Center for Fisheries Enhancement
FISHERIES HABITAT ECOLOGY PROGRAM
Aaron Adams, Ph.D., Program Manager
Kirby Wolfe, Senior Biologist
MISSION: To advance knowledge about how to maintain the integrity of fish habitats by conducting research that is applicable to management, and through outreach and education. This research program examines ontogenetic habitat connectivity of coastal fishes. Our research is framed within the context of habitat mosaics and dispersal corridors, with particular attention to the effects of anthropogenic activities on habitat quality. This includes research on the relative impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbances and the effects of invasive species on native gamefish juveniles. Questions of interest include:
1. Is there a threshold distance between habitats that determines whether a habitat is a source or sink for juvenile fishes?
2. Are continuous dispersal corridors needed to provide food and refuge during movements between habitats occupied by different life stages?
3. Which microhabitat characteristics are key to shifting from nursery to adult habitats?
4. Which species will benefit from an increase in habitat fragmentation and which species will suffer declines in abundance?
5. How are ontogenetic shifts impacted by disruptions of habitat connectivity?
6. Do fish use natural and anthropogenically impacted habitats differently?
7. What are the invasion pathways for exotic species entering estuarine habitats?
8. Does freshwater flow alteration into estuarine habitats influence nursery habitat quality?
RESEARCH ABSTRACTS
COLLABORATORS- Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
- Biscayne National Park
- Bonefish Tarpon Unlimited
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection
- University of Florida
- Turneffe Atoll Conservation Fund
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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.
