John Reed is a Senior Research Scientist and Research Professor heading the Robertson Coral Reef and Conservation Program. He has organized and supervised 60 collection expeditions worldwide for biomedical and exploratory research using Harbor Branch's research vessels and Johnson-Sea-Link and Clelia submersibles. These expeditions have resulted in the collection of over 30,000 marine specimens which are used for the discovery of novel compounds that may have therapeutic potential. His research specializes in the biology of deep-water reefs and taxonomy of reef organisms.
More recent research by Mr. Reed has resulted in the discovery of hundreds of deep-water coral reefs off the coast of Florida at depths of 1,000 to 3,000 ft. that now are part of a 23,000 sq. mi. deep sea coral protected area. Previously, Reed was instrumental in the discovery of the deep-water Oculina reefs off eastern Florida and establishing them as the Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern.
Mr. Reed’s research on deep-water reefs began in 1976 when he joined the Harbor Branch Division of Marine Science. He has more than 100 publications, including over 30 on Florida’s Oculina coral reefs. He received his B.S. from the University of Miami and his M.S. from Florida Atlantic University.
