DOCSLIB.ORG

Reef Growth and Lagoonal Sedimentation at High Latitudes, Lord Howe Island, Australia David Michael Kennedy University of Wollongong

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Reef Growth and Lagoonal Sedimentation at High Latitudes, Lord Howe Island, Australia David Michael Kennedy University of Wollongong University of Wollongong Research Online University of Wollongong Thesis Collection University of Wollongong Thesis Collections 1999 Reef growth and lagoonal sedimentation at high latitudes, Lord Howe Island, Australia David Michael Kennedy University of Wollongong Recommended Citation Kennedy, David Michael, Reef growth and lagoonal sedimentation at high latitudes, Lord Howe Island, Australia, Doctor of Philosophy thesis, School of Geosciences, University of Wollongong, 1999. http://ro.uow.edu.au/theses/1980 Research Online is the open access institutional repository for the University of Wollongong. For further information contact the UOW Library: [email protected] REEF GROWTH AND LAGOONAL SEDIMENTATION AT HIGH LATITUDES, LORD HOWE ISLAND, AUSTRALIA A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY from UNIVERSITY OF WOLLONGONG by DAVID MICHAEL KENNEDY (BSc. Hons)(Syd) SCHOOL OF GEOSCIENCES 1999 This work has not been submitted for a higher degree at any other university or institution and, unless otherwise acknowledged, is my own work. David Michael Kennedy i ABSTRACT The southern limit of coral reef growth in the world occurs on Lord Howe Island (33°30'S, 159°05'E) in the form of a discontinuous 6-km long fringing reef along the western side of the island. Compared with other fringing reefs worldwide it is large being attached to the shoreline only at its northern and southernmost ends while the central portion encloses a lagoon over a kilometre wide. The reef and lagoon are developed over an antecedent surface composed of reefs of Last Interglacial age and calcarenite dunes; however, there appears to be little relation between its topography and that of the modern surface. Carbonate sediments were being deposited within the lagoon around 6500 years BP coincident with sea level reaching close to its modern level. High-energy open ocean conditions dominated the reef with robust branching corals dominating the developing reef. Sedimentation during this initiation phase strongly reflected the morphology of the antecedent surface. Growth of the reef crest between 6000 and 5000 years BP lead to a reduction in the energy environment of the lagoon allowing for mud deposition. During this period sedimentation occurred at rates of around 5 mm/yr, but up to 10 mm/yr, which infilled almost all the available accommodation space in the lagoon. By 4000 years BP the reef and lagoon were very close to the modern surface having accumulated over 11m, possibly up to 30 m, of sediment. Sediments younger than 3000 years BP form a veneer over these older units with the main deposition being confined to embayments, the coastal plain and infilling blue holes. Reef growth and lagoonal infill at the southernmost environmental limit have been luxuriant and rapid, comparable with low-latitude reef systems. The main period of growth occurred during the mid-Holocene. Modern sedimentation appears to be restricted to the lagoon and there is little reef progradation. The reef on Lord Howe therefore appears to be related to luxuriant growth in the mid-Holocene. ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This thesis could not have completed without the help and assistance of many people who contributed towards the intellectual and practical understanding of reefs and lagoons. My supervisor Associate Professor Colin Woodroffe is especially thanked for giving me the opportunity to complete a doctorial study on one of the more scenic field sites. He also provided valuable insights and discussion through all phases and aspects of this study and his patient and very rapid reading of drafts, was most appreciated. Special thanks is also due to my family for their support. I am appreciative to the Lord Howe Island Board who allowed this study to be undertaken on the World Heritage listed island. Sampling was conducted under National Parks and Wildlife Service permit number A1261 issued to Colin Woodroffe and Fisheries Permit Number F96/100 issued to myself. The field and dating aspects of this study were funded by the Australian Research Council through a large grant issued to A/Prof Colin Woodroffe, A/Prof Colin Murray-Wallace and A/Prof Ted Bryant. 