Ocean First Institute

04/08/2026

04/08/2026

03/24/2026

For more than 30 years, the Disney Conservation Fund has supported conservation efforts globally, combining philanthropic grants and Disney expertise to take meaningful action for a healthier planet. 🌍💚

📷: Proyecto T**i, Bruce D. Taubert/Bat Conservation International, Monarch Joint Venture, Save the Elephants, Ocean First Institute, Wildlife Conservation Network

03/20/2026

Panama has proposed including three thresher shark species (Pelagic thresher, the Bigeye thresher, and the Common thresher) on CMS Appendix I. 🦈

The pelagic thresher shark (𝘈𝘭𝘰𝘱𝘪𝘢𝘴 𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘴) is globally classified as Endangered, with a decreasing population trend. It moves between Central America and the Gulf of California. It is the smallest of the thresher sharks and females produce only two very large pups.

Unsustainable target and bycatch fisheries, especially longlines and gillnets, are its principal threat, alongside pressure from the shark fin trade.

Read the proposal in 3 languages: https://www.cms.int/document/30212-proposal-inclusion-pelagic-thresher-alopias-pelagicus-bigeye-thresher-alopias

03/20/2026

If you needed proof that the ocean is basically Mean Girls, here it is. New research has officially confirmed that bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) form BFF bonds, and they are VERY selective about their circle.

For years, many thought sharks were solitary loners, but a 6-year study in Fiji by shark researcher Dr. Natasha Marosi and her team discovered they have rich, complex social lives. And guess what? Both male and female bull sharks actively prefer hanging out with females. Adult sharks are especially social, often sticking with others their size, while younger sharks sometimes rely on older ones to learn the ropes. It’s giving “you can’t swim with us.” 💅🦈

Bull sharks show their social interactions and preferences by parallel swimming or displaying lead-follow behaviors. They are actively choosing their companions and avoiding rivals. I’m obsessed. 💕

Tag the shark BFF you would parallel swim with. 👯‍♀️Are you a social queen or trying to get into the VIP section? The ocean is full of connections we’re only just beginning to understand—and protect.

📍Observed at the Shark Reef Marine Reserve in Fiji

Read the Scientific Paper:
Natasha D. Marosi, Samuel Ellis, David M.P. Jacoby, Juerg M. Brunnschweiler, Darren P. Croft. Rolling in the deep: drivers of social preferences and social interactions within a bull shark aggregation in Fiji. Animal Behaviour, 2026; 123511 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2026.123511

03/12/2026

While yellowtail fishing in the Florida Keys, Dr. Fredric (Rick) Barrows and his family had the experience of a lifetime when a White Shark cruised by their boat. Calm, curious, and absolutely magnificent. Moments like this remind us that we share the ocean with some truly remarkable wildlife.

Watching this White Shark glide through the water is a beautiful example of how people can enjoy the ocean while still respecting the animals that call it home. Encounters like this inspire awe, appreciation, and a deeper commitment to protecting these incredible creatures. Just listen to the audio in this video- you can hear the genuine excitement of this experience.

Video credit: William Barrows and those at Keys Feeds.
Thank you for sharing this unforgettable sighting with us- we’re only a little jealous!

03/12/2026

Microplastics are being found in oceans, rivers… and even our drinking water.

Curious what that means for Colorado?

Join us at the FREE Microplastics Summit on April 11th at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science to hear from scientists, explore hands-on exhibits, and meet organizations working to protect our waterways.

Bring your curiosity and your questions.

🎟️ Tickets are free but space is limited — reserve yours at https://FreeMicroplasticsSummit.eventbrite.com

Scientific & Cultural Facilities District - SCFD Denver Museum of Nature & Science

02/28/2026

we celebrate the strength, beauty, and resilience of polar bears- icons of the Arctic and a powerful reminder of how connected we are on our blue planet. These incredible animals thrive in some of the harshest conditions on Earth, and their future depends on the choices we make today.

Every action matters. By caring for our environment, supporting conservation efforts and scientists, and choosing sustainable habits we can protect the sea ice polar bears rely on. Together we can keep the Arctic wild, beautiful and full of life.

Please check out www.polarbearsinternational.org for more information and see where polar bears are at with their tracking collars!