February 2013

Predators benefit an ecosystem by eating the animals that eat habitat building plants, or habitat building animals like oysters. Dr. David Kimbro looks at another way predators benefit oysters- through fear.

Using ordinary paving tiles from Home Depot, the Hughes and Kimbro labs have created their most important tool in measuring the health of oyster reefs. At one site, lab technician Meagan Murdock discovers unexpected competition for young spat trying to get established on the reef.

Expedition Florida 500 is stand up paddleboarding around the state of Florida to raise awareness of conservation issues and to explore the history of the state’s waterways. EcoAdventure North Florida joined him for a day at the Saint Marks National Wildlife Refuge.

Oysters make choices. Oysters can be scared. Dr. David Kimbro and Dr. Randall Hughes explain why an oyster’s fear can affect a reef.