12 AMS radiocarbon dates were obtained through an AINSE grant (number 97/127R) to Colin Woodroffe. The radiocarbon dating laboratory at the Australian National University is thanked for processing an additional 15 dates in 1998. The field aspects of this study occupied a large proportion of time and numerous people need to be thanked for their assistance both in active muscle work but also camaraderie during often during inclement weather. Dean Hiscox of the Lord Howe Island Board is especially thanked for his continued and enthusiastic help with all aspects of field sampling as well as logistics when on the island. Gower Wilson, also of the Lord Howe Island Board, is thanked for allowing us use and operation of workshop and craning facilities. Eugene Wallensky (Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University) participated in almost all aspects of field work especially those involving subsurface sampling more often than not spent repairing equipment rather than coring. Damian Kelleher (Research School of Earth Sciences, Australian National University) provided valuable assistance for the Jacro diamond drilling phase of the iii project. Brendan Brooke, A/Prof Ted Bryant, A/Prof Brian Jones, A/Prof Colin Murray- Wallace, Richard Walsh (all from the University of Wollongong), Prof. Athol Anderson, Dr Mike McPhail (Australian National University), Dr Henk Heinjs (ANSTO), and Dr Irag Yasseni (Wollongong City Council) all provided field assistance. David Searle (Queensland Department of Mineral Resources) and Danielle Nash (University of Wollongong) who participated in data collection before my involvement on Lord Howe are also thanked. Brendan Brooke, A/Prof Ted Bryant, A/Prof Brain Jones, and A/Prof Colin Murray- Wallace are also thanked for their assistance and discussions during all thesis stages. Geoff Black provided assistance in equipment preparation and university based logistics. Sediment thin sections were prepared by David Carrie. Jacequline Shaw (who retired in the last few weeks of this thesis) is also thanked for her administrative expertise and the knowledge of which was the right form to complete. Lynne McCarthy and Maria Coleman kindly read a few chapter drafts during the last hectic stages of the thesis. Finally I would like to thank fellow postgraduate students of the School of Geosciences for providing amusement and social relief as well as different academic insights into research both relevant and irrelevant to Lord Howe Island. iv Table of Contents Abstract i Acknowledgements ii Table of Contents iv List of Figures ix List of Tables xiii Chapter 1 Introduction 1.1 Reef Definition 1 1.2 Reef Distribution 2 1.3 Environmental Limits to Reef and Coral Growth 3 1.4 High-Latitude Reef Growth 5 1.5 Thesis Aims and Outline 7 Chapter 2 Morphology and Evolution of Reefs and Lagoons 2.1 Reef Classification 9 2.2 Surface Morphology of Reefs 11 2.2.1 Fore-Reef Zone 12 2.2.2 Reef Front Zone 13 2.2.3 Reef Crest. 13 2.2.4 Boulder Zone 14 2.2.5 Reef Flat. 15 2.2.6 Lagoons 16 2.3 Factors Affecting Reef and Lagoonal Sedimentation 18 2.4 Models of Reef Development 21 2.5 Modern Reef Growth Processes 24 2.5.1 Mechanisms of Reef and Coral Growth .24 2.5.2 Reef Growth in Relation to Sea-Level Change, 26 2.6 Models of Fringing Reef Development 30 2.6.1 Fringing Reef Growth Synthesis 41 2.7 Models of Lagoonal Evolution 43 2.7.1 Lagoonal Evolution Synthesis 49 V 2.8 Summary. 