Jenny Mallon
Conserving calcification: integrating alkalinity enhancement into restoration of Florida’s coral reef
Abstract
Coral reefs are facing unprecedented environmental stress linked to climate change and human activity. In Florida and the Caribbean, widespread coral loss has sparked a surge in restoration efforts aimed at rebuilding reef ecosystems. However, the environmental conditions that corals need to thrive, such as temperature and ocean chemistry, are rapidly changing. Through her Smith Conservation Fellowship, Dr. Jenny Mallon is exploring how Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement (OAE) could be integrated into reef restoration strategies. OAE involves increasing the alkalinity of seawater to boost its carbon absorption capacity and buffer against acidification. Jenny’s research investigates how these changes in carbonate chemistry may influence calcification, the process by which corals and crustose coralline algae (CCA) build their skeletons, in lab and nursery settings. By working with scientists and practitioners across Florida, Jenny aims to connect experimental findings with real-world restoration practices. She is also launching Coral Observer (www.coralobserver.com), a new app designed to engage dive professionals and citizen scientists in tracking coral spawning events. By bridging science and hands-on conservation, this project supports more effective reef protection and restoration.
Mentors
Dr. Joana Figueiredo at National Coral Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University and Dr Mark Ladd, Coral Research and Assessment Lab (CoRAL), Southeast Fisheries Science Center, NOAA
Undergraduate Education
B.Sc Marine Biology, University of St Andrews, Scotland, 2013
Graduate Education
Ph.D. Marine Biogeochemistry, University of Glasgow, 2022
