Speaker: Knauss Fellow Marla Valentine, International Fisheries Science Specialist, Office of Science and Technology
Abstract: Sponges can have powerful effects on ecosystem processes in shallow, tropical marine ecosystems and are an integral component of the bentho-pelagic cycle of nutrients via filtering of dissolved and particulate organic matter from the water column. This research sought to experimentally establish the baseline effects of Florida Keys sponges and their complex microbiomes, at ecologically relevant biomass levels, on various shallow water ecosystem processes and functions. My work makes clear the implications of a reduction in the natural density and diversity of sponges in terms of significant alterations to the ecosystem’s natural biogeochemical cycles and bentho-pelagic linkages.
About the speaker: Marla Valentine graduated from Louisiana State University in 2013 with a Master of Science degree in Oceanography that centered on deep-sea benthic ecology using ROVs and AUVs following the Deepwater Horizon Incident. Marla defended her doctorate at Old Dominion University in 2018 focusing on biogeochemical cycling of nutrients in coastal marine ecosystems, specifically in the Florida Keys. Between degrees, Marla worked for several marine research labs from Alabama to Delaware to Alaska studying sharks alligators and finfish fisheries, acoustic and satellite telemetry, and aquatic invasive species.