50 Chapter 3 Regional Setting of Lord Howe Island and Methods 3.1 General Location and Morphology of Lord Howe Island 53 3.2 Geological Evolution 56 3.3 Coral Diversity and Distribution .58 3.3.1 Population Dynamics .58 3.4 Oceanography 60 3.5 Climate 62 3.6 Previous Reef and Lagoonal Work 63 3.7 Methodological Rationale 64 3.8 Field Methodology 65 3.8.1 Surface Sampling 65 3.8.2 Auger Sections 66 3.8.3 Vibrocoring_ 66 3.8.4 Diamond Drilling 68 3.8.5 Seismic Reflection Profiling 68 3.9 Laboratory Procedures 70 3.9.1 Size Analysis 70 3.9.2 Compositional Analysis. 72 3.10 Radiocarbon Dating 73 3.10.1 Basis of Method _ 73 3.10.2 Corrections 74 3.10.3 Sample Preparation 75 3.11 Surveying and Estimation of Lagoonal Depths 75 3.12 Summary 75 Chapter 4 Morphology and Sedimentology of the Reef and Lagoon Surface 4.1 Introduction 77 4.2 Morphology and Surface Zonation 77 4.2.1 Buttress Zone 79 4.2.2 5-metre Terrace 80 4.2.3 Spur and Groove Zone 82 4.2.4 Algal Pavement Zone 82 4.2.5 Cemented Rubble Zone 83 4.2.6 Back-Reef Zone 85 4.2.7 Lagoonal Coral Zone 88 4.2.8 Patch Reefs and Lagoonal Holes 89 4.2.9 Bare Sand Zone .90 4.2.10 Intertidal Algal Flats 91 4.3 Sedimentary Textural Characteristics 91 4.3.1 Mean Grain Size 93 4.3.2 Sorting 94 4.3.3 Skewness 97 4.4 Sediment Composition 98 4.4.1 Micritized Coralline Algae 98 4.4.2 Partially Recrystallised Grains 102 4.4.3 Molluscs 104 4.4.4 Micritic Grains 106 4.4.5 Coral 106 4.4.6 Foraminifera. 108 4.4.7 Non-Carbonate Grains 109 4.4.8 Echinoids and Bryozoans. 110 4.5 Gravel Composition 110 4.6 Cluster Analysis 112 4.7 Summary 115 Chapter 5 Seismic Reflection Profiling and Lagoonal Stratigraphy 5.1 Introduction 116 5.2 Nature of Reflectors and the Enclosed Units 119 5.3 Morphology of Subsurface Units 121 5.3.1 Reflector B 121 5.3.2 Reflector A 126 5.4 Structure of Subsurface Lagoonal Units 130 5.4.1 Lagoonal Basement 130 5.4.2 Pleistocene Sediments 130 5.4.3 Holocene Sediments 134 5.5 Summary 136 Chapter 6 Holocene Lagoonal and Reef Sedimentation 6.1 Introduction 137 6.2 Northern Lagoon _ 140 6.2.1 Transect 1 140 6.2.2 Transect 2 147 6.3 Southern Lagoon 152 6.3.1 Transect 3 152 6.3.2 Transect 4 155 6.4 North Bay 158 6.4.1 Transect 5 158 6.5 Old Settlement Bay.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Mouthpiece
    Our Web Page The Mouthpiece www.activedivers. org/ May 2003 THE ACTIVE DIVERS ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER April-May Dive Schedule Sat. 4-26 PM North Key Largo Sites may include: The Christ of the Abyss, the Elbow, N. Dry Rocks, N. N. Dry Rocks, Grecian Rocks, Carysfort, Shark Reef. Average depth 30’, usually no current. Average visibility is 30-50’ with many tropi- cals, morays, cudas. Sun. 5-4 PM Islamorada Just 4 miles past Tavernier, sites may include: Hammerhead, The Canyon, El I nfante, Crocker, No Name, The Valley Aquarium, Alligator. Average depth 30-40’, visibility 40-50’. Some current, many fish, shallow wrecks Sat. 5-10 PM Tavernier Sites may include: Conch Reef, Davis Ledge, Hens & Chickens, Little Conch, Capt. Tom’s Ledge, 40’ Ledge, Fish Trap, Horseshoe. Average depth 30’, average visibility 40-60’, many morays, schooling tropicals, un- usual pillar corals. Sat. 5-17 AM Biscayne Park (inc tanks) Sites may include: Rocky Reef, Elkhorn Forest, Ball Buoy, Far Out Reef, Cuda Ledge. Usually no currents, massive corals, small caves. The Keys “Best Kept Secret”, only one commercial boat allowed in area. Depth 20-30’, vis 30-60’. Sat. 5-24 PM Tenneco Towers (Advanced) Choice of more than 40 wrecks. Some unlike anywhere else: Jet airliner, M-60 Tanks, Tankers, Freighters, Tugs, Barges. Most are intact with penetration possible. Average depth 90’, visibility 40-50’. Expect cur- rents and dramatic profiles, many fish. See advanced criterion this issue. All Dives $35.00 New for 2003! Members may now take advantage of NEW DIVE PACS and freeze 2002 prices for this year! Look at these savings 10 packs—10 dives for only $290 Save up To $60 5 packs—5 dives for only $150 Save up to $25 You may use these pacs for any local dive except Biscayne National Park.
