A5036042353- Marine Biology and Ecology Research
- Coral and Marine Ecosystems Studies
- Marine and coastal plant biology
- Coastal and Marine Management
- International Maritime Law Issues
- Marine Ecology and Invasive Species
- Marine Bivalve and Aquaculture Studies
- Methane Hydrates and Related Phenomena
- Isotope Analysis in Ecology
- Marine and fisheries research
- Arctic and Russian Policy Studies
- Crustacean biology and ecology
- Ocean Acidification Effects and Responses
- Career Development and Diversity
- Geological and Tectonic Studies in Latin America
- Island Studies and Pacific Affairs
- Climate Change, Adaptation, Migration
- Wildlife Conservation and Criminology Analyses
- Geological and Geophysical Studies
- Gender Diversity and Inequality
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Aquatic Invertebrate Ecology and Behavior
- Sustainable Agricultural Systems Analysis
- Oil Spill Detection and Mitigation
University of the West Indies
2012-2023
University of the West
2014-2016
University of the West Indies System
2006-2014
National Museum Wales
1994
University of Trinidad and Tobago
1990-1994
Plymouth Marine Laboratory
1993
Although initially viewed as oases within a barren deep ocean, hydrothermal vent and methane seep communities are now recognized to interact with surrounding ecosystems on the sea floor in water column, affect global geochemical cycles. The importance of understanding these interactions is growing potential rises for disturbance from oil gas extraction, seabed mining bottom trawling. Here we synthesize current knowledge nature, extent time space scales background systems. We document an...
The barnacle Megabalanus zebra is largely known from ship hulls, with little information on its biology, ecology, and natural range. We identify M. here the southern Caribbean, based upon specimens collected as early 2002. Challenges associated identifying megabalinine species have delayed recognition of this distinct other Caribbean Megabalanus. Sequenced material Curaçao did not match GenBank sequences that could be verified by descriptions or vouchered material. presence young vessels...
Growing human activity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) is driving increasing impacts on the biodiversity of this vast area ocean. As a result, United Nations General Assembly committed to convening series intergovernmental conferences (IGCs) develop an international legally-binding instrument (ILBI) for conservation and sustainable use marine biological diversity ABNJ [the (BBNJ) agreement] under Convention Law Sea. The BBNJ agreement includes consideration genetic resources...
Abstract Few States are able to undertake scientific research in the half of planet that lies marine areas beyond national jurisdiction. Capacity building is therefore a key part development new international legally binding instrument for conservation and sustainable use biological diversity jurisdiction, under United Nations Convention on Law Sea (BBNJ Agreement). The final negotiations BBNJ Agreement scheduled early 2022, after almost two decades development. There an urgent need address...
The deep ocean is the largest ecosystem on planet, constituting greater than 90% of all habitable space. Over three-quarters countries globally have within their Exclusive Economic Zones. While maintaining deep-ocean function key to ensuring planetary health, deficiencies in knowledge and governance, as well inequitable global capacity, challenge our ability safeguard resilience this vast realm, leaving fate hands a few. Historically, scientific exploration research been purview limited...
Macrobenthic species abundances and blomasses were determined at 31 statlons from Pointe-a-Plerre to La Brea, Trinldad.Thls area is subject chronic natural 011 seepage spillage oil production activities.Multivariate analysis was used define those environmental variables which best explained community composition.The deeper sltes impoverished due the development of anoxia below a pycnocline formed during wet season.Abundance/biomass comparison (ABC) plots indicated that macrobenthic...
Abstract Aim We evaluated whether patterns of species diversity (α, β and γ) rocky shore assemblages followed latitudinal gradients (i.e. LDGs) along the South American coasts, tested hypotheses related to potential processes sustaining or disrupting expected LDG pattern at various spatial scales. Location Coasts America. Taxon Macroalgae sessile/slow‐moving macrofauna on intertidal shores. Methods changes in composition across 143 sites. The degree replacement loss different scales regions...
Assemblages associated with intertidal rocky shores were examined for large scale distribution patterns specific emphasis on identifying latitudinal trends of species richness and taxonomic distinctiveness. Seventy-two sites distributed around the globe evaluated following standardized sampling protocol Census Marine Life NaGISA project (www.nagisa.coml.org). There no clear estimators along gradients or among Large Ecosystems (LMEs); however, a strong gradient in composition (i.e.,...
Exploration of the deep ocean (>200 m) is taking on added importance as human development encroaches. Despite increasing oil and natural gas exploration exploitation, Trinidad Tobago almost entirely unknown. The only scientific team to image seafloor within Exclusive Economic Zone was from IFREMER in 1980s. That led discovery El Pilar methane seeps associated chemosynthetic communities accretionary prism east Tobago. In 2014, E/V Nautilus, collaboration with local scientists, visited two...
Ocean Census is a new Large-Scale Strategic Science Mission aimed at accelerating the discovery and description of marine species. This mission addresses knowledge gap diversity distribution life whereby an estimated 1 million to 2 species between 75% 90% remain undescribed date. Without improved biodiversity, tackling decline eventual extinction many will not be possible. The biota has evolved over 4 billion years includes branches tree that do exist on land or in freshwater. Understanding...
Gastropod assemblages from nearshore rocky habitats were studied over large spatial scales to (1) describe broad-scale patterns in assemblage composition, including by feeding modes, (2) identify latitudinal pattern of biodiversity, i.e., richness and abundance gastropods and/or regional hotspots, (3) potential environmental anthropogenic drivers these assemblages. Gastropods sampled 45 sites distributed within 12 Large Marine Ecosystem regions (LME) following the NaGISA (Natural Geography...
Abstract Diverse and inclusive marine research is paramount to addressing ocean sustainability challenges in the 21st century, as envisioned by UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Despite increasing efforts diversify science, women continue face barriers at various stages their career, which inhibits progression leadership within academic institutions. In this perspective, we draw on collective experiences thirty-four global leaders, bolstered a narrative review, identify...
Biological collections are fundamental to marine scientific research and understanding of biodiversity at various scales. Despite their key importance, sample the institutes that house them often underfunded receive comparatively little attention in discussions associated with global agreements. Furthermore, access can be limited by inadequate systems, infrastructure, networks. With negotiations underway for a new implementing agreement on beyond national jurisdiction, genetic resources...
In August 2022 we launched the inaugural issue of a new Nature journal focused on our blue planet: npj Ocean Sustainability 1 .The opening highlighted journal's intended role in sharing research, critically debating key challenges to achieving ocean sustainability, with its environmental and human dimensions, advancing pathways address them.In just year, interdisciplinarity solutionoriented nature have shone through made it stand out among prestigious journals.Covered topics were diverse...
Invasion of sedge in the wetlands Trinidad is causing an increase wetland dry season fires and a reduction coastal pasture, adversely affecting livelihoods people living working wetlands. The purpose our research was to determine if soil properties water quality could help explain why area expanding. We conducted observational study, using geophysical methods standard sampling techniques relationship between grass zonation quality. Our findings showed that both electrical conductivity...