In this episode of REEF Roundup we sit down with world renowned Dr. Jamie Craggs to learn about the fascinating topic of coral reproduction and how controlled coral spawning is increasingly becoming a go-to restoration tool. Jamie walks through the progression from his groundbreaking work at the Horniman Museum & Gardens ā Project Coral to wider collaborations with Coral Spawning International, SECORE International, Tropical Marine Centre (BioCSL), and his work as Senior Marine Science Officer at MARS Sustainable Solutions ā Building Coral. We also discuss a field project documented with Canon and Nature Seychelles, connecting science and public storytelling.
Explore & follow the organizations mentioned:
Horniman Museum & Gardens ā Project Coral ā Website: https://www.horniman.ac.uk/project/project-coral/ ā¢ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hornimanmuseumgardens/
Coral Spawning International ā Website: https://www.coralspawninginternational.com/
SECORE International ā Website: https://www.secore.org ā¢ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secore.international/
Tropical Marine Centre (BioCSL) ā Website: https://tropicalmarinecentre.com ā¢ BioCSL: https://tropicalmarinecentre.com/uk/sector-bio-csl-coral-spawning-labs ā¢ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tropicalmarinecentre/
MARS Sustainable Solutions ā Building Coral ā Website: https://www.buildingcoral.com
Canon (World Unseen: Coral Matchmaking) ā Feature: https://www.canon-europe.com/view/world-unseen-coral-matchmaking-episode-1/
Nature Seychelles ā Website: https://natureseychelles.org ā¢ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturesey/
Learn more about the show and follow us at REEF Roundup ā https://reef-roundup.com ā¢ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reefroundup/
In this episode, weāre honored to feature Rose Huizenga, founder of Coral Catch and co-founder of Gili Shark Conservation. Originally from the Netherlands, Rose has spent the past decade on Gili Air, Indonesia, transforming a dream to restore her islandās reefs into a powerful movement for ocean conservation and womenās empowerment.
Through Coral Catch, Rose has built a sisterhood of local womenāknown as the Coral Catch Superwomenāwho are trained as certified divers, reef restoration experts, and community leaders. These women are not only reviving reefs across Indonesia but also sparking ripple effects of change in their communities, proving that empowering women is a catalyst for stronger ecosystems and societies.
For Rose, this mission is deeply personal. Every time she takes her daughters into the ocean, sheās reminded why she began: so the next generation can inherit a living, thriving ocean. Her vision is bold yet tangibleāto empower 100 women to pursue conservation careers and 100 more to learn how to swim, ensuring a brighter future for both people and reefs.
If youāre looking for a powerful story of how one personās dream can ignite lasting change, this episode is a must-listen.
Follow the journeys of the Coral Catch Superwomen on Instagram @coralcatch, and support their work at coralcatch.org/donate.
In this episode we are featuring Rebecca Daniel @rebecca_saltysea, the visionary Director of @themarinediaries. Rebeccaās journey from a young ocean enthusiast to a leading marine conservationist storyteller is nothing short of extraordinary.
We'll explore how The Marine Diaries is making waves in ocean conservation, from educating the public on marine ecosystems to launching powerful campaigns and creating an ocean community through events and experiences. Discover their visually stunning short films on YouTube, such as "The Big Blue", which takes you deep into the heart of the ocean, and get a taste of adventure with their annual "Great African Seaforest Adventure", showcasing the wonders of Cape Townās underwater world.
Whether youāre passionate about marine science, eager to learn how you can help protect our ocean, or simply love a good story, this episode is packed with insights that will leave you inspired and ready to take action!
Make sure to visit The Marine DiariesĀ at www.themarinediaries.comĀ and follow them on Instagram @themarinediariesĀ to stay updated on their latest initiatives.
On this episode of REEF Roundup, we are thrilled to host David and Brett Kettle, the innovative minds behind Flying Fish Technologies. With a combined legacy of over five decades in marine conservation, the Kettles are revolutionizing how we analyse, understand and protect coral reefs.
Brett Kettle has been a formidable force in coral reef protection for several decades. His career highlights include spearheading the largest reef remediation project on the Great Barrier Reef and providing expert testimony in landmark environmental cases. Driven by the need to address Crown of Thorns Starfish outbreaks, Brett envisioned a tool that could document vast stretches of reef with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This vision materialized into the Vertigo3 glider, a high-speed underwater survey device capable of capturing over 50,000 high-resolution images per hour, each enriched with geospatial and environmental data.
