Reef Exchanges Podcast
The Reef Exchanges podcast connects Network members to experts from around the world. Each episode features an in-depth discussion around the latest developments in marine science and management, linking strategies and insights to concrete actions and useful tools. You can listen to episodes below, or find them wherever you listen to podcasts.
Episodes
Episode 3 | Vertical Connectivity with Camille Kaczmar and Dr. Jessica Bellworthy
Guest: Dr. Jessica Bellworthy, recently a postdoctoral fellow, University of Haifa and Camille Kaczmar, master’s student, UCSB Bren School of Environmental Science & Management
Description: As climate change threatens tropical coral reefs with warming waters, the search for areas where water temperature remains relatively cool during warming events has become a critical area of research. One avenue of research—known as the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis—is investigating whether mesophotic coral ecosystems can provide sanctuary for tropical corals facing warming sea surface temperatures. A key aspect of the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis is vertical connectivity—how larvae and genetic material move between shallow and deeper reefs. In this episode, Camille explains the context for why mesophotic reefs and vertical connectivity are relevant for reef resilience, and Dr. Bellworthy walks us through research she conducted to test the Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis in the Gulf of Aqaba. Visit mesophotic.org to learn more about mesophotic ecosystems.
Date: 1/16/2025
Episode 2 | Getting Started with MPA Enforcement
Guest: Sunny Tellwright, Program Manager for Ocean Technology & Innovation at Conservation International
Description: MPA Enforcement can be critical to effective coral reef management efforts, and many members of the Reef Resilience Network have identified enforcement as an area where they need more training and support. To address these needs, the Network, in partnership with Blue Nature Alliance and in close collaboration with WildAid, is developing a suite of online resources (including this Reef Exchanges episode, a webinar, case study, and online toolkit) for marine managers on MPA enforcement.
During this episode, Sunny provides an overview of the core concepts behind Monitoring, Control, Surveillance, and Enforcement (MCS&E), including how context-dependent and people-powered MCS&E systems are. The episode ends with some key considerations for managers to keep in mind as they being to scope their own MCS&E systems.
Date: 10/10/2024
Episode 1 | Making the Case for Nature-Based Wastewater Solutions
Guest: Rob McDonald, Lead Scientist for Nature-based Solutions at The Nature Conservancy
Description: Nature-based Solutions provide an alternative to traditional gray infrastructure by using natural processes to capture and treat contaminated water before discharging it into the ocean or waterways. Wastewater can have negative impacts on coral reefs and human health, primarily through transporting pathogens, nutrients, and contaminants into the ocean. It is estimated that 80% of wastewater globally is discharged into the environment without any treatment at all.
In addition to introducing Nature-based Solutions and how they combat wastewater pollution, Rob helps us work through how marine managers can make the case for Nature-based Solutions. These tips can be used to build support for Nature-based Solutions with your colleagues, partners, funders, and others, helping to implement low-cost, long-term solutions to wastewater pollution with lasting multiple benefits for us all.
Date: 9/27/2024