Research into microbial communities on and surrounding deep-sea shipwrecks reveals just how important these lost vessels can be for marine life. Last year the world was stunned after the first crewed dive in over 14 years revealed brand new images of the wreckage of the Titanic. The two halves of the infamous ship, resting at … More Microbes transform shipwrecks into ‘underwater islands’
Written by Janey Sellars The media presents a huge platform of which to relay information in a way that influences the way people perceive things. Since the 21st century, technology and online databases have developed significantly and the global media is expanding as a result, reaching more people than ever before. Human perceptions, values and … More Friends or foes? The media’s portrayal of sharks & the influence on human perspectives
Marine conservation has never been more necessary than it is today with our oceans facing threats from all angles, most of which we have created. It is therefore more important than ever to inspire and educate people about our oceans and the marine life that inhabit them. One of the main ways I know how … More The role of art in marine conservation (with Debby Mason)
Written by George Brett In 2019 most of us are becoming more aware of humanity’s ever-increasing carbon output and its subsequent impacts on the natural world. It seems like nowadays you cannot turn on the TV without hearing mention of climate change and all its associated nasties. But when was the last time you remember … More Ocean acidification & coral reefs
Over the last few months Brazil has been the epicentre of an unusual and highly damaging oil spill. Although the country is not directly responsible, the lack of action by those in power highlights why the country has been so heavily criticised for its conservation policies in recent years. You may or may not be … More Mysterious oil spill highlights lack of conservation efforts in Bolsonaro’s Brazil
Mangroves are one of the most financially valuable ecosystems on Earth. They protect us from storms and flooding and provide us with fish and eco-tourism. But we are losing them at an alarming rate right when we need them the most. Looking at a mangrove it is very hard to imagine it could be worth … More The money in mangroves: how our coastal forests save us billions
This week the IPCC released a special report focusing on how climate change is impacting our oceans and predicting the scale of future problems. Here I provide a summary of the key findings and clearly explain some of the bigger issues. On 25th September at the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meeting in Monaco … More Breaking down the IPCC special report on climate change and our oceans
Written by Amy Barker If you have an interest in marine conservation you are likely to have heard the story of the southern sea otter (Enhydra lutris nereis), the ‘keystone’ species that restored an entire ecosystem along the California coastline. For those of you who have not encountered this story before, or whose memory is … More The sea otter story
Taiji may appear to be a charming little fishing village, but it has a dark and violent tradition of hunting dolphins. After being exposed to the world over a decade ago it seems very little has changed despite strong controversy and opposition. To an unsuspecting visitor the traditional architecture, quaint harbour and crystal clear waters … More The Japanese fishing village with blood on their hands
Deep at the bottom of the sea lies one of the most probable locations for the origin of life on Earth… hydrothermal vents. But what are they? How could they have created life? And what does it mean for life in our solar system? It is a fact that at some point in our history … More Hydrothermal vents, abiogenesis and life in the solar system
