Investigations in Support of USGS/NPS Studies on Reef-Building Corals and Biogeochemical Analysis of Conditions that Promote Disease 
Start Date: January 3rd, 2008    End Date:  March 10th, 2008

Principal Investigator: John S. Crosby, Ph.D., Tabor Academy, Marion, MA

ABSTRACT

The important reef-building coral Acropora palmata is under consideration for listing for the Endangered Species Act.  There exists evidence that this species is becoming more abundant in the US and British Virgin Islands, although their numbers are probably less than five percent of what they were twenty to thirty years ago.   The United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the National Park Service (NPS) are currently working in collaboration to study the elkhorn coral within Virgin Island National Park.  Here we propose a series of investigations in support of the work currently underway and directed by Dr. Caroline Rogers (USGS).  Colonies first cataloged in 2005 will be re-examined to determine morbidity/viability.  A new survey will be begun on the southern reefs surrounding St. John, USVI.  The NPS has documented sea surface temperatures (SST), rainfall and other factors likely to contribute to disease.  Here we propose a more comprehensive analysis of chlorophyll, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, silicates and their derivatives in an effort to examine the role of nutrient cycling and ocean chemistry as factors that govern the onset of disease.  Additional physical data will be obtained by use of expendable bathoythermographic probes (Lockheed Martin) launched directly from the vessel.

Key Words: Elkhorn, coral, reef, white pox, white band