Computer Vision Resources: Fish Classification Datasets

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On June 17, 2020

by Sebastian Lopez Computer vision is transforming the collection and processing of digital imagery for ecology and conservation. In aquatic environments, computer vision tools for automatic fish identification are heavily sought after, but robust and open-access fish datasets are hard to find. Here, I share some of the most used, open-access and updated fish datasets […]

Building a sustainable future for seagrass ecosystems

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On June 9, 2020

Seagrass ecosystems are among the most productive on the earth, providing a huge diversity of ecosystem functions and services that directly benefit humans. Despite this, seagrass habitats are usually overshadowed by some of the more charismatic ecosystems such as bright, colourful coral reefs. A report led by UNEP released on World Oceans Day has assembled […]

Fragmentation threatens mangrove forests but protection can help….in some areas

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On June 4, 2020

By Dr Mischa Turschwell, Global Wetlands Project Mangrove forest conservation is increasingly attracting international interest. That’s because mangroves support incredible biodiversity, enhance fisheries, protect vulnerable coastal communities from storms, and reduce climate change by storing carbon. Unfortunately, mangrove forests remain one of the worlds most threatened ecosystems. Pressures from forest fragmentation, climate change, increasing exploitation by humans, and altered river flows all continue to degrade and impact […]

Harnessing Big Data to Support Mangrove Conservation and Rehabilitation

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On May 27, 2020

By Dr Michael Sievers and Dr Christina Buelow, Global Wetlands Project We are entering a remarkable era of both technological advancement and open data access, stimulating global scale analyses on mangrove ecosystems. Mangrove trees and roots provide critical habitat for wildlife and benefits to humans. Photo credit: Tom Rayner Mangrove forests occur throughout […]

There are cross-benefits to protecting coastal wetlands in the wake of COVID-19

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On May 22, 2020

Dr Ryan Pearson The effects of COVID-19 on the world has been profound. It’s had us re-evaluating intergovernmental, trade and personal relationships, and forced a rethink of consumer needs. Environmental groups have been encouraging people to eat more fish in response to this pandemic. Consumer surveys during the pandemic have also highlighted greater apprehension about […]

Mangroves taking eons to recover from oil spill

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On May 20, 2020

By Professor Rod Connolly On a dark and stormy night in 1992 a major oil slick polluted a pristine mangrove forest. The oil came from a shipping mishap at the hydrocarbon facility at Port Bonython in Spencer Gulf, South Australia. It’s a significant wilderness area, home to flocks of imperious pelicans, endemic seadragons, and the […]

Mangroves, oasis of the desert

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On May 19, 2020

By Dr. Fernanda Adame and Dr. Mischa Turschwell If you ever fly over a subtropical coast, where the desert meets the ocean, you will notice a stripe of bright green bordering the edges of meandering creeks. The greenery contrasts with the orange, yellow, and red of the surrounding desert. In this seemingly inhospitable landscape, where […]

How can we best assess the threats and status of connected coastal wetland habitats?

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On May 14, 2020

By Dr Michael Sievers Habitat degradation is a global crisis. Quantifying and evaluating habitat change and its impacts on ecosystem function is needed to inform management and conservation that ultimately safeguards biodiversity and human benefits. Many of these benefits in coastal ecosystems depend not only on habitat status, but also its connections with other […]

Global fragmentation of mangrove forests

Posted by Chris Brown
On May 4, 2020

To inform conservation actions we need global indicators of wetland ecosystems that represent changes in ecosystem function. But current indicators are largely based on changes in the area of wetland ecosystems. In our new study we mapped fragmentation of mangrove habitats at a global scale. The fragmentation of habitats into patches may be a better […]

Marine conservation investment needs informed guidance: where do we begin?

Posted by Ellen Ditria
On April 30, 2020

By Dr Viv Tulloch Read Time: 508 words about 3 mins. Marine ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change, human activities in the oceans and on the land, yet significant gaps still exist in managing the impacts of these pressures around the world. Marine Habitat Destruction. Photo Jeff Yonover. Efficient conservation investment requires linking dominant pressures to […]