Mariana C. León Pérez

e-mail: mariana.leon@upr.edu                     

• Hometown: Guaynabo, Puerto Rico

 For my thesis project, I am examining the feasibility of using artificial structures, simulating the three-dimensional complexity of Acropora palmata, as a restoration alternative. The main research hypothesis is that artificial Elkhorn coral structures provide a recruitment and protective habitat for the reef community similar to that provided by standing dead coral structures.  Considering that according to Lirman (1999), reef topography provided by both live and dead coral colonies is the main factor regulating fish distribution and abundance on A. palmata reefs.