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!