September carried a different kind of energy. It was not only a month of action, but also one of transition, anticipation, and looking ahead. In Türkiye, another sea turtle nesting season quietly came to an end after 16,238 hatchlings began their journey towards the ocean, while three satellite-tagged green turtles set off on journeys of their own. In South Africa, Abel returned calmly to the wild, and in Canada, the story of Ganuk, Henry, and the people who care for them reached new audiences through Guardians of the North. Markdown collé Markdown collé Markdown collé
Elsewhere, conservation meant being ready for what may come next. SANCCOB prepared for the possible consequences of a major sardine mortality event, while researchers in the Gulf of Trieste continued the patient work of following dolphins and building knowledge that only years of observation can provide. On Bali’s coastline, volunteers removed waste from the shore, while coral restoration teams combined planting, research, training, and new technologies to better understand how reefs can be given a stronger future. Markdown collé Markdown collé Markdown collé
September also reminded us that protecting the ocean sometimes means taking its voice far beyond the water. Shark conservation reached the halls of the European Parliament, education connected scientists with new generations, and stories from the field travelled further than the people who first witnessed them. Conservation does not always arrive as one spectacular moment. Sometimes, it is a turtle disappearing beneath the waves, a researcher recording another observation, a beach left a little cleaner, or a team preparing today for a challenge that may come tomorrow. And perhaps that is what September represented best: the quiet determination to keep caring, even when the next chapter is still unknown. 🌊💙
Coral Restoration at Scale: Growth, Research and New Opportunities
Ocean Gardener x ClubOcean®
This quarter marked major progress for Ocean Gardener, with 14,092 corals planted, bringing the total to 23,902 corals since the beginning of the year. Alongside planting, the team continued monitoring restored reefs through photogrammetry, using 3D mapping to document coral growth, thermal resilience, and early signs of disease at key restoration sites.
Research also moved forward with a new study at Nusa Penida, comparing four coral restoration techniques, Reef Stars, wire mesh, concrete structures, and the traditional rope-and-stake method. The aim is to better understand how each approach performs in terms of ecology, cost, and community impact, helping determine which methods are most appropriate for different reef environments.
Education and knowledge-sharing remained central to the project. Ocean Gardener launched a new three-week coral restoration course entirely in Bahasa Indonesia, training seven community leaders, fisheries officials, and fishermen so they can bring restoration knowledge back to their own communities. The organization also celebrated the graduation of its 8th Coral Restoration Full Certificate group, the first to train using the new Nusa Penida Coral Lab.
Beyond the reef, Ocean Gardener continued expanding its capacity for future conservation work. Founder Vincent Chalias participated in the World Coral Reef Conference in Auckland, connecting with researchers working on coral genetics, resilience, taxonomy, and other emerging fields. Meanwhile, the arrival of Indah, Ocean Gardener’s new 9.8-metre research boat, will allow the team to reach more distant reefs and expand its restoration, research, and education activities. 🪸🌊🔬💙
Learn more about them here
Following Tanit’s Group While the Search for Toñi Continues
Orcas Iberians x ClubOcean®
September remained strongly focused on the ongoing case of Toñi, with Iberian Orca Guardians continuing to work closely with the authorities as the investigation progressed. The team also took part in numerous media interviews, helping keep attention on the case and the wider need to protect the critically endangered Iberian orca population.
Field efforts extended into Portugal and the Algarve, where the team searched for Toñi but was unfortunately unable to locate her. During the expedition, however, they encountered Tanit’s group, allowing them to document the orcas and continue gathering valuable observations on their movements and behaviour.
Back in the Strait of Gibraltar, strong Levante winds temporarily limited opportunities to return to sea. Despite these challenging conditions, the team remained ready to resume monitoring as soon as weather conditions allowed.
