WCS Ocean

These species are the cornerstone of the ocean as we know it, and we have an opportunity to act now to save them from extinction. The clock starts now – proposals will be voted on at #CITESCOP20 in November 🌊 Learn more and follow along: wcs.org/sharks

Today at #CITIESSC78 in Geneva, newly-launched proposals from Panama, Ecuador, and the Maldives aim to boost protections for some of the most threatened species in the ocean: Oceanic Whitetip Sharks, Whale Sharks, and Manta Rays.

JUST IN: New proposals released at #CITIESSC78, our WCS team on the ground in Geneva reports. Oceanic whitetip sharks, whale sharks, and manta rays are up for new protections to curb their freefall toward extinction. These will be voted on at #CITESCOP20 in November.

Shared governance increases marine protected area effectiveness, says a new paper co-authored by WCS’s @emilysdarling. When government and nongovernment groups work together, MPAs are 98% more likely to net better conservation outcomes. Part of why we support communities worldwide to enhance their fisheries and conserve the coastal waters upon which we all depend. 🪸 doi.org/10.1371/journa…

New science shows the power of collaboration 🌊 MPAs with shared governance—where multiple groups work together—are 98% more likely to net better conservation outcomes than those managed by state agencies alone🤝 Dive into the @PLOSONE study here: journals.plos.org/plosone/articl…

New science by our @WCSocean team has mapped #coral reefs across the Western Indian Ocean. This uncovered unexpected pockets of #climate-resilience that could offer hope for conservation efforts in the region. 🪸 bit.ly/4iLE5Jr

As rising sea levels and #climatechange-induced storms hit coasts, one threat flies under the radar: sewage pollution. This is a human health issue and has profound environmental consequences, write Tanvi Oza of @WaterAidAus & Amelia Wenger of @WCSocean. therevelator.org/climate-change…

LISTEN: Conservation funding is not enough to address the threats faced by coral reefs, says WCS’s Fahd Al-Guthmy. On the latest #WCSWildAudio, programs like Miamba Yetu, which Fahd manages, can help us save resilient reefs. 🔊 apple.co/3Wnlfim

In the new @MantaTrust study, scientists highlight globally decreasing populations of vulnerable rays and call for urgent fisheries management action. Learn more about how @theWCS is working to create a more sustainable future for sharks and rays: wcs.org/sharks

Mobulid rays, including manta and devil rays, are among the most endangered elasmobranch species due to heavy fishing driven by demand for their meat and gills: ➡️43 countries catch significant numbers of rays ➡️14 countries extract gill plates Read on: research.mantatrust.org/palacios-et-al…

Out now: A new global assessment of manta and devil ray meat and gill plate trade The WCS-supported study looked at ray meat and gill plate trade across 75 countries, and calls for urgent action to protect these endangered species. 🔗Read on here: research.mantatrust.org/palacios-et-al…

We understand more about sharks and rays than ever before, but they remain among the most threatened vertebrates. Declining fast, says a new @IUCN report. As part of our strategy, @WCSOcean is helping to implement shark management reforms in 10 key geographies across the globe.

Thrilled that @datamermaid was chosen as a winner of the @AWS_Nonprofits IMAGINE Grant. With less than 15% of the world’s coral reefs monitored, it’s time to close the data gap with responsible AI and machine learning, says WCS’s @emilysdarling. bit.ly/4in4ehq

🌊 Coral reefs, data, and decision making - dive in to the latest Planet Beyond podcast installment from @Fugro this week, featuring @datamermaid🪸 Discover how data is transforming reef conservation and driving smarter decisions #ForCoral 🎧Listen here: fugro.com/news/podcasts/…

A colourful and energetic start of the 2024 Annual Fishers’ Forum in Kwale, Kenya. #FishersForum2024 #SustainableFisheries #UvuviEndelevu #KongamanoLaWavuvi2024

Researchers in the Solomon Islands have discovered the world's largest coral, >100 feet long🪸 Even amid the 4th global bleaching event, there is still hope #ForCoral in underwater climate refuges all over the world. WCS’s @emilysdarling talks to @CNN: cnn.com/2024/11/14/cli…

World’s largest coral shows there are still environmental conditions where corals can survive and thrive, even potentially through the accelerating impacts of climate change, WCS’s @emilysdarling tells @CNN. cnn.com/2024/11/14/cli…

Behind the paper: Transforming Place-based Management Within Watersheds, a new blog out now via @PLOS 💧 Read it here: latitude.plos.org/2024/11/behind…

🚨 At #CBDCOP16 Emergency #CoralReefs Session, states, scientists, community reps, & @UN leaders urgently called for increased action to protect #coralreefs—vital ecosystems that support over 25% of ocean life & 1 billion people—from imminent collapse. 🗞️globalfundcoralreefs.org/news/cop16emer…

The world is experiencing a fourth coral bleaching event. Today #COP16Colombia held an emergency session on coral reefs facilitated by WCS’s @diwigdi Valiente with @theWCS work recognized by partners from the Governments of Fiji and the Philippines. The time is now to protect climate resilient reefs.