Issue 40 - August 2018

Satellite tag study reveals Philippine waters are incredibly important for endangered whale sharks

A new scientific study published in PeerJ – the Journal of Life and Environmental Sciences has tracked juvenile whale sharks across the Philippines emphasising the importance of the archipelago for the species. The study is the most complete tracking study of whale sharks in the country, with satellite tags deployed on different individuals in multiple sites.

The Philippines is an important hotspot for whale sharks and globally hosts the third largest known population of whale sharks (whaleshark.org). While the species has been protected in the Philippines since 1998, globally the species was uplisted in 2016 to ‘endangered to extinction’ in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to a population decline of more than 50%, largely caused by continued exploitation in the Indo-Pacific. Particularly in South East Asia, concerns remain due to continued fishing in regional waters; understanding the movements of whale sharks in the Philippines is vital if we are to identify conservation priorities for the species.

whale shark in Philippines

By attaching Wildlife Computers SPOT5 satellite tags to whale sharks, researchers from Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute Philippines (LAMAVE), Marine Megafauna Foundation (MMF) and Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) were able to follow the movements of juvenile whale sharks in near real-time to gain an insight into their behaviour. The tags work by communicating with passing ARGOS satellites, transmitting a location when the wet/dry sensor is triggered when a tagged whale shark breaks the surface. To aid transmission tags were tethered to a whale shark by a 1.8- meter line to ensure the tags broke the surface more frequently.

17 individual whale sharks were tagged in three different locations in the Philippines: Panaon Island (Southern Leyte), northern Mindanao (Misamis Oriental and Surigao del Norte) and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (Palawan). Tagging took place between April 2015 and April 2016. All tagged whale sharks were juveniles, ranging in size between 4.5 – 7 meters and 73% of them were male.

In their paper, peer-reviewed and published in PeerJ – the Journal of Life & Environmental Sciences, the researchers discovered that the tracks from the tags showed that all whale sharks stayed within the Philippines over the tracking period, emphasising the importance of the archipelago for the species. The longest track observed was from a whale shark originally tagged in Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, which appeared to swim through the Sulu and Bohol Seas and into the Pacific, a journey accumulating over 2,500 km in length. While whale sharks are not known for their speed, results revealed that one individual whale shark was averaging 47km a day, further emphasising the species’ mobile tendencies.

Lead author of the study, Gonzalo Araujo stresses that “this research highlights the high mobility of whale sharks, even juveniles, and the need for broader scale management and conservation plans for this endangered species.”

Dedicated research by LAMAVE and citizen science has identified over 600 individuals in the Sulu and Bohol Seas, yet the proximity of this population to fisheries in the broader region (South China Sea) means it is vital to monitor this population as a whole to understand if this population is in recovery or continuing to decline. Identifying threats and mitigation strategies is a conservation priority for the species. LAMAVE continues to study whale sharks in five key areas in the Philippines, working with local and national governments as well as collaborating organisations to develop conservation strategies for this iconic species.

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

The mission of SEVENSEAS Media is to connect individuals and resources inside and outside of the conservation community to further the shared goal of preventing habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Since our creation, we’ve been achieving this mission through:

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by: Bharamee Thamrongmas.

Issue 40 - August 2018

Green Fins #AlternativesToAnchoring Infographic release!

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By: The Reef-World Foundation

#AlternativesToAnchoring is the second Action Point of the Green Fins IYOR 2018 social media campaign! If you have been following the campaign, you might have noticed that it aims to support divers and dive businesses to take further action by sharing and providing solutions to some of the biggest threats. By doing so we will be saving coral reefs from mass extinction and the livelihoods of the more than 200 million people who depend on healthy and balanced coral reef ecosystems.

Do you know exactly how an anchor can damage marine ecosystems? What are environmentally friendly alternatives? There is no one answer when it comes to finding alternatives to anchoring, however, this campaign will serve as a platform to inspire action and change in others by sharing the stories of success gathered by more than 10 years of working with the industry.

Find ALL the solutions to these and more questions on the NEWLY RELEASED infographic:

Thanks to Dive.in magazine to help us develop the infographic!

Follow this link to share the infographic with your fellow divers!

Follow the different Green Fins social media platforms to get involved and make a change. Because if you don’t…who will?

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Deepblu

For more information on the International Year of the Reef 2018 follow this link: www.iyor2018.org

Want to be part of the movement? Find all the campaign content here.

Reef-World’s campaign partners are:

UN Environment, Fourth Element, PATA, Six Senses Laamu and Explorer Ventures.

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We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by: Bharamee Thamrongmas.

Issue 40 - August 2018

SEVENSEAS Travel Magazine – August 2018 – Issue 40

1. Letter from the Editor: 40 Issues from SEVENSEAS!

Did you know that SEVENSEAS Media is run by one UNPAID individual on nearly zero revenue? I have had some great help from volunteers, writers, photographers, and…

2. “The Underwater Woman” Campaign on Ocean Acidification

…otherworldly underwater sets to convey the effects of elevated atmospheric C02 dissolving into seawater that initiates chemical reactions transforming the ocean into a more acidic state.

