Coral reefs in Jobos Bay (National Estuarine Research Reserve) are under duress by anthropogenic as well as by natural stressors. The main purpose of this project is to implement the FORAM Index and to determine which factors play a seasonal role in the water quality of the reefs. This project is funded by Puerto Rico Sea Grant.
Dr. Silvia Spezzaferri (University of Fribourg) and Dr. Elias Samankassou (University of Geneva) are leading this research effort (RESILIENCE) funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF). The main goal is to evaluate the magnitude and frequency of interglacial periods characterized by anomalously high temperatures that may have produced coral bleaching in the past and to test if nutrients have also contributed to this process. One approach is to do an initial assessment of the modern benthic habitat in the target regions, and the evaluation of photo-inhibition caused by photooxidative stress using the large benthic foraminifer Amphistegina (which similarly to corals can undergo bleaching).
Dr. Dick Kroon (University of Edinburgh)
Erica de Leau (University of Edinburgh)
Dr. Chiara Pisapia (The Hong Kong University)
Dr. Daniela Basso (University of Milano)
Dr. Stephanie Stainbank (Kudala Environmental Ecology Lab)
Dr. Michael Martínez-Colón (Florida A&M University)
Dr. Giovanni Coletti (University of Milano)
Dr. Zoltan Zajacz (University of Geneva)
Dr. Anton Eisenhauer (University of Kiel)
Gioele Pappalardo (University of Geneva)
Adrien Montiller (University of Geneva)
