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Coral Reefs 30 April 2021Podcast: Plastic – Our single use problemJoin oceanographer and physicist Helen Czerski as she explores the impact plastic is having on ocean wildlife, the scale of single-use plastic bottles in London, and an exciting solution found in nature - enzymes that eat plastic. -
Improving MPA Management 1 April 2021Seminar: Tackling Plastic Pollution in the Indian OceanOn Tue 30 March, the Bertarelli Foundation hosted our first marine science seminar of 2021. Moderated by Prof Jenna Jambeck of the University of Georgia, this seminar featured speakers working across the Indian Ocean region to tackle plastic pollution. -
Sentinel Species Research 31 March 2021Restoring Seabird IslandsNew research published this week in Restoration Ecology, led by scientists at ZSL’s Institute of Zoology, shows the potential benefits to breeding seabirds of converting coconut plantations to native habitats after invasive predators have been eradicated.
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