#sciencejournalism #longreads

I hope y'all find these creatures fascinating & enjoy reading the story!

@longreads.com Hi there, first time nominating my own work - I hope you'll find it interesting and consider featuring it as an editor's pick 🫶

Read the full story online, or if you'd like a sneak peek at my story with nice visuals & a bit of reflection along the way, head over to this Insta post I created: www.instagram.com/p/DRCu_qeEgs...

I hope this story adds something small but meaningful to the conversation on what real, science-grounded, people-first climate adaptation should look like.

The shipworms have plenty to teach us — if we’re willing to listen. 🧵

And now, as the Philippines battles yet another relentless typhoon season, those same ecosystems — and the vulnerable communities that rely on them — are more at risk than ever. 🧵

But there’s a heavier, sobering side too. While reporting in June, I kept hearing how destructive “flood-control” projects were threatening vital habitats in the mangroves meant to shield coastal communities from storm surges — weeks before the #Floodgate corruption scandal erupted. 🧵

It’s also shaped by the people who shared their stories with me along the way! The story is as much about the science as it is about the people who keep that science rooted in place. 🧵

These strange-looking slug-like creatures are not just an exotic delicacy — they’re a whole world of ecological, cultural & biomedical stories wrapped into one. This piece came together through long days in the field, meticulous research & producing every photo myself. 🧵