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A Coral Superhighway in The Indian Ocean

By The University of Oxford

Despite being scattered across more than a million square kilometres, new research has revealed that remote coral reefs across the Seychelles are closely related. Using genetic analyses and oceanographic modelling, researchers at Oxford University demonstrated for the first time that a network of ocean currents scatter significant numbers of larvae between these distant islands, acting as a ‘coral superhighway.’ These results are published in NatureScientific Reports.

Dr April Burt (Department of Biology, University of Oxford, and Seychelles Islands Foundation), lead author of the study, said: ‘This discovery is very important because a key factor in coral reef recovery is larval supply. Although corals have declined alarmingly across the world due to climate change and a number of other factors, actions can be taken at local and national scales to improve reef health and resilience. These actions can be more effective when we better understand the connectivity between coral reefs by, for instance, prioritising conservation efforts around coral reefs that act as major larval sources to support regional reef resilience.’

The researchers collaborated with a wide range of coral reef management organisations and the Seychelles government to collect coral samples from 19 different reef sites. A comprehensive genetic analysis revealed recent gene flow between all sample sites – possibly within just a few generations – suggesting that coral larvae may be frequently transferred between different populations. The results also hinted at the existence of a new cryptic species of the common bouldering coral, Porites lutea.

The genetic analyses were then coupled with oceanographic modelling, simulating the process of larval dispersal. These simulations allowed researchers to visualise the pathways coral larvae take to travel between reefs across the wider region and determine the relative importance of physical larval dispersal versus other biological processes in setting coral connectivity.

This revealed that the dispersal of coral larvae directly between reefs across the Seychelles is highly plausible. For example, coral larvae spawned at the remote Aldabra atoll could disperse westwards towards the east coast of Africa via the East African Coastal Current. From here, they would then travel north along the coast, with some potentially even reaching the South Equatorial Counter Current, which could bring them eastwards again back towards the Inner Islands of Seychelles.

While these long-distance dispersal events are possible, it is likely that much of the connectivity between remote islands across the Seychelles may be established through ‘stepping-stone’ dispersal. This suggests that centrally located coral reefs in Seychelles, and possibly East Africa, may play an important role in linking the most remote islands.

Dr Noam Vogt-Vincent (Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, now based at the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology) who led the oceanographic modelling, said: ‘This research suggests that the broad agreement between predicted connectivity and observed genetic patterns supports the use of such larval dispersal simulations in reef system management in Seychelles and the wider region. These simulations also allow us to investigate how regular these connectivity patterns are in time because a regular larval supply will be essential for reef recovery in the face of climate change.’

The modelling data can be visualised in a new app: with just one click you can see how coral larvae from Seychelles potentially reach reefs across the whole region. The researchers suggest that this data could help identify major larval sources to be prioritised for inclusion in marine protected areas or active reef restoration efforts.

Professor Lindsay Turnbull (Department of Biology, University of Oxford), senior author, said: ‘This study couldn’t come at a more timely moment. The world is once again watching, as El Niño devastates coral reefs throughout the Indian Ocean. Now we know which reefs will be crucial to coral recovery, but we can’t pause in our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and stopping climate change.’

Dr Joanna Smith and Helena Sims (The Nature Conservancy) who support the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan Initiative said: ‘The WIO coral connectivity study, by illustrating the connectivity of reefs within a network, can be used at national and regional scales in the Western Indian Ocean for Marine Protected Area design and management, as well as directing restoration activities. We look forward to using the results and Coral Connectivity app to inform the implementation of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan.’

To see the original study, please CLICK HERE!

The University of Oxford

Oxford University has been placed number 1 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings for the eighth year running, and number 3 in the QS World Rankings 2024. At the heart of this success are the twin pillars of our ground-breaking research and innovation and our distinctive educational offer.

Oxford is world-famous for research and teaching excellence and is home to some of the most talented people from across the globe. Our work helps the lives of millions, solving real-world problems through a huge network of partnerships and collaborations. The breadth and interdisciplinary nature of our research alongside our personalised approach to teaching sparks imaginative and inventive insights and solutions.

Through its research commercialisation arm, Oxford University Innovation, Oxford is the highest university patent filer in the UK and is ranked first in the UK for university spinouts, having created more than 300 new companies since 1988. Over a third of these companies have been created in the past five years. The university is a catalyst for prosperity in Oxfordshire and the United Kingdom, contributing £15.7 billion to the UK economy in 2018/19, and supports more than 28,000 full-time jobs.

