Turks and Caicos Islands
EDUCATION
B.S.,
Bates College. (ME, USA)
SFS Alum, U.S. Virgin Islands Fall '87
M.S. in Biological Oceanography,
Florida State University. (FL, USA)
Drexel University. (PA, USA)
TEACHING
- Sub-Tropical Biology: Puerto Rico (Washington College, BIO 296 10)
- Research Methods in Applied Environmental Science (IAUPR EVSC 6101)
- Masters Thesis, Inter American University (IAUPR EVSC 6999)
- Research Methods, Inter American University (IAUPR EVSC 4953)
- Sub Tropical Biology, Inter American University (IAUPR BIOL 3978)
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
- Reviewer for Journal of Coastal Research, Journal of Coastal Environmental Research and Education
- Member, Sigma-Xi (2003 - Present)
- Member, American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO) (2000 - Present)
- Member, Coastal and Estuarine Research Foundation (CERF) (2000 - Present)
- Captain, US Coast Guard, Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel (OUPV)
- Instructor, National Association of Underwater Instructors
STAFF PROFILE
Heidi has recently joined SFS’s Turks and Caicos Island field station as Center Director. Heidi’s research interests include relationships between land use and coastal marine systems including mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs and the integration of science and research into environmental strategies and policies for the conservation of biodiversity and coastal resources. She is currently working towards developing and using a tropical biological indicator species to monitor environmental changes. She has worked with local communities, environmental groups, governmental agencies, and developers to build environmental strategies for the conservation of natural resources and increased stewardship. She also worked with local fishing communities to develop and use more environmentally sound fishing practices.
As a teacher, Heidi believes it is her role to provide the basic tools and motivation for learning. This includes creating a stimulating environment where students can participate in the learning event. She incorporates field and laboratory experiences (including snorkeling, SCUBA, and underwater photography and videography), oral presentations, and hands-on activities (i.e. service learning) as part of her courses. She strives to create an atmosphere where participants are challenged to achieve their full potential, and in doing so, she too is challenged.
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Heidi is an environmental scientist with research interests in the relationships between land use and coastal marine systems. She uses water chemistry, plant biology and invertebrate physiology to answer basic and applied questions. She presents and discusses her results with local user groups to integrate science into the development of environmental strategies and policies for the conservation of biodiversity and coastal resources. Through community outreach, we are able to increase the local understanding of our impacts on the near shore environments, including water quality; collect data that can be utilized by community member, presented at local and national conferences and in peer review publications; and encourage environmental stewardship of the marine environment through awareness of the impact we have on these systems.
RESEARCH PROJECTS
The research conducted at SFS field centers serves to advance local conservation and development agendas. Faculty and student research projects are linked to the Center’s five year research plan, which defines an overarching research directive. Our research is designed to answer key questions related to critical and related social and environmental problems and to provide our hosts with detailed and accurate information for decision making and action.
Prospective SFS students : Please note that the range of projects offered will vary from semester to semester. These should be discussed with the faculty after your arrival at the centre.
Projects prior to SFS
Bivalves as indicators in tropical and sub-tropical environments
Marine systems of the Caribbean are increasingly impacted by changes in land use. Rapidly escalating development is out-pacing the ability of existing upland flora, salt flats, and mangroves to intercept sediment and nutrient runoff flowing toward the adjacent marine system. Although elevated concentrations of chlorophyll-a and total suspended solids have been correlated with land development in southwest Puerto Rico, a direct cause and effect relationship has not yet been established between development on the land and water quality degradation in the adjacent marine community. The fitness of suspension-feeding bivalves is regarded as a powerful bioindicator of aquatic community health.
This study looks at potential use of subtropical oysters as a biological indicator species of ecosystem health and pathogens. Oysters in the vicinity of varying stages of land development are analyzed for health using physiological and biochemical metrics. We also analyze feeding rates and bioaccumulation of pathogens for these organisms. Statistical procedures are used to differentiate whether these parameters of oyster fitness differ between impacted and un-impacted waters. Our results are expected to help guide land use planning since the quality of the natural resources in this area is the primary attraction fueling new development and awareness of the land use impacts may warrant further protection of these fragile systems.