    [Show full text]
  • An Environmental Assessment of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Key Largo Coral Reef Marine Sanctuary (Unpublished 1983 Report)
    An environmental assessment of the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Key Largo Coral Reef Marine Sanctuary (Unpublished 1983 Report) Item Type monograph Authors Voss, Gilbert L.; Voss, Nancy A.; Cantillo, Andriana Y.; Bello, Maria J. Publisher NOAA/National Ocean Service/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Download date 07/10/2021 01:47:07 Link to Item http://hdl.handle.net/1834/19992 NOAA/University of Miami Joint Publication NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS CCMA 161 NOAA LISD Current References 2002-6 University of Miami RSMAS TR 2002-03 Coastal and Estuarine Data Archaeology and Rescue Program AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK AND THE KEY LARGO CORAL REEF MARINE SANCTUARY (Unpublished 1983 Report) November 2002 US Department of Commerce University of Miami National Oceanic and Atmospheric Rosenstiel School of Marine and Administration Atmospheric Science Silver Spring, MD Miami, FL a NOAA/University of Miami Joint Publication NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS CCMA 161 NOAA LISD Current References 2002-6 University of Miami RSMAS TR 2002-03 AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK AND THE KEY LARGO CORAL REEF MARINE SANCTUARY (Unpublished 1983 Report) Gilbert L. Voss Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Nancy A. Voss Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Adriana Y. Cantillo NOAA National Ocean Service Maria J. Bello NOAA Miami Regional Library (Editors, 2002) November 2002 United States National Oceanic and Department of Commerce Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service Donald L. Evans Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr.
    [Show full text]
  • Reef Explorer Guide Highlights the Underwater World ALLIGATOR of the Florida Keys, Including Unique Coral Reefs from Key Largo to OLD CANNON Key West
    REEF EXPLORER The Florida Keys & Key West, "come as you are" © 2018 Monroe County Tourist Development Council. All rights reserved. MCTDU-3471 • 15K • 7/18 fla-keys.com/diving GULF OF FT. JEFFERSON NATIONAL MONUMNET MEXICO AND DRY TORTUGAS (70 MILES WEST OF KEY WEST) COTTRELL KEY YELLOW WESTERN ROCKS DRY ROCKS SAND Marathon KEY COFFIN’S ROCK PATCH KEY EASTERN BIG PINE KEY & THE LOWER KEYS DRY ROCKS DELTA WESTERN SOMBRERO SHOALS SAMBOS AMERICAN PORKFISH SHOALS KISSING HERMAN’S GRUNTS LOOE KEY HOLE SAMANTHA’S NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY OUTER REEF CARYSFORT ELBOW DRY ROCKS CHRIST GRECIAN CHRISTOF THE ROCKS ABYSS OF THE KEY ABYSSA LARGO (ARTIFICIAL REEF) How it works FRENCH How it works PICKLES Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming a Reef Explorer — enjoying at least one of the unique diving ISLAMORADA HEN & CONCH CHICKENS REEF MOLASSES and snorkeling experiences in each region of the Florida Keys: LITTLE SPANISH CONCH Key Largo, Islamorada, Marathon, Big Pine Key & The Lower Keys PLATE FLEET and Key West. DAVIS CROCKER REEF REEF/WALL Beginners and experienced divers alike can become a Reef Explorer. This Reef Explorer Guide highlights the underwater world ALLIGATOR of the Florida Keys, including unique coral reefs from Key Largo to OLD CANNON Key West. To participate, pursue validation from any dive or snorkel PORKFISH HORSESHOE operator in each of the five regions. Upon completion of your last reef ATLANTIC exploration, email us at [email protected] to receive an access OCEAN code for a personalized Keys Reef Explorer poster with your name on it.
