Across oceans and coastlines, conservation work carried on despite seasonal challenges and demanding conditions. Dolphins were monitored during winter surveys, vulnerable seabirds were rescued and rehabilitated, coral reefs were carefully observed, and teams around the world kept protecting marine life through research, education, and fieldwork.
This month once again showed how conservation is built on persistence. From emergency rescues and wildlife care to scientific monitoring, restoration efforts, and outreach activities, every action contributed to a larger mission: protecting fragile ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
February reminded us that meaningful conservation often happens quietly, through patience, collaboration, and dedication. Step by step, these efforts continue to build a future where marine life and coastal communities can thrive together. 🌊🐬🐧💙
Title: Preparing for the Next Restoration Season
Ocean Gardener x ClubOcean®
This February, Ocean Gardener experienced a quieter period as rough weather limited field activities. Despite these conditions, the team continued monitoring reef health and tracking spawning events across their restoration sites. While no coral spawning was recorded last month, sponge spawning was successfully observed, providing valuable ecological data.
With planting temporarily reduced, the team focused on developing future projects and preparing grant applications. A new step forward was also taken with the rental of a small space near one of their restoration sites, where Ocean Gardener plans to build a wet and dry laboratory to support new research and restoration initiatives.
During monitoring dives, the team removed several coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish to protect reef health. As conditions begin to improve, Ocean Gardener is preparing for an upcoming volunteer month and hopes to resume coral planting later this month while continuing to monitor coral spawning. 🪸🌱🌊
Learn more about them here
Innovative Care for Ganuk’s Paws
Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat x ClubOcean®
This month, the team at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat introduced a specially designed paw sleeve to improve veterinary care for the bears. The custom equipment was generously donated by a local welding company, Detour Machining, and fabricated by an apprentice welder, turning the project into a unique learning opportunity while supporting wildlife care.
The sleeve helps the team provide red-light laser therapy to Ganuk, the habitat’s oldest bear. This treatment promotes healing at the cellular level and has shown promising results in easing arthritis in his front paws and wrist area.
To use the new equipment, Ganuk was trained to hold his paw in the correct position using positive reinforcement. He quickly learned the new behavior and now calmly allows keepers to touch his paw and apply the therapy while enjoying his favourite foods during the sessions. Importantly, Ganuk remains in full control and can remove his paw or leave whenever he chooses.
This initiative highlights the strong support of the local community and their commitment to helping provide the best possible care for the bears. 🐻❄️💙
Learn more about them here
Education, Research and Shark Encounters in Thailand
Shark Guardian x ClubOcean®
This month, Shark Guardian has been extremely active with a variety of educational and field activities in Thailand. The team welcomed an international school group from Bangkok for one of its shark research and ocean conservation camps. During the program, students traveled to the Phi Phi Islands where they snorkeled with sharks, attended educational presentations about shark conservation, and participated in citizen science and data collection activities. The trip also included a beach cleanup to help reduce marine pollution.
Due to the school’s policy, photographs of the students during the activities could not be taken. However, Shark Guardian has also been delivering several public shark education and conservation presentations at different events. These outreach efforts have inspired new trips to nearby islands, allowing families to observe sharks in their natural environment while learning about their importance and the need to protect them. 🦈💙🌊
Learn more about them here
Community Cleanup Efforts Continue in Bali
R.O.L.E Foundation x ClubOcean®
This February, the R.O.L.E. Foundation, supported by Club Ocean, organized a community beach cleanup at Kelan Beach on February 6th, 2026. A total of 70 participants took part in the initiative, including R.O.L.E. Foundation staff, Bali WISE students, public school students from SD 4 Ungasan, and volunteers.
The cleanup took place from 7:00 to 8:30 AM, during which participants collected 223.48 kg of waste. The majority of the waste consisted of residue (49.9%), followed by hard plastics such as plastic cups, bottles, cutlery, and Styrofoam (15.1%), highlighting the continued impact of plastic pollution on coastal environments.
