This colony of Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) is so large (about 3 feet across) that it must have been growing before the severe bleaching and disease episode in 2005/2006 that caused so much coral mortality on St. John's reefs.
Caroline Rogers, Ph.D.
Caroline Rogers is a retired Research Biologist at the USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., Botany, University of Florida
RESEARCH
Caroline Rogers was a Marine Ecologist with the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center based at the USGS Caribbean Field Station in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands until her retirement in 2022. Previously, she was a research biologist with the National Park Service in Virgin Islands National Park (1984 – 1993). She has over 30 years of experience in research on coral reefs and has published papers on coral diseases, the effects of sedimentation, effects of hurricanes, damage from boat anchors, long-term monitoring, reef productivity, coral recruitment, and the threatened coral species Acropora palmata. She served as the Deputy Editor for Reef Encounter, the newsletter of the International Society for Reef Studies.
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This colony of Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) is so large (about 3 feet across) that it must have been growing before the severe bleaching and disease episode in 2005/2006 that caused so much coral mortality on St. John's reefs.
A Queen Angelfish peers through the safety of the mangrove roots across the rich colors and textures of corals, sponges, urchins, and algae. Queen Angelfish feed almost exclusively on sponges, which are abundant in these mangroves.
A Queen Angelfish peers through the safety of the mangrove roots across the rich colors and textures of corals, sponges, urchins, and algae. Queen Angelfish feed almost exclusively on sponges, which are abundant in these mangroves.
Barracudas of all sizes, from the juveniles shown here, to adults over 3 feet long, are common inhabitants of the mangroves.
Barracudas of all sizes, from the juveniles shown here, to adults over 3 feet long, are common inhabitants of the mangroves.
Gray Snappers (Lutjanus griseus) are among the largest fish found in schools in the mangroves.
Gray Snappers (Lutjanus griseus) are among the largest fish found in schools in the mangroves.
This Giant Caribbean Anemone (Condylactis gigantea) tucked in between mangrove roots.
This Giant Caribbean Anemone (Condylactis gigantea) tucked in between mangrove roots.
Solitary Sea Squirts grow on prop roots and on the bottom in the mangroves. Tunicates are unusual animals that are classified along with humans and other vertebrates in the Phylum Chordata.
Solitary Sea Squirts grow on prop roots and on the bottom in the mangroves. Tunicates are unusual animals that are classified along with humans and other vertebrates in the Phylum Chordata.
Pale-blue sponges and plate-like coral colonies (Agaricia agaricites) grow on mangrove prop roots.
Pale-blue sponges and plate-like coral colonies (Agaricia agaricites) grow on mangrove prop roots.
A Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A large colony of Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans) has grown almost completely around a prop root.
A large colony of Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans) has grown almost completely around a prop root.
This coral (Mycetophyllia sp.) is not abundant in coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. It most commonly grows in water deeper than 40 ft., and it is surprising to find it growing in the shade of the mangroves in 3 ft of water.
This coral (Mycetophyllia sp.) is not abundant in coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. It most commonly grows in water deeper than 40 ft., and it is surprising to find it growing in the shade of the mangroves in 3 ft of water.
Some of the corals in these bays are so large that they must have been growing here before the bleaching event in 2005. The Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) (background) is one of the largest colonies in these mangroves. In the foreground is the Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata).
Some of the corals in these bays are so large that they must have been growing here before the bleaching event in 2005. The Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) (background) is one of the largest colonies in these mangroves. In the foreground is the Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata).
In Hurricane Hole, Red Mangrove trees extend from land into the water, anchoring the trees along the shoreline and creating a rich marine ecosystem.
In Hurricane Hole, Red Mangrove trees extend from land into the water, anchoring the trees along the shoreline and creating a rich marine ecosystem.
Prop roots of the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) tree create thickets that harbor a wide variety of creatures both above and below the water.
Prop roots of the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) tree create thickets that harbor a wide variety of creatures both above and below the water.
A view of red mangrove trees and their prop roots above and below the water surface.
A view of red mangrove trees and their prop roots above and below the water surface.
Prop roots extending into the water column are commonly colonized by a variety of colorful and bizarrely-shaped sponges.
Prop roots extending into the water column are commonly colonized by a variety of colorful and bizarrely-shaped sponges.
