Data Logger

Our data loggers currently record thermal and light intensity data at around 1m depth, at two sites around our island that vary in habitat composition (live coral cover, coral diversity, current direction etc). Coral species live within a relatively narrow thermal range and respond poorly when ambient temperatures increase by 1-2°C. If temperatures remain at the elevated level for a few days or more, then corals may respond by expelling the algae (zooxanthellae, genus Symbiodinium) living in the coral tissue, a stress response known as ‘Coral bleaching’, thus loosing their main energy source. By keeping a long-term data set of the temperature and light intensity of our reef waters, coral health can be correlated with the information recorded and help broaden our understanding of reef development.

Reef Crest Temperature and Light Intensity Data: April – August 2013