Web Dive 2 - Rock Key - Page 3

This transect course has been monitored frequently over the past eight years. On this day as we cross into the shallow section of the reef a small loggerhead turtle greets us.

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East of the turtle encounter lies the palmata zone, where a few years ago the coral flourished in excellent health. In the past five years hurricanes, coral bleaching events and coral disease outbreaks have reduced the elkhorn coral on this reef by by 95% . New coral growth over these old coral remains is a very encouraging sign.

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As we begin investigating the site a patch of brilliant white is seen on a branch of this coral . This could be the first signs of coral bleaching or it could be the start of a coral disease epidemic. The area of white and the definitive line between colored (live) coral and white (dead ) coral make this a candidate for coral disease or snail grazing.

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