The ocean covers more than 70% of our planet, yet much of it remains unexplored. Every year, researchers uncover new species, reveal unexpected ecosystem connections, and discover just how much there is still to learn beneath the waves.

This World Oceans Day, take a deeper dive into some of the ocean's most fascinating stories: from sharks that shape habitats without touching a single plant to whales that help fertilize entire ecosystems.

We’re excited to officially announce a new partnership between The Salty Lab and the Vermilion Sea Institute (VSI), a Baja California-based nonprofit focused on whale shark monitoring, community science, environmental education, and immersive marine conservation experiences.

Through this collaboration, we’ll be working together on conservation storytelling, educational resources, community science communication, and creating more accessible pathways into real-world marine conservation experiences like Stars to Sea and Baja Experience.

Learn more about the partnership, our shared mission, and what we’re building together.

From Florida’s seagrass estuaries to the global stage, The Salty Lab is heading to Sharks International 2026 to share research on juvenile bonnethead sharks, urbanization, and the future of coastal conservation.

Yesterday, nations from around the world voted at CITES CoP20 to increase protection for several vulnerable species. Some were elevated to Appendix I, which restricts all commercial international trade, while others were added to Appendix II, boosting regulation and oversight. Here is what CITES is, what changed, and why these decisions matter for wildlife conservation.

Most sharks see the world in shades of gray, but bonnetheads don’t! These small hammerheads have color vision, a rare adaptation that helps them hunt, navigate, and protect seagrass habitats. Discover how their unique sight reveals the health of Florida’s coastal ecosystems and fuels The Salty Lab’s next research mission.

When most people hear the word “shark,” they think of teeth, speed, and danger. Hollywood has done a great job of painting sharks as villains, but in reality, sharks are vital players in keeping our oceans healthy.

Marine biology looks glamorous on Instagram — turquoise waters, sun-drenched boats, and incredible wildlife encounters. But what’s it really like to be a shark researcher?

When people picture the ocean’s most important habitats, coral reefs usually steal the spotlight. Their bright colors, bustling fish, and dramatic structures are hard to ignore. But there’s another ecosystem quietly working overtime to keep our planet healthy…

Move over, comic books — the ocean is full of animals with powers that put superheroes to shame. Here are five marine animals with abilities so incredible, you’ll wonder why we don’t hear about them more often.