OneSeed’s Post

Tackling four planetary crises in one edition of Science Victoria was no easy feat. This month, The Royal Society of Victoria addresses: Biodiversity loss - Professor Euan Ritchie wrote a great piece on how we can speak up for the dwindling populations and threatened species that need our help. Climate change - I discuss how much of climate change is on us (spoiler alert: it's definitely mostly us!) and how we can step up to minimise the damage. (Air) pollution - I break down what air pollution is, its impacts on our health, and how we can clean up our act/air. Misinformation & disinformation - if you don't know the difference, Scott Reddiex talks about both and their dangers, urging us to to think critically about the information we come across. #ClimateChange #BiodiversityLoss #Biodiversity #Extinction #PlanetaryCrises #ExtinctionCrisis #AirPollution #Pollution #Disinformation #Misinformation #ClimateAction #Climate

#WorldOceanDay (I try to be an "-s dropper", to emphasise the interconnected global ocean, but #WorldOceansDay is also good 👍) is a great opportunity to highlight the importance of the ocean for our lives, and the threats to ocean health that we need to tackle together. But some of the "facts" that get swirled around today perhaps deserve a bit of closer scrutiny; here are a couple that catch my eye: (1) "The ocean produces 50% of the oxygen we breathe" - well, not exactly. Half of the oxygen-producing photosynthesis on our planet takes place in the ocean (thanks to marine algae, cyanobacteria, and plants). But almost all of the oxygen produced in the ocean is consumed in the ocean - it doesn't directly become the oxygen that we breathe. Why does it matter to get this detail right? Because while the oxygen we breathe isn't under immediate threat from declining ocean health, ocean life faces a deoxygenation crisis, from a triple-whammy of climate change impacts. Here's an excellent explainer on the difference and why it matters - https://lnkd.in/ezbHi4rZ (2) "The ocean is our planet's largest habitat" - ok, I used to propogate that one in my youth; but the ocean really contains lots of different habitats (shallow-water coral reefs are not the same as deep-sea hydrothermal vents, for example). Thinking of the ocean as a single habitat is like thinking of "the land" as a single habitat (which we don't usually, instead recognising that tundra, rainforests etc are different habitats). These days I think that acknowledging the diversity of habitats in the ocean is important. If you consider the ocean to be a single habitat, then having a goal to protect 30% of its area may seem very laudable. But if that 30% of protected ocean only contains a few of the ocean's many different habitats, then that's less effective as a conservation goal (or rather, the details of the 30% will really matter in determining how effective it will be). Meme-sharing to raise awareness is great; but one thing you get used to as a deep-sea biologist is finding out that what you think is not quite right nearly all the time (i.e. nature is always richer in detail than our summaries of it). And that's perhaps a healthy experience to live with 🙂. It's potentially problematic if the meme becomes the perceived reality, particularly for policymakers.

𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 "𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬" 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 As climate change accelerates, the need for reliable, long-term data has never been more critical. Enter "Witness Trees," a fascinating new approach where scientists are enlisting trees as biological sensors to track environmental changes and evaluate air-cleansing species. These trees, some of which are centuries or even millennia old, offer invaluable insights into our planet’s history and future. A remarkable research team led by Professor JENNIFER MCELWAIN from Trinity College Dublin is using Witness Trees to gather data on atmospheric pollution and carbon levels. The project, which includes experts like PhD candidate Midori Yajima and Michelle Murray from Trinity Botanic Garden, aims to evaluate green policies and assess the health of various tree species to determine which are best suited for our changing world. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐛𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠? Trees are natural air purifiers. By monitoring the amount of particulate matter—commonly referred to as "smog"—captured by trees, scientists can assess the effectiveness of environmental policies. This long-term data will help guide decisions on which species to protect and plant to ensure a healthier future. The Witness Trees project has now expanded, incorporating 21 new species from Ireland’s National Botanic Gardens, adding to an already impressive list. These trees are more than just silent observers—they are active participants in the fight against climate change. To read more about this innovative project and the vital role these trees play in protecting our planet, 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐄3’𝐬 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞: https://lnkd.in/efyJYcA9 #ClimateChange #Sustainability #AirQuality #UrbanForests #GreenPolicies #WitnessTrees

