In 2021, researchers began placing concrete-block oyster reefs in bare eelgrass patches on Prince Edward Island; within two years biomass was about 45 times higher and 45 taxa had colonised the structures

In 2021, researchers began placing concrete-block oyster reefs in bare eelgrass patches on Prince Edward Island; within two years biomass was about 45 times higher and 45 taxa had colonised the structures

Representative Image (AI-generated) What started as piles of concrete blocks on the seafloor off Prince Edward Island soon became a magnet for marine life. Researchers began installing the artificial oyster reefs in 2021 to test whether they could provide some of the ecological functions lost from areas where eelgrass no longer grew. Within two years, … Read more

In 1998, Costa Rica spread 12,000 tonnes of orange waste over degraded pasture; 16 years later, tree diversity had tripled and forest biomass was 176% higher

In 1998, Costa Rica spread 12,000 tonnes of orange waste over degraded pasture; 16 years later, tree diversity had tripled and forest biomass was 176% higher

Aerial view of the orange peel-treated area (right) and untreated pasture (left), surveyed by Princeton researchers. In the late 1990s, an unusual conservation experiment began in Costa Rica when ecologists proposed using orange peels and pulp to help restore a badly degraded piece of land inside a national park.For this, orange juice company Del Oro … Read more

In 2017, Antigua and Barbuda removed invasive rats and goats from Redonda; by 2023, vegetation biomass rose over 2,000% and ground dragons increased 13-fold

In 2017, Antigua and Barbuda removed invasive rats and goats from Redonda; by 2023, vegetation biomass rose over 2,000% and ground dragons increased 13-fold

Redonda had become a thriving haven for wildlife within a few years, and now it has received a major new layer of protection. For years, Redonda resembled more a barren moonscape than a tropical Caribbean island. Its vegetation was destroyed, its native wildlife was wiped out, and the marine ecosystem around it was harmed by … Read more

In 2024, Palau removed invasive rats from Ulong Island; one year later, fish biomass rose 183% and leaf nitrogen increased about 80% at one reef site

In 2024, Palau removed invasive rats from Ulong Island; one year later, fish biomass rose 183% and leaf nitrogen increased about 80% at one reef site

Data from Ulong Island, Koror Republic of Palau shows that seabirds are returning (Representational AP photo) The return of seabirds to a small island in Palau has brought an unexpected benefit. Just one year after invasive rats were removed from Ulong Island, researchers have found that nearby coral reefs are also beginning to recover.The study … Read more