David Kettle brings a wealth of experience in business analysis, project management, and technological innovation. As CEO of Flying Fish Technologies, David has been instrumental in developing AI-driven tools that analyze biodiversity in real-time, enabling the creation of photorealistic, geospatially accurate digital twins of reef ecosystems. His leadership has ensured that Flying Fish Technologies remains at the forefront of marine survey technology, making their gliders accessible for global deployment and adaptable to various environmental conditions.
Together, Brett and David Kettle are not just advancing marine science; they are making it possible to monitor and preserve our underwater worlds more effectively and on a scale that was never possible before. Tune in to hear about their journey, the technology theyāve developed, and their vision for the future of coral reef conservation.
Make sure to check out Flying Fishs' videos - they are incredible! https://vimeo.com/showcase/10597521
You can find Brett Kettle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brettkettle
You can also find David Kettle here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kettledavid
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The REEF Roundup crew recently had the privilege of attending the UN Ocean Decade Conference in Barcelona. We met an incredible array of ocean heroes from scientists and policymakers to activists and innovators, all dedicated to creating a brighter future for the ocean.
This special episode is a sneak peek into our experience at the conference, highlighting the key themes, discussions, and solutions presented. We'll also be teasing some of our upcoming episodes, featuring four extraordinary individuals:
Stay tuned for our upcoming episodes, where we'll dive deeper into the work of these inspiring individuals and explore the many ways we can all contribute to a healthier ocean.
You can learn more and watch many of the conference presentations HERE.
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Farah Obaidullah is the founder of The Ocean and Us, the editor of the new book The Ocean and Us. She holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from Imperial College in London. With over 20 years professional experience, Farah has travelled the world, observing the beauty of the ocean and witnessing some of the most egregious practices happening at sea.
Among her achievements, Farah has executed campaigns to end destructive fishing, worked with affected communities, lobbied for ocean protection and been deeply involved in exposing fish crimes, including slavery and labour abuse at sea.
Farah is currently campaigning for a moratorium on deep-sea mining, a reckless emerging industry that will cause irreversible harm to deep-sea ecosystems, and for which the consequences in terms of disturbing locked-away carbon are unknown. Support Farah's audacious new project: The Ocean Hope Tour, connecting people to the ocean and stopping the next climate disaster from starting!
To listen to the second half of this episode, follow Eutopya Podcasts
Make sure to check out Farah's website: https://www.theoceanandus.org/ and follow along with her initiatives!
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Meet Ellie Casement, a 23-year-old marine biologist, dive professional, and self-proclaimed 'fish geek.' Over the past year, Ellie has been immersing herself in the marine world of Roatan, Honduras, fueled by her passion for marine conservation and a prestigious Fulbright Independent Research Grant.
In Roatan, Ellie's journey entailed collaborating with notable local NGOs, including the Roatan Marine Park, Healthy Reefs, and the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences. Her groundbreaking project? Investigating how fish populations, particularly butterflyfish, adapt behaviorally and demographically to the devastating stony coral tissue loss disease epidemic ravaging Caribbean reefs.
But Ellie's work extends beyond academic research. Her days were filled with diverse, impactful activities: from teaching coral restoration techniques at local dive shops, empowering young locals through SCUBA education, to monitoring grouper spawning events and even tagging sharks.
Ellieās oceanic journey began at the tender age of 4 during her family's sojourn in St. Lucia. A pivotal SCUBA dive at 12 set her heart on a life intertwined with the sea. Following an academic path in ecology and evolutionary biology at Tulane University, enriched by semesters abroad and numerous SCUBA certifications, the Fulbright grant transformed her island-living dream into reality.
As of July 2023, Ellie's new chapter unfolds in Portugal, where she is part of the EUās International Master of Science in Marine Biological Resources (IMBRSea) program. Her current pursuits? A fascinating shark DNA barcoding project, preparing her Fulbright research for publication, and devising future projects centered around her beloved butterflyfish.
For insights into Ellie's research, inquiries about Roatan, or simply to connect, reach her at elliecasement@gmail.com.