Outputs:
Presentations
Ramírez-Toro, G., Ballester, K., Hertler, H., Minnigh, H., Levine, J. (in review) Indicator and pathogen occurrence in shellfish and their environments in Puerto Rico. Presentation by GRT at Water and Health Conference, North Carolina next October
Hertler, H., Ramrez-Toro, G., and Kreeger, D. (2011) Oysters as Indicators in Sub-Tropical Dry Climates. Presentation by HH at American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), San Juan, PR, 13-18 February 2011.
Ballester, K., Ramirez-Toro, G., Hertler, H., Escudero, B., Jaykus, L., and Levine, J. (2011) Using occurrence of microbial indicators and frank pathogens in water, sediment and mollusks in developing a local shellfish sanitation program in Puerto Rico. Presentation by KB at American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), San Juan, PR, 13-18 February 2011.
Hertler, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Kreeger, D. (2009) Oysters as Indicators in Sub-Tropical Dry Climates. Poster presented by HH at National Shellfish Association (NSA), Savannah, GA, 6-9 April 2009.
Hertler, H., #Martinez, L., Kreeger, D., Minnigh, H., and Ramírez-Toro, G. (2007). Flat Tree Oysters as Indicators in Sub-Tropical Dry Climates. Presenation by HH at Estuarine Research Foundation (ERF), Providence, RI, 4-8 November 2007.
Hertler, H., Martinez, L., Kreeger, D.K., Ramírez-Toro, G. (2006). Mangrove Oysters as Bioindicators in Sub-Tropical Dry Climates. Poster presentation by DK at 98th Annual International National Shellfish Association (NSA) Conference. Montery, CA, 26-30 March 2006.
Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., Vargas, M., #Martínez, L., and Hertler H. (2005) Mangrove Oysters as Indicators of Anthropogenic Effects in Areas of High Human Activity: La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Presentation by HM at 9th Virgin Islands Non-Point Source Pollution Conference. USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources, USGS. ST. Thomas, USVI, 28-30 November 2005.
Kreeger, D., Thomas, R., Hertler, H., and Raksany, D. (2002) Spatial and Temporal Variation in Oyster Fitness in San Antonio Bay, Texas, 1998-2000. Presented by DK at National Shellfish Association Annual Meeting (NSA), New Orleans, LA, 14-18 April 2002.
Spatial variability associated with shifting land use – water quality and sediment metals
The effects of the changing land use on marine communities are a concern as coastal populations increase. In many areas of the world, development is overwhelming the ability of upland flora, salt flats, and mangroves to capture sediments and intercept and transform nutrients. Development undertaken without scientific understanding of effective management threatens water quality and thus the ecological structure and function of these areas. Anthropogenic inputs to aquatic systems resulting from urbanization are commonly cited as threatening water quality and benthic sediments which in turn affect the overall ecosystem stability and productivity.
Outputs:
Publications
Hertler, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and #Vicenty-Rivera, A. (in review) The Effects of Land Development on Seagrasses in the Vicinity of Parguera, Puerto Rico. Marine Pollution Bulletin.
Hertler, H., Boettner, A.R., Ramírez-Toro, G., Minnigh, M., Spotila, J., and Kreeger, D.A. (2009) Spatial Variability Associated with Shifting Land Use: Water Quality and Sediment Metals in La Parguera, Southwest Puerto Rico. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58: 672-678.
Hertler, H., Spotila, J., and Kreeger. D.A. (2003) Effects of houseboats on organisms of the La Parguera Reserve, Puerto Rico. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 98 (1-3): 319 – 407.
Presentations
Hertler, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Minnigh, H. (2006) Engaging Small Coastal Communities in Developing and Sustaining Monitoring Programs, Puerto Rico. Presentation by HH at American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), Victoria, BC, 4-9 June 2006
Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., #Martinez, L., and Hertler, H. (2006) Water Quality Assessment and Onshore Development in Tropical Waters. Presentation by HM at Water Envirornment Federation, Technical Exhibition and Conferene (WAFTEC), Dallas, TX, 21-25 October 2006.
Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Hertler, H. (2006) Community Engagement in Their Environment: Papayo, PR. Presentation by HM at American Water Resources Association, Baltimore, MD, 22-24 May 2006.
