11th ICRS Abstract book - Nova Southeastern University

18.722
Quantitative Underwater Ecological Surveying Techniques (Quest): The University
Of Hawaii Marine Option Program -Training Tomorrow’s Underwater Scientists
Jeffrey KUWABARA 1 , Donna BROWN* 2
1 Marine Option Program, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 2 Marine Option Program,
Maui Community College, Kahului, HI
The University of Hawaii Marine Option Program (MOP) offers a unique reef monitoring
class each summer on Hawaii’s Kona Coast called QUEST (Quantitative Underwater
Ecological Surveying Techniques). For two weeks, students learn a variety of surveying
methods, safe scientific scuba diving practices, teamwork, and leadership skills.
Preparation for this course includes a University of Hawaii Scientific Diver in Training
authorization and learning to accurately identify some 200 species of common Hawaiian
reef fishes, invertebrates, and seaweed. First year students work as part of a team to
collect and analyze data, and to write and present scientific reports. Second year students
gain valuable leadership skills by acting as team leaders. This class serves as a source of
well trained scientific divers for Hawaii’s Division of Aquatic Resources, the National
Marine Fisheries Service’s Honolulu Laboratory, and various diving projects at the
University of Hawaii. QUEST exemplifies the Marine Option Program’s mantra of
experiential ocean education.
18.723
The Effects Of Hurricane-Deposited Mud On Coral Communities in Florida
Cheryl MILLER* 1 , Vladimir KOSMYNIN 2
1 Coastal Eco-Group Inc., Fort Lauderdale, FL, 2 Bureau of Beaches & Coastal Systems,
Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Tallahassee, FL
Reefs and hardbottom communities with variable coral cover are widespread in the upper
shelf of Florida. From August 14 to September 26, 2004, four hurricanes (Charley,
Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) impacted the Florida shelf and coastline. Widespread
accumulation of mud on nearshore hardbottom was recorded during biological
monitoring surveys for beach nourishment projects from Cape Canaveral to Miami along
the Atlantic coast and from Naples to St. Petersburg along the Gulf of Mexico coast.
Permanent video transects and photo surveys were used for this study along with in-situ
measurements of mud layer thickness. The surveys have indicated the deposition of a
relatively thin layer of fine sediments over extensive areas of hardbottom and thick
accumulations at the base of scarps and ledges. Storms suspend this fine material,
resulting in turbid nearshore waters for long periods. The effects have been lethal for
many filter-feeding species, while photosynthetic activity and recruitment opportunities
were reduced for most benthic species. Measurements of mud accumulation were
performed in 2006 and 2007 on a nearshore artificial reef in Indian River County.
Monitoring demonstrated significantly higher cover and diversity of macroalgae at the
artificial reef placed in 2005 as compared to the portions of reef placed just prior to the
2004 hurricanes. The high adhesive capacity of the mud particles has enabled sediments
to survive as a compact layer through the winter storms of 2004 through 2007. The 2007
monitoring data suggests significant mortality of octocoral recruits due to the smothering
effects of mud, indicating that octocorals are not surviving beyond two to three years in
this environment. It is possible that the impact is even more widespread than suggested
by these surveys. It is hypothesized that the sediments were transported by hurricanegenerated
waves and currents from the deeper parts of the shelf.
Poster Mini-Symposium 18: Reef Status and Trends
18.724
Preliminary Assessment Of Elkhorn Coral (Acropora Palmata) in Caye Caulker Marine
Reserve And Adjacent Waters
Ellen MCRAE* 1
1 The Siwa-ban Foundation, Caye Caulker, Belize
Elkhorn Coral (Acropora palmata) is a robust branching coral species occupying areas featuring
high levels of wave action such as reef crest and flat areas, in shallow (1-17, optimally 1-5 m)
water. The species along with its congener A cervicornis was recently listed (ESA) due to
decline throughout its range. Two major weather events -Hurricanes Mitch (Oct 1998) and
Keith (Sep-Oct 2000)- as well as close passes by other more recent tropical storms and nearmiss
hurricanes and other climate change driven events have combined with other direct and
indirect impacts on and near the 7-km-long island of Caye Caulker to cause noticeable yet
unquantified reduction in the abundance and quality of reef corals in the area during the past 25
years. No rules against extractive activities other than general Fisheries Regulations have as yet
been enacted within Caye Caulker Marine Reserve (CCMR), however they have been proposed
and await passage by GOB. Shallow backreef, patch and crest habitat were surveyed Oct-Dec
2003 preparatory to a project updating the Integrated Management Plan for CCMR and its
terrestrial counterpart Caye Caulker Forest Reserve. Visual surveys were undertaken in shallow
(1-6m) reef habitats using mask and snorkel. Abundance, condition and size of Elkhorn
colonies/stands were assessed. 15 of 18 sites (83.3%) evidenced living A palmata in some
form. Most of these sites (66.6%) featured recruits/young colonies, while extensive living or
partially living stands including resheeted areas of A palmata were noted on 33.4%. Further
survey has been designed to confirm current status of these sites as well as visit areas not visited
during the initial REA. An investigation into the physical and biological forces acting on certain
well-preserved sites is herein proposed to determine factors present at these sites.
18.725
Status Of Coral Reefs in The British Virgin Islands
Clive PETROVIC* 1 , Trish BAILY 2 , Shannon GORE 3
1 Econcerns, Ltd., Road Town, Virgin Islands (British), 2 Ecosail, Ltd, Road Town, Virgin
Islands (British), 3 Conservation & Fisheries Dept., Govt of the BVI, Road Town, Virgin Islands
(British)
Approximately 60 small islands and cays comprise the British Virgin Islands. Located on the
eastern portion of the Puerto Rican Bank,this archipelago occupies 150 km2 of land on a
shallow shelf of over 3000 km2. Most of the reefs in the Territory remain in relatively good
condition, although there has been significant localized deterioration. Natural events, such as
the passage of numerous Tropical Storms and recent bleaching have caused considerable
damage around the larger islands. Anthropogenic impacts are the major cause of reef
deterioration in the Territory. These impacts have increased dramatically in the last two
decades. Certainly, the greatest threats to the reefs come from land-based sediments.
Construction activities on small islands, where erosion control measures are virtually nonexistent,
release sediments into coastal waters. Sewage treatment remains in the planning stages.
Thus, run off from septic tanks and sewage outfalls introduce excess nutrients into marine
systems. Since landfills and incineration are inadequate to cope with the increasing solid waste
disposal problems, oil, hazardous materials and other pollutants frequently contaminate near
shore marine communities. Overfishing of commercially important reef species continues to be
a problem and is aggravated by the demands of a booming tourism industry. Additional impacts
include anchor damage by yachts, snorkelers on sensitive reefs, and coastal dredging projects.
Despite these problems, efforts are underway to address specific issues and minimize impacts.
Legislative reforms and enforcement of existing regulations are underway. Government
departments and NGO's are increasing committments to environmental protection. Initiatives
are underway to deal with sewage and solid waste disposal. Long term reef monitoring by the
Conservation Department, National Parks, Guana Island Sanctuary, Reef Check, and others is
providing data for future management decisions. Collaborative arrangements combining local
organizations with external expertise from the UK and elsewhere are essential for the success of
reef conservation efforts.
444