Claire B. Paris
Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
University of Miami
4600 Rickenbacker Causeway
Miami, FL 33149
Tel: (305) 421-4978
Fax: (305) 421-4600
Email:
Education
Ph.D. Coastal Oceanography, Marine Sciences Research Center, Stony Brook, 2001
M.Sc., Biology, RSMAS, University of Miami, 1987
One of the most significant challenges facing marine ecology today is to understand the spatial patterns of population structure and how changes in the environment may affect population persistence. Claire’s primary research interests are in the biological-physical interactions that control marine population dynamics with an emphasis on the early life history stages (pelagic larvae). Theoretical studies suggest that the exchange of individuals among geographically-separated populations (population connectivity) plays a fundamental role in metapopulations dynamics, community structure, genetic diversity, and the resiliency of populations to human exploitation. To test these hypotheses, a modeling approach was developed integrating physical and biological processes, such as realistic renditions of ocean circulation, adult reproductive strategies, larval behavior and traits, and suitable habitat. The modeling system estimates the scales and strength of natural population networks (in the absence of pervasive human impacts). In the context of the Bahamas Biocomplexity Project, a significant application of this research is the optimization of spatial conservation strategies to maintain or restore natural levels of biodiversity and ecosystem function. Field data from the Habitat Working Group are now integrated to the seascape component of the larval tracking system to quantify the relative influence of ecological connectivity on the observed structure of the communities of coral and fish species. The biophysical model also serves to support population genetic studies by scaling gene flow between breeding populations.