At its simplest, biodiversity is the full variety of life on Earth, from the smallest microbes in the soil to towering redwoods, from coral reefs teeming with fish to migrating shorebirds crossing the ocean. Biodiversity is not just about the number of species, but about how they live, where they live, and how they interact. It includes the quiet resilience of a lichen on a stone and the synchronized movement of a school of fish. It includes differences within species too. Some animals, like blue whales, might spend their lives mostly alone, while others rely on intricate social structures. Bees work together in colonies as superorganisms, with queens, workers, and drones, while other species divide roles across a group to hunt, raise young, or guard their community. These variations are not random, they are the result of millions of years of evolution, shaping a planet that functions as a system only when its parts remain connected.

It is the small details we often take for granted: the insect that pollinates a native flower, the bird that disperses seeds, the solitary tree where a migratory animal rests. When those pieces go missing, we might start to understand how deeply everything depends on everything else. Biodiversity is what makes Earth vibrant, resilient, and alive. When we protect it, we are protecting the system that supports us all. Old news, right? This should be giving vibes from my 1999 Campbell’s Biology, 5th Edition, university textbook. 

As I reflect during Pride Month, I recognize that just as we value biodiversity, the dazzling variety of species, colors, bird calls, scents, and ecological roles- it should go without saying that we must also value human diversity. It is this diversity that makes us uniquely human. Celebrating Pride, for me, is about celebrating our differences (and the commonality between), respecting the rights, voices, and identities of all people, and taking time to honor what makes each of us unique. It is also about standing up, defending each other, and protecting what is beautiful. Two days ago a violent video was circulated on Instagram of a group of guys who violently attacked three trans women in Rome. There was kicking, punching, breaking bottles, and I’m sure a dark terror that will forever reside inside those women. When I see nature go up in flames, I make my voice heard. When people are attacked simply for existing, I do the same. Transphobia is here. Homophobia is here. A whole lot of phobias are here. But I repeat: TRANSPHOBIA IS HERE. It is not far from wherever you are sitting either. Trans people are not going away and they are part of the diversity that makes us all, together, human. 

This is why we still need Pride.

Now, because of my work, my husband’s work, my educational and career path, and my family, I have had the good fortune to live in a handful of countries, and have visited many many others. Through these experiences, I’ve become close with people across nationalities and cultural backgrounds. I’m so lucky to have been welcomed into homes and communities that have shared their recipes, stories, fears, and traditions. It is every kind of diversity, across landscapes and languages, cultures and cuisines, that is beautiful. It should be protected, respected, and celebrated just as fiercely as the biodiversity of our planet. 

On a personal level, I had a story similar to many young gay men who grew up in the 80s and 90s- navigating identity, belonging, the silence that often surrounded us, and the fear of AIDS around the corner. One of the things that made me stronger, more grounded, and ultimately successful in my life and career was that celebration diversity. I eventually learned there is no singular path or role, even though I was prescribed one. When I began working in ocean conservation well over two decades ago, my earliest mentors were all women. In a field that was still overwhelmingly male-dominated, these women lifted each other up, advocated for equity, and made space for new voices. Watching them taught me to be brave enough to be myself and to help others do the same. This also made me understand that the most effective way to make an impact in biodiversity conservation was to support the people behind it. Flash-forward, welcome to SEVENSEAS.

It is worth noting that SEVENSEAS is coincidentally owned and operated by gay people. I am proud of how this has shaped the way we work and the stories we choose to tell. SEVENSEAS Media is here to share science, promote biodiversity conservation, and support the people who make that work possible. Conservation is not just about coral and trees. It’s about the people who fight for them- and for each other.

That is why we offer publications, job opportunities, events, and volunteer connections. That is why we celebrate every person in this community and what makes them who they are. SEVENSEAS is the place for you.

This month, at the suggestion of Junior, our new Publisher, we we decided last minute to put together a special Pride in Conservation issue- highlighting some of the work of a few LGBTQ+ individuals, allies, and friends across the SEVENSEAS community. 

Thanks for reading, and happy PRIDE. 

Giacomo Abrusci

Raja Ampat, 2017

Amplifying Queer Voices

What Can Whales Teach Us About Queer Identity?

