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Title: Florida’s Deep-water Oculina Reefs: A National Treasure in Peril.
Creator: Selch, Donna, Reed, John, Cousin, Brian
Abstract/Description: Documentary of the discovery, research and and efforts to protect the deep-water Oculina coral reefs off Florida. These Oculina reefs occur exclusively off eastern Florida at depths of 300 ft, and nowhere else on earth. First discovered by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution scientists with the Johnson-Sea-Link submersibles in 1975, they were made the first deep-water coral marine protected area in the world in 1984. Conservation efforts continue today to prevent destructive bottom trawl...
Show moreDocumentary of the discovery, research and and efforts to protect the deep-water Oculina coral reefs off Florida. These Oculina reefs occur exclusively off eastern Florida at depths of 300 ft, and nowhere else on earth. First discovered by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution scientists with the Johnson-Sea-Link submersibles in 1975, they were made the first deep-water coral marine protected area in the world in 1984. Conservation efforts continue today to prevent destructive bottom trawl fisheries from fishing within the Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern. Funding by the LINK foundation. Dedicated to Dr. Robert Avent & Edwin Link
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PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FAUIR000388
Subject Headings: Coral reef conservation--Florida, Coral reef ecology--Research--Florida., Oceanography--Florida.
Format: Video file

Title: Phosphorus limitation in reef macroalgae of South Florida.
Creator: Kehler, Courtney., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Center for Environmental Studies
Abstract/Description: Nitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie...
Show moreNitrogen (N) has traditionally been regarded as the primary limiting nutrient to algal growth in marine coastal waters, but recent studies suggest that phosphorus (P) can be limiting in carbonate-rich environments. To better understand the importance of P. alkaline phosphatase activity (APA) was measured in reef macroalgae in seven counties of south Florida ; several significant trends emerged : 1) APA decreased geographically from the highest values in Dada>Monroe>Palm Beach>St. Lucie>Broward>Martin>Lee counties 2) APA varied temporally with increasing nutrient-rich runoff in the wet season 3) APA varied due to taxonomic division Phaeophyta>Rhodophyta>Chlorophyta 4) Nutrient enrichment experiments demonstrated that increased N-enrichment enhanced P-limitation while increased P decreased P-limitation. These results suggest that high APA observed in carbonate-rich waters of Dade County and low APA in Broward County resulted from high nutrient inputs associated with anthropogenic nutrient pollution.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3358598
Subject Headings: Nitrogen, Environmental aspects, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Marine algae, Physiology, Algal communities, Physiology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Blade abandonment/proliferation: a novel mechanism for rapid epiphyte control in marine macrophytes.
Creator: Littler, Mark M., Littler, Diane S., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172820
Subject Headings: Marine algae culture, Plant-water relationships, Plant ecology, Coral reef ecology, Seagrasses --Habitat
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Integrated water quality and coral reef monitoring on fringing reefs of Tobago: chemical and ecological evidence of sewage-driven eutrophication in the Buccoo Reef Complex.
Creator: Lapointe, Brian E., Potts, Arthur C., Day, Owen, Langton, Richard, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2100737
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine parks and reserves --Caribbean Area, Marine ecology --Caribbean Area
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Declining coral health and fish diversity in the South Pacific.
Creator: McCurdy, Paul., Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Abstract/Description: Coral reefs harbor ~1-9 million species, including 30% of all marine fish species. Reef health worldwide is declining due to many factors: e.g. pollution, sedimentation, dynamite fishing, and global warming. Working with the Planetary Coral Reef Foundation and the crew aboard the R/V Heraclitus, I examined coral health and fish diversity in the Solomon Islands, Melanesia. In 2006, I surveyed coral and fish on Sagharughombe reef, Solomon Islands using SCUBA and compared the results with...
