This subject is a two-week intensive subject that will be held at tropical research stations on the Great Barrier Reef (Heron Island and One Tree Island Research Stations). The subject focuses on the dominant taxa in reef environments and linkages between them. Emphasis is given to corals, other reef associated invertebrates (eg echinoderms and plankton) and fishes. Ecological and physiological aspects of key organisms are explored. Aspects covered include distribution of corals, coral bleaching, coral symbionts and the health of corals based on photosynthetic activity, predation on corals, the input of plankton to reefs and the role of fishes in reef environments.