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A Rapid Site Selection Assessment As An Indicator Of Stony Coral Microfragment Outplant Success, John J. Alfirevich
A Rapid Site Selection Assessment As An Indicator Of Stony Coral Microfragment Outplant Success, John J. Alfirevich
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
Microfragmentation of massive stony coral species is a technique being utilized to propagate corals asexually to help restore coral reefs. Microfragmentation consists of cutting corals into 3 cm diameter or less fragments, which boosts growth rates. However, in some locations the size of microfragments make them vulnerable to parrotfish predation and benthic overgrowth, reducing survival. As such, a method to identify key site characteristics which promotes microfragment outplant success, particularly one that can be performed quickly across multiple areas is needed. A rapid site assessment conducted prior to microfragment outplanting was performed at 12 randomly selected sites within the Kristin …
Coral Castles: Protecting Polyps From Parrotfish Predation, Kyle Anthony-Kicking Bear Pisano
Coral Castles: Protecting Polyps From Parrotfish Predation, Kyle Anthony-Kicking Bear Pisano
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
Florida's coral reefs are in a state of near-constant degradation concomitant with ever-increasing coastal development and associated anthropogenic impacts. Government agencies, non-profits, and concerned citizens have spent significant time and resources combating these negative impacts. One primary method of mitigating damage to coral reefs is to transplant corals onto degraded reefs using corals that have been grown in nurseries. While many challenges of reef restoration have been overcome, parrotfish predation on freshly transplanted corals persists as a significant issue. Parrotfish are recognized as an essential species on healthy reefs but can also hinder reef restoration efforts by biting young, newly …
Ship Groundings And Boulder Deployment: A Study On Restoration Of Ship Grounding Sites In The Kristin Jacobs Coral Reef Ecosystem Conservation Area, Shane Wever
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
Coral reefs are widely regarded as one of the world’s most important ecosystems. These ecosystems have been in a state of rapid decline worldwide due to chronic stressors and acute disturbances. Ship groundings on coral reefs are one of the most destructive acute disturbances, damaging both the biological community and the underlying reef framework. Once disturbed, these reef ecosystems often require restoration to promote recovery. Southeast Florida is home to an extensive high latitude reef system located near a highly developed and densely populated coast. In 2006, two large commercial vessels, the Spar Orion and Clipper Lasco, grounded north of …
Optimization Of Grow-Out Of Bouldering Coral Microfragments: Land Vs. Offshore Nursery, Ashlee A. Steinberg
Optimization Of Grow-Out Of Bouldering Coral Microfragments: Land Vs. Offshore Nursery, Ashlee A. Steinberg
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
Corals along the Florida Reef Tract and the wider Caribbean have been declining for decades. Low densities of adult colonies hinder the ability of corals to replenish themselves through sexual reproduction, thus reef managers are focusing on restoration actions that increase coral biomass. Microfragmentation is a way to quickly increase the biomass of bouldering corals by cutting the coral into small pieces which forces the coral to allocate its resources away from reproduction and back into growth, increasing its growth rate. This study assessed the optimal location for grow-out (land vs. offshore nursery) and its synergy with size of fragment …