FLORIDA HARVEST

Live snails even clean the algae growth in the wetlabs themselves. Eventually, when these corals reach a certain level of maturity, they are transferred to the outdoor ocean simulator wetlabs, where care is taken to closely match the natural environment that these corals will eventually be outplanted to when they reach maturity, such as the salinity and temperature fluctuation of the waters.

Another technique they use takes branchy corals such as staghorn and elkhorn and attaches them to modified PVC “trees” which are eventually outplanted in the ocean, where their SCTLD-resistant strains can grow into healthy mature corals. “Setting up our own spawning nursery is a critical step toward producing more genotypes of this species through sexual reproduction,” says Dr. Hannah Koch, who works with Mote colleagues to transfer growing fragments of elkhorn coral to these PVC trees in their new underwater spawning nursery.

Scientists at IC2R3 also study coral reef communities’ responses to global climate change such as rising ocean temperatures and ocean acidification. Since 2008, Mote scientists have planted more than 100,000 corals of multiple native species and more than 325 genotypes to help restore depleted reefs. They also work with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, to embrace its Mission: Iconic Reefs restoration and management plan. They even partner with local Keys’ businesses such as Captain Hook’s Dive Center to grow an ecologically sustainable responsible tourism industry.

In fact, they have a program where every Tuesday participating dive shops welcome a Mote scientist onboard during their excursions.

How can we help? Allison suggests a donation by purchasing a Save Our Reefs Florida license tag. Additionally, if you vacation in the area, look for dive-shop partner businesses practicing responsible tourism.

To learn more about IC2R3, you can take an in-person tour every Tuesday or visit virtually through their website. FCM

Roundup

Mote Marine Laboratory’s Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration 24244 Overseas Highway, Summerland Key, Florida mote.org