Feature Destination

Seychelles Leads the Charge in Seagrass Conservation for Climate Action

In Seychelles, the Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment Project, led by the University of Oxford in partnership with local organizations like Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) and Island Conservation Society, has been instrumental in these efforts. Read more…

Feature Destination: Visit Sustainable Seychelles

In the azure waters of the Indian Ocean lies the Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands renowned for its unparalleled natural beauty and pioneering efforts in sustainable tourism. This idyllic destination is a haven for eco-conscious travellers, scientists, and nature enthusiasts alike. Read more…

Scientists Confirm That Seychelles is a Hope Spot for Blue Whales

While the waters of the Republic of Seychelles became part of the Indian Ocean Whale Sanctuary in 1979, almost nothing is known about the occurrence of blue whales in the western tropical Indian Ocean. Read more…

Green and Hawksbill Turtles Long-Term Growth Patterns Revealed in the Seychelles

In a world increasingly impacted by human stressors, a recent study published in Marine Biology sheds light on the vital need for long-term data to understand and protect marine species like sea turtles. Conducted over 40 years (1981-2021) at Aldabra Atoll, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Seychelles, researchers focused on the growth patterns of immature green and hawksbill turtles. This research is crucial as it informs population models that are essential for the management and conservation of these species, particularly in changing marine environments. Read more…

NEWSROOM

Massive New Seamount Discovered in International Waters Off Guatemala

Seafloor mapping during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition has revealed an underwater mountain twice as high as the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, in international waters off Guatemala. The 1,600-meter (5,249-foot) seamount covers 14 square kilometres and sits 2,400 meters below sea level. Read more…

Scientists Locate New Hydrothermal Vent Field Using State-of-The-Art Mapping Technology

A new high-temperature hydrothermal vent field with 10-15 meter tall venting chimneys was discovered in the Pacific Ocean near the Western Galápagos Islands by an international team using advanced mapping technologies. Read more…

SAWFISH NEWS: SeaWorld Orlando Celebrates the Birth of Endangered Sawfish Pups

In October, SeaWorld Orlando announced the birth of three smalltooth sawfish pups, marking a historic achievement in global conservation for this endangered species as the only aquarium in the United States showcasing smalltooth sawfish and only the second worldwide to have a successful birth. Read more…

Incredible Animal Journeys: Explore the Epic Survival of Wildlife with Jeremy Renner in Nat Geo’s New Series

National Geographic recently premiered its captivating new series, “Incredible Animal Journeys,” narrated by Jeremy Renner, on November 19. This series is an awe-inspiring exploration of the natural world, showcasing the remarkable migrations of various animal species across our planet. Read more…

Emily Cunningham’s Passion for Oceans Earns Her Top UK Women of the Future Award

In a remarkable achievement for ocean conservation, Emily Cunningham, an English marine biologist and dedicated ocean advocate, has been awarded the honorary UK Women of the Future Award. This accolade recognizes Cunningham’s significant contributions to ocean conservation, both in the UK and internationally. Read more…

New England Aquarium Expands Shark Population with Arrival of Nurse Shark Cirri

The New England Aquarium is welcoming a new nurse shark to its Caribbean coral reef exhibit, continuing a decades-long commitment to caring for and protecting shark species. The young female shark, named “Cirri” by staff, moved into the 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank last week. Read more…

Green Governance: The Essential Role of Conservationists on Corporate Boards

In the rapidly evolving corporate landscape, the inclusion of environmentalists, particularly those with expertise in marine conservation, on the boards of Fortune 500 companies has become increasingly important. Read more…

Greenpeace Confronts Deep Sea Mining Ship in At-Risk Pacific Region

Greenpeace International activists yesterday began an ongoing peaceful action against a ship doing deep sea mining exploration for The Metals Company (TMC), to denounce the imminent threat that this industry poses to the world’s oceans. Read more…

New Report Offers Transparency Around Alternative Material to Replace Single-Use Plastics

Better Alternatives 3.0 offers greater transparency around these novel materials, their real-world behavior in the environment, and considerations that should be made before the widespread adoption of bioplastics in all sectors of society. Read more…

Reef-World Foundation Launches First Ever End-of-Year Campaign: Save Our Reefs!

