Coral reef ecology, conservation and restoration
Coral reefs are among the most important ecosystems on Earth. They are a source of income and food for millions of people, protect coastal areas from wave action, serve as an essential area of reproduction for commercial and non-commercial species, and are valuable resources for tourism and education. However, anthropogenic activities (e.g., water pollution), biological factors (e.g., diseases), and physical disturbances (e.g., elevated seawater temperature) have negatively impacted the structural and ecological integrity of approximately 60% of coral reefs. It is expected that by 2030, the health of 90% of coral reefs worldwide would be severely compromised. Ourresearch aims to contribute to the conservation and restoration of these essential ecosystems.
Coral reefs are among the most important ecosystems on Earth. They are a source of income and food for millions of people, protect coastal areas from wave action, serve as an essential area of reproduction for commercial and non-commercial species, and are valuable resources for tourism and education. However, anthropogenic activities (e.g., water pollution), biological factors (e.g., diseases), and physical disturbances (e.g., elevated seawater temperature) have negatively impacted the structural and ecological integrity of approximately 60% of coral reefs. It is expected that by 2030, the health of 90% of coral reefs worldwide would be severely compromised. Ourresearch aims to contribute to the conservation and restoration of these essential ecosystems.
Demography of reef-dwelling species
Whether any given population increases/decreases, remain stable or face extinction depends upon the rates at which an individual grows, die, and reproduce. Identify which of these vital stages contribute the most to population growth is essential for the conservation and management of endangered or threatened species. As part of my research program, I have been studying the demography of threatened reef-building corals (e.g., Acropora cervicornis). To better understand the population dynamics of threatened corals, I combine field studies and demographic modeling. My goal is to provide the proper demographic assessment to develop robust management, conservation, and restoration strategies to promote the recovery of threatened species and ecosystems.
Marine Habitats Restoration
In 2001, I co-founded Sociedad Ambiente Marino (SAM), a non-profit organization based in the Caribbean Island of Puerto Rico. During the last 20 years, SAM has developed a multiplicity of hypothesis-driven conservation and restoration projects. Outplanting nursery-reared corals have become one of the most common approaches aimed at recovering coral reef ecosystems. We are home to the oldest Community-based coral aquaculture and reef rehabilitation program in the Caribbean. SAM is also committed to promoting the conservation of the marine environment among Puerto Rican citizens. We strongly believe that the best approach to spark the interest in conserving the marine environment is through real hands-on experience. Our conservation and education efforts are enriched with the participation of citizens committed to the conservation of our marine resources. We also support students in their undergraduate and graduate research projects.
Coral Reef Benthic Ecology
I am interested in understanding the processes that drive changes in population size and structure of bottom-dwelling organisms. As part of the project, “Restoring the three-dimensional structure of hurricane-impacted coral reefs in Puerto Rico,” I will test the hypothesis that the presence of reef fishes promotes the recruitment of corals species. The rationale is that fish will enhance the quality of the reef substrate available for larval settlement, by reducing the biomass of competing algae while delivering nutrients into the reef system. To test this hypothesis, I will compare population growth rates and trajectories between corals outplanted in fish-depleted areas and areas where fish recruitment and aggregation will be facilitated by establishing artificial reefs structures. The results of this project will shed light on the potential of positive interactions to improve the outcomes of restoration and conservation programs on coral reefs.