3. UPDATE: NOW CLOSED. Check out new arrivals in the SEVENSEAS Media store

We just opened up our first e-commerce site! Best part is 100% of the proceeds to go SEVENSEAS Media. BEACH BLANKETS FOR SUMMER ARE NOW IN STOCK!!!

4. The Global Marine Community Weekly Conservation Post

In a nutshell, the Global Marine Community is a free interactive resource that gives you access to a weekly email detailing a round-up of events, jobs, and announcements in ocean conservation.

5. Satellite tag study reveals Philippine waters are incredibly important for endangered whale sharks

A new scientific study has tracked juvenile whale sharks across the Philippines emphasising the importance of the archipelago for the species.

6. Feature Destination: A Misty Photo Series from the Azores

Misty and mystical.

7. Feature Destination: OCEANO AZUL Foundation Leads Scientific Expedition to the Azores

This scientific expedition is part of the Blue Azores programme and contributes to the Foundation’s objective of promoting knowledge for ocean’s conservation.

8. Feature Destination: Oceano Azul Expedition Discovers a New Hydrothermal Field in the Azores

This is the first time, an expedition organized by a Portuguese institution, led by Portuguese scientists in partnership with international partners…

13. Feature Destination: Wildscreen Exchange August 2018 Feature Image

Shortfin mako, Isurus oxyrinchus. Photographed in the Azores by Patrick Doll.

9. River Trash and the Road to Recovery in Washington, DC

The river was once deemed to be one of the most polluted rivers in the U.S. Today, it is on the road to recovery. Wildlife is returning, aquatic plants are making a come-back…

10. Cuba, Coral and Trump

I found out the only small dive resort in the area was on the administration’s list of hundreds of prohibited hotels, dive centers, marinas, tour agencies, stores, companies and ministries, so I made other plans.

11. Cutting Edge Conservation Finance in the Seychelles

NatureVest, the impact investment team within The Nature Conservancy (TNC), is spearheading a number of initiatives to retool traditional finance to benefit marine ecosystems and help local communities adapt to climate change.

12. Jack’s August 2018 Underwater Photography Feature

Thecacera pacifica is a nudibranch or “sea slug” that looks alarmingly and endearingly like the most famous of all Pokémon pocket monsters, Pikachu!

14. Surasak Nuibut, Mountain Climber, Adventurer & Travel Photographer: Koh Tao Thailand

Koh Tao is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist spots, famous for scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking, rock climbing, and bouldering.

15. Under the Waves with Karim Iliya for August 2018

An aerial view of a dolphin in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

16. Interested in advertising, contributing an article, or becoming a donor?

40 Issues, readership in 174 countries, 19,000 subscribers, 20,000 monthly visitors…and growing.

ECO-TRAVEL DEALS

Be sure to mention SEVENSEAS Media for special rates and discounts when making your inquiry.

1. Oceanic Society Expeditions.

See this “Senegal: African Manatee and Turtle Conservation” trip plus many others in the new 2017-2018 Expeditions Catalogue.

2. Bangkok Photo Tours.

We visit traditional sights but focus on markets, street art, and local food. All camera forward and environmentally sensitive.

3. Ever dream of swimming with humpback whales? Now you can.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales Karim guides…

4. Isla Mar Research Expeditions – Field Courses in Puerto Rico.

A field course coordination company in Puerto Rico that specializes in organizing and hosting island ecology (marine/terrestrial) themed courses.

5. Pangaea Ocean Sailing Expedition.

Panex is opening up sailing expeditions for guest crew. This is an unique opportunity to go sailing, cross an ocean, and be a part of something bigger.

6. Loggerhead Marinelife Center.

Imagine roaming some of the world’s most beautiful ecosystems. Gorgeous vistas, affordable travel and amazing memories; immersing yourself in the sounds of nature.

7. SEE Turtles.

…protect endangered turtles throughout Latin America and the world by supporting community-based conservation efforts through ecotourism, education, and Billion Baby Turtles.

8. Pete Oxford Expeditions.

We offer unique, small group expeditions for travelers and photographers to remote and pristine destinations and cultures around the world.

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

SEVENSEAS Media Executive Director and Editor-in-Chief, Giacomo Abrusci

Conservation Photography

Under the Waves with Karim Iliya for August 2018

An aerial view of a dolphin in Raja Ampat, Indonesia

Karim was published in National Geographic magazine for his humpback whale photography. He now leads his own trips so that others can swim with whales.

If you are interested in swimming with or photographing humpback whales, Karim guides people in small trips between August and October every year in Tonga. Visit www.dancewithwhales.com to find out more

To see more of Karim’s work, visit his website at www.karimphotography.com

We love the work we do, and we hope you love the content we share. A donation in support of SEVENSEAS Media will help us carry our mission forward.

Running community building projects in 174 countries
Engaging student ambassadors in over 50 universities
Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with over 200 professional organizations
Publishing over 500 authors, photographers, and researchers
Sponsoring dozens of beach and community clean-ups
Providing free scientific resources for educators
Promoting over 20 tailored conservation job postings per week- totaling over 1000 opportunities per year
Inspiring and educating our readers through rich imagery, engaging content, and a compelling conservation message
We do all of the above FOR FREE, because we care about the future

Find the latest articles on SEVENSEAS Media here.

Want to get in touch with questions or a submission? Contact us here.

This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by: Giacomo Abrusci