Fitch4
01-18-2008, 07:31 AM
Hi,
Jon here and I am the head of the E.O. Smith Coral Propagation Research Project. Linda C, turned me on to this board so I thought I would post a bit about what we are doing here. Thanks to Toyota and a few other places, I was able to set-up about 1200 gallons worth of coral growing space here at the school, including taking over our small science greenhouse. The goal is to use the space to involve students in active research to increase the effectiveness coral aquaculture techniques. My complaint about most of the information out there is that it is "I do it this way" info from people who have not actually scientifically tested anything. They have one set-up, it works, so clearly it must be the best way to do it. I'd like to test some of the ideas that reefers have to see what really does work, and back it up with data!
I teach biology, oceanography and environmental science at the school and involve students in all of my classes in the project in one way or another. I also have 8 students who come in on their free time to work on independent study projects. They are the ones who are doing some really cool work and getting some really interesting data. My hope is to share that data via publications and boards like this one. It would be pretty awesome for a kid to get his project published in a trade magazine before they graduate high school!
Right now I have the following projects going on in various stages:
The effect of different salinities on coral growth
The effect increased nitrates have on coral growth
Feeding studies (which foods make the coral grow the best?)
Starting colony size -vs- growth
Zoanthid growth as compared to light type/level
The effectiveness of single polyp fragments
We are also working to add a Bangaii Cardinal breeding program to the project but it turns out one Bangaii doesn't just breed by itself (who knew?)
We are always looking for new ideas, new species of corals and more tanks/gear to be able to run more tanks. I am also always interested in cooperative plans with other schools, or individuals who are doing similar work. I'm not in it for the $ or the glory, more to keep our reefs, wild and captive, healthy and sustainable.
Thanks for letting me take part in the forum!
Jon
Jon here and I am the head of the E.O. Smith Coral Propagation Research Project. Linda C, turned me on to this board so I thought I would post a bit about what we are doing here. Thanks to Toyota and a few other places, I was able to set-up about 1200 gallons worth of coral growing space here at the school, including taking over our small science greenhouse. The goal is to use the space to involve students in active research to increase the effectiveness coral aquaculture techniques. My complaint about most of the information out there is that it is "I do it this way" info from people who have not actually scientifically tested anything. They have one set-up, it works, so clearly it must be the best way to do it. I'd like to test some of the ideas that reefers have to see what really does work, and back it up with data!
I teach biology, oceanography and environmental science at the school and involve students in all of my classes in the project in one way or another. I also have 8 students who come in on their free time to work on independent study projects. They are the ones who are doing some really cool work and getting some really interesting data. My hope is to share that data via publications and boards like this one. It would be pretty awesome for a kid to get his project published in a trade magazine before they graduate high school!
Right now I have the following projects going on in various stages:
The effect of different salinities on coral growth
The effect increased nitrates have on coral growth
Feeding studies (which foods make the coral grow the best?)
Starting colony size -vs- growth
Zoanthid growth as compared to light type/level
The effectiveness of single polyp fragments
We are also working to add a Bangaii Cardinal breeding program to the project but it turns out one Bangaii doesn't just breed by itself (who knew?)
We are always looking for new ideas, new species of corals and more tanks/gear to be able to run more tanks. I am also always interested in cooperative plans with other schools, or individuals who are doing similar work. I'm not in it for the $ or the glory, more to keep our reefs, wild and captive, healthy and sustainable.
Thanks for letting me take part in the forum!
Jon