Bertarelli-Annual-Report-2024-FULL - Flipbook - Page 51
Marine Science 2024
vessel at Diego Garcia deters illegal activity and anecdotal
reports suggests it is used by various species at key lifehistory stages, but no data exist. This project is implementing
the first systematic data collection, using Local Ecological
Knowledge and stereo baited underwater cameras, to
assess the island’s role as a vital refuge for sharks.
New Partner Funding
Scientists within the Marine Science programme secured
additional funding to complement support from the
Bertarelli Foundation, notably through the Darwin Plus
and Darwin Plus Local UK government grants scheme.
These funds support environmental projects that improve
outcomes for biodiversity in the UK Overseas Territories,
building capacity in-territory and contributing to local
economies. The following funding was awarded in 2024:
Investigating mesophotic coral bleaching during the
2023/2024 El Niño Event (Clara Diaz, University of
Plymouth)
In 2024, the fourth mass global coral bleaching event was
declared. While impacts of bleaching on shallow-water
coral reefs are well documented, those on Mesophotic
Coral Ecosystems (30–150 m) are largely unknown and
frequently go unnoticed. This project builds on previous
research to further understanding of the impacts of coral
bleaching at mesophotic depths and the resilience of
these habitats to climate change.
Improving illegal mobulid catch data collection for
effective conservation management (Joanna Harris,
University of Plymouth)
Manta and devil ray populations face serious threats
due to fisheries. Although protected in the Chagos
Archipelago, illegal fishing is common and limited
catch recording is a significant barrier to effective
management. This project aims to increase catch data
recording accuracy and efficiency by providing expert
training in data collection, species identification, and data
management protocols.
Tracking terns for conservation in the Chagos
Archipelago (Steve Votier, Heriot Watt University)
Assessing the importance of Diego Garcia for sharks
(Claire Collins, ZSL)
Since creation, the MPA around the Chagos Archipelago
has suffered from persistent illegal fishing contributing to
substantial declines in sharks including suspected local level
extinctions. Presence of military operations and a patrol
Terns represent ~88% of breeding seabirds in the Chagos
Archipelago but are understudied. This project is studying
tern ecology and developing a citizen science project with
direct biodiversity conservation relevance, enhancing
capability to support good environmental monitoring and,
given the crucial role seabirds play in coral reef resilience,
wider dividends for habitat regeneration in the face of
climate change.
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