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Coral disease in closed systems (C2.3S)Task leader: Ms Shelley Anthony, CRC Reef and James Cook University. Task associate: Mr John Hoey, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. As coral reefs worldwide continue to decline, aquariums have the potential to become important centres for reef conservation, education, and research. The unique 2.5 million litre coral reef exhibit (CRE) at Reef HQ Aquarium in Townsville, Australia was designed to be a closed system representing a balanced, self-sustaining reef community. However, lack of skeletal accretion and low survival rates for hard corals and numerous biological and chemical imbalances in the system have demonstrated that a completely closed system is not viable. Recent tank design alterations and the regular input of incoming tidal waters from Ross Creek are expected to correct many ongoing problems, but preliminary data indicate that many environmental factors still need to be critically examined. The main purpose of this project is to improve coral survival rates, while documenting biological and chemical changes occurring in the CRE reef community, following the regular input of creek water and other systemic manipulations. Small experimental tanks will be used to analyse various factors that affect coral calcification on an organism level; results will be applied to the larger system. Expected outcomes include new approaches to maintenance of coral in closed or semi-closed systems, increased benefits to reef education and research, and a better understanding of calcification processes in natural reef systems. Additional goals include a coral propagation program and the eventual use of the CRE as an experimental mesocosm. For further information, please contact: Ms Shelley Anthony by email on shelleya@gbrmpa.gov.au |