Between field surveys, international searches, media outreach, and close cooperation with the Ministry, September reflected the persistence required to follow and protect such a small and vulnerable population. The search for answers about Toñi continues, while every new encounter at sea contributes to a better understanding of the Iberian orcas that remain. 🐋🌊💙
Cooler Days, Playful Enrichment and a Moment in the Spotlight
Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat x ClubOcean®
September was a busy month at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, where Ganuk and Henry continued to thrive as temperatures began to cool. Swimming remains a favourite activity, with both bears spending hours exploring and enjoying their private lake.
Following the success of previous aquatic enrichment, Henry was introduced to a kayak specially prepared for him by removing its seat and accessories. He quickly carried it into the water and enthusiastically began diving and playing with it. Even after the kayak sank, Henry continued interacting with it underwater, turning the new object into another engaging experience.
September also brought an exciting milestone beyond the habitat itself. “Guardians of the North,” a short film highlighting the Polar Bear Habitat and the care provided to its bears, premiered at three film festivals across Canada. This marked a new level of visibility for the organization and celebrated the dedication of the staff who have devoted their careers to caring for the bears.
From enriching the bears’ daily lives to sharing their story with audiences across Canada, September highlighted both the care behind the scenes and the growing recognition of the Habitat’s work. 🐻❄️🎬💙
Learn more about them here
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Taking the Fight Against the Shark Fin Trade to Europe
Shark Guardian x ClubOcean®
September placed shark conservation at the heart of European policy discussions as Shark Guardian continued its long-standing support for the Stop Finning, Stop the Trade European Citizens’ Initiative. The campaign, backed by 1,119,996 verified EU citizens, is calling for stronger legislation to end the trade in detached shark fins across the European Union.
A key moment came on 29 September, when the campaign returned to the European Parliament in Brussels, keeping shark protection and the shark fin trade directly in front of European decision-makers. Shark Guardian has supported the initiative since its early stages, working alongside other conservation organizations to maintain political momentum around the issue.
While shark finning at sea is already prohibited for EU vessels under the Fins Naturally Attached regulation, detached fins can still enter international trade after sharks are landed. The campaign is seeking to close this gap by extending existing rules to the import, export, and transit of sharks and rays within the EU.
With the European Commission’s impact assessment expected later in 2026, September represented another important step in a campaign that has been building for more than six years. Through continued advocacy and collaboration, Shark Guardian is helping ensure that shark conservation remains part of the European political conversation. 🦈🌊💙
Learn more about them here
Community Action Removes 169 kg of Waste from Tanjung Benoa Beach
R.O.L.E Foundation x ClubOcean®
On September 25th, R.O.L.E. Foundation organized a cleanup at Tanjung Benoa Beach, bringing together 80 participants, including R.O.L.E. Foundation staff, Bali WISE students, and volunteers.
During the two-hour cleanup, the team collected a total of 168.98 kg of waste. Residual waste represented the largest proportion at 57.9%, followed by hard plastics at 19.7%, including PET and HDPE bottles, plastic cutlery, bottle caps and straws. Glass bottles accounted for 14.7% of the waste collected.
Once collected, the different materials were carefully sorted for responsible disposal. Glass, hard and soft plastics, rubber slippers, and aluminium cans were sent to Waste Banks, while residual waste and ghost nets were transported to landfill by the R.O.L.E. Foundation team.
By combining direct action with community participation, this September cleanup once again helped reduce waste along Bali’s coastline while encouraging more people to take an active role in protecting the marine environment. 🌊♻️💙
Learn more about them here
A Successful Nesting Season Comes to an End
Dekafok x ClubOcean®
September marked the final chapter of DEKAFOK’s 2026 sea turtle nesting season, as the team cared for the last hatchlings emerging from their nests and making their way to the sea. Across the entire season, 365 sea turtle nests were recorded, resulting in an impressive 16,238 hatchlings reaching this crucial stage of their journey.
The month also brought an exciting step forward for research. DEKAFOK fitted three green sea turtles, Hanzala, Shelly, and Nalu, with satellite tracking devices before releasing them back into the sea. Together, the three turtles have already travelled more than 400 km, allowing the team to follow their movements and gain valuable information about their journeys after release.
