He is an experienced marine scientist using automated monitoring to measure fish abundance and ecosystem health in coral reefs, seagrass and mangroves. He also uses chemical tracers to determine carbon pathways and sequestration of blue carbon in coastal waters. Professor Connolly's project incorporates the science and monitoring of ecosystem health into adaptation strategies. Through his work on resilience and ecosystem protection, he is helping to find sustainable solutions to issues such as urbanization, food security, ecosystem services and climate change.