Dr Richard E. Dodge is Dean of, and Professor at, the Oceanographic Center of Nova Southeastern University. Dodge is also Executive Director of the Center’s National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI). He received his B.A. degree from the University of Maine in 1969 and his Master’s of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Geology & Geophysics from Yale University in 1973 and 1978.Dodge is a recognized authority on corals and coral reef ecosystems. He has conducted research on coral reefs in a wide variety of locations worldwide. He has held grants and contracts from NSF, DOE, USGS, the U.S. Navy, Florida Sea Grant, NOAA, the EPA, South Florida Water Management District, Marine Spill Response Corporation, MMS, ONR, State of Florida DEP and FWC, Broward Co, the U.S. Department of Justice, and others.He is the author of many publications in the scientific literature and reports for various agencies and companies. He has expertise on the effects of natural and man-induced impacts to coral reefs and on coral growth. He has served as an expert witness on coral reef injuries. He is past Editor of the international scientific journalCoral Reefs. He is a member of the coral advisory committee for the Gulf of Mexico Fisheries Management Council. Dodge is a founding member of the Florida Coastal Ocean Observing System Caucus and Research Consortium. He is Chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium to be held in July, 2008, in Ft. Lauderdale Flor