 by Clayton B. Cook, Ph.D. Division of Marine Science, HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC INSTITUTION |
Dr. Cook and his team found no differences in nutrient exposure that would
explain the differences in coral growth rates; corals at both sites seemed
to be exposed to high nutrient levels, particularly nitrogen. There were
strong indications that the corals at the inshore site had been exposed
to more turbid water, and the study concluded that this may be the reason
for the lower growth of the corals exposed to Florida Bay water.
(Right) Dr. Clay Cook of HARBOR BRANCH Oceanographic Institution and Dr. Erich Mueller of Mote Marine Laboratory examine a specimen from the EPA funded project in the Florida Keys. |
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