Fourth in the world for publications on mesophotic coral ecosystems, scientists at The University of the Virgin Islands were invited Discussion Leaders at the prestigious Gordon Research Conference Mesophotic Coral Reef Ecosystems. This invitation is a tremendous honor, recognizing these scientists as leaders in their field.

Dr. Castillo was awarded $38,053 to assist with the recovery of his lionfish research project.  This project examines factors affecting the movement and colonization of areas by the invasive lionfish species in St. Croix, USVI.  The impact from Hurricane Irma resulted in lost equipment and necessitated new data collection due to major disruptions within the study areas.

Dr. Tyler Smith, lead Coral Reef Researcher with VI-EPSCoR, and Associate Research Professor of Marine Science with the University of the Virgin Islands has been appointed to a National Academies of Sciences committee to study coral reef resilience. This is a tremendous honor of international significance. 

It's a fight to the death in USVI waters as some corals and sponges battle for survival. Dr. Andia Chaves Fonnegra's research shines a light on this dramatic battle and how coral bleaching events play a role.