Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip
@lalvarezfilip.bsky.social
Coral reef ecologist
barcolab.org
barcolab.org
The 2023 marine heatwave was devastating for Caribbean reefs; in this study, we report full mortality of over 5,000 Acropora palmata colonies across a reef scale. What is worrisome is that nearly 70% of reef crests across the Caribbean faced equal or higher levels of stress doi.org/10.1016/j.is...
October 27, 2025 at 7:28 PM
The 2023 marine heatwave was devastating for Caribbean reefs; in this study, we report full mortality of over 5,000 Acropora palmata colonies across a reef scale. What is worrisome is that nearly 70% of reef crests across the Caribbean faced equal or higher levels of stress doi.org/10.1016/j.is...
In all of them, we found that strategically conducting restoration activities near or bordering existing patches of the target species can enhance the structural connectivity of the landscape, while also increasing the potential for fertilization between the wild population and outplanted specimens.
May 14, 2025 at 10:34 PM
In all of them, we found that strategically conducting restoration activities near or bordering existing patches of the target species can enhance the structural connectivity of the landscape, while also increasing the potential for fertilization between the wild population and outplanted specimens.
Our models show that considering the spatial distribution of the focal species is crucial in restoration activities. We tested our models under three different reef scenarios (degraded, healthy, and randomly distributed).
May 14, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Our models show that considering the spatial distribution of the focal species is crucial in restoration activities. We tested our models under three different reef scenarios (degraded, healthy, and randomly distributed).
Specifically, we propose a framework that integrates image analysis of commercial drone data and spatial modelling based on landscape ecology theory to identify restoration sites that structurally connect patches of a key reef-building coral across ecologically meaningful scales.
May 14, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Specifically, we propose a framework that integrates image analysis of commercial drone data and spatial modelling based on landscape ecology theory to identify restoration sites that structurally connect patches of a key reef-building coral across ecologically meaningful scales.
The hurricane impacts we report in this study occurred in 2020. Many may wonder whether Limones Reef withstood the 2023 bleaching event. The good news is that, unlike many other shallow reefs in the Caribbean, this reef still has a healthy population of A. palmata (although it underwent losses).
April 14, 2025 at 10:58 PM
The hurricane impacts we report in this study occurred in 2020. Many may wonder whether Limones Reef withstood the 2023 bleaching event. The good news is that, unlike many other shallow reefs in the Caribbean, this reef still has a healthy population of A. palmata (although it underwent losses).
One of our key findings relates to the role of phenotypic plasticity. Colonies in the most exposed environments (reef crest) developed morphological attributes that made them, and their patches, more prone to resisting the increased energy levels during hurricanes.
April 14, 2025 at 10:58 PM
One of our key findings relates to the role of phenotypic plasticity. Colonies in the most exposed environments (reef crest) developed morphological attributes that made them, and their patches, more prone to resisting the increased energy levels during hurricanes.
🌊🌊🪸🪸 Ever wonder how a hurricane modifies the landscape structure of a coral reef? In this newly published study, we use high-resolution drone imagery to explore how the impact of disturbances modulates the spatial arrangement and distribution of Acropora palmate patches.
doi.org/10.1007/s003...
doi.org/10.1007/s003...
April 14, 2025 at 10:58 PM
🌊🌊🪸🪸 Ever wonder how a hurricane modifies the landscape structure of a coral reef? In this newly published study, we use high-resolution drone imagery to explore how the impact of disturbances modulates the spatial arrangement and distribution of Acropora palmate patches.
doi.org/10.1007/s003...
doi.org/10.1007/s003...
One of the few remaining elkhorn corals in the Caribbean is standing the wave energy... 🌊🪸
January 18, 2025 at 3:43 PM
One of the few remaining elkhorn corals in the Caribbean is standing the wave energy... 🌊🪸
These findings align with a manuscript published last month in @consletters.bsky.social where we discuss the need to reconsider parrotfish management strategies to account for the specific roles of different species and consider reciprocal benthic-fish interactions: doi.org/10.1111/conl...
