Spatial and temporal patterns of coral bleaching around Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

Since 2001, biannual fish and habitat monitoring has been conducted for the shallow (> 30 m), colonized pavement and gorgonian dominated Buck Island Reef National Monument (BIRNM) St. Croix, USVI and adjacent waters. during October, 2005, widespread coral bleaching was observed within the ∼50 square-kilometer study area that was preceded by 10 wks of higher than average water temperatures (28.9–30.1 °C). Random transects (100 square meters) were conducted on linear reefs, patch reefs, bedrock, pavement, and scattered coral/rock habitats during October 2005, and April and October 2006, and species specific bleaching patterns were documented. During October 2005 approximately 51% of live coral cover was bleached. Nineteen of 23 coral species within 16 genera and two hydrocoral species exhibited signs of bleaching. Coral cover for Montastraea annularis and species of the genus Agaricia were the most affected, while other species exhibited variability in their susceptibility to bleaching. Bleaching was evident at all depths (1.5–28 m), was negatively correlated with depth, and positively correlated with habitat complexity. Bleaching was less prevalent at all depths and habitat types upon subsequent monitoring during April (15%) and October (3%) 2006. Four species and one genus did not exhibit signs of bleaching throughout the study period (Dendrogyra cylindrus, Eusmilia fastigata, Mussa angulosa, Mycetophyllia aliciae, Scolymia spp.).

Spatial and temporal patterns of coral bleaching around Buck Island Reef National Monument, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands [poster]

Limited information currently exists on the recovery periods of bleached corals as well as the spatial extent, causative factors, and the overall impact of bleaching on coral reef ecosystems. During October, 2005, widespread coral bleaching was observed within Buck Island Reef National Monument (BUIS) St. Croix, USVI. The bleaching event was preceded by 10 weeks of higher than average water temperatures (28.9-30.1°C). Random transects (100 square meters) over hard bottom habitats (N=94) revealed that approximately 51% of live coral cover was bleached. Nineteen of 23 coral species within 16 genera and two hydrocoral species exhibited signs of bleaching; species-specific bleaching patterns were variable throughout the study area. Coral cover for Montastraea annularisand species of the genus Agariciawere the most affected, while other species exhibited variability to bleaching. Although a weak but significant negative relationship (r2=0.10, P=0.0220) was observed, bleaching was evident at all depths (1.5-28 m). Bleaching was spatially autocorrelated (P=0.001) and hot-spot analysis identified a cluster of high bleaching stations northeast of Buck Island. Bleaching was significantly reduced within all depth zones and habitat types upon subsequent monitoring during April (15%) and October (3%) 2006.

Fort Sheridan moblization [sic] plan (U).

Cover title.

National handbook of plan reading and material listing for lumber and building material dealers, contractors, estimators and designers,

Blank pages for "Memoranda" (149-150)

The national aviation system plan, 1973-1982.

"1000.27, appendix 2."

Neuvième Congrès international de médecine vétérinaire à La Haye, 13-19 septembre 1909. Comités nationaux, programme des questions à traiter, etc. Neunter Internationaler Tierärtzlicher Kongress im Haag, 13-19 September 1909. National-Komitees, Verhandlungsgegenstände, u.s.w. The Ninth International Veterinary Congress at The Hague, 13-19 September 1909. National committees, subjects to be treated, etc.

Cover title.

State criminal justice improvement plan.

WI docs. no.: CRI 2.1/6:1970-1972

Criminal justice improvement plan.

Mode of access: Internet.

Illinois state health improvement plan /

SHIP strategic issues and outcomes: Access: access to health care and public health services including quality prevention programs, oral health, mental health, medical and long-term care. ... Data and information technology: assure that current health status and public health system data are used to plan and implement policy and programs. ... Disparities : monitor health disparities and implement effective strategies to eliminate them. ... Measure, manage and improve the public health system: assure accountability, ongoing improvement, and performance management. ... Workforce: assure an optimal, diverse and competent workforce. Priority health conditions: monitor priority health conditions and risk factors, and implement effective strategies to reduce them. ...

Storm drainage system improvement plan, Village of Garrett, Illinois, Douglas County, IL : executive summary.

"The Illinois Department of Natural Resources/Office of Water Resources(IDNR/OWR) is cooperating with the Village of Garrett to construct a flood control project under the authority of the Flood Control Act of 1945, 615 ILCS 15 (2004 State Bar Edition)."

Storm drainage system improvement plan, Montrose, Illinois (Effingham County, Illinois) : executive summary.

"Files pursuant to section 5 of the Flood Control Act of 1945, 615 ILCS 151."

Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, forest plan revision : planning action no. 2, planning criteria.

"June 1992."