Research philosophy and interests
Coastal systems face a range of unique challenges, prompting our interest in developing solutions that benefit both ecosystem and human health. By focusing our efforts on ecological engineering and restoration, we believe in encouraging and enhancing natural systems to counter human impacts on coastal ecosystems.
We approach these goals by examining the role and impact of the marine invertebrate community. Marine invertebrates provide a host of ecosystem services, from water filtration to habitat creation to serving as an essential food source. Yet many of these organisms and their impacts remain under studied. Our goal is to encourage those organisms that have significant effects on the lagoon to allow the natural processes to aid in combating anthropogenic impacts.
Current projects
Biofouling control and management
- We have been working in conjunction with a private company for nearly 10 years to help them develop a novel antifouling product
- Testing has included field and lab testing
Seagrass restoration
Marine sponges as biofilters
Additional research interests
Invasive species management
Invertebrate settlement and recruitment