Stacey M. Williams, Ph.D.

Benthic ecologist with extensive experience conducting habitat and ecosystem assessments. She has evaluated the coral reef health at more than 200 reefs in 15 Caribbean countries and has focused her analyses on the distribution and composition of reef-associated organisms. A number of agencies have contracted Dr. Williams to record the status and diversity of corals, sponges, octocorals, and other benthic organisms in mangrove, seagrass and coral reef (shallow, mesophotic, and deep-water) habitats. Currently, she is the PI for the Diadema antillarum restoration project in Puerto Rico, and has vast experience culturing marine organisms in a laboratory setting. She has been successful in restoring D. antillarum populations to the corals reefs of La Parguera, Puerto Rico. 

Jorge Sabater, M.S.

Has a degree in Marine Science and has extensive experience in benthic field sampling and habitat mapping. He has been involved in the ongoing NOAA-DNER U.S. Coral Reef Initiative Program for the past fifteen years responsible for characterizing and monitoring reefs around Puerto Rico. He has also worked on mesophotic reef projects for the Caribbean Fisheries Management Council in sites within the Caribbean EEZ which characterized and mapped the deep reef communities. He was responsible for all duties pertaining to underwater photography and benthic habitat mapping through ArcGis software. 

René Esteves, Ph.D.

Coral reef fish ecologist specializing in the changes of fish community structure that are related to shifts in benthic habitat composition due to disturbances.  His research work also includes the larval dispersal of commercially important snapper species, fisheries independent surveys throughout the U.S. Caribbean, and management of commercially and recreational fisheries.  He has been formally trained in interagency evaluation of proposed projects which could directly or indirectly affect federally protected species and their habitat. At present, he is in charge of developing informal training curricula in food security and improving the lives of fishermen, coastal communities and the general public through aquaculture and alternate means of livelihood.