We began working with our partners at the University of Miami (UM) on an project that processes sediment samples collected on the Global Reef Expedition to assess the long-term health of coral reefs. This project, Protist Prophets – Foraminifera as Global Bioindicators for Past and Present Coral Reef Health, is funded by the National Science Foundation. By identifying the types of benthic foraminifera present in the sand surrounding coral reefs, scientists can get an idea of what the conditions were like in the reef over time. By examining samples collected from different types of reefs in locations around the world, we will eventually be able to use this method to assess the long-term health of any tropical coral reef.
The Foundation is also working with UM to develop a related educator’s guide called “Little Creatures with a Big Message.” This curriculum aims to enhance STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education and increase minority participation in STEAM fields. Students will engage in activities utilizing scientific data from UM, focusing on tiny, microscopic creatures known as foraminifera to prioritize coral reefs for conservation. Next year, these educational resources will be vetted with students and teachers and shared with classrooms around the world.
