He has special expertise in coral reef biology, the evolution and ecology of tropical great lakes fishes, and ecosystem-based management of marine resources.
[1][2] Kaufman has conducted research on coral reefs all over the world, including in the Caribbean, the Indo-Pacific, and the Red Sea.
He has published numerous scientific papers on the ecology of coral reefs, as well as on the conservation of marine biodiversity.
In addition to his research, Kaufman has been involved in numerous conservation initiatives, including working to establish marine protected areas and to reduce the impact of overfishing on coral reef ecosystems.
He is a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has served as President of the International Society for Reef Studies.