1. INTRODUCTION

2. SEMI-NUMERICAL MODELING OF τ_eff FLUCTUATIONS
2.1. Fluctuations in the ionizing background due to λ_mfp fluctuations
2.2. Fluctuations in IGM temperature due to inhomogeneous and extended reionization
2.3. Distribution of Lyα forest effective optical depth

3. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN Lyα FOREST OPACITY AND GALAXY POPULATIONS

4. PREDICTIONS FOR Lyα EMITTERS IN THE ULAS J0148+0600 GP TROUGH ENVIRONMENT

5. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION