Coral Reproduction and Dispersal

Past and present research examines the evolution of life history strategies in scleractinian corals, such as modes of sexual and asexual reproduction, settlement, and recruitment, and how that in turn serves to structure population dynamics and maintain genetic diversity on a local and regional scale. Some examples include comparisons of settlement and growth of juvenile corals under varying environmental conditions, including exposure to pollutants, variations in timing of reproduction across latitudinal and bathymetric distributions, and genetic diversity and connectivity related to mode of reproduction. Current research projects examine variations in reproductive ecology and connectivity between shallow reefs and mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) and larval fitness under changing environmental conditions. 

Photo credit (right: above) to C. Lewis at Keys Marine Lab
Photo credit (right: below) to D. Wetzel at  Mote Marine Laboratory

Mesophotic Biodiversity

Previous technological limitations have presented major challenges to conducting research on MCE’s, resulting in limited understanding of their bathymetric and geographic extent and the biodiversity and community structure they support. Even basic taxonomic and systematic characterization of these communities is unknown, underscoring the importance of establishing baseline information on species assemblages and the roles they play in ecosystem function. Thus, a major focus of our research is exploration and characterization of MCEs in terms of biodiversity, species composition, community structure, and connectivity. Using open and/or closed circuit (Hollis Prism2) mixed gas diving technologies we conduct visual and video surveys, take benthic quadrat photos, and collect specimens for identification and further analyses.
Photo credits (right: upper and lower) to California Academy of Sciences

Photo credits (above: upper and lower) to Ocean Support Foundation

Impacts of Invasive Lionfish

Invasive lionfish (Pterois volitans) are now ubiquitous throughout the Caribbean and Western Atlantic, having established themselves in a variety of marine habitats, consuming large quantities of small and juvenile fishes and reef invertebrates. Lionfish populations in the Atlantic have reached densities far exceeding those found in their native habitats, which will likely affect the biodiversity and community structure of reef fish communities and could impose significant ecosystem change. Controlling the invasive lionfish is vital in order to minimize its negative impacts on native fish species and ecosystems, and avoid secondary impacts on fisheries, tourism and public health. Along with a group of local collaborators from the Bermuda Lionfish Taskforce and the Ocean Support Foundation, we are working  to increase knowledge of lionfish abundance and distribution, feeding and reproductive ecology, genetic connectivity, and efficacy of removal efforts in order to inform management decisions, with the aim of protecting the biodiversity and ecosystem function of reef systems around Bermuda. Current projects including monitoring hotspots on MCEs, examining food availability in relation to prey availability, migration patterns and genetic connectivity, impacts to overall ecosystem function, efficacy of removal efforts, and implementation of a fisheries market.