🪸 Discover the fascinating ecological memory of coral reefs in the face of marine heatwaves! 🔥🌊      A study by researchers at Oregon State University reveals that some coral species can withstand heat waves by 'remembering' their past experiences. The findings, published in Global Change Biology, suggest that this memory response is closely linked to the microbial communities that inhabit among the corals. 🦠🪸      Alex Vompe, the lead author of the study, stresses the crucial importance of coral reefs for the planet, while warning of their decline due to human pressures, particularly climate change. With the predicted increase in marine heat waves, slowing the loss of coral cover and the disappearance of species is becoming a major conservation priority.      The study reveals that understanding the role of microbes in coral adaptation to environmental disturbances can guide coral planting and restoration efforts. By studying microbial processes and the organisms responsible for ecological memory in greater depth, it is possible to develop probiotics and monitoring protocols to assess and act on the quality of ecological memory in each coral colony. 🔍🧠      Understanding these relationships is crucial, as climate change is threatening coral reefs by disrupting the links between corals and their microbes, potentially leading to the devastating phenomenon of coral bleaching. Faced with these challenges, current research is paving the way for solutions to preserve these unique and vital ecosystems. 🌊🐠    #CoralReefs #ClimateChange 

🌊 Understanding Coral Bleaching: A Call to Action for Marine Conservation 🌊 Coral bleaching remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our oceans today. As we witness the devastating effects of climate change, it's crucial to shine a spotlight on this critical issue. Archi, a dedicated biochemistry master's student, has experienced firsthand the profound impact of coral bleaching through her involvement in marine research. Together with a national marine research group, she delved into the alarming effects of climate change on coral reefs, observing the loss of fluorescence and its ripple effects on marine ecosystems. Coral reefs are not just beautiful ecosystems; they are vital to marine life and the health of our planet. As temperatures rise and oceans become more acidic, corals face increasing stress, leading to bleaching events that devastate entire reef systems. Want to know more about Archi's work? https://lnkd.in/enzcEd_K #CoralBleaching #MarineResearch #ConservationEfforts #YourWorkMatters

🌊 Excited to share insights from my recent presentation on tracking marine vertebrates and its future implications! 🐋🦈 Through innovative tracking technologies, we're gaining unprecedented understanding of the movements and behaviors of these incredible creatures. From whales to sharks and everything in between, our research is uncovering crucial data for conservation efforts and ecosystem management. But the real excitement lies in the future implications. By leveraging this knowledge, we can develop more effective conservation strategies, mitigate human impact on marine ecosystems, and ultimately ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Let's keep pushing the boundaries of marine science and work towards a sustainable future for our oceans! 🌊🌎 #MarineScience #Conservation #FutureImplications #OceanResearch

𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗢𝗖𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗡! 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺? More than half of the deep blue sea is turning green, but scientists aren’t sure why. In the past two decades, 56 percent of Earth’s oceans have become greener — an area larger than the planet’s total land mass, according to a new study by a team of scientists from the United States and the United Kingdom. “The reason we care about this is not because we care about the colour, but because the colour is a reflection of the changes in the state of the ecosystem,” said lead author of the study B. B. Cael, an ocean and climate scientist at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton, UK, as The Guardian reported. There are a host of things that can lead to changes in the ocean’s color, reported the journal Nature. One example is when deep-sea nutrients rise up to feed on phytoplankton blooms containing green-tinted chlorophyll. Scientists are able to approximate the levels of chlorophyll, as well as how many organisms like algae and phytoplankton there are, by observing sunlight wavelengths reflected off the surface of the ocean. In surface waters, the amount of chlorophyll can vary greatly each year, so it can be difficult to pick up differences between natural changes and those brought on by climate change. Theoretically, warmer ocean waters due to climate change should lead to differences in biological productivity, but scientists believe it could take as long as four decades to be able to pinpoint any clear shifts. “These are not ultra, massive ecosystem-destroying changes, they may be subtle,” Cael said, as The Guardian reported. “But this gives us an additional piece of evidence that human activity is likely affecting large parts of the global biosphere in a way that we haven’t been able to understand.” The study, “Global climate-change trends detected in indicators of ocean ecology,” was published in Nature. Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/dVmPQ3Yi

