UNCW researchers working to protect coral reefs
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Students and staff at the UNCW Center for Marine Science are part of research projects to protect and learn about coral reefs.
Recently, corals have been declining but they are crucial to the environment. Although UNCW does not have a natural reef near the campus, the laboratory is an ideal place to conduct research. One project focuses on sponges and seaweeds on coral reefs. Where another project focuses on coral reproduction and spawning. Researchers emphasize the importance of both the coral and the student impact.
“In the absence of corals there will be no reefs that are made from coral. So, if we don’t figure out a way to save the corals, we are going to lose the ecosystems services that reefs provide,” distinguished professor of biology and marine biology Joseph Pawlik said.
“All of these lab members help make this research really work, it’s a team effort. We couldn’t do any of this research without the support,” Dr. Nicole Fogarty, associate professor in the biology and marine biology department shared.
“Students are essential for this work. They’re the ones. Especially now, on our project,” assistant professor in the department of chemistry and biochemistry Winn Johnson.
If you are interested in learning more about the research, here is a link to learn more.