Show moreCoral reefs harbor ~1-9 million species, including 30% of all marine fish species. Reef health worldwide is declining due to many factors: e.g. pollution, sedimentation, dynamite fishing, and global warming. Working with the Planetary Coral Reef Foundation and the crew aboard the R/V Heraclitus, I examined coral health and fish diversity in the Solomon Islands, Melanesia. In 2006, I surveyed coral and fish on Sagharughombe reef, Solomon Islands using SCUBA and compared the results with surveys done in 2000 and 2002. Coral surveys indicated a significant decline in health over the six-year period. Fish surveys found no clear trend in species abundances and species richness, but a significant decline in species diversity over the years. The decline in coral health we observed may have contributed to diminished fish diversity. To protect marine biodiversity, coral reefs must be better protected and declines in coral health must be halted.
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Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/11615
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Fishes, Ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Genetic Connectivity and Phenotypic Plasticity of Shallow and Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico.
Creator: Studivan, Michael, Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Coral reef ecosystems worldwide are facing increasing degradation due to disease, anthropogenic damage, and climate change, particularly in the Tropical Western Atlantic. Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) have been recently gaining attention through increased characterization as continuations of shallow reefs below traditional SCUBA depths (>30 m). As MCEs appear to be sheltered from many stressors affecting shallow reefs, MCEs may act as a coral refuge and provide larvae to nearby shallow...
Show moreCoral reef ecosystems worldwide are facing increasing degradation due to disease, anthropogenic damage, and climate change, particularly in the Tropical Western Atlantic. Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) have been recently gaining attention through increased characterization as continuations of shallow reefs below traditional SCUBA depths (>30 m). As MCEs appear to be sheltered from many stressors affecting shallow reefs, MCEs may act as a coral refuge and provide larvae to nearby shallow reefs. The Deep Reef Refugia Hypothesis (DRRH) posits that shallow and mesophotic reefs may be genetically connected and that some coral species are equally compatible in both habitats. The research presented here addresses key questions that underlie this theory and advances our knowledge of coral connectivity and MCE ecology using the depth-generalist coral Montastraea cavernosa. Chapter 1 presents an overview of the DRRH, a description of MCEs in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), and the framework of research questions within existing reef management infrastructure in the GOM. Through microsatellite genotyping, Chapter 2 identifies high connectivity among shallow and mesophotic reefs in the northwest GOM and evidence for relative isolation between depth zones in Belize and the southeast GOM. Historical migration and vertical connectivity models estimate Gulf-wide population panmixia. Chapter 3 focuses on population structure within the northwest GOM, identifying a lack of significant population structure. Dominant migration patterns estimate population panmixia, suggesting mesophotic populations currently considered for National Marine Sanctuary protection benefit the Flower Garden Banks. Chapter 4 quantifies the level of morphological variation between shallow and mesophotic M. cavernosa, revealing two distinct morphotypes possibly representing adaptive tradeoffs. Chapter 5 examines the transcriptomic mechanisms behind coral plasticity between depth zones, discovering a consistent response to mesophotic conditions across regions. Additionally, variable plasticity of mesophotic corals resulting from transplantation to shallow depths and potential differences in bleaching resilience between shallow and mesophotic corals are identified. The dissertation concludes with a synthesis of the results as they pertain to connectivity of shallow and mesophotic corals in the Gulf of Mexico and suggests future research that will aid in further understanding of MCE ecology and connectivity.
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Date Issued: 2018
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005961
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology--Mexico, Gulf of, Phenotypic plasticity, Montastraea, Ecological genetics
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Spatial and trophic ecology of the sawtooth eel, Serrivomer beanii, a biomass-dominant bathypelagic fish over the northern Mid-Atlantic ridge.
Creator: Geidner, Megan E., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The role of Serrivomer beanii in bathypelagic food webs is poorly known, but abundance and biomass estimates from the 2004 G.O. Sars MAR-ECO Expedition suggest it to have a high level of importance. MAR-ECO, a Census of Marine Life field project, has allowed us to increase our knowledge of S. beanii through spatial analysis, including the congeneric species Serrivomer lanceolatoides, and trophic analysis. Serrivomer beanii abundance and biomass exhibited a decreasing trend along the northern...
