Issue 107 - April 2024

Ethical Wildlife Viewing: Enjoying Wildlife Travel Experiences the Right Way

By Sharyn Umaña

California sea lions often sleep in close physical contact with one another. These daytime snoozes are critical for energy conservation. *Photo by Sharyn Umaña.*

In 2010, roughly 300 California sea lions established a rookery and nursery on a Southern California beach, becoming a major tourist attraction as synonymous with La Jolla as “Kokomo” by the Beach Boys. Frankly, they couldn’t have picked a better spot: the view alone is worth $20 million. Literally. “I think it’s literally the prettiest place in San Diego,” says San Diego resident Cassie Paumard, founder and CEO of Project Kolika, a nonprofit foundation dedicated to Ocean Conservation and Research. This Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve is home to one of the two largest giant kelp forests on the Pacific Coast, providing a smorgasbord of food and protection for a huge array of species. But this tiny paradise also attracts millions of people from all over the world to swim, surf, dive, snorkel, and, of course, watch its famous pinniped residents. In today’s social media-driven climate, tourists hankering to capture that viral video of a baby sea lion chasing a seagull—or perhaps a seagull chasing a baby sea lion—are willing to do anything to get the shot, often crossing the line from ecotourism to wildlife harassment. Throngs of people are regularly seen crowding, touching, feeding, chasing, and taunting sea lions to elicit a reaction. Paumard even witnessed “one woman throwing little pebbles at one that was asleep.” This constant badgering can have dire consequences for sea lions and humans alike.

Predators, Not Pets

Many people are familiar with marine parks that have sea lion shows demonstrating how intelligent and playful they can be. Audiences roar with laughter watching a sea lion smile, clap, and keep rhythm to a musical beat—often better than some people. But these endearing human-like behaviours can create a dangerous misconception of sea lions as oversized pets instead of unpredictable, wild animals. “The males can get up to a thousand pounds,” Paumard says. “That is the size of a bear… Bears, wolves, and pinnipeds (the family that includes seals, sea lions, and walruses) all share a common ancestor… All these animals bite and can get aggressive.” Many tourists assume that La Jolla sea lions are different because they are supposedly accustomed to crowds. While that may be true to some degree, discovering where that limit is can make the difference between life and death for a sea lion or her pup.

Respect the Nap

Pupping season is the most critical time for a female sea lion. “When the pups are between 0-6 months old,” Paumard says, “they need to be in contact with their mom when she comes back so they can nurse.” But an adult female may desert her baby if she feels threatened, and without Mom, the abandoned pup risks starvation, loss of thermoregulation, and vulnerability to attack by large males.

Tourists surround a basking female California Sea Lion in La Jolla Cove. Constant proximity to humans can cause stress, sickness, aggressiveness, or lead to the abandonment of pups. Photo by Sharyn Umaña.

Hordes of impulsive tourists can increase stress levels in sea lions by preventing them from coming ashore, provoking aggressive behaviour, and disrupting critical nap time—something even humans can relate to as the ideal way to turn a peaceful sea lion into a grumpy menace. “On land,” Paumard says, “it’s their time to relax, and that’s what people need to understand. Being in the water with them is completely different than when they’re on land.” An innocent attempt to take a photo of an unsuspecting sea lion on a beach at close range can quickly turn into a pinniped rodeo with a frightened tourist being chased by an irascible—and now very awake—sea lion. Unfortunately, when it comes to nature, Kristen Donald, a biologist with the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, laments, “People have really lost their common sense.”

Whose Beach Is It Anyway?

Officially, sea lions have been federally protected since 1972 by the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which prohibits the harassment, feeding, capturing, or killing of wild marine mammals. However, enforcing these measures—much less prosecuting violations—has been nearly impossible given the volume of tourists, limited staff, and legal obstacles that prevent 24-hour surveillance.

