Our tropical coral reefs are under increasing threat from global climate change and ocean warming. Beneath the surface, the warming waters cause several lethal events to corals, such as the critical lose of symbionts known as bleaching and increased susceptibility to disease. There is increasing evidence that some coral diseases are actually triggered by ocean warming, leading scientists to investigate why this is occurring and what can be done to stop it.

Ever wonder how sessile marine organisms such as corals and sponges compete for space on the reef? Or how these type of organisms prevent algae, bacteria and other epiphytes from growing on them? Marine animals use a variety of chemicals that allow them to engage in this type of ‘warfare’ with each other. This lecture will focus on some of these interesting interactions.

The search for new pharmaceuticals has turned to the sea! Marine organisms, such as sponges, corals, tunicates and algae are rich in chemicals that have potential human use. This lecture will describe how scientists look for new drugs on the reefs and how they test them for interesting biological activities. Some of the advantages, disadvantages, successes and failures of this endeavor will be highlighted.