OACRI) proudly joins the world in wishing the legendary Sir David Attenborough a very happy 100th birthday! 🌍💙

For generations, Sir David has inspired millions through his remarkable storytelling, bringing the wonders of our oceans, coral reefs, forests, and wildlife into homes across the globe. His voice has become a symbol of environmental awareness, ocean conservation, and hope for the future of our planet.

From the breathtaking beauty of the Great Barrier Reef to the deepest parts of the ocean, Sir David’s documentaries have helped humanity better understand the fragile connection between people and nature. His passion for marine ecosystems continues to inspire scientists, conservationists, students, and young climate leaders worldwide.

At OACRI, we deeply value his lifelong dedication to protecting our blue planet and educating future generations about the importance of ocean and climate action. His latest work continues to remind us that the health of our oceans is directly connected to the future of humanity.

“ If we save the sea, we save our world.” — David Attenborough

Thank you, Sir David, for a lifetime of wisdom, advocacy, and inspiration. Your legacy will continue to guide ocean and climate action for generations to come.

Happy 100th Birthday from all of us at OACRI! 🌊🐋🌿

📢 New training opportunity: Environmental DNA (eDNA)

The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO's OceanTeacher Global Academy, in collaboration with the UN Ocean Decade Capacity Development Facility and IOC Sub-Commission for Africa and the Adjacent Island States (IOCAFRICA), is pleased to announce a regional eDNA training course for Africa and the adjacent island States.

This training will provide participants with a strong theoretical foundation and hands‑on experience in environmental DNA (eDNA) techniques, supporting the application of innovative tools for marine biodiversity assessment and ecosystem monitoring.

By the end of the course, participants will gain:

🔵A clear understanding of eDNA technologies and their environmental applications
🔵Practical skills in eDNA sample collection, preservation and extraction
🔵Insights into eDNA data analysis and the use of bioinformatics tools
🔵 Knowledge on applying eDNA approaches to marine and coastal ecosystem monitoring

🌍 Open to candidates from:
Angola, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan and the United Republic of Tanzania.

🔵 Co‑organised by:
OceanTeacher Global Academy, IOCAFRICA, RTC Belgium, Pwani University, RTC Kenya (KMFRI) and RTC Ghana (University of Ghana).

🗓️ 27 July – 2 August 2026
📍 Pwani University, Kenya
🔗 Apply until 15 May 2026: https://oceanexpert.org/event/5013



📷 Ocean Image Bank - Philip Hamilton