Tag: webinar

Sentinel Species Research

Webinar: Cetacean Science and Conservation

Cetacean Science and Conservation

Listen and engage with experts on a variety of topics related to cetacean science and conservation, from the environmental drivers of cetacean distribution to the applications of local ecological knowledge in conservation management.

Following the short talks, members of the audience were invited to ask questions on this topic.

Speakers:

  • Dr Helen Czerski – moderator
  • Dr Clare Embling – University of Plymouth
  • Dr Mingli Lin – Chinese Academy of Sciences & Institute of Zoology
  • Michael Mwang’ombe – Kenya Marine Mammal Research & Conservation
  • Dr Gill Braulik – University of St Andrews

You can watch a recording of the webinar below:

 

News

Webinar: Ocean Restoration

Ocean Restoration

In the third episode of the 2022 Bertarelli Foundation’s marine science webinar, Helen Czerski introduced a panel of speakers who are all working on and around the theme of ocean restoration.

Four phenomenal projects on a global scale from native oyster restoration, mangroves, seagrass to coral restoration.

Following the short talks, members of the public were invited to ask questions on this topic.

Speakers:

  • Dr Helen Czerski – moderator
  • Cedric Robillot – Great Barrier Reef Foundation
  • Jurgenne Primavera – Zoological Society of London, Philippines
  • Richard Unsworth – Project Seagrass
  • Joanne Preston – University of Portsmouth

You can watch a recording of the webinar below:

Any unanswered questions from the live webinar will be available on the website shortly.

 

Sentinel Species Research

Webinar: Tropical Seabird Ecology

Tropical Seabird Ecology

In the second episode of the 2022 Bertarelli Foundation’s marine science webinar, Helen Czerski introduced a panel of speakers who are all working on and around themes of tropical seabird ecology.

Seabirds are beautifully adapted for life in the ocean, join us as we discuss, learn and wonder about these charismatic and highly visible predators of marine ecosystems.

Following the short talks, members of the public were invited to ask questions on this topic.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Helen Czerski – moderator
  • Alice Trevail – University of Exeter
  • Annette Fayet – Norwegian Institute for Nature Research
  • Peter Carr – Institute of Zoology
  • Robin Freeman – Zoological Society of London

You can watch a recording of the webinar below:

 

Any unanswered questions from the live webinar will be available on the website shortly.

Coral Reefs

Webinar: The Future of Coral Reefs in a Warming World

The Future of Coral Reefs in a Warming World

In the latest of the Bertarelli Foundation’s marine science seminars, Helen Czerski was joined by Dr Gareth Williams from Bangor University who described his work modelling and mapping how reefs in the Indian Ocean might look very different under the different climate change scenarios – and the adaptation ability of corals to warming seas.

Kim Hum from the Nature Conservancy explained how she has used Dr Williams’ models to help protect the coral reefs off the coast of Hawai’i.  And finally, Ambassador Peter Thomson gave his thoughts on the importance of the ocean in addressing climate change – and the role of marine science in protecting the ocean.

Following the short talks, members of the public had the opportunity to ask questions about this fascinating topic to Dr Czerski, Dr Williams and Dr David Obura from CORDIO East Africa.

Speakers:

  • Dr. Helen Czerski
  • Dr. Gareth Williams – Bangor University
  • Kim Hum – The Nature Conservancy
  • Amb. Peter Thomson – UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean
  • Dr. David Obura – CORDIO East Africa

You can watch a recording of the seminar below:

Coral Reefs

Webinar: Ocean and Climate Change – The Future of our Blue Planet

Ocean and Climate Change: The Future of our Blue Planet

In the latest of the Bertarelli Foundation’s marine science seminars, Kristian Teleki introduces five speakers who are all working on the impact of climate change on our ocean and its biological and social implications.

With climate change regularly making headlines across the world, this seminar takes a look at the close link between the climate and our ocean. With visible impacts of climate change being seen across the world, we look at what is happening already, what the future might look like and the role of politics in this story.

