Ocean Optimism

The marine world is a vast and diverse ecosystem that covers more than 70% of our planet’s surface. It is home to millions of species, many of which play crucial roles in maintaining the health and balance of the environment.

It is often thought that rainforests are the primary source of oxygen (O2) on the planet, but they are only responsible for 28% of the oxygen on Earth, while oceans are responsible for 70%. This means that for every 10 breaths you take, seven come from the ocean. The ocean also absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2), to keep the carbon cycle, and accordingly temperatures on Earth, in balance. It is our climate-control system.

Large predators, including sharks and marine mammals, such as whales, dolphins and seals, are key indicators of ocean health and are often at the top of the food chain. However, these magnificent creatures and their habitats face numerous threats, including pollution, climate change, habitat destruction and the removal of their prey species though overfishing. Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore marine ecosystems, ensuring that marine life can thrive for generations to come.

Conservation involves the active management and protection of natural resources to prevent exploitation, degradation and extinction. It includes a wide range of activities, from establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) and enforcing fishing regulations, to conducting scientific research and engaging local communities in conservation efforts.

Measuring the success of these initiatives can be challenging, but it often involves monitoring population sizes, health indicators and biodiversity levels. Success can also be seen in the recovery of endangered species, the restoration of damaged habitats, and the increased awareness and involvement of the public in marine conservation. By celebrating these successes and learning from them, we can inspire further action and make meaningful strides toward a healthier and more resilient marine world.

The recovery of the humpback whale

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae), once severely threatened by commercial whaling, has made a remarkable recovery. Thanks to international whaling bans and dedicated conservation efforts, humpback whale populations have increased significantly. In many parts of the world, these majestic creatures are now seen in big numbers, showcasing the power of global co-operation and protection measures.

It is estimated that the North Atlantic population of humpback whales had dropped to between 20,000 and 46,000, but is now thought to be 235,000 strong. This is an increase of nearly 600%. The International Whaling Commission (IWC), established in 1946, played an important role in this recovery. By implementing a temporary global ban and suspension on commercial whaling in 1986, the IWC provided humpback whales with the protection they needed to start recovering.

We know that humpback whale numbers are increasing through various methods of scientific research and monitoring. One of the primary methods is photo-identification, where researchers take photographs of the unique patterns on the underside of humpback whales’ flukes. These patterns act like fingerprints, allowing scientists to identify and track individual whales over time. Additionally, aerial (aeroplane) surveys and boat-based surveys are conducted to estimate population sizes. Researchers use these surveys to count whales in specific areas, and use computer models to estimate the total population(s).

Satellite tracking is another valuable tool, providing data on whale movements and behaviours, and thus helping researchers to understand their migratory patterns and population dynamics. A final survey method is acoustic monitoring, which involves lowering a hydrophone into the ocean and listening to the animals (see Biological Sciences Review Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 37–41). By listening for the distinctive songs of humpback whales using hydrophones, scientists can estimate the number of whales in a given area. These combined efforts have provided a clearer picture of humpback whale recovery, revealing encouraging trends and highlighting the success of conservation measures.

Protection of the monk seal

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is one of the world’s most endangered marine mammals. In 2023, the population was estimated to be limited to 600–700 individuals, which is thought to represent about 3% of its historic abundance.

Conservationists have implemented various strategies to protect their habitats, including the establishment of MPAs. These are areas of the ocean protected for the benefit of certain animals or habitats. They are quite similar to the national parks established on land. Having areas where these animals are protected offers safe havens for their daily activities. Efforts have led to a slow but steady increase in monk seal populations, demonstrating that targeted conservation actions can yield positive results.

Organisations such as the Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles and the Hellenic Society for the Study and Protection of the Monk Seal have played an important part in these efforts. They work on habitat protection, public awareness campaigns, and rescue and rehabilitation programmes for injured or sick seals. Local communities are also engaged in these initiatives, encouraging a sense of stewardship and ensuring long-term conservation success.

Engaging local communities

Engaging with local communities is a prominent part of conservation programmes, and can be vital to successful conservation efforts. In many coastal areas community-led initiatives have made significant contributions to marine conservation and protection. By involving local people in conservation activities, such as beach clean-ups and monitoring programmes, these initiatives encourage a sense of responsibility and guarantee the lasting success of conservation efforts.

For example, the Coastal Communities Network in Scotland is a collection of community-based groups committed to the preservation and safeguarding of Scotland’s coastal and marine environments. Together, volunteers and industry professionals authored The Community-led Marine Biodiversity Monitoring Handbook, which includes an introduction to marine surveys in Scotland, required equipment, real-life survey methods, and survey data forms to record all the marine life from local coasts and waters. Documents like this make it easier for new volunteers to get involved and take an active role in protecting the environment.