Show moreThe role of Serrivomer beanii in bathypelagic food webs is poorly known, but abundance and biomass estimates from the 2004 G.O. Sars MAR-ECO Expedition suggest it to have a high level of importance. MAR-ECO, a Census of Marine Life field project, has allowed us to increase our knowledge of S. beanii through spatial analysis, including the congeneric species Serrivomer lanceolatoides, and trophic analysis. Serrivomer beanii abundance and biomass exhibited a decreasing trend along the northern Mid-Atlantic Ridge from north to south. In terms of size, S. beanii was found to increase as distance from the ridge decreased, suggesting a topographic aggregation strategy. The diet of S. beanii consisted of crustaceans, cephalopods, and teleosts. The trophic results of this study reveal a likely "alternative" trophic pathway in the deep mid-North Atlantic, and perhaps other, bathypelagic ecosystems: higher trophic-level predators are supported by micronektonic invertebrates as primary prey.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/165941
Subject Headings: Plankton, Ecology, Coral reef animals, Ecology, Deep sea biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Snapping shrimp protect host anemones from predators.
Creator: McCammon, Amber., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: The sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A....
Show moreThe sea anemone Bartholomea annulata, is an ecologically important member of Caribbean coral reefs. This anemone serves as symbiotic host to crustacean associates, some of which may control parasite loads by "cleaning" reef fishes. Associates may gain protection from predation by dwelling with anemones. B. annulata was the most abundant anemone documented on three reefs, with 52% host to crustacean symbionts. Of those occupied by multi-species groups, 92% included Alpheus armatus shrimp. A. armatus is an important anemone associate providing protection to the anemone from predators such as Hermodice carunculata, in laboratory and field trials. H. carunculata can completely devour or severely damage prey anemones. Here I show that anemones hosting symbiotic alpheid shrimp are extremely less likely to sustain damage by predators than solitary anemones. The role of protector may be reciprocally provided by anemone and decapod associates.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/1930494
Subject Headings: Predation (Biology), Animal behavior, Coral reef ecology, Sea anemones, Marine ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Taxonomy and ecology of the deep-pelagic fish family Melamphaidae, with emphasis on interactions with a mid-ocean ridge system.
Creator: Bartow, Kyle Allen., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Much of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family...
Show moreMuch of the world's oceans lie below a depth of 200 meters, but very little is known about the creatures that inhabit these deep-sea environments. The deep-sea fish family Melamphaidae (Stephanoberyciformes) is one such example of an understudied group of fishes. Samples from the MAR-ECO (www.mar-eco.no) project represent one of the largest melamphaid collections, providing an ideal opportunity to gain information on this important, but understudied, family of fishes. The key to the family presented here is the first updated, comprehensive key since those produced by Ebeling and Weed (1963) and Keene (1987). Samples from the 2004 MAR-ECO cruise and the U.S. National Museum of Natural History provided an opportunity to review two possible new species, the Scopelogadus mizolepis subspecies, and a Poromitra crassiceps species complex. Results show that Scopeloberyx americanus and Melamphaes indicoides are new species, while the two subspecies of Scopelogadus mizolepis are most likely o nly one species and the Poromitra crassiceps complex is actually several different species of Poromitra. Data collected from the MAR-ECO cruise provided an opportunity to study the distribution, reproductive characteristics and trophic ecology of the family Melamphaidae along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR). Cluster analysis showed that there are five distinct groups of melamphaid fishes along the MAR. This analysis also supported the initial observation that the melamphaid assemblage changes between the northern and southern edges of an anti-cyclonic anomaly that could be indicative of a warm-core ring. Analysis of the reproductive characteristics of the melamphaid assemblage revealed that many of the female fishes have a high gonadosomatic index (GSI) consistent with values found for other species of deep-sea fishes during their spawning seasons., This may indicate that melamphaids use this ridge as a spawning ground. Diets of the melamphaid fishes were composed primarily of ostracods, a mphipods, copepods and euphausiids. Scopelogadus was the only genus shown to have a high percent of gelatinous prey in their digestive system, while Melamphaes had the highest concentration of chaetognaths. This work presents data on the ecology and taxonomy of the family Melamphaidae and provides a strong base for any future work on this biomass-dominant family of fishes.