    [Show full text]
  • Jan 2021 London Zoo Stocklist.Pdf (596.63
    ZSL London Zoo - January 2021 stocklist Status at 01.01.2021 m f unk Invertebrata Aurelia aurita * Moon jellyfish 0 0 150 Pachyclavularia violacea * Purple star coral 0 0 1 Tubipora musica * Organ-pipe coral 0 0 2 Pinnigorgia sp. * Sea fan 0 0 20 Sarcophyton sp. * Leathery soft coral 0 0 5 Sinularia sp. * Leathery soft coral 0 0 18 Sinularia dura * Cabbage leather coral 0 0 4 Sinularia polydactyla * Many-fingered leather coral 0 0 3 Xenia sp. * Yellow star coral 0 0 1 Heliopora coerulea * Blue coral 0 0 12 Entacmaea quadricolor Bladdertipped anemone 0 0 1 Epicystis sp. * Speckled anemone 0 0 1 Phymanthus crucifer * Red beaded anemone 0 0 11 Heteractis sp. * Elegant armed anemone 0 0 1 Stichodactyla tapetum Mini carpet anemone 0 0 1 Discosoma sp. * Umbrella false coral 0 0 21 Rhodactis sp. * Mushroom coral 0 0 8 Ricordea sp. * Emerald false coral 0 0 19 Acropora sp. * Staghorn coral 0 0 115 Acropora humilis * Staghorn coral 0 0 1 Acropora yongei * Staghorn coral 0 0 2 Montipora sp. * Montipora coral 0 0 5 Montipora capricornis * Coral 0 0 5 Montipora confusa * Encrusting coral 0 0 22 Montipora danae * Coral 0 0 23 Montipora digitata * Finger coral 0 0 6 Montipora foliosa * Hard coral 0 0 10 Montipora hodgsoni * Coral 0 0 2 Pocillopora sp. * Cauliflower coral 0 0 27 Seriatopora hystrix * Bird nest coral 0 0 8 Stylophora sp. * Cauliflower coral 0 0 1 Stylophora pistillata * Pink cauliflower coral 0 0 23 Catalaphyllia jardinei * Elegance coral 0 0 4 Euphyllia ancora * Crescent coral 0 0 4 Euphyllia glabrescens * Joker's cap coral 0 0 2 Euphyllia paradivisa * Branching frog spawn 0 0 3 Euphyllia paraancora * Branching hammer coral 0 0 3 Euphyllia yaeyamaensis * Crescent coral 0 0 4 Plerogyra sinuosa * Bubble coral 0 0 1 Duncanopsammia axifuga + Coral 0 0 2 Tubastraea sp.
