Predator-Prey Interactions

We are interested in the structuring role and foraging ecology of various fishes, particularly those that forage along the benthos. Despite the historical consideration of ecosystems being largely controlled from the “bottom-up” (i.e., nutrients), a multitude of studies have revealed that predators play a crucial role in regulating the dynamics of marine communities. 

Some of our specific questions include:

1. What drives foraging patch decisions in demersal marine fishes (prey quantity, quality, risk)?
2. How do benthic foraging fishes influence substrate complexity relative to other natural processes?