Coral reefs are intricate ecosystems with profound ecological, economic, and cultural importance. The urgency to protect them is a shared responsibility, as the loss of reefs reverberates globally, affecting biodiversity, economies, and the well-being of communities. Read more…

World Fisheries Day 2023: New Illustrative Framework Developed to Monitor The Scale & Impact of ‘Destructive Fishing’

A team of researchers specialising in the impact of unsustainable fishing on marine ecosystems have launched a new illustrative framework to monitor the scale and impact of ‘destructive fishing’. Read more…

New Book Proves Net Zero by 2050 is Impossible & Global Warming Continues with Disastrous Consequences

With a multitude of books published on the subject of climate change, it is hard for readers to know where to start. However, this publication of Malcolm Prowle’s Global Climate Change removes any such conundrum. Read more…

What If There Was a Right Whale National Marine Sanctuary?

The North Atlantic right whale is a critically endangered whale. In the 1970s, with the first whale watches, there were estimated to be 350 right whales, and the population was growing.  Then, in 2017, right whales took a turn for the worse. By 2020, the population had fallen to 338 right whales, with only 50-70 breeding females.  We must now do more to protect and restore right whales.  Read more…

The Nature Conservancy Makes Propositions to Accelerate the Restoration of Oysters in the Gulf of Mexico

The report suggests eight overall strategies for oyster restoration and proposes that $40-50 million in Federal money be allocated to each of the five Gulf states to implement those and related strategies. Read more…

Experiment Shows Biological Interactions of Microplastics in Watery Environment

Scientists have learned over the years that when aquatic organisms such as zooplankton become exposed to microplastics, they eat poorly. Research at Purdue University now shows that their plastic-induced eating difficulties also limit the ability of zooplankton to control algal proliferation. Read more…

To Keep Track of Salmon Migrations in Real Time, First Nations Turn to AI

Between spring and fall each year in coastal British Columbia, when salmon migrate upstream, the region’s First Nations manually count the number of fish passing through to get a sense of how healthy the population is. Read more…

Surfing Morocco’s Waves and Embracing its Rich Traditions

Set off on a captivating journey along Morocco’s West Coast, a region where the pulsating swells of the Atlantic meld with a rich cultural landscape, creating a surfer’s haven. In the second episode of ‘No Contest: Off Tour’ Season Two, viewers are treated to an exploration of this surfing paradise, where every skill level finds its match. Read more…

SEVENSEAS Beach Cleanup with ISB Students Makes a Splash in November 2023

Students from the International School Bangkok (ISB) collaborated in a commendable beach cleanup event, resulting in the collection of an impressive 110 kilograms of waste in just two hours. Read more…

Conserving Nature in the Midst of Human Conflict

In an age where the globe is marred by conflicts and humanitarian crises, with Gaza at the top of our feeds every morning, to the war-torn streets of Ukraine to the persistent strife in Myanmar, Somalia, or any of the other 32 major armed conflicts happening right now, there lies a profound, often unspoken, dilemma for environmentalists. Read more…

SEVENSEAS Beach Cleanup & Coral Restoration Events in Marine Protected Areas

Beach Cleanup Event from
July 28, 2023

Coral Nursery & Restoration Activity Update: July 2023

In July 2023, SEVENSEAS Media conducted two impactful events in Krabi, Thailand. The Monthly Beach Cleanup Event at Ao Sew Beach saw enthusiastic volunteers remove a staggering 150.6 kilograms of trash, underscoring the pressing issue of marine pollution and the significance of sustainable practices like reducing, reusing, and recycling waste. The organization stressed the importance of proper waste management to protect coastal ecosystems.

