
(Collage © Mira)
Today is World Oceans Day. A quick visit to the United Nations page about it informs us that oceans produce at least half the oxygen on our planet, while absorbing about 30% of the carbon dioxide released in the atmosphere. They are also home to about 15% of the Earth’s species.
Unfortunately, coral reefs are suffering because of climate change, pollution, overfishing, and other factors. And coral reefs are important because a quarter of the organisms in the world’s oceans depend on them—and then half a billion people depend on these reefs for food and livelihood, and for protection from storms and coastline erosion.
To raise awareness of the important and beauty of coral reefs, I made several puzzles for kids.
Disclosure: This blog post contains some affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. I am a Zazzle Associate and designer, and I earn commissions when you buy products through my referral links. All affiliate links on this blog are identified as such. Here’s my Full Disclosure.
The puzzle collages include photos of organisms such as: nudibranch/sea slugs (order Nudibranchia)—including Chromodoris nudibranch—, parrotfish (family Scaridae), yellow tang fish (Zebrasoma flavescens), sea anemone (order Actiniaria), clownfish (order Perciformes), orange-lined and clown triggerfish (family Balistidae), lionfish/dragonfish/butterfly cod (Pterois), miniatus grouper/coral grouper/coral hind (Cephalopholis miniata), jewelled blenny (Salarias fasciatus), sergeant major fish (Abudefduf saxatilis), copperband and lemon butterflyfish (family Chaetodontidae), sea turtles (order Testudines), seahorse (Hippocampus), octopus (order Octopoda), crab (infraorder Brachyura), starfish/sea star (class Asteroidea), and many varieties of coral (class Anthozoa).
Enjoy!
Thank you for visiting!
If you’d rather buy a poster, here’s an affiliate link for the marine life print shown at the beginning of this post.
And here’s a photo of a mug with these marine life images.
To a happier, healthier life,
Mira
P.S. Pins and shares are much appreciated!