The Effects of Suspended Sediment for Caribbean Endangered Species Act and/or SCTLD Susceptible Corals

Coral reefs provide economic and environmental services (e.g., food production, tourism, wave protection, etc.) for millions of people; however, reefs are undergoing significant ecological change due to anthropogenic disturbances. Recent studies have established a connection between coral losses and high-sedimentation activities in Florida, such as dredging and beach renourishment. These activities not only physically damage corals but smother them with sediment, reducing vital light penetration for photosynthesis and introducing pollutants. Together, these factors pose a significant threat to coral health and long-term survival. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better characterize and understand sediment effects on corals.

The results of this project will better guide coral monitoring and mitigation in the upcoming dredging activities in Florida and other coastal zones world-wide and provide a biologically relevant benchmark for coral survival under turbid conditions.

This study will examine how suspended port sediment affects the growth, survival, and health of Scleractinia corals. The project aims to identify the specific sediment characteristics—such as physical, chemical, and biological components—that primarily contribute to the negative impact on ESA-listed coral species or those vulnerable to SCTLD.

The objectives of this project are to:

1. Conduct turbidity exposure experiments of port sediments on selected coral species.
2. Examine the effect of turbidity treatments on the metabolism, health, growth and recovery of selected coral species.
3. Define the specific sediment characteristics primarily contributing to the negative impact on selected coral species.