Dr. Chloe Robinson explores whales, from matriarchal pods to same-sex bonds and intersex individuals, challenge human norms through emotionally rich, socially fluid communities. Their queer behaviors mirror human identities, showing us that love, family, and gender diversity aren’t unusual—they’re naturally beautiful, and perhaps it’s time we learned from them. [Read more]

Patrick & Dave’s Pride Guide in Miami Beach

Patrick and Dave showcase Miami Beach as the ideal Pride vacation. Right off 12th Street’s “Gay Beach,” explore vivid coral reefs and unique marine wildlife, paddleboard serene mangroves, dive with rainbow parrotfish, and finish the day with iconic drag brunches and spirited nightlife. A Pride experience merging nature, culture, and celebration. [Read more]

Recoger “basuritas”, cuidar el agua, habitar el orgullo

Liliana Plaza combines queer identity with environmental activism, protecting coastal wetlands from Chile to global ocean projects. With Parley and Ojos de Mar Foundation, she advocates ecofeminist justice through community art and education, demonstrating that caring for nature is a bold, loving act benefiting both ecosystems and diverse communities. [Read more]

“Waves of fire against a stubborn shore.”
Photograph by Victoria Migneco, submitted for SEVENSEAS Media’s PRIDE Issue #121.

Container Ship Sinks Off Kerala, Triggers Oil Spill Emergency

The sinking of MSC ELSA 3 near Kerala unleashed fuel, hazardous chemicals, and plastics into the Arabian Sea, endangering vital breeding grounds for marine life during peak spawning season. Scientists warn of severe ecological damage amid complicated monsoon conditions, highlighting urgent gaps in maritime governance, accountability, and disaster response. [Read more]

FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: Tracking Tigers and Conservation in India

Venetia, Managing Director of Journeys With Purpose, shares insights from her transformative trip across India’s tiger reserves. From wildlife corridors reducing human-tiger conflicts to meeting conservation pioneers, her journey unveils a rare look at community-driven conservation success. Experience intimate safaris, stunning landscapes, and firsthand encounters with India’s remarkable wildlife recovery story. [Read more]

FEATURE DESTINATION – Journeys With Purpose: The Palau Pledge and Marine Protection in Action

Palau, a tiny Pacific nation, leads globally in marine conservation through groundbreaking initiatives like the Palau Pledge—requiring visitors to commit to environmental protection. With shark sanctuaries, vast marine reserves, and sustainable tourism, Palau proves that cultural pride, environmental responsibility, and global leadership can transform tourism into a force for lasting change. [Read more]

Mass Death of Magellanic Penguins Shocks Cabo Vírgenes Reserve

During a visit to Cabo Vírgenes Reserve in April, a witness found dozens of dead Magellanic penguins—some freshly deceased, others skeletal. With gas extraction sites nearby and signs of possible violence, urgent questions remain. Environmental groups are now seeking answers to protect this fragile breeding colony. [Read more]

Coral Gardens and Vents Discovered in South Sandwich Waters

A daring expedition led by Ocean Census and GoSouth uncovered vibrant deep-sea coral gardens, newly discovered hydrothermal vents, and possible new species in the icy depths of the South Sandwich Islands. Amid volcanoes and storms, scientists made rare biological and geological discoveries that could reshape our understanding of the deep ocean. [Read more]

SeaKeepers 2025 Honors Jimmy Buffett and Emily Cunningham

This October, The International SeaKeepers Society will gather ocean champions at its 2025 Founders Event to honor the enduring legacy of Jimmy Buffett and the rising impact of Emily Cunningham, MBE. Held during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the event also celebrates the DISCOVERY Fleet’s global contributions to ocean science and education. It’s an evening of memory, momentum, and meaningful action for the sea. [Read more]

Reefs of Time: Fossils Reveal Clues to Coral Survival

In Reefs of Time, geoscientist Lisa Gardiner looks to the ancient fossil record to understand how coral reefs have survived past climate upheavals—and what that means for their future. Blending science, travel, and poetic insight, this new release offers a powerful and hopeful lens on coral survival in a warming world. [Read more]

Wet and Salty: A Life Devoted to Coral Conservation

In Wet and Salty, Rodney V. Salm traces his remarkable 55-year journey from spearfishing barefoot in Moçambique to pioneering global coral reef conservation. Filled with personal adventure and scientific insight, this memoir offers a hopeful, firsthand account of resilience—both human and ecological—in the face of a changing ocean. [Read more]

Truth Demands: Indigenous Leadership in a Crumbling Climate System

In Truth Demands, Abby Reyes weaves personal loss, environmental justice, and Indigenous wisdom into a powerful memoir of resistance. Tracing the murder of her partner in U’wa territory to the silence surrounding corporate accountability, she calls for a future where Earth, community, and truth are no longer sidelined, but central. [Read more]

Editor’s Note: This story is part of our June Feature, not because it is fun, but because it’s important. While we’ve reviewed multiple reports and thank everyone who has written-in about the incident, no images of the ship or the damage have been provided to us.

On May 25, 2025, the Liberia-flagged MSC ELSA 3 sank approximately 38 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, releasing fuel and hundreds of cargo containers into the southeastern Arabian Sea. While most importantly, all 24 crew members were thankfully rescued, the ship’s sinking has triggered an escalating environmental crisis with far-reaching consequences for marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods.