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Date Issued: 2010
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/2867331
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine biology, Marine ecology, Deep-sea biology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Epizoic red alga allelopathic to a Caribbean coral.
Creator: Littler, Mark M., Littler, Diane S., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
Date Issued: 1997
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3318891
Subject Headings: Allelopathy, Red algae, Coral reef ecology --Caribbean Area, Allelochemicals, Allelopathic agents
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Simultaneous top-down and bottom-up forces control macroalgal blooms on coral reefs (Reply to the comment by Hughes et al.).
Creator: Lapointe, Brian E.
Date Issued: 1999
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172685
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Algal blooms, Marine algae --Effect of grazing on, Eutrophication, Herbivores
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Sewage pollution in Negril, Jamaica: effects on nutrition and ecology of coral reef macroalgae.
Creator: Lapointe, Brian E., Thacker, K., Hanson, C., Getten, L.
Date Issued: 2011
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3318909
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology --Jamaica, Sewage, Nutrient pollution of water, Marine eutrophication, Microalgae
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Long term monitoring of a deep-water coral reef: effects of bottom trawling.
Creator: Reed, John K., Koenig, Christopher C., Shepard, Andrew N., Gilmore, R. G.
Date Issued: 2007
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007322
Subject Headings: Bottom trawling, Dredging (Fisheries)--Environmental aspects, Ecosystems, Oculinidae, Coral reef ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Transport processes linking shelf and back reef ecosystems in the Exuma Cays, Bahamas.
Creator: Smith, Ned P.
Date Issued: 2004
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3171655
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology --Research, Tides, Ocean currents, Winds, Hydrodynamics --Mathematical models
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Ocean Acidification Effects on Photosynthesis in Tropical Marine Macroalgae.
Creator: Zweng, Regina C., Koch, Marguerite, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Field data from CO2 vents, a current model of future ocean acidification conditions, show a positive correlation between elevated seawater pCO2 and fleshy macroalgal abundance, as well as a negative correlation between elevated seawater pCO2 and calcareous macroalgal abundance on coral reefs. One underlying physiological mechanism for increases of fleshy macroalgae species in response to greater pCO2 could be an increase in their photosynthesis. Furthermore, inorganic carbon use mechanisms,...
Show moreField data from CO2 vents, a current model of future ocean acidification conditions, show a positive correlation between elevated seawater pCO2 and fleshy macroalgal abundance, as well as a negative correlation between elevated seawater pCO2 and calcareous macroalgal abundance on coral reefs. One underlying physiological mechanism for increases of fleshy macroalgae species in response to greater pCO2 could be an increase in their photosynthesis. Furthermore, inorganic carbon use mechanisms, irradiance and depth may influence species-specific responses to ocean acidification. Therefore, this thesis aimed to discern carbon use strategies and photosynthetic responses to elevated pCO2 of dominant tropical fleshy and calcareous macroalgae. All species studied were able to utilize HCO3 - for photosynthesis. 33% of calcifying macroalgae and 80% of fleshy macroalgae had increased photosynthetic rates in response to lower pH. Thus, future conditions of OA may perpetuate or exacerbate the abundance of fleshy seaweeds at the expense of calcareous species.
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Date Issued: 2017
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004879, http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004879
Subject Headings: Marine algae--Ecophysiology., Algal communities--Monitoriing., Coral reef ecology.
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The chemistry of Briareum asbestinum.
