Projects – Our Shared Ocean

Exploring the role of leatherback turtles as sentinels of marine ecosystem health

David O'Sullivan — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:37:53 +0000

Ocean health is rapidly declining, threatening the survival of humans, animals, and plants, while also undermining progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In response, the UN declared 2021–2030 the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, a global framework to foster collaboration, science-based action, and sustainable ocean management.

This project proposes using leatherback turtles as sentinels of ocean health. As an endangered species with a critical ecological role and direct interaction with marine ecosystems, leatherbacks can serve as early warning indicators of environmental decline. By studying their responses to changing ocean conditions, this research will generate valuable insights to guide conservation and support global efforts to restore and sustain healthy oceans.

Evaluating Diadema antillarum population dynamics and coral reef benthic coverage in Grenada.

David O'Sullivan — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:26:17 +0000

This project addresses the decline of coral reefs in the Caribbean, where hard coral cover has dropped drastically over recent decades due to climate change, pollution, overfishing, and disease. A critical species for reef health is the black long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum), which plays a keystone role in controlling algae and supporting coral recovery. However, two major disease-driven mortality events, in 1983 and again in 2022, decimated populations of this species, causing severe ecosystem imbalance across the region. While some reefs where D. antillarum recovered show improved coral recruitment, many remain dominated by algae, highlighting the species’ importance to reef resilience.

Building on previous surveys in Grenada’s Grand Anse Bay, this project will assess D. antillarum densities, size structure, and benthic cover at Grand Anse and Coral Bank over a six-month monitoring period, including measurements of growth rates and grazing efficiency. It will also evaluate long-term population trends in relation to mass mortality events and hurricane impacts, including the effects of Hurricane Beryl. The findings will provide critical data for monitoring reef health, understanding resilience, and informing conservation strategies in the face of ongoing climate change and environmental disturbances.

Sea Turtles in Trinidad and Tobago: Sentinels of Anthropogenic Stressors in the Marine Environment

David O'Sullivan — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:20:47 +0000

The Sea Turtles in Trinidad and Tobago: Sentinels of Anthropogenic Stressors in the Marine Environment project aims to deepen understanding of how pollution and climate change are impacting the marine environment in Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS). By focusing on sea turtles—key species that reflect the health of ocean ecosystems—the research will assess plastic ingestion, exposure to pollutants such as heavy metals and pesticides, and dietary patterns under changing climate conditions. Through a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, the project will generate vital data to guide evidence-based marine conservation in Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean.

Beyond advancing scientific knowledge, this research will strengthen regional capacity for marine conservation by establishing standardized national monitoring systems, developing transferable protocols for other Caribbean SIDS, and ensuring open access to data on pollutant exposure and food web dynamics. In doing so, it will contribute to global initiatives on Oceans and Climate Action, particularly the standardization of marine data collection and the development of survey protocols that improve international collaboration. Ultimately, this project positions sea turtles as sentinels of environmental change, providing insights crucial for protecting marine ecosystems in the Global South.

Mangroves as Natural Barriers: Mitigating Environmental Risks and Enhancing Coastal Resilience in a Changing Climate.

David O'Sullivan — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:12:57 +0000

4DMang focuses on the critical role of mangroves in providing coastal protection in Trinidad and Tobago, where these ecosystems act as natural barriers against storm surges, flooding, and erosion while also supporting biodiversity, livelihoods, and cultural value. Despite their importance, mangroves in Trinidad and Tobago are under increasing pressure from climate change, human activities, pollution, and land conversion, which threaten their ability to deliver essential ecosystem services. With 48 mangrove sites across both islands, understanding how these ecosystems function in local oceanographic and climatic conditions is vital for safeguarding coastal communities and ecosystems.

The study aims to investigate the wave attenuation capacity of mangroves in Trinidad and Tobago through both physical and numerical modelling. By combining experimental data from wave flume tests with advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics modelling, the project will provide insight into how different mangrove configurations reduce wave energy. This research will generate practical knowledge for coastal managers on the resilience and protective capacities of native mangrove species, while also contributing to global efforts under frameworks such as UN SDG 14 and the UN Decade of Ocean Science. Ultimately, it seeks to strengthen national and international strategies for building sustainable and climate-resilient coastal systems.

Maritime Security and the Geopolitics of the Sustainable Blue Economy in Sao Tome and Principe

David O'Sullivan — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:41:57 +0000

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, is rich in marine biodiversity and cultural heritage but faces significant challenges including vulnerability to climate change, food and energy insecurity, and limited access to finance and technology. As a small island state, its future prosperity depends on managing natural resources sustainably while balancing national, regional, and global pressures such as maritime insecurity, piracy, and the impacts of international economic activities. Against this backdrop, the concept of a sustainable blue economy presents both an urgent need and a unique opportunity to strengthen resilience, protect ecosystems, and improve the livelihoods of coastal communities.

This study aims to explore how São Tomé and Príncipe can build an inclusive and sustainable blue economy by analyzing existing policies, governance structures, and practices. It will examine the challenges and opportunities for sustainable development, assess the impacts of economic activities like fishing and tourism on marine ecosystems, and consider how local communities can be more effectively engaged in decision-making. The project also situates São Tomé’s efforts within the wider Gulf of Guinea and global maritime context, with the goal of identifying strategies that support resilience, foster cooperation, and build the intellectual and operational capacity needed for long-term sustainability.

