Research Summary

St. Thomas and St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands — Coral reefs, those vibrant underwater cities of marine life, provide habitat for one-third of all marine fish and thousands of other sea creatures. With coral reefs in dramatic decline around the world, the colorful fish that rely on these calcareous structures for food and shelter are also at risk. While research has been done on growth, reproduction, mortality, and distribution of reef fish, relatively little is known about the role that parasites and disease play in their survival, and how a changing climate will affect these dynamics. Marine ecologists Paul Sikkel and Donna Nemeth are using Caribbean reef fishes such as surgeonfishes and damselfishes, and to explore host-parasite dynamics and their relationship to habitat. Sikkel and Nemeth work closely with local and federal agencies managing these reef systems.

Meet the Scientists

Dr. Paul Sikkel

Centre College

Greetings from the U.S. Virgin Islands, an ideal place to see and study colorful reef fish. You can help us collect fish to unravel the connections among fish, fish health, and changing sea temperatures. You’ll spend your days, and sometimes parts of your nights, snorkeling or diving in warm, crystal-clear, blue waters with good visibility. We’re very excited about meeting all of you and hope that our time together will fulfill all our expectations. See you soon!

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Dr. Donna Nemeth

University of the Virgin Islands