Dr. Nancy Foster Scholar Nury Molina
Seattle, WASHINGTON — A coral reef is part of a delicate balancing act. When stony corals dominate the ocean floor, they form vibrant reefs that are home to marine life. Besides being hotspots teeming with life, reefs can protect shorelines from storms by absorbing coastal swell and storm surge....

![Molina ties down algae for a herbivory assay at a reef in French Polynesia. Conducting herbivory assays in National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa will allow Molina to assess which fish compete with algae on coral reefs, and how much they are able to consume. [photo courtesy of Nury Mollina] Molina swimming over a reef in snorkle gear](https://www.samoanews.com/sites/default/files/styles/teaser/public/field/image/dr_molina_2.jpg?itok=oF8GxOcB)