Clipperton Atoll and the Mozambique Channel: Exploration in Search of 'Pristine' Coral Reefs

Our January cafe event will feature the research of Nicole Crane and Giacomo Bernadi.  Their research into the population genetics of fishes has taken them to some of the last pristine coral reef systems on the planet.  Their talk will include both an underwater photographic journey of their recent expeditions to two very remote and truly unique locations (Clipperton Atoll and the Mozambique Channel), and a look at data and trends on specific ecological indicators in these systems compared with others.  They also expect to discuss a range of key ecological questions such as:
  - What are the roles of specific fishes (ex. large predators) and what happens when they decline?
  - What makes a reef 'pristine'?
  - Can reefs 'recover'?
  - How is our thinking about coral reef health and management evolving in this time of unprecedented environmental change?