Delve deeper into the world of Roatanās reef conservation efforts and learn about Ellie's collaborators:
Brianna Bambic is a dynamic and dedicated professional currently spearheading the Field Engagement team at Allen Coral Atlas, a pioneering tool that provides high-resolution mapping and monitoring of the world's coral reefs. Her career is rooted in a profound commitment to marine conservation, particularly focusing on coral reef ecosystems.
Brianna's journey in marine science began with her earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Denver, where she was recognized on the Dean's list. She further honed her expertise by pursuing a Master's degree in Natural Resource Management, specializing in Coastal and Marine Management, from HĆ”skĆ³linn Ć” Akureyri, Iceland.
With a career that spans over a decade, Brianna's experience in the field is extensive. She has played a pivotal role as a Senior Program Manager at National Geographic, where she utilized her networking skills to advance conservation efforts. Additionally, as an Early Career Grantee of National Geographic, she conducted significant research in Belize City, Belize.
Brianna's work is not just confined to research and management. She has also actively engaged in fieldwork, having completed over 700 dives, predominantly focused in the Caribbean region. Her expertise encompasses coastal and marine management, community engagement, and outreach, effectively bridging the gap between scientific research and public awareness.
We're honored to have her with us, and know that you'll enjoy learning more about her, the tools that are available from Allan Coral Atlas, and about how you too can get involved.
Organisations mentioned in this episode:
Marina Garmendia is a marine scientist and co-founder & CEO of Coralisma, a non-profit organization aimed at rebuilding coral populations in Mexico. With a background in professional diving, she recognized the urgency to address coral reef degradation.
In addition to her leadership at Coralisma, Marina is deeply involved in research to improve coral restoration methods. She is a graduate research assistant at the CRRAM Lab while pursuing her M.S in Marine Science at NSU. She presented findings on coral microfragmentation at the 50th annual Benthic Ecology Meeting as well as at the 2022 International Coral Reef Symposium. Her work also extends internationally, including projects aimed at restoring the Arrecife de Puerto Morelos National Park in Mexico, as well as work in Southeast Florida.
Besides these many accomplishments, Marina has the rare ability to beautifully communicate complex scientific concepts, so we think this episode will be a real treat!
Check out their website here:Ā https://www.coralisma.com/
And you can find them on Instagram here:Ā Coralisma A.C. (@coralisma_mx) ā¢ Instagram photos and videos
@nsu_crram_lab
https://instagram.com/nsu_crram_lab
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Dr. Nancy Knowlton is a distinguished coral reef biologist known for her extensive work in marine science. Her academic journey began at Harvard University, from where she graduated before earning her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley. Professionally, she has held esteemed positions in various reputable institutions. Early in her career, she served as a faculty member at Yale University from 1979 to 1984. Post that, she joined the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama as a staff scientist and worked there until 1998. She also had a tenure at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California in San Diego, where she founded the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation.
Dr. Knowltonās most notable position was as the Sant Chair for Marine Science at the Smithsonianās National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C., a role she assumed in 2007 and held till she became emerita. During her illustrious career, she also played a pivotal part as a scientific leader in the Census of Marine Life, a monumental endeavor to catalog and understand marine life species across the globe.
A significant highlight of Dr. Knowlton's career is her literary contribution, 'Citizens of the Sea,' published by National Geographic in 2010 to mark the culmination of the Census of Marine Life. This book reflects her deep understanding and appreciation of marine biodiversity.
Her dedication and significant contributions to marine science have earned her several accolades, including the Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow in 1999, the Benchley Award for Science in 2009, and the prestigious Heinz Award with a special focus on the environment in 2011. Additionally, in 2013, she was elected a member of the US National Academy of Sciences, marking her standing in the scientific community.
Dr. Knowlton's work has substantially impacted our understanding of marine biodiversity, particularly the ecology, behavior, and conservation of coral reef organisms, laying a strong foundation for future research and conservation efforts in marine science.
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Shelby Tomas is an experienced leader in marine conservation and restoration, serving as the CEO and Founder of the Ocean Rescue Alliance (ORA). Her academic background includes a master's degree in Marine Ecology and she is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Marine Biology at the University of Florida. She has also been a key participant in various marine restoration projects and previously worked as the head laboratory technician for AMEC Foster Wheeler in Gainesville.