#OGSresearch A new study with the participation of OGS scientist Angelo Camerlenghi and 28 fellow experts from various international institutes, has recently been published in the prestigious journal ScienceAdvances. The results of this research are presented in a comprehensive paper that offers a significant contribution to the field. The study seeks to comprehend the long-term evolutionary changes that marine life has undergone as a consequence of variations in climate and ocean connectivity, in order to enhance the capacity to anticipate the impact of contemporary climate shifts in specific areas/regions. The research team focused on the Mediterranean Sea, analysing how marine biodiversity was affected by global climate cooling, the reduction of water exchange with the Atlantic Ocean, and the Messinian salinity crisis between the Late Miocene and the Early Pliocene (11.63 to 3.6 million years ago).   The study revealed a high degree of reorganization of the Mediterranean marine ecosystem during this time frame. The crisis led to regional mass extinctions of some species, but in other instances, organisms were able to resist and adapt to changes.   🔗 Read the full article here:  https://lnkd.in/gVD5Gx3s

Exciting times in marine science! Researchers at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) are making waves with a groundbreaking advancement that could be a game-changer for our coral reefs. Traditionally, studying coral spawning has been a once-a-year opportunity, tied to the natural lunar cycles. But now, thanks to an innovative automated system developed by AIMS, coral spawning can be induced on demand! This leap forward is not just a win for science; it’s a crucial step in the fight to save our reefs. Here's why this matters: Accelerated Research: By controlling the timing of coral spawning, researchers can conduct year-round studies, speeding up critical research on coral biology and resilience. Conservation Efforts: Understanding coral spawning more deeply allows scientists to develop better strategies for reef restoration and conservation, crucial as our oceans face increasing threats from climate change. Innovative Technology: The system uses precise environmental controls to mimic natural conditions, ensuring healthy and viable coral larvae for research. Imagine being able to study the intricate life cycle of corals whenever needed, without waiting for the right moon phase. This technology opens doors to new discoveries and more robust strategies to protect and restore coral ecosystems. Why Should You Care? Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea, teeming with life and supporting countless marine species. They protect our coastlines, support fisheries, and are vital to the health of our oceans. By advancing our ability to study and protect these ecosystems, we’re taking a giant leap towards a sustainable future for our planet. Photo: During spawning, corals release thousands of egg and sperm bundle that float to the surface of the water. Credit: Lonidas Koukoumaftsis

Happy Earth Day! 😎🌍 This year, the theme for Earth Day is “Planet vs. Plastics,” and we’re excited to share how our CoastWatch volunteers are contributing to NOAA’s (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Marine Debris Mapping and Assessment Project (MDMAP). In addition to completing their Mile Report, a number of CoastWatch volunteers also collect information about marine debris on their mile or a nearby mile for MDMAP. These once-a-month survey areas are 100 meters long and stretch from the back of the beach to the water. On the day of the survey, random numbers are chosen to decide which five-meter sections (transects) will be surveyed. Beach litter in these transects is collected and logged into NOAA's online reporting system. Beach litter outside the transects and survey area is also picked up and disposed of but not counted. The NOAA MDMAP community science project is crucial because it empowers people to actively participate in monitoring and protecting marine ecosystems, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Engaging citizens in data collection provides valuable insights into changing oceanic conditions and aids in informed decision-making for conservation efforts and sustainable management practices. Join us on April 30 for our webinar featuring Hillary Burgess, NOAA’s Marine Debris Program Specialist, to learn more about this community science project that helps researchers (and all of us!) learn more about how and why marine debris moves around the world! Register here for the Zoom link 👉 https://bit.ly/MDMAP_OR