Long-term Monitoring of Acropora palmata
Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) is a critically endangered species that was once a dominant reef-building coral in the Caribbean. This long-term monitoring study tracks individual tagged colonies over years to understand growth patterns, survival rates, and responses to environmental stressors.
By tagging and repeatedly measuring the same coral colonies across multiple years, researchers can document changes in colony health, size, and condition. This data is crucial for understanding the population dynamics of this threatened species and informing conservation strategies.
Type: Long-term Monitoring, Population Study
Species: Acropora palmata (Elkhorn Coral)
Methods: Tagged Colony Monitoring, Photographic Documentation