Keys Marine Lab, Pt. 2

On Wednesday we started with a lecture on macro algae by Dr. Hanisak followed by a mini lab in which we practiced using a dichotomous key to identify algae he had found in the field. We then set off to a site just offshore called Big Sponge, and rightfully so. It was distinguished by an assortment of sea sponges from lobular shapes to vase sponges, many of them quite large in size. In this area we also saw sea grasses, small corals, and a variety of fish, including a batfish. Afterwards we made our way to an artificial reef made from pieces of an old bridge in Hawk's channel. It was amazing to see how much reef was able to develop after only a short time and the biodiversity was astonishing. There were many soft corals and scleractinians, as well I saw some southern stingrays and a spotted eagle ray. This site also had a lot of ctenophores.

(left to right) Halimeda, Udotea, Penicillus, Caulerpa

Analyzing the Macroalgae

Searching for the octopus in our invertebrate collection

Thursday was by far our busiest day. Much to my dismay we left KML at 6:15 am for Looe Key (only because I'm not a morning person though). However, as  I was able to sleep on the 40 minute drive to there I got over my fatigue and greatly enjoyed one of the most well preserved reefs in the keys . As we had gone over the fish and coral we might see I was able to identify many of the species seen, such as goliath groupers, great barracudas, schools of yellow tail snapper, bar jack and sergeant majors, Orbicella faveolata and even Acropora palmata . After visiting two offshore sites we made our way back to the resort we left out of and enjoyed a small poolside lunch break. After having a short break we made a quick drive down to Mote Marine Lab where Dr. David Vaughan told us about coral restoration projects involving fragmentation and growth in captivity and the high level of success the efforts are having. Next, we went to Bahia Honda and explored the intertidal pools created by ancient exposed reefs. While there we also analyzed the species abundance in the Sargassum located in the shallow waters of Bahia Honda.

Mote Marine Lab

Fossilized Lab Generated Acropora cervicornus

Our last day in the keys began at the Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park. There we were able to explore the geological, historical and botanical aspects of the area with the guidance of our park ranger. It was quite remarkable to see the history of the Windley key area. Because of the Key West Limestone (Keystone) quarries located there you are able to see back hundreds of years in the ancient coral reef. It was awesome and it also gave us a chance to identify coral before our test.

Windley Key Fossil Reef

Dr. Hanisak explaining aspects of the intertidal zone at Bahia Honda