Ramírez-Toro, G., Minnigh, H., and Hertler, H. (2006) Water Quality Assessment and Effects of Onshore Development in the Tropics. Presentation by GRT at Inter-American Association and Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (AIDIS), Punta del Este, Uruguay, 28-31 March 2006.
Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Hertler, H. (2005) Convincing Communities to Care for Their Environment. Presented by HM at Water Environment Federation, Technical Exhibition and Conference (WAFTEC), Washington, DC, 25 October – 2 November 2005.
Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., #Martínez, L., and Hertler, H. (2005). Bacteriological Water Quality, Onshore Development and Risk Evaluation in Tropical Waters. Presentation by HM at Inter-American Association and Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (AIDIS), 5th Regional Congress, 4th Region), Asunción, Paraguay, May 2005
Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., #Martínez, L., and Hertler, H. (2005). Bacteriological Water Quality, Indicators and Onshore Development in Tropical Waters. Presentation by HM at Microbes in a Changing World: International Union of Microbiological Societies, San Francisco, CA, 23-25 July 2005.
Ramírez-Toro, G., Minnigh, H., Christian, R., Hertler, H. and Brinson, M. (2004). Onshore Landscape Factors Related to Bacteriological and Chemical Indicators of Water Quality for Recreational Use. Poster presentation by GRT at 104th General Meeting American Society of Microbiology. New Orleans, LA, 23-27 May 2004.
Ramírez-Toro, G., Christian, R., Minnigh, H., *Ramírez-Ortíz, Z., and Hertler, H. (2003) Chlorophyll a as a Surrogate for Nitrogen & Phosphorus in Water Quality Studies in La Parguera, Lajas, PR. Presentation by GRT at 17th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation (ERF), Seattle, WA, October 2003.
*Vicenty-Aymat, A., Minnigh, H., Ramírez Toro, G., and Hertler, H. 2003. Sedimentation Rates and Light Atenuation Effects on the Growth of Thalassia testudinum in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Poster presentation by AVA at 17th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation (ERF), Seattle, WA, October 2003
Hertler, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Kreeger, D. (2003) Effects of New Land Development on Seagrassess in the Vicinity of La Parguera. Presented by HH at 17th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation (ERF), Seattle, WA, October 2003.
Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Hertler, H. (2002). Land Use Effects on Coastal Waters: the Continuing Study of La Parguera, PR. Presented by HM at American Water Resources Association, New Orleans, LA, October 2002.
Minnigh, H., Ramírez Toro, G., and Hertler, H. (2002) Land Use Effects on Coastal Waters and Infrastructure in Puerto Rico. Presented by HM at 7th Annual Virgin Islands Non-Point Source Pollution Conference. St. John, USVI, 16-17 May 2002.
Hertler, H. and Kreeger, D.K. (2001) A comparison of the effects of nutrient and sediment loadings in temperate and sub-tropical seagrass communities. Poster presented by HH at 16th Biennial International Estuarine Research Federation (ERF) Conference, St. Pete Beach, FL, 4-8 November 2001.
Hertler, H., Kreeger, D.A., and Ramírez-Toro, G. (2001) Effects of New Land Development on Seagrasss at La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Presenation by HH at American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), Albuquerque, NM, August 2001.
H. Hertler, D.A. Kreeger, J.P. Spotilla. 2000. Are We Really Managing Our Natural Resource in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Poster presentation by HH at 15th Biennial International Estuary Research Foundation (ERF) Conference, Providence, RI, October 2000.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS (last updated May 2011)
Peer-reviewed journals (published and in review: # denotes graduate student / intern, *denotes undergraduate)
(6) Hertler, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and #Vicenty-Rivera, A. (in review) The Effects of Land Development on Seagrasses in the Vicinity of Parguera, Puerto Rico. Marine Pollution Bulletin.
(5) Ilves, K., Kellogg, L., #Quatrine, A., Chaplin, G., Hertler, H., and Lundberg, J. (2011) Assessing 50-Years of Change in Bahamian Reef Fish Assemblages: Maintenance of Community Structure in the Face of Coral Degradation. Bulletin of Marine Science in press.