    [Show full text]
  • Jan 2021 ZSL Stocklist.Pdf (699.26
    Zoological Society of London - January 2021 stocklist ZSL LONDON ZOO Status at 01.01.2021 m f unk Invertebrata Aurelia aurita * Moon jellyfish 0 0 150 Pachyclavularia violacea * Purple star coral 0 0 1 Tubipora musica * Organ-pipe coral 0 0 2 Pinnigorgia sp. * Sea fan 0 0 20 Sarcophyton sp. * Leathery soft coral 0 0 5 Sinularia sp. * Leathery soft coral 0 0 18 Sinularia dura * Cabbage leather coral 0 0 4 Sinularia polydactyla * Many-fingered leather coral 0 0 3 Xenia sp. * Yellow star coral 0 0 1 Heliopora coerulea * Blue coral 0 0 12 Entacmaea quadricolor Bladdertipped anemone 0 0 1 Epicystis sp. * Speckled anemone 0 0 1 Phymanthus crucifer * Red beaded anemone 0 0 11 Heteractis sp. * Elegant armed anemone 0 0 1 Stichodactyla tapetum Mini carpet anemone 0 0 1 Discosoma sp. * Umbrella false coral 0 0 21 Rhodactis sp. * Mushroom coral 0 0 8 Ricordea sp. * Emerald false coral 0 0 19 Acropora sp. * Staghorn coral 0 0 115 Acropora humilis * Staghorn coral 0 0 1 Acropora yongei * Staghorn coral 0 0 2 Montipora sp. * Montipora coral 0 0 5 Montipora capricornis * Coral 0 0 5 Montipora confusa * Encrusting coral 0 0 22 Montipora danae * Coral 0 0 23 Montipora digitata * Finger coral 0 0 6 Montipora foliosa * Hard coral 0 0 10 Montipora hodgsoni * Coral 0 0 2 Pocillopora sp. * Cauliflower coral 0 0 27 Seriatopora hystrix * Bird nest coral 0 0 8 Stylophora sp. * Cauliflower coral 0 0 1 Stylophora pistillata * Pink cauliflower coral 0 0 23 Catalaphyllia jardinei * Elegance coral 0 0 4 Euphyllia ancora * Crescent coral 0 0 4 Euphyllia glabrescens * Joker's cap coral 0 0 2 Euphyllia paradivisa * Branching frog spawn 0 0 3 Euphyllia paraancora * Branching hammer coral 0 0 3 Euphyllia yaeyamaensis * Crescent coral 0 0 4 Plerogyra sinuosa * Bubble coral 0 0 1 Duncanopsammia axifuga + Coral 0 0 2 Tubastraea sp.
    [Show full text]
  • Atoll Research Bulletin No. 335 the Worldwde Coral Reef Bleaching Cycle and Related Sources of Coral Mortality by Ernest H. Will
    ATOLL RESEARCH BULLETIN NO. 335 THE WORLDWDE CORAL REEF BLEACHING CYCLE AND RELATED SOURCES OF CORAL MORTALITY BY ERNEST H. WILLIAMS, JR AND LUCY BUNKLEY-WILLIAMS ISSUED BY NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION WASHINGTON, D.C, USA. January 1990 TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ........................................................................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION ...........................................................................................................................................1 MATERIALS AND METHODS ..................................................................................................................2 DEFINITION OF TERMS ............................................................................................................................2 DESCRIPTION OF THE 1987-88 EVENTS BEGINNING OF THE EVENT ..........................................................................................................4 HOSTS AND NON-PHOTOSYMBIOTIC ANIMALS BLEACHED .......................................... 9 SMALL SCALE FEATURES ...............................................................................................................12 ' LARGE SCALE FEATURES ...............................................................................................................14 MORTALITIES ........................................................................................................................................21
    [Show full text]
  • AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT of the JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK and the KEY LARGO CORAL REEF MARINE SANCTUARY (Unpublished 1983 Report)
    NOAA/University of Miami Joint Publication NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS CCMA 161 NOAA LISD Current References 2002-6 University of Miami RSMAS TR 2002-03 Coastal and Estuarine Data Archaeology and Rescue Program AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK AND THE KEY LARGO CORAL REEF MARINE SANCTUARY (Unpublished 1983 Report) November 2002 US Department of Commerce University of Miami National Oceanic and Atmospheric Rosenstiel School of Marine and Administration Atmospheric Science Silver Spring, MD Miami, FL a NOAA/University of Miami Joint Publication NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS CCMA 161 NOAA LISD Current References 2002-6 University of Miami RSMAS TR 2002-03 AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK AND THE KEY LARGO CORAL REEF MARINE SANCTUARY (Unpublished 1983 Report) Gilbert L. Voss Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Nancy A. Voss Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Adriana Y. Cantillo NOAA National Ocean Service Maria J. Bello NOAA Miami Regional Library (Editors, 2002) November 2002 United States National Oceanic and Department of Commerce Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service Donald L. Evans Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. Jamison S. Hawkins Secretary Vice-Admiral (Ret.), Acting Assistant Administrator Administrator For further information please call or write: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami, FL 33149 NOAA/National Ocean Service/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science 1305 East West Hwy. Silver Spring, MD 20910 NOAA Miami Regional Library 4301 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami, FL 33149 Disclaimer This report has been reviewed by the National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and approved for publication.
