E.O. 13089 - Other MMS-Sponsored Studies Related to Coral Reefs
Larval Dispersal: We are supporting a study of the long-distance dispersal of
coral larvae originating from the Flower Garden Banks by plotting water movement and
circulation patterns using satellite-tracked buoys. Information from this study will
be used to evaluate the potential role of the Flower Garden Banks as a larval source for
coral reefs in the waters of Florida and Mexico.
Effects of an Oil Spill on Coral Reefs: We supported a study of the effects of
spilled crude oil on coral reefs following the accidental rupture of a storage tank at a
coastal refinery in Bahia Las Minas, Panama. This five-year study examined affected
habitats along more than 80 km of oiled shore, including coral reefs. A general
decline in the health of coral reefs at control sites was observed during this study.
This was consistent with trends observed across the Caribbean.
For more information, contact Jill
Lewandowski.
