Hydrothermal vent sites are found along rift valleys that are associated with sea floor spreading in each of the major ocean basins. Newly formed hydrothermal vents are rapidly colonized by endemic species, and the faunal composition at widely separated vent fields is quite similar. Our NSF-supported investigation utilizes innovative laboratory techniques in addition to field observations from the deep submersible Alvin. The role of biofilms and chemical cues in the induction of settlement and metamorphosis of mud crab larvae. Our work indicates that settlement and metamorphosis of estuarine crab larvae is influenced by biofilms associated with adult habitat and by chemical exudates produced by adult crabs.
Ongoing work focuses on responses to exudates produced by closely related species.
Early life history of non-indigenous crab species in the Middle Atlantic Bight. A small colony of the Japanese shore crab was first discovered in Delaware Bay around 10 years ago. Our investigation focuses on the mechanisms of this dispersal. The study utilizes laboratory and field techniques to evaluate larval dispersal, as well as molecular tools to determine the genetic structure of populations along the coast. Teaching Coastal Field Biology, Larval Ecology and Graduate-level Marine Biology.