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Recent decade of growth and calcification of Orbicella faveolata in the Florida Keys: an inshore-offshore comparison

Citation: Manzello DP, Enochs IC, Kolodziej G, Carlton R (2015) Recent decade of growth and calcification of Orbicella faveolata in the Florida Keys: an inshore-offshore comparison. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 521:81-89. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps11085

Coral reefs along the Florida Keys portion of the Florida Reef Tract (FRT) have undergone a dramatic decline since the 1980s. Since the 1997-1998 El Niño event, coral cover on offshore reefs of the FRT has been ≤5% and continues to decline. Mortality of the framework-constructing coral in the Orbicella (formerly Montastraea) annularis species complex has driven this recent loss in overall coral cover. One exception to this decline occurred on the inshore patch reefs of the Florida Keys, where coral cover has remained relatively high. We examined the growth and calcification of Orbicella faveolata, an ecologically important subspecies of the O. annularis complex, at both an inshore and an offshore reef site representing this dichotomy of present-day coral cover. The period examined (2004 to 2013) encompasses the Caribbean-wide 2005 mass coral bleaching, the 2009-2010 catastrophic cold-water bleaching, and a warm-water bleaching event in 2011. Extension and calcification rates were higher inshore every year from 2004 to 2013 except when there were thermal stress events that solely impacted inshore reefs (as in 2009-2010 and 2011). Inshore growth rates recovered quickly from cold and warm-water stress. These higher calcification rates and their quick recovery after thermal stress are likely important factors in the persistence of high coral cover inshore.

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ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action