I participated in a success research trip to Vanuatu from 09/25-10/5/2019. The trip was organized by Iria Fernandez Silva from the University of Vigo (Spain) and also included researchers from the University of the Ryukus (Okinawa). The goal of this trip was to characterize the frequency of hybridization in pygmy angelfishes in addition to characterizing their habitat. Our day was spent diving among beautiful coral reefs conducting surveys and collection specimens for DNA analysis.
WEBINAR: Where are all the fish going? Identifying patterns of genetic connectivity across the Hawaiian Archipelago
I gave a guest webinar as part of the National Marine Sanctuaries Webinar Series where I discussed the research i have been conducting on connectivity of Hawaiian reef fishes.
An archive of the presentation can be found here.
NEW PUBLICATION: Deep reef fishes in the world’s epicenter of marine biodiversity
A new study lead by researcher from the California Academy of Sciences looking fish species diversity (shallow to mesophotic depths) in the Philippines. Here we found distinct ecological and biogeographical traits of mesophotic fish communities. These results suggest expand conservation efforts to include mesophotic ecosystems to ensure the preservation of the unique biodiversity that exists in these regions. [pdf]
NEW PUBLICATION: Mesophotic coral ecosystems of Pohnpei, FSM
My first book chapter has been published in Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems, Coral Reef of the World, vol. 12. This chapter describes in great detail the mesophotic community and physical characteristics found in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia. Thanks to Sonia Rowley for leading the effort. [pdf]
Successfully defended my dissertation!
Today I successfully defended my dissertation titled “Connectivity of coral reef fishes across three spatial scales”. This was the next major step on my pathway to receive my doctorate. I had great feedback from my committee and from members of the audience. Thanks to everyone that sent me their well wishes. So many people have been influential during my academic career as I went from community college in Sacramento, to San Francisco State University and finally to the University fo Hawaii at Manoa. It would be impossible to list everyone but know that I truly appreciate your support throughout the years.
New Publication: Shifting reef fish assemblages along a depth gradient in Pohnpei, Micronesia
Check out our new paper characterizing shallow and mesophotic reef asssemblages in Pohnpei, Micronesia [pdf]
Abstract:
Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) continue to be understudied, especially in island locations spread across the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Pohnpei is the largest island in the Federated States of Micronesia, with a well-developed barrier reef, and steep slopes that descend to more than 1000 m. Here we conducted visual surveys along a depth gradient of 0 to 60 m in addition to video surveys that extend to 130 m, with 72 belt transects and 12 roving surveys using closed-circuit rebreathers, to test for changes in reef fish composition from shallow to mesophotic depths. We observed 304 fish species across 47 families with the majority confined to shallow habitat. Taxonomic and trophic positions at 30 m showed similar compositions when compared against all other depths. However, assemblages were comprised of a distinct shallow (<30 m) and deep (>30m) group, suggesting 30 m as a transition zone between these communities. Shallow specialists had a high probability of being herbivores and deep specialists had a higher probability of being planktivores. Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes), Holocentridae (soldierfishes), and Labridae (wrasses) were associated primarily with shallow habitat, while Pomacentridae (damselfishes) and Serranidae (groupers) were associated with deep habitat. Four species may indicate Central Pacific mesophotic habitat: Chromis circumaurea, Luzonichthys seaver, Odontanthias borbonius, and an undescribed slopefish (Symphysanodon sp.). This study supports the 30-m depth profile as a transition zone between shallow and mesophotic ecosystems (consistent with accepted definitions of MCEs), with evidence of multiple transition zones below 30 m. Disturbances restricted to either region are not likely to immediately impact the other and both ecosystems should be considered separately in management of reefs near human population centers.
NEW PUBLICATION: Phylogeography of the Coral Banded Shrimp
My newest paper that I co-authored has been published! The little shrimp that could: phylogeography of the circumtropical Stenopus hispidus (Crustacea: Decapoda), reveals divergent Atlantic and Pacific lineages.
Featured in the journal of Oceanography
I have a short blurb in the newest issue of Oceanography. This entire issue is a special issue dedicated to discussing graduate education in the ocean sciences. [pdf]
Check out page 88!
NSF’s Graduate Student Support Programs: An Overview and Reflections from a Former Fellow
Cook, S.B. 2016. NSF’s Graduate Student Support Programs: An overview and reflections from a former fellow. Oceanography 29(1): 86–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.5670/oceanog.2016.20.
NEW PUBLICATION: Phylogeography of the Regal Angelfish
NEW PUBLICATION: Four distinct lineages recovered from phylogeographic analysis of a wide-ranging angelfish
My recent paper titled "Regal phylogeography: Range-wide survey of the marine angelfish Pygoplites diacanthus reveals evolutionary partitions between the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean" was published today. Here is a link for a free download (expires June 14):
http://authors.elsevier.com/a/1SxBY3m3nMmgXe
A download is also available on my CV page.
Honorable Mention at the 41st Albert L. Tester Symposium
I received a Best Paper Honorable Mention at the 41st Albert L. Tester Symposium for my presentation on the Phylogeography of the Regal Angelfish, Pygoplites diacanthus. Congratulations to all the winners!