Mike Gil: Could fish social networks help us save coral reefs?
TED Fellow Mike Gil conducts field experiments and builds mathematical models to understand how marine ecosystems function. Full bio
Double-click the English transcript below to play the video.
by life under the sea?
of an individual raising a hand
in a social network
like the cool kids made you "cool."
is also common in wild animals.
copy the alarm calls of other birds
about approaching predators.
that we humans depend on?
while studying coral reefs,
through fisheries and tourism
by eating algae.
and take over entire coral reefs,
or impossible to reverse.
how fish may prevent this,
exposed to predators,
how these fish do their job
put massive video camera stands
and precise movements
thousands of fish movements
from different species
these dangerous feeding grounds
and ate more algae
by more feeding fish.
by individual fish
vital information.
sees a predator and flees,
can show others that the coast is clear.
these fish are different species,
on when it's safe to eat.
copying other fish in their social network
of the algae eaten by the fish community,
to the flow of energy and resources
that overfishing,
the social network of remaining fish,
critical information.
more vulnerable than we currently predict.
points us towards better ways
by the actions of other humans,
by the actions of individual fish
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Mike Gil - Marine biologistTED Fellow Mike Gil conducts field experiments and builds mathematical models to understand how marine ecosystems function.
Why you should listen
Marine biologist, National Geographic Explorer and TED Fellow Mike Gil conducts field experiments and builds mathematical models to understand how marine ecosystems function. This understanding, he says, is crucial for humankind to build a sustainable future. Gil has led research around the world: from coral reefs in the Caribbean, French Polynesia and Southeast Asia, to "microislands" of plastic garbage, teeming with life, in the middle of the Pacific. Currently, Gil uses novel multi-camera systems in the field combined with computer vision technology to explore, at an unprecedented scale and resolution, how coral reef fish behave, socialize and affect entire coral reef ecosystems. Gil's scientific discoveries and his often unorthodox approaches have garnered significant national and international media attention.
In addition to being a National Science Foundation Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of California, Davis, Gil is also an avid and award-winning science communicator. As a self-described "science-hater turned scientist" from humble beginnings, he is passionate about diversity and inclusion in STEM fields. To this end, Gil founded and runs the nonprofit SciAll.org, which uses free online videos to bring mass public audiences along for the adventures that come with a career in science. Through his research and outreach, Gil aims to deliver a timely message to humanity: science is exhilarating, accessible and in the service of all.
Mike Gil | Speaker | TED.com