VI-EPSCoR: RII: Building Research Strength in the US Virgin Islands

目标：这个研究基础设施改善（RII）奖旨在建立在以前的RII支持的努力，扩大大学的核心设施？的卓越中心在海洋和环境研究。在这个中心，科学家们研究海洋和沿海沃茨之间的联系;陆地-海洋界面的生物和地球物理联系;以及它们对珊瑚礁生态系统的潜在影响。具体来说，这个项目将调查增强或减少珊瑚礁的因素。对环境压力的容忍度，以更好地了解生态恢复力。维尔京群岛的人民严重依赖 加勒比海沿岸的珊瑚礁资源是维持生计的必需品，令人震惊的是，调查结果表明，近70%的珊瑚礁受到海岸开发、污染、沉积和过度捕捞的威胁。 不断上升的海水温度、海洋酸化和无效的管理给加勒比海珊瑚礁带来了进一步的威胁。项目主要焦点：因为美属维尔京群岛？由于加勒比海的珊瑚礁依赖于周围的沿海沃茨和珊瑚礁生态系统来发展旅游业（经济引擎）、交通、食品和娱乐，研究重点是加勒比海珊瑚礁的生物复杂性。已将三个研究项目纳入加勒比沿海生态系统综合研究计划：⑴进化和生态模式及过程小组将调查威胁珊瑚礁生态系统的众多过程; ⑵海洋和沿海过程小组将根据实地数据和海洋模型为解释生物过程提供物理基础;及3）环境分析及管理小组将探讨海岸生态系统中自然与人类互动之间的差距，以及社会经济对成功管理自然资源的重要性。人类对环境压力和珊瑚礁的耐受力？的阻力过渡到交替的生态状态。预期的项目成果包括更好地了解生态模式和进程如何受到自然和人为干扰的影响。研究成果将为决策者提供自然资源管理和空间规划方面的信息，并将增强人类和海洋的健康。鉴于该区域珊瑚礁死亡率的趋势以及对该区域的潜在负面影响，迫切需要这一信息？的经济。 研究结果可能适用于加勒比以外的区域。

Goals: This Research Infrastructure Improvement (RII) award seeks to build upon prior RII-supported efforts to expand the core facilities of the University?s Center of Excellence in Marine and Environmental Studies. At this center, scientists investigate the connections between ocean and coastal waters; the biological and geophysical linkages of the land-sea interface; and their potential impact on coral reef ecosystems. Specifically, this project will investigate the factors that enhance or reduce coral reefs? tolerance to environmental stress to better understand ecological resilience. The people of the Virgin Islands rely heavily on Caribbean coastal resources for subsistence, and are alarmed by findings that indicate that nearly 70% of the coral reefs are threatened by costal development, pollution, sedimentation, and over-fishing. Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification and ineffective management add further threats to Caribbean coral reefs.Project Major Foci: Because of the US Virgin Islands? reliance on the surrounding coastal waters and coral reef ecosystems for tourism (economic engine), transportation, food and recreation, the research focus is Biocomplexity in Caribbean Coral Reefs. Three research projects have been developed into the Integrated Caribbean Coastal Ecosystem Research Plan: 1) Evolutionary and Ecological Patterns and Processes team will investigate the numerous processes that threaten coral reef ecosystems; 2) Ocean and Coastal Processes team will provide the physical foundation for interpreting biological processes based upon field data and ocean modeling; and 3) Environmental Analysis and Management team will address the gap between physical and human interactions in coastal ecosystems and the underlying importance of socio-economics on successful natural resource management.Intellectual MeritThe project will investigate factors that enhance or reduce a coral reef?s tolerance to environmental stress and the coral reef?s resistance to transitions to alternate ecological states. Anticipated project outcomes include a better understanding of how ecological patterns and processes are influenced by natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Broader ImpactsThe research outcomes will inform decision-makers on natural resource management and spatial planning and will enhance human and ocean health. There is an urgent need for this information given the trends on coral reef mortality in the region and the potential negative impact to the region?s economy. Research results may be applicable to regions outside the Caribbean.