Articles Written by Sophie Coxon
The Decline of the Coconut Crab: protection methods used in the Seychelles could conserve the species
Environment | Oceans, May 12th, 2022
Coconut crabs have seen a huge decrease in population due to overharvesting and increasing demand from tourist restaurants. Strict regulations on fishing, pollution, disturbance and the implementation of marine protected areas could save the species if measures are taken soon.
Problems down under: The 6th mass bleaching event of The Great Barrier Reef is happening now
Environment | Oceans, April 3rd, 2022
Known as one of the Seven Natural Wonders Of the World, the Great Barrier Reef attracts over three million tourists to the Queensland coast every year. If the average global temperature warms by 2°C above current levels, it is predicted that global coral cover will decrease by 95%—a staggering figure which will have catastrophic impacts on ecological processes and the economies of many countries.
The importance of coral reef connectivity under climate change
Environment | Oceans, March 3rd, 2022
Evidence suggests that rising ocean temperatures are limiting the ability of coral larvae to migrate between reefs, with the associated biodiversity losses reducing coral resilience to disease, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change.
Acoustic enrichment is aiding coral reef recovery
Environment | Oceans, February 23rd, 2022
Coral reefs are often referred to as the ‘rainforests of the ocean’ due to the richness of biodiversity they harbour and the vital role they play in the functioning of marine ecosystems. Globally, reefs support over 500 million people through tourism and fishing, providing a livelihood and an essential source of protein, whilst also producing multiple medicinal compounds used to treat cancer, HIV, and cardiovascular diseases.