The Zacherl lab’s research interests center around topics in marine ecology including larval behavior, settlement and recruitment dynamics, population connectivity, restoration ecology, and native-non-native species interactions.
Current research projects include:
Population connectivity – We use statoliths, otoliths, and genetic markers to measure dispersal and connectivity over ecological and evolutionary timescales.
Restoration – We have been engaged in science-based restoration projects focussed on restoring the Olympia oyster, Ostrea lurida, in southern California since 2010.
Monitoring – We have been monitoring populations of Kellet’s whelk since 1996, settlement dynamics and populations of oysters since 2005, and pinto and black abalone since 2013.