Elkhorn Coral
By St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center
February 2018 (approx.)
Detailed Description
The left panel shows the threatened elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) alive and performing the critical ecosystem service of building the reef crest that protects shorelines during storms. The right panel shows a dead and quickly eroding skeleton of Elkhorn Coral. Dead corals are reduced to sand by the actions of waves, grazing fishes, and internally boring sponges. The potential for restoration of Elkhorn populations to reestablish shoreline protection is a current research focus of the USGS.
Sources/Usage
Public Domain.
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