Hawksbill sea turtle swimming over elkhorn coral, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Caroline Rogers, Ph.D.
Caroline Rogers is a retired Research Biologist at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Botany, University of Florida
RESEARCH
Caroline Rogers was a Marine Ecologist with the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center based at the USGS Caribbean Field Station in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands until her retirement in 2022. Previously, she was a research biologist with the National Park Service in Virgin Islands National Park (1984 – 1993). She has over 30 years of experience in research on coral reefs and has published papers on coral diseases, the effects of sedimentation, effects of hurricanes, damage from boat anchors, long-term monitoring, reef productivity, coral recruitment, and the threatened coral species Acropora palmata. She served as the Deputy Editor for Reef Encounter, the newsletter of the International Society for Reef Studies.
Science and Products
Coral Bleaching and Disease: Effects on Threatened Corals and Reefs
A severe disease - tentatively named stony coral tissue loss disease - is rapidly killing corals in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Puerto Rico, and the National Park Service are working together to better under the disease and determine if the disease affecting corals in the USVI is the same one that has been killing corals in Florida since...
Life on the Edge: Can Corals in Mangroves Provide Insights into Climate Change and Recovery following Severe Hurricane Damage?
WARC is collaborating with USGS scientists from the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center and other scientists outside USGS to better understand the role of Hurricane Hole as a refuge from changing climate and ocean acidification.
Local-scale ecosystem resilience amid global-scale ocean change: the coral reef example
Coral reefs are massive, wave resistant structures found throughout the tropics, where they have long attracted attention for their beauty, ecological importance, and rich biological diversity. However, in recent years attention to these systems has focused on their downturn in health and the potential that they effectively could disappear within a century. Yet while many coral reefs have deterio
Filter Total Items: 44
Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swimming over Elkhorn Coral, St. John, USVI
Hawksbill sea turtle swimming over elkhorn coral, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Corals Growing Under Red Mangrove Prop Roots
Several species of scleractinian corals growing under red mangrove prop roots.
Several species of scleractinian corals growing under red mangrove prop roots.
A Bleached Coral Next to an Unbleached Coral
A bleached colony of Diploria labyrinthiformis next to an unbleached colony of Colpophyllia natans.
A bleached colony of Diploria labyrinthiformis next to an unbleached colony of Colpophyllia natans.
Red Mangrove Trees
Red mangrove trees fringe the shoreline of a bay in Hurricane Hole.
Red mangrove trees fringe the shoreline of a bay in Hurricane Hole.
Grunts and other fish species in mangroves
Mangroves are "nurseries" for several species of grunts and other fishes which find shelter in the complex prop roots.
Mangroves are "nurseries" for several species of grunts and other fishes which find shelter in the complex prop roots.
Buffalo Trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus)
The Buffalo Trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus) is larger and less abundant than the Spotted and Smooth Trunkfishes seen frequently in the mangroves.
The Buffalo Trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus) is larger and less abundant than the Spotted and Smooth Trunkfishes seen frequently in the mangroves.
Smooth Trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter)
Smooth Trunkfishes (Lactophrys triqueter) and other species of oddly-shaped "boxfishes" are characteristic of these mangroves.
Smooth Trunkfishes (Lactophrys triqueter) and other species of oddly-shaped "boxfishes" are characteristic of these mangroves.
Reef Urchin (Echinometra viridis)
Bright red Reef Urchins (Echinometra viridis) graze on algae growing on prop roots and rocks in shallow water.
Bright red Reef Urchins (Echinometra viridis) graze on algae growing on prop roots and rocks in shallow water.
Coral Reef at Hurricane Hole USVI
Image of several species of coral growing on and near the prop roots of red mangrove trees. Sponges, feather duster worms, and sea grass also appear in the picture.
Image of several species of coral growing on and near the prop roots of red mangrove trees. Sponges, feather duster worms, and sea grass also appear in the picture.
Cushion Sea Star (Oreaster reticulata)
A Cushion Sea Star (Oreaster reticulata) moves slowly along the bottom near some bright green algae (Caulerpa racemosa).
A Cushion Sea Star (Oreaster reticulata) moves slowly along the bottom near some bright green algae (Caulerpa racemosa).
Four Eye Butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus)
Juvenile Four Eye Butterflyfishes (Chaetodon capistratus) find protection in the prop roots and feed on coral polyps.
Juvenile Four Eye Butterflyfishes (Chaetodon capistratus) find protection in the prop roots and feed on coral polyps.
Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus)
A juvenile Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) feeds on sponges with French Grunts nearby.
A juvenile Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) feeds on sponges with French Grunts nearby.
