Satellite Imaging, Micro Invertebrates: Coral Reef Lenses at Hao Atoll

Satellite Imagery for Reef Habitats and Geomorphology of Coral Reef Ecosystems

Jeremy Kerr, research assistant at the National Coral Reef Institute, uses satellite imaging to get a sense of the spatial distribution of reef habitats and their geomorphology (the study of land forms and the processes that made them). As he states, “The bird’s eye view provided by satellite imaging compliments the divers’ view. By combining the two perspectives, we better understand the underlying processes shaping these coral reef ecosystems.”

Overflight views of the reefs allow the researchers to see specific features and details of the reef habitats to help determine important areas for surveying by the survey teams.

Overflight view of Hao showing the fore reef.

Dissecting Microscope for Micro Invertebrates, Biodiversity, Reef Ecology

On the other end of the field of view is the work of Jenna Moore from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She uses a dissecting microscope to view the reef at the macro level. By identifying invertebrates too small to be seen by the survey teams, she helps determine the full breadth of the reef’s biodiversity. Invertebrates are the most numerous and diverse group of animals on the reef forming an important part of the reef’s ecology.

Micro Invertebrates: Reef crab (1 cm wide), genus Pilodius, as seen through dissecting microscope.

(Photos by: Image 1 Jeremy Kerr, 2 Dr. Andrew Bruckner, 3 Jenna Moore)

From Dialogue to Action: Ocean Foundations Gather in Stockholm

What can philanthropy accomplish when foundations working across ocean science, conservation, and sustainable development come together around a shared purpose?

That question was at the heart of the 6th UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue, held September 7–9 in Stockholm, Sweden. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation joined philanthropic organizations from around the world for three days of discussion, collaboration, and planning focused on accelerating progress during the second half of the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.

Facilitated by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), the UN Ocean Decade Foundations Dialogue is a growing network of more than 30 philanthropic organizations committed to advancing ocean science, collaboration, and action. Since its creation within the framework of the Ocean Decade, the Dialogue has provided foundations with a space to exchange ideas, develop partnerships, and explore how philanthropy can help advance a healthy and resilient ocean.

Hosted by the Voice of the Ocean Foundation (VOTO), this year’s gathering began with From Depth to Action, an Opening Forum that brought nearly 100 leaders from the Swedish and international ocean community together at…

Meet IFAN: Helping Bring Navigate with Care to the Next Generation

If you’ve ever seen a lighthouse flashing from the shore or a brightly colored buoy bobbing in the water, you’ve seen Aids to Navigation at work.

Aids to Navigation, often called AtoNs, help mariners navigate safely. They can mark channels, warn of hazards, help vessels determine their position, and provide other information people need to make safe decisions on the water. Around the world, these systems help guide everything from small recreational boats to large commercial or container ships.

But safe navigation isn’t only about protecting vessels and the people aboard them. The choices mariners make can also affect the animals and ecosystems beneath and around them.

That connection between maritime safety and ocean conservation is at the heart of this year’s Science Without Borders® Challenge—and of our partnership with this year’s theme sponsor, the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN).