Satellite and climate data helps protect our oceans! #30x30
The marine area in the Frente Chubut corridor is a major biodiversity hotspot, yet increasing human activity and fishing pressure are threatening its ecological balance. Using satellite and climate data, we identified the most critical area for protection, offering essential information to support the establishment of a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework aims to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Currently, 8% are covered by some form of marine protection and 2.9% are fully protected (check out this Marine Conservation Institute interactive map).
In Argentina, the Península Valdés terrestrial area is already protected, but the marine area is not - yet.
If you want to grasp the full beauty of the area, this Pristine Seas documentary by Steve Spence , Alex Muñoz Wilson and Juan Maria Raggio won the People’s Choice Award at the
A preliminary MPA was proposed in 2022. Recognising the impact of climate change on oceanic conditions, National Geographic Pristine Seas reached out to Lobelia Earth’s expertise to better understand whether the MPA’s location aligns with future biodiversity hotspots.
While one species can't measure biodiversity alone, key species like the Magellanic Penguin can indicate ecosystem health. Frente Chubut is home to this emblematic species, making them crucial for our study.
We analysed Magellanic penguin location data from Global Penguin Society to understand the relationship between penguin habitats and oceanic properties. We used field data of penguin location to map the biodiversity hotspots.
Simultaneously, we used Copernicus Marine Service #EO datasets to map environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, water depth, and chlorophyll—a key indicator of marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Integrating penguin field data with these indicators, our statistical model maps how oceanographic features affect penguin habitat suitability. Combining indicators provides a comprehensive view of habitat suitability.
However, the conditions are expected to change due to global warming, with 90% of its effects occurring in the ocean. This will impact water temperature, currents, and other biochemical properties.
To predict future penguin habitats, we used CMIP6 model projections and ran our habitat suitability model again with future oceanic conditions.
Finally we identified the overlapping areas between current and future suitable areas and delivered information on the region most critical to protect.
Since 2008, National Geographic Pristine Seas has supported the establishment of 27 Marine Protected Areas worldwide, spanning 6.6 million km².
The task ahead is immense, but together, we can make a difference. Join us in this crucial mission.
🌍EARTHLING & SPARTAN🌍|| MOTHER NATURE LOVER || ECOLOGICAL MASTER BIODIVERSITY ENGINEER PRACTITIONER, GARDENER, BUSHCRAFTER || A. CHADWICK & V. MEGRE PROTEGE || BIOINTENSIVE GARDENING CREATOR || BORN @ 348 PPM CO2
6mo#PLANTMORETREES #LETRIVERSFLOWFREE #BeECOlogicallyMINIMALISTIC #INVESTinBIODiversity "Only when the last tree has been cut down, the last fish been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we cannot eat money." Cree Indian Prophecy There's a Japanese legend that says, "if you feel like you're losing everything, remember, trees lose their leaves every year, yet they still stand tall and wait for better days to come.”