Coral reefs are very important coastal ecosystems throughout the world’s tropical ocean, both socio-economically and as storehouses of biodiversity. There is great concern that reefs globally are in rapid decline owing largely to local human impacts, as well as climate change. Dr Hochberg’s research focuses on how reefs and their biological communities respond to these impacts. He employs a wide range of techniques, but his work centers on optics: the study of light. In this lecture, he’ll explain how reef communities utilize light for growth and demonstrate how he uses light measurements from satellites to learn more about the nature of reefs around the world.

By now, many Bermuda residents are aware that lionfish have invaded the island’s waters, posing a threat to local fish populations due to their voracious appetites and lack of natural predators. While researchers work to understand the extent of the lionfish’s impact, as well as the effectiveness of various long-term control strategies, there are ways for citizens to get involved as well.

BIOS students removed trash and debris from Whalebone Bay during the 30th annual International Coastal Cleanup on Sept. 19, sponsored locally by Ernst and Young in partnership with Keep Bermuda Beautiful. Students at BIOS from the University of Rhode Island and Roger Williams University, as well as students in the BIOS Research Experience for Undergraduates program, teamed up with Bermuda Ocean Explorers for the event. In three hours they gathered 17 bags of trash and four bags of recyclable aluminum and glass, and removed half of an abandoned boat hull. Educator Kaitlin Baird, who helped coordinate the event for BIOS, said the experience “was a great opportunity for students to give back to the community.”

The 5th Annual Groundswell Lionfish Tournament took place at BIOS on July 18, and saw the tournament kicking off at sunup and boats heading in to the BIOS dock for the 3.00pm weigh-in. See story and photos at Bernews.com.

This July BIOS will again host the Groundswell Lionfish Tournament, a festival and fishing competition designed to spread awareness about this aquatic nuisance species. Mark your calendar and bring a fork! It’s time to Eat ‘Em to Beat ‘Em.

Like to snorkel? Interested in supporting emerging marine engineers? Volunteers from BIOS and the Bermuda community are needed to assist on Saturday, April 27 from 8:00a.m. to 3:00p.m., as more than 30 teams of school students test their mission-tasked Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) during the annual island-wide robotics challenge.