Posts by Ken Kostel
Autonomous underwater robot discovers hidden coral reef “hotspots”
New underwater robot combines audio and visual data to identify areas of high biological activity, opening new possibilities in coral reef conservation by autonomously identifying, mapping biodiversity “hotspots” at sub-meter scales, even in unexplored reef environments. Read more>
Read MoreSeawater microbes offer new, non-invasive way to detect coral disease
Researchers at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands have discovered that microorganisms in seawater surrounding corals provide a powerful indicator of coral disease, potentially transforming how reef health is monitored worldwide. Read more >
Read MoreUnderwater ‘reef music’ could help in coral restoration
Few ecosystems are struggling more than coral reefs. They’re facing a variety of threats like warmer temperatures, pollution and overfishing. A team led by Aran Mooney at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is experimenting with sound to revive them. Watch now
Read MoreSpecies-level Detection and Tracking of Caribbean Coral Reef Fish
New study demonstrates that species-level detection and tracking of fish from videos is a crucial capability for ecologists to study and understand trends in bio-diversity as they relate to ecosystem changes. Read more
Read MoreThe Race to Engineer Coral Reef Solutions in the U.S. Virgin Islands
Inside Climate News, July 9, 2025 As world leaders gather to address a global marine crisis at the UN Ocean Conference, scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution demonstrate promising tech to monitor and restore dying reefs. Read more
Read MoreMicrobial monitoring in reef waters offers accessible tool for ecosystem management
Corals everywhere on the planet live in harmony with microscopic organisms. In a new paper, researchers detail just how valuable microbial communities are for coral reef monitoring and conservation. Read more >
Read MoreNew study highlights the correlation between live corals and fishing yields
What does a decline in healthy coral reefs mean for fisheries? A new study published in Marine Resource Economics examines the correlation between fish yield and live coral habitats. Results show that substantial losses could occur if the restoration of coral reefs is not prioritized. Read more
Read MorePBS Nova Building Stuff: Change It!
The Reef Solutions team and their work in USVI took center stage in a recent episode of the PBS Nova series “Building Stuff.” Learn more about how we’re working to turn back the tide on reef declines with some unique and powerful tools. Watch now
Read MoreNew funding will boost vital reef restoration work
Woods Hole, Mass. (Oct. 2, 2024) – Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), along with partners, have received a grant totaling $1.5 million to advance innovative solutions that can protect the future of corals in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges. WHOI’s Aran Mooney, associate scientist in the Biology Department, and Weifeng “Gordon”…
Read MoreWHOI and the University of the Virgin Islands extend Partnership
WHOI and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) extending their working partnership in the exploration, study, and protection of the world’s oceans. READ MORE
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