Changing Seas

Seashells with their beautiful shapes and colors have inspired humans since the dawn of time Equally fascinating are mollusks the animals that make them and their unique place in the web of life Scientists and historians take a closer look at shells their origin and their purpose The process starts with the deposit of a thin organic matrix followed by the crystallization of this matrix

Catching and tagging sharks along the Belize Barrier Reef locals leverage their generational knowledge of sharks and the water to help marine scientists and fisheries managers keep shark populations healthy for all Tagging sharks provides crucial data that supports the development of effective conservation strategies ensuring the longterm health and sustainability of shark populations

Bermuda is known as the worlds shipwreck capital due to its treacherous reefs But the reefs uniquely resilient corals may offer clues to protecting the islands from the accelerating impacts of climate change Corals role in coastal protection biodiversity support carbon sequestration economic value and adaptation insights underscores the importance of preserving and restoring coral reefs

At the northernmost research station in the world scientists brave the cold and darkness to solve an ocean mystery They want to understand how some of the tiniest animals survive at a time of year when their main food source is not available Various strategies such as hibernation and stored fat reserves enable tiny animals to endure the extreme conditions of the North Pole environment