RESEARCH PROJECTS

Coral reefs are among the most biologically diverse systems on the planet; therefore, it is imperative to continue finding alternatives to prevent and reduce coral reef degradation. The outplanting of nursery coral has become one of the most effective strategies to improve coral reef health by increasing the chances of coral population persistence. However, there is little information on how coral population enhancement affects other reef-dwelling species. My research thesis will evaluate how fish species can benefit from increased tridimensional structure provided by outplanting coral. Specifically, I will test the hypothesis that increasing reef complexity due to coral outplanting will improve the growth and physiology of coral reef fish. Fish growth will be evaluated utilizing fish's otolith growth increments, and physiology will be determined utilizing species' condition factors.