HydroEcology

The HydroEcology Laboratory performs research on environmental flows using a systems view of the coasts and oceans from the bottom-up. Our method, the systems perspective, integrates biotic and abiotic processes to perform applied and fundamental research on benthic ecosystems and connections to the overlying water column. Studies combine field work, laboratory analyses, ecoinformatics (i.e., ecological information technology), environmental statistics, and modeling. Most importantly, the group integrates natural science findings with socioeconomic studies to create the basic science needed for sound policy and management.  The group also developed the Freshwater Inflows Tool website which provides information about freshwater inflow for management and policy needs.