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Acropora Fragmentation

Fragmented colony of Acropora palmata. Some fragments may self-attach to the reef naturally but will suffer partial mortality while others will not persist.
Photo Credit: SEFSC

Historically, fragmentation has been a successful life history strategy in Acropora. However, in areas where the population is sparse and degraded, the survivorship of fragments is now compromised and it may represent a significant loss to the population.

We have undertaken some related activities aimed at understanding the role that fragmentation plays in population dynamics and how restoration techniques can be used maximize the potential of fragments.

Stabilizing fragments in-situ improves their chances for survival and fosters faster growth
Photo Credit: SEFSC

Publications

• Williams DE, Miller MW (2010) Stabilization of fragments to enhance asexual recruitment in Acropora palmata, a threatened Caribbean coral. Restoration Ecology 18: 446-451
  http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1526-100X.2009.00579.x
• Williams DE, Miller MW (2008) Elkhorn coral fragment stabilization protocol: an evaluation of 2 methods. NMFS SEFSC PRBD-07/08-09
  
• Miller MW, Baums IB, Williams DE (2007) Visual discernment of sexual recruits not feasible for Acropora palmata  Marine Ecology Progress Series 335: 227-231
• Williams DE, Miller MW (2006) Morphology offers no clues to asexual vs. sexual origin of small Acropora cervicornis (Scleractinia: Acroporidae) colonies . Revista de Biologia Tropical 54(Supplement 3): 145-151