Rhianna Rees’ Post

A novel project by the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub aims to safeguard the rapidly diminishing seagrass meadows surrounding the Cocos Keeling Islands (CKI). These vital underwater ecosystems are ecologically important for many species, including endangered marine turtles. However, in areas of Cocos-Keeling National Park, seagrass meadows have almost totally disappeared over the past two decades and need urgent protection, including from grazing turtles, to provide them with a future. Co-developed with the CKI community, Parks Australia, Cocos Marine Care, and Sea Country Solutions this project is pioneering an innovative approach to restore these essential habitats. This project will establish a network of 400m2 seagrass protection areas where grazing is excluded and seagrass refuge infrastructure established to support the recovery of remnant seagrass meadows at CKI. These areas will provide propagules for future assisted restoration and natural seedling establishment beyond the exclusion zones. These restored areas will provide safer and more abundant habitats for sea turtles in the future, ensuring their survival and the health of our marine ecosystems. The project is led by Prof Michael Rasheed from James Cook University. Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/gapJinfe Image: Seagrass restoration trials.  Image credit: Michael Rasheed, JCU. #NESP #research #SeagrassRestoration #CocosKeelingIslands #NationalParks #TropWATER #JCU Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water TropWATER: JCU's Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research James Cook University Sea Country Solutions

Session Overview: Ecological intelligence and monitoring This session's presentations will emphasise recently discovered empirical information on crown-of-thorns starfish and reef-building corals. Additionally, novel methods for charting the recruitment, growth, recovery, and survival of corals throughout their lives will be discussed. Initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring reefs must be supported by ecological information and monitoring. To better guide the how, why, where, and when of reef restoration and COTS control efforts, it is imperative to enhance our understanding of the growth, mortality, and recovery of reef-building corals as well as the quantity, distribution, and mortality of coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish. This session will also talk about how to make tracking program that can achieve more than one goal, as well as new metrics that go beyond measuring coral cover and give an in-depth understanding of the signs of coral reef health. #ReefResilience2024 #GBR #GreatBarrierReef #Cairns #reefresilience #conservation #LovetheReef #Reefsymposium #reeftrust #AMPTO #AssociationofMarineParkTourismOperators Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Great Barrier Reef Foundation Australian Institute of Marine Science James Cook University CSIRO QUT (Queensland University of Technology) The University of Queensland Southern Cross University Photo credits: SkyReef Photos, AIMS

We're about to kick off phase 3 of our seagrass restoration trials at Cocos (Keeling) Islands 🐢 thanks to a NESP Marine and Coastal Hub grant and in collaboration with Cocos Marine Care, James Cook University and Parks Australia. When the CKI community first told Sea Country Solutions of their concerns for degrading seagrass meadows in 2021, we used a shoestring budget and 0.5m X 0.5m exclusion cages to determine the impact of grazing turtles on the seagrass meadows. After an overwhelming ecological response where seagrass grew back quickly inside cages, we concluded that water quality within the region was suitable for seagrass growth, but the impact of grazing turtles was so great it was impeding seagrass recovery. Realising the urgent need for restoration - we joined forces with TropWATER: JCU's Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research 's Michael Rasheed and Paul York to trial which restoration techniques would work best for the CKI lagoon. Upgrading to exclusion cages that were 2m X 2m this time, we again found an incredible response where seagrass was very successfully restored inside the exclusions cages using three different techniques. Part three brings us to the largest scale, and most novel part of the program where we intend to create a network of infrastructure to create refuges for seagrass across the lagoon. Using eco-barriers that are 20m X 20m this time, we'll be protecting remnant pockets of seagrass meadows that will provide propagules for future assisted restoration, and natural seedling establishment within the lagoon. Its come a long way since our baby cages back in 2021, but things are looking promising for the little old grasses of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, and the turtles who should be much happier once their favourite food source is restored 🌿

🌿 Discover the Beauty of the False Apollo Butterfly (Archon apollinus bellargus) 🌿 In the world of butterflies, few species captivate the imagination as much as the Beautiful False Apollo (Archon apollinus bellargus). This unique and mesmerizing butterfly, belonging to the Papilionidae family, can be found in the rocky terrains of Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, thriving in Mediterranean climates. With its pale yellow wings adorned with bold black patterns, the Beautiful False Apollo stands out among other species, not just for its appearance but also for its fascinating life cycle and ecological importance. 🦋 Habitat and Behavior The False Apollo prefers dry, open spaces like scrublands and rocky slopes, where its host plants, mainly from the Aristolochiaceae family (birthworts), grow. The butterfly's slow and graceful flight, combined with its striking coloration, makes it a sight to behold. But it's not just about beauty. This butterfly plays a vital role in pollination, contributing to the health and diversity of plant life in its environment. At the same time, its larvae are an important part of the food web, serving as prey for various animals. 🦋 Conservation and Threats Although not currently endangered, the Beautiful False Apollo faces threats like habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts are crucial to preserving this species and its environment, ensuring that future generations can continue to witness its beauty. 🦋 Why It Matters The Beautiful False Apollo is more than just an insect—it's a reminder of the delicate balance in nature and the need for biodiversity. By understanding and protecting species like this, we contribute to the larger goal of environmental conservation and sustainability. If you’re passionate about butterflies, biodiversity, or conservation, learning about species like the Beautiful False Apollo offers insight into the intricate connections within our ecosystems. Let’s work together to ensure these incredible creatures continue to thrive. 🌍 #ButterflyConservation #WildlifeProtection #FalseApollo #InsectBiodiversity #Papilionidae #EnvironmentalSustainability #NatureConservation #Pollinators #BiodiversityMatters #HabitatPreservation #MediterraneanEcosystems #SaveThePlanet #ProtectWildlife https://openinapp.to/xsbba Feel free to share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. Let’s raise awareness about the importance of butterflies in our environment! 🦋🌱