Speakers:

  • Kristian Teleki  – World Resources Institute (Moderator)
  • Prof Rob Dunbar – Stanford University
  • Dr Roxy Koll – Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
  • Prof Chris Perry – University of Exeter
  • Dr Ines Lange – University of Exeter
  • Maria Damanaki

You can watch a recording of the seminar below:

We will post answers to questions we did not have time to answer during the live seminar shortly.

Improving MPA Management

Webinar: Imaging in Marine Science

Imaging in Marine Science

In the latest of the Bertarelli Foundation’s marine science seminar series, Prof. Heather Koldewey introduces four speakers who are all using imaging technology for marine science.

Advances 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.

Speakers:

  • Joanna Harris – Manta Trust and University of Plymouth
  • Dr Dan Bayley – UCL
  • Dr Greg Asner – Arizona State University and Allen Coral Atlas
  • Dr Jyotika Virmani – Schmidt Ocean Institute

You can watch a recording of the seminar below:

Below you can find answers to questions we didn’t have time to address during the live seminar.

If overcrowding from tourists is having negative impacts on manta rays, how are you encouraging responsible citizen science photography?

Joanna: Encouraging responsible citizen science photography is extremely important. The Manta Trust has engaged in extensive research and provided key recommendations that aim to ensure that the manta ray tourism industry remains sustainable and non-detrimental to the animals’ natural behaviour (Murray et al., 2019). The outcome of this research includes a 10-step guide on how to sustainably interact with manta rays (https://swimwithmantas.org/).

What is the timescale for taking all of the photos to make these 4D maps?

Dan & Andy: We have been monitoring the reefs around the Chagos Archipelago annually using the 3D SfM mapping technique from 2015-2019. To make a ~20 x 20 m HD map takes about an hour for a diver pair to set up the site and collect pictures. The processing time depends on the computer power, number of images and the image sizes, but can take from hours to a day for a site this size. If interested in more detail on this method, we recently wrote a ‘how to’ guide: https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/2041-210X.13476

On what scale have you developed the 4D maps? Are they limited to localised in-situ images?

Dan & Andy: Our projects have tended to be local, and the technique is usually applied over 10s to 100s of square metres, however it is possible to scale projects to larger areas. We are developing the use of an autonomous surface drone to cover larger regions of reef, and aerial drones commonly use this type of photogrammetry to survey multiple km2. It is worth noting that typically to scale up projects, the height from the ground or reef needs to increase, and so the overall resolution decreases.

With these types of coral reef mapping (4D map analysis), would this tend to specialize data gathering and analysis for researchers? How can this be made more accessible to local managers or researchers who may have limited resources and skills?

Dan & Andy: In many ways, this technique democratises small-scale spatial data gathering compared to other methods. It is possible to quantitatively map several hundred square metres of seabed using a single camera, in-situ scales, a mid-range computer, and the requisite software. Total cost buying from scratch would be <£5k (though better cameras and computers will increase resolution and decrease processing time). Mapping the same area with a multibeam sonar or lidar system would typically cost an order of magnitude more for the sensor alone, and result in poorer resolution.

The camera types you use can range from a GoPro to a high-end SLR. While you can get more detail and more control from an SLR, action cameras can produce very good results, particularly in well-lit clear water. The image capture technique just needs to be methodical to ensure sufficient coverage, and again this is detailed in the ‘how to’ guide above. To analyse the models quantitatively, there are a range of paid and open-source software types available. While the processing aspect is straight forward and can be mostly automated, the analysis needs training. However, the models can be analysed in commonly used software tools such as ArcGIS, or using open-source software, which are typically well documented. As a final point, if you wanted to just use the technique for display/educational purposes, there are programmes available which can automatically process your online, mostly at no cost.

Improving MPA Management

Webinar: Tackling Plastic Pollution in the Indian Ocean

Tackling Plastic Pollution in the Indian Ocean

On Tuesday 30th 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.

With significant accumulation of plastic being recorded on coastlines across the Indian Ocean region, this seminar explored the impact plastic pollution has on endangered wildlife, how the problem is monitored and how new technology is helping us to better understand the plastic crisis.