A hoard of tourists takes photos in dangerous proximity to two male sea lions at La Jolla Cove. A sea lion without a clear escape route to the ocean can easily become aggressive, particularly territorial males during the summer mating season—when tourism is at its peak. Photo by Sharyn Umaña

For years, a corps of dedicated volunteers at the Seal Society of San Diego (SSSD) have taken it upon themselves to educate the public and request space for the sea lions, though they have no official authority to enforce these regulations. Along with other wildlife advocacy groups, SSSD launched campaigns, initiated educational outreach programs, and bravely took on the “Goliath” anti-beach closure interests in court, like Bob Evans, President of La Jolla Parks & Beaches.

Several signs warn tourists to keep away from sea lions, but deliberately or unwittingly, many people bypass such warnings. Complexities over jurisdiction and limited governmental resources have made it difficult to prosecute those in violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Photo by Sharyn Umaña.

In 2022, the San Diego City Council finally acquiesced to pressure, closing the beach to foot traffic between May and November each year, when sea lions give birth and newborn pups are at their most vulnerable. But the closure was really just a chain link blocking a stairway leading down to the rocks, and as Paumard has witnessed, “there’s always that one person that’s not following the rules.” This prompts others to invariably follow, and before you can say, “Respect the nap,” the sea lion is surrounded by a swarm of tourists.

‘Sealing’ the Deal

Though many locals derided the seasonal closure, it was hard to argue with the fact that there were no reports of negative interactions between humans and sea lions during this time. Yet immediately upon reopening, harmful incidents returned, including one snorkeler’s attempt to pet a sea lion pup, a little girl throwing sand at a basking female, and tourists sent fleeing from two aggressively charging large male bulls.

**Left**: A large male sea lion charges beachgoers on the shore of La Jolla Cove. Photo by Jim Grant, San Diego Union-Tribune.
**Center**: A snorkeler reaches down to pet a sea lion pup that is awaiting its mother’s return. Photo by San Diego CBS8.
**Right**: A little girl throws sand at a sleeping sea lion to elicit a reaction. Photo by USA Today.

In the first legislation of its kind, tireless efforts from wildlife advocacy groups finally won a victory for the sea lions. On September 18, 2023—perhaps bolstered by the results of the zero-incident closure the year before—the San Diego City Council unanimously approved the year-round closure of Point La Jolla and Boomer Beach. Tourists can still passively watch the sea lions frolic from behind a protective barrier, where additional signage will be posted along with increased ranger presence. According to Paumard, a recent study showed that “when there was a ranger present, there were very little to no harassment events from people.” The closure will officially be in place until 2030, though the city insists these restrictions are a temporary placeholder until long-term strategies can be implemented. This isn’t enough for some people, however, like Japhet Perez Estrada, a 28-year-old resident who feels that the closure is “punishing the masses for honestly the actions of a very small minority.”

In 2022, sea lion supporters were successful in gaining closure of the beach during sea lion pupping season, from May to November. In September 2023, the San Diego City Council voted to make this a year-round closure through 2030. Photo by Sharyn Umaña.

However, Carol Toye of the SSSD reminds us that sea lions are not the only ones protected by the beach closure. It also safeguards seabirds and coastal plants and reduces human-induced coastal erosion and harmful litter.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

Volunteers with the Seal Society of San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club. For many years, volunteers have taken it upon themselves to police the beach and educate the public about safe sea lion viewing. They were also an integral part of the success to secure year-round closure of the beach in 2023. Photo by the Seal Society of San Diego.

Unquestionably, there is a justifiable fascination for tourists with La Jolla sea lions, yet clear violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act occur almost daily. “I definitely had to intervene two to three times a day,” Paumard laments, which begs the question, ‘What exactly is responsible wildlife viewing?’

The best thing a tourist can do for a wild animal is to respect its autonomy by giving it space. Enjoying sea lions from a respectful distance (at least 50ft or 15m) will likely result in a greater wildlife experience because they have the freedom to engage in natural behaviours like feeding, mating, giving birth, and raising their young. “To get that kind of interaction, it’s really gotta be on the animal’s terms,” Paumard says. “It’s even better because it’s not a forced interaction.”

