Marine and Coastal Ecology Research Center

Marine Science : Research and Education

Systematic investigations of marine ecosystems in the Greater Antilles are the focal projects of MCERC’s research effort.

We understand that it is critical to provide opportunities for citizen scientists and university students to gain experience in marine ecology research.  Your participation and our commitment to mentoring is a key element in assuring the future of thriving marine ecosystems. 

Research Effort

Behavioral Ecology Field Studies

 

Behaviors are Important Clues

“Behavioral Ecology” is 1) the science of studying individual and group behaviors of animals of the same species, 2) taking into account the pressure that changes in their environment impose upon the success of the species to survive over time, and 3) examining the information in their context of their environment. The goal is for behavioral ecologists to be able to understand the past in order to predict what the result of human and natural activities will have on ecosystems as we move into the future.

 Cetacean (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) behavioral ecology is where MCERC’s journey into marine conservation began. As is often the case, important scientific discoveries gleaned from MCERC’s research continues to raise more questions, and has connected a determined group of leaders with a common goal; to contribute to the health of Earth’s oceans while infusing a passion for conservation that is far reaching amongst humans. 
Marine Biodiversity Collaboration

Global Collaborations

MCERC’s efforts began with the initiation of the Humpback Whale Research Project in 2010 in the waters surrounding Puerto Rico, USA. The project expanded to examine the behaviors of humpback whales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and now includes the waters of the Dominican Republic, and partnerships with The Haiti Ocean Project and SharkWise of South Africa. Collaboration with our colleagues in Jamaica are part of our Greater Antilles Marine Biodiversity Collaboration where MCERC plays the leading role in our “Atomic Model for Research Collaboration”. The Atomic Model is a visual representation of how The Greater Antilles Marine Biodiversity Collaboration extends support and opportunity to scientists in underserved areas, invites senior scientists to develop a synergy of expertise while working together, and hosts exchange programs for a broad spectrum of educational and cultural backgrounds.
Puerto Rico, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Jamaica

Abundance Estimates and Occurrence Patterns

The Caribbean presents challenges for field surveys of marine ecosystems. Advancements in technology are providing access to some areas that were previously inaccessible. Ceatceans in the Caribbean  (whales and dolphins) are often far from shore and in small numbers where unmanned aerial systems (drones) and listening devices (hydrophones) are able to facilitate data collection at a lower cost than in the past. MCERC has a strong relationship with the Haiti Ocean Project working together to understand the ecosystem dynamics which include many species of whales, dolphins, sharks, and turtles. The 2023 meeting of the Humpback Whale World Congress provided an opportunity to have conversations with our colleagues in Jamaica and to begin working together, along with Haiti, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico, towards our common goals.

Marine Resources Management - Scotland Field Courses

Internships in Marine Resources Management

Scotland’s geological history created a stunning location to examine the complexities of marine resources management. 

The lochs and coastlines throughout Scotland have been a resource for small villages, and transportation routes for military and industrial operations. Wildlife is diverse and can be observed on pristine lands and nearshore areas where human activity overlaps. The marine ecosystem extends to the the land throughout the Highlands, Islands, and Lowlands. The convergence of cultures and political history shaped the management of marine resources.

    Field courses with MCERC in Scotland provide a unique opportunity to examine and discuss the complex dynamics involved in protecting coastal and marines habitats, supporting economic growth, and balancing the interests in all stakeholders. We take a break from collecting data to observe, discuss, brainstorm, and debate the strategies of creating sustainable management plans. The backbone of the experience is shaped by conversations with local wildlife rangers, residents, and various industry representatives.

        

Sea Turtle Conservation

Sea Turtle Conservation

Elasmobrach Behavioral Ecology

Sharks

Sharks are keystone species in the integrated ecosystems of the oceans.
FAUNA

Reef Ecology

Field Sites
PUBLICATIONS