I investigate how corals answer to global and local threats, mainly at the physiological level but not only. My work establishes links between environmental conditions, individual performances, reef health and focuses on three main themes.

CORAL NUTRITION

I use in situ studies and laboratory experiments to determine on which type of prey the corals feed and which are their nutritional contributions. Recent projects have demonstrated, in laboratory conditions, how tropical coral metabolism might be stimulated by food supply. My work has shown that a plankton supply allows corals to be more resistant to heat stress, but this remains to be confirmed on the field.

INFLUENCE OF TRACE METALS ON CORAL METABOLISM

Metals have long been considered only as a source of pollution for corals. However, our work has shown that, at moderate concentrations, they are strong stimulators of coral metabolism, thanks to their numerous roles as enzyme co-factors. My research has highlighted the essential role played by several metals in maintaining symbionts in coral tissue under warming conditions.

THE LATEST GENERATION OF SUNSCREENS

UV filters contained in corals have the property to accumulate in the tissues and have, among other things, a negative impact on coral physiological parameters. My work in this field aims to help in the development of sunscreens with lesser effects on corals.

PHD student ongoing : Thibault Le Verge-Campion

Projets

  • SUN project (financements privés)
  • PIGMENT project (financements privés)
  • META-REEF (LabEx CORAIL)
  • IGUANE (LabEx CORAIL/MER)
  • Flamenco project (LabEx CORAIL)
  • Macadam project (LabEx CORAIL)
  • CARIOCA project (ANR)
  • PNG VENTS project (ANR)
  • AMICI project (Race for Water foundation) 

 

VidEos LINKED TO THE projeCts :

NEWS and PUBLIC ARTICLES, IRD MAG