In the Field: UW researchers are studying how coral reef fish work as a community to respond to threats
Our take
The intricate dance of a coral reef ecosystem, often depicted as a vibrant tapestry of color and life, holds secrets far deeper than aesthetics. Recent research from the University of Washington, detailed in UW researchers lead and support new ‘AI-for-Science’ Genesis Mission awards, highlights a fascinating aspect of this complexity: the communication strategies employed by reef fish in the face of danger. Focusing on the humbug damselfish in the Maldives, UW doctoral student Jj Milan and research scientist Bob Oxborrow are investigating how the health of the reef itself influences the fish’s ability to signal and respond to threats. This isn't just about observing fish behavior; it's about understanding the foundational role of environmental health in supporting crucial ecological communication networks. It builds upon other innovative UW research, such as the pioneering work demonstrated in UW, WA Department of Health show it’s possible to test wastewater for STIs, showcasing the institution’s commitment to applying advanced scientific methods to understand complex biological systems.
The significance of this research extends far beyond the immediate study of a single fish species. Coral reefs are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, providing shelter and sustenance for an estimated 25% of all marine life. Their decline, driven by climate change, pollution, and overfishing, poses a catastrophic threat to global marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions who depend on them. Understanding how reef fish communicate—and how that communication is affected by reef degradation—is critical for developing effective conservation strategies. If a weakened reef impairs the ability of fish to warn each other about predators or coordinate responses to environmental stressors, the entire ecosystem becomes more vulnerable. The study’s focus on communication, rather than just individual survival, shifts the perspective from a purely reactive approach to a proactive understanding of ecosystem resilience. It underscores the importance of not only restoring coral reefs but also ensuring that they function as interconnected communities.
The methodology employed by Milan and Oxborrow – observing and analyzing the communication signals of these damselfish – represents a subtle but powerful shift in ecological research. Traditionally, much of the focus has been on the physical aspects of reef health—coral cover, water quality, etc. This research, however, acknowledges that the *functional* health of a reef—how its inhabitants interact and respond—is equally, if not more, important. It’s a reminder that ecosystems are not simply collections of organisms; they are dynamic networks of relationships. The inherent complexity of these networks demands interdisciplinary approaches, which is evident in the broader scope of UW’s research, including the recognition of faculty and staff as seen in Faculty/staff honors: CRNS fellow-ambassador, Richard R. Ernst prize and a National Science Foundation award. The ability to decode these subtle communication signals – whether through visual cues, chemical signals, or even behavioral patterns – opens up entirely new avenues for monitoring reef health and predicting ecosystem responses to change.
Looking ahead, a crucial question emerges: can we leverage this understanding of fish communication to *actively* enhance reef resilience? Could targeted interventions—perhaps through habitat restoration or the introduction of “keystone communicators”—strengthen these crucial signaling networks and bolster the reef’s ability to withstand future shocks? The research on the humbug damselfish offers a tantalizing glimpse into the potential of a more holistic approach to coral reef conservation, one that recognizes the vital role of communication in maintaining a thriving marine ecosystem. It’s a field ripe with potential, demanding continued exploration and a deeper appreciation for the silent conversations happening beneath the waves.
Coral reefs provide shelter and protection for nearly one quarter of ocean species, including crabs, moray eels, octopus and fish. But these cozy homes are currently under threat for many reasons, such as rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification.
Researchers are trying to understand how groups of fish communicate with each other within a coral reef, and how the health of the reef affects that communication.
This fall Jj Milan, a University of Washington doctoral student in the biology department, and UW research scientist Bob Oxborrow are traveling to the Marine Research and Higher Education Center on Magoodhoo, Maldives, to gather live footage of humbug damselfish interactions. This fish is a common schooling species on Maldivian reefs. UW News asked Milan a few questions about the trip for the occasional series “In the Field,” which highlights UW field research efforts.
Tell us about your project.
Jj Milan: I’m studying how fish in schools can accurately communicate the difference between a real threat and a harmless false alarm. And then, once a threat is gone, I want to understand how they coordinate the return to normal behavior.
What will you be doing on this trip?
JM: I’ll be using synchronized cameras and automated tracking to record how threat responses spread through a school. We will be scuba diving to place GoPro cameras and tablets around specific coral heads. We won’t be diving very deep because we need sufficient natural lighting for our video recordings. Our local contacts at the MaRHE Center have confirmed that the surrounding reef is shallow with abundant marine life.
I’m also hoping to collaborate with locals to get more insights into typical fish behavior and predator activity in this area.
What do you hope to learn?
JM: I hope to be able to reconstruct how threat responses move through a school of fish in real time, from the first fish that reacts to how the group settles back into normal behavior. I’ll also reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of the coral to understand if the complexity of the structure changes how quick and how coordinated that response is.
What’s something you really enjoy about doing this field work — especially something that might not occur to most people?
JM: I enjoy how this work brings together my love of ocean life, my diving hobby and my passion for research all in one. I have been diving since 2019 and I am excited because this will be my first time diving in warm water conditions.
More generally, is there anything you find surprising or enlightening about doing field work?
JM: I’m surprised at how many possibilities and opportunities for collaboration arise just during the planning process through connecting with other researchers and resources. I hope to build on these connections in the future.
For more information, contact Milan at jdmilan@uw.edu.
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