Diego Lirman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Marine Biology and Ecology
Kyle Family Chair in Marine Conservation
Director, Benthic Ecology and Reef Restoration Lab
Contact: dlirman@miami.edu
Dr. Diego Lirman leads the Benthic Ecology and Reef Restoration Lab at the Rosenstiel School. His research focuses on the disturbance ecology and active restoration of both coral reefs and seagrass ecosystems. His lab has been instrumental in developing science-based restoration and monitoring methods now used widely in Florida and the Caribbean and has planted 10,000s of corals onto degraded reefs. Dr. Lirman has also been conducting research on Submerged Aquatic Vegetation in Biscayne Bay, Miami, Florida for > 25 years in habitats impacted by the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan. In addition to his research, Dr. Lirman created the Rescue a Reef Citizen Science Program where members of the community learn about reef ecology, management, and restoration of our valuable coral reefs. Through Rescue a Reef, > 1,000 members of the public have contributed directly to the conservation and restoration of Miami reefs, not only expanding our restoration footprint but also improving their environmental literacy and stewardship skills.
Dr. Lirman's research has received funding from NFWF, NPS, EPA, Army Corps of Engineers, NSF, NOAA, TNC, Miami-Dade County, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Mote, and corporate and private sponsors to complete his restoration and research activities.
In close collaboration with Dr. Andrew Baker, Dr. Lirman co-developed the University of Miami's Hybrid Artificial Reef Program, which pairs engineered structures with living corals to reduce wave energy and protect coastlines while providing valuable reef habitat.
