Today we celebrate more than independence — we celebrate resilience, culture, diversity, and the unbreakable spirit of our island home. From ancient history to hopeful futures, we stood strong through every challenge. Grateful for the freedom we share and proud of the nation we continue to build together. Happy Independence Day...❤️
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“Wetlands are among the world’s most productive environments.” — Ramsar Convention
World Wetlands Day reminds us that wetlands are not just water bodies, they are life-support systems for our planet. From protecting biodiversity and sustaining fisheries to purifying water and reducing floods, wetlands quietly work for our survival. Let’s value, protect, and restore these ecosystems today for a resilient and sustainable tomorrow. 🌿💧
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The Leafy Sea Dragon: Nature’s Master of Disguise
Among the many extraordinary creatures inhabiting the oceans, the Leafy Sea Dragon (Phycodurus eques) stands out as one of the most visually stunning and mysterious. Native to the cool coastal waters of southern and western Australia, this delicate marine animal looks less like a fish and more like a drifting piece of seaweed. With its leaf-like appendages and graceful movements, the leafy sea dragon is a perfect example of how nature uses beauty as a survival strategy.
What makes the leafy sea dragon truly remarkable is its exceptional camouflage. Its body is covered with leaf-shaped projections that closely resemble floating kelp and seaweed. These appendages do not help it swim; instead, they exist purely for disguise. As the sea dragon slowly drifts with ocean currents, predators struggle to distinguish it from surrounding vegetation. Unlike fast-swimming fish, the leafy sea dragon relies on stealth rather than speed, using tiny transparent fins along its body to move gently through the water.
Another fascinating feature of the leafy sea dragon is its unique reproductive behavior. In a rare reversal of roles, it is the male that becomes pregnant. During mating, the female deposits hundreds of bright pink eggs onto a specialized brood patch under the male’s tail. The male then fertilizes and carries these eggs, protecting them until they hatch after several weeks. Once the tiny sea dragons emerge, they are completely independent, receiving no parental care—yet they are born perfectly camouflaged, ready to survive on their own.
Leafy sea dragons feed mainly on tiny crustaceans such as mysid shrimp, which they suck into their long, pipe-like snouts. They have no teeth or stomach, meaning they must feed almost constantly to survive. Their slow and delicate lifestyle makes them highly sensitive to environmental disturbances. Habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change pose serious threats to their survival, even though they are protected by law in Australia.
Because of their rarity and fragile nature, leafy sea dragons have become powerful symbols of marine conservation. Scientists study them to understand camouflage, adaptation, and the impacts of environmental change on specialized species. Though they do not possess dramatic abilities like immortality or regeneration, their elegance, evolutionary perfection, and unique biology make them one of the ocean’s most treasured wonders.
The leafy sea dragon reminds us that survival in nature does not always depend on strength or speed. Sometimes, it depends on blending in, slowing down, and becoming one with the environment. This living piece of ocean art continues to inspire scientists, divers, and nature lovers around the world.
Written by – Poorna Ishan
2nd year (22/23 batch)
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The Influence of Ocean Warming on Hurricane and Cyclone Intensification
Hurricanes and cyclones are among the most powerful and destructive natural phenomena on Earth, causing severe damage to coastal communities, marine ecosystems, and fisheries. Although they are often considered atmospheric events, these storms derive most of their energy from the ocean. As global temperatures rise, oceans absorb increasing amounts of heat, creating favorable conditions for storm development and intensification. Even a small increase in sea surface temperature can significantly enhance a storm’s strength, duration, and destructive potential.
Ocean warming intensifies hurricanes and cyclones through a series of interconnected processes. When sea surface temperatures exceed approximately 27°C (80°F), evaporation from the ocean surface increases rapidly, adding large quantities of water vapor to the atmosphere. As this warm, moist air rises, it cools and condenses at higher altitudes, releasing latent heat. This heat warms the surrounding air, causing further uplift and reinforcing the storm system. As air continues to rise, surface pressure decreases, drawing in surrounding air that begins to rotate due to the Coriolis effect, forming a low-pressure center with spiraling winds. Continuous heat and moisture supply from warm ocean waters further lowers the central pressure, accelerating wind speeds and allowing storms to rapidly intensify into powerful hurricanes or cyclones.
Several major storms clearly demonstrate the influence of warm ocean waters on storm intensification. Hurricane Katrina strengthened significantly after passing over unusually warm waters in the Gulf of Mexico, ultimately leading to catastrophic flooding in New Orleans. Similarly, Cyclone Idai intensified over the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, causing widespread destruction across Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. More recently, Hurricane Ian experienced rapid intensification over warm Atlantic waters, producing extreme winds and severe coastal flooding in Florida. These events highlight a consistent pattern in which elevated ocean temperatures directly contribute to stronger and more damaging storms.
The impacts of intensified hurricanes and cyclones extend beyond immediate human and infrastructural damage, severely affecting marine and coastal systems. Coastal regions often experience extensive flooding, infrastructure loss, and long-term economic disruption. Marine ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are particularly vulnerable, as powerful storms can break coral structures, uproot mangroves, and disturb seabed habitats. Fisheries are also significantly affected, as storm surges, strong currents, and habitat degradation disrupt spawning grounds, alter fish distribution patterns, and damage aquaculture facilities. In addition, heavy rainfall associated with these storms increases land runoff, introducing sediments, pollutants, and excess nutrients into coastal waters, which reduces water quality and can trigger harmful algal blooms.
Mitigating and adapting to the increasing intensity of storms driven by ocean warming requires coordinated global and local efforts. Strengthening early warning systems and improving weather forecasting capabilities enable communities to better prepare for extreme events. Restoring and protecting natural coastal barriers such as mangroves, coral reefs, and wetlands provides effective long-term defense by absorbing wave energy and reducing storm surge impacts. At a global level, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to slow ocean warming and limit further intensification of extreme storms. Additionally, building climate-resilient infrastructure, enforcing coastal zoning regulations, and implementing efficient evacuation strategies enhance community safety. In the aquatic sector, promoting sustainable fisheries management and climate-resilient aquaculture practices supports ecosystem recovery and helps maintain food security following major storm events.
Written by:-
Ahinsa Madhubhashini
3rd year (21/22 batch)
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Success is not the destination, but the courage to begin the journey. 🌊🎓
Congratulations to our amazing seniors on reaching this incredible milestone at the 51st Convocation of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura!
Your strength, spirit, and dedication inspire us all.
Wishing you boundless success and happiness ahead. 💫
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‘Mic On 2020’ - An Intra faculty, song and instrumental cover contest, was successfully organized by the Aquatic students’ Associatio...