An infographic depicts safe viewing guidelines and best practices for observing seals and sea lions responsibly in La Jolla Cove. Graphic by Seal Society of San Diego.

Avoiding loud or sudden noises can also help to reduce sea lion anxiety and alleviate stress. It may be ironic for an animal that makes noises like a freight train coming off the tracks, but screaming, shouting, and shrieking (or barking, for those animal lovers out walking with their pets) can startle sea lions, particularly young ones still trying to learn its mother’s individual call. It is a far more enriching—and comical—experience to let the sea lions do the talking.

Most popular wildlife attractions come with warning signs posted in the vicinity. It’s easy to assume that it is all just logic and common sense, but these signs can offer important information about an animal’s behaviour and temperament that can be helpful to know beforehand. It’s safe to say that the guy who was chased down the beach in a Speedo by an angry bull sea lion probably didn’t read the warning signs.

Another useful tool for responsible wildlife viewing is to pay attention to the animal’s body language. An overzealous tourist might think a pinniped staring back at them is unfazed by their attempt to take a selfie, but a staring sea lion is an anxious sea lion on high alert. A sea lion that turns its back moves away, or retreats into the ocean is trying to communicate that it is uncomfortable with the situation. In this case, back up slowly and increase the distance between yourself and the animal. Knowing how to read an animal’s body language is key to understanding the communication between you.

If there is still doubt about the ethicality of one’s actions when viewing wildlife, it is best to simply consider The Golden Rule to “treat others as you would like to be treated.” How would you feel if you were constantly being woken up from a deep sleep just to take a selfie? Or if a stranger reached out and grabbed your child? Or if someone threw sand at you just to see how you would react? For humans, all of these actions constitute a distinct—and legal—violation of harassment. Sea lions deserve the same courtesy and respect. “They’re living beings, too, and they deserve their own place on this planet,” says Paumard. “We just need to coexist with them. And it is possible.”

California sea lions rest undisturbed on the rocks of La Jolla Point. The beach closure will also spare seabirds, plants, and other wildlife from overcrowding, pollution, and erosion. Photo by Sharyn Umaña.

Why Does It Matter?

At the end of the day, the ultimate challenge in La Jolla Cove remains coexistence and mutual respect. In the wake of the fallout from the documentary Blackfish, society changed its ethical perception of exploiting animals for entertainment in captivity. These considerations must also extend to animals in the wild. Ultimately, it is a choice that the public, as a whole, must make as we continue to travel the globe seeking more authentic connections with nature in a sustainable way.

If you see an injured wild animal, please call the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at

(866) 767-6114 or the SeaWorld Rescue Team at (800) 541-SEAL. If you witness an incident of wildlife harassment, please call California Fish & Game at (888) 334-2258. Donate to conservation organizations dedicated to ensuring the respectful treatment of seals and sea lions in La Jolla Cove (Seal Society of San Diego, Project Kolika, Experience Wildlife).

About The Author

Sharyn Umaña is a wildlife and nature filmmaker from Southern California. After graduating from Chapman University with a B.F.A. in TV & Film and spending a few years in series television production, Sharyn joined Princess Cruises as a Video Producer, where she travelled the world for over five years. This transformative time inspired her desire to produce content promoting wildlife and nature conservation. After stints as a Video Producer with the San Diego Wildlife Alliance and Lions, Tigers & Bears Big Cat Sanctuary, Sharyn joined National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions as a Video Chronicler. Now an Assistant Expedition Leader with Lindblad, Sharyn is also in her final year of a Master’s graduate program in Conservation Biology and plans to start her own production company to inspire a love of nature in enthusiastic travellers.

