Tyler B Smith Lab research presented at the 2nd International Mesophotic Reef Workshop, Eilat, Israel

Post date: Jun 4, 2015 7:10:22 PM

In October three members of the Smith lab traveled to the Gulf of Aqaba to participate in the Second International Workshop on Mesophotic Coral Ecoystems in Eilat, Israel. Tyler Smith, postdoc Dan Holstein and then master’s student Viktor Brandtneris all gave oral presentations, reporting on completed and ongoing mesophotic coral research at the University of the Virgin Islands.

The attendees of the Second International Workshop on Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems in Eilat, Israel.

Attendees came from all over the world, and the five day workshop included round tables, excursions and field projects.

Red Sea mesophotic coral collections led to a recent publication in PLOS ONE, focusing on the fluorescence of these deeper living corals. Credit: Tyler B. Smith.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share with mesophotic researchers from around the globe, and the Smith lab looks forward to future collaborations with Red Sea researchers.

Dan and Viktor prepare for a technical dive to check out what kinds of mesophotic reefs the Red Sea has to offer. Credit: Tyler B. Smith.

The following presentations were given:

Brandtneris VW, Smith TB “Mesophotic Reefs as Energetic Refugia: Caloric Content of Corals in the US Virgin Islands” 25 minute presentation

Holstein DM, Smith TB, Paris CB “Fertile fathoms: mesophotic reefs and reproductive refugia” 25 minute presentation

Smith TB, Brandt ME, Gyory J, Brandtneris V, Jossart J, Holstein D, Miller WJ. “Mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific and their potential as climate change refugia”. Invited 30 minute presentation