We have been reporting on our long-term artificial reef research in Haiti for a few years now. This year we were pleased to learn that not only did our reefs survive the massive hurricane Mathew, but they also had substantially more fish on them than they did last year. This is a really positive sign that the reefs are providing […]
We have been working with Loggerhead Productions for the past few years on creating films and documentaries about our work in Haiti. Recently Matt just finished a new education film on our local work in Haiti that we will be distributing around to schools and communities in the area where we are working around Ile A Vache, Haiti.
We have posted much about our fish pee research (nutrient provision by the animals in their excretion), using artificial reefs as the experimental tools (here is video footage of one of our most successful reefs). In a recent paper (link here – if interested, the Introduction and Discussion are most relevant to read in detail), we take this research a next […]
As an extension of our on-going research in Haiti, we recently kicked off a new artificial reef project. Working with local fishers, we have constructed two clusters of artificial reefs, one of which the locals will actively use for harvesting fishes and the other that they will collectively protect from fishing. Building on what we have learned from other projects, we have chosen to […]
The Nassau grouper, Epinephelus striatus, is an iconic species here in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. They are the highlight of a dive in the tourism industry as well as an extremely important commercial fishery. However, they have been in decline over the last few decades and are currently considered an […]
My name is Elisabeth Frasch and I am an undergraduate student in Dr. Craig Layman’s lab. For my College of Natural Resources Enrichment Fund, I am creating blog posts to share with the general public and potential NC State students. I thought I would share them here as well for those who are interested. Enjoy!
The summer of 2016 marks my second adventure abroad in Abaco, The Bahamas. I say adventure because my 84 days here will not be a vacation, which most consider The Bahamas to be. I am here as a Ph.D.’s assistant and undergraduate researcher conducting my own experiment. So we can already cross out the mental images of lounging on a white sandy beach, getting a lovely tan while holding a fruity beverage, and leisurely reading a best selling novel. […]
We are gearing up for our fourth field season in Haiti, on the sleepy but beautiful little island of Ile A Vache (island of the cow). This year we are working with two different small fishing communities to build a series of artificial reefs, some of which the communities will fish, and some of which they will protect from fishing. We […]
A guest post from NCSU graduate student Pat Lyon about a new project we are conducting in the Bight of Old Robinson. Thanks Pat! The research has similarities with that of the Bahamas Marine Mammal Organization is conducting, just with fish instead of whales.
Soundscapes, or the acoustic signature of both biotic and abiotic entities within an ecosystem, are a […]
Had a great week here on Abaco presenting my work at the Abaco Science Alliance Conference and getting out in the field to check on my ongoing research. In short, my work thus far has shown that healthy, structurally complex reefs and the presence of predators, Nassau grouper, increase total fish abundance on patch reefs. Check out this poster […]
Check out this article summarizing the latest research regarding Clifton Bay’s impact on its nearby environment. Above are some photos from the garden during my visit in late April where I was impressed by the density and size of fish that use the garden and nearby patch reefs.
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