The Seychelles Islands Foundation

Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), is a non-profit charitable organisation that was established as a public trust by the government of Seychelles in 1979. SIF manages and protects the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Aldabra Atoll and the Vallée de Mai and has the President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan, as Patron.

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Seaworthy Collective Opens Ocean Innovation Cohort 6

In a world where the ocean’s health directly impacts life on Earth, supporting innovation in marine technology is more critical than ever. That’s precisely the mission Seaworthy Collective has embraced—and in 2025, the Miami-based nonprofit is taking its commitment to ocean impact even further.

On April 21, 2025, Seaworthy Collective opens applications for Cohort 6 of The Continuum Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator, an updated version of its flagship Startup Program. Designed for U.S.-based startups, this year’s program exclusively supports ocean data technologies and services, reflecting a strategic collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Ocean Enterprise Initiative. The deadline to apply is June 26, 2025.

Seaworthy’s expanded role in its $14 million partnership with NOAA, known as The Continuum, underscores its growing influence in the BlueTech space. The Continuum is a coordinated network of ocean enterprise accelerators—including Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, St. Pete Innovation District, Tampa Bay Wave, World Ocean Council, and the University of South Florida—working to fast-track startups, scaling ocean impact more efficiently than ever.

“This cohort marks a new chapter in the partnership between NOAA and Seaworthy Collective! We are excited and optimistic about the innovation and opportunities that will arise from this program and the new ventures that Seaworthy Collective will be supporting as they build the next generation of blue economy businesses,” said Zack Baize, Program Manager of NOAA’s Ocean Enterprise Initiative.

Empowering Ocean Data Innovators

Startups selected for the Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator gain mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to an interconnected ecosystem of BlueTech leaders. Participants will be eligible for Technology Development Commercialization awards ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, further strengthening their ability to bring impactful ocean solutions to market.

The program’s evolution signals a new phase for Seaworthy Collective. “Our enhanced programming provides unprecedented access to support, connections, resources, and opportunities not only across Seaworthy’s network but also through our industry-leading partners,” said Daniel Kleinman, Founder & CEO of Seaworthy Collective. “This latest iteration of our program will be a catalyst for early-stage or aspiring BlueTech founders looking for clear pathways to navigate the blue economy.”

Expanding Access with The Shoreline

While this year’s cohort focuses solely on U.S.-based ocean data startups, Seaworthy has ensured that founders outside this scope still have access to tailored support. Enter The Shoreline, Seaworthy’s new subscription-based platform, which offers flexible guidance and essential industry resources without the intensive commitment of a full incubator program.

Startups looking to add ocean data collection or utilization capacities can tap into The Shoreline’s offerings, while non-U.S. BlueTech founders can access network connections, industry insights, resources, and personalized support at their own pace. Tamara Kahn Zissman, Director of Founder Success at Seaworthy Collective, emphasized the platform’s adaptability:

“We’re incredibly excited about championing startups leveraging technology to collect, analyze, and provide insights from ocean-related data. Even startups looking to add data collection or utilization capacities can get the targeted support they need to translate their technological advancements into impactful solutions.”

Shaping the Future of BlueTech

Applications for the Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator are open from April 21 through June 26, 2025. Founders looking to accelerate their ocean-impact ventures can apply at seaworthycollective.com/seachange.

For startups seeking flexible access to resources, The Shoreline is currently welcoming beta subscribers with an exclusive 40% discount using code BETA40. Details can be found at shoreline.community.

Since its founding, Seaworthy Collective has supported 40 BlueTech startups and 78 founders, collectively raising nearly $20 million in funding. With the next generation of ocean innovators on the horizon, The Continuum and The Shoreline are set to drive even greater impact for marine conservation and sustainable solutions.

For more information, visit Seaworthy Collective and The Continuum.