The ecological effects of the invasive seagrass Halophila stipulacea on native seagrass meadows on the island of Grenada

David O'Sullivan — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:26:38 +0000

Invasive species threaten marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods worldwide. In the Caribbean, the seagrass Halophila stipulacea—originally from the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Indian Ocean—has rapidly spread since first being reported in Grenada in 2002. In just two decades, it has expanded to at least 19 islands, outcompeting native seagrasses like Thalassia testudinum and Syringodium filiforme.

Despite its fast spread, little is known about its ecological impact in Grenada. This project aims to fill that gap through field surveys and ecological assessments that will measure how H. stipulacea affects native seagrass species and associated marine life.

The ultimate goal is to develop management strategies to curb its spread, protect biodiversity, and support the conservation and restoration of native seagrass habitats in Grenada’s coastal waters.

Consequences of Seaweed farming on Seagrass Ecosystems at the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve

David O'Sullivan — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 15:10:23 +0000

Seaweed farming in Belize is often located near seagrass habitats, but this overlap can put seagrass at risk of habitat loss—especially when non-native species are used, which may become invasive. With limited monitoring so far, there are growing concerns about the industry’s impact on these valuable ecosystems.

This project focuses on the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR), aiming to assess how seaweed farms affect seagrass. Using a combination of water quality sampling (measuring chlorophyll, turbidity, and nutrients) and remote sensing (drone and satellite imagery), the team will create detailed habitat maps and track changes over time. Seaweed rafts will also be tested in controlled areas to study short- to medium-term impacts.

The outcome will provide science-based recommendations to help local stakeholders monitor and manage seaweed farming sustainably, protecting both the industry and Belize’s rich seagrass ecosystems.

Developing a Decision Support Framework for Optimising Artificial Reef Design along Irish and Caribbean Coasts.

David O'Sullivan — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 14:33:51 +0000

Climate change is putting coastal regions like Ireland and the Caribbean at risk through rising sea levels, stronger storms, and coastal erosion. The Reefs4Protect project, a 24-month MEngSc in Civil Engineering aims to create a decision-support framework to test how ecosystem-based solutions—such as artificial reefs—can protect coastlines under changing climate conditions.

By combining lab experiments, computer modelling, and local community input, the project will study reefs’ ability to reduce wave energy and prevent erosion in both Ireland and the Caribbean. The outcome will give decision-makers and coastal managers practical tools to design and test reef-based protection strategies.

Aligned with the EU Mission to Restore our Ocean and Waters by 2030, Reefs4Protect seeks to strengthen coastal resilience, safeguard marine ecosystems, and support sustainable coastal management for island nations worldwide.

Haiti Citizen Science Sea Project

David O'Sullivan — Mon, 13 May 2024 14:33:28 +0000

The “Haiti Citizen Science Sea Project” (Haiti-CsciPro) is a program focusing on three main strategic goals targeting the Île-à-Vache Natural National Park (IAV-NNP) and the Baradère-Cayemites Marine Protected Area (MPA) both located in the South Peninsula of Haiti. These include: : (1) protection of particular ecosystems: mangroves and coral reefs, (2) protection of emblematic species: grey-crowned tanagers and sea turtles, (3) strengthening of local governance based on the Elinor Ostrom’s 8 rules for managing the common goods such as coastal and marine resources. The Program, as ii intends to be replicated in additional MPAs in Haiti, will train community leaders, youths and fishers in collecting robust data for a comprehensive biological inventory and ecological monitoring of the coastal and marine resources. An adapted scientific method will be conceived and integrated into a mobile application along with an anonymous environmental watch system informing about georeferenced events such as: mangrove deforestation, sea turtle capture, and sargassum unundation. A local self-governance structure on coastal and marine conservation will be established as the communities of the IAV-NNP and the Baradère-Cayemites MPA will be informed in real time of the evolution of their shared natural resources.

Blue Carbon Condition Index and Tool for Fiji

David O'Sullivan — Mon, 13 May 2024 14:25:02 +0000

B-CABONI is a pilot initiative to quantify the condition and stability of Fiji’s blue carbon pool and develop a robust monitoring tool capable of assessing the condition of a range of blue carbon ecosystems (mangroves forests and seagrass meadows) that is tailored to Fiji’s needs and requirements. Notable knowledge gaps exist on the true carbon pool as mangrove sediment depth and seagrass extent are yet to be fully quantified. Building on existing research, B-CABONI will provide additional mapping and carbon quantification capabilities that explore blue carbon reserves holistically rather than in isolation (i.e., mangrove forests and seagrass meadows mapped together). The data and knowledge generated will serve as a critical evidentiary foundation for monitoring Fiji’s blue carbon reserves. The tool and maps developed under B-CABONI have the potential for broader applicability across SIDS.
This 18-month project represents an ambitious, pragmatic, and results-oriented approach toward achieving its objectives:
1. Quantify extent, depth, and condition of the blue carbon stores within and across the different coastal and marine ecosystems across Viti Levu (Fiji’s largest island).
2. Determine sediment accumulation rate and the impact of climate and anthropogenic events on carbon sequestration and storage through time.
3. Develop a semi-quantitative Blue Carbon Condition Index (BCCI) and corresponding Blue Carbon Condition Tool (BCCT) that determines the ecological condition of the wetlands by assessing a gradient of conditions.
4. Assess the risk of carbon loss through a risk assessment that draws together all data from the selected study sites in a usable map.