Yehuda (Hudi) Benayahu

Marine invertebrates play an important role in ocean ecosystems and comprise most of the biodiversity in such ecosystems. Among these creatures are the soft corals, also known as octocorals, which often dominate the space on many coral reefs.

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Here we study octocoral taxonomy, phylogeny, life history, symbiotic associations with unicellular algae, physiology, and their response global changes.

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The studies carried out in the lab encompass a wide depth gradient, from the shallow waters to the mesophotic coral ecosystems. In addition, we study marine invertebrates as a source for biomaterials and natural products, and test their potential application for medical and pharmaceutical use. We also study invertebrate recruitment onto artificial reefs and their invasive capabilities in relation to their associated microbial communities.

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We investigate fouling communities and the efficacy of novel environmentally-friendly antifouling compounds. Finally, our studies also engage with the effects of chemical pollutants on the marine environment and the evaluation of their ecotoxicity.