Coral Reef Research
Mote's
Center for Coral Reef Research is dedicated to conducting and
supporting reef-related research in order to further the overall
knowledge of reef ecosystems. The center's efforts include
laboratory studies and fieldwork ranging from microbiology and genetics
research, to the research and development of methods and technologies
for reef restoration, to the study of reef processes and the affects of
natural and anthropogenic influences.
Reef Restoration Program - David Vaughan, PhD.
This
program studies the science and technologies of restoring reef
ecosystems. This ecosystem includes hard corals, soft corals, seagrass
meadows, macroalgae, invertebrates, vertebrates and factors affecting
the reef community. The program coordinates with other centers that
compliment the research and work on the reef, including aquaculture,
fisheries enhancement, ecology, ecotoxicology and others.
Marine Microbiology Program - Kim Ritchie, PhD.
This
program studies microorganisms and their role in the marine
environment. Projects include determining healthy and threatened
marine organisms, assessing baseline microbial communities associated
with healthy marine systems and understanding the role of microbes in
coral health and disease and the beneficial factors affecting coral
reef resistance and resilience. Methods combine field assessments with
microbiological and molecular techniques.
Reef Science and Monitoring Program - Erich Bartels
This
program monitors and assesses reef processes and environmental factors
that influence reef health. Current projects include monitoring
ultraviolet light penetration of reef waters and the influence of
environmental factors, monitoring harmful algal blooms and other marine
events and assessing their potential impacts on the reef environment
and developing a community-based coral bleaching monitoring and
assessment program. The program also supports other Mote research
programs and visiting scientists, providing services such as sample
collections, underwater surveys, video documentation, and instrument
deployment and maintenance.
2007 Protect Our Reefs Grant Awards
Mote Marine Laboratory has been a leader in marine research since it was founded in 1955. Today, we incorporate public outreach as a key part of our mission. Mote is an independent nonprofit organization and has seven centers for marine research, the public Mote Aquarium and an Education Division specializing in public programs for all ages.
