Understanding the Impact of Octopus Nurseries on Ocean Conservation
Monica Contestabile introduces the podcast “How to Save Humanity in 17 Goals,” a series that delves into the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations in 2015. In this episode, the focus is on Sustainable Development Goal Number 14, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development. Dr. Beth Orcutt, a senior research scientist at the Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, discusses the potential impact of deep-sea mining on marine ecosystems.
Dr. Orcutt emphasizes the importance of understanding the deep-sea ecosystems, particularly in the face of the emerging industry of deep-sea mining. She explains that while deep-sea mining was once considered a sci-fi concept, advancements in technology have made it a reality. The process involves using large vehicles to extract minerals from the seabed, potentially causing irreversible damage to marine habitats.
One of the key concerns surrounding deep-sea mining is the slow recovery of ecosystems after disturbances. Dr. Orcutt highlights the long recovery times for keystone species like corals and sponges, emphasizing the need for further research to understand the potential impacts of mining activities. She also discusses the importance of studying deep-sea ecosystems, such as octopus nurseries, to gain insights into the biodiversity and unique habitats found in the deep sea.
The research conducted by Dr. Orcutt and her team focuses on assessing the potential impacts of deep-sea mining and advocating for a precautionary approach. She stresses the need for international collaboration and informed decision-making to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources. Dr. Orcutt also highlights the role of scientists in providing policymakers with scientific information to guide policy development and decision-making processes.
In addition to deep-sea mining, Dr. Orcutt discusses the importance of sustainable development in the oceans and the need for innovative solutions to address challenges such as food security and climate change. She emphasizes the interconnected nature of agriculture, food production, and health outcomes, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to addressing global challenges.
The podcast also features insights from the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food in Melbourne, Australia, which is dedicated to addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Through interdisciplinary research and partnerships, the institute aims to develop innovative solutions for sustainable and nutritious food production in a resource-constrained world.
Dr. Tony Bacic, Director of the La Trobe Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, discusses the institute’s focus on paddock-to-gut approaches to food security. By integrating agriculture, food production, and health outcomes, the institute aims to address challenges such as malnutrition, food waste, and biosecurity. Dr. Bacic highlights the importance of fit-for-purpose seeds, food nutrition, and health, as well as digital agriculture in promoting sustainable food production.
One of the institute’s key research projects involves the growth of protected cropping with medical cannabis, demonstrating the potential for sustainable agriculture practices to support new industries and improve health outcomes. Dr. Bacic emphasizes the need for collaboration and innovation to address the complex challenges facing food security and sustainable agriculture.
Overall, the podcast highlights the critical importance of understanding the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems and the need for sustainable development practices to ensure the health and well-being of future generations. Through interdisciplinary research and collaboration, researchers and policymakers can work together to address global challenges and promote a more sustainable future for all.