What’s marine biogeography?

Making a habitat ecosystem map of the seafloor—a key part of marine biogeography—is a difficult course of. Study the way it works on this two-minute video. Study extra.

By mapping benthic habitats, finding out what happens on the underside of a physique of water, and assessing the relationships between the setting and the organisms that dwell there, biogeographers present helpful data to guard and preserve marine sources.

Marine biogeographers typically use Geographic Info Methods, or GIS, to assist of their analysis of marine animals, crops, and habitats. Scientists and GIS specialists develop map-based knowledge that describe the distribution and ecology of residing marine sources and their connections to human communities. State and federal planners can apply these instruments and data to place aquaculture websites and different vitality services, and to guard fisheries and coral spawning areas. Info from biogeographers permits planners to think about potential eventualities, reminiscent of new growth, that will, or could not, affect the setting.

NOAA’s Nationwide Facilities for Coastal Ocean Science conducts analysis on the distribution and ecology of marine crops and animals to foretell future traits. Instruments reminiscent of surveys, maps, and stories present particular data to evaluate ecosystem circumstances, anticipate adjustments within the setting, and consider how individuals’s social and financial wants could be met.