Megan Bednarz and Rachel Morrison

Abstract

The prominence of diseased coral, or
lack of large and healthy corals, is notable when snorkeling around
Discovery Bay, Jamaica. The purpose of this study was to take a
closer look at the relationship between the distribution of diseased
coral and the wave action at six sites in the bay. Our study was
narrowed to a select few physical factors including wave action and
turbidity in the sea grass, mangroves, boat channel, jetty, back reef
and reef crest. A survey of twenty corals at each site was completed
to quantify the presence of disease. Three sets of clod cards were
placed at each site, at two depths, for twenty-four hours to
determine a percent loss due to water dissolving Plaster of Paris
cubes.  In an area with maximum wave action, like the reef
crest, abundance and diversity will be negatively impacted. In an
area with low wave action, like the sea grass, there will be an
increase in sedimentation, which will also negatively impact corals.
 Other factors like depth, light, and salinity and anthropogenic
forces were not measured but contribute to the presence and spread of
disease. There was no direct correlation between a specific disease
and wave action.