Partners
Isla Mar Research Expeditions
By Chelsea Harms-Tuohy, Ph.D
Evan Tuohy, PhD Candidate
Isla Mar Research Expeditions is a marine education company that coordinates and hosts field courses designed for university students and citizen scientists.
The company was founded while both Chelsea & Evan Tuohy were in graduate school in Puerto Rico studying biological oceanography. Starting in 2012, they helped lead field courses on the island for a visiting university where they used their network and experience as a platform to teach field techniques in marine biology. The experience with instructing in the field and working with students ultimately sparked the interest of pursuing this as a unique career. Isla Mar was then officially founded in 2015. Now with over 8 years of experience, the company has broadened to include field courses for citizen scientists which are designed to teach similar concepts but for all ages and backgrounds.
Field courses typically run from early May through mid-August. Activities include training in fish identification (which can involve using their own tablet application, Artedi!), coral reef health monitoring, surveying coral reefs and fish communities, and lectures on topics like sea turtle biology and conservation, fisheries conservation, coral reef biology among many other marine-related topics! Field courses always include outdoor experiences like hiking, snorkelling, diving, caving with other options like bird watching, historical and cultural tours, agroforestry farming and more! Classroom lectures offer a theoretical aspect to each activity and can be tailored to multiple ages/backgrounds. It’s also noteworthy that one field course will never overlap with others because Chelsea and Evan work with each group full time – from creating your schedule to coordinating the activities to leading in the field! This creates a personal experience from start to finish.
The rest of the year, Isla Mar conducts their own federal- or state-funded research on topics like invasive species, fisheries conservation, and coral reef restoration. They are also available to help with your marine-related projects in Puerto Rico! They have over 30 years combined experience in scientific diving with a four-member dive team with expertise in surveys for fish, corals/sponges and technical diving. Isla Mar also has a USCG-Documented 30’ dive vessel, the Guacamaia, that can help with your research projects, especially those on Mona Island.

Leopard Sea Slug
They currently partner with non-profits, outdoor and travel groups, and universities but Isla Mar is always looking for unique ways to educate new groups of people about ocean conservation! For more information, please visit their website (www.islamarexp.com) or contact Chelsea and Evan directly at islamarexp@gmail.com
News
Living Oceans Foundation Partners with World Technology to Expand Ocean Education
In a powerful alliance for ocean education and advocacy, World Technology has officially welcomed the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation as its newest global content partner. Together, they aim to amplify access to world-class marine science content through the lens of innovation, storytelling, and digital reach.
As a platform dedicated to celebrating human ingenuity in science and technology, World Technology will now host and promote the Foundation’s award-winning educational films, interactive tools, and conservation materials. This strategic partnership brings critical issues like coral reef degradation, overfishing, and climate-driven ocean changes into sharper focus for audiences around the world.
“We are honored to welcome the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation as it works to preserve, protect, and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources through research, education, and outreach with science-based solutions,” said Paul J. Foster, Executive Chairman of World Technology.
Established in 2000 under the leadership of HRH Prince Khaled bin Sultan, the Foundation is globally recognized for its groundbreaking coral reef research. Its Global Reef Expedition remains the largest coral reef survey and habitat mapping mission in history.
“At the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, we are committed to advancing ocean literacy and inspiring the next generation of marine stewards,” said Alexandra Dempsey, CEO of the Foundation.
“By partnering with World Technology to share our educational and award-winning films online, we have an incredible opportunity to reach a broader audience and raise awareness about the critical issues facing our coral reefs.”