All collected waste was carefully sorted and managed responsibly by the R.O.L.E. Foundation team. Recyclable materials,including glass bottles, plastics, rubber slippers, and aluminum cans, were sent to local Waste Banks, while residue and ghost nets were transported to landfill for proper disposal. This collaborative effort once again demonstrated the positive impact of community action in protecting Bali’s coastal ecosystems. 🌊♻️
Learn more about them here
Preparing for the Sea Turtle Nesting Season
Dekafok x ClubOcean®
This month, DEKAFOK focused on preparing the coastline for the upcoming sea turtle nesting season. With turtles expected to return in about two months, the team organized three beach cleanups to ensure the beaches are safe and suitable for nesting. In total, 540 kg of waste were removed from the shore, helping create a cleaner environment for future nests.
At the rehabilitation center, the care of injured sea turtles continues with close monitoring and regular treatments. Preventing infection remains a priority, and the turtles receive careful cleaning and medical support. One turtle in particular showed encouraging progress, becoming more energetic after a seaweed-cleaning bath.
This month was also dedicated to strengthening DEKAFOK’s network and preparing for the upcoming conservation season. The organization welcomed volunteer applications from around the world, with some remaining spots available for May, particularly for veterinary and biology students interested in sea turtle conservation. At the same time, the team built new partnerships with universities and is preparing for an educational tour between March 2 and March 11. During this trip, seminars will be given in seven universities across the country, reaching students from veterinary medicine, biology, and fisheries faculties, with more than 3,000 km of travel planned to raise awareness about sea turtle protection. 🐢💙
Learn more about them here
Monitoring Dolphins and Celebrating 25 Years of Conservation
MORIGNEOS x ClubOcean®
This month, Morigenos continued its regular monitoring of bottlenose dolphins in Slovenian waters. During the surveys, the team was happy to encounter several well-known individuals again, including Srečko, Galatea, Olaf, VSR, Tethys, and other familiar fins, highlighting the importance of long-term monitoring efforts.
The organization also began celebrating an important milestone: 25 years of Morigenos. Throughout the year, a series of activities and events will be organized to celebrate their achievements and ongoing work in marine conservation.
In addition, Morigenos participated in the Conference for Biology and Science Teachers, where they presented their activities and explored new opportunities for collaboration with educational institutions. During the winter holidays, the team also hosted a free public event at the Dolphin Centre, welcoming visitors to learn more about dolphins, their lives, and the importance of protecting the marine environment. 🐬💙
Learn more about them here
Rescuing Vulnerable Penguin Chicks After Flooding
SANCCOB x ClubOcean®
This month, the team at SANCCOB responded to severe flooding on Bird Island, which left 46 African Penguin chicks without shelter or parental care. Thanks to the rapid action of SANCCOB’s seabird monitor and SANParks rangers, the chicks were safely rescued, stabilised overnight on the island, and then transported to the SANCCOB Gqeberha Centre for rehabilitation.
The young chicks are now receiving round-the-clock care from trained staff, interns, and volunteers. Each chick is carefully monitored, kept warm, and fed several times a day while being prepared for their eventual return to the wild. Because African Penguin chicks are extremely vulnerable during their first weeks of life, this intensive rehabilitation is essential for their survival.
Alongside this rescue effort, the breeding season continues to progress rapidly. By early February, SANCCOB celebrated the admission of its 200th African Penguin egg of 2026, and the team has already hatched nearly 200 chicks this year, with a total of 370 eggs admitted for artificial incubation.
In addition to rescue and rehabilitation work, SANCCOB continues to raise awareness about seabird conservation through educational activities and guided tours at its visitor centres, giving the public the opportunity to learn more about seabird rescue and the protection of endangered marine life. 🐧🌊💙
Learn more about them here
3500$ donated this month
Thanks you ! Club Ocean® contributed $3,000 this June 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
