|
Coral Bleaching
Climate change induced ocean warming and marine heatwaves are pushing corals to the brink (and beyond) of their thermal limits, resulting in the expulsion of their symbiotic algae and causing mass coral bleaching events and mortality globally. Future projections for corals are grim; bleaching events are expected to occur at a greater frequency and magnitude if global emissions are not reduced. We conduct long-term monitoring at multiple sites around Taiwan to record and assess bleaching patterns to identify colonies, species, and reefs that show vulnerability and/or resistance to heat stress. |
Assisted Evolution
We thermally condition adult colonies in an effort to induce transgenerational acclimation such that their offspring will be better able to live at warmer temperatures. To do this we collect colonies from the reef and expose them to temperatures close to (but not breaching) their thermal limits at our lab facilities at the National Museum of Marine Biology & Aquarium. We then collect and settle their offspring, exposing them to both ambient and heated temperatures, to asses their survival and growth over time. Complementary to this experimental work we also conduct long-term in-situ monitoring (and ex-situ experimentation) of multiple coral species at reef sites with different thermal regimes to identify mechanisms of thermal tolerance. |
|
|
Coral Community Dynamics
We conduct long-term monitoring of the benthic community structure at various reefs sites across southern Taiwan to determine how site characteristics/stressors (e.g., upwelling, thermal effluent from a nuclear power, sedimentation, runoff) influence spatial and temporal dynamics of coral reef ecosystems. We use a combination of traditional methods and artificial intelligence to identify corals (CoralNet). We are particularly interested in how degree heating weeks (as assessed remotely by satellites and with in-situ loggers) affect summer coral bleaching thresholds and recovery. With these data we aim to establish robust baseline information to inform policy, management, and conservation. |
Emerging Technologies
We are interested in assessing the application of new technologies within coral reef research. We are actively testing the use of photogrammetry in benthic community dynamics surveys, and as a means of accurately assessing growth patterns of both colonies in-situ and experimental nubbins in the lab. In addition, we use 3D scanning to explore the effects of different light intensities and spectrum (white vs. blue light) on coral growth and colour in a recirculating aquaculture system. In collaboration with TaiPower we maintain underwater cameras to provide a live video feed to anyone who wants to take a peek at what's happening on the reef! |
|
|
Community Science
Coral reefs are essential not only for their ecological importance, but also for the ecosystem service provisions supplied to people. We work with the local residents on Xiao Liu Qiu Island to study temporal and spatial changes in benthic community composition with the overarching goal of assessing the potential impacts of snorkeling activities on multiple reefs sites around the island. This fruitful partnership combines exceptional local knowledge with scientific rigor to 1) effectively assess and monitor the potential impacts of tourism activities, and 2) to develop a well-informed foundation on which to build robust solutions. |
Coral aquaculture
We are optimizing coral aquaculture approaches to allow for the ex-situ culture of thermally resistant corals that can be used for restoration, research, and aquarium displays. We test the effects of different light, flow, food density, and grazer abundance on coral growth and health within flow-through and recirculating aquaculture systems. We are establishing effective long-term culture conditions for both hard and soft corals. Our culture systems cater to corals of all ages - from reproducing adult colonies, to their planulae, recruits, and juveniles corals (and eventually back to reproducing adults once again!) |
|
|
Coral Restoration
In response to the degradation of coral reefs globally, as a result of both local and global stressors, we seek to test and optimize restoration techniques. We transplant coral colonies and fragments - from a range of different species - directly to degraded reef sites as well as to our in-situ coral nurseries. Further, we aim to increase natural recruitment at these sites by actively facilitating the settlement of ex-situ produced planulae. The health and reproduction of transplanted corals is monitored long-term to comprehensively assess the effectiveness of our restoration efforts. |
And...lots in between!
We are always excited to dive, explore, and understand any and all facets related to coral reefs. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us if you'd like to discuss research collaboration opportunities! :) |
|