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Research
With the world-wide decline of coral reefs over the last several decades, it is imperative to gain a better understanding of
the processes that affect natural reef recovery. Additionally, in light of the growing number of reef restoration projects,
techniques to speed reef recovery from damage are also of particular importance. My research interests include coral population
dynamics, recruitment, reproduction, aquaculture, and reef restoration. Past projects have addressed the effects of coral
reproduction and fertilization success on recruitment, the use of coral recruitment as a metric to evaluate the efficacy of
reef restoration, and examination of coral settlement, recruitment, and mortality to determine to what extent each of these
processes is a structuring factor on reefs in south Florida.
My current research projects include population dynamics of Acropora cervicornis, recovery of coral reefs damaged by ship
groundings, the effects of pollution on coral settlement, and the use of aquacultured coral fragments and juveniles derived
from larvae for reef restoration. In addition to field work, I run a coral histology lab where coral reproduction and fecundity
are studied along with the effects of environmental stressors on coral health and function. I also oversee both indoor and
outdoor coral culture facilities for use in studies of coral reproduction, settlement, and growth.
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Selected Publications
(Complete publication list)
Rubin ET, Moulding AL, Lopez JV, Gilliam DS, Kosmynin VN, Dodge RE (in press) Scleractinian coral recruitment patterns to reefs
physically damaged by ship groundings. Proceedings 11th International Coral Reef Symposium.
Moulding, AL. 2005. Coral recruitment patterns in the Florida Keys. Revista de Biología Tropical (International Journal of
Tropical Biology and Conservation) 53 (Suppl. 1): 75-82.
Tilmant J, Canzanelli L, Clark R, Curry R, Graham B, Mayr M, Moulding A, Mulcahy R, Viehman S, Whittington T. 2004. Restoration
of coral reef habitats within the National Park system. In: Harmon, D.Kilgore, B.M., Vietzke, G.E. (eds) Protecting Our Diverse
Heritage: the Role of Parks, Protected Areas, and Cultural Sites. (Proceedings of the 2003 George Wright Society/National Park
Service Joint Conference). George Wright Society, Michigan, pp 234-239.
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