Senior Ecologist Seminar Series (Nov 18, Washington D.C.)

Griffis, Roger B Roger.B.Griffis at noaa.gov
Mon Nov 10 11:44:12 EST 1997


SENIOR ECOLOGIST SEMINAR SERIES

The Ecological Society of America, National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Association, Smithsonian Institution, and Environmental Protection Agency 
invite you to attend

Multiple Stressors on Floridian Coral Reefs:
Lessons for a Sustainable Future

Presented by James W. Porter, Ph.D., University of Georgia

Tuesday, November 18, 1997
4:00-5:30 pm
Carmichael Auditorium
American History Museum
Constitution Avenue between 12 & 14 Streets NW Four blocks from Metro 
Center

Background:
In response to growing threats to coral reefs around the world, 1997
has been declared the International Year of the Reef.  One of the biggest 
dangers to coral reefs is disease.  New data from the Environmental 
Protection Agency's Coral Reef Monitoring Program in the Florida Keys 
National Marine Sanctuary shows a significant increase in coral disease 
infection.  In fact, reports shows that the incidence of disease has 
increased by 276% from 1996 to 1997 and that the number of species affected 
with disease has increased by 211% in the same time span.

Co-principal investigator on the Florida Keys project, ecologist James 
Porter, will present an overview of the current scientific understanding of 
disease in coral reefs.  Starting with data on the general conditions 
required for optimal coral growth, Porter will discuss modifications to the 
South Florida hydroscape in relationship to their potential harm to coral 
reefs in the Florida Keys.  Contrasting the effects of natural (Hurricane 
Allen) versus anthropogenic disturbances (construction of the Flaggler 
Railroad) in the watershed, his talk will explore the effects of multiple 
stressors on coral physiology and ecology.  Porter will also present data 
on the alarming spread of new, virulent coral diseases.
*********************************

No RSVP necessary.
For more information please contact Rhonda Kranz by email at rhonda at esa.org 
or by phone at (202) 833-8773.



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