[Coral-List] re: August coral spawning event at the Flower Garden Banks NMS

[Emma Hickerson]

Low levels of coral spawning was documented by research divers at the
FGBNMS during the predicted August mass spawning dates.  In general, the
spawning event was perceived as "confused" - unexpected days and times,
and some species not spawning.  Of note, Stephanocoenia intersepta
spawning was not observed.  Other predicted mass spawners, including
brittle stars and sponges, did not spawn.

The following is a summary of observations:

August 7th, 2004
East Flower Garden Bank, surface temp. 89F, at depth (~65') 84F
Montastraea cavernosa (male) releasing sperm:  9pm (2 colonies)
M. cavernosa:  1 colony was reported to be releasing both eggs and sperm
at 7:30pm
Diploria strigosa releasing gametes:  9:15pm (3 colonies)
M. franksi releasing gametes:  10pm (30 colonies)

August 8th, 2004
East Flower Garden Bank, surface temp. 89F, at depth (~65') 84F
M. cavernosa (female) releasing eggs:  9:04pm (2 colonies), 9:40pm (1
colony), 10:30pm (1 colony)
M. cavernosa (male) releasing sperm:  9:40pm (1 colony), 10pm (2
colonies)
M. cavernosa:  one colony was reported to be releasing both eggs and
sperm at 10pm
D. strigosa releasing gametes:  9:00-9:30pm (9 colonies)
Colpophyllia natans releasing gametes:  9:32pm (3 colonies)
M. franksi releasing gametes: 9pm (7 colonies), 10pm (34 colonies)
M. annularis releasing gametes:  10:30pm (1 colony)

A second spawning event is predicted to occur approximately September 4
- 8, 2004.

Emma Hickerson

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Emma L. Hickerson
Research Coordinator
emma.hickerson at noaa.gov

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary
1200 Briarcrest Drive, Ste. 4000
Bryan, TX  77802
PH:  979-846-5942, ext. 111
FAX:  979-846-5959
flowergarden.noaa.gov
sanctuaries.noaa.gov


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