(4) Hertler, H., Boettner, A.R., Ramírez-Toro, G., Minnigh, M., Spotila, J., and Kreeger, D.A. (2009) Spatial Variability Associated with Shifting Land Use: Water Quality and Sediment Metals in La Parguera, Southwest Puerto Rico. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58: 672-678.
(3) Japp, W., #Dupont, J., Kellogg, L., and Hertler, H. (2008) Coral reef habitat around new Providence Island, Bahamas. Proc. 11th International Coral Reef Symposium 18:752-756
(2) Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., Hertler, H. (2005) Convincing Communities to Care for Their Environment. Proceedings, Water Enironment Federatio, Technical Exhibion and Conference: 7552-7560.
(1) Hertler, H., Spotila, J., and Kreeger. D.A. (2003) Effects of houseboats on organisms of the La Parguera Reserve, Puerto Rico. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 98 (1-3): 319 – 407.
Edited publications, including technical publications and theses
(2) Hertler, H. (2002) The Implication of Resource Management in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. PhD Dissertation, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA.
(1) Hertler, H. (1993) Potential for Nutrient Removal by the Marsh System Surrounding Lake Jackson, Tallahassee Florida, MS Thesis, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL
Presentations (^=invited, # =graduate intern, *=undergraduate)
(25) Ramírez-Toro, G., Ballester, K., Hertler, H., Minnigh, H., Levine, J. (in review) Indicator and pathogen occurrence in shellfish and their environments in Puerto Rico. Presentation by GRT at Water and Health Conference, North Carolina next October
(24) Hertler, H., Ramrez-Toro, G., and Kreeger, D. (2011) Oysters as Indicators in Sub-Tropical Dry Climates. Presentation by HH at American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), San Juan, PR, 13-18 February 2011.
(23) Ballester, K., Ramirez-Toro, G., Hertler, H., Escudero, B., Jaykus, L., and Levine, J. (2011) Using occurrence of microbial indicators and frank pathogens in water, sediment and mollusks in developing a local shellfish sanitation program in Puerto Rico. Presentation by KB at American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), San Juan, PR, 13-18 February 2011.
(22) Hertler, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Kreeger, D. (2009) Oysters as Indicators in Sub-Tropical Dry Climates. Poster presented by HH at National Shellfish Association (NSA), Savannah, GA, 6-9 April 2009.
(21) Hertler, H., #Martinez, L., Kreeger, D., Minnigh, H., and Ramírez-Toro, G. (2007). Flat Tree Oysters as Indicators in Sub-Tropical Dry Climates. Presenation by HH at Estuarine Research Foundation (ERF), Providence, RI, 4-8 November 2007.
(20) Hertler, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Minnigh, H. (2006) Engaging Small Coastal Communities in Developing and Sustaining Monitoring Programs, Puerto Rico. Presentation by HH at American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), Victoria, BC, 4-9 June 2006
(19) Hertler, H., Martinez, L., Kreeger, D.K., Ramírez-Toro, G. (2006). Mangrove Oysters as Bioindicators in Sub-Tropical Dry Climates. Poster presentation by DK at 98th Annual International National Shellfish Association (NSA) Conference. Montery, CA, 26-30 March 2006.
(18) Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., #Martinez, L., and Hertler, H. (2006) Water Quality Assessment and Onshore Development in Tropical Waters. Presentation by HM at Water Envirornment Federation, Technical Exhibition and Conferene (WAFTEC), Dallas, TX, 21-25 October 2006.
(17) Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Hertler, H. (2006) Community Engagement in Their Environment: Papayo, PR. Presentation by HM at American Water Resources Association, Baltimore, MD, 22-24 May 2006.
(16) Ramírez-Toro, G., Minnigh, H., and Hertler, H. (2006) Water Quality Assessment and Effects of Onshore Development in the Tropics. Presentation by GRT at Inter-American Association and Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (AIDIS), Punta del Este, Uruguay, 28-31 March 2006.
(15) Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Hertler, H. (2005) Convincing Communities to Care for Their Environment. Presented by HM at Water Environment Federation, Technical Exhibition and Conference (WAFTEC), Washington, DC, 25 October – 2 November 2005.
