This week’s webinar is from Rosenstiel School student Christine Beggs. Christine delivers her presentation, “Determination of the Long-Spined Sea Urchin, Diadema antillarium, as a Keystone Species by its Role Controlling Caribbean Reefs,” in Dr. Neil Hammerschlag’s ‘Conservation Biology’ class.
A keystone species is typically defined as one that has a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecological community and because of their importance, some suggest that concentrated species conservation efforts may help facilitate re-habilitation of degraded ecosystems. To assess the methods for successful determination of a keystone species, a comprehensive literature review was conducted of Diadema antillarium’s role in controlling Caribbean reefs community structure.
Aside from being a RSMAS student, Christine is the Founder of Project Blue Hope, an educational blog that has become a philanthropic venture to effect lasting ocean protection with the support of local coastal stakeholders.
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