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SOME OF THE SPECIFIC PROJECTS WE ARE
CONDUCTING AND AREAS OF RESEARCH
Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems
Study deep reefs down to 150 meters is difficult, and we are using rebreather technical diving, ROVs and BRUVS to overcome the challenge. As we still know very little about this ecosystem, new species are being found in high rates, and we barely understand the diversity patterns and the mechanisms that drive the evolution of the unique species found there. Here, our lab focuses on collecting new species and new records, organizing databases of species distribution and community structure, and sampling specimens aiming to understand the evolutionary history of the biodiversity that lives on mesophotic reefs.
Oceanic Islands and Seamounts
These environments provide excellent opportunities to address two of our research interests:
1) they provide baseline information about what pristine and healthy reefs should be, allowing the diagnosis of the conservation status of coral ecosystems elsewhere;
2) they are truly evolutionary laboratories, allowing us to understand the many mechanisms of origin of species and ecological patterns. Our goal is to study the biodiversity and eco-evolutionary patterns of pristine islands and reefs and understand their functioning, evolutionary history and threats.
Marine Conservation
Many of our projects count with the partnership of environmental agencies and aim to fill management gaps. We have helped to create marine sanctuaries, protected areas and fishing regulations, and we are currently involved in spatial planning and fisheries management. We also believe that sharing our discoveries and findings with the society is a good way to inspire people to take care of the environment and enjoy nature.
PROJECTS