    [Show full text]
  • Temporal Changes in Benthic Assemblages on Florida Keys Reefs 11 Years After the 1997/1998 El Niño
    Vol. 489: 125–141, 2013 MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Published August 28 doi: 10.3354/meps10427 Mar Ecol Prog Ser OPENPEN ACCESSCCESS Temporal changes in benthic assemblages on Florida Keys reefs 11 years after the 1997/1998 El Niño R. R. Ruzicka1,*, M. A. Colella1, J. W. Porter2, J. M. Morrison3, J. A. Kidney1, V. Brinkhuis1, K. S. Lunz1, K. A. Macaulay1, L. A. Bartlett1, M. K. Meyers2, J. Colee4 1Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, 100 8th Avenue SE, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA 2Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, 140 East Green Street, Athens, Georgia 30602, USA 3US Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, 600 4th Street S, Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA 4Institute of Food and Agricultural Services, University of Florida, 406 McCarty Hall C, PO Box 110339, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA ABSTRACT: Disturbances that result in the mass mortality of reef-building corals are changing the appearance of reefs worldwide. Many reefs are transitioning away from scleractinian-coral- dominated assemblages to benthic communities composed primarily of non-scleractinian taxa. This study evaluated recovery patterns of reef communities in the Florida Keys following the mortality associated with the 1997/1998 El Niño. We examined temporal trends among the 5 most spatially abundant reef taxa and stony coral species from 1999 to 2009 at 3 spatial scales, and applied a Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) to determine whether changes in their cover resulted in a shift in community structure. Trends of decreasing stony coral cover were not identi- fied Keys-wide between 1999 and 2009, but 2 of the 3 habitats examined—shallow and deep for- ereefs—did show a significant decline in cover.
    [Show full text]
  • John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park 2018 Draft Unit Management
    John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park Advisory Group Draft Unit Management Plan STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION Division of Recreation and Parks August 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................1 PURPOSE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PARK ....................................... 3 Park Significance ...............................................................................4 PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THE PLAN..................................................... 4 MANAGEMENT PROGRAM OVERVIEW ................................................ 10 Management Authority and Responsibility ........................................... 10 Park Management Goals ................................................................... 11 Management Coordination ................................................................ 11 Public Participation ............................................................................ 12 Other Designations ........................................................................... 12 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT COMPONENT INTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 13 RESOURCE DESCRIPTION AND ASSESSMENT .................................... 14 Natural Resources ............................................................................. 14 Topography ................................................................................. 14 Geology .....................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • A New Threat to Coral Health in Caribbean Reefs
    Rev. BioI. Trop., 46 Sup!. 5: 145-156, 1998 Epizoism: a new threat to coral health in Caribbean reefs Amfried Antonius 1 and Enric Ballesteros2 1 Ins1. Paleontology, Univ. Vienna, Althanstrasse 14, A-1090 Vienna, AuStria. 2 CentreEstudis Avanyats-CSIC, C. Santa Bm-bara sin, E-17300 Blanes, Spain. (Rec. 25-VIl-I997. Rev. 26-1II-1998. Acep. 5-V-1998) Abstract: Coral reefs around Carrie Bow Cay, Belize, Central America were investigated in 1972 and reefs of the John Pennekamp Coral ReefState Park offKey Largo, Florida in 1973. Both sites were resurveyed in 1997 and anew threat to coral health was found: a rather epizootic occurrence of other organisms overgrowing living coral. On the reef-flat of the Barrier Reef north of Carrie Bow Cay, there are fields of Acropora cervicornis and Poriles poriles, scattered over shallow sand-bottom. A large number of these corals show either "tufts" of blue-green algae, or fila­ mentous "flags". Both may cover substantial portions ofindividualcoralla; the living tissue disappeared at the ofcon­ tact area. Another type ofovergrowth on living corals is represented by the red alga Melapeyssonnelia cora/lepida, as well as the brown alga Lobophora variegala. Both overgrow mainly Mi/lepora complanala and M. alcicornis, but also other corals with smooth surface, such as Poriles poriles and P aSlreoides. This syndrome occurs about equally abundant around Carrie Bow Cay, Belize, and in reefs offKey Largo, Florida. A similar kind oftightly attached over­ growth is represented by the sponge Cliona caribbea. It was found regularly in the reefs around Carrie Bow Cay on a wide variety of coral species.