Algae Monitor
Levi Lewis, graduate student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, measures the density, diversity and height of algae in one of 40 experimental plots, which he has established across 500 meters of natural reef in the Kaanapali region of West Maui, Hawaii.
As part of his dissertation research, Lewis is testing the relative importance of different species (and combinations of species) of herbivorous sea urchins on a natural reef in Maui, Hawaii.
“Coral reefs persist where a balance is maintained between coral and algal growth. The ultimate goal of this particular project is to assess the similarities and differences in the effects of each species of urchin, as well as the consequences of species combinations, on the algal and coral communities,” said Lewis. “The results of such a quantification will tell whether mono-specific, or multi-specific communities of herbivorous urchins might result in the most effective control of algae, and facilitation of coral growth.”
According to Lewis, there is a rapid loss of coral reefs and around the world. It is important that we understand the factors that improve coral reef resistance to algal phase shifts.
Lewis has recently been awarded funding from the Mia Tegner Fellowship for his proposal entitled “Biophysical Determinants of Coral Reef Development and Growth”. Photo: Don McLeish
Algae Monitor
Levi Lewis, graduate student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, measures the density, diversity and height of algae in one of 40 experimental plots, which he has established across 500 meters of natural reef in the Kaanapali region of West Maui, Hawaii.
As part of his dissertation research, Lewis is testing the relative importance of different species (and combinations of species) of herbivorous sea urchins on a natural reef in Maui, Hawaii.
“Coral reefs persist where a balance is maintained between coral and algal growth. The ultimate goal of this particular project is to assess the similarities and differences in the effects of each species of urchin, as well as the consequences of species combinations, on the algal and coral communities,” said Lewis. “The results of such a quantification will tell whether mono-specific, or multi-specific communities of herbivorous urchins might result in the most effective control of algae, and facilitation of coral growth.”
According to Lewis, there is a rapid loss of coral reefs and around the world. It is important that we understand the factors that improve coral reef resistance to algal phase shifts.
Lewis has recently been awarded funding from the Mia Tegner Fellowship for his proposal entitled “Biophysical Determinants of Coral Reef Development and Growth”. Photo: Don McLeish