Despite covering three-quarters of the Earth’s surface, our oceans are among the most under-researched and least understood areas of our planet, and are particularly vulnerable to pollution and other human impacts. For example, it has been estimated that coral cover in some regions has dropped 80 percent in the last three decades due to climate change, coastal pollution, and coral diseases. Marine ecosystems have long been an Earthwatch focus, and here you will have the chance to hear about two very different, but equally important examples of our work.

Coral and Coastal Ecology of the Seychelles
Dr. David Smith (Coral Reef Research Unit, University of Essex)

Outlining the importance of coral reef systems around the world, this lecture will introduce you to Earthwatch’s Seychelles coral reef research programme, focusing in particular on the marine environment of Desroches, an isolated coral atoll apparently impacted only minimally by human activity, but devastated by coral bleaching, a phenomenon that has been linked to climate change. Which species survive, and which show the quickest recovery responses? What is the future of such reef systems faced with predicted unprecedented climate change? Answers to these questions, and how they fit in with other research carried out around the world, will be addressed this evening.

Brazil’s Dolphins
Dr. Marcos Santos (Universidade de Sao Paulo)

Sao Paulo’s Cananeia Island contains some of the last remnants of Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest. The vulnerable estuary waters surrounding it mirror the rainforest’s biodiversity, with records of at least 43 species of whales and dolphins and seven species of seals. Here is also perhaps the largest resident population of marine tucuxi dolphins, one of the least-studied cetaceans in the world. Not surprisingly, the area is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for tourists and Dr. Santos is working to establish baseline data to guide local tourism development and conserve the estuary’s marine mammal populations.

Registration required:

Yes

Free:

Yes