Healthy coral reefs provide critical habitat for many marine species. Scientists are studying different types of corals to learn about their susceptibility to disease and bleaching, which are major threats to marine ecosystems. Using genetic techniques, scientists seek to characterize the microbial and zooxanthellae (symbiotic algae) communities living within coral tissues to ascertain their role in coral health and resiliance.

Partner Links

• Symbiodinium symbioses in Hawai‘i: Diversity, Biogeography, and endemism
• Coral reef health and response of corals to climate change
• Understanding microhabitat variability across coral reef systems