Profile
Shifts in the ecological communities structuring coral reefs are occurring in response to the unprecedented levels of thermal stress reefs now experience with increasing frequency. We need to understand how coral reefs respond to these pressures over longer time-scales relevant to ecological and geological processes, and this is the aim of my project within the Indian Ocean region.
We plan to integrate long-term monitoring datasets with data collected using recent and newly emerging techniques. This will enable new insights into the physical drivers of patterns in coral reef resilience and recovery from thermal stress. Obtaining detailed site-specific benthic data also allows us to examine relationships moving up the food web into coral reef fish communities.
This is an exciting and critical time in coral reef science, and the challenges facing reefs require both multi-disciplinary collaboration and novel thinking in the search for solutions.
Biography
My Project
Other interests
I am interested in the study of reefs as socio-ecological systems and in finding ways to work with local communities that depend on coral reefs for their livelihoods. This aims to increase well being and protect the benefits gained from functioning reef systems. Recently I have led projects in the Philippines and Vanuatu, and will be participating in a project to improve livelihoods in Santiago Island, Cabo Verde.
My Publications
Variable Effects of Protection on Large-Bodied Reef Fishes in the Western Indian Ocean
Samoilys, M., Osuka, K.E., Roche, R., Koldewey, H., Chabanet, P. (2025). Variable effects of protection on large-bodied reef fishes in the western Indian Ocean. Conservation Biology
Coral Reef Recovery in a Remote and Large Marine Protected Area is Resilient to Cascading Tropic Interactions
McDevitt-Irwin, J.M., Chapius, M., Carlson, R., Meekan, M., Palmisciano, M., Roche, R., Taylor, B.M., Tietjen, K.L., Tillman, C., Fiorenza, M. (2024). Coral reef recovery in a remote and large marine protected area is resilient to cascading tropic interactions. Biological Conservation
Depth Variation in Benthic Community Response to Repeated Marine Heatwaves on Remote Central Indian Ocean Reefs
Sanassy Pilly, S., Roche, R.C., Richardson, L.E., Turner, J.R. (2024). Depth variation in benthic community response to repeated marine heatwaves on remote Central Indian Ocean reefs. Royal Society Open Science.
Intraspecific Differences in Short- and Long-Term Foraging Strategies of Reef Manta Ray (Mobula alfredi) in the Chagos Archipelago
Harris, J.L., Embling, C.B., Alexander, G., Curnick, D., Roche, R., Froman, N., Stuhr, M., Fileman, E.S., Hilbourne, S., Carter, R., Murray, A., Savage, J., Stevens, G.M.W. (2023). Intraspecific differences in short- and long-term foraging strategies of reef manta ray (Mobula alfredi) in the Chagos Archipelago. Global Ecology and Conservation.
Atoll-Dependent Zonation in Benthic Communities on Remote Reefs
Sannassy Pilly, S., Richardson, L.E., Turner, J.T., Roche, R.C. (2022). Atoll-dependent zonation in benthic communities on remote reefs. Marine Environmental Research.