As the CEO of ORA, Tomas has led several important initiatives, most notably the 1000 Mermaids Artificial Reef Project. The project, which deployed over 85 reef modules off the coast of Palm Beach County, Florida, has helped to restore marine habitats and stimulate local economies.
Tomas also emphasizes public engagement in her work. Through the Coral Rangers citizen science program, she encourages community members to participate in environmental conservation. Her approach to conservation, which integrates science, art, and innovation, has contributed to ORA's unique position in the reef restoration industry.
Under Tomas's leadership, ORA has grown and fostered relationships with academic institutions, government agencies, non-profits, and industry leaders. Her work continues to have a notable impact on coastal communities and ecosystems.
Follow Shelby on Instagram: Shelby Thomas (@shelbythomas21)
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Dr. Raquel Peixoto is a leading scientist with a specialized focus on coral reef conservation. Her innovative research on probiotics investigates potential solutions to help coral reefs survive the impacts of climate change.
Dr. Peixoto has led several studies in collaboration with scientists from Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and Cornell University. The studies involved introducing beneficial bacteria to fragments of coral in aquariums. These microbes, which are naturally present in healthy coral reefs, significantly increased the coral's resilience to increasing water temperatures.
Now, in partnership with Seed Health, a biotech startup, Dr. Peixoto continues her pioneering work. By meticulously controlling the environment in the labādown to light wavelengths, temperature, and pH levelsāher research simulates various environmental conditions, collecting extensive data in real time.
Looking ahead, Dr. Peixoto and her team look to demonstrate their ability to successfully populate coral reefs with these beneficial organisms. Dr. Peixoto's groundbreaking work is an integral part of the global fight to save the world's coral reefs from climate change-induced bleaching events.
Follow Dr. Raquel Peixoto on Twitter: ā https://twitter.com/peixotors
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Dr. Dirk Petersen is the executive director and the founder of SECORE International (SExual COral REproduction), a non-profit organization dedicated to coral reef conservation. Stemming from Petersenās groundbreaking research on coral reproduction that started as an initiative in 2001, he established the organization as an NPO in 2015. Petersen's innovative findings have led to the development of techniques that harness sexual coral reproduction for coral reef conservation. Initially, SECORE focused on sustainable coral breeding for the aquarium trade (ex situ conservation), but soon, within a few years, the actual reef restoration and enhancement became SECOREās true goal (in situ conservation) as well.
SECORE has established an implementation partner program that trains practitioners in coral breeding and seeding techniques and unifies different institutions, organizations, and authorities towards the common goal of saving the world's greatest marine ecosystem ā the coral reef.
Petersen's contributions to coral restoration, are highly recognized, and so is the work of SECOREās scientists. Along with over 60 supporting partner institutions, SECORE under Petersen's leadership works tirelessly to raise awareness about the deteriorating condition of our oceans and works on proactive measures to counter it.
Find Seacore at:Ā ā https://www.secore.org/site/
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Dr. Christian Wild is a German biologist and geographer, currently serving as a professor at the University of Bremen. His academic journey began with studying biology and geography at the University of Mainz and the University of Bremen, and later conducting his doctoral project at the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen. Wild's expertise lies in the study of coral reefs, focusing particularly on ecosystem engineers such as stony corals. His research examines the biological, geochemical, and physical factors influencing coral reefs and the impact of various stress factors on these ecosystems. Dr. Wild also investigates the release and composition of organic material by marine organisms.
It was a pleasure to interview Dr. Wild for the Pacifica Radio Network, and we're happy to be sharing our conversation with him here now.
Follow Dr. Wild on LinkedIn: ā Christian Wild | LinkedIn
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Join us for a fantastic interview with Zack Rago as he touches on the importance of combining science with art, outreach, and storytelling. Most ocean advocates will be familiar with Zack from his involvement in the Chasing Coral documentry. In this episode you'll learn more about what he's up to now - still pushing to save the ocean for future generations. We were honored to have him on the show and we know you'll enjoy this special episode!
