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- Research Work Description:
-
My PhD involves characterizing the local coral reef ecosystem in a variety of ways using GIS techniques. The first step
linked the current reef topography to the reef's geologic history in GIS using subbottom profiling, laser bathymetry
and previously published dated corals from different depths. Next, the benthic habitats were characterized in GIS
using laser bathymetry, acoustic ground discrimination (QTC & Echoplus), and aerial photography. Currently, I am
taking a seascape ecology approach to analyzing visual reef fish census data, relating them to different spatial
parameters derived from GIS (slope, volume, elevation, habitat, etc.). The final step will be to develop a predictive
model that resource managers can use to estimate reef fish abundance and richness in similar habitat.
I am primary GIS support for many projects for Dr. Dodge, Dr. Riegl, Dr. Spieler,
and Dr. Gilliam. I also perform visual reef fish assessments, benthic habitat assessment and mapping, coral reef impact
assessment and restoration, reef fish rotenone collection and ID, and radio telemetry tracking. Current projects include:
SECREMP, Palm Beach County benthic habitat mapping, St. Croix U.S.V.I. reef fish assessment, coral reef monitoring for beach
renourishment, and nearshore visual fish assessments.
- Title of thesis/dissertation research project:
- Pending
Thesis Advisor: Dr. Bernhard Riegl
- Academic areas of interest:
- Seascape ecology, Coral Reef Fish Ecology, Benthic Habitat Mapping, Spatial Analyses, Habitat Impact Assessment,
GIS, Remote Sensing, Coral Reefs.
- Publications
- Walker B.K., Riegl B.M., and R.E. Dodge. Mapping Coral Reef Habitats in Southeast Florida Using a Combined Technique
Approach. Journal of Coastal Research. In press.
- Riegl B.M., Moyer R.P., Dodge R.E., Kohler K., Walker B., and D. Gilliam. A tale of storms, bombs, and germs: Geomorphology
and coral assemblage structure at Vieques (Puerto Rico) and St. Croix (U.S. Virgin Islands). Journal of Coastal Research. In
press.
- Walker B.K. and R.E. Dodge. 3D Visualization of Coral Reef Habitat. Proceedings to: Seventh International Conference
on Remote Sensing for Marine and Coastal Environments, 20-22 May 2002, Miami, Florida, USA.
Click here to view the paper  (1Mb).
- Moyer R.P., B. Riegl, R.E. Dodge, B.K. Walker, and D.S. Gilliam. Acoustic Remote-Sensing of Reef Benthos in Broward
County, Florida (USA). Proceedings to: Seventh International Conference on Remote Sensing for Marine and Coastal
Environments, 20-22 May 2002, Miami, Florida, USA.
Click here to view the paper (1Mb).
- Riegl B., R.P. Moyer, and B.K. Walker. Integration of satellite remote-sensing of subtidal habitats with vessel-based
video survey (Dubai, UAE, Arabian Gulf) Proceedings to: Seventh International Conference on Remote Sensing for Marine and
Coastal Environments, 20-22 May 2002, Miami, Florida, USA.
Click here to view the paper (1Mb).
- Walker B.K., Henderson, B. and R.S. Spieler. Biological Assessment of Artificial Reef Materials: Concrete Aggregates and Quarry
Stone. Aquatic Living Resources 15: (2002) 95-105.
Click here to view the paper (1Mb).
- Walker B.K. and R.L. Sherman. Gross brain morphology in the Yellow Stingray, Urobatis jamaicensis. Florida
Scientist. Vol. 64, No. 4, Pp.246-249, 2001.
Click here to view the paper (1Mb).
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