Meanwhile, in the face of an unexpected storm, SEVENSEAS Media’s Coral Nursery & Restoration team demonstrated unwavering dedication, rescuing and relocating 75 corals to safer locations, bolstering their chances of survival and growth. The team outlined a comprehensive plan for continued coral recovery missions and data collection efforts throughout the year. The recent storm served as a stark reminder of the urgency to safeguard coral reefs from climate change impacts. We would like to express our gratitude for the support received from individuals and communities in this conservation community. We would not be able to do it without your support. You can make a tax-deductible donation here to keep our publications and Thailand Cleanup Project afloat.

You can either make a direct financial contribution to SEVENSEAS Media through The Ocean Foundation website or connect us with potential donors by sending an email to  Giacomo Abrusci, our Editor-in-Chief.

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Signing up for the free Weekly Newsletter & Jobs List will get you a round-up of upcoming events, webinars, meetings, reports, funding opportunities, photos of the week, and recent postings to the jobs list.

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Since 2004, SEVENSEAS Media has fostered an informal and non-partisan platform to promote understanding of key issues and challenges while building partnerships across an increasingly diverse group of marine conservation professionals and students.

Our mission is to promote communication and build partnerships across the global marine community and to identify and address gaps in the community’s work. SEVENSEAS Media achieves this through multimedia promotion and partnerships. The community consists of a diverse and growing group of participants, including non-governmental organizations, government agencies, foundations, bilateral and multilateral agencies, fellowship programs, independent consultants, and academia/students.

If you are interested in contributing or getting involved, email us Here. 

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By Giacomo Abrusci

Photo Banner Caption: A school of fish swims over a seagrass meadow (Thalassodendron ciliatum), now known locally as gomon zerb levantay.
Photo Banner Credit: Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment Project/The Pew Charitable Trusts

Seychelles, an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, is leading a groundbreaking initiative to protect its seagrass meadows, a crucial ecosystem in the battle against climate change. Recognizing the vital role these underwater grasslands play in capturing and storing carbon, supporting marine life, and buffering storm surges, the nation has committed to safeguarding all of its seagrass by 2030 as part of its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement. This commitment positions Seychelles at the forefront of ocean conservation and blue economy initiatives.

The importance of seagrass cannot be overstated. Coastal wetlands, which include seagrasses, mangroves, and saltmarshes, have the potential to sequester and store up to five times more carbon per hectare than terrestrial forests. This remarkable capacity for carbon storage makes seagrasses invaluable in mitigating climate change. However, these ecosystems face threats from coastal development and erosion. Protecting seagrass meadows is not only crucial for climate change mitigation but also for preserving the rich biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities.

In Seychelles, the Seagrass Mapping and Carbon Assessment Project, led by the University of Oxford in partnership with local organizations like Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust (SeyCCAT) and Island Conservation Society, has been instrumental in these efforts. Supported by The Pew Charitable Trusts, the project developed a field-validated map for seagrass meadows and estimated their carbon storage capacity. This mapping initiative, a first of its kind, allows for more precise management and protection of these vital ecosystems.

SeyCCAT has played a pivotal role in raising public awareness about the benefits of seagrass. A notable achievement of their campaign was the development of words in Seychellois Creole for “seagrass,” which reflects the integration of environmental conservation into the nation’s culture and language. This initiative included community engagement, ensuring that the new terminology resonated with the public and became a part of the updated Creole dictionary. By involving the community in this process, the campaign fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of seagrass ecosystems among Seychellois.

SeyCCAT’s efforts extend beyond mapping and public awareness. They are actively working on developing a blue carbon policy for Seychelles, which will guide sustainable management of blue carbon ecosystems and explore financial opportunities derived from them. Moreover, they are also focused on seagrass restoration, employing measures to prevent certain economic activities that could damage these ecosystems.