To find out more about the author, please visit her website: https://www.sharynsstudio.com

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Issue 107 - April 2024

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – April 2024 – Issue 107

Feature Destination

Peter Sommer Travels Celebrates 30th Anniversary of 2,000-Mile Trek Across Turkey

Peter Sommer on his Alexander the Great trek in 1994

Thirty years ago this March, archaeologist Peter Sommer set off on his 2,000-mile trek across Turkey, retracing Alexander the Great’s route through the region’s breathtaking landscapes and ancient sites. Read more…

In Türkiye, a Sparkling Model for Community-Led Conservation

Even with conservation and restoration efforts, the effects of climate change continue to be seen and felt in the Mediterranean Sea. According to Kizilkaya, each year the thermocline level (the level of cold water) continues to diminish as waters warm, slowly turning the Mediterranean Sea into a tropical sea. Read more…

New Peter Sommer Travels Cruise is The Turkish Odyssey of Archaeology, Food & Wine

Uncover the story of the ancient civilizations that made their mark on Turkey’s southwest coast during a new gulet cruise that highlights the history, culture and food of the region with Peter Sommer Travels in 2024. Read more…

Feature Destination: The Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV)

NEWSROOM

Aquarium Scientists Mark Milestone for North Atlantic Right Whale Photo Database

The North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog, part of a formal collaboration among researchers that began in 1986, contains all photographed sightings of critically endangered right whales from the North Atlantic and is managed by staff at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium. Read more…

Ethical Wildlife Viewing: Enjoying Wildlife Travel Experiences the Right Way

African Penguin at New England Aquarium Receives Acupuncture Treatment

an African Penguin get acupunture treatments banner

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New Working Partnership to Enhance Tilapia Welfare in Egypt

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New ‘Destructive Fishing’ Definition to Kickstart Fresh Era in Fishing Policy

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History Repeats as Coral Bay Faces Mass Loss of Coral & Fish Life

A perfect storm of environmental factors has seen a monumental loss of fish and coral life at a popular area of Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region — however, Curtin University research into the event shows there is hope it will recover. Read more…

INTO THE BLUE QUEST: Clément Pourtal & Jérôme Brousse’s Exclusive Interview of Palawan’s Marine World

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North Atlantic Right Whale Calf Washes Up Dead in GA: Scientists Renew Calls for Federal Actions to Restrict Vessel Speeds

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has proposed modifications to the existing vessel speed rules that are now under interagency regulatory review to better protect North Atlantic right whales. Read more…

Machine-Learning Model Demonstrates Effect of Public Breeding on Rice Yields in Climate Change

The U.S. is in the top five exporters of rice, making rice production across several southern states important to diets around the world. Wang and Jamshidi’s work lays a foundation for artificial intelligence predictions in rice and other crops, where crop varieties are most vulnerable to climate change. Read more…

Smelly Gas Helps Researchers Track Right Whales

In the vast open ocean, how does a large animal like a right whale find enough food to eat? Right whales eat copepods, a tiny marine zooplankton, and the copepods eat microscopic plants known as phytoplankton. Scientists suspect that the whales are following odours produced by natural chemical compounds to find food. Read more…

Where to Swim with Whales and Whale Sharks

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A Coral Superhighway in The Indian Ocean

Using genetic analyses and oceanographic modelling, researchers at Oxford University demonstrated for the first time that a network of ocean currents scatter significant numbers of larvae between these distant islands, acting as a ‘coral superhighway.’ These results are published today in Scientific Reports. Read more…

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The Symbiotic Relationship – Under the Waves with Karim Iliya, April 2024

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SEVENSEAS Beach Cleanup & Coral Restoration Events in Marine Protected Areas

Beach Cleanup Event

Coral Nursery & Restoration Activity

SEVENSEAS Media conducted two impactful events in Krabi, Thailand. The Monthly Beach Cleanup Event at Ao Sew Beach saw enthusiastic volunteers remove a staggering 150.6 kilograms of trash, underscoring the pressing issue of marine pollution and the significance of sustainable practices like reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. The organization stressed the importance of proper waste management to protect coastal ecosystems.

Meanwhile, in the face of an unexpected storm, SEVENSEAS Media’s Coral Nursery & Restoration team demonstrated unwavering dedication, rescuing and relocating 75 corals to safer locations, bolstering their chances of survival and growth. The team outlined a comprehensive plan for continued coral recovery missions and data collection efforts throughout the year. The recent storm served as a stark reminder of the urgency to safeguard coral reefs from climate change impacts. We would like to express our gratitude for the support received from individuals and communities in this conservation community. We would not be able to do it without your support. You can make a tax-deductible donation here to keep our publications and Thailand Cleanup Project afloat.

