Fish Community Ecology
In the Bahamas and U. S. Virgin Islands, I have ongoing research with collaborators from Texas A&M (C. Layman) and U. of Alabama (Dr. A. Arrington) examining the role of mangrove creeks as nursery habitats for coral reef fish using a combination of field surveys, experiments, and molecular techniques. Our results have identified the expansive mangrove creek system of Andros Island, Bahamas as a key nursery ground for juvenile fish that inhabit near-by barrier reefs and suggest that self-recruitment of reef fish may affect the genetic connectivity of relatively proximate populations in the U.S.V.I. (i.e., windward vs. leeward fish assemblages). We have recently expanded our efforts in the Bahamas to include community-based (involving local high school students) restoration efforts of mangrove creeks. Our ultimate goal is to apply results of experimental field studies to enhance conservation and restoration strategies for tropical fisheries and degraded lotic systems, particularly in the Bahamas.

Predicting effects of humans on ecological interactions and ecosystem function is one of the most important challenges facing ecologists. Species exploitation, species introductions, habitat alteration, and eutrophication all can lead to profound changes in food web structure, and understanding these changes is necessary to mitigate negative impacts induced by humans. My research and experimental approach have yielded significant and novel insight into the maintenance of species richness, community dynamics, and function of east coast shoreline ecosystems (salt marshes, mangroves and rocky shores) and how human activities are disrupting the structure and function of these important marine systems. In the future, I will continue to apply results from my basic ecological research to predict effects of habitat degradation and other human influences, support design of ecological reserves, and propose achievable goals for conservation initiatives.

Blue head wrasse in St. Croix

Cleaner Gobies in St. Croix