About the Lab
At the Benthic Ecology Lab at Texas A&M University Galveston, we explore the complex interactions between marine benthic organisms and their environments. Much of our work involves hands-on fieldwork and data collection, so we are always ready to get our hands dirty!
Why study benthic ecosystems and biodiversity?
With nearly 70% of Earth's surface covered by the ocean, the benthic habitat is the second largest ecosystem on the planet. Benthic ecosystems support a high diversity of species and provide essential services such as carbon storage, fisheries, coastal protection, tourism, and recreation. Benthic organisms are essential for the stability and resilience of ecosystems, providing genetic resources and are often part of the base of food webs. They are also sensitive to environmental changes, so monitoring benthic organisms can give early warnings of ecosystem changes and environmental degradation, making them essential for monitoring ecosystem health.