A grooved brain coral, a massive starlet coral and a boulder brain coral growing under mangrove prop roots.
A grooved brain coral, a massive starlet coral and a boulder brain coral growing under mangrove prop roots.
This striking Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata) grows with an assortment of sponges among Red Mangrove prop roots.
This striking Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata) grows with an assortment of sponges among Red Mangrove prop roots.
A Queen Angelfish Swims in Front of Coral Colonies of Several Species Growing in Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A Queen Angelfish Swims in Front of Coral Colonies of Several Species Growing in Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
Many species of corals grow directly on or near the Red Mangrove prop roots.
Many species of corals grow directly on or near the Red Mangrove prop roots.
A Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) leaves his den to hunt for conchs and clams.
A Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) leaves his den to hunt for conchs and clams.
A unique coral community in the mangroves of Hurricane Hole, St. John, US Virgin Islands
Octocoral diseases in a changing ocean
Measuring, interpreting, and responding to changes in coral reefs: A challenge for biologists, geologist, and managers
Disease prevalence and snail predation associated with swell-generated damage on the threatened coral, Acropora palmata (Lamarck)
Diverse coral communities in mangrove habitats suggest a novel refuge from climate change
Early signs of recovery of Acropora palmata in St. John, US Virgin Islands
Rapidly spreading seagrass invades the Caribbean with unknown ecological consequences
Coral reef resilience through biodiversity
Bleaching, disease and recovery in the threatened scleractinian coral Acropora palmata in St. John, US Virgin Islands: 2003-2010
Life on the edge: corals in mangroves and climate change
Coral reef diseases in the Atlantic-Caribbean
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Filter Total Items: 44Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata)
This colony of Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) is so large (about 3 feet across) that it must have been growing before the severe bleaching and disease episode in 2005/2006 that caused so much coral mortality on St. John's reefs.
This colony of Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) is so large (about 3 feet across) that it must have been growing before the severe bleaching and disease episode in 2005/2006 that caused so much coral mortality on St. John's reefs.
Queen Angelfish Hides in Mangrove Prop RootsA Queen Angelfish peers through the safety of the mangrove roots across the rich colors and textures of corals, sponges, urchins, and algae. Queen Angelfish feed almost exclusively on sponges, which are abundant in these mangroves.
A Queen Angelfish peers through the safety of the mangrove roots across the rich colors and textures of corals, sponges, urchins, and algae. Queen Angelfish feed almost exclusively on sponges, which are abundant in these mangroves.
Juvenile BarracudaBarracudas of all sizes, from the juveniles shown here, to adults over 3 feet long, are common inhabitants of the mangroves.
Barracudas of all sizes, from the juveniles shown here, to adults over 3 feet long, are common inhabitants of the mangroves.
Gray Snapper (Lutjanus griseus)Gray Snappers (Lutjanus griseus) are among the largest fish found in schools in the mangroves.
Gray Snappers (Lutjanus griseus) are among the largest fish found in schools in the mangroves.
Giant Caribbean Anemone (Condylactis gigantea)This Giant Caribbean Anemone (Condylactis gigantea) tucked in between mangrove roots.
This Giant Caribbean Anemone (Condylactis gigantea) tucked in between mangrove roots.
Sea Squirts Grow on Prop RootsSolitary Sea Squirts grow on prop roots and on the bottom in the mangroves. Tunicates are unusual animals that are classified along with humans and other vertebrates in the Phylum Chordata.
Solitary Sea Squirts grow on prop roots and on the bottom in the mangroves. Tunicates are unusual animals that are classified along with humans and other vertebrates in the Phylum Chordata.
Sponges and Coral Colonies (Agaricia agaricites)Pale-blue sponges and plate-like coral colonies (Agaricia agaricites) grow on mangrove prop roots.
Pale-blue sponges and plate-like coral colonies (Agaricia agaricites) grow on mangrove prop roots.
A Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National MonumentA Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National MonumentA Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National MonumentA Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National MonumentA Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A Diversity of Corals Growing in the Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
Colony of Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans)Colony of Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans)A large colony of Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans) has grown almost completely around a prop root.
A large colony of Boulder Brain Coral (Colpophyllia natans) has grown almost completely around a prop root.