The 28-year-old vessel was en route from Vizhinjam to Kochi when it capsized under unclear circumstances. According to India’s Coast Guard, the ship was carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo and 12 loaded with calcium carbide—a chemical that reacts dangerously with water. Additionally, the ship contained 84.44 metric tonnes of diesel and 367 metric tonnes of heavy furnace oil, raising alarm among marine scientists and environmental authorities.

Spill Response Amid a Monsoon Clock

The Indian Coast Guard responded swiftly by deploying three ships and a Dornier aircraft to begin containment efforts using oil-dispersant sprays and booms. However, rough sea conditions and the arrival of the monsoon have complicated cleanup operations. Sea states were reported at levels 4–5 with strong winds, heightening the risk of oil slicks drifting toward the shore.

Marine biologist Deepak Apte, director of the Srushti Conservation Foundation, warned that once oil reaches coastal mangroves, estuaries, or mudflats, “it becomes extremely difficult to clean.” Drawing parallels to the 2010 Mumbai oil spill, he added that monsoon surges could further trap contaminants in sensitive areas, including backwaters and breeding zones.

A Biodiversity Hotspot in Peril

The southeastern Arabian Sea, especially the Kochi-to-Kanyakumari stretch, is one of India’s most biologically productive marine ecosystems. It is a key breeding and spawning ground for pelagic fish such as sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and tuna—species that support both commercial and small-scale fisheries.

May through June marks a peak reproductive period for many of these species. Juveniles, fish eggs, larvae, and plankton—critical links in the marine food web—are now at risk of exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and reduced oxygen levels resulting from the spill.

“The timing couldn’t be worse,” said Dr. Grinson George, Director of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI). “This is when life starts again in the sea. If oil smothers the water’s surface or disperses into plankton layers, entire cohorts of fish may be lost.”

In addition to the threat to fish, marine birds, sea turtles, and benthic organisms (living on the seafloor) may suffer from direct contact with oil or contaminated sediment.

Hazardous Cargo & Unknown Dangers

While the Indian Coast Guard confirmed the presence of hazardous materials, including calcium carbide, they have not disclosed the full inventory of the sunken containers. Experts fear that the lack of real-time disclosure of manifest data and the ship’s registration under a “flag of convenience” (Liberia) has made accountability murky.

As The Indian Express reports, Liberia has refused to join the investigation, a common problem in international shipping when vessels are registered in countries with lax environmental enforcement. This regulatory loophole places disproportionate burdens on coastal nations like India to manage disasters caused by foreign-owned vessels operating in their waters.

Scientific Mission to Assess the Damage

In response, the Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE) under India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences launched a focused oceanographic research mission from June 3–12. The vessel-based study, operating out of Kochi, will survey a defined loop through the southeastern Arabian Sea with 16 research stations positioned 10 nautical miles apart.

Using advanced sonar systems, sediment grabs, and underwater cameras, the team will assess ecological and biogeochemical indicators including dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, pH, and microplastics. Sampling will target the full spectrum of marine life, from phytoplankton to fish larvae and benthic fauna, to determine how the water column and seafloor have been affected.

The data gathered will also aid in modeling pollutant dispersion patterns and help shape future regulations for hazardous shipping routes and spill response protocols.

Coastal Communities Brace for Impact

Fishing communities along Kerala’s coast, particularly in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam, have already been instructed to halt operations within a 20-nautical-mile radius. Many fishermen rely on artisanal gear and nearshore waters, making them especially vulnerable to disruptions.

Plastic nurdles (pre-production pellets used in packaging) from the sunken ship have washed ashore in Kovalam and are feared to drift as far as the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, one of India’s most ecologically sensitive regions. These pellets can absorb toxic chemicals and are often mistaken as food by marine animals.

Public interest litigation has already been filed in the Kerala High Court demanding a robust compensation and rehabilitation plan for those affected. The government has also initiated dialogue with MSC, the ship’s operator, to negotiate financial accountability.

A Wake-Up Call for Maritime Governance

This disaster, though unfolding on India’s shores, echoes global maritime failures. From the 2020 MV Wakashio spill in Mauritius to India’s own 2017 Chennai oil leak, oil spills continue to test the limits of international cooperation and environmental preparedness.

Experts, including CMFRI and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), are urging a reevaluation of India’s Port State Control policies, and pushing for stricter requirements on hazardous cargo disclosures and vessel age inspections.

“In moments like these,” said Apte, “science and policy must come together quickly. Because once oil settles into an ecosystem—especially during a breeding season—there’s no undoing it.”

The MSC ELSA 3 incident is a stark reminder of the fragility of coastal ecosystems and the urgent need for preventive maritime governance. As scientists, responders, and local communities scramble to assess and contain the damage, the legacy of this disaster may well depend on how quickly the lessons are translated into law.