Mike Gil spies on fish: using novel multi-camera systems and computer vision technology, the TED Fellow and his colleagues explore how coral reef fish behave, socialize and affect their ecosystems. Learn more about how fish of different species communicate via social networks -- and what disrupting these networks might mean to the delicate ecology of reefs, which help feed millions of us and support the global economy.

Mike Gil: Could fish social networks help us save coral reefs?

Could fish social networks help us save coral reefs?

Fish social networks on coral reefs play a crucial role; even simple actions by a fish can inform others, enhancing algae consumption.

Over 60% of algae consumed by fish communities is attributed to their social copying behavior, critical for coral reef ecosystem health.

Disruption of fish social networks by overfishing could have dire impacts on coral reefs, more than previously understood.