U.S.-Australia Cooperative Research: The Effects of Water Movement on Zooplankton Capture by Corals

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This award will support collaborative research between Dr. Kenneth Sebens of Northeastern University and Dr.J.E.N. Veron of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Coral reefs are among the world's most diverse and scientifically intriguing marine habitats. They are also endangered by human activities such as coastal modification, pollution, overfishing and global warming. Research on coral reef ecology and the current status of coral reefs is extremely importantant at this crucial time in the world's biotic history. This project extends ongoing research on water flow effects on corals to field sites along the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The region offers the world's most extensive reef system, a great variety of waterflow conditions, and extensive diversity of coral growth forms and species. The hypothesis to be tested is that water motion has a positive effect on particle (prey) capture by corals, and thus on growth rates, and that these processes are strongly affected by coral growth form and polyp size. Knowledge of water flow effects on corals is important as basic information on coral biology, and may also help explain why coral reefs change when shorelines are modified, and what flow conditions are optimal for reef growth. The project represents excellent U.S. and Australian collaboration. AIMS is the world center for research on corals because of its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef,its excellent ship and laboratory facilities, and its expertise in coral biology. Dr. Veron is one of the world's leading authorities on coral taxonomy, biology, and ecology. Dr. Sebens brings to the project results and hypotheses generated by his studies on Caribbean coral reefs of the effects of water movement on zooplankton capture by corals. The project represents a coordinated and cost-sharing research approach with the potential to significantly advance understanding of coral ecology.