A recording of the seminar is now available to watch here:

Moderator: Prof Jenna Jambeck – University of Georgia

Victoria Alis – The Ocean Project Seychelles

Victoria Alis, a French-Seychelloise passionate about preserving the natural environment, returned to Seychelles in 2017 with a BHs in Biological (Marine) Science from the University of Brittany Occidental (France) and began to work as a field research assistant for the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) on the Aldabra Atoll. Later in 2019, she then joined the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Foundation (SSTF) and joined The Ocean Project Seychelles (TOP), two local NGOs, to help integrate sustainability practices within the tourism sector and help tackle the rise and urgency of plastic pollution. She has since helped TOP develop the WIOMSA-funded Seychelles Marine Litter Monitoring programme, which also forms part of a regional study.

Rachel Jones – Zoological Society of London

Rachel Jones has worked for the Zoological Society of London since 1998. Her career has bridged the animal care and conservation departments with a particular focus on tropical marine habitats and species. She spent 16 years working in and managing the aquarium at London Zoo with a personal focus on the large collection of reef fish and invertebrates it housed, before moving departments to work on the Bertarelli Foundations Marine Science programme at its inception in 2017. Now the programme manager, Rachel is responsible for aspects of team coordination, logistics, communications and expedition planning and support for a team of more than 100 scientists working in and around the Chagos Archipelago. Rachel is also project lead for a Darwin Plus funded team exploring the specific impacts of plastics on sea turtles in the Chagos archipelago and the search for solutions to the challenge of ocean plastics in remote island locations.

Thoriq Hamid – Common Seas Maldives

Thoriq has a comprehensive understanding of Maldivian media, politics and civil society. Having worked in a leadership position at an international NGO for eight years, he has extensive experience in communications and project management.  Thoriq has provided political analysis for donors, diplomats and international organisations, as well as engaging with political leaders, civil society, and journalists within the Maldives and abroad. In addition to working with Common Seas, he also runs his own communications company. Growing up and living in the Maldives, Thoriq has a close connection to the ocean. He enjoys scuba diving and is a certified PADI Dive Master.

Hawwa Nashfa – Common Seas Maldives

Nashfa has a great interested in circular economy, nature-based solutions and sustainable development models for island nations. Alongside these interests, Nashfa holds a master’s degree in Environmental Management Policy from Lund University, Sweden, and BA’s in International Political Economy and English literature from the College of Idaho, USA. Nashfa wrote her master’s thesis on the feasibility of implementing Extended Producer Responsibility for P.E.T bottles in the Maldives and worked with the Ministry of Environment to develop a single use plastic phaseout plan. She also has experience working with different stakeholders from the tourism and fisheries sectors of the Maldives.

Alasdair Davies – Arribada Initiative

Alasdair Davies is Technical Director of the Arribada Initiative and a Shuttleworth Foundation Fellow. He has 14 years’ experience developing, designing and deploying conservation technologies for conservation organisations globally, including the Zoological Society of London, the National Geographic Society and the World Wide Fund for Nature. His primary focus is the development of open source conservation technologies, with his most notable achievement the release of the first open source Argos satellite transmitter reference design. Alasdair founded the Arribada Initiative in 2017 to unlock access to open source conservation technologies, specializing in low-cost telemetry, biologging and passive acoustic monitoring technologies. Arribada’s current clients include the European Space Agency, the UK Space Agency, the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Improving MPA Management

Webinar: The Science of Large Marine Protected Areas

The Science of Large Marine Protected Areas

The final seminar of 2020 looks at the science for large marine protected areas. Experts from across the world will discuss the role science plays in protecting the marine environment and how science can be used to inform and improve management of large marine protected areas across the world.

Due to technical difficulties during the live seminar, you can find the individual talks available from our panel of experts below.

Please do send any questions you have to info@marine.science and we will aim to get answers to you within a week.

Sebastián Yancovic Pakarati (Universidad Autónoma de Madrid) – Rapa Nui (Easter Island) Marine Protected Area

Prof. Jessica Meeuwig (University of Western Australia) – Documenting the Status of Ocean Wildlife in the Big Blue: Implications for Marine Parks

Prof. Graeme Hays (Deakin University) – The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Marine Protected Area: Conservation Gains and Key Challenges

Prof. Julia Baum (University of Victoria) – Climate change and MPAs: Insights from a Remote Reef

Improving MPA Management

Webinar: Ocean Optimism – Solutions to Save our Blue Planet

Ocean Optimism: Solutions to Save our Blue Planet

On Tuesday 10th November the next of the marine science webinar series was held online providing a welcome dose of ocean optimism as a panel of international experts discussed different solutions to save our blue planet.

