​BENTHIC ECOLOGY

 ​Our research focuses on plants and animals that live on the seafloor in shallow-waters and how the environment shapes their interactions and physiology. This research is often done in the framework of how humans modify coastal ecosystems and how best to manage them. Our current research (outlined below) is focused on: 1) how human-made structures shape the ecology of the northern Gulf of Mexico, and  2) the effects of global environmental change on seagrass bed and artificial reef ecosystems.   

Artificial reef ecology

Artificial reefs are human-made structures often placed in the ocean to increase fishing opportunities and promote sea life. In the Northern Gulf of Mexico the seafloor is mostly composed of soft sediments. Therefore, artificial surfaces create habitat for invertebrate (e.g. barnacles, crabs, anemones) and algae that otherwise may not be there. Our research questions focus on describing primary production on and surrounding reefs and the link to fish production. Invertebrates are  important for trophic transfer of this energy to fishes.  Thus, we are also keenly interested in their physiology-ecology under ocean warming and acidification.  Because reefs could be stepping-stones for species range expansions into warming waters, we also seek to describe the role of reefs in the maintenance and spread of nuisance and vulnerable species.

Check out a video on our research below.  ​



​Want to get involved in this research or learn more about ocean acidification and artificial reefs? Visit iArtReefs, a student-led project aiming to understand how OA and warming will affect artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. More here: https://iartreefs.wixsite.com/home

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Ecology

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​Estuarine and sea- grasses form beds that are important to humans because they provide: habitat for fishery species, shoreline protection from storms, and stabilize sediment. Seagrass beds have experienced historic declines in coverage from direct habitat loss and alterations to water quality that act to lower production. We seek to understand how best to conserve and restore seagrass beds in the face of contemporary stressors.  Our research has recently focused on the relationship between high genetic diversity and resiliency for seagrasses, and its application into management strategies.