December 12, 2024 at 4:06 PM
These findings align with a manuscript published last month in @consletters.bsky.social where we discuss the need to reconsider parrotfish management strategies to account for the specific roles of different species and consider reciprocal benthic-fish interactions: doi.org/10.1111/conl...
Both bioerosion and herbivory potential are highest in the most complex sites, while macroalgae removal is high in sites dominated by macroalgae. Both functions are highly diminished in reticulated inner reefs dominated by turf algae and cyanobacteria.
December 12, 2024 at 4:06 PM
Both bioerosion and herbivory potential are highest in the most complex sites, while macroalgae removal is high in sites dominated by macroalgae. Both functions are highly diminished in reticulated inner reefs dominated by turf algae and cyanobacteria.
Newly published parrotfish research in @plos.bsky.social. We used the most extensive reef system in the Gulf of Mexico – Alacranes Reef- as a study model to show that parrotfish functions are strongly linked to habitat structure and composition. Link: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
December 12, 2024 at 4:06 PM
Newly published parrotfish research in @plos.bsky.social. We used the most extensive reef system in the Gulf of Mexico – Alacranes Reef- as a study model to show that parrotfish functions are strongly linked to habitat structure and composition. Link: doi.org/10.1371/jour...
This paradigm has led to management regulations worldwide. Yet, there has often been a lack of a link between parrotfish recovery and coral cover increase. This suggests complex dynamics that led us to re-examine this paradigm's theoretical and methodological aspects.
October 11, 2024 at 10:57 PM
This paradigm has led to management regulations worldwide. Yet, there has often been a lack of a link between parrotfish recovery and coral cover increase. This suggests complex dynamics that led us to re-examine this paradigm's theoretical and methodological aspects.
🪸🐟Our new paper is out in @ConLetters this week. In it, we review and discuss in a broader context one of the most fundamental paradigms in reef management and conservation—the parrotfish paradigm:
with @ANAMLHZ
doi.org/10.1111/conl.1…
with @ANAMLHZ
doi.org/10.1111/conl.1…
November 24, 2024 at 6:06 PM
🪸🐟Our new paper is out in @ConLetters this week. In it, we review and discuss in a broader context one of the most fundamental paradigms in reef management and conservation—the parrotfish paradigm:
with @ANAMLHZ
doi.org/10.1111/conl.1…
with @ANAMLHZ
doi.org/10.1111/conl.1…
🔥🌊🪸 #Coralbleaching update. This year's heating event has been catastrophic for corals in the Caribbean. At some shallow-water sites, most, if not all, Elkhorn corals are already dead and are rapidly being covered by turf algae (1/n)
@BillPrecht @ProfTerryHughes @MarkEakin
@BillPrecht @ProfTerryHughes @MarkEakin
November 24, 2024 at 6:05 PM
🔥🌊🪸 #Coralbleaching update. This year's heating event has been catastrophic for corals in the Caribbean. At some shallow-water sites, most, if not all, Elkhorn corals are already dead and are rapidly being covered by turf algae (1/n)
@BillPrecht @ProfTerryHughes @MarkEakin
@BillPrecht @ProfTerryHughes @MarkEakin
The ongoing heat wave is devastating Caribbean coral reefs. Coral bleaching is now transitioning into widespread coral mortality in some reefs. One of the most affected species is the Elkhorn coral, a major reef-building coral that has undergone severe declines since the 1970s
November 24, 2024 at 6:04 PM
The ongoing heat wave is devastating Caribbean coral reefs. Coral bleaching is now transitioning into widespread coral mortality in some reefs. One of the most affected species is the Elkhorn coral, a major reef-building coral that has undergone severe declines since the 1970s
Our recent paper in @FrontMarineSci explores the progression rate of #SCTLD in P. strigosa. We found 70% of mortality, but rates of tissue loss differed among colonies. The disease tended to spread faster in large and vertically compressed colonies
bit.ly/3bASieF
bit.ly/3bASieF
November 24, 2024 at 5:48 PM
