Ecophysiology Lab at Eckerd College

Research Overview

The Florida stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) is a comericially important species in Florida. However, it has been noticed in recent years that their population dynamics have changed, which has resulted in impacts to the fishing industry. My research therefore focuses on the physiological responses to climate change factors (such as elevated temperatures and more acidic pHs) under various conditions to better predict how their population dynamics will be influenced, which can then be used by the fishing industry. 

In addition to stone crab research, my lab has also recently began working with the Caribbean king crab. The contributing factors of coral reef ecosystem declines are complex, and one issue can give rise to a new problem. For instance, elevated temperatures in reefs have resulted in ecosystem 'phase shifts' where macroalgae is quickly becoming more dominant than corals due to their ability to outcompete corals at higher temperatures. As a result, restoration efforts must be multifaceted to give corals a fighting chance. Recently, organizations such as NOAA have been exploring the potential of using grazing species such as the Caribbean king crab (Maguimithrax spinosissimus) to reverse these 'phase shifts' on coral reefs. My work focuses on researching physiological responses to various environmental cues, such as elevated temperatures, to best advise restoration efforts.