Ilsa B Kuffner, Ph.D.
Ilsa Kuffner is a Research Marine Biologist at the St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center in St. Petersburg, Florida.
As a research marine biologist for the Coastal and Marine Geology Program, I investigate the causes and effects of coral reef degradation. I explore local- to global-scale stressors on reefs, and experimentally determine how environmental variables such as sea-surface temperature, water quality, seawater chemistry, nuisance macroalgae, and ocean acidification affect coral growth, the community structure of reefs, and the process of reef building. My work informs resource managers about the mechanisms causing reef degradation and how management efforts may be improved to protect and restore degraded reefs. Please visit the USGS Coral Reef Ecosystems Studies (CREST) website for more information (see link below).
Professional Experience
Research Marine Biologist, US Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal & Marine Geology Science Center, 2002 to present
Faculty, School for Field Studies, Center for Marine Resource Studies, Turks & Caicos Islands, 2001 to 2002
Director, Forfar Field Station, Andros Island, Bahamas, 2000 to 2001
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Guam Marine Laboratory, Post-doc advisor: Valerie J. Paul, 1999 to 2000
Education and Certifications
Doctor of Philosophy, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Department of Zoology, Ph.D. Chair: Paul L. Jokiel, 1999
Bachelor of Arts, University of New Hampshire, Department of Zoology, Minor: Marine Biology, 1993
Science and Products
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Baseline surveys to detect trophic changes in shallow hard-bottom communities induced by the Dry Tortugas National Park Research Natural Area Baseline surveys to detect trophic changes in shallow hard-bottom communities induced by the Dry Tortugas National Park Research Natural Area
No abstract available.
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner, Valerie J. Paul, Raphael Ritson-Williams, T. Don Hickey, Linda J. Walters
Chemically-mediated interactions between macroalgae Dictyota spp. and multiple life-history stages of the coral Porites astreoides Chemically-mediated interactions between macroalgae Dictyota spp. and multiple life-history stages of the coral Porites astreoides
Competition between corals and macroalgae is often assumed to occur on reefs, especially those that have undergone shifts from coral to algal dominance; however, data examining these competitive interactions, especially during the early life-history stages of corals, are scarce. We conducted a series of field and outdoor seawater-table experiments to test the hypothesis that allelopathy...
Authors
Valerie J. Paul, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Linda J. Walters, Raphael Ritson-Williams, Kevin S. Beach, Mikel A. Becerro
Chemically mediated interactions between macroalgae Dictyota spp. and multiple life-history stages of the coral Porites astreoides Chemically mediated interactions between macroalgae Dictyota spp. and multiple life-history stages of the coral Porites astreoides
Competition between corals and macroalgae is often assumed to occur on reefs, especially those that have undergone shifts from coral to algal dominance; however, data examining these competitive interactions, especially during the early life-history stages of corals, are scarce. We conducted a series of field and outdoor seawater-table experiments to test the hypothesis that allelopathy...
Authors
V.J. Paul, Ilsa B. Kuffner, L.J. Walters, R. Ritson-Williams, K.S. Beach, M.A. Becerro
Half-dead colonies of Montastraea annularis release viable gametes on a degraded reef in the US Virgin Islands Half-dead colonies of Montastraea annularis release viable gametes on a degraded reef in the US Virgin Islands
No abstract available.
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner, T. Don Hickey, Valerie J. Paul, Jennifer M. Morrison, Linda J. Walters, Katie R. Grablow, Teresa Turner, Edward R. Parish
Coral calcification in a changing ocean Coral calcification in a changing ocean
Animals and plants that live in the ocean form skeletons and other hard parts by combining calcium ions and carbonate ions to create calcium carbonate. This process is called calcification. In tropical and subtropical oceans, the calcification of corals and other organisms creates reefs that protect islands, produce beautiful white-sand beaches, and create habitat for thousands of...
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center coral reef research St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center coral reef research
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Coral Reef Ecosystem STudies (CREST) Project specifically addresses priorities identified in the 'Facing tomorrow's challenges' U.S. Geological Survey science in the decade 2007-2017' document (USGS, 2007). Research includes a blend of historical, monitoring, and process studies aimed at improving our understanding of the development, current status and...
Authors
Richard Z. Poore, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Christina A. Kellogg
Biological community structure on patch reefs in Biscayne National Park, FL, USA Biological community structure on patch reefs in Biscayne National Park, FL, USA
Coral reef ecosystem management benefits from continual quantitative assessment of the resources being managed, plus assessment of factors that affect distribution patterns of organisms in the ecosystem. In this study, we investigate the relationships among physical, benthic, and fish variables in an effort to help explain the distribution patterns of organisms on patch reefs within...
