[Coral-List] Reclaiming critical habitat space for the endangered coral specie, Acropora palmata

[Jonathan E. Brown]

Subject: Reclaiming critical habitat space for the endangered coral specie, 
Acropora palmata 

 
Has habitat space limitation for the endangered coral specie, Acropora palmata, 
become a concern due to an increasing abundance of the zoanthid, 
Palythoa caribaeorum?  It appears that this encrusting zoanthid likes high wave 
energy environments and has become very abundant in St. Croix, USVI, to such an 
extent that it is competing for habitat space essential for A. palmata.  I 
believe this is a legitimate concern worthy of more examination.  I have 
pictures to share for those who are interested, please send an email request to 
jembrwn at yahoo.com.
  
Furthermore, I have conducted a preliminary literature search via Google Scholar 

for past efforts in active removal of the zonathid, however, it yielded no 
relevant results.  What are the List members’ thoughts concerning active removal 

of zoanthids?  Would this option be feasible for sustaining critical habitat 
space for endangered corals?
 
I look forward to your response.
 
Jonathan E. Brown
Division of Fish and Wildlife 
USVI Department of Planning and Natural Resources