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Coral Bleaching: The Basics You Need to Know
Returning to your favorite snorkel spot, you stumble upon decaying white coral—a devastating result of coral bleaching. What used to be a radiant reef full of colorful coral and fish is now washed out, depleted, and lonely. No fish in sight anymore. But, what exactly is coral bleaching? And, what causes it? Most importantly, how can we prevent this from happening? For many, corals are one of the most awe-inspiring and majestic aspects of the ocean. When I was younger, snorkeling along the coral reefs in Hawai’i greatly impacted my decision to be a marine biologist. Full of life, coral reefs teem with biodiversity, beauty, and fascinating discoveries. To learn…
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A Beginner’s Guide to the Plastic Pollution Plaguing Our Oceans
Across all corners of the world, plastic pollution plagues streams, rivers, and oceans. In many ways, it’s simply because everything’s connected. For instance, one piece of trash, no matter the size, can embark on a road trip from one side of the Earth to the other using waterways. Strolling along the beach, you may find a brightly-colored shell—only to realize that it’s, in fact, a long-lost plastic bottle cap. Here lies a mere symptom of the ocean plastic crisis; this is only the surface of a much bigger problem. To truly grapple with ocean plastic pollution, you’ll have to dive deeper, maybe even to the abyssal depths of the ocean.…