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner, Rikki Grober-Dunsmore, John Brock, T. Don Hickey
Net Loss of CaCO3 from a subtropical calcifying community due to seawater acidification: Mesocosm-scale experimental evidence Net Loss of CaCO3 from a subtropical calcifying community due to seawater acidification: Mesocosm-scale experimental evidence
Acidification of seawater owing to oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO 2 originating from human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and land-use changes has raised serious concerns regarding its adverse effects on corals and calcifying communities. Here we demonstrate a net loss of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) material as a result of decreased calcification and increased carbonate...
Authors
A.J. Andersson, I. B. Kuffner, F.T. MacKenzie, P. L. Jokiel, K. S. Rodgers, A. Tan
Reef communities in the Dry Tortugas (Florida, USA): Baseline surveys for the new no-take area Reef communities in the Dry Tortugas (Florida, USA): Baseline surveys for the new no-take area
To understand the current community structure on reefs in the Dry Tortugas, we conducted specieslevel surveys of macroalgae, coral diversity, herbivorous and game fishes, urchins, and substratum composition (e.g., rugosity) in shallow (3- to 5-m depth) low-relief reef and hardbottom habitats in October 2007. We had particular interest in the ecological process of herbivory inside and...
Authors
I. B. Kuffner, V. J. Paul, R. Ritson-Williams, T. D. Hickey, L. J. Walters
U.S. Geological Survey Science Support Strategy for Biscayne National Park and Surrounding Areas in Southeastern Florida U.S. Geological Survey Science Support Strategy for Biscayne National Park and Surrounding Areas in Southeastern Florida
The U.S. Geological Survey conducts a wide range of research in and around the Biscayne National Park region of southern Florida. This research encompasses the biologic, ecologic, meteorologic, geologic, and hydrologic components of the system, including water-quality analyses, ground-water modeling, hydrogeologic-data collection, ecologic-habitat evaluations, wetlands characterizations
Authors
Melinda A. Wolfert-Lohmann, Christian D. Langevin, Sonya A. Jones, Chris D. Reich, Georgina L. Wingard, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Kevin J. Cunningham
Biological communities and geomorphology of patch reefs in Biscayne National Park, Florida, U.S.A. Biological communities and geomorphology of patch reefs in Biscayne National Park, Florida, U.S.A.
Coral reef ecosystem management benefits from continual, quantitative assessment of the resources being managed, plus assessment of factors that affect distribution patterns of organisms in the ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the relationships among physical, benthic, and fish variables in effort to help explain the distribution patterns of ecologically and economically...
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner, John Brock, Rikki Grober-Dunsmore, T. Don Hickey, Victor Bonito, Jeremy E. Bracone, C. Wayne Wright
Ocean acidification and calcifying reef organisms: A mesocosm investigation Ocean acidification and calcifying reef organisms: A mesocosm investigation
A long-term (10 months) controlled experiment was conducted to test the impact of increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) on common calcifying coral reef organisms. The experiment was conducted in replicate continuous flow coral reef mesocosms flushed with unfiltered sea water from Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. Mesocosms were located in full sunlight and experienced diurnal and...
Authors
P. L. Jokiel, K. S. Rodgers, I. B. Kuffner, A.J. Andersson, E.F. Cox, F.T. MacKenzie
Non-USGS Publications**
Kuffner, I. B. and V. J. Paul, 2004, Effects of the cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula on the larval settlement of the reef corals Acropora serculosa and Pocillopora damicornis: Coral Reefs23:455-458.
Kuffner, I.B., 2002, Effects of ultraviolet radiation and water motion on the reef coral, Porites compressa: A transplantation experiment: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology & Ecology270(2):147-169.
Kuffner, I.B. and V. J. Paul, 2001, Effects of nitrate, phosphate and iron on the growth of macroalgae and benthic cyanobacteria from Cocos Lagoon, Guam: Marine Ecology Progress Series222:63-72.
Kuffner, I. B., 2001, Effects of ultraviolet radiation and water motion on the reef coral Porites compressa Dana: a flume experiment: Marine Biology 138:467-476.
Kuffner, I.B., 2001, Effects of ultraviolet radiation on larval recruitment of the reef coral, Pocillopora damicornis: Marine Ecology Progress Series 217:251-261.
Kuffner, I.B., 1999, The effects of ultraviolet radiation on reef corals and the sun-screening role of mycosporine-like amino acids: Ph.D. dissertation, Department of Zoology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 164 pp.
Banaszak, A. T., M. P. Lesser, I. B. Kuffner and M. Ondrusek, 1998, Relationship between ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the concentration of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in marine organisms: Bulletin of Marine Science 63(3):617-628.
