Ocean Science in Action – Oceans of the future

5. Introduction to the Western Indian Ocean

5.1 An Ocean like no other: The dynamics and biogeochemistry of the Western Indian Ocean

Video duration 06:25

The Western Indian Ocean is a biogeographic, climatic and socio-political region encompassing the western part of the Indian Ocean, and is one of the regional seas identified by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

It includes tropical and subtropical regions of diverse nature, rich stretches of coast along the mainland countries of Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique and South Africa, and vast oceanic areas surrounding the island states of Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, Mauritius and French Territories. Geomorphological and oceanographic features define the character of the Western Indian Ocean. In this video lecture, you will learn about the key oceanographic features shaping its unique ecosystems.

Dr K. Popova, Dr Z. Jacobs – NOC

Further Reading

UNEP-Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA (2015). The Regional State of the Coast Report: Western Indian Ocean. UNEP and WIOMSA, Nairobi, Kenya. 546pp

Obura, D. et al. (2017). Reviving the Western Indian Ocean Economy: Actions for a Sustainable Future. WWF International, Gland, Switzerland. 64pp

Read video transcript