To help bring more awareness to marine conservation, overlooked aquatic organisms, and ecosystem engineers (ex. kelp and mangroves, deep-sea bacteria, and keystone species), I’m starting a monthly "Species of the Month" spotlight over on !marine@r1b.it!

The idea is simple: every month, we highlight a marine or aquatic species, dive into its ecological role, and share research/appreciation around why it matters to its ecosystem.

I know I'm a little late to get the ball rolling, but I'm opening nominations for October now! If you have a favorite aquatic species, an endangered marine animal, or an underappreciated ecosystem worker you'd like to see featured, come drop a nomination! Perhaps even one with a spoookkyy twist? You can see more information about how to do so in the original post on r1b.it.

Since this community of course isn't dedicated to my little series, it will be far easier to keep track of nominations if they are kept within !marine@r1b.it. Though, I don't want to force you all out of your bubble (or force my community upon you), so 'll be sure to keep tabs on !tidalpunk if you want to explicitly specify that you're making a nomination :)

Looking forward to seeing what species get put forward!