A University of Guam student researcher is making significant strides in understanding the resilience of coral reefs in the face of climate change

Ava Suba, a participant in the NSF INCLUDES SEAS Alliance Guam program, is currently working under the mentorship of Bastian Bentlage Ph.D, along with graduate student Anela Duenas at the UOG Marine Lab.

Suba’s research focuses on Pavona decussata, a heat-tolerant coral species that can be found in Guam’s ocean.

As climate change continues to raise sea surface temperatures, coral reefs worldwide are facing unprecedented threats.

Suba’s research aims to shed light on how some corals, like Pavona decussata, can cope with and adapt to these increasing temperatures.

By studying the dynamics of photosynthesis and respiration in both the coral and its algal symbionts under heat stress conditions, Suba hopes to gain valuable insights into what allows these organisms to survive in hostile environments.

“Given the urgent issue of climate change and rising sea surface temperatures, coral reefs face significant risks. We aim to investigate the dynamics of photosynthesis and respiration in Pavona decussata and its algal symbionts under heat stress to better understand how some corals can cope with and adapt to increasing temperatures,” explained Suba.

Her findings could help to develop strategies for protecting and restoring coral reefs, which are crucial ecosystems for marine biodiversity and coastal communities.

The NSF INCLUDES SEAS Alliance Guam program is providing Suba with the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience and contribute to important scientific endeavors.

Her work is an example of just some of the research being conducted by the student researchers and fellows of the NSF INCLUDES SEAS Alliance Guam program at UOG.