Two scientists from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies recently took part in a 10-day expedition to chart the newly-discovered Pulley Ridge coral reef off the southwest Florida coast.
Dr. Sylvia Earle served as co-chief scientist and was the lead scientist for the expedition’s Deep Worker submersible diving operations. Dr. Wes Tunnell, a marine biologist specializing in coral reef ecology, was part of a scientific team that analyzed samples retrieved from the reef.
Dr. Sylvia Earle (above right) and Dr. Wes Tunnell were part of the Pulley Ridge Expedition in Florida. |
“The uniqueness of Pulley Ridge is its depth,” said Tunnell. “While other coral reefs lie no more than 150 feet below the surface, the exceptionally clear water off Florida’s southwestern coast allows sunlight to penetrate to 250 feet where photosynthesis creates a symbiotic relationship between algae and coral.”
According to Tunnell, coral reefs provide shelter for thousands of species of marine life that are harvested by humans. The skeletons of coral and other animals and plants provide sediment for beaches and protection from strong waves. Research on reef organisms has provided insight into human reproductive cycles and potential cures for cancer as well as large-scale cycling of carbon which may control climate change.
The project was a collaborative effort between the Harte Research Institute, the State of Florida, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the U.S. Geological Survey, Mote Marine Laboratory and the University of South Florida.
On the RADAR
The Harte Research Institute’s “State of the Gulf of Mexico Summit” scheduled for November 7-9 has been postponed. According to HRI Director Dr. Robert Furgason, the Summit is being delayed so that the governors and staffs of the Gulf Coast states hit by hurricanes Katrina and Rita can dedicate their time and efforts to rebuilding their communities in the wake of the disaster.
In place of the Summit, the Institute will host a complement of events on Monday, Nov. 7 and Tuesday, Nov. 8 that will include a grand opening ceremony for the new HRI building and a presentation by Mr. Paul Kelly, the next speaker in the Harte Distinguished Lecturer Series. Kelly is senior vice president of Rowan Companies and a member of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. Meetings of the Institute’s Advisory Council and the Summit program chairs are
also scheduled.
