The Turks and Caicos Islands are home to vibrant coral reefs, dramatic sea walls, a deep ocean trench, mangrove forests, and extensive seagrass beds, which together sustain a stunning diversity of sea life. Spotted eagle rays, sharks, sea turtles, humpback whales, and dozens of fish species thrive among the sandy shoals, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and coral reefs surrounding the Islands.

These marine ecosystems are critical to the fisheries-driven local economy, but they are under enormous pressure from coastal development, a rising demand for seafood, and the impacts of climate change. Our research plays an important role in supporting island residents and government authorities as they work to balance economic need with the preservation of irreplaceable natural resources.