Mycetophyllia sp. Coral Abundance in the Virgin IslandsMycetophyllia sp. Coral Abundance in the Virgin IslandsThis coral (Mycetophyllia sp.) is not abundant in coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. It most commonly grows in water deeper than 40 ft., and it is surprising to find it growing in the shade of the mangroves in 3 ft of water.
This coral (Mycetophyllia sp.) is not abundant in coral reefs of the Virgin Islands. It most commonly grows in water deeper than 40 ft., and it is surprising to find it growing in the shade of the mangroves in 3 ft of water.
Diverse Corals of Hurricane Hole BaysSome of the corals in these bays are so large that they must have been growing here before the bleaching event in 2005. The Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) (background) is one of the largest colonies in these mangroves. In the foreground is the Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata).
Some of the corals in these bays are so large that they must have been growing here before the bleaching event in 2005. The Mountainous Star Coral (Montastraea faveolata) (background) is one of the largest colonies in these mangroves. In the foreground is the Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata).
Red Mangroves in Hurricane Hole, US Virgin IslandsRed Mangroves in Hurricane Hole, US Virgin IslandsIn Hurricane Hole, Red Mangrove trees extend from land into the water, anchoring the trees along the shoreline and creating a rich marine ecosystem.
In Hurricane Hole, Red Mangrove trees extend from land into the water, anchoring the trees along the shoreline and creating a rich marine ecosystem.
Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) Aquatic Habitat for CoralRed Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) Aquatic Habitat for CoralProp roots of the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) tree create thickets that harbor a wide variety of creatures both above and below the water.
Prop roots of the Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) tree create thickets that harbor a wide variety of creatures both above and below the water.
Red Mangrove TreesA view of red mangrove trees and their prop roots above and below the water surface.
A view of red mangrove trees and their prop roots above and below the water surface.
Prop Roots Colinized with Colorful SpongesProp roots extending into the water column are commonly colonized by a variety of colorful and bizarrely-shaped sponges.
Prop roots extending into the water column are commonly colonized by a variety of colorful and bizarrely-shaped sponges.
Coral Colonies Growing Under Mangrove Prop TreesA grooved brain coral, a massive starlet coral and a boulder brain coral growing under mangrove prop roots.
A grooved brain coral, a massive starlet coral and a boulder brain coral growing under mangrove prop roots.
Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata)This striking Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata) grows with an assortment of sponges among Red Mangrove prop roots.
This striking Flower Coral (Eusmilia fastigiata) grows with an assortment of sponges among Red Mangrove prop roots.
A Queen Angelfish Swims in Front of Coral Colonies of Several Species Growing in Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National MonumentA Queen Angelfish Swims in Front of Coral Colonies of Several Species Growing in Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National MonumentA Queen Angelfish Swims in Front of Coral Colonies of Several Species Growing in Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
A Queen Angelfish Swims in Front of Coral Colonies of Several Species Growing in Mangroves Within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument
linkThis photo shows a mangrove ecosystem that may be unique in the Caribbean in terms of the abundance and diversity of corals.
Diverse Corals and Marine SpeciesMany species of corals grow directly on or near the Red Mangrove prop roots.
Many species of corals grow directly on or near the Red Mangrove prop roots.
Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)A Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) leaves his den to hunt for conchs and clams.
A Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris) leaves his den to hunt for conchs and clams.
