Projects

 

2009-2010 Student Projects

 

2008-2009 Student Projects

• The effects of decreased PH on stony coral
• The effectiveness of feeding on growth in Anthelia sp.
• The effect of water current levels on growth of Anthelia sp.
• The impact of intersecific competiton on growth of Acropora
• The effect of water temperature on captive coral growth

 

Club Projects

 

• MICE Project

• Fish Breeding

  
  In addition to researching aquaculture techniques for captive coral growth, the E.O. Smith Coral Project is also interested in the captive breeding of fish as well.   The project currently maintains a 140 gallon fish breeding system housing 12 Bangaii Cardinalfish. The fish are a mix of wild caught and captive bred fish and are in the process of being sexed and paired off for breeding.  The pairs have yet to breed in the system but they are still young!

 

Overview

 

This project offers many independent and advanced opportunities that are made available for all students. In this class, students are taught not only the fundamentals required to propagate and repopulate the oceans with captive raised coral species, but are also taught the importance of environmental conservation and the necessity of a positive relationship between humans and their environment, as well as the responsibility and positive work ethics needed to maintain a meticulous level of care for other organisms. This class has successfully grown, fragmented, re-grown and distributed hundreds of species of corals into the community, greatly reducing the necessity to harvest corals directly from the sea, thus potentially saving thousands of native coral species from endangerment, and preserving coral reefs and the life that thrives within their boundaries. By researching the factors that produce a better propogation outcome, we are speeding up the natural process of coral reproduction, allowing us to produce healthier corals at a faster rate.