Current Search: Coral reef ecology -- Florida (x)
View All Items
- Title
- Temporal analysis of gene expression in a field population of the Scleractinian coral Montastraea faveolata.
- Creator
- Edge,Sara E., Morgan, Michael B., Snell, Terry W., Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 2008-02-22
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1745597
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef biology, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef ecology --Florida --Florida Keys, Gene Expression
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Ecology and nutrition of invasive Caulerpa brachypus f. parvifolia blooms on coral reefs off southeast Florida, U.S.A.
- Creator
- Lapointe, Brian E., Bedford, Bradley J.
- Date Issued
- 2010-01
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/1925499
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef ecology --Florida --Florida Keys, Coral reef ecology, Coral reef biology, Algal blooms, Algae Toxicology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Deep-water Oculina coral reefs of Florida: biology, impacts and management.
- Creator
- Reed, John K.
- Date Issued
- 2002
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2783223
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef ecology --Florida, Coral reef ecology --Research --Florida, Coral reef management --United States, Coral reef biology --Florida, Coral reefs and islands --Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- REEF WARS: MONITORING AND PREDICTING PHASE SHIFTS ON FLORIDA CORAL REEFS.
- Creator
- Conkling, Megan, Pomponi, Shirley A., Hindle, Tobin, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Geosciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Reefs off the coast of Florida face threats from stressors associated with climate change which leads to phase shifts. Under rapid climate change, a clear understanding of how reefs and their benthic organisms respond is still lacking and needs to be investigated. Using in situ imagery, a sponge cell model, and long-term benthic biota surveys, the effects of climate change on reef dynamics were explored in this dissertation project. Results from the in situ imagery found that differences in...
Show moreReefs off the coast of Florida face threats from stressors associated with climate change which leads to phase shifts. Under rapid climate change, a clear understanding of how reefs and their benthic organisms respond is still lacking and needs to be investigated. Using in situ imagery, a sponge cell model, and long-term benthic biota surveys, the effects of climate change on reef dynamics were explored in this dissertation project. Results from the in situ imagery found that differences in spectral signatures are found between functional groups (i.e., corals, sponges, and algae) and different species from substrate. Results based on a sponge cell model and transcriptomics data have found a resilience of these sponges to the predicted thermal extremes. Results from benthic biota surveys suggested that depth and light attenuation have the largest influence on the predicted distribution of corals, sponges, and algae at Pulley Ridge. Climate change has been impacting reef benthic biota starting at the organismal scale up to the reef scale. This research demonstrates the importance of monitoring reefs at a finer scale and determining the thresholds and limits of benthic biota to projected thermal extremes to better inform resource managers to preserve these irreplaceable ecosystems.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014323
- Subject Headings
- Reefs--Florida, Climate change, Coral reef ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Impacts of bottom trawling on a deep-water Oculina coral ecosystem off Florida.
- Creator
- Reed, John K., Koenig, Christopher C., Shepard, Andrew N.
- Date Issued
- 2007
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/3172092
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef ecology, Coral reef ecology --Florida, Trawls and trawling --Environmental aspects, Fishing, Oceanographic submersibles
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Nutrient over-enrichment ofSouth Florida’s coral reefs: how science and management failed to protect a national treasure.
- Creator
- Lapointe, Brian E.
- Date Issued
- 2001
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007356
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef ecology--Florida--Florida Keys, Eutrophication
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Comparison of deep-water coral banks and lithoherms off southeastern U.S.A.
- Creator
- Reed, John K.
- Date Issued
- 2002
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FCLA/DT/2783221
- Subject Headings
- Coral reef ecology --Florida, Coral reef ecology --Research --Florida, Submarine topography North Atlantic Ocean, Bioherms, Geomorphology --Florida
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Connectivity of the Pulley Ridge - South Florida Coral Reef Ecosystem:Processes to Decision-Support Tools.
- Creator
- Farrington, Stephanie, Reed, John K., Hanisak, M. Dennis, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- Date Issued
- 2014
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00007509
- Subject Headings
- Pulley Ridge, Coral reef ecology--Florida, Underwater exploration
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- HYPOSALINITY STRESS TOLERANCES OF THE CORALS MONTASTRAEA CAVERNOSA AND PORITES ASTREOIDES IN SOUTHEAST FLORIDA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR COASTAL FRESHWATER MANAGEMENT.
- Creator
- Davis, Haley A., Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Department of Biological Sciences, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
- Abstract/Description
-
Coastal development shifts natural hydrology through water redirection, increased impervious surfaces, and increased connectivity to the coastal ocean through inlets. In Southeast Florida, watershed alterations can cause flash-freshening in nearshore coastal habitats, threatening coral reef ecosystems. This study assessed the hyposalinity tolerance threshold of two prominent scleractinian corals in Southeast Florida. In a series of experiments, we determined that Montastraea cavernosa corals...
Show moreCoastal development shifts natural hydrology through water redirection, increased impervious surfaces, and increased connectivity to the coastal ocean through inlets. In Southeast Florida, watershed alterations can cause flash-freshening in nearshore coastal habitats, threatening coral reef ecosystems. This study assessed the hyposalinity tolerance threshold of two prominent scleractinian corals in Southeast Florida. In a series of experiments, we determined that Montastraea cavernosa corals have an LC50 of 19 PSU but can survive for at least 21 days at an intermediately stressful salinity of 25 PSU. Porites astreoides corals demonstrated an LC50 of 19 PSU, but experienced mortality when exposed to 25 PSU for 17–18 days. Prior to mortality, corals displayed decreased polyp activity, altered coloration, and decreased tissue integrity. These data suggest that lower-volume, longer-duration releases of freshwater from reservoirs may preserve coral health in Southeast Florida.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2023
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00014207
- Subject Headings
- Montastraea, Porites, Coral reef ecology--Florida, Hydrology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Assessment of coral stressors on St. Lucie reef: Florida’s northernmost coral reef.
- Creator
- Beal, Jeff, Voss, Joshua, Edge, Sara, Cohen, Lisa
- Date Issued
- 2012-02
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3360203
- Subject Headings
- Corals Effect of stress on, Corals--Florida, Coral reef ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- 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
Show less - 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.
Show less - 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
- 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.
Show less - 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
- 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.
Show less - 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
- 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.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2003
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/13053
- Subject Headings
- Zoanthinaria, Seawater--Thermal properties, Zooxanthellales
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Mapping and analyzing the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County in relation to major storm events in a GIS database.
- Creator
- Pitti, Joseph G., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
The Florida Reef Tract in Southeast Florida is made up of hard-bottom formations. The shape and size of the tract is constantly changing. One major factor contributing to these changes is the movement of sand. This is influenced by location-based, human-induced, and natural factors. These shifting sands cover or uncover reef structure. Images of the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County were analyzed by the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, using a partially...
Show moreThe Florida Reef Tract in Southeast Florida is made up of hard-bottom formations. The shape and size of the tract is constantly changing. One major factor contributing to these changes is the movement of sand. This is influenced by location-based, human-induced, and natural factors. These shifting sands cover or uncover reef structure. Images of the Florida Reef Tract in Palm Beach County were analyzed by the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University, using a partially automated method of mapping. There are notable changes in reef structure throughout the years 2004-2006, in which many major storm events occurred in the region. A time series analysis was conducted throughout these years. Losses and gains of reef structure were quantified and compared throughout the county as a whole, in beach renourishment project areas, and inlet intervals. Trends suggest that the major storms of 2004-2006 may have had effects on the reef tract.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3172425
- Subject Headings
- Continental shelf, Mapping, Geographic information systems, Coral reef ecology, Environmental geology, Coral reefs and islands
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Interpretation of seafloor topologies based on IKONOS satellite imagery of a shallow-marine carbonate platform: Florida Bay to the Florida Reef Tract.
- Creator
- Steinle, Jacob Thomas., Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
A benthic environments classification system is devised from digital interpretations of multi-spectral IKONOS satellite imagery for 1,360 km2 of the carbonate platform and presented in a comprehensive digitized map. The classification scheme is designed as a 7th order hierarchical structure that integrates 5 Physiographic Realms, 24 Morphodynamic Zones, 11 Geoforms, 39 Landforms, 6 dominant surface sediment types, 9 dominant biological covers and 3 densities of biological covers for the...
Show moreA benthic environments classification system is devised from digital interpretations of multi-spectral IKONOS satellite imagery for 1,360 km2 of the carbonate platform and presented in a comprehensive digitized map. The classification scheme is designed as a 7th order hierarchical structure that integrates 5 Physiographic Realms, 24 Morphodynamic Zones, 11 Geoforms, 39 Landforms, 6 dominant surface sediment types, 9 dominant biological covers and 3 densities of biological covers for the description of benthic environments. Digital analysis of the high-resolution (4 m) IKONOS imagery employed ESRI's ArcMap to manually digitize 412 mapping units at a scale of 1:6,000 differentiated by spectral reflectance, color tones, and textures of seafloor topologies. The context of each morphodynamic zone is characterized by the content and areal distribution (in km2) of geomorphic forms and biological covers. Over 58% of the mapping area is occupied by sediment flats, and seagrasses are colonized in almost 80% of the topologies.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2011
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/FAU/3174075
- Subject Headings
- Submarine topography, Marine sediments, Remote sensing, Marine ecosystem management, Ocean bottom, Sampling, Ocean bottom, Sampling, Coral reef ecology
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Population Structure and Gene Expression of the Coral Montastraea cavernosa in the Northern Florida Reef Tract.
- Creator
- Dodge, Danielle, Voss, Joshua, Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Biological Sciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Coral reefs on Florida’s Reef Tract (FRT) are susceptible to many anthropogenic influences including controlled freshwater discharges and agricultural runoff as well as high natural environmental variability from seasonal rainfall, runoff and upwelling. To better understand coral population structure and responses to sublethal stressors, populations of the scleractinian coral Montastraea cavernosa in the northern FRT were examined using a combination of genomic and transcriptomic techniques....
Show moreCoral reefs on Florida’s Reef Tract (FRT) are susceptible to many anthropogenic influences including controlled freshwater discharges and agricultural runoff as well as high natural environmental variability from seasonal rainfall, runoff and upwelling. To better understand coral population structure and responses to sublethal stressors, populations of the scleractinian coral Montastraea cavernosa in the northern FRT were examined using a combination of genomic and transcriptomic techniques. Microsatellite genetic markers identified high local retention among sites and a slight southward gene flow. An in-situ temporal gene expression analysis utilizing a tag-based sequencing transcriptomic approach was used to analyze baseline coral health at St. Lucie Reef (SLR), off Stuart, FL. Temporal variation had the greatest influence of differential gene expression among M. cavernosa at SLR. Results will be shared with local resource managers and coupled with a complementary ex-situ experimental trial.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2017
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00005920
- Subject Headings
- Dissertations, Academic -- Florida Atlantic University, Montastraea, Coral reef ecology--Florida., Corals--Effect of stress on, Gene expression--Analysis.
- Format
- Document (PDF)
- Title
- Distribution and Diversity of Benthic Foraminifera Within the Nearshore Ridge Complex off Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida.
- Creator
- Hanley, Caitlin, Oleinik, Anton E., Florida Atlantic University, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, Department of Geosciences
- Abstract/Description
-
Benthic foraminifera are exceptional organisms with distinctive features that allow for interpretation of both past and present environmental conditions. Some benthic foraminifera are widely distributed while some are restricted to specific environments due to their way of life. Foraminiferal assemblages south of Biscayne Bay and north of Cape Canaveral have previously been investigated; however, a gap exists in data covering a transitional zone along the Florida coast between the tropical...
Show moreBenthic foraminifera are exceptional organisms with distinctive features that allow for interpretation of both past and present environmental conditions. Some benthic foraminifera are widely distributed while some are restricted to specific environments due to their way of life. Foraminiferal assemblages south of Biscayne Bay and north of Cape Canaveral have previously been investigated; however, a gap exists in data covering a transitional zone along the Florida coast between the tropical waters of the western Atlantic and the cooler coastal waters along the North American coast. The purpose of this study was to collect baseline data on the benthic foraminifera of the small marine environment off of Pompano Beach that falls within this zone. This environment has a very particular relict reef system that includes a near-shore ridge complex, the unique foraminiferal assemblage of which has not been documented. Thirteen rubble samples were collected from this near shore ridge complex between October 2013 and April 2015 from depths of 2.5m – 9m. Abundances and diversity indices were calculated, and multivariate analysis and SHEBI analysis carried out to summarize baseline data for the area. Substrate types and seasonal collections were compared with foraminiferal abundances to determine if benthic foraminifera diversity varied between the four substrate types found on the near-shore ridge and between wet and dry seasons in Florida. Results revealed a variation in abundances for both substrates and seasons with the dominant genera being Quinqueloculina, Laevipeneroplis, and Archaias. Multivariate analysis displayed dissimilarities between substrates colonized by corals and those that were uncolonized. Comparison of studies from surrounding areas revealed fewer, however similar, species and different dominant genera. Overall, this area has proven to be a different environment compared to surrounding coastal areas and merits further investigation.
Show less - Date Issued
- 2016
- PURL
- http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00004601
- Subject Headings
- Pompano Beach (Fla.)--Environmental aspects., Foraminifera--Ecology--Florida--Pompano Beach., Paleoecology--Florida--Pompano Beach., Coastal zone ecology--Florida--Pompano Beach., Coral reef ecology--Florida--Pompano Beach.
- Format
- Document (PDF)