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Coral Disease on the Survival of The
    THE IMPACT OF CORAL DISEASE ON THE SURVIVAL OF THE FLORIDA KEYS CORAL REEFS by CECILIA TORRES (Under the Direction of James W. Porter) ABSTRACT In the Florida Keys, increases in disease abundance and decreases in coral cover were documented during the 1990s, raising concern about the contribution of disease to coral decline. The prevalence, severity, and lethality of coral diseases in the Florida Keys was quantified by following the fate of over 500 diseased colonies in 14 stations from 2002-2004, and assessing changes via digital photography. Disease prevalence ranged from 4.0-8.2%, and incidence of new infections fluctuated considerably from year to year. Between 2002-2004, disease lethality was low: 1% of the population died, and 3% suffered partial mortality from disease. Between 2002-2003, tissue loss to disease was small (0.4 m2), and monitored stations saw no significant changes in coral cover. However, unexpected long-term impacts of disease could be seen because 1) diseases targeted larger sized (more fecund) colonies, and 2) four of the most important reef building species accumulated most of the tissue loss. Index words: coral reefs, Florida Keys, coral disease, tissue mortality, dark color syndrome, bleaching, white plague, white pox, cyanobacterial mat disease, Caribbean yellow band, skeletal anomaly, disease prevalence, disease incidence, disease severity, lethality. THE IMPACT OF CORAL DISEASE ON THE SURVIVAL OF THE FLORIDA KEYS CORAL REEFS by CECILIA TORRES B.S., Duke Univeristy, 1999 A Thesis Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of the University of Georgia in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree MASTER OF SCIENCE ATHENS, GEORGIA 2004 © 2004 Cecilia Torres All Rights Reserved THE IMPACT OF CORAL DISEASE ON THE SURVIVAL OF THE FLORIDA KEYS CORAL REEFS by CECILIA TORRES Major Professor: James W.
    [Show full text]
  • A Survey of Cellular Reactions to Environmental Stress and Disease in Caribbean Scleractinian Corals Esther C
    University of Rhode Island DigitalCommons@URI Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Graduate School of Oceanography Publications 1984 A survey of cellular reactions to environmental stress and disease in Caribbean scleractinian corals Esther C. Peters University of Rhode Island Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/gsofacpubs Terms of Use All rights reserved under copyright. Citation/Publisher Attribution Peters, E. C. (1984). A survey of cellular reactions to environmental stress and disease in Caribbean scleractinian corals. Helgoländer Meeresuntersuchungen, 37, 113-137. doi: 10.1007/BF01989298 Available at: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01989298 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate School of Oceanography at DigitalCommons@URI. It has been accepted for inclusion in Graduate School of Oceanography Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@URI. For more information, please contact [email protected]. HELGOI~NDER MEERESUNTERSUCHUNGEN Helgol~inder Meeresunters. 37, 113-137 (1984) A survey of cellular reactions to environmental stress and disease in Caribbean scleractinian corals Esther C. Peters Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island; Narragansett, Rhode Island 02882-1197, USA ABSTRACT: Despite growing concern about the demise of coral reefs in many areas of the world, few studies have investigated the possibility that bacteria- or virus-caused diseases may be important agents in the disappearance of living coral tissue from reefs, and that their occurrence and transmission may be influenced by natural or man-made changes in water quality, particularly increased sedimentation and turbidity. One forereef site off St. Croix, U. S. Virgin Islands, and three shallow-water reef sites off Puerto Rico were examined for variations in coral composition, local environmental conditions, and the presence of possible diseases in the stony corals.
    [Show full text]