Creator: Rondeau, Melody D., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: Briareum asbestinum, a soft coral, is a rich source of diterpenoid natural products. The secondary metabolites of B. asbestinum fall into four classes : asbestinins, briarellins, briareolate esters, and briaranes. Briareolate esters have been shown to possess biological activity and were previously only reported from Tobago. Our group recently isolated briareolate esters from a specimen collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. To determine whether location has an impact on the...
Show moreBriareum asbestinum, a soft coral, is a rich source of diterpenoid natural products. The secondary metabolites of B. asbestinum fall into four classes : asbestinins, briarellins, briareolate esters, and briaranes. Briareolate esters have been shown to possess biological activity and were previously only reported from Tobago. Our group recently isolated briareolate esters from a specimen collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. To determine whether location has an impact on the chemistry produced by the organism, a method to discern between chemotypes was sought. Several techniques including thin layer chromatography (TLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and sclerite analysis were employed, with NMR being the most successful method. By utilizing both 1H and COSY NMR experiments, it is possible to differentiate between the chemotypes of B. asbestinum. Application of this method allowed analysis of chemical variability with respect to location.
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Date Issued: 2012
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3355882
Subject Headings: Heterocyclic compounds, Synthesis, Coral reef ecology, Marine organisms, Environmental aspects, Biochemical markers
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: The impacts of harmful algal blooms on a Florida reef fish community.
Creator: Baumberger, Rex E., Jr., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Biology
Abstract/Description: Coral reefs worldwide are threatened by many environmental disturbances including harmful algal blooms (HABs) which have been increasing on Florida coasts over the past decade. Research has mainly focused on HAB identification, percent cover and other effects on the benthos but the relationship of HABs with upper trophic levels has received less attention. To study this relationship, a two-year investigation on a 10-m deep reef off of Hallandale Beach, was conducted. Stationary fish census...
Show moreCoral reefs worldwide are threatened by many environmental disturbances including harmful algal blooms (HABs) which have been increasing on Florida coasts over the past decade. Research has mainly focused on HAB identification, percent cover and other effects on the benthos but the relationship of HABs with upper trophic levels has received less attention. To study this relationship, a two-year investigation on a 10-m deep reef off of Hallandale Beach, was conducted. Stationary fish census coupled with benthic transect videos were conducted quarterly between April 2005-July 2007. A significant correlation between Lyngbya sp. blooms and alterations in fish assemblages was observed. Lyngbya had a negative interaction with fish species and abundance; additionally, HAB sample periods were significantly different from low algal abundance periods. Blooms of Dictyota sp. had no measurable relationship with the fish assemblage indicating HABs may have variable impacts on fishes depending on family, species and chemistry of the algae.
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Date Issued: 2008
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/186286
Subject Headings: Toxic algae, Environmental aspects, Algal blooms, Environmental aspects, Water quality biological assessment, Coral reef ecology
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Isolation of briareolate esters from Briareum asbestinum.
Creator: Meginley, Rian J., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Abstract/Description: The gorgonian Briareum asbestinum is widely studied because it possesses highly oxygenated novel structures, many of which exhibit useful biological activities. Recently, two new briarane diterpenoids, briareolate esters J and K, together with two known briareolate esters have been isolated from a specimen of Briareum asbestinum collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. The method used was a 96-well plate real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES) system to discover compounds that...
Show moreThe gorgonian Briareum asbestinum is widely studied because it possesses highly oxygenated novel structures, many of which exhibit useful biological activities. Recently, two new briarane diterpenoids, briareolate esters J and K, together with two known briareolate esters have been isolated from a specimen of Briareum asbestinum collected off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida. The method used was a 96-well plate real-time cell electronic sensing (RT-CES) system to discover compounds that impact human embryonic stem cell growth. The compounds were isolated using reversed phase polystyrene divinylbenzene chromatographic support HP20ss followed by normal phased HPLC using a luna silica column. The structures of the compounds were established though the interpretation of spectroscopic data. Activity testing was conducted against hESCs (BG02) with briareolate ester J showing no inhibition activity and briareolate ester K showing mild activity with an EC50 value of 25 (So(BM. These results confirm that the exact confirmation and existence of the (E,Z)-dienone is related to the activity that was observed with the previously isolated briareolate esters L and M.