At SEVENSEAS Media, we warmly welcome this collaboration. It’s a great example of what we believe in, connecting groundbreaking ocean science with global education. When expert knowledge becomes accessible to students, educators, and everyday ocean advocates, local conservation efforts gain the global visibility they truly deserve.
Seeing an esteemed foundation like Living Oceans join forces with a platform as innovative as World Technology is exactly the kind of bridge-building the conservation community needs right now. It’s a moment that reaffirms our collective commitment to ocean literacy, equitable access to knowledge, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 4: Quality Education.
🌐 Explore the Foundation’s free Coral Reef Ecology Curriculum and resources: www.lof.org/education/portal
All images provided by the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, used with permission.
About World Technology
World Technology (WT) is a global organization that convenes the worlds of technology, science and
innovation. The World Technology Games is the annual flagship competition celebrating human
ingenuity across Life, Earth, Data and Industrial sciences. Set to debut in 2026, the annual five-day
event will convene scientists, engineers, technologists and innovators from around the world. The
World Technology Summit is staged in key world cities, and focuses on humanity’s greatest
challenges. WT is helmed by an accomplished Leadership team and a Global Advisory Group of
leading experts with a mission to elevate great human ingenuity behind the world’s greatest
advancements of today and tomorrow. Learn more at https://worldtechnology.games
About the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation
The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing
science-based solutions to protect and restore ocean health. Our marine conservation initiatives focus
on preserving coral reefs, restoring mangrove forests, and advancing ocean literacy worldwide.
Through science, outreach, and education, we equip people with the knowledge and tools to
safeguard our oceans while inspiring and training the next generation of ocean stewards. Learn more
at www.LivingOceansFoundation.org
Issue 120 - May 2025
Greenpeace Condemns Impossible Metals Over Deep Sea Mining Plans
Greenpeace USA has issued a strong condemnation of Impossible Metals’ recent application for a deep-sea mining lease in U.S. federal waters off the coast of American Samoa. Framing the move as reckless and desperate, Greenpeace warns that it reflects not a thriving industry, but one in collapse. The organization argues that the proposal is not only environmentally dangerous but also culturally disrespectful, particularly in light of Pacific communities’ clear opposition to deep-sea mining. In doing so, Greenpeace shines a spotlight on a broader industry trend marked by instability, scientific uncertainty, and a growing global call for a moratorium.
The bid by Impossible Metals is taking place amid a string of failures across the deep-sea mining sector. In February 2025, the company was forced to postpone a mining test scheduled for 2026 in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, citing technological unpreparedness. This setback was followed closely by the bankruptcy of Loke Marine Minerals, a Norwegian company once touted as a leader in the sector. The collapse of Loke sent shockwaves through investment circles, exposing the fragile financial foundations of the industry. Compounding these developments, The Metals Company declared it would bypass the international regulatory framework established by the United Nations and instead pursue a U.S. mining license under the obscure and largely dormant Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act. This announcement raised serious questions about oversight and the potential for fast-tracking exploitation without adequate environmental safeguards in place.
The application by Impossible Metals is especially controversial given the stance of American Samoa. In July 2024, the territory became the first in the United States to enact a moratorium on deep-sea mining. Leaders cited the threat to marine biodiversity, cultural heritage, and the region’s tuna fishery, which plays a vital role in its economy. Greenpeace hailed this decision as a courageous act of ocean stewardship and a potential model for broader U.S. policy. For Impossible Metals to now seek a lease just outside those protected waters is seen by many as not only tone-deaf but a blatant disregard for the expressed will of Pacific communities. Solomon Kaho‘ohalahala, a Hawaiian elder with the Maui Nui Makai Network, captured this sentiment when he described the move as a betrayal of Pacific values and sovereignty. He emphasized that the ocean has no borders visible to its people or its marine life, calling on the U.S. government to respect the rights of Indigenous communities to make decisions about their own waters.
Beyond the ethical and cultural dimensions, Greenpeace and others point to the overwhelming lack of scientific readiness. Over 90 percent of species in the targeted zones remain undescribed, and key ecological processes such as nutrient cycling and newly discovered phenomena like deep-sea oxygen production are only beginning to be understood. Without a clear environmental baseline or long-term impact data, the risks of mining are simply unknowable. Furthermore, much of the research informing the industry is not independent, but rather funded by mining interests themselves. This raises doubts about the objectivity and precautionary nature of the science guiding decisions that could lead to irreversible damage.
In light of these concerns, Greenpeace has reiterated its call for a global moratorium on deep-sea mining. The organization joins scientists, Indigenous leaders, and governments around the world in urging that no mining should occur until truly independent research, effective global governance, and the full consent of affected communities can be ensured. Greenpeace maintains that the deep ocean, one of Earth’s last largely untouched frontiers, should remain off-limits for now and into the foreseeable future.
The deep sea represents a realm of immense ecological value and cultural significance, but it also remains poorly understood and highly vulnerable. Rather than advancing speculative and potentially catastrophic ventures, Greenpeace urges the U.S. government to follow the lead of American Samoa and others who prioritize protection over profit. In the face of growing public scrutiny and mounting scientific warnings, the time has come not to mine the ocean floor, but to protect it—for the sake of biodiversity, climate resilience, and the people who call the Pacific home.
Photo at top: Greenpeace Canada activists in kayaks bring their message to the “Impossible Metals” company during a demonstration of their Eureka II model in Georgian Bay. © Serena Mola / Greenpeace
Issue 119 - April 2025
Feature Destination – Ann Singeo, hero of the ocean, leads women to sea change

