Project