Seychelles’ commitment to protecting its seagrass meadows is part of a broader environmental strategy. The nation has already achieved its target of protecting 30% of its exclusive economic zone, a feat accomplished through the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan Initiative. This success was made possible by effective partnerships, scientific research, and strong leadership.

In terms of climate change, Seychelles stands out as a small island developing state that is acutely aware of its vulnerability to environmental changes. By focusing on protecting its seagrass meadows, Seychelles is not only contributing significantly to global carbon sequestration efforts but also demonstrating a sustainable model for other nations to follow. The country’s endeavors highlight the importance of nature-based solutions in combating climate change and underscore the need for continued research and policy development in this area.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the efforts of Seychelles serve as a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved through commitment, collaboration, and an understanding of the integral role nature plays in our survival. The preservation of seagrass meadows in Seychelles not only benefits the local environment and communities but also contributes significantly to global efforts to combat climate change, making it a vital endeavor for the health of our planet.

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In a world increasingly impacted by human stressors, a recent study published in Marine Biology sheds light on the vital need for long-term data to understand and protect marine species like sea turtles. Conducted over 40 years (1981-2021) at Aldabra Atoll, a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Seychelles, researchers focused on the growth patterns of immature green and hawksbill turtles. This research is crucial as it informs population models that are essential for the management and conservation of these species, particularly in changing marine environments.

The study analyzed extensive capture-mark-recapture data, revealing significant findings about the turtles’ growth. Green turtles showed a curved carapace length (CCL) range of 34.3-110.9 cm, with an average annual growth rate of 3.2 cm. Hawksbill turtles, on the other hand, exhibited a CCL range of 28.7-89.4 cm, growing at an average rate of 2.8 cm per year. Interestingly, the hawksbill turtles’ growth rate was not constant, showing fluctuations as they grew larger, while no specific growth-size relationship was observed for green turtles. This highlights the varied growth patterns within these species and underscores the influence of environmental factors on their development.

The longevity of this study is significant because long-lived, migratory marine vertebrates like sea turtles are particularly susceptible to environmental changes. Factors like growth in body size, influenced by environmental processes, play a crucial role in population growth and survival. Therefore, understanding these life-history parameters is key to developing robust conservation strategies.

Human-induced changes in marine ecosystems, such as increasing temperatures, are altering the living conditions for many marine species. This makes long-term monitoring data more valuable than ever for assessing changes in populations and devising mitigation strategies. In the case of sea turtles, their growth rates can provide insights into their overall health and the health of the ecosystems they inhabit. Studies have demonstrated regional variations in growth rates, influenced by environmental factors and habitat quality.

One crucial aspect highlighted is the impact of environmental conditions on the growth and reproduction of ectothermic turtles. This variation in growth rates among individuals and locations emphasizes the need for a comprehensive understanding of turtle demographics across different sites and regions. The study from Aldabra Atoll contributes to this understanding, offering valuable data on two internationally important turtle populations in the Western Indian Ocean.

The findings from Aldabra Atoll are particularly relevant as they provide a rare glimpse into the life history of sea turtles in an environment with limited direct human impact. This sets a baseline for comparing these populations with others in more human-modified environments. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies.

The study sheds light on the potential duration of the immature phase of these turtles at Aldabra. For instance, green turtles and hawksbill turtles may spend more than 8 and 18 years, respectively, using the Seychelles as a foraging ground. This insight is valuable for conservation management, as it underscores the importance of protecting these foraging grounds over extended periods to support the turtles’ development.

The conclusions from Aldabra Atoll serve as a critical contribution to our understanding of sea turtle biology and conservation. It highlights the importance of long-term data in uncovering the nuances of marine vertebrate life histories, which is essential for effective conservation planning. As marine ecosystems continue to change under human influence, such comprehensive studies become increasingly vital for the preservation of species like the green and hawksbill turtles.

Read the full paper in Marine Biology here. DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-023-04197-1

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