Mapping the marine habitats of Príncipe

Benjamin volunteered with us for several months. We are sad to see him leave and wish him all the luck for his new job! Benjamin tells us about his time with us: "Hello! My name is Benjamin and I'm a marine biologist from the UK. For the past few months I have been working on producing a map for Príncipe's marine area. Around the island there are several different habitat types including rocky reefs, coral beds and unusual 'gla-gla' beds made from nodules of hard pink algae. I have been around the whole island taking samples of habitat type. Using these data and high resolution satellite images I am trying to determine where these different habitats are found. As on the land, habitat type in the sea determines the kind of species found there, and so having a habitat map is an important step for planning comprehensive conservation strategies and sustainable exploitation of marine resources. It has been amazing getting to know the Omali team and also see all the different corners of Príncipe's underwater world. Thanks for having me on board!"