Coral Reefs Damaged by Boat in Florida Keys Are Thriving Ten Years Later

An area of coral reef in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that was damaged by a boat almost ten years ago is now thriving thanks to the hard work of conservationists.

In 2002, the 36-foot long vessel Lagniappe II ran aground on the shallow coral reef near Key West, one of the most popular areas for scuba diving in Florida. The boat caused damage to a coral area of 376 square-feet, and most of the affected marine plants were the reef-building Boulder Star Coral.

Staff at the marine sanctuary had to use special cement that would reattach 473 corals and coral fragments that had been dislodged during the incident.

Image by hopemeng, on Flickr p>

Using digital photographs and specialised computer equipment, the sanctuary and the National Coral Reef Institute of Nova South-eastern University's Oceanographic Centre were able to count the types and amounts of coral in both the damaged area and an unaffected reference site, so the results could be compared over time.

Image by derekkeats, on Flickr.

The coral condition was tracked for eight years by sanctuary staff and by 2009 the damaged fragments could not be distinguished from the unaffected ones. In 2010, the amount of coral at the restored site was found to be higher than the amount at the reference site.

Every year, hundred of vessel groundings are reported in the Florida Keys, one of the most popular scuba diving destinations in the world. Just one boat hitting a reef can cause massive damage to the fragile coral species and many of these plants have taken centuries to build.

Whether they are taking leisurely outings or transporting tourists to scuba diving trips in the marine sanctuary, boat owners are urged to take care, be patient and use their experience to avoid hitting these delicate marine ecosystems.

Image by modelmeemaw, on Flickr.

The owner of Lagniappe II paid $56,671 which was put towards the damage assessment and restoration costs.

Florida Keys is one of the top spots for scuba diving holidays in the United States and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary covers an area of 2,900 square nautical miles. While scuba diving in Florida, divers can discover colourful coral reefs, hard bottom, sea grass, mangrove forests, and thousands of incredible marine species including sea turtles, dolphins, whales, butterfly fish, sharks, rays, eels, crocodiles and alligators.

Conservationists and staff from the marine sanctuary are hoping that lessons will be learned from this coral reef project which will help them with future restoration efforts so divers can continue to explore this magnificent world through scuba diving adventures for many years to come.