Building Blue Networks: Measuring and Conserving Marine Biodiversity

Abstract

In its most basic form, biodiversity is “Life on Earth”. As the global population of humans increases, the diversity and distribution of marine organisms is changing, which in turn changes the way that ecosystems, such as coral reefs, function. The marine environment of Hong Kong has changed dramatically over the past century yet there remains a surprisingly high biodiversity within Hong Kong waters including more than 80 species of corals. I will discuss ongoing, locally-based research and evaluate how Hong Kong fits into a global picture of marine biodiversity. Information on past and current trends in biodiversity will provide a better understanding of marine systems and which management actions may have the most positive impact on preserving marine life on earth.