-
Improving MPA ManagementSentinel Species Research 2 August 2021Drifting Fishing Gear Poses Significant Risks to Marine Protected AreasA team of scientists has shown the potential harm that dFADs could cause to MPAs. Their study found more than a third of dFADs posed a risk to biodiversity in the Chagos Archipelago MPA. -
Coral Reefs 21 July 2021Podcast: Sharks – Masters of the OceanIn this episode of Ocean Matters, Helen Czerski explores how these masters of the ocean sense their world, why they’re not the “lone hunters” depicted by Hollywood, and why we need to protect them. -
Improving MPA Management 2 July 2021Seminar: Imaging in Marine ScienceAdvances in technology have allowed scientists to capture the underwater world in new and innovative ways, revealing insights in to life in the big blue and providing data to help us better protect the ocean and the life within. This seminar will explore how different imaging techniques are applied to study the ocean and help provide a picture of what the underwater world is hiding.
What we do
Our research programme is advancing our 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 in made in the ocean
OUR RESEARCH
The British Indian Ocean Territory is a unique place to undertake scientific research. This large Marine Protected Area is located in the middle of one of the Earth's most exploited oceans. It is an incredible opportunity to create an ocean observatory - a place where scientists can investigate complex marine ecosystems.
Coral Reef Resilience
Despite containing some of the healthiest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean, the impact of climate change has still been acutely felt in BIOT.
Sentinel Species Research
Our work is building a detailed picture of how important and mobile species such as turtles, seabirds, sharks and rays use the Marine Protected Area
Improving MPA Management
Scientific research carried out in BIOT is being used to inform the management of the Marine Protected Area and support the UK's international commitments such as Sustainable Development Goal 14.
Scientists
More than 60 scientists from 22 institutions and six countries are working together to uncover the ocean's hidden secrets - and find new ways to protect it