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Date Issued: 2013
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360959
Subject Headings: Coral reef ecology, Marine organisms, Environmental aspects, Marine natural products, Bioactive compounds
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Response of tropical marine macroalgae to thermal stress.
Creator: Anderson, Brent C., Florida Atlantic University, Koch, Marguerite
Abstract/Description: Short-term increases in temperatures above 31°C have been shown to influence the structure and diversity of coral reefs through coral bleaching episodes, but quantitative information on how these thermal events affect macroalgae on coral reef communities has rarely been described. Using laboratory mesocosm experiments, I examined six species of commonly occurring macroalgae from two functional form groups on the Florida Keys reef tract to determine their temperature thresholds, quantified by...
Show moreShort-term increases in temperatures above 31°C have been shown to influence the structure and diversity of coral reefs through coral bleaching episodes, but quantitative information on how these thermal events affect macroalgae on coral reef communities has rarely been described. Using laboratory mesocosm experiments, I examined six species of commonly occurring macroalgae from two functional form groups on the Florida Keys reef tract to determine their temperature thresholds, quantified by the point at which photosynthesis, quantum yield (Fv/Fm), and mortality rates were significantly affected. Red crustose coralline sp., classified in the calcareous group, showed no significant changes in Fv/Fm, and experienced no mortality at elevated temperatures of 34°C. However, Halimeda incrassata, another calcareous species showed significant changes in photosynthesis at thermal treatments of 32°C, and experienced 75% mortality at 34°C. Sargassum fluitans, a branching fleshy macroalgae maintained photosynthetic rates up to 32°C, but at 34°C succumbed to 100% mortality. Laurencia chondroides, also a branching fleshy macroalgal form experienced 50% mortality at 34°C. My results, among the first high temperature experiments on dominant tropical macroalgae, indicate that macroalgae are more robust than corals (∼32°C) in their thermal tolerance, but have varying thresholds among species.
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Date Issued: 2006
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13394
Subject Headings: Marine algae--Florida--Florida Keys, Coral reef ecology--Florida--Florida Keys
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A comparison of the thermal bleaching response of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum from three geographically different regions in south Florida.
Creator: Kemp, Dustin W., Florida Atlantic University, Cook, Clayton B., Brooks, W. Randy, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
Abstract/Description: Coral bleaching involves the loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) from reef corals and other cnidarians during periods of environmental stress, particularly elevated temperature. In this study the thermal bleaching responses of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum from three populations along the southeast coast of Florida were compared. Winter (2002--2003) and summer (2003) samples from three geographically separate sites were exposed to increased temperatures and the loss of zooxanthellae...
Show moreCoral bleaching involves the loss of symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) from reef corals and other cnidarians during periods of environmental stress, particularly elevated temperature. In this study the thermal bleaching responses of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum from three populations along the southeast coast of Florida were compared. Winter (2002--2003) and summer (2003) samples from three geographically separate sites were exposed to increased temperatures and the loss of zooxanthellae was measured. Zooxanthellae populations were sampled and identified using PCR-DGGE. The results showed that samples of P. caribaeorum from reefs that experience smaller annual thermal ranges released the most zooxanthellae. Seasonal comparisons revealed winter samples experienced a greater amount of zooxanthellae loss than summer samples. P. caribaeorum was found to harbor two genetic strains of zooxanthellae, C1 and D1a. Colonies either contained monotypic populations of these, or a combination of both.
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Date Issued: 2003
PURL: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13053
Subject Headings: Zoanthinaria, Seawater--Thermal properties, Zooxanthellales
Format: Document (PDF)

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