Coastal communities depend on a healthy coral reef ecosystems for food, clean water, commerce, and culture.
Coastal communities depend on a healthy coral reef ecosystems for food, clean water, commerce, and culture. These reefs are also home to a rich diversity of tropical fish and other vibrant species. Among the range of threats posed to coral reefs, warming ocean due to climate change is among the most concerning.
A new study led by Lisa Wedding, Associate Professor at the University of Oxford’s School of Geography and the Environment, uses remotely sensing to illuminate coral reef complexity and biodiversity. This research published recently in Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, uses a novel approach by combining 2D and 3D seascape models to identify complex reef structure, and the populations of fish living within them. Creating cost effective and accurate methods of identifying coastal “hotspots” is an essential step in the creation of effective management plans for marine protection and conservation.
“Mapping and placing value on reef areas that represent biodiversity hotspots are important for coastal communities that rely on healthy reef fish populations for food, tourism and culture. This information can help to inform urgently needed management actions to sustain healthy reefs and healthy coastal communities,” said Wedding.
Read more at University of Oxford
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