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Coral Research Facility
 Coral Research Facility: Research
observing coral reef. Research is supported by the coral culturing
done in a controlled laboratory environment.
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The Coral Research Facility offers scientists the unique capability of assessing multiple stressor effects on coral and their symbiotic algae in a controlled laboratory environment. Scientists here have cultured over 10 species of reef building corals and 28 coral algae cultures representing the major groups in the world's corals. Coral culturing allows for the maintenance of genetically identical coral clones and symbiotic algae species for repeated experiments over time. The coral facility includes two environmental testing systems that provide controlled exposures of coral to the combined effects of temperature and ultraviolet radiation (UV). Research instrumentation includes spectroradiometers to precisely measure UV test doses and pulse amplitude modulation fluorometry to quantify inhibition of photosynthetic efficiency. Researchers can adapt laboratory test systems to evaluate dose-response relationships for other stressors including contaminants and nutrients.