-
News 3 January 2025Global status of sharks, rays, and chimaeras – Indian OceanIn December 2024, a report on the 'Global status of sharks, rays and chimaeras' was published by the IUCN with contributions from the Marine Science Programme Scientists in the Indian Ocean chapter -
News 10 September 2024Nautilus RewildingThe Nautilus Rewilding issue with the Bertarelli Foundation is a powerful testament to the resilience of nature. -
News 15 May 2024Multidisciplinary Science Expedition to the Chagos ArchipelagoA multidisciplinary science expedition ran from 6 January to 16 February 2024. The expedition included team members from four projects focusing on reef manta rays, mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs), whales and dolphins, and plastic pollution.
What we do
Our Indian Ocean focussed research programme is advancing the understanding of Marine Protected Areas - so they can be better managed to provide the maximum amount of protection. Our highly collaborative and interdisciplinary projects are led by some of the world's leading marine scientists who are pushing the boundaries of their fields.
A healthy ocean is
vital to sustaining all
life on Earth – not just
the animals and plants
that live below the waves
70%
of the Earth is ocean
91%
of species in the ocean are yet to be discovered
70%
of the oxygen we breathe is made in the ocean
OUR RESEARCH
The Indian ocean is one of the Earth's most exploited oceans. A large Marine Protected Area located in the middle of the Indian ocean provides an incredible opportunity to create an ocean observatory - a place where scientists can investigate complex marine ecosystems in the absence of direct human influence.
Island Reef Connections
The impact of climate change has been acutely felt on coral reefs across the Indian Ocean, including areas previously shown to be some of the healthiest coral reefs in the region.
Species Distribution and Ecology
Our work is building a detailed picture of how important and mobile species such as turtles, seabirds, sharks and rays travel across the Indian Ocean
Tackling Illegal Fishing
Scientific research carried out in the Indian Ocean is being used to inform the management of Marine Protected Areas and help governments support international commitments such as the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Scientists
More than 73 scientists from 22 institutions and 11 countries are working together to uncover the ocean's hidden secrets - and find new ways to protect it
Newsletter
Subscribe and stay up-to-date