A recent ecological study by W. John Martin, MD, PhD, has shed light on a promising approach to tackling the issue of invasive zebra mussels in waterways. The report details the disintegration of these problematic mussels in Big Spirit Lake, Iowa, following the introduction of a protocol aimed at restoring the lake's intrinsic 'life force energy,' termed KELEA (Kinetic Energy Limiting Electrostatic Attraction). 'The capacity of Nature to use progressive, step-wise means of restoring its normal functions is termed Nature's Allostasis,' Martin explains. This concept involves enhancing the environment's ability to support beneficial microbes, invertebrates, and ultimately, vertebrate life forms. The protocol involved treating areas of the lake with KELEA-attracting volcanic rock pellets, biochar, and a mineral water conditioner. Steve Gruhn, a local resident, implemented this approach, leading to a significant reduction in contaminating algae and a resurgence of wildlife. Remarkably, a major die-off of zebra mussels occurred, with a noticeable decrease in intact shells attached to recently docked boats. 'The improved water in Big Spirit Lake is, seemingly, no longer a suitable environment for zebra mussels,' Martin states. This study highlights the potential of harnessing Nature's Allostasis and KELEA to combat invasive species and restore the health of aquatic ecosystems. Further efforts in this direction are warranted to address the ongoing issue of water pollution and the spread of invasive species. #environmentalrestoration #invasivespecies #zebramussels #naturesallostasis @wjohnmartin @kikotechnology @mihopeinc

Coral restoration is more innovative than ever!Scientists and conservationists are using a technique called microfragmentation, which involves cutting large corals into tiny fragments about the size of a fingernail and placing them on specialized substrates. Why do they do this? Breaking corals into small pieces triggers a rapid growth response, helping them grow up to 50 times faster than they would naturally. ( So, corals that might take up to 25 vearsto mature can now reach adult sizes in a matter of months or a few years. This technique is revolutionizing the way we think about reef restoration! Every fragment is a step closer to reviving our reefs, creating more resilient ecosvstems and habitats for marine life. It's all about giving nature a little boost, so our oceans can thrive again.

26 July is #MangroveDay ! Let's remember today that the protection of mangroves is essential to the planet's future, as they act as a natural coastal defense against storms, tsunamis, rising sea levels & erosion. UNESCO is engaged deeply in supporting the conservation of mangroves, while advancing the sustainable development of their local communities. The inclusion of mangroves in Biosphere Reserves, World Heritage sites and UNESCO Global Geoparks contributes to improving the knowledge, management and conservation of mangrove ecosystems throughout the world. https://lnkd.in/gkC5EY53 #Biodiversity #ForNature UNESCO is engaged at the scientific and policy levels to protect, manage or restore global blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves, seagrasses and tidal/salt marshes) for addressing climate change. Healthy blue carbon ecosystems also provide habitat for marine species, support fish stocks and food security, sustain coastal communities and livelihoods, filter water flowing into our oceans and reef systems, and protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges.

Seagrasses are one of the most valuable and biodiverse habitats on the planet and are one of the few habitats that provide multiple benefits to the environment.

$25 Million over 5 years set to fund the world's first large scale coral reef restoration project! 🎉 The Hawaiian based project ʻĀkoʻakoʻa, put together by various stakeholders including NOAA and the Dorrance Family, aims to restore a 193-kilometer stretch of reef along Hawai‘i Island’s west coast. A 2015 survey of 14,000 coral colonies in West Hawai‘i revealed that 38-92% of the reefs had partially or fully bleached, with many dying. Determined to address the crisis, Ecologist Greg Asner shifted his focus from tropical forests to coral reefs. Some of Asner's previous work includes the first high-resolution global map of shallow tropical coral reefs. Now, his new project ʻĀkoʻakoʻa aspires to pioneer large-scale coral restoration. That if successful, could offer valuable insights for global reef restoration efforts in the face of ongoing ocean thermal stress. Do you know any groups working to innovate within the coral restoration space? Connect them with us below so we can follow their journey ! Blue Economy Insights is your main source for daily coverage of developments related to the Blue Economy and our oceans ! 🌊

PMEP is thrilled to announce the completion of our latest assessment report Restoring Tidal Swamps in the U.S. Pacific Northwest: Information for Restoration Practitioners. Tidal swamps were historically common in the Pacific Northwest but are now rare, having been lost at greater rates than other types of tidal wetlands in many areas. This report provides information on early efforts in the emerging field of tidal swamp restoration, including documentation of 14 active tidal swamp restoration projects in the Pacific Northwest. The report provides an overview of the ecological importance of tidal swamps, the importance of restoring these valuable habitats, and unique challenges that practitioners should consider when approaching their restoration. The report includes information on reference site selection, elevated platforms, reed canarygrass control, large woody debris and channel design, beaver monitoring, and effectiveness monitoring. Find the full report on our website: https://lnkd.in/gyd-2Zrx National Fish Habitat Partnership Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) PERS PACIFIC ESTUARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY Tillamook Estuaries Partnership Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership Elkhorn Slough Foundation Midcoast Watersheds Council The Nature Conservancy Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Fran Recht Laura Brophy Joan Drinkwin