“People see the surface of the sea, but very few get the incredible opportunity I’ve had of observing the complex ecosystems thriving beneath it. What I’ve found is that engineered structures can and are helping provide habitats for marine life – I even recorded a critically endangered European eel near the wall of habitiles.
Vicki Spooner, Falmouth Harbour
“But my findings also reinforce the exceptional ecological value of established natural habitats and the importance of protecting and enhancing them – which I know Falmouth Harbour constantly strives to do. I hope this project piques people’s interest, especially schoolchildren, about the incredible life in our seas and the need to take care of it.”
“I’ve been building a spatial risk map combining Pacific oyster density with their distance from sensitive habitats, including seagrass, kelp and maerl,” says Nadine, who has also just completed the first year of her studies. “Pacific oyster abundance has actually increased since culling started, and around 2 km of the SAC was identified as being potentially at risk.
Chris Sharpe, Falmouth Marine Conservation group
“We may not be able to eradicate this invasive species from our waters – but the findings should help to focus future efforts to protect particularly important and sensitive habitats. I was so grateful for the support from Falmouth Harbour and the Falmouth Marine Conservation group who are making heroic efforts to control these invaders. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to present my research at the SAC Management Forum.”
Khianna and Nadine's work demonstrates how student-led research can make a meaningful contribution to marine conservation.
Professor Emma Sheehan
Professor of Marine Ecology
We feel privileged to have supported Khianna and Nadine with research that is both academically robust and directly relevant to the management of our local marine environment. Their work gives us valuable evidence about the role of nature-inclusive infrastructure, the importance of natural habitats such as seagrass and where collaborative action on Pacific Oysters may be most effective. It also shows what can be achieved when students, researchers, volunteers and local organisations work together.