Our recent paper in @FrontMarineSci explores the progression rate of #SCTLD in P. strigosa. We found 70% of mortality, but rates of tissue loss differed among colonies. The disease tended to spread faster in large and vertically compressed colonies
bit.ly/3bASieF
bit.ly/3bASieF
Our paper in @CommsBio @NaturePortfolio shows that the #SCTLD is likely to become the most lethal disturbance ever recorded in the Caribbean, and it will likely result in the onset of a new functional regime defined by the dominance of low relief corals
rdcu.be/cPjSi
rdcu.be/cPjSi
November 24, 2024 at 5:48 PM
Our paper in @CommsBio @NaturePortfolio shows that the #SCTLD is likely to become the most lethal disturbance ever recorded in the Caribbean, and it will likely result in the onset of a new functional regime defined by the dominance of low relief corals
rdcu.be/cPjSi
rdcu.be/cPjSi
We have completed our second #ReefBudget workshop successfully. We learned and discussed the theory and field methods to assess the production and erosion of carbonates on tropical reefs. With Chris Perry @extermarine and more than 30 managers and scientists @IcmlUnam @CONANP_mx
November 24, 2024 at 5:48 PM
We have completed our second #ReefBudget workshop successfully. We learned and discussed the theory and field methods to assess the production and erosion of carbonates on tropical reefs. With Chris Perry @extermarine and more than 30 managers and scientists @IcmlUnam @CONANP_mx
Yesterday's moon...
November 24, 2024 at 5:48 PM
Yesterday's moon...
The sargassum #season has begun! - vast amounts of this seaweed have reached the coastline of Puerto Morelos and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Sargassum will eventually rotten on the beaches - causing severe affections to the tourism and the health of coastal ecosystems
November 24, 2024 at 5:47 PM
The sargassum #season has begun! - vast amounts of this seaweed have reached the coastline of Puerto Morelos and elsewhere in the Caribbean. Sargassum will eventually rotten on the beaches - causing severe affections to the tourism and the health of coastal ecosystems
A healthy stand of the iconic Caribbean reef-building coral - Acropora palmata. Limones reef, Mexico. #elkhorncoral #dronephotography #coralreefs #caribbean #marineconservation
November 24, 2024 at 5:47 PM
A healthy stand of the iconic Caribbean reef-building coral - Acropora palmata. Limones reef, Mexico. #elkhorncoral #dronephotography #coralreefs #caribbean #marineconservation
Glad to share that our paper that spatially estimates the reef functional potential of Caribbean coral reefs is on the front cover of Ecography 😃
with @MeloSaram @ReefJav @EcographyJourna
bit.ly/3BgYPmV
with @MeloSaram @ReefJav @EcographyJourna
bit.ly/3BgYPmV
November 24, 2024 at 5:47 PM
Glad to share that our paper that spatially estimates the reef functional potential of Caribbean coral reefs is on the front cover of Ecography 😃
with @MeloSaram @ReefJav @EcographyJourna
bit.ly/3BgYPmV
with @MeloSaram @ReefJav @EcographyJourna
bit.ly/3BgYPmV
In this study published at @EcographyJourna, we coupled species’ functional traits with niche models to estimate the physical functionality of Caribbean coral communities. We found that most reefs experienced reductions in their functionality @MeloSaram
bit.ly/3BgYPmV
bit.ly/3BgYPmV
November 24, 2024 at 5:47 PM
In this study published at @EcographyJourna, we coupled species’ functional traits with niche models to estimate the physical functionality of Caribbean coral communities. We found that most reefs experienced reductions in their functionality @MeloSaram
bit.ly/3BgYPmV
bit.ly/3BgYPmV
The Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease #SCTLD is rampaging several species of Caribbean corals. This study in @FrontMarineSci shows how it spread in two months across Cozumel, resulted in c.50% coral cover loss and was followed by a rapid increase of algae.
bit.ly/3m4HE0t
bit.ly/3m4HE0t
November 24, 2024 at 5:47 PM
The Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease #SCTLD is rampaging several species of Caribbean corals. This study in @FrontMarineSci shows how it spread in two months across Cozumel, resulted in c.50% coral cover loss and was followed by a rapid increase of algae.
bit.ly/3m4HE0t
bit.ly/3m4HE0t