Recording: Invading Meadows: Tropical Seagrass Across the Caribbean with Southeast RISCC
Tuesday, August 18 at 1:00pm ET
Join us for a webinar on invasive seagrass in the Caribbean co-hosted with Southeast RISCC featuring Kelcie Chiquillo (University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras).
Abstract:
The tropical invasive mid-rib seagrass, Halophila stipulacea, has rapidly expanded beyond its native range- first establishing in the Mediterranean and, since 2004, spreading throughout the Caribbean. But what makes this small tropical seagrass such a successful invader? In this talk, I will explore how H. stipulacea interacts with native species, drawing on experimental research showing its competitive success in mixed seagrass communities and recent work examining the microbial communities associated with these interactions. I will also share ongoing research investigating the broader spread and invasion of H. stipulacea across the Caribbean, highlighting what we know—and what remains to be discovered—about this emerging marine invasion.
Speaker:
Kelcie Chiquillo
Dr. Kelcie Chiquillo is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras, and a marine biologist whose research focuses on seagrass ecology, species invasions, and biodiversity in tropical marine ecosystems. Her work combines field-based ecology with molecular approaches to investigate the ecological interactions that shape marine communities. A certified SCUBA instructor, Dr. Chiquillo is committed to expanding access to marine science through hands-on field research, diving, and student-centered training opportunities.
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