Ocean First Education’s Director of Science and Research to Present at 13th International Coral Reef Symposium

Dr. Caine Delacy, director of science and research at Ocean First Education, will present his work on East Africa’s reef fish communities at the 13th International Coral Reef Symposium in Honolulu. The symposium brings together 2,500 coral reef scientists, policy makers and managers from 70 nations to present the latest research findings and to discuss coral reef sustainability. The conference, focused on coral reef science and management, runs from June 19 -24.
 
Delacy’s research focused on the coral reefs of Africa, some of the last in the world to receive in-depth surveys and assessments of their fish populations.
 
Delacy’s work took him from Kenya to Mozambique across 24 degrees of latitude. Typically, species richness declines as one moves north or south from the equator but Delacy’s team found this does not occur off the coast of East Africa. The research found numerous spots along the coast that were poor in the number and variety of species and other areas that were quite rich, with no correlation to latitude. Delacy’s team believes the species along the coast are “generalists” and are suited to a wider range of environmental variables.
 
“We are thrilled that Caine’s work will be presented at this important conference,” said Graham Casden, founder of Ocean First Education. “There is no debate that coral reefs are stressed from a variety of factors, including global warming, and we know that restoring their health is vital to the ocean’s entire ecosystem. The urgency around coral reefs is palpable and Ocean First is proud to be part of this critical conversation.”
 
Delacy will present, “Unique Structure of Reef Fish Communities in East Africa,” on Tuesday, June 21 at 10:45 a.m. in Location 311 at the Hawaii Convention Center. Follow @OceanFirstEdu on Twitter to view Delacy’s updates from the symposium.
 
About Dr. Caine Delacy
As the director of science and research at Ocean First Education, Caine Delacy aligns educational efforts with the work of scientists. He is developing opportunities to support teachers and students in their ocean-related endeavors and careers. Delacy’s background as a marine ecologist is focused on understanding the structure and function of reef fish communities and the role of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other management strategies play in conserving those communities. He has studied tropical and temperate reefs throughout the world, focusing largely on the East African coastline. He earned a Ph.D. from the University of Western Australia, and became a dive master at age 20.
 
About Ocean First Education
Founded in 2008 and based in Boulder, Colorado, Ocean First Education provides innovative and dynamic digital marine science curricula for K-12. Our team of educators, scientists and researchers are committed to increasing awareness of marine environments and engaging students through interactive experiences. Ocean First Education is grounded in its mission to inspire our students, teachers and community to become stewards of the sea. For more information, visit www.OceanFirstEducation.com.
 

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