You can either make a direct financial contribution to SEVENSEAS Media through The Ocean Foundation website or connect us with potential donors by sending an email to Giacomo Abrusci, our Editor-in-Chief.

The FREE Weekly Conservation Post and Jobs List

Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

To sign up for our free subscription, please Click Here or email us Here.

Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here.

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Featured Front

A Coral Superhighway in The Indian Ocean

By The University of Oxford

Despite being scattered across more than a million square kilometres, new research has revealed that remote coral reefs across the Seychelles are closely related. Using genetic analyses and oceanographic modelling, researchers at Oxford University demonstrated for the first time that a network of ocean currents scatter significant numbers of larvae between these distant islands, acting as a ‘coral superhighway.’ These results are published in NatureScientific Reports.

Dr April Burt (Department of Biology, University of Oxford, and Seychelles Islands Foundation), lead author of the study, said: ‘This discovery is very important because a key factor in coral reef recovery is larval supply. Although corals have declined alarmingly across the world due to climate change and a number of other factors, actions can be taken at local and national scales to improve reef health and resilience. These actions can be more effective when we better understand the connectivity between coral reefs by, for instance, prioritising conservation efforts around coral reefs that act as major larval sources to support regional reef resilience.’

The researchers collaborated with a wide range of coral reef management organisations and the Seychelles government to collect coral samples from 19 different reef sites. A comprehensive genetic analysis revealed recent gene flow between all sample sites – possibly within just a few generations – suggesting that coral larvae may be frequently transferred between different populations. The results also hinted at the existence of a new cryptic species of the common bouldering coral, Porites lutea.

The genetic analyses were then coupled with oceanographic modelling, simulating the process of larval dispersal. These simulations allowed researchers to visualise the pathways coral larvae take to travel between reefs across the wider region and determine the relative importance of physical larval dispersal versus other biological processes in setting coral connectivity.

This revealed that the dispersal of coral larvae directly between reefs across the Seychelles is highly plausible. For example, coral larvae spawned at the remote Aldabra atoll could disperse westwards towards the east coast of Africa via the East African Coastal Current. From here, they would then travel north along the coast, with some potentially even reaching the South Equatorial Counter Current, which could bring them eastwards again back towards the Inner Islands of Seychelles.

While these long-distance dispersal events are possible, it is likely that much of the connectivity between remote islands across the Seychelles may be established through ‘stepping-stone’ dispersal. This suggests that centrally located coral reefs in Seychelles, and possibly East Africa, may play an important role in linking the most remote islands.

Dr Noam Vogt-Vincent (Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, now based at the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology) who led the oceanographic modelling, said: ‘This research suggests that the broad agreement between predicted connectivity and observed genetic patterns supports the use of such larval dispersal simulations in reef system management in Seychelles and the wider region. These simulations also allow us to investigate how regular these connectivity patterns are in time because a regular larval supply will be essential for reef recovery in the face of climate change.’

The modelling data can be visualised in a new app: with just one click you can see how coral larvae from Seychelles potentially reach reefs across the whole region. The researchers suggest that this data could help identify major larval sources to be prioritised for inclusion in marine protected areas or active reef restoration efforts.

Professor Lindsay Turnbull (Department of Biology, University of Oxford), senior author, said: ‘This study couldn’t come at a more timely moment. The world is once again watching, as El Niño devastates coral reefs throughout the Indian Ocean. Now we know which reefs will be crucial to coral recovery, but we can’t pause in our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stopping climate change.’

Dr Joanna Smith and Helena Sims (The Nature Conservancy) who support the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan Initiative said: ‘The WIO coral connectivity study, by illustrating the connectivity of reefs within a network, can be used at national and regional scales in the Western Indian Ocean for Marine Protected Area design and management, as well as directing restoration activities. We look forward to using the results and Coral Connectivity app to inform the implementation of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan.’

