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Research Title : Characterizing Energy Flow in a Marine Ecosystem in Northern Chile

Emma Elliott Smith, a PhD student in the Department of Biology, traveled to Chile in the summer of 2017 in order to research the ecology and dynamics of nearshore marine ecosystems. Emma is interested in characterizing trophic interactions (who-eats-whom), as well as determining which marine primary producers (e.g., algae versus microscopic phytoplankton) are most important to these dynamic food webs.  As a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of local marine food webs is important for conservation and management, she hopes that her research will ultimately contribute to the field by providing meaningful biological information for local authorities to set management targets.  The sampled fish species are important to local commercial and artisanal fisheries. To this end, Emma's work will help to better understand natural systems, allowing for better protect and management.