About Seaworthy Collective:
Seaworthy Collective is a Miami-based 501c3 nonprofit that supports current and aspiring entrepreneurs driving innovation for ocean impact (AKA BlueTech). Our mission is to bring all hands on deck for BlueTech, via programs to co-create and grow early-stage startups, build regional capacity, and educate our community. We empower Sea Change Makers – founders of all backgrounds leading profitable and planet-positive businesses. Since 2021, we’ve supported 40 BlueTech startups and 78 founders, who have raised almost $20 million since graduating. Based in Miami, our local and global community generates scalable solutions for 71% of the planet (our ocean) to regenerate 100% of the planet. Learn more at SeaworthyCollective.com

About The Continuum:
The Continuum is a coordinated network of ocean enterprise accelerators that fast-tracks startups getting to market by making support for BlueTech solutions more scalable, efficient, and interconnected. The Continuum partners include Braid Theory, Ocean Exchange, Seaworthy Collective, St. Pete Innovation District, Tampa Bay Wave, World Ocean Council, and the University of South Florida. Learn more on our website at: https://www.tampabaywave.org/the-continuum

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Genuine Ocean Protection: 100 x 50

By Deborah Rowan Wright

Can we set a longer-term target aiming to safeguard the whole global ocean from harmful exploitation and land and sea-sourced pollution by 2050?

Young male humpback whales, Moorea, French Polynesia Credit: Ron Watkins / Ocean Image Bank

Genuine ocean protection begins in the mind. I believe we need to question our entire approach to protecting the marine world and turn our reasoning on its head.

When it comes to the ocean, today’s guiding political and economic principle can be summed up like this; “commercial exploitation of the sea comes first, but we will allow some protection”. We’re expected to be grateful when governments designate pockets of safeguarded sea, in the form of marine protected areas. The reality is they throw the beleaguered ocean a bone and keep extractive industries happy, because they’re freely able to over-exploit the rest of the sea. And all the while government, business and industry break international law every day by letting the destructive activities continue.

Adding insult to injury, many protected areas are not a safe haven for marine life anyway. It could be because the regulations aren’t enforced, or because restrictions on harmful activities are so minimal they make no difference. Take the UK’s nonsensical ruling to allow destructive bottom trawling within a protected area, which makes a mockery of its marine conservation policy.

The alternative guiding principle of the sea should be;
“ocean protection comes first, but we will allow responsible and respectful exploitation”. Having unpolluted, healthy life-filled seas will then take priority. Human-driven damage and destruction will stop over ALL of the ocean and not just in parts of it.

The rationale for setting a target of 100% ocean protection rests on law, logic, technology and ethics:

Because 100 x 50 is already established in law

The global ocean has been protected by binding international law since 1994, by articles 61;117- 120; 192-216; 242-244 of the United Nations Law of the Sea (the USA hasn’t yet ratified the Treaty but follows it as customary international law). But failure to enforce the law has allowed industries to empty seas of wildlife, pollute waters, destroy habitats and exacerbate the impacts of the climate crisis. While low-lying and fishery-dependent coastal communities face serious economic, climatic and ecological impacts due to governments not taking action sooner.

Mangroves, Orpheus Island, Australia Credit: Matt Curnock/ Ocean Image Bank

Because partial protection doesn’t stop the ocean’s destroyers

Designating marine protected areas and marine reserves can be invaluable in enabling habitats to regenerate and wildlife to return and the collective campaign to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030 will be a huge step forward when the target is reached. But it won’t stop the primary cause of ocean decline – which is the ruinous over-exploitation of marine resources – and that will be able to continue in the other 70% of the ocean. The threats will persist and we won’t have solved the problem.

Because use we can

With today’s technologies and expertise, enforcing laws and regulations is possible across the globe. Methods include; preventing landing catches in port, withdrawing operating licenses, impounding catches, prosecuting crew members or ship owners, and imposing fines or custodial sentences. At sea, coast guard, naval and former fishing vessels can be part of a patrolling force, monitoring activity and intercepting vessels breaching regulations.

Using satellite technology, organisations like Global Fishing Watch can track the locations, identities, engine power, tonnage, crews, voyage records, and more of around 70,000 commercial fishing vessels around the world. As history shows, when social progress laws are enforced, more enlightened attitudes and new norms of behaviour follow. Putting ocean protection law into action will enable an ocean-respectful culture to develop.

Because it’s right

There are many practical reasons to manage our use of the sea putting nature first. Low-impact, sustainably managed fisheries for example, yield more fish than over-industrialised, over-exploited ones.

There’s also a compelling moral incentive for radical change. Many human activities in the sea are wasteful and extremely cruel. In 2019, at least 230,000 tonnes of fish were dumped in EU waters, most of which was due to indiscriminate capture by bottom-trawling. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 35% of fish, crustacean and mollusc catches are wasted.

