BERMUDA

	BERMUDA Biodiversity of Coral Reefs
PAGE INDEX EAS class site Index: Jana Bermuda Index Question Abstract Introduction Methods Results Discussion Conclusion Literature Cited	Abstract Bermuda is home to reef systems threatened with low colonization rates and increased exposure to disturbance. The island is home to reefs with varying environmental factors including wave action, depth, pollution, natural disturbance, and disease. While specific species and specific disturbance regimes have been studied at multiple sites on one shore, this paper assesses the affect of all of these factors on the coral diversity and community structure at different shores. I compared biodiversity between five reefs using density and percent cover data from 21 transect measurements. The identifiable taxa were grouped into hard corals (Diplora strigosa, Diplora labyrinthiformis, Porites astreoides) and soft corals (Briareum asbestinum, Gorgonia vantalina, Plexaurella sp.). Despite the small dataset, there were conclusive results. Increased wave action, and water depth (up to 6 meters in this study) increase biodiversity. Pollution and human disturbance leading to low flow and sedimentation are disturbances with stronger effects on biodiversity then small large scale natural disturbances like Hurricane Fabian. South Shore Scenic Picture

Biodiversity of Coral Reefs

PAGE INDEX

Question

Abstract

Introduction

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Literature Cited

Abstract

Bermuda is home to reef systems threatened with low colonization rates and increased exposure to disturbance. The island is home to reefs with varying environmental factors including wave action, depth, pollution, natural disturbance, and disease. While specific species and specific disturbance regimes have been studied at multiple sites on one shore, this paper assesses the affect of all of these factors on the coral diversity and community structure at different shores. I compared biodiversity between five reefs using density and percent cover data from 21 transect measurements. The identifiable taxa were grouped into hard corals (Diplora strigosa, Diplora labyrinthiformis, Porites astreoides) and soft corals (Briareum asbestinum, Gorgonia vantalina, Plexaurella sp.). Despite the small dataset, there were conclusive results. Increased wave action, and water depth (up to 6 meters in this study) increase biodiversity. Pollution and human disturbance leading to low flow and sedimentation are disturbances with stronger effects on biodiversity then small large scale natural disturbances like Hurricane Fabian.

South Shore Scenic Picture