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Water Quality Baseline Data to Improve Management of the Threatened Species Staghorn Coral, Acropora cervicornis
Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research (CSCOR)-sponsored researchers have demonstrated that studies of temporal and spatial changes in phytoplankton biomass and turbidity provide essential information on coral reef ecosystem function and health that can inform management and ultimately lead to improved decision-making. In a study sponsored by CSCOR, scientists compiled baseline data for La Parguera Natural Reserve, located in Southwestern Puerto Rico, and provided evidence to support the efficacy of using phytoplankton biomass and turbidity as sentinels of significant environmental factors “modifying” coral reef systemsómore specifically impacts to the threatened species staghorn coral, Acropora cervicornis. Fluctuation of phytoplankton biomass responds to several factors including nutrient inputs, both anthropogenic and natural, while turbidity is mostly affected by sediment resuspension or transport from terrestrial systems. For more information, contact Michael Dowgiallo at Michael.Dowgiallo@noaa.gov.