Kuffner, I. B., M. Ondrusek and M. P. Lesser, 1995, The distribution of mycosporine-like amino acids in the tissues of Hawaiian scleractinia; a depth profile: in D. Gulko and P.L. Jokiel (eds.) Ultraviolet Radiation and Coral Reefs. HIMB Tech Report No. 41, Sea Grant, Honolulu, pp. 77-85.
Grottoli-Everett, A., I. B. Kuffner, 1995, Individual polyp response to UV radiation in Montipora verrucosa: in D. Gulko and P.L. Jokiel (eds.) Ultraviolet Radiation and Coral Reefs. HIMB Tech Report No. 41, Sea Grant, Honolulu, pp. 115-120.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Filter Total Items: 27
Science and Products
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Filter Total Items: 25
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Filter Total Items: 57
Baseline surveys to detect trophic changes in shallow hard-bottom communities induced by the Dry Tortugas National Park Research Natural Area Baseline surveys to detect trophic changes in shallow hard-bottom communities induced by the Dry Tortugas National Park Research Natural Area
No abstract available.
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner, Valerie J. Paul, Raphael Ritson-Williams, T. Don Hickey, Linda J. Walters
Chemically-mediated interactions between macroalgae Dictyota spp. and multiple life-history stages of the coral Porites astreoides Chemically-mediated interactions between macroalgae Dictyota spp. and multiple life-history stages of the coral Porites astreoides
Competition between corals and macroalgae is often assumed to occur on reefs, especially those that have undergone shifts from coral to algal dominance; however, data examining these competitive interactions, especially during the early life-history stages of corals, are scarce. We conducted a series of field and outdoor seawater-table experiments to test the hypothesis that allelopathy...
Authors
Valerie J. Paul, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Linda J. Walters, Raphael Ritson-Williams, Kevin S. Beach, Mikel A. Becerro
Chemically mediated interactions between macroalgae Dictyota spp. and multiple life-history stages of the coral Porites astreoides Chemically mediated interactions between macroalgae Dictyota spp. and multiple life-history stages of the coral Porites astreoides
Competition between corals and macroalgae is often assumed to occur on reefs, especially those that have undergone shifts from coral to algal dominance; however, data examining these competitive interactions, especially during the early life-history stages of corals, are scarce. We conducted a series of field and outdoor seawater-table experiments to test the hypothesis that allelopathy...
Authors
V.J. Paul, Ilsa B. Kuffner, L.J. Walters, R. Ritson-Williams, K.S. Beach, M.A. Becerro
Half-dead colonies of Montastraea annularis release viable gametes on a degraded reef in the US Virgin Islands Half-dead colonies of Montastraea annularis release viable gametes on a degraded reef in the US Virgin Islands
No abstract available.
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner, T. Don Hickey, Valerie J. Paul, Jennifer M. Morrison, Linda J. Walters, Katie R. Grablow, Teresa Turner, Edward R. Parish
Coral calcification in a changing ocean Coral calcification in a changing ocean
Animals and plants that live in the ocean form skeletons and other hard parts by combining calcium ions and carbonate ions to create calcium carbonate. This process is called calcification. In tropical and subtropical oceans, the calcification of corals and other organisms creates reefs that protect islands, produce beautiful white-sand beaches, and create habitat for thousands of...
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner
St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center coral reef research St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center coral reef research
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Coral Reef Ecosystem STudies (CREST) Project specifically addresses priorities identified in the 'Facing tomorrow's challenges' U.S. Geological Survey science in the decade 2007-2017' document (USGS, 2007). Research includes a blend of historical, monitoring, and process studies aimed at improving our understanding of the development, current status and...
Authors
Richard Z. Poore, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Christina A. Kellogg
Biological community structure on patch reefs in Biscayne National Park, FL, USA Biological community structure on patch reefs in Biscayne National Park, FL, USA
Coral reef ecosystem management benefits from continual quantitative assessment of the resources being managed, plus assessment of factors that affect distribution patterns of organisms in the ecosystem. In this study, we investigate the relationships among physical, benthic, and fish variables in an effort to help explain the distribution patterns of organisms on patch reefs within...
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner, Rikki Grober-Dunsmore, John Brock, T. Don Hickey
Net Loss of CaCO3 from a subtropical calcifying community due to seawater acidification: Mesocosm-scale experimental evidence Net Loss of CaCO3 from a subtropical calcifying community due to seawater acidification: Mesocosm-scale experimental evidence
Acidification of seawater owing to oceanic uptake of atmospheric CO 2 originating from human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and land-use changes has raised serious concerns regarding its adverse effects on corals and calcifying communities. Here we demonstrate a net loss of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) material as a result of decreased calcification and increased carbonate...
