Temperature Tolerant Coral Research | Micronesia

In 2014, myself and researchers from Penn State, University of Delaware, and the University of Alabama, Birmingham, began a series of experiments in Palau, Micronesia, to study the unique ecology of the reef systems there. The research is a multi-year project funded by the National Science Foundation; conducted at the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC). Our work aims to understand how a specific species of alga (zooxanthellae) living inside the corals there allows reefs to flourish under extremely hot temperatures. Importantly, this research hopes to provide insight as to how some reef ecosystems might respond to increasing global temperatures.

Expertise I bring to this project: Aquarium Design & Construction | Customized Marine Research Solutions | Research Expeditions & Field Ops

CORAL REEF RESEARCH | PALAU, MICRONESIA

mini-doc | Coral : Glimmer of Hope

Gaelin Rosenwaks of Global Ocean Exploration, Inc. produced a brief 8 minute documentary about our research examining the corals of Palau and their tolerance of thermal stress. The film explores the unique and remarkable coral communities of Palau, and our efforts toward unlocking the secrets of how corals there are thriving in the face of climate change and warming ocean temperatures.

The film premiered March 2019 at the “International Ocean Film Festival” in San Francisco to great reviews. For more information, visit: http://www.gaelinrosenwaks.com

research highlights

Palau Research Team

Drs. Robin Smith (SUSiE), Dustin Kemp (University of Alabama, Birmingham), Todd LaJeunesse (Penn State), and Mark Warner (University of Delaware) at the iconic arch in Palau's Rock Islands.

Sampling for Molecular Identification

Our team collects hundreds of tiny coral samples from colonies along transects we established on reefs at our inshore and offshore study sites. Samples are sent back to Penn State and analyzed to determine the genetic identity of each coral colony and it's symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae).

Sampling for Experimental Fragments

Large colonies are collected from the same coral species at both inshore and offshore reef study sites. Colonies are transported back to the lab to perform 'baseline' analyses and fragment into replicate pieces for laboratory and field experiments.

Laboratory Analyses

In the laboratory, we perform and extensive suite of biological measurements on each coral fragment. We measure concentrations of lipids, protein, chlorophyll, and algal symbionts, along with estimating buoyant weight and 3-D surface area. A subset of these samples are used in controlled physiology experiments

Experimental Coral Fragments

Live colonies are fragmented into 12 replicate pieces and epoxied onto labeled PVC tiles. Thousands of fragments are prepared and acclimated in holding aquaria before being explanted to our inshore and offshore study sites.

Experimental Coral Fragments

Each coral fragment is trimmed with a lapidary saw and epoxied to a labeled PVC tile. Between 20-30 fragments are affixed to Vexar sheets for transport to experimental coral arrays installed at our inshore and offshore study sites.

Experimental Coral Arrays

Several large schedule 80 PVC tables are constructed and installed at offshore and inshore study sites. These platforms serve as our experimental coral arrays and where the corals reside for multiple year experiments.

Installing the Coral Arrays

Myself and Dr. Mark Warner (UDel) at our offshore study site (Rebotel Reef) preparing to install one of three experimental coral arrays to be located there. Each array will hold 200-300 coral fragments for 2-3 year field experiments.

Securing the Coral Arrays

Several stainless steel eye-bolts are drilled and epoxied into dead reef substrate around each array. The arrays are secured to the bottom using 3/8" Dyneema rope and 316 stainless turnbuckles attached to the eye-bolts.

Reciprocal Transplant Experiments

Hundreds of coral fragments are secured on each array. Corals from inshore are explanted offshore and visa-versa (reciprocal transplantation), to investigate how they respond, over time, to their new environment. Results from this research will provide insight into the mechanisms by which coral reefs are responding to global climate change.