A new paper published by Emily Kelly and colleagues explains how we can balance the energetic budget on Hawaiian coral reefs through herbivore management and protection. Herbivores on coral reefs play an important role in controlling algal growth, but in systems where density of herbivores is low, algae can grow at a faster rate than they are consumed, resulting in a … Read More
Ever wondered about the coral reef ecologist’s tools of the trade?
Popular Science recently interviewed Dr. Emily Kelly about the essential tools of an underwater researcher, including waterproof paper, coolers, and even surgical equipment. Click here to read more!
Do different species of herbivorous fish have unique grazing roles on coral reefs, or are they all grazing alike?
Coral reefs are home to a large diversity of organisms. The herbivorous fishes, those fish that eat algae in competition with corals, are no exception to such diversity. But do the many species of herbivores have unique grazing roles on reefs or are all herbivorous fishes grazing alike? This was the focus of a study recently published in Oecologia … Read More
Envisioning Maui’s Reefs: Photomosaics as a conservation and analysis tool
The Smith and Sandin Labs in the Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation have been using new diver-operated technology to capture hundreds of reef images that will become a 200m² photomosaic. Coral reefs are global hotspots of species diversity and productivity that we value in the billions of dollars annually for fisheries, tourism, recreation, business, and coastal protection yet they … Read More
2014 Student Video Challenge – Congratulations Emily Kelly!
Student Video Challenge – Congrats Emily Kelly & Matt Siegfried!! Last month, the Scripps Communications Office and the SIO Department announced their first-ever student video contest! This was an opportunity for all Scripps students to create short, engaging videos to demonstrate why Scripps matters and why they chose to come here. Submissions were collected, and voted on by Scripps … Read More
Smith Lab Collects Data From Year Long Ocean Acidification Experiment
Members of the Smith Lab have been hard at work in collaboration with Emily Donham from Scott Hamilton’s Lab at Moss Landing Marine Laboratories to collect data from a year long ocean acidification experiment looking at effects of pH on marine benthic communities in kelp beds.
Smith Lab is in Full Swing for Summer
Master’s student Samantha Clements summarizes the ongoing summer activities of the Smith Lab. From research travels around the world to data processing right here at home, there’s no such thing as summer break from science… and it’s awesome!
An Adventure to the Arabian Peninsula
2nd Year PhD student Maggie Johnson shares with us her amazing experience traveling to Saudi Arabia to help teach students about different ecological adaptations found in the unique environments of the Red Sea regions.
Starting off 2013 With The Smell of Algae
The holidays are over and PhD student Emily Kelly shares with us how she’s starting off 2013.
Field Research: Earning My Fins
Meet Samantha Clements! Sam is one of the newest members of the Smith Lab and she’s adjusted swimmingly from undergraduate researcher to Master’s student in the course of the summer. Check out her blog post and see how she’s enjoying the transition.