Molecular Diagnostics of Coral Exposed to Oil and Dispersants: A Holobiont Approach to Investigate Potential Effects on the Host Corals, Symbiotic Algae, and Mucus Associated Microbial Communities
Implementing Organization
Florida Atlantic University
Overview
DWH Project Funding
$285,346
Known Leveraged Funding
$0
Funding Organization
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI)
Funding Program
Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative GoMRI Grant Program
Details
Project Category
Science
Project Actions
Environmental Research
Targeted Resources
Human and/or Institutional Capacity
Project Description
Toxic contaminants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill are currently threatening nearby coral reef ecosystems, such as the Florida Keys. Given the ecological and economic importance of coral reefs in Florida and worldwide, understanding the acute and chronic impacts of oil and dispersants on coral health is critical for developing management strategies to reduce or mitigate coral loss. The goal of this project is an integrated assessment of oil and dispersant impacts on Florida's reef building corals.
Contact
Sara Edge772-242-2261
sedge4@fau.edu
Project Website
None
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