Deep and meaningful: images of our oceans

Deep and meaningful: images of our oceans

Innovative conservation since 1903

Our oceans and coastlines host some of the most productive ecosystems on earth, providing food and livelihoods to millions of people around the world, from small-scale artisanal fishers to international fishing fleets.

Healthy oceans also play a critical role in regulating the Earth’s climate. But all is not well beneath the waves. Decimated fish stocks, fading coral reefs and ravaged seabeds all bear testament to mankind’s impacts.

Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is helping to restore the health of the oceans, working around the globe to safeguard species and habitats, improve policies and practices, and make sure that local people, organisations and governments can manage their own marine environment sustainably.

Meet Badem, a female Mediterranean monk seal who was abandoned as a pup. Luckily she was rescued by FFI’s partner, The Mediterranean Conservation Society, who reared her until she was old enough to be released back into GÜkova Bay, Turkey, where she makes an interesting encounter for divers.

These colourful feather stars and sea squirts were photographed in a submerged valley in Lamlash Bay, a fully-protected marine reserve around the Isle of Arran in Scotland. Although they appear plant-like, these are actually animals that filter plankton and other small particles of food from the surrounding water.

Credit: Zafer Kizilkaya

Credit: Leigh Howarth/University of York

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This colourful clownfish is one of the few species that can live among the venomous tentacles of a sea anemone. The two enjoy a symbiotic relationship in which the anemone protects the clownfish from predators and provides food through scraps, while the clownfish defends the anemone from predators and parasites.

Seagrass habitats shelter a range of marine species and provide food for many others like this green turtle.

These plants also help to keep waters clean and oxygenated, stabilise the seabed and store carbon.

Sadly, they are very vulnerable to damage from anchoring, dredging and pollution, and it is thought that around 30% of seagrass beds have already been lost.

Credit: Phil McIntyre/www.johnmcintyre.com

Credit: Phil McIntyre/www.johnmcintyre.com

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In recent years there has been much consternation about the destruction of the world’s mangroves, which are being lost around four times faster than tropical rainforests. These amazing trees support wildlife both above the water and below, with the roots in particular providing vital nursery habitat for juvenile fish and other organisms.

This ghost crab plays an important role in the coastal ecosystem, recycling organic matter and enhancing the habitat for other species.

Because they are relatively easy to catch with limited equipment, many crab species are an important source of food and income for coastal communities. Wild crab populations are, however, vulnerable to overexploitation when not sustainably managed.

Credit: J A Bruson/FFI

Credit: Richard Brown

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Shoaling behaviour evolved as a defence mechanism: moving as if by one mind, their silvery flash can disorientate predators. Unfortunately however, fish species that group together (especially those that aggregate to breed) are far more vulnerable to overfishing, and many stocks are now on the verge of collapse.

Although fisheries play an important economic role, rapid advancements in technology – coupled with the use of destructive fishing methods – have destroyed many habitats and left virtually no natural sanctuaries for fish populations to recover. The end result has been a global decline in fish stocks, threatening livelihoods and upsetting the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.

Credit: Phil McIntyre/www.johnmcintyre.com

Credit: ŠGavin Parsons/www.gavinparsons.co.uk

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Over 500 million people depend directly or indirectly on small-scale fisheries for protein and income. However, if not well managed, small-scale fisheries can contribute to the declining health of marine ecosystems through overfishing and habitat damage. Empowering communities to manage their local marine environment sustainably is therefore crucial for both conservation and livelihoods.

Coral reefs are built over millennia by small marine animals that are closely related to jellyfish and sea anemones. These ecosystems are some of the most biodiverse on Earth but are extremely vulnerable to damage from both human activities and natural threats.

Credit: Phil McIntyre/www.johnmcintyre.com

Credit: J A Bruson/FFI

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Corals get their colour from microscopic algae that live within their tissue – a symbiotic relationship that is beneficial to both organisms. Increasing water temperatures linked to climate change is thought to be one of the main drivers behind mass bleaching events, which occur when stressed corals expel their algae, leaving them a ghostly white.

Credit: Nancy Boucha/scubasystems.org/Marine Photobank

Marine reserves are one of the most effective ways to protect species and habitats from the threats they face, and can provide a refuge for commercially-valuable species during vulnerable stages in their life-cycles (such as spawning).

When well designed and managed, marine life within reserve boundaries can quickly recover and spill over into adjacent areas, benefiting fishing and tourism industries.

Credit: Jeremy Holden/FFI

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Although marine reserves can be beneficial for biodiversity and livelihoods, decisions made at a national government level without the active participation of local people can leave communities disempowered and disenchanted. A key focus of FFI’s work therefore is to garner the support of local people for marine protection and sustainable use by helping them get involved in the decision-making and management process.

FFI believes that the most effective and long-term solutions to safeguard species and habitats lie in local hands. As part of our work to create strong and effective national institutions, we are helping local community organisations to develop their capacity, and to access the resources they need to become effective custodians of the sea.

Credit: J A Bruson/FFI

Credit: J A Bruson/FFI

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We all have a part to play in marine conservation: we need to think carefully about what we are taking from the sea and what we are putting in. From much-publicised oil spills to the steady stream of plastic, pollution is one of the biggest threats facing our oceans, driving changes from which the ocean may not be able to recover.

Credit: Kay Wilson/Indigo Dive Academy, St.Vincent and the Grenadines

Coral reefs, like this one in Belize, are more than just biodiversity hotspots: they provide nursery habitats for many commercially-valuable species, protect coastlines from storms, and can generate enormous revenue from tourism. Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, for example, is thought to bring in around AU$5 billion every year.

Credit: Juan Pablo Moreiras/FFI

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Often vilified in popular culture, sharks rarely pose a threat to humans when treated with respect. Half a million divers opt to swim with sharks each year, contributing millions of dollars to often hard-pressed economies. Sadly, as many as 275 million sharks may be slaughtered each year for the shark fin trade.

Credit: Phil McIntyre/www.johnmcintyre.com

While tourism can bring much needed income to an area, it also poses threats. Coastal development – when not carefully planned – can damage coastal and marine resources, while careless boat anchoring, diving and littering can damage the fragile habitats that visitors are so keen to see.

Credit: Dr Jenny Daltry/FFI

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Marine and terrestrial environments are interdependent: healthy seas require healthy land and vice versa. So it is important to understand how the decisions we make on land can affect our seas, and to ensure that we manage our terrestrial resources carefully for the benefit of all.

Credit: Richard Brown

The majestic blue whale is the largest animal ever to have lived on Earth. Just like humans, they rely on healthy marine ecosystems to survive. But we depend on our oceans for more than food and income: they are important for our cultural and emotional wellbeing, evoking wonderment, tranquillity and awe in equal measures.

Credit: Phil McIntyre/www.johnmcintyre.com

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These images were originally compiled for a marine photo exhibition jointly run by Fauna & Flora International, Environmental Research & Assessment, and Michaelhouse CafĂŠ.

We would like to thank all the photographers for allowing us to use their beautiful and inspiring images.

Fauna & Flora International, 4th Floor, Jupiter House, Station Road, Cambridge, CB1 2JD, UK Telephone +44 (0) 1223 571000 Fax +44 (0) 1223 461481 Email info@fauna-flora.org www.fauna-flora.org

Innovative conservation since 1903 Registered Charity No. 1011102