Tuesday July 6, 2010 CORAL ECOSYSTEMS

I am trying to catch up on the blog so lecture descriptions will be short!

8:00 – 9:00 AM: Coral Structure, Nutrition, and Ecology

Presenter: Dr. Josh Voss, Marine Science Department, FAU/HBOI

Voss described the basics behind coral reefs and the organisms that create these unique habitats.

9:00 – 10:00 AM: Coral Hatchery Tour

Presenter: Mr. Dustin Dorton, President, Oceans, Reefs and Aquariums, FAU/HBOI

Dorton gave us a tour of the million dollar coral hatchery. The coral are raised in regulated pools and grown to sizes that can be sold to aquarium stores. The project has reduced the number of coral taken from their native habitat.

10:00 – 11:00 AM: Broad overview of Coral Diseases

Presenter: Dr. Voss Nutrients, algae, cyanobacteria, other bacteria, viruses, toxins, elements, manmade chemicals, elevated temperatures were discussed. Their sources and their individual and interactive effets on coral species and on reef health/sustainability were discussed.

11:00 – 12:00 PM: Assessing Coral Disease

Presenter: Dr. Voss

Molecular methods used in diagnostic and mechanistic studies of coral disease were overviewed.

12:00 PM: Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 PM: Acidification of Marine Environments

Presenter: Dr. Stamper

Stamper discussed the extent, trends, and projected impacts of oceanic acidification.

2:00 – 4:00 PM: Smithsonian Marine Ecosystem Exhibit Tour

Presenter: Smithsonian Scientists

Tour included multiple species of coral in mixed species exhibits, featuring the Oculina deep water coral, aspects of ecology and biology, as well as saltwater aquarium management for displays and research.

4:30 – 5:30 PM: The Future of Coral Reefs

Dr. Hernandez-Delgado

In his lecture, Hernandez-Delgado examined the negative effect of climate change on coral reefs. Long-term impacts, lessons learned, and management alternatives were discussed.

5:30 – 6:30 PM: Dinner

6:30 – 8:30 PM: Coral Reef Rehabilitation

Presenters: Dr. Hernandez-Delgado and Dr. Stamper

The after dinner lecture examined how coral reefs can be recovered and highlighted successful examples that included local community involvement.