Presentation: “Back from the Brink:  A Systems Engineering Approach to Coral Triage and Rehabilitation” 

Synopsis:  These are not your average, ordinary, everyday reefkeeping problems.  These corals are dying – for a reason.  Learn systematic troubleshooting techniques, unusual parasite identification, and potential treatment options through short case studies and copious photographs, all presented through the holistic lens of systems engineering.  Join us as we delve into rehabilitating corals, one polyp at a time.

Biography:  Nikki “ReefdUp” Bridges is a multidisciplinary systems engineer, military spouse, and mom to two amazing kids.  As the daughter of a wildlife rehabilitator and native plant rescuer, it is no surprise that her favorite part of reefkeeping became rescuing injured and diseased coral.  Her passion for the last 14 years has been successfully rehabilitating over 250 injured/ diseased coral and fish.  Her efforts have also included endangered species reef restoration in Curacao and marine debris removal in Honduras.  To document these coral rehabilitation efforts, her blog, CoralEverAfter, covers novel techniques to save corals, one polyp at a time.  She has over thirty years in the aquarium hobby and currently has a 120-gallon display reef, multiple quarantine/ treatment systems, and a Berghia nudibranch breeding system.