Ancient corals
A time machine that explores the ocean’s past
May 15, 2019
By diving into the past lives of coral reefs, a historical ecologist may protect our present-day reefs from human impacts
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Displaying 10 of 10 results.
Panamanian archaeology
Pioneering Panama's past
July 12, 2019
A new generation stands on the shoulders of giant (archaeologists)
Canal grass
Smithsonian scientist clears up Panamanian urban legend
November 30, 2020
How did canal grass arrive in Panama? STRI staff scientist Kristin Saltonstall compared the DNA of sugar cane relatives from around the world to find out.
Shark dandruff
How can “shark dandruff” contribute to coral reef conservation?
July 06, 2021
Sharks’ bodies are covered with tiny, tooth-like scales called denticles. Shed denticles settle to the ocean floor, where they remain in sediments for years and can be used to understand which sharks lived on a reef in the past.
Special Feature
Scientists share lessons about the Anthropocene’s impact on tropical forests
September 28, 2021
Nine articles explore impacts of ancient human societies on tropical ecosystems, revealing the importance of incorporating the paleosciences, social sciences and Indigenous traditional knowledge to solve contemporary environmental challenges.
Manatee lagoon
Have Antillean manatees crossed the Panama Canal?
July 13, 2022
Over half a century ago, a group of manatees from Bocas del Toro was flown into the artificial Gatun Lake to control the abundance of aquatic plants and for public health reasons. Where are they now?
Ways of knowing
Harnessing the wisdom of indigenous communities for marine conservation
April 12, 2024
By engaging directly with community members and embracing indigenous knowledge in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, a NatGeo project led by a Smithsonian scientist highlights the necessity of inclusive approaches to safeguard critical marine ecosystems and culture for future generations.
Evolving diets
Indigenous marine biologist deciphers the evolution of feeding strategies of sister fish species on both sides of the isthmus of Panama
April 19, 2024
Through advanced isotopic analyses, Rodnyel Arosemena seeks to understand how fish in the Caribbean and the Pacific that had a common ancestor take advantage of the resources of their different environments today.
Relational science
Centering relationships between people and place: A critical step towards improving science's contributions to society
June 05, 2024
Marine conservation scientists advocate for a cultural shift in academia that fosters deeper connections with places of study and encourages collaboration with local communities to make science more equitable
Prehistoric Reefs
Human fishing reshaped Caribbean reef food webs, 7000-year old exposed fossilized reefs reveal
June 30, 2025
A groundbreaking study of 7000-year-old exposed coral reef fossils reveals how human fishing has transformed Caribbean reef food webs: as sharks declined by 75% and fish preferred by humans became smaller, prey fish species flourished —doubling in numbers and growing larger. This unprecedented look into prehistoric reef communities shows how the loss of top predators cascaded through the entire food web, shifting the balance amongst coral reefs.