The Ebiil Society, led by Ann Singeo, works to preserve Palau’s marine habitats while supporting women fishermen in Ngardmau. As part of IUCN Oceania’s Kiwa Initiative, the Ebiil Society is causing concerns in the community with their ingenious method to environmental conservation and sustainable fishing practices.

It all started with a straightforward yet impactful concept for Ms. Singeo: giving women fishermen the knowledge and skills they need to embrace sustainable fishing methods so that the ocean’s abundance will continue for upcoming generations. The outcomes have been quite impressive. In order to assist sustainable revenue generation, women fishermen have shifted from conventional fishing to running four prosperous giant clam farms, with 4,000 clam seeds supplied.
In addition to offering steady income flow, this reduces the burden on wild fish populations. However, that is not all. By raising and delivering 8,000 sandfish and grayfish sea cucumbers to 49 participants—22 of whom were female fishermen—Ebiil Society has also made considerable progress in reseeding sea cucumbers.
This effort has improved marine biodiversity and given local communities a source of income from the fishing sector. To further improve the marine habitat, about 300 giant clams were discharged into the Ngarchelong-Bengall reef.

One of the most important components of the Ebiil Society’s mission has been education. 231 students have gained knowledge of endangered species, biodiversity, seagrass ecology, and the significance of women in fisheries through interactive activities. As a result, a new generation of ocean stewards has been raised, one that is more prepared to protect the marine ecosystem.
The numbers speak for themselves. Monitoring efforts have shown a significant increase in biomass in restored sites, with adult sandfish populations growing from just five to 1,800 over 18,000 square feet in Toluk el Bad. In Matul, numbers rose from zero to 1,500, a tribute to the project’s success in promoting sustainable livelihoods, biodiversity restoration, and community education. As Ms. Singeo looks to the future, she remains committed to building on these achievements.

The project aims to improve hatchery reproduction and nursing of ecologically, economically, and culturally important sea cucumbers, while increasing the number of women fishers involved in sea cucumber restocking activities. By promoting sustainable sea cucumber harvesting practices, the Ebiil Society is helping to ensure the long-term health of Palau’s marine ecosystems. For Singeo, the Ebiil Society’s work is more than just a project – it’s a movement.
“We’re not just empowering women fishers; we’re empowering a community to take ownership of their marine resources,” she said. “By working together, we can create a brighter future for Palau’s oceans and the people who depend on them.”
Without a doubt, the future of Palau’s marine ecosystems is in capable hands as the Ebiil Society continues to make impacts in the community.
To learn more click here.

Photo banner of Brown curryfish is credited to George Stoyle and Ebiil Society.
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