Coral Reefs

Coral Reef Conservation Strategies for Everyone

Kathryn E. Lohr and Joshua T. Patterson

A Guide to Common Stony Corals of Florida

Joseph A. Henry, Roy P. E. Yanong, Maia P. McGuire, and Joshua T. Patterson

Diagnostic Methods for the Comprehensive Health Assessment of the Long-Spined Sea Urchin, Diadema antillarum

Ruth Francis-Floyd, Jan Landsberg, Roy Yanong, Yasu Kiryu, Shirley Baker, Deborah Pouder, William Sharp, Gabriel Delgado, Nicole Stacy, Tom Waltzek, Heather Walden, Roxanna Smolowitz, and Greg Beck

This 55-page document contains a wealth of information on the long-spined sea urchin, which is an important animal in coral reef ecosystems. The publication discusses diagnostic methods for Diadema antillarum and provides reporting forms for laboratory and diagnostic work.

Ocean Acidification: Effects on Sponges

Lena A. Donnarumma, Joseph Henry, Joshua Patterson, Shelly Krueger, Lisa Krimsky, and Shirley Baker

Approximately 30% of the carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere has been absorbed by the world’s oceans. As CO2 emissions increase due to human activities so does the amount of CO2 absorbed by the oceans. Carbon dioxide lowers the pH of the ocean system, causing ocean acidification (OA). The effects of OA on economically and ecologically important aquatic species is a subject of interest. Sponges are important reef-associated species that provide shelter for fish and crustaceans in reef habitats and can also structure ecosystems through bioerosion, water filtration, and colonization of coral reef areas. This publication considers the effects of OA on marine sponges, with a focus on Florida’s coral reef.  

Responsible Boating Protects Coral Reefs

Ana Zangroniz, Savanna Barry, and Joy Hazell

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Ecotourism and Agritourism

The Coral Holobiont: A Brief Overview of Corals and Their Microbiome

Monica D. Schul, Ashley R. Smyth, Joshua T. Patterson, Ana N. Zangroniz, Shelly L. Krueger, and Julie L. Meyer

Caribbean and tropical western Atlantic reefs have declined drastically since the 1970s. In some locales like the Florida Keys, the decline of branching corals approached 98%. These declines are widely attributed to recurring stressors such as high ocean temperatures and disease. The preservation and restoration of reefs is imperative as coral reefs support 25% of the world's known marine species and create billions of dollars in economic value. However, current restoration efforts have low success rates, so researchers are looking to better understand how stony corals respond to and overcome these stressors. Pioneering efforts to elucidate the role of the coral microbiome have shown that microbes are an important component for stony coral health, nutrition, and disease defense. This publication is for various natural resource professionals who want information on corals, microbiomes, and how coral microbial ecology research is pushing our knowledge of corals and restoration forward.