Abandoned fishing gear is a deadly menace worldwide. Over 700,000 tons of ghost gear is left in the ocean every year, inflicting incalculable cruelty and death on marine life. Shark finning is a brutal and cruel practice, killing a staggering number of sharks every year, estimates ranging from 70 to 100 million. Losing so many top predators also seriously disrupts the ecological balance in the sea.

A united, cross-sector, cross-border campaign to pressure governments to honour their Treaty commitments by 2050 could see the whole marine environment protected (as it should have been for 30 years).

The anticipated gains of protecting the whole ocean from over-exploitation and destructive practices are plain to see: diminishing pollution and cleaner seas; coral reefs, kelp and mangrove forests regenerating; seas and skies filling with wildlife.

With well-managed fisheries, those who fish for a living or work in related trades will have more to eat and sell, plus employment for the long term. There’ll be more to spend on housing, education and health care, making millions of people better off, healthier and happier.

The global ocean is also Earth’s undisputed champion in confronting the climate crisis. A robust and resilient ocean can absorb heat and atmospheric CO2 and mitigate serious impacts such as ocean acidification, far more effectively than a weakened and depleted one.

Following the original proposal published by Marinet in 2012 (the Principle of Worldwide Marine Protection) the book Future Sea considers how 100% ocean protection could be reached, drawing on international law, successful fisheries management, conservation programmes, law enforcement systems, citizen action, and suggesting lifestyle changes that everyone can make towards marine conservation.

‘All at once eye-opening, thought-provoking, rage-inducing, and empowering, Future Sea is an excellent read for ocean lovers’. Marine Biologist

‘The freshest, most sensible, most optimistic perspective I’ve seen in a long time’. Drew Harvell, Cornell University

‘Rejecting piecemeal strategies, Rowan Wright encourages total ocean protection’. Science

‘The urgency with which she makes her case is utterly convincing. Future Sea is a galvanising book’. The Inquisitive Biologist

‘This book is too important not to be read by the general public, marine scientists, conservationists, representatives of marine-based industries and especially politicians’. The Biologist

About The Author

Deborah Rowan Wright is an independent researcher who writes about ocean conservation policy. Her work on marine renewable energy, public trust law, and ocean governance reform has been published by the International Whaling Commission and The Ecologist, among others. She is currently working on twin campaigns: to achieve a UN Declaration of Ocean Rights and for Ecocide to be recognized as the 5th International Crime.

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Dr. Vanessa Robitzch, a Communication, Citizen Science, & Outreach Program Manager for Conservation of Coral Reefs & Turtles in the Red Sea

Vanessa is a true multi-hyphenate in marine conservation, a marine biologist, population geneticist, and fish ecologist dedicated to protecting coral reef biodiversity. Her research combines ecological, biological, and genetic insights to explore the forces driving species distribution, evolution, and resilience in reef ecosystems. By focusing on habitat ranges, connectivity, and adaptive potential, Vanessa’s work reveals what helps coral reef species thrive under environmental pressure ⎯ a mission she pursues with both rigour and a deep commitment to conservation.

Her career has taken her around the globe, from the chilled waters of the Irminger Sea and Antarctica to tropical hotspots of biodiversity in the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific. Vanessa’s work spans regions as diverse as Zanzibar, Seychelles, Rapa Nui, and Hawaii, with collaborations at institutions like the Museums of Natural History of Australia, Frankfurt, and Vienna, the Alfred Wegener Institute, and the Red Sea Research Center in Saudi Arabia. Each setting and partnership highlights her dedication to advancing marine science and conservation on an international scale.

Originally from San Andres Island in Colombia’s Caribbean, Vanessa’s journey in science began in Germany, where she studied Biology and earned a master’s in Aquatic Tropical Ecology. She completed her PhD in Marine Sciences at KAUST in Saudi Arabia. Her experiences, combined with her Caribbean roots, drive her to protect the world’s oceans with a global perspective and local insight.

As the Communication, Citizen Science, and Outreach Program Manager for SHAMS – The General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea – Vanessa leads community-based initiatives to protect coral reefs and sea turtle nesting habitats in this unique marine environment. Founded by the Saudi government, SHAMS focuses on the restoration and sustainable management of these critical ecosystems, ensuring their resilience for generations to come. Vanessa’s work reflects a core belief: conservation succeeds when scientific knowledge and the beauty of nature inspire pride and commitment in the community to their protection.