Educational programmes aimed at younger people are important for encouraging a new generation of marine conservationists. Programmes like the Sea Watch Foundation’s ‘Adopt a Dolphin’ scheme not only raise funds for research and conservation, but also educate students about marine mammals and the challenges they face. Such initiatives help to inspire and empower younger people to take action in their communities.

Innovative research and technologies

Technological advancements are revolutionising marine conservation efforts, providing new tools and methods to better understand and protect marine life. From satellite tracking and acoustic monitoring to cloning and cryopreservation, these innovations enable scientists to gather vital data and restore damaged ecosystems.

Data such as distributions, abundances, migration routes, percentages of healthy individuals, habitat preferences and how these animals interact with human activities are all vital in understanding a species and doing our best to conserve them. One notable example is the use of drones in marine mammal research. Drones equipped with cameras can capture high-resolution images and videos of marine mammals, allowing researchers to study their health, behaviour and interactions without disturbing them. This non-invasive method provides valuable data, while minimising the impact on the animals.

By using technology we can make more informed decisions and significantly improve the effectiveness of marine conservation initiatives.

Cloning and cryopreservation of coral

Coral reefs, vital to marine biodiversity, face numerous threats. Climate change is a major threat, causing ocean warming/acidification, which leads to coral bleaching and weakened structures. Pollution, including plastic waste, chemicals, and agricultural runoff, further degrades coral health. Overfishing disrupts the balance of reef ecosystems, while destructive fishing practices physically damage coral structures. Additionally, coastal development and tourism increase sedimentation and physical destruction of reefs. These combined threats highlight the urgent need for effective conservation and restoration efforts to protect coral reefs and the myriad species they support.

What about Ocean Optimism? Let us look at the positive stories and be optimistic about our oceans. Advancements in coral cloning and cryopreservation have significant implications for marine ecosystems. Scientists are using cloning and cryopreservation techniques to preserve coral genetic material and restore damaged reefs.

Coral cloning involves the fragmentation of healthy corals to propagate genetically diverse colonies in controlled environments. This method allows researchers and conservationists to cultivate strong coral species that can be transplanted onto degraded reefs, aiming to enhance their survival and promote ecosystem recovery. Cryopreservation stores coral genetic material, such as sperm, eggs or embryos, at ultra-low temperatures, preserving genetic diversity and offering a resource for future restoration efforts.

The Coral Restoration Foundation in Florida and various other organisations, such as the US Navy, which provides divers, have reported encouraging outcomes from these techniques. Over 50% of all coral reefs have been lost since the 1990s, and in Florida there are some areas that are reduced to just 2% of what they once were.

The Coral Restoration Foundation has been able to increase this in some areas, but most of the work so far has been aimed at understanding the current situation for each reef. For example, where there are healthy reefs and damaged reefs, it investigates what the differences are. It can then help to provide the correct features when restoring reefs, to ensure that they survive. Successful restoration projects have demonstrated increased survival rates and growth of transplanted corals, contributing to the regeneration of damaged reef habitats. Despite their promise, scaling up these methods to cover extensive reef areas remains a challenge. Research is underway to address the complex challenges facing coral reefs globally, including climate change impacts and habitat degradation.

Conclusion

Stories of success in marine conservation highlight the power of collective effort and different ideas in safeguarding our oceans and their incredible inhabitants. There is much reason for optimism. These achievements remind us that positive change is possible when we take action, such as by supporting sustainable practices and conservation initiatives.

Ocean Optimism not only celebrates these successes, but also inspires us to become stewards of our marine environments. Whether through volunteering, supporting conservation organisations or advocating for policy changes, each of us can contribute to the ongoing protection of marine biodiversity. By encouraging a sense of responsibility and embracing new technologies, we can ensure a brighter future for the marine world and all its life. Let us continue to work together with optimism and determination to preserve our oceans for generations to come. Join the movement and make a difference today.

Things to do

■ Research a marine species or habitat. Investigate its conservation status and what efforts are being made to protect it.

■ Participate in an environmental clean-up in your area or when on holiday, to help reduce marine litter.

■ Debate the effectiveness of MPAs. Are they enough to protect marine species, or do we need additional measures?

■ Look into the survey methods being used in conservation, and discuss their potential benefits and challenges.

■ Volunteer with a conservation group. Find local or national organisations working on conservation, and get involved.

Ashleigh Kitchiner has an MRes in marine mammal genetics from the University of Chester. Ashleigh is passionate about onboarding environmental advocates and has developed and delivered webinars, conferences and training courses at all levels.