Reef Lecture: Reefs of Wonder: The Fragile Reproduction of Coral Life in a Changing Ocean

ABOUT THE TOPIC

In celebration of World Ocean Day 2025 and its theme “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us”, this lecture highlights the ecological importance and delicate beauty of coral reefs, with a focus on how reef-building corals reproduce. Although reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they support more than 25% of marine life and provide vital services such as food, shelter, coastal protection, and biomedical resources. Coral reproduction is essential for reef renewal and long-term resilience. However, rising ocean temperatures and marine heatwaves are leading to widespread bleaching, which weakens corals, reduces their ability to reproduce, and increases mortality. Without healthy and reproducing corals, entire reef ecosystems and the benefits they provide are at risk of collapse.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Jessica Bleuel is a coral reef ecologist conducting postdoctoral research at the Institute of Marine Sciences (LABOMAR) and the Marine Ecology Lab (LECOM) in Brazil, as well as at the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) in Little Cayman. Her research focuses on how thermal stress affects coral ecophysiology and how corals respond to changes in light, nutrients, and temperature. She is currently investigating the effects of rising ocean temperatures on coral reproduction, using Favia species from the Caribbean and Brazil as model organisms.

This event is free and is open to the public. Registration is required as seating is limited.