To see the original study, please CLICK HERE!

The University of Oxford

Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2024. At the heart of this success are the twin pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer.

Oxford is world-famous for research and teaching excellence and is home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research alongside our personalised approach to teaching sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.

Through its research commercialisation arm, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked first in the UK for university spinouts, having created more than 300 new companies since 1988. Over a third of these companies have been created in the past five years. The university is a catalyst for prosperity in Oxfordshire and the United Kingdom, contributing £15.7 billion to the UK economy in 2018/19, and supports more than 28,000 full-time jobs.

The Seychelles Islands Foundation

Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), is a non-profit charitable organisation that was established as a public trust by the government of Seychelles in 1979. SIF manages and protects the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Aldabra Atoll and the Vallée de Mai and has the President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, as Patron.

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Feature Destination

Feature Destination: The Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV)

Amid frequently reported setbacks for conservationists in the Mediterranean and elsewhere, the Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV) stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of conservation. Established with a profound commitment to the preservation of marine biodiversity, TUDAV has dedicated itself to the guardianship of the aquatic treasures that fringe the shores of Turkey. At the heart of their mission lies the urgent call to protect the remaining marine richness, a call that echoes through the halls of academia and into the depths of the sea.

TUDAV delves into critical questions regarding the loss of marine biodiversity: what has been lost, the reasons behind these losses, and the mechanisms through which they occurred. This inquiry forms the foundation of the foundation’s extensive research endeavours. The coasts of Turkey, much of which brims with untouched natural beauty, serve as both the subject and setting of TUDAV’s studies. These coastal areas, vital for the feeding and reproduction of millions of marine organisms, encapsulate the richness and diversity of marine life they aim to protect.

The foundation’s research is not limited to biodiversity; it extends into the realms of marine accidents, with a focus on the Turkish Straits and the Black Sea, and the creation of a data bank facilitates the exchange of crucial information. Their dedication to research is paralleled by its commitment to education and public awareness, offering seminars and conservation guidelines especially designed for fishermen and the broader community.

A significant aspect of TUDAV’s work involves the establishment of Special Protected Areas, aiming to safeguard underwater life and educate the public about marine ecosystems. In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), TUDAV’s efforts notably contribute to goals pertaining to Clean Water and Sanitation, Life Below Water, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. This alignment underscores their role in addressing global challenges through local action, particularly in combating illegal fishing practices and mitigating the effects of climate change on marine environments.

The foundation’s inception, rooted in the personal journey of its founder, Bayram Öztürk, reflects a deep-seated passion for the sea. From the fertile coasts of the Black Sea to the discovery of Turkey’s ancient seabed heritage, Öztürk’s story is one of discovery, love, and ultimately, protection of the marine world. His vision, shared by the foundation’s founders and supporters, transcends national boundaries, aiming for a global collaboration to preserve the marine ecosystem for future generations.

TUDAV’s work serves as a reminder of the intrinsic value of our seas, not just as sources of sustenance and livelihood but as reservoirs of biodiversity and beauty. The foundation’s efforts in research, education, and conservation work towards ensuring the health of marine and coastal ecosystems, are vital for the well-being of the communities that depend on them.

For conservation-minded tourists, Turkey’s coasts offer a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and diversity of marine life that TUDAV works tirelessly to protect. From the vibrant life found in lagoons and stream mouths to the fascinating marine inhabitants like seals in the Mediterranean, otters, and dolphins, the region is a testament to the richness of marine life. The Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, with their groupers, morays, and octopuses guarding the rock caves, present an intriguing world waiting to be explored.

The Turkish Marine Research Foundation stands as a pivotal force in the fight to preserve marine biodiversity in the region. Through its comprehensive approach encompassing research, education, and direct action, TUDAV not only confronts the challenges facing our seas but also offers a path towards sustainable coexistence with our marine environment. The foundation’s work, grounded in scientific rigour and profound love for the sea, is a beacon of hope for the preservation of our planet’s marine heritage.

You can learn more at https://tudav.org/