The Role of Environmental Factors in Porites lobata Growth Anomalies Dynamics. Courtney S. Couch 1,...

The Role of Environmental Factors in Porites lobata Growth Anomalies

Dynamics.Courtney S. Couch1, Eric Grossman2, Drew Harvell1

1. Cornell University, 2. USGS

Why study growth anomalies?

• Growth anomalies is the most prevalent disease on West Hawai`i.– Affects coral physiology: reduced colony growth,

fewer polyps and zooxanthellae, decreased reproduction, and partial or complete mortality.

– Causes: largely unknown• Environmental stress, water quality• ↑ GA prevalence near cities

Objective

Determine the relationship between Porites lobata growth anomaly (GA) patterns (prevalence, number of GAs/colony, and rates of linear extension and tissue loss of GAs linear extension rates and rates of tissue loss) and proximity to high submarine groundwater discharge/elevated nutrient loading.

Study Sites

Kaloko- Honokōhau National Park Kailua Bay

Kailua Bay

(ANOVA, F 11.763, p=0.0047, Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests P<0.05)

(ANOVA, F=6.326, P=0.022, Tukey-Kramer post hoc tests P<0.05)

Kaloko-Honokōhau NHP

What’s Next?

• Develop model to determine relative importance of ecological and environmental factors.

• Conduct higher resolution water quality samples across different tidal regimes and seasons.

• Incorporate other hydrological and climatological processes such as water circulation and rainfall into models (starting in winter with USGS).

• Conduct other diagnostics on P. lobata growth anomalies to identify causative agent.

Mahalonuiloa!

• My husband, Chris• My advisor, Dr. Drew Harvell• Field Assistants:

– Joao Garriques– Katie Gaab– Camille Barnett– Linda Preskitt– JonathaGiddens– NiegelRozet

• Funding:– The Kohala Center– NOAA-GCRGP– NSF

Collaborators:DARDr. Rebecca Vega

ThurberThe Kohala CenterDr. Misaki TakabayashiKeith Olson NPSUSGSTNC

Others:Kona Diving CompanyMy familyMy Hawai`i ohanaYou!