Marine Ecosystem Conservation

At Financial Canvas we want to use the platform we have created to help support positive impact on the climate and environment. This naturally means developing our services to deliver analytics to help clients meet their regulatory and social responsibilities but we also want to use our platform as an enabler to support tangible conservation initiatives.

This commitment aligns with the work I experienced firsthand during my internship at Global Reef in Koh Tao. Here, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in data collection for several research projects aimed at conserving complex marine ecosystems and preserving biodiversity. This internship not only enhanced my understanding of coral biology but also allowed me to engage in hands-on conservation efforts to protect our fragile reefs.

A Deep Dive into Coral Biology and Ecology

The internship began with a series of morning lectures that took us deep into the world of coral biology and ecology. One of the most fascinating things I learned was that coral is often misunderstood. It's neither just a plant nor purely an animal, but both. Coral consists of a hard calcium carbonate skeleton and polyps (the animal part), which house zooxanthellae (the plant-like algae). These tiny algae are crucial to the coral's survival, as they perform photosynthesis, providing up to 90% of the coral's energy. Zooxanthellae also help produce essential nutrients like proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and calcium carbonate that contribute to the coral's growth and reproduction.

Understanding the role of zooxanthellae gave me a much clearer perspective on coral bleaching. This phenomenon occurs when corals expel their zooxanthellae due to stress, usually caused by rising sea temperatures, pollution, or changes in water conditions. Without these algae, the corals lose their colour and, more importantly, their primary energy source, leading to weakened health and even death.

Reef Health Surveys: Observing Coral Bleaching and Recovery

Armed with this knowledge, I was able to appreciate the importance of the dives that followed, where we observed both areas of coral bleaching and new growth. These observations were essential as we participated in Reef Health Surveys.

Reef Health Surveys are vital for monitoring the condition of coral reefs. The surveys consist of three main parts: assessing reef fish, identifying substrate types, and surveying invertebrates. We conducted these surveys along transects, categorizing the diversity and health of the reef substrates. Regular monitoring over time allows us to identify patterns and trends, providing valuable data on how the reef's health evolves; particularly in response to environmental stressors like bleaching events.

Exploring Biodiversity Around Koh Tao

In addition to reef health monitoring, we conducted surveys on pelagic fish, reef fish, and invertebrates to contribute to ongoing research. These surveys are important for understanding the biodiversity around Koh Tao, as well as the effects that human activity and environmental changes, like coral bleaching, have on species abundance. Through these efforts, the intricate food chains and ecological interactions within these ecosystems can also be explored.

One of the most fascinating aspects of this research was learning about phase shifts. A phase shift occurs when an ecosystem reaches a tipping point, changing from one type of environment (such as a coral-dominated reef) to another (like an algal-dominated ecosystem). These shifts can have profound implications for the future health and stability of coral reefs.

Artificial Reefs: Supporting Coral Growth

A highlight of my internship was getting hands-on experience working as part of the team with the deployment of artificial reef structures and coral planting. I learned two distinct methods for coral planting: one suited for branching corals and another for bouldering types. We also worked on maintaining existing artificial reefs, ensuring their continued contribution to the ecosystem.

But what exactly are artificial reefs? In simple terms, artificial reefs are man-made structures placed underwater to promote marine life. These structures provide surfaces for coral larvae to attach and grow, creating new habitats for fish and invertebrates. Artificial reefs play a crucial role in restoring damaged ecosystems and enhancing biodiversity, offering hope for the future of coral conservation. Global Reef is working on research that identifies the impacts of artificial reefs located close to natural reefs, and creating models that evaluate what makes them successful. This research is crucial in planning future deployments and conservation efforts.

Conclusion

Heading into a Marine Biology degree now, my internship at Global Reef was a dream opportunity that gave me a deeper appreciation for marine ecosystems and their conservation. Learning the biology of coral reefs to conducting health surveys and contributing to artificial reef projects. Having the chance to dive every day to witness firsthand the importance of ongoing research and action in preserving these vital ecosystems for future generations.