When Carol D. Cox describes herself, she doesn’t use the usual string of academic credentials or research grants. Instead, she says simply:
“I am a citizen scientist and fish nerd. I am the diver distracted by small gobies on a reef when sharks are swimming by.”
Her journey took off in 1991, when military service stationed her on Guam — where she discovered the world of scuba diving. Today, she lives in north Florida, where she and her husband Bob run the Mexico Beach Artificial Reef Association (MBARA). In a town with no natural reefs, Carol and her team build them, creating vital underwater habitats where marine life can flourish. With a camera in hand, she documents both the condition of these reefs and the astonishing biodiversity they attract
Her photographs, born out of curiosity and persistence, have traveled far beyond Florida’s waters. They’ve been featured in scientific publications, books, apps, and global websites, bridging the gap between professional science and the citizen science community. As Carol shares:
“I love for my photos to serve a purpose, and I contribute them freely to scientific research, education, and non-profit organizations when asked. Many of these organizations have found me through FishBase.”
Since 2012, Carol has been one of FishBase’s valued collaborators. Her contributions are especially important for the northern Gulf of Mexico, a region better known for fishing than for underwater photography. Thanks to her work, FishBase now hosts images and data from an area once underrepresented. Beyond her home waters, Carol also adds species from her international travels, often uncovering unique or unusual fishes not well documented elsewhere.
For Carol, FishBase is more than just a database:
“FishBase contributes to marine science and our understanding of our oceans. It’s a place where photographers and scientists can connect.”
Looking forward, she envisions features that would help users compare similar species — a valuable tool for divers, photographers, and researchers alike.
For Carol, the 35th anniversary of FishBase is a reminder of its lasting impact:
“I just hope FishBase never goes away. It’s a valuable resource.”
From building artificial reefs in her hometown to traveling the world in search of elusive species — with Bob by her side, “willing to dive and snorkel in places most underwater photographers don’t go” — Carol shows how passion and persistence can ripple across marine science. Her story is proof that one person’s love for fish can inspire a legacy of knowledge, one photograph at a time.
This feature is the last installment in our anniversary series honoring the collaborators who make FishBase what it is today. To all our contributors — thank you for being our partners-in-crime in advancing open science and keeping the oceans’ stories alive.
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