OS
Ocean Sciences

Alex S.J. Wyatt

Alex S.J. Wyatt is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Ocean Science and Associate Director of the university’s Ocean Research Facility. He leads oceanographic and ecological research across East Asia and the Coral Triangle, examining how physical processes such as internal waves, mesoscale circulation, and upwelling shape coral reef environments from shallow to mesophotic depths. Together, their work integrates in situ field measurements, oceanography, and reef ecology to understand how coral communities persist and function in rapidly changing tropical and subtropical oceans.

Looks can be deceiving: Why high coral cover does not always mean high reef productivity

and September 17, 2026
Looks can be deceiving: Why high coral cover does not always mean high reef productivity

When most people imagine a coral reef, they picture clear, warm, sunny tropical waters. However, the coral communities of Hong Kong live in a vastly different setting. In the shadows of one of the most densely populated coastlines in the world, these corals persist under highly turbid conditions, receiving relatively little light over the year. Water conditions are also highly seasonal, with large ...[Read More]