Unveiling the Unrecognized: Sea Cucumbers' Role in Coral Reef Health
Key Facts
FUNDING SCHEME Darwin Plus Local
VALUE £49,203
WHERE Cayman Islands
Summary
Sea cucumbers (class Holothuroidea) are under studied deposit feeders and bioturbators on the Caribbean seafloor, exerting a significant role in the health and function of coral reef ecosystems (Williamson et al., 2016). This study proposes to investigate the bottom-up influence sea cucumbers have on coral health in the face of climate change, and to improve the health and resilience of critically endangered coral (Acropora cervicornis) outplants in Little Cayman by co-locating corals with the common sea cucumber Holothuria mexicana.