Authors
A.J. Andersson, I. B. Kuffner, F.T. MacKenzie, P. L. Jokiel, K. S. Rodgers, A. Tan
Reef communities in the Dry Tortugas (Florida, USA): Baseline surveys for the new no-take area Reef communities in the Dry Tortugas (Florida, USA): Baseline surveys for the new no-take area
To understand the current community structure on reefs in the Dry Tortugas, we conducted specieslevel surveys of macroalgae, coral diversity, herbivorous and game fishes, urchins, and substratum composition (e.g., rugosity) in shallow (3- to 5-m depth) low-relief reef and hardbottom habitats in October 2007. We had particular interest in the ecological process of herbivory inside and...
Authors
I. B. Kuffner, V. J. Paul, R. Ritson-Williams, T. D. Hickey, L. J. Walters
U.S. Geological Survey Science Support Strategy for Biscayne National Park and Surrounding Areas in Southeastern Florida U.S. Geological Survey Science Support Strategy for Biscayne National Park and Surrounding Areas in Southeastern Florida
The U.S. Geological Survey conducts a wide range of research in and around the Biscayne National Park region of southern Florida. This research encompasses the biologic, ecologic, meteorologic, geologic, and hydrologic components of the system, including water-quality analyses, ground-water modeling, hydrogeologic-data collection, ecologic-habitat evaluations, wetlands characterizations
Authors
Melinda A. Wolfert-Lohmann, Christian D. Langevin, Sonya A. Jones, Chris D. Reich, Georgina L. Wingard, Ilsa B. Kuffner, Kevin J. Cunningham
Biological communities and geomorphology of patch reefs in Biscayne National Park, Florida, U.S.A. Biological communities and geomorphology of patch reefs in Biscayne National Park, Florida, U.S.A.
Coral reef ecosystem management benefits from continual, quantitative assessment of the resources being managed, plus assessment of factors that affect distribution patterns of organisms in the ecosystem. In this study, we investigated the relationships among physical, benthic, and fish variables in effort to help explain the distribution patterns of ecologically and economically...
Authors
Ilsa B. Kuffner, John Brock, Rikki Grober-Dunsmore, T. Don Hickey, Victor Bonito, Jeremy E. Bracone, C. Wayne Wright
Ocean acidification and calcifying reef organisms: A mesocosm investigation Ocean acidification and calcifying reef organisms: A mesocosm investigation
A long-term (10 months) controlled experiment was conducted to test the impact of increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) on common calcifying coral reef organisms. The experiment was conducted in replicate continuous flow coral reef mesocosms flushed with unfiltered sea water from Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. Mesocosms were located in full sunlight and experienced diurnal and...
Authors
P. L. Jokiel, K. S. Rodgers, I. B. Kuffner, A.J. Andersson, E.F. Cox, F.T. MacKenzie
Non-USGS Publications**
Kuffner, I. B. and V. J. Paul, 2004, Effects of the cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula on the larval settlement of the reef corals Acropora serculosa and Pocillopora damicornis: Coral Reefs23:455-458.
Kuffner, I.B., 2002, Effects of ultraviolet radiation and water motion on the reef coral, Porites compressa: A transplantation experiment: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology & Ecology270(2):147-169.
Kuffner, I.B. and V. J. Paul, 2001, Effects of nitrate, phosphate and iron on the growth of macroalgae and benthic cyanobacteria from Cocos Lagoon, Guam: Marine Ecology Progress Series222:63-72.
Kuffner, I. B., 2001, Effects of ultraviolet radiation and water motion on the reef coral Porites compressa Dana: a flume experiment: Marine Biology 138:467-476.
Kuffner, I.B., 2001, Effects of ultraviolet radiation on larval recruitment of the reef coral, Pocillopora damicornis: Marine Ecology Progress Series 217:251-261.
Kuffner, I.B., 1999, The effects of ultraviolet radiation on reef corals and the sun-screening role of mycosporine-like amino acids: Ph.D. dissertation, Department of Zoology, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 164 pp.
Banaszak, A. T., M. P. Lesser, I. B. Kuffner and M. Ondrusek, 1998, Relationship between ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the concentration of mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) in marine organisms: Bulletin of Marine Science 63(3):617-628.
Kuffner, I. B., M. Ondrusek and M. P. Lesser, 1995, The distribution of mycosporine-like amino acids in the tissues of Hawaiian scleractinia; a depth profile: in D. Gulko and P.L. Jokiel (eds.) Ultraviolet Radiation and Coral Reefs. HIMB Tech Report No. 41, Sea Grant, Honolulu, pp. 77-85.
Grottoli-Everett, A., I. B. Kuffner, 1995, Individual polyp response to UV radiation in Montipora verrucosa: in D. Gulko and P.L. Jokiel (eds.) Ultraviolet Radiation and Coral Reefs. HIMB Tech Report No. 41, Sea Grant, Honolulu, pp. 115-120.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Filter Total Items: 27