Red Mangrove trees
The seedlings of Red Mangrove trees germinate from fruits while still attached to the trees. Here many are growing within the roots of adult trees.
The seedlings of Red Mangrove trees germinate from fruits while still attached to the trees. Here many are growing within the roots of adult trees.
Flat Tree Oyster (Isognomon alatus)
At high tide, the red bark of the Red Mangrove Trees is submerged, creating a brilliant reflection at the water's surface. Flat Tree Oysters (Isognomon alatus) grow on the upper portions of the roots.
At high tide, the red bark of the Red Mangrove Trees is submerged, creating a brilliant reflection at the water's surface. Flat Tree Oysters (Isognomon alatus) grow on the upper portions of the roots.
Sponges in the Hurricane Hole mangroves
Sponges, such as the blue, green and orange ones growing on these prop roots, provide much of the color in the Hurricane Hole mangroves.
Sponges, such as the blue, green and orange ones growing on these prop roots, provide much of the color in the Hurricane Hole mangroves.
Finger Coral (Porites sp), Lettuce Coral (Agaricia sp)
Small corals have settled and begun to grow on the prop roots (Finger Coral, Porites sp. on the left; Lettuce Coral, Agaricia sp. on the right).
Small corals have settled and begun to grow on the prop roots (Finger Coral, Porites sp. on the left; Lettuce Coral, Agaricia sp. on the right).
Giant Caribbean Anemone (Condylactis gigantea)
Giant Caribbean Anemones (Condylactis gigantea) display a wide range of colors but often have bright pink or purple tips.
Giant Caribbean Anemones (Condylactis gigantea) display a wide range of colors but often have bright pink or purple tips.
Rock Beauty Angelfish (Holacanthus tricolor)
The beautiful yellow and black Rock Beauty (Holacanthus tricolor) is much less abundant than the other members of the Angelfish Family.
The beautiful yellow and black Rock Beauty (Holacanthus tricolor) is much less abundant than the other members of the Angelfish Family.
Spotted Trunkfish (Lactophrys bicaudalis)
Spotted Trunkfishes (Lactophrys bicaudalis) feed mostly on Sea Squirts (Tunicates).
Spotted Trunkfishes (Lactophrys bicaudalis) feed mostly on Sea Squirts (Tunicates).
Fire Sponge (Tedania ignis)
Bright red Fire Sponges (Tedania ignis) can cause severe reactions if touched.
Bright red Fire Sponges (Tedania ignis) can cause severe reactions if touched.
Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
An adult Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) bares his teeth.
An adult Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) bares his teeth.
Science and Products
Coral Bleaching and Disease: Effects on Threatened Corals and Reefs
A severe disease - tentatively named stony coral tissue loss disease - is rapidly killing corals in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Puerto Rico, and the National Park Service are working together to better under the disease and determine if the disease affecting corals in the USVI is the same one that has been killing corals in Florida since...
Life on the Edge: Can Corals in Mangroves Provide Insights into Climate Change and Recovery following Severe Hurricane Damage?
WARC is collaborating with USGS scientists from the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center and other scientists outside USGS to better understand the role of Hurricane Hole as a refuge from changing climate and ocean acidification.
Local-scale ecosystem resilience amid global-scale ocean change: the coral reef example
Coral reefs are massive, wave resistant structures found throughout the tropics, where they have long attracted attention for their beauty, ecological importance, and rich biological diversity. However, in recent years attention to these systems has focused on their downturn in health and the potential that they effectively could disappear within a century. Yet while many coral reefs have deterio
Filter Total Items: 44
Hawksbill Sea Turtle Swimming over Elkhorn Coral, St. John, USVI
Hawksbill sea turtle swimming over elkhorn coral, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Hawksbill sea turtle swimming over elkhorn coral, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Corals Growing Under Red Mangrove Prop Roots
Several species of scleractinian corals growing under red mangrove prop roots.
Several species of scleractinian corals growing under red mangrove prop roots.
A Bleached Coral Next to an Unbleached Coral
A bleached colony of Diploria labyrinthiformis next to an unbleached colony of Colpophyllia natans.
A bleached colony of Diploria labyrinthiformis next to an unbleached colony of Colpophyllia natans.
Red Mangrove Trees
Red mangrove trees fringe the shoreline of a bay in Hurricane Hole.
Red mangrove trees fringe the shoreline of a bay in Hurricane Hole.
Grunts and other fish species in mangroves
Mangroves are "nurseries" for several species of grunts and other fishes which find shelter in the complex prop roots.
Mangroves are "nurseries" for several species of grunts and other fishes which find shelter in the complex prop roots.
