Articles for tag: Bioindicators, coral reefs, marine conservation, Ocean Health, Prochlorococcus, Reef Ecosystems

an underwater view of corals and sponges in the ocean

Reef Health Check: Microbes Offer a Powerful New Monitoring Tool

Jan Otte

The “rainforests of the sea,” coral reefs are under crisis. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and acidification have driven these rich ecosystems to the brink; half of the coral cover lost since the 1950s. Conventional monitoring depends on visual polls, tracking fish numbers and coral bleaching. What if, however, the true narrative of reef health is ...

Oyster gardening

Oyster Gardeners: Restoring Nature’s Water-Cleaning System  

April Joy Jovita

A growing movement of oyster populations in the Chesapeake Bay, reviving their natural ability to filter water and support marine ecosystems. Volunteers like Kimberly Price are raising thousands of oysters at their waterside homes before planting them in sanctuary reefs, where they contribute to environmental restoration. The success of this initiative underscores the critical role ...

Fiji Marine Conservation

How Dr. John R. C. Marsden Changed the Landscape of Marine Conservation

Annette Uy

Dr. John R. C. Marsden’s childhood was spent exploring the rugged coastlines of New England, a formative experience that sparked his lifelong passion for marine life. His natural curiosity and love for the ocean led him to study marine biology, where he excelled and gained a reputation for his groundbreaking research in marine ecosystems. After ...

Female Marine Conservationist

How to Make a Difference as a Female Marine Conservationist

Annette Uy

Marine conservationists are dedicated to the protection and preservation of ocean ecosystems and marine life. Their responsibilities may include conducting field research, advocating for sustainable policies, educating communities, and restoring habitats. As female marine conservationists, you have the potential to lead and inspire meaningful change in a field that is increasingly recognizing the value of ...

Sylvia Earle marine biologist, marine conservation

The Role of Sylvia Earle in Ocean Exploration and Marine Conservation

Annette Uy

Sylvia Earle, often referred to as “Her Deepness” or the “Sturgeon General,” is a pioneering oceanographer and marine biologist whose work has significantly shaped the field of ocean exploration and marine conservation. With an expansive career spanning several decades, Earle has become a leading advocate for the oceans, raising awareness about the importance of marine ...

school of fish beside coral

Using Quantum Computing for Precision Monitoring of Marine Species

Annette Uy

Quantum computing is an emerging technology with the potential to revolutionize various scientific fields, including marine conservation. As the quantum realm continues to unfold, its applications for monitoring marine species become increasingly viable, offering unparalleled precision and efficiency. In a world where marine environments face unprecedented threats from climate change and human activities, integrating quantum ...

Tulapos Marine Sanctuary

Protecting Coastal Waters: The Smartest Investment You’ve Never Heard Of

April Joy Jovita

Marine conservation is often seen as an ecological necessity, but new research suggests it’s also an economic powerhouse. Kristin Rechberger, founder of Dynamic Planet, argues that protecting coastal waters is one of the most overlooked yet high-impact investments for both nature and local economies. Through the Revive Our Ocean initiative, communities worldwide are proving that ...

Atlantic Cod

Popularly Eaten Fish: The Unsung Engineers of the Seabed

April Joy Jovita

Many of the fish we consume play an important role in maintaining seabed ecosystems, influencing carbon storage and ocean health. Recent research highlights how species like Atlantic cod and European eel contribute to seabed bioturbation—churning and reworking sediments—which impacts climate regulation and marine biodiversity The Role of Fish in Seabed Engineering Bioturbation, the process of ...

Mimic octopus

Mimic Octopus: Nature’s Master of Disguise

April Joy Jovita

The mimic octopus (Thaumoctopus mimicus) is a marvel of the marine world, renowned for its extraordinary ability to impersonate other sea creatures. Discovered in 1998 off the coast of Indonesia, this species has captivated scientists and enthusiasts alike with its unique survival strategy. By mimicking venomous or dangerous animals, the mimic octopus evades predators and ...