(14) Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., #Martínez, L., and Hertler, H. (2005). Bacteriological Water Quality, Onshore Development and Risk Evaluation in Tropical Waters. Presentation by HM at Inter-American Association and Sanitary and Environmental Engineering (AIDIS), 5th Regional Congress, 4th Region), Asunción, Paraguay, May 2005
(13) Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., #Martínez, L., and Hertler, H. (2005). Bacteriological Water Quality, Indicators and Onshore Development in Tropical Waters. Presentation by HM at Microbes in a Changing World: International Union of Microbiological Societies, San Francisco, CA, 23-25 July 2005.
(12) Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., Vargas, M., #Martínez, L., and Hertler H. (2005) Mangrove Oysters as Indicators of Anthropogenic Effects in Areas of High Human Activity: La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Presentation by HM at 9th Virgin Islands Non-Point Source Pollution Conference. USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources, USGS. ST. Thomas, USVI, 28-30 November 2005.
(11) Ramírez-Toro, G., Minnigh, H., Christian, R., Hertler, H. and Brinson, M. (2004). Onshore Landscape Factors Related to Bacteriological and Chemical Indicators of Water Quality for Recreational Use. Poster presentation by GRT at 104th General Meeting American Society of Microbiology. New Orleans, LA, 23-27 May 2004.
(10) Ramírez-Toro, G., Christian, R., Minnigh, H., *Ramírez-Ortíz, Z., and Hertler, H. (2003) Chlorophyll a as a Surrogate for Nitrogen & Phosphorus in Water Quality Studies in La Parguera, Lajas, PR. Presentation by GRT at 17th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation (ERF), Seattle, WA, October 2003.
(9) *Vicenty-Aymat, A., Minnigh, H., Ramírez Toro, G., and Hertler, H. 2003. Sedimentation Rates and Light Atenuation Effects on the Growth of Thalassia testudinum in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Poster presentation by AVA at 17th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation (ERF), Seattle, WA, October 2003
(8) Hertler, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Kreeger, D. (2003) Effects of New Land Development on Seagrassess in the Vicinity of La Parguera. Presented by HH at 17th Biennial Conference of the Estuarine Research Federation (ERF), Seattle, WA, October 2003.
(7) Kreeger, D., Thomas, R., Hertler, H., and Raksany, D. (2002) Spatial and Temporal Variation in Oyster Fitness in San Antonio Bay, Texas, 1998-2000. Presented by DK at National Shellfish Association Annual Meeting (NSA), New Orleans, LA, 14-18 April 2002.
(6) Minnigh, H., Ramírez-Toro, G., and Hertler, H. (2002). Land Use Effects on Coastal Waters: the Continuing Study of La Parguera, PR. Presented by HM at American Water Resources Association, New Orleans, LA, October 2002.
(5) Minnigh, H., Ramírez Toro, G., and Hertler, H. (2002) Land Use Effects on Coastal Waters and Infrastructure in Puerto Rico. Presented by HM at 7th Annual Virgin Islands Non-Point Source Pollution Conference. St. John, USVI, 16-17 May 2002.
(4) Hertler, H. and Kreeger, D.K. (2001) A comparison of the effects of nutrient and sediment loadings in temperate and sub-tropical seagrass communities. Poster presented by HH at 16th Biennial International Estuarine Research Federation (ERF) Conference, St. Pete Beach, FL, 4-8 November 2001.
(3) Hertler, H., Kreeger, D.A., and Ramírez-Toro, G. (2001) Effects of New Land Development on Seagrasss at La Parguera, Puerto Rico. Presenation by HH at American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), Albuquerque, NM, August 2001.
(2) Hertler, H., *Rine, H., and Kreeger, D.. 2001. Variation in the Health of Mangrove Oysters Crassostrea rhizophorae) along a Development Gradient at La Parguera. American Society of Limnology and Oceanography (ASLO), Albuquerque, NM, August 2001.
(1) Hertler, H., Kreeger, D., and Spotilla, J. 2000. Are We Really Managing Our Natural Resource in La Parguera, Puerto Rico. 15th Biennial International Estuary Research Foundation (ERF) Conference, Providence, RI, October 2000.
