Kirby 🦈

No, they're not kissing. Sad,i know. However it is still cute.

What looks like a kiss is a nose-to-nose touch called mutual naso nasal contact, or breath exchanging used for identification and scent check in. Muzzles have scent glands that release a unique chemical that can be used as an ID. Mothers actually use nose touches and breath exchanges to recognize their specific pup among thousands and wild seals sniff each other to check genetic compatibility during courtship.

Aquarium and circus seals often do this "kiss"-like behaviour because they're trained to do so, repeating movement they were taught through positive reinforcement training, however wildlife seals use this technique for identification and maternal care,not to be romantic.

Marine Protected Areas (2)

Mangroves, kelp forests, remote seamounts - Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) protect vital ocean ecosystems. These ‘safe zones’ for the ocean help fish populations bounce back, support the people who rely on the sea, and even help fight climate change. And the benefits don't stop at their borders; they ripple out into the wider ocean too.

Illustrations by Kelsey Manners Dickson

this is a really hard question to answer but here are 5 of my favorite marine animals in no particular order: seals (all types), vampire squid, comb jellies and jellyfish (all types), angel shark, giant isopod.