Dr Asha de Vos (Oceanswell) was joined by the expert panel to discuss solutions to key threats to the ocean including climate change, illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing and plastic pollution.

A recording of the webinar is now available to watch here:

Moderator: Dr. Asha de Vos – Oceanswell

Dr. Asha de Vos is an internationally acclaimed Sri Lankan marine biologist, ocean educator and pioneer of long-term blue whale research within the Northern Indian Ocean. She is also an Adjunct Research Fellow at the Oceans Institute of the University of Western Australia. She has degrees from the University of St. Andrews, University of Oxford and the University of Western Australia but escaped academia to establish her own Sri Lankan grown non-profit, Oceanswell – Sri Lanka’s first marine conservation research and education organization. Her work has been showcased internationally by the BBC, the New York Times, TED and National Geographic to name a few. Amongst her many accolades Asha was listed on the BBC 100 Women 2018 list of most inspiring and influential women from around the world and named Lanka Monthly Digest’s Sri Lankan of the Year also in 2018.

Dr. Jeffrey Maynard – SymbioSeas

Dr. Jeffrey Maynard is the Director of SymbioSeas, a non-profit based in coastal North Carolina in the US. Dr. Maynard assembles and then leads teams that support marine conservation and management. SymbioSeas teams use statistics, climate models, GIS, and ecological modeling to develop decision-support frameworks. Examples of work led by SymbioSeas teams include: climate projections of future green sea turtle population viability in Hawaii, forecasts of epizootic shell disease prevalence in New England and Canada, and maps of cumulative exposure to disturbances in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Dr. Maynard recently co-led a team supported by the United Nations and the Bertarelli Foundation (with others) to develop state-of-art climate model projections of future coral bleaching conditions. Dr. Maynard has authored 100+ peer-reviewed publications in the fields of climate science, coral reef ecology, and marine and reef conservation and management.

Nick Wise – OceanMind

Nick Wise is founder and CEO of OceanMind, a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting the world’s fisheries. Using satellites and artificial intelligence, OceanMind empowers effective fisheries enforcement and enables more responsible seafood sourcing, increasing compliance and sustainability.   Nick has been designing large scale, highly secure software solutions for over 20 years, using innovative techniques focused on market needs.  Before joining the ranks of social entrepreneurship, Nick’s journey saw him starting an Internet security business, as CTO of a mature SME, and managing product development in a billion-dollar multinational. Nick now empowers people to solve global issues with technology.

Claire Collins – University of Exeter

Claire is a social scientist interested in how understanding of social dimensions can be better integrated into marine policy and management. Her PhD focuses on shark fisheries in Sri Lanka, looking at how value chains are structured and how fishers perceive regulations and management. Her work also looks at how social science approaches and techniques can be used to characterise and manage illegal fishing and is currently studying non-compliance of fishers with the MPA surrounding the Chagos Archipelago.

 Nakul Saran – Minderoo Foundation

Nakul Saran is the Chief Operating Officer of Sea the Future, Minderoo Foundation’s global industry-led initiative to end plastic leakage to nature and accelerate the transition toward a circular plastics economy. At Sea the Future, Nakul leads a global team to design innovative market-based mechanisms that can enable plastics circularity and kick-start commercially viable recycling markets. Nakul’s work has largely focused on developing financing and governance solutions to restore the world’s fragile ecosystems. Prior to joining Minderoo, he served as an independent consultant for major public and social sector clients including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, and Friends of Ocean Action. A passionate lover of oceans, Nakul has served as Vice President, Fish Forever at Rare, where he led the global conservation organization’s efforts to revitalize oceans, scaling the program to span five countries and over 100 coastal communities, and was awarded the Mulago Foundation’s Rainer Arnhold Fellowship for his leadership.