S3|EP17 - Saving Our Oceans: The Blue Economy, Coral Reefs & Sustainable Fisheries | Dr. David Obura

The Think Wildlife Podcast

Join us for an insightful deep dive into the world of marine conservation, coral reef resilience, and the blue economy with Dr. David Obura, one of the world’s leading marine ecologists and the founding director of CORDIO East Africa. CORDIO is a pioneering organization working to protect coral reefs and sustain marine ecosystems in the Western Indian Ocean.

Dr. David Obura received a PhD from the University of Miami in 1995, focusing on coral bleaching and life history strategies. Throughout his career, he has worked extensively on participatory monitoring and research tools with artisanal fishers in East Africa, as well as conducting remote-reef surveys in locations such as the Phoenix Islands in the central Pacific and across the Indian Ocean.

He currently serves as the Chair of IUCN’s Coral Specialist Group and the IPBES, is a member of the Earth Commission and a range of advisory groups on varied sustainability topics

In this episode, the discussion explores the blue economy and its vital role in sustainable marine conservation, highlighting how economic activities can coexist with ocean health. The conversation delves into cutting-edge coral reef monitoring technologies, including AI-driven analysis, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and underwater soundscapes, which are transforming marine research and conservation efforts. The episode also examines the critical role of fisheries in local economies, addressing their sustainability challenges and the need for responsible management to protect both livelihoods and marine biodiversity. Additionally, the discussion highlights the significance of Locally Managed Marine Areas (LMMAs), emphasizing how these community-led initiatives empower coastal populations to actively manage and protect their marine resources for long-term ecological and economic benefits.

Meet the Host

Anish Banerjee: https://x.com/anishwildlife

Think Wildlife Foundation:

https://thinkwildlifefoundation.com/

Meet the Guests

Dr. David Obura: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-obura-a6554547/

Recommended Wildlife Conservation Books

Wildlife Conservation in India by HS Pabla: https://amzn.to/3Ypx9Zh

Indian Mammals: A Field Guide by Vivek Menon: https://amzn.to/4fhMiCL

At the Feet of Living Things by Aparajita Datta: https://amzn.to/3BZmtsN

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