With nesting season now complete, DEKAFOK is preparing for a new phase of its work. Until May 2027, direct sea turtle interventions will mainly focus on injured animals requiring assistance, while greater attention will shift toward school education, public awareness, and beach cleanup initiatives.
From more than 16,000 hatchlings beginning their lives at sea to satellite-tracked turtles helping expand scientific knowledge, the end of the season represents both an important achievement and the beginning of another period dedicated to protecting Turkey’s coastal ecosystems. 🐢🌊🛰️💙
Learn more about them here
From the Gulf of Trieste to Scotland: Advancing Dolphin Research and Awareness
MORIGNEOS x ClubOcean®
September combined long-term field research, public engagement, and international knowledge-sharing for Morigenos. In the Gulf of Trieste, the team continued its systematic monitoring of bottlenose dolphins, documenting their presence, distribution, group composition, and behaviour.
These regular observations are essential for tracking population trends and habitat use over time, helping researchers understand changes in dolphin occurrence and providing valuable scientific information to support evidence-based conservation of the local population.
Beyond fieldwork, Morigenos participated in several public awareness events, sharing its research and highlighting the importance of protecting dolphins, whales, and their marine habitats.
The month also took Morigenos’ expertise beyond Slovenia. From 8–10 September, President Dr Tilen Genov visited the University of St Andrews in Scotland, where he delivered a seminar and practical workshop for staff and students. Drawing on dolphin research from Slovenia, Africa, and around the world, the visit highlighted how studying cetaceans at both local and international levels can contribute to a broader understanding and protection of these remarkable marine mammals. 🐬🌊🔬💙
Learn more about them here
Preparing to Protect Seabirds Amid Sardine Mortality Concerns
SANCCOB x ClubOcean®
This month, SANCCOB focused on preparedness and prevention following a significant mass mortality event affecting sardines along the South African coast. Authorities confirmed the presence of pilchard herpesvirus (PHV) in affected fish from the Western and Eastern Cape, with the virus currently considered the most likely primary cause of the event, although investigations are still ongoing.
The potential consequences are particularly concerning for the critically endangered African Penguin, as well as other sardine-dependent seabirds such as Cape Gannets and Cape Cormorants. With important stages of breeding and the annual African Penguin moult approaching, any major reduction in food availability could create additional pressure on these already vulnerable populations.
Rather than waiting for the effects to appear, SANCCOB has taken precautionary action by securing a 17-tonne reserve of fish for its Cape Town and Gqeberha centres. This emergency supply will allow teams to respond rapidly if increasing numbers of emaciated adults or abandoned and undernourished chicks require rehabilitation.
For now, monitoring teams have not observed an increase in admissions directly linked to the sardine mortality event, which is encouraging. However, SANCCOB remains vigilant while awaiting further scientific assessments of sardine populations later in the year. By preparing resources in advance and closely monitoring seabird colonies, the organization is working to ensure it can respond quickly if this environmental event begins to affect South Africa’s vulnerable seabirds. 🐧🐟🌊💙
Learn more about them here
A Calm Return to the Ocean and Improvements for Future Rescues
HBSRC x ClubOcean®
On 10 September, Hout Bay Seal Rescue Centre rescuers Amos and Abel responded to a seal in distress at Hout Bay Harbour.
Weighing just 13 kg, the young seal was underweight and in need of intervention. He was brought into the safety of the rescue centre, where the process of rebuilding his strength began.
For the next 12 days, his world became a little smaller - nutritious food, rest, careful monitoring and a safe environment in which his body could recover. Slowly but surely, he began to regain both his strength and condition.
By 22 September, the transformation was remarkable. His weight had increased from 13kg to a healthy 17kg, and the team determined that he was ready for the moment every rehabilitation journey works towards: release.
He was transported from Hout Bay to Melkbosstrand, where his crate was opened towards the ocean. After 12 days of depending on people for his care and recovery, he was once again able to make his own way.
There is something particularly special about watching an animal that once desperately needed human intervention turn towards the sea and, quite simply, no longer need us.
That is ultimately what successful wildlife rehabilitation is about.
4000$ 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
