Gametogenesis and Spawning of Solenastrea bournoni and Stephanocoenia intersepta in Southeast Florida, USA

This study constitutes the first report of the gametogenic cycle of the scleractinian corals Solenastrea bournoni and Stephanocoenia intersepta. Tissue samples were collected near Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA between July 2008 and November 2009 and processed for histological examination in an effort to determine reproductive mode and potential spawning times. Both S. bournoni and S. intersepta are gonochoric, broadcast spawning species. Gametogenesis of S. bournoni began in April or May while S. intersepta had a much longer oogenic cycle that began in December with spermatogenesis beginning in July. Though spawning was not observed in situ, spawning was inferred from the decrease of late stage gametes in histological samples. In addition, histological observations of oocyte resorption and released spermatozoa were used to corroborate spawning times. Data indicate that S. bournoni spawns in September while S. intersepta spawns after the full moon in late August or early Septemb

Gametogenesis and Spawning of Solenastrea bournoni and Stephanocoenia intersepta in Southeast Florida, USA

This study constitutes the first report of the gametogenic cycle of the scleractinian corals Solenastrea bournoni and Stephanocoenia intersepta. Tissue samples were collected near Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA between July 2008 and November 2009 and processed for histological examination in an effort to determine reproductive mode and potential spawning times. Both S. bournoni and S. intersepta are gonochoric, broadcast spawning species. Gametogenesis of S. bournoni began in April or May while S. intersepta had a much longer oogenic cycle that began in December with spermatogenesis beginning in July. Though spawning was not observed in situ, spawning was inferred from the decrease of late stage gametes in histological samples. In addition, histological observations of oocyte resorption and released spermatozoa were used to corroborate spawning times. Data indicate that S. bournoni spawns in September while S. intersepta spawns after the full moon in late August or early Septemb

Gametogenesis and Spawning of Solenastrea bournoni and Stephanocoenia intersepta and the Fecundity of Four Common Transplanted Coral Species Offshore, Southeast Florida.

Restoration efforts are being implemented in many of the world’s coral reefs due to damages from anthropogenic sources such as ship groundings and anchor damage. One restoration technique involves attempts to save dislodged and fragmented coral colonies by transplanting them back to damage sites. Research has shown that survivorship and growth of transplanted colonies is comparable to that of natural, control colonies. What remains unknown is to what extent transplantation affects the ecological success and reproduction of dislodged and fragmented coral colonies. The purpose of this study was twofold. Reproduction and spawning information is sparse for S. intersepta and Solenastrea bournoni, so the first purpose was to describe gamete development of these two species and assess correlations between environmental dynamics and spawning of each species. Tissue samples were collected throughout Broward County, Florida and processed for histological examination. Gametes were counted, and development was assessed. For S. intersepta and S. bournoni, late stage oocyte abundance was compared with environmental factors of mean daily water temperatures at depth, lunar phase, semidiurnal tides and solar insolation for correlative evidence to predict future spawning events. Findings indicated that both S. bournoni and S. intersepta are gonochoric broadcast spawners. Solenastrea bournoni spawns annually after the full moon in September when sea temperatures are at a maximum. Stephanocoenia intersepta spawns annually after the full moon of August or September, depending on the timing of the full moon. The second purpose was to determine if previously transplanted Porites astreoides, Montastraea cavernosa, Siderastrea siderea and Stephanocoenia intersepta corals produce gametes and spawn similarly to naturally occurring colonies and to address the issue of transplantation as a suitable resource management tool to aid in reef recovery for future coral generations. Results indicated no significant difference in fecundity between transplants and controls of M. cavernosa, S. siderea or S. intersepta. A significant difference was found in fecundity between P. astreoides transplants and controls, but it is thought that it is due to a difference in depth of collected samples. Overall, this study shows that transplantation of coral colonies after damage and fragmentation events does not have adverse effects on the long-term fecundity of coral colonies

Effects of Benthic Cyanobacteria on SE Florida Coral Reef Gorgonian Populations

In 2002, the presence of benthic cyanobacteria (genus Lyngbya) was observed within annual coral reef monitoring sites off Broward County, southeast Florida. Thick filamentous mats were observed entangled and growing upon gorgonians (sea whips, fans, plumes and rods) and substratum within the permanent monitoring transects. The observed effects of Lyngbya on gorgonians included smothering of tissues causing bleaching and/or necrosis, which appeared to lead to partial mortality or complete mortality in severe instances when the entire colony was covered. The annual coral reef monitoring protocol includes taking images along permanent 30 m2 belt transects. From 2000 to 2007 images from 20 monitoring sites were analyzed to determine the percent of gorgonians present with Lyngbya, and NCRl developed CPCe software was used to estimate Lyngbya percent cover. Gorgonian densities within the belt transects were recorded in situ. From 2002-2007, Lyngbya was present in a least 6 monitoring sites. The height of the Lyngbya bloom occurred in 2003, which had the highest yearly percent cover (15%) and greatest occurrence within the monitoring sites (present at 16 of 20 sites). Two sites that exhibited the highest percent cover of Lyngbya in 2003 (87% and 71%) experienced a decrease in gorgonian density the following year. Most other sites with moderate Lyngbya percent cover followed this trend as well. The ability to capture these types of events is an important part of coral reef monitoring projects. This information will aid resource managers in making policy decisions on issues such as water quality which affect the health of coral reef resources