B.A. Student, Kaufman-Deyle Lab.
Stony corals provide the basis of reef structures that create habitats and support diverse marine life. Measurements and analysis of structural complexity can reveal important ecological information. Our goal is to quantify reef structural complexity at a fine-scale to better understand and predict coral reef dynamics. Leveraging advances in three-dimensional (3D) photogrammetry as a novel approach to studying coral reefs, we will create 3D computer model reconstructions of coral reefs from thousands of underwater images collected in situ. This project will align 3D models consisting of six years of image data from Laughing Bird Caye, Belize at Site 24. The data is processed in RStudio for further data analysis. This research will be provided to stakeholders in Belize to highlight the importance of long-term monitoring, and empower adaptive restoration efforts as strategies for successful coral restoration.