Follow Zack on Twitter: Zack Rago (@Zackropora)
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Join us for a fantastic interview with Dr. Andrea Grottoli as she touches on many important topics, but in particular the importance of ensuring that the science is turned into policy and the policy becomes action!
Dr. Andrea Grottoli is a Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences and former President of the International Coral Reef Society She is also the co-author on the recently released paper "Rebuilding Coral Reefs: A Decadal Grand Challenge" calling for new commitments and actions by the world's policymakers to protect and restore coral reefs. The recommendations for policy action are to:
You can find more about Dr. Grottoli here.
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Dr. Charlotte de Fontaubert is Global Lead for the Blue Economy at the World Bank, where she is responsible for guiding the Bankās transition towards a Blue Economy approach, defined as the sustainable and integrated development of oceanic sectors in healthy oceans. She is also Program Manager for PROBLUE, a Multi-Donor Trust Fund launched in 2018, which aims to identify new ways to finance the transition to a blue economy. As a Senior Fisheries Specialist, she has co-authored some of the Bankās seminal publications on fisheries and the blue economy, including The Sunken Billions Revisited, a chapter on fisheries and subsidies in The Changing Wealth of Nations, a report on fisheries and climate change and fisheries in Africa, and a report on The Potential of the Blue Economy : Increasing Long-term Benefits of the Sustainable Use of Marine Resources for Small Island Developing States and Coastal Least Developed Countries. Dr. de Fontaubert holds an M.Sc. in Sea-Use Law, Economics and Policy from the London School of Economics and a Ph.D. in Marine Studies from the University of Delaware.
Charlotte de Fontaubert | Global Lead for the Blue Economy, World Bank
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Welcome to the second half of our talk with Dr. Iris Ziegler, head of international cooperation at SharkProject international. Dr. Iris is a natural scientist, and an expert on sustainable, ecosystem-compatible fisheries and ocean risk management. Dr. Iris is also a voting member of the IUCN, which decides which species need to be protected globally. She engages in international lobbying and cooperation with other NGOs and working groups at the EU and around the world, and is a huge advocate and voice in the highest policy levels, pushing for further protections for sharks in particular and the health of the ocean generally.
Sharkproject Home EN | SHARKPROJECT - internationally active in the research, education and advocacy for the conservation of sharks and the marine ecosystems
We are excited to be talking to Dr. Iris Ziegler, Head of International Cooperation at SharkProject International. Dr. Iris is a natural scientist, and an expert on sustainable, ecosystem-compatible fisheries and ocean risk management. Dr. Iris is also a voting member of the IUCN, which decides which species need to be protected globally. She engages in international lobbying and cooperation with other NGOs and working groups at the EU and around the world, and is a huge advocate and voice in the highest policy levels, pushing for further protections for sharks in particular and the health of the ocean generally. Sharkproject Home EN | SHARKPROJECT - internationally active in the research, education and advocacy for the conservation of sharks and the marine ecosystems Sharkproject International (@sharkproject) / Twitter
"There is no reason why the public works budget shouldn't include money for the protection of the reef, because the reef is protecting the economic engine. And we are absolutely in discussions with governments about this kind of thinking." - Simon Young
Today we talk with Simon Young, a volcanologist who went diving in the aftermath of a volcano and hurricane, and realized the need for quick remediation of damage following a natural disaster. He now works for WTW, and is helping to pilot a new type of coverage, parametric insurance. Parametric insurance provides immediate compensation for "non-traditional asset classes" - among those coral reefs - after a devastating storm. WTW now manages insurance policies for organizations throughout the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR), and they are planning expansion to the Caribbean and eventually the rest of the world. With more storms never far away, this insurance provides an innovative way to ensure that damage can be mitigated quickly, allowing both the reefs and the people who depend on them to recover as quickly as possible. Don't miss it!
Links to organizations mentioned in the podcast below.
WTW: https://www.wtwco.com/en-US/Insights/research-programs-and-collaborations/climate-and-resilience-hub
Ocean Risk Alliance: https://www.oceanriskalliance.org/
Reef Resilience: https://reefresilience.org/
The Mar Fund: https://marfund.org/en/
The Nature Conservancy (TNC): https://www.nature.org/en-us/
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund: https://www.caribbeanbiodiversityfund.org/
Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve: http://www.turneffeatollmarinereserve.org/maps
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