Conservation Economy
Feeling the COVID-19 blues: The future of Grenada’s blue carbon ecosystems
This study highlights the projected environmental impacts of COVID-19 on Grenada's blue carbon ecosystems.
Author: Cindy Lebrasse, Ph.D.
Born and raised on Mauritius Island in the Indian Ocean, I came to the United States in 2015 as a Fulbright scholar to pursue a Masters degree in Marine Science at North Carolina State University. After completing my Masters degree, I stayed at NC State University where I complete my Ph.D., working in parallel as an ORISE fellow at the U.S. EPA. My research focused on two blue carbon habitats: seagrass meadows and salt marshes. I applied different methods including satellite remote sensing and machine learning to fill the current knowledge gaps in the areal extent and carbon storage capacity of these important blue carbon sinks for better monitoring and management of such ecosystems in the face of climate and anthropogenic pressures. I am now an Associate with Silvestrum Climate Associates, developing blue carbon restoration and conservation projects. When not sciencing, I enjoy my daily yoga routines, taking care of my house plants, watching f.r.i.e.n.d.s for the hundredth time, and nature walks/hikes.
Plastic Pollution
When microplastics go marshing in: A tale of two tidal marsh birds
As microplastic pollution continues to threaten coastal biodiversity, this study confirms its presence in tidal marsh birds.
Plastic Pollution
Mitigating microplastic pollution through ballast water treatment
By making a small change to existing ballast water treatment systems, we have a chance to tackle microplastic pollution.
Climate Change
Coming in hot! Marine heatwaves impact sea turtle nesting on Diego Garcia Island
Marine heatwaves are not only affecting underwater ecosystems like coral reefs but also sandy beaches, important for sea turtle nesting.
Fisheries
Women gleaners in Mauritius: How COVID-19 and an oil spill amplified gender inequalities in fisheries
The compounding crises of COVID-19 and an oil spill highlight the systemic inequalities faced by women in fisheries.
Behavior
From the poles to the tropics: First molting of a southern elephant seal on Mauritius Island
On a warm, February day in tropical Mauritius, an unusual tourist landed on its northern shores for the first time.
Behavior
Jaw-some!: Whale Shark Movement Patterns Tied To Oil And Gas Infrastructures
Oil and gas platforms have gained attention as artificial habitats. What can they tell us about movement patterns of megafauna?
Human impacts
Biofouling Organisms Tell All About The Age Of Lost Fishing Gears
Abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gears (ALDFG) constitute a significant portion of marine litter, with about 640,000 tons lost…
Climate Change Coastal Management Human impacts
Lights out: How the aquatic food web is responding to coastal darkening in the North Sea
Have you ever been on a plane, flying over the coast, and noticed a stream of brown-colored water draining from…
Ecology Hazards Human impacts Pollution
The disastrous effects of an oil spill: A tale of Mauritius vs. MV Wakashio
Does Mauritius ring a bell? This tiny Indian Ocean Island was hit by the worst oil spill it had ever…