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Filter Total Items: 62
A unique coral community in the mangroves of Hurricane Hole, St. John, US Virgin Islands
Corals do not typically thrive in mangrove environments. However, corals are growing on and near the prop roots of red mangrove trees in Hurricane Hole, an area within the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument under the protection of the US National Park Service in St. John, US Virgin Islands. This review summarizes current knowledge of the remarkable biodiversity of this area. Over 30 sclerAuthorsCaroline S. RogersOctocoral diseases in a changing ocean
Octocorals (Cnidaria, Octocorallia) constitute a geographically widely distributed and common group of marine invertebrates commonly referred to as “soft-corals,” “sea fans,” “horny corals,” “sea feathers,” and “sea plumes.” They are found from shallow coastal habitats to mesophotic and abyssal depths. Octocorals are important members of most Atlantic-Caribbean, Indo-Pacific, and Mediterranean coaAuthorsErnesto Weil, Caroline S. Rogers, Aldo CroquerMeasuring, interpreting, and responding to changes in coral reefs: A challenge for biologists, geologist, and managers
What, exactly, is a coral reef? And how have the world’s reefs changed in the last several decades? What are the stressors undermining reef structure and function? Given the predicted effects of climate change, do reefs have a future? Is it possible to “manage” coral reefs for resilience? What can coral reef scientists contribute to improve protection and management of coral reefs? What insights cAuthorsCaroline S. Rogers, Jeff MillerDisease prevalence and snail predation associated with swell-generated damage on the threatened coral, Acropora palmata (Lamarck)
Disturbances such as tropical storms cause coral mortality and reduce coral cover as a direct result of physical damage. Storms can be one of the most important disturbances in coral reef ecosystems, and it is crucial to understand their long-term impacts on coral populations. The primary objective of this study was to determine trends in disease prevalence and snail predation on damaged and undamAuthorsAllan J. Bright, Caroline S. Rogers, Marilyn E. Brandt, Erinn Muller, Tyler B. SmithDiverse coral communities in mangrove habitats suggest a novel refuge from climate change
Risk analyses indicate that more than 90% of the world's reefs will be threatened by climate change and local anthropogenic impacts by the year 2030 under "business-as-usual" climate scenarios. Increasing temperatures and solar radiation cause coral bleaching that has resulted in extensive coral mortality. Increasing carbon dioxide reduces seawater pH, slows coral growth, and may cause loss of reeAuthorsKimberly K. Yates, Caroline S. Rogers, James J. Herlan, Gregg R. Brooks, Nathan A. Smiley, Rebekka A. LarsonEarly signs of recovery of Acropora palmata in St. John, US Virgin Islands
Since the 1980s, diseases have caused significant declines in the population of the threatened Caribbean coral Acropora palmata. Yet it is largely unknown whether the population densities have recovered from these declines and whether there have been any recent shifts in size-frequency distributions toward large colonies. It is also unknown whether colony size influences the risk of disease infectAuthorsE. M. Muller, Caroline S. Rogers, R. van WoesikRapidly spreading seagrass invades the Caribbean with unknown ecological consequences
The non-native seagrass Halophila stipulacea has spread rapidly throughout the Caribbean Sea (Willette et al. 2014); without additional research, the ecological ramifications of this invasion are difficult to predict. Biodiversity, connectivity of marine ecosystems, and recovery of degraded coral reefs could all be affected. The invasive seagrass, native to the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, has takenAuthorsCaroline S. Rogers, Demian A Willette, Jeff MillerCoral reef resilience through biodiversity
Irrefutable evidence of coral reef degradation worldwide and increasing pressure from rising seawater temperatures and ocean acidification associated with climate change have led to a focus on reef resilience and a call to “manage” coral reefs for resilience. Ideally, global action to reduce emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases will be accompanied by local action. Effective manageAuthorsCaroline S. RogersBleaching, disease and recovery in the threatened scleractinian coral Acropora palmata in St. John, US Virgin Islands: 2003-2010
A long-term study of the scleractinian coral Acropora palmata in the US Virgin Islands (USVI) showed that diseases, particularly white pox, are limiting the recovery of this threatened species. Colonies of A. palmata in Haulover Bay, within Virgin Islands National Park, St. John, were examined monthly in situ for signs of disease and other stressors from January 2003 through December 2009. DuringAuthorsC.S. Rogers, E. M. MullerLife on the edge: corals in mangroves and climate change
Coral diseases have played a major role in the degradation of coral reefs in the Caribbean, including those in the US Virgin Islands (USVI). In 2005, bleaching affected reefs throughout the Caribbean, and was especially severe on USVI reefs. Some corals began to regain their color as water temperatures cooled, but an outbreak of disease (primarily white plague) led to losses of over 60% of the totAuthorsCaroline S. Rogers, James J. HerlanCoral reef diseases in the Atlantic-Caribbean
Coral reefs are the jewels of the tropical oceans. They boast the highest diversity of all marine ecosystems, aid in the development and protection of other important, productive coastal marine communities, and have provided millions of people with food, building materials, protection from storms, recreation and social stability over thousands of years, and more recently, income, active pharmacoloAuthorsCaroline S. Rogers, Ernesto Weil - Web Tools
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