Coral reefs provide shelter and protection for nearly one quarter of ocean species, including crabs, moray eels, octopus and fish.
Coral reefs provide shelter and protection for nearly one quarter of ocean species, including crabs, moray eels, octopus and fish. But these cozy homes are currently under threat for many reasons, such as rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification.
Researchers are trying to understand how groups of fish communicate with each other within a coral reef, and how the health of the reef affects that communication.
This fall Jj Milan, a University of Washington doctoral student in the biology department, and UW research scientist Bob Oxborrow are traveling to the Marine Research and Higher Education Center on Magoodhoo, Maldives, to gather live footage of humbug damselfish interactions. This fish is a common schooling species on Maldivian reefs. UW News asked Milan a few questions about the trip for the occasional series “In the Field,” which highlights UW field research efforts.
Read More at: University of Washington
Photo Credit: joakant via Pixabay
