From Alpheus to Zooxanthellae: Probing and Protecting the Dizzying Diversity of the Ocean

Abstract

For over 50 years I have studied corals, coral reefs, and reef-associated animals. Although much of my work was underpinned by genetics and I have dabbled in theory, I am a natural historian at heart. The many topics I pursued reflect in part what sparked my fancy but were also greatly shaped by a series of chance events, unexpected data, and unplanned opportunities. Many of the findings and ideas for which I am now known were initially met with skepticism and rejection—success required stubborn faith in my intuitions and convictions and the support of many assistants, collaborators, mentors, and leaders. Watching the sudden loss of the reefs that dazzled me as a graduate student and the subsequent steady decline of ocean life around the world has driven my interests in conservation and communication, and in the end, perhaps surprisingly, made me focus on the positive.