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Professor Peckol’s major research effort is concentrated on a long-term monitoring of coral reef systems off the Bahamas and Belize coasts with H. Allen Curran (Geology). In selecting these sites, she joins a larger scientific effort (The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment Project, AGRRA, coordinated by the Rosenthiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami, Florida) that has recently initiated an investigation into the declining conditions of various Caribbean reef systems. Her field work is focused on assessing abundance and diversity of coral and fish populations, as well as considering overall reef condition following natural disturbances such as hurricanes and warming events. Both Belize and the Bahamas have a strong history of subsistence fishing and have several burgeoning conservation organizations. In addition to conducting primary scientific research, she has initiated educational outreach programs in schools (e.g. Belize) and with community groups to highlight the critical importance of coral reefs. She hopes to establish partnerships with cooperating international scientists, policy-makers and educators through activities such as school programs, field station educational programs for the larger communities, and workshops with scientists and policy-makers.
In addition to her research on coral reef habitats, Prof. Peckol continues her studies on physiological responses of marine macroalgae to environmental (e.g. oil pollution, UV radiation, nutrient enrichment) and biological (grazer pressure) disturbances. Recent work with Smith students has assessed the effectiveness of bioremediation to respond to oil spills. Future work will include investigating factors contributing to the dramatic increases of the macroalga, Microdictyon marinum, on Bahamian patch reefs.
Courses
Geology and Ecology of Coral reefs: Past, Present and Future
Marine Ecology
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