Heather O'Keefe | Darwin Leader

Heather O’Keefe

Heather, a dedicated Biologist and Ocean Science graduate, brings marine conservation to life through her role at the National Marine Aquarium and innovative coral research. Her inspiring journey is fueled by encounters with passionate conservationists and immersive nature experiences.

Heather's vibrant commitment to marine conservation is brought to life through her dynamic roles as a Support Biologist and her recent achievement of a BSc in Ocean Science and Marine Conservation. Working at the National Marine Aquarium, she thrives in maintaining marine life support systems, conducting groundbreaking coral research, and educating visitors on the wonders of the marine world. The highlight of her academic journey was her research project, where she meticulously designed an experiment to uncover optimal diets for Acropora microclados corals. These valuable insights were published in a scientific journal, marking her contribution to the advancement of marine conservation knowledge.

LOCATION:	Fernando de Noronha	AREA OF STUDY:	Rhodoliths
NATIONALITY:	UK	SPONSOR:	Ocean Conservation Trust

START DATE:	2nd October
END DATE:	10th October
LOCATION:	Fernando de Noronha
END POINT:	UK

AREA OF STUDY:	Rhodoliths
SPONSOR:	Ocean Conservation Trust

Area of Study: Rhodoliths

In this captivating three-part documentary series, Darwin Leader Heather O’Keefe takes viewers on a journey to explore one of the ocean’s most awe-inspiring yet little-known ecosystems—rhodolith beds. These “rolling stones” of the sea, made up of unattached coralline algae, form intricate underwater habitats that are vital for marine biodiversity and act as important blue carbon sinks. Despite their critical ecological role, rhodolith beds remain largely unknown to many, and they face numerous threats from human activity, climate change, and pollution. The first episode introduces the rhodolith beds and highlights their crucial role in supporting marine life. It discusses the threats they face, including ocean acidification, trawling, and the devastating 2019 oil spill that affected the region. The series also highlights the groundbreaking research led by Marina Nasri Sissini and her team, whose work is revealing the incredible biodiversity within these habitats and their importance to the health of marine ecosystems. In the second episode, the documentary dives deeper into the challenges facing these beds and the innovative research being conducted. Through scuba diving and DNA sequencing, Marina and her team are studying rhodoliths and the species they support, uncovering the extent of the biodiversity within these vibrant ecosystems. The episode emphasizes the urgency of protecting rhodolith beds and showcases their resilience despite the increasing environmental pressures. The final episode focuses on the future of rhodolith beds and the strategies required for their preservation. Experts, including Marina, Fabio, and Fernando, discuss essential conservation actions such as habitat mapping, species monitoring, and educating visitors about the value of rhodolith ecosystems. The series highlights how understanding the blue carbon value of rhodolith beds can advocate for stronger policies to protect these crucial habitats from human impacts like mining and trawling. With stunning cinematography and editing by Daniel Venturini, this series brings to life the beauty and importance of rhodolith beds, while celebrating the groundbreaking work of Marina Sissini and the dedication to conservation of Heather O’Keefe. This project is a powerful call to action, urging global awareness and efforts to preserve these extraordinary marine ecosystems.