6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5869,
Corpus Christi,
Texas 78412
Dr Keisha Bahr
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Robert Bretzing Tungate
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The Coral Reef and Ocean Health research group consists of 12 stand-alone mesocosm systems housed within their own dedicated lab space.
The Coral Reef and Ocean Health (CROH) research group addresses problems facing marine ecosystems at local (e.g., eutrophication, turbidity, sedimentation) and global (e.g., coral bleaching, ocean warming, acidification) scales. We seek to understand how organisms respond to natural and anthropogenic environmental change and how this may impact our marine resources and shape our coastal ecosystems (from wetlands to coral reefs).
Our goal is to develop science-driven solutions that advance the long-term, sustainable use and conservation of our unique marine ecosystems globally, through cutting-edge science, innovative restoration, and community partnerships.
Each 120-gallon system is equipped with state-of-the-art lighting, life support and remote monitoring systems, meaning that we are able to control for many environmental factors in each system with ease.
Alongside these mesocosms the CROH lab also has a separate 500-gallon system as well as several other holding tanks in which to house corals.
The CROH lab aims to contribute knowledge, tools, and solutions to the ever-growing problems facing our fragile marine ecosystems, while providing exceptional training and mentorship to tomorrow’s ocean leaders.
- Temperature
- Alkalinity
- PH
- Light cycles/intensity
- Turbidity
- Food availability
- Effects of ocean warming (marine heat waves) on organisms and communities
- Effect of ocean acidification on organisms and communities
- Coral reproduction
- Interconnectivity of coral reefs throughout the Gulf of Mexico
- Assessing coral health through non invasive means
- Intermittent respirometry
- Defining Physiological Thresholds on corals
12 individual mesocosm systems, total volume 120 gallons (450L), each consisting of:
- Aquarium setup
- Tank: 100 Gallons (379L)
- Sump: 15 Gallons (57L)
- Light intensity control
- 1x Radion XR30 G6 Pro light for light control
- Temperature control
- 2x 150W EHEIM heaters for temperrature control
- PH control
- 1x Milwaukee MC122 PRO digital pH controller
- Water supply and flow
- 1x SICCE Syncra ADV 7.0 supply pump for water supply
- 1x Maxspect gyre 300series powerhead for water circulation
- Electricity
- Life Support
- 1x Reef Octo SRO 6000 protein skimmer
- 1x SICCE Syncra Silent calcium reactor pump for alkalinity contorl
- 1x SICCE 9W UV-C clarifier for water sterilisation
- 1x fluidised reactor
- Parameter monitoring
- Apex Neptune system
- Laboratory setup
- Two separate aquarium rooms with bench space, power outlets and freshwater sinks
- adjoining dry lab space with bench various power outlets and freshwater sinks.
No accommodation on site, lodging in hotels
