We are delighted to announce the official launch of the Falkland Kelp environmental DNA (eDNA) Project during Monaco Ocean Week 2023. This ground-breaking project is dedicated to investigating the biodiversity and ecological relationships within the stunning kelp forest ecosystems of the Falkland Islands. Using eDNA analysis, our research team aims to uncover elusive or cryptic species that inhabit these unique kelp forests, providing valuable insights into the intricate marine habitats. The launch event at Monaco Ocean Week 2023 underscores the importance and beauty of the Falkland Islands' kelp forests, which serve as vital and globally rare intact ecosystem with a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity.
Learn more about this exciting initiative:
SAERI Blog Posts: Global First: Falkland Islands eDNA Study to Uncover the Secret World of Kelp Forests
Or by watching the project launch video by Oly Dempster from The Falkland Islands Film Company here: https://vimeo.com/810621685
The United Nations has reached a historic milestone with a draft treaty to Protect the High Seas. This landmark treaty aims to conserve and sustainably manage the vast ocean spaces beyond national jurisdiction. The announcement, covered by Falkland Islands Television (FITV), highlights the global commitment to preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring the responsible use of our oceans' resources.
The treaty will address crucial aspects of high seas conservation, including marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments, and the sharing of marine genetic resources. With this agreement, the international community comes together to safeguard our oceans for future generations and uphold the principles of sustainable development.
Learn more about the global commitment to preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring responsible use of our oceans' resources from a Falkland Islands perspective on FITV : United Nations Treaty Pact to Protect the High Seas
Dr Patrick Krug demystifies the science behind identifying new sea slug species. The video highlights the meticulous process, from field collection to morphological examination and DNA analysis. Gain insights into the captivating world of sea slugs and the importance of their identification in understanding ocean biodiversity.
In celebration of International Sea Slug Day, primary school children in the Falkland Islands took part in a creative design competition, showcasing their artistic skills and appreciation for these fascinating marine creatures. Tasked with designing their own imaginative nudibranchs or sea slugs, the young scientists explored the colourful diversity and unique features of these captivating organisms. The competition not only inspired creativity but also nurtured environmental awareness and a deeper understanding of the importance of ocean biodiversity.
Discover more about the students' artistic interpretations of nudibranchs and sea slugs via our blog: New sea slug discoveries bring local engagement and international expertise and on the FITV segment : Primary School Children mark International Sea Slug Day.
SAERI scientist Dr Narissa Bax recently attended the COP 27 climate conference in Egypt. Dr Bax joined representatives from around the world to discuss pressing environmental issues, with a particular focus on the health and preservation of the world's oceans. Throughout the conference, experts highlighted the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and addressing the challenges they face due to climate change. Dr Bax's attendance at COP 27 underlines SAERI's commitment to fostering international collaboration and driving forward innovative solutions to tackle pressing global environmental challenges. In her FITV report (SAERI Marine Scientist attends COP27) on COP 27, Dr Bax highlights the significant representation of oceans at the conference, emphasising the crucial role they play in global climate regulation and the need for urgent action to protect marine ecosystems. Dr Bax's reflections on the event underscore the importance of international cooperation in addressing the challenges faced by our oceans and provide insight into the progress made during the conference.
Learn more about Dr Bax's experience and the outcomes of COP 27 in the FITV report: Stanley Marine Scientist "thankful" for Oceans Representation at COP27.. Or read the SAERI Blog Post: SAERI Scientist presents at COP-27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt
As part of Earth Day celebrations at COP-27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, the Deep Ocean Stewardship Initiative (DOSI) Climate Change working group, funded by the High Seas Alliance, coordinated a special event at the Climate Education Hub titled "The Deep-Sea, the Climate, and the Next Generation". The event aimed to raise awareness of the vital role that deep-sea ecosystems play in regulating our planet's climate and promote the importance of engaging and educating the next generation of scientists and conservationists. Experts discussed the latest research, innovations, and conservation efforts aimed at understanding and preserving the deep-sea environment. The event also emphasised the importance of fostering global collaboration to tackle pressing environmental challenges and nurture the next generation of environmental leaders.
Watch the event here: https://twitter.com/EarthDay/status/1590351977594388484
SAERI scientists Dr Stefani Carter and Dr Narissa Bax have been working closely with local children in the Falkland Islands to discover rare sea slug species. Their collaborative efforts have led to the exciting discovery of new populations of Elysia sp., which was first found in the Falkland Islands by a young explorer named Ben Brickle. Additionally, Steffi's son spotted a fascinating blue sea slug, which could be a new species. These discoveries highlight the importance of engaging children in scientific research and fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder for the natural world.
In an interview with FITV, Dr Carter and Dr Bax discuss the significance of these rare sea slug sightings in the Falklands. They emphasise the importance of understanding and preserving the unique biodiversity of the region, as well as the value of involving local communities and the younger generation in scientific endeavours.
Learn more about these discoveries on the FITV Segment: Scientists Discover Rare Sea Slugs in the Falklands
Falkland Islands TV (FITV) interviewed Dr Narissa Bax discussing kelp forests, coral gardens and more from collaborative research on Falkland Islands Blue Carbon in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science research topic - Blue Carbon: Beyond the Inventory: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.872727/full
A remarkable aggregation of hundreds, possibly thousands, of Snow Crabs (Paralomis granulosa) has been discovered at Bird Island. This significant finding highlights some of the rich biodiversity present within the island's ecosystem and the need for its protection as a potential Marine Managed Area (MMA). Bird Island, currently under consideration for designation as an MMA, is home to an array of marine life that plays a crucial role in maintaining a balanced and thriving ecosystem.
The protection and management of this important ecological site will help ensure the preservation of its unique biodiversity, enabling these fascinating species to continue thriving and contributing to the overall health of our oceans.
SAERI marine scientist, Dr Narissa Bax, with a background in coral research, joined Cara Santa Maria on her popular podcast, Talk Nerdy, to discuss the importance and beauty of deep sea and mesophotic corals found in the Falkland Islands, Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic. In this engaging conversation, Dr Bax shares her knowledge and passion for these mysterious and vital ecosystems, highlighting their significance in maintaining the health of our oceans. The Falkland Islands are home to a rich diversity of deep sea and mesophotic corals, which serve as essential habitats for a wide range of marine species. The preservation and study of these remarkable ecosystems is crucial for understanding their ecological functions and ensuring their long-term survival in the face of ongoing environmental changes.
In the podcast, Dr Bax delves into her research on these corals, providing listeners with a captivating insight into the fascinating seafloor. To listen to the full podcast episode, please click here: https://www.carasantamaria.com/podcast/narissa-bax