Buffalo Trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus)
The Buffalo Trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus) is larger and less abundant than the Spotted and Smooth Trunkfishes seen frequently in the mangroves.
The Buffalo Trunkfish (Lactophrys trigonus) is larger and less abundant than the Spotted and Smooth Trunkfishes seen frequently in the mangroves.
Smooth Trunkfish (Lactophrys triqueter)
Smooth Trunkfishes (Lactophrys triqueter) and other species of oddly-shaped "boxfishes" are characteristic of these mangroves.
Smooth Trunkfishes (Lactophrys triqueter) and other species of oddly-shaped "boxfishes" are characteristic of these mangroves.
Reef Urchin (Echinometra viridis)
Bright red Reef Urchins (Echinometra viridis) graze on algae growing on prop roots and rocks in shallow water.
Bright red Reef Urchins (Echinometra viridis) graze on algae growing on prop roots and rocks in shallow water.
Coral Reef at Hurricane Hole USVI
Image of several species of coral growing on and near the prop roots of red mangrove trees. Sponges, feather duster worms, and sea grass also appear in the picture.
Image of several species of coral growing on and near the prop roots of red mangrove trees. Sponges, feather duster worms, and sea grass also appear in the picture.
Cushion Sea Star (Oreaster reticulata)
A Cushion Sea Star (Oreaster reticulata) moves slowly along the bottom near some bright green algae (Caulerpa racemosa).
A Cushion Sea Star (Oreaster reticulata) moves slowly along the bottom near some bright green algae (Caulerpa racemosa).
Four Eye Butterflyfish (Chaetodon capistratus)
Juvenile Four Eye Butterflyfishes (Chaetodon capistratus) find protection in the prop roots and feed on coral polyps.
Juvenile Four Eye Butterflyfishes (Chaetodon capistratus) find protection in the prop roots and feed on coral polyps.
Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus)
A juvenile Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) feeds on sponges with French Grunts nearby.
A juvenile Gray Angelfish (Pomacanthus arcuatus) feeds on sponges with French Grunts nearby.
Red Mangrove trees
The seedlings of Red Mangrove trees germinate from fruits while still attached to the trees. Here many are growing within the roots of adult trees.
The seedlings of Red Mangrove trees germinate from fruits while still attached to the trees. Here many are growing within the roots of adult trees.
Flat Tree Oyster (Isognomon alatus)
At high tide, the red bark of the Red Mangrove Trees is submerged, creating a brilliant reflection at the water's surface. Flat Tree Oysters (Isognomon alatus) grow on the upper portions of the roots.
At high tide, the red bark of the Red Mangrove Trees is submerged, creating a brilliant reflection at the water's surface. Flat Tree Oysters (Isognomon alatus) grow on the upper portions of the roots.
Sponges in the Hurricane Hole mangroves
Sponges, such as the blue, green and orange ones growing on these prop roots, provide much of the color in the Hurricane Hole mangroves.
Sponges, such as the blue, green and orange ones growing on these prop roots, provide much of the color in the Hurricane Hole mangroves.
Finger Coral (Porites sp), Lettuce Coral (Agaricia sp)
Small corals have settled and begun to grow on the prop roots (Finger Coral, Porites sp. on the left; Lettuce Coral, Agaricia sp. on the right).
Small corals have settled and begun to grow on the prop roots (Finger Coral, Porites sp. on the left; Lettuce Coral, Agaricia sp. on the right).
Giant Caribbean Anemone (Condylactis gigantea)
Giant Caribbean Anemones (Condylactis gigantea) display a wide range of colors but often have bright pink or purple tips.
Giant Caribbean Anemones (Condylactis gigantea) display a wide range of colors but often have bright pink or purple tips.
Rock Beauty Angelfish (Holacanthus tricolor)
The beautiful yellow and black Rock Beauty (Holacanthus tricolor) is much less abundant than the other members of the Angelfish Family.
The beautiful yellow and black Rock Beauty (Holacanthus tricolor) is much less abundant than the other members of the Angelfish Family.
Spotted Trunkfish (Lactophrys bicaudalis)
Spotted Trunkfishes (Lactophrys bicaudalis) feed mostly on Sea Squirts (Tunicates).
Spotted Trunkfishes (Lactophrys bicaudalis) feed mostly on Sea Squirts (Tunicates).
Fire Sponge (Tedania ignis)
Bright red Fire Sponges (Tedania ignis) can cause severe reactions if touched.
Bright red Fire Sponges (Tedania ignis) can cause severe reactions if touched.
Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda)
An adult Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) bares his teeth.
An adult Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) bares his teeth.