Marine Ecology & Conservation
Marine Ecology & Conservation
The Marine Ecology and Conservation group is led by Dr. David Eggleston, and is dedicated to answering research questions that address general ecological theory and have important applications to marine conservation, while simultaneously providing educational outreach opportunities, particularly to underrepresented youth.
This research is often conducted in collaboration with Duke and UNC Chapel Hill University scientists, as well as the NC Division of Marine Fisheries, National Marine Fisheries Service, and coastal county high school teachers and students.
Some specific examples in NC include:
- Assessment of habitat quality for juvenile estuarine fishes and crustaceans
- Evaluating the importance of behavior and hydrodynamics to the supply of juvenile crabs and fish to nursery habitats in Pamlico Sound.
- Understanding the population consequences of hypoxia for blue crabs
- Determining population dynamics of the blue crab in NC
- Assessing the feasibility of blue crab field stock enhancement
- Application of fisheries ecosystem models to conservation of estuarine-dependent fisheries
- Understanding how land use, water quality, and biological component of estuarine tidal creeks respond to disturbance events
- Identifying bioindicators of system resilience to multiple stressors in estuarine tidal creeks
- Feasibility of freshwater pond grow-out of blue crabs for the soft-shell industry
- Impact of road crossing type on stream fish movement and community structure
- Seagrass mapping and use by crabs and fish in Albemarle Sound
- Hands-on research and web-based teaching activities for grades 8-12 students in NC
Some specific examples outside NC include:
- Spatiotemporal dynamics of Nassau grouper spawning aggregations in the Bahamas
- Recruitment processes of reef fish and crustaceans in the lower Florida Keys
- Direct and indirect effects of sport divers on Caribbean spiny lobsters and coral reef habitats in the Florida Keys
- Spill-in to marine reserves
- Application of landscape ecology to tropical backreef nursery habitats
- Application of fisheries ecosystem models to conservation of back-reef-dependent coral reef fisheries
Extension and Outreach
The Marine Ecology and Conservation group is led by Dr. David Eggleston, and has produced research findings and educational opportunities that have contributed to fisheries and habitat management plans, the feasibility of fisheries stock enhancement, determining the economic feasibility of blue crab aquaculture, and hands-on research opportunities for middle and high school students.
Some specific examples in NC include:
- Data and analytical support for the blue crab fishery management plan in NC,
- Operational and biological considerations for improved survival and economic profit in the blue crab soft-shell industry,
- Data to support the NC coastal habitat protection plan,
- Technology transfer in support of blue crab freshwater pond grow-out,
- Prioritization of oyster broodstock sanctuaries in Pamlico Sound for the NC Division of Marine Fisheries to support state-wide oyster restoration efforts.
Some specific examples outside NC include:
- Data and analytical support for seasonal closures of Nassau grouper spawning aggregations in the Bahamas,
- Identification of nursery habitat for Nassau grouper,
- Data and analytical support for conservation of backreef habitats in the lower Florida Keys,
- Determination of direct and indirect effects of sport divers on spiny lobsters and coral reefs.
- Identification of the function of marine protected areas in the Florida Keys.