Research at the University of Miami’s Benthic Ecology and Coral Restoration Lab concentrates on the coastal habitats of South Florida, including coral reefs, hardbottoms, and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) communities. Research efforts combine extensive in situ data collection with microcosm and mesocosm experiments and ecological modeling to understand the dynamics of benthic habitats and document influences of human and natural disturbances on these important resources.
Additionally, our lab works to protect and recover the depleted coral populations on Miami reefs through coral propagation, active restoration, and Citizen Science. The mission of our program is to restore threatened coral populations and associated ecosystem services, educate and engage the local community, increase scientific literacy in coastal and coral reef conservation, and foster ocean stewardship.
