About This Project

Fluoroproteins are responsible for bio-fluorescence in nature and are commonly found in coral reefs. Coral reefs with more bio-fluorescence have demonstrated a slower rate of mass coral bleaching. This research will explore the response of corals to common stressors found both in a natural setting and in aquaria by measure of fluorescence emission. The goal is to identify hardier corals to grow in aquaria and seed on wild reef systems as a means of reef restoration.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Coral reefs are significant ecosystems in the world's oceans. They are threatened by anthropogenic effects that cause "bleaching".

Research has identified (Heat Stress Effects on Coral Reefs) fluoroproteins, which bio-fluoresce as early indicators of coral health. Fluorescence expression differs when stressed by temperature and light. This project will expand fluorescence research by investigating novel variables such as pH and salinity, nitrates, and phosphates.

Symbiodinium is an algae that lives within coral tissues. When stressed, they vacate, causing bleaching. This project also explores the theory that fluorescence is a visual cue to attract Symbiodinium.

What is the significance of this project?

Bleaching, first observed in the 1980's, is increasing. Reefs are a vital ecosystem, providing shelter to 25% of all marine life. Studies are underway worldwide to gather data on the variables that cause bleaching, and developing strategies to mitigate the death of corals from bleaching. Using the resources of the Oklahoma Aquarium, this research utilizes controlled coral populations in conditions controlled more rigorously than in the field.

By testing fluoroprotein emissions after exposure to novel variables, I hope to identify a stress marker prior to bleaching.

Identifying a correlation between fluorescence and rate of re-colonization of Symbiodinium would fill a significant gap in the literature, and assist in identifying corals for re-seeding.

What are the goals of the project?

Experimental stress trials will be conducted at the Oklahoma Aquarium on a minimum of four coral species with fifteen independent samples to determine which variables stress the corals and if there is a correlation with fluorescence emission. We will study the effects of rising water temperature, increased irradiance, salinity, and pH, and levels of nitrates and phosphates that are outside of the normal range for coral. Following that assessment, water in coral tanks will be cultured with Symbiodinium to measure the speed and quantity of uptake of dinoflagellates. Using data gathered from this battery of experiments, we hope to identify hardier species and combinations of corals and Symbiodinium. These can be used to "seed" ocean coral using aquaria grown coral.