May was a month of momentum, dedication, and hope. Across oceans, coastlines, and conservation centers, teams worked tirelessly to protect wildlife during some of the most important periods of the year. Sea turtle nesting season began, hundreds of vulnerable seabird chicks received round-the-clock care, coral restoration efforts continued beneath the waves, and researchers spent countless hours monitoring dolphins and orcas in their natural habitats.
This month also highlighted the power of community involvement. Students took part in environmental education programs, volunteers joined beach cleanups, local authorities supported conservation initiatives, and people around the world helped raise awareness for threatened species. From scientific research and wildlife rehabilitation to public outreach and habitat protection, every action contributed to a shared goal: giving nature a better chance to thrive.
May reminds us that conservation is not only about protecting wildlife today, but also about preparing for the future. Every nest protected, every animal rehabilitated, every reef restored, and every person inspired helps build a stronger foundation for the generations to come. 🌊🐢🐧🪸💙
Coral Restoration Continues Across Bali’s Reefs
Ocean Gardener x ClubOcean®
This month, Ocean Gardener continued its hands-on reef restoration efforts across Bali, carrying out 15 planting sessions and successfully planting 1,691 coral fragments from three different genera: Acropora, Montipora, and Porites. These restoration activities help strengthen reef ecosystems and support long-term coral recovery efforts.
Alongside planting, the team conducted 15 maintenance and monitoring dives to assess reef health and protect newly restored areas. During these surveys, Ocean Gardener removed 29 crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) and 385 Drupella snails, two major coral predators that can significantly damage reefs if left unmanaged.
The month also included educational outreach, with participants joining an introductory coral restoration course and visiting one of the organization’s coral nurseries to learn more about reef conservation and restoration techniques. Although no coral spawning events were recorded during May, regular monitoring continued to ensure important reproductive events are documented when conditions are favorable.
Through restoration, monitoring, and education, Ocean Gardener continues to play a vital role in protecting and rebuilding coral reef ecosystems in Indonesia. 🪸🌊💙
Learn more about them here
A Major Step Forward for Orca Research and Conservation
Orcas Iberians x ClubOcean®
This month marked an important milestone for Iberian Orcas. After extensive preparation and scientific work, the organization was officially granted a permit to conduct photo-identification, acoustic monitoring, and behavioral studies on orcas. This authorization represents a significant step forward for long-term research and conservation efforts, allowing the team to gather valuable data on these iconic animals and better understand their behavior and ecology.
Fieldwork was particularly active throughout May, with the team taking advantage of every opportunity to head out to sea. So far, researchers have recorded eight days of orca sightings, continuing to monitor the population and update their photo-identification catalogue. Most of the individuals documented last year have already been re-sighted, with only one calf and one adult female yet to be observed this season.
Alongside research activities, the team remained engaged in public awareness and outreach, sharing updates and information to promote a better understanding of orcas and their conservation. This month highlights Iberian Orcas’ growing role in advancing scientific knowledge while strengthening protection efforts for these remarkable marine predators. 🐋🌊💙
Celebrating Spring and Henry’s Special Birthday
Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat x ClubOcean®
This month, spring finally arrived at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, transforming the landscape and bringing new seasonal activities for the bears. As the habitat turned green, Ganuk and Henry enjoyed spending more time outdoors, swimming in their lake and even grazing on fresh vegetation, a behavior that may surprise many people but is perfectly natural for polar bears.
May is also a special month because it marks Henry’s birthday. Now 13 years old, Henry celebrated with a feast of his favorite foods, including chicken, watermelon, grapes, and pineapple. His birthday was made even more memorable with a custom enrichment item created by a student intern using Henry’s favorite blue jugs and recycled fire hose materials.
Henry spent much of the day interacting with his special enrichment, attempting to drag it into the water and break it apart, while leaving enough behind for Ganuk to enjoy later. The celebration offered both mental stimulation and fun for the bears, while highlighting the care and creativity of the animal care team.
As warmer days return, the habitat continues to provide enriching experiences that support the wellbeing of its two beloved residents. 🐻❄️🎉💙🌿
Learn more about them here
Celebrating World Oceans Day Through Education and Action
Shark Guardian x ClubOcean®
This month, Shark Guardian celebrated World Oceans Day by expanding its education and outreach efforts both locally and internationally. The team delivered several public presentations on shark conservation to communities across Thailand, helping raise awareness about the importance of sharks and the role they play in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.
Beyond local events, Shark Guardian also connected with school groups from around the world through a series of online educational presentations, inspiring young people to learn more about ocean conservation and marine wildlife protection.
To complement these awareness activities with direct action, the team joined a beach cleanup event in Krabi, Thailand, helping remove marine debris from the coastline and highlighting the importance of reducing pollution in ocean environments.
Through education, community engagement, and environmental action, Shark Guardian continues to encourage people of all ages to become active supporters of shark and ocean conservation. 🦈🌊💙
Learn more about them here
Community Cleanup for a Healthier Coastline
R.O.L.E Foundation x ClubOcean®
This month, the R.O.L.E. Foundation brought together 60 participants for a beach cleanup at Kedonganan Beach, including foundation staff, Bali WISE students, public school students from SD 6 Pecatu, and dedicated volunteers. The initiative combined environmental action with education, encouraging participants to take an active role in protecting Bali’s coastal ecosystems.
During the cleanup, the team collected a total of 176.85 kg of waste. Residue accounted for the largest portion of the debris (50.6%), followed by hard plastics such as bottles, cups, cutlery, and styrofoam (17.2%), highlighting the ongoing challenge of single-use waste along the shoreline.
All collected materials were carefully sorted and managed responsibly. Recyclable items, including glass, plastics, rubber, and aluminum, were sent to local Waste Banks, while residue and ghost nets were transported for proper disposal. Through initiatives like this, the R.O.L.E. Foundation continues to demonstrate the power of community engagement in keeping beaches clean and promoting environmental stewardship for future generations. 🌊♻️💙
Learn more about them here
Nesting Season Begins as Sea Turtle Conservation Efforts Intensify
Dekafok x ClubOcean®
This month was particularly busy for DEKAFOK as the sea turtle nesting season officially began. Since the first nest was recorded on May 14th, the team has already documented 38 sea turtle nests along the coastline, while continuing to prepare and protect nesting areas through awareness campaigns and conservation measures.
Environmental education remained a key focus, with 517 students participating in workshops on wildlife and marine conservation. These activities were complemented by beach cleanups, during which students helped remove 41 bags of waste from local coastlines. DEKAFOK also organized a large-scale "Clean Seas" coastal cleanup event alongside local authorities in the lead-up to COP31.
The month also brought significant recognition, as DEKAFOK was awarded the national environmental prize “Making a Difference”, presented by one of Turkey’s most prestigious companies. Meanwhile, conservation actions in the field continued to expand. Informational signs were installed along a 10-kilometer protected coastline, beach lighting was converted to red lights to reduce disturbance to nesting turtles, and a dock was constructed for a future rescue and research vessel.
On the rehabilitation side, the team responded to reports of injured sea turtles near a canal outlet, working alongside marine police to rescue six injured turtles, all of which are now receiving treatment. Two previously rehabilitated turtles were successfully released back into the sea, while a severely weakened female loggerhead turtle that recently nested was admitted for urgent care and treatment.
Through education, rescue operations, habitat protection, and rehabilitation, DEKAFOK continues to play a vital role in safeguarding sea turtles during one of the most important periods of the year. 🐢🌊💙
Learn more about them here
Dolphin Monitoring and International Scientific Engagement
MORIGNEOS x ClubOcean®
Learn more about them here
A Record-Breaking Season for African Penguin Conservation
SANCCOB x ClubOcean®
This month, SANCCOB continued to face one of the most demanding seabird rescue seasons in its history. Since the beginning of 2026, more than 560 African Penguin eggs have been admitted to the organization’s seabird nursery, the highest number ever recorded. Rescued from colonies affected by extreme heat, storms, and flooding, these eggs have already resulted in the successful hatching of over 350 African Penguin chicks, alongside numerous Cape Gannet and other seabird chicks.
Caring for these vulnerable birds requires round-the-clock dedication. SANCCOB’s rehabilitation and nursery teams provide constant feeding, veterinary care, hydration, temperature regulation, and specialized monitoring to give each chick the best possible chance of survival. With so many young penguins in care, the organization is currently using around 34 boxes of fish every day, highlighting the scale of this conservation effort.
Beyond the nursery, SANCCOB also admitted several pelagic seabirds displaced by recent storms. These ocean-going species are among the most challenging patients to rehabilitate due to their highly specialized lifestyles and needs, requiring intensive care from both veterinary and rehabilitation teams.
Research and conservation work also remained a major focus. SANCCOB scientists analyzed more than 1,000 confirmed or suspected predation cases involving seals, sharks, mongooses, caracals, and other predators. These findings are helping improve understanding of mortality patterns affecting African Penguins and other seabirds, supporting long-term conservation strategies and management decisions.
The month also highlighted the importance of community support. From young conservation advocates raising funds internationally to athletes and volunteers promoting awareness, people around the world continued to contribute to the protection of the critically endangered African Penguin.
Despite the challenges facing seabird populations, this season represents a powerful example of collaboration, science, and dedication coming together to give hundreds of young penguins a chance to return to the wild and strengthen the future of their species. 🐧🌊💙
Learn more about them here
3500$ donated this month
Thanks you ! Club Ocean® contributed $3,500 this May to fuel the essential work of our incredible partner organizations worldwide. From Bali’s coral gardens to the nesting beaches of Turkey and the dolphin-filled waters of the Adriatic, your support is making a real difference for ocean and polar wildlife. Together, we’re building a brighter, more sustainable future.
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The ClubOcean® team
