Coral Conservation & Partnerships Abstracts
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Sexual Reproduction, Settlement, and Growth of Threatened Caribbean Corals Rachel Serafin, The Florida Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Seven Caribbean coral species are currently listed as Threatened under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. A major priority for recovery is mitigating threats to these corals such as disease, land-based pollution, ocean acidification, and increased ocean temperatures leading to more frequent bleaching. The past five years have seen rapid development of aquaculture as a complimentary tool to produce coral biomass and increase genetic diversity. Ocean-based coral nurseries now generate tremendous coral biomass for reef restoration through asexual propagation. However, there are low instances of successful sexual reproduction for Atlantic corals. To meet genetic diversity goals of important reef building corals, it is important to develop reliable techniques for sexual reproduction, juvenile settlement, and survivorship. For the past several years the Florida Aquarium has been leading one such effort in partnership with the Coral Restoration Foundation and the University of Florida, among others. Coral larvae collected from the 2017 spawns of Acropora cervicornis, A. palmata, and Orbicella faveolata were settled ex-situ at the Center for Conservation in Apollo Beach, Florida. Six-week post-settlement survival rates for the three species range from 78-81% and are the highest achieved at this facility to date. This talk will provide details of current techniques and lessons learned over the years for ex-situ sexual propagation of these coral species. |
Rescue, Husbandry, and Disease Treatment of Atlantic Pillar Coral (Dendrogyra cylindrus) Keri O'Neil, MS The Florida Aquarium Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The Florida Aquarium participated in a multi-agency effort to survey and sample the remaining population of Dendrogyra cylindrus in the state of Florida. This coral species, along with many others, has suffered heavily from the recent outbreak of a disease known as white plague. A living genetic bank of this species was formed in several land-based aquarium facilities, including the Center for Conservation. During our time forming an archive of the species, various techniques of disease treatment and husbandry were tested on the species in order to stabilize the wild-collected fragments that often came from diseased locations. In coordination with the NOAA National Ocean Service, the Center for Conservation was able to clinically test one disease treatment that may be applied to wild populations in the future. |
Developing Land-Based Coral Facilities to Stimulate Multiple Ex Situ Broadcast Spawning Events Per Year for Reef Restoration
Jaime Craggs, Horniman Museum & Gardens Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
In February 2017 the Horniman Museum & Gardens (HMG), London and the Center for Conservation (CFC), Florida entered a partnership to develop land based coral research facilities. Via the ex-situ production of sexually reproduced coral spat these facilities aim to support coral restoration initiatives in the Florida Keys. Using techniques developed at the HMG, where ex-situ gamete production has been induced in 17 species of Acropora, the CFC is constructing four climate controlled systems that, from 2019, will facilitate multiple broadcast coral spawning event per year. Initially focusing on the US Endangered Species Act and critically endangered species Acropora cervicornis, the team at CFC will gain increased access to gametes per year and building on their current field knowledge, will explore opportunities to up-scale coral production for restorative purposes. |
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Design and Durability of a Low-Maintenance Coral Nursery
Nancy Kim Pham Ho, New College of Florida @ The Seas with Nemo and Friends, Walt Disney World Resorts Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and staghorn coral (A. cervicornis) were once the primary reef building corals in the Caribbean, but their populations have declined approximately 98% since the 1980s. In an effort to rehabilitate Caribbean reefs, these corals are commonly grown on nurseries and transplanted back onto decimated reefs. Here, we discuss the methodology for construction of a line nursery at Disney’s Castaway Cay®. Since 2011, biologists have conducted semi-annual trips to the Bahamas to test and maintain two nurseries. Early designs encountered entanglement from storm surges, however improvements over the years have resulted in increased durability, successfully withstanding multiple hurricane seasons. Given the cost of labor and travel time, the nurseries were designed to only require a twice-a-year maintenance. Successful growth and transplantation of fragments back onto reefs highlight the productivity of this design. |
The Global Coral Restoration Project: Scientists, Conservationists, and Public Aquaria Partner to Rehabilitate Coral Reefs
Aric Bickel, SECORE International, Inc. Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
SECORE International, The Nature Conservancy, and the California Academy of Sciences have joined forces to tackle the unprecedented decline of coral reefs worldwide. The Global Coral Restoration Project aims to study and scale up coral restoration techniques and practices that have been successful at smaller scales, while integrating coordinated conservation, education, and outreach efforts. Multiple restoration techniques are being used, including sexual coral restoration which has the potential to produce huge numbers of coral offspring from one coral spawning event. By "seeding" reefs with sexually reproduced coral offspring, we seek to maintain corals' genetic diversity to maximize their ability to adapt to future conditions. Phase one of the project focuses on the Caribbean and includes training for restoration practitioners from coastal communities. Coral husbandry experts and volunteers from public zoos and aquaria play an integral role in conducting trainings, and developing the technology and methods necessary to upscale these techniques. |
Exploring a Certification Program for the Marine Aquarium Industry
Kelly Swiech, Scripps Institution of Oceanography Watch Video (Login required) Full Abstract
The collection of aquarium animals often sees unsustainable capture, environmental damage, high mortality, and extreme economic disparity within the supply chain. As these issues become popularized, it negatively impacts the reputation of the industry, including public aquariums. Our proposed solution is to create a certification program which would provide environmental and social impact information to consumers. By certifying those who follow best practices, consumers can make educated purchasing choices and create market demand for sustainably and ethically sourced animals. Our research has analyzed the previous program by the Marine Aquarium Council and identified structural, strategic, and economic shortcomings. Based on our results, we are developing solutions to the aforementioned issues and are exploring how a revised program could shift the industry toward more sustainable practices. Such a program would have positive implications for public aquariums’ sustainability objectives, and their support would be instrumental in raising awareness for these conservation initiatives. |