Author: admin

The main goals of this research line are describe and evaluate the structure and functioning of coral reefs, as well as their conservations status. For that purpose, we measure ecological indicators at different organization levels (individuals, populations and communities) that reflect the ecosystems and corals health. For that, in addition, we take in account different trophic groups with special emphasis in hermatipic corals, herbivorous organisms (sea urchins and fishes) and fishes.
Other important goal it is found evidence of horizontal and vertical connectivity. Mesophotic coral reefs (MCEs) are studied with this propose and includes specific tasks in order to found evidences of ecological and genetic connectivity. Diversity, density and health status of MCEs are also studied.

This main goal of this line it is evaluate the synergistic effect of natural and anthropogenic impacts on individuals, populations and biological communities. For this purpose, has been selected ecological indicators in groups such as vegetation, nematodes, mollusks, corals and fishes.

We document the environmental history of coastal ecosystems coupling the dating using radionuclides (e.g. 210Pb, 14C) with biological proxies such as dead mollusk shells and coral skeletons in sediment and coral cores respectively. Analyses are complemented with geochemical studies about mass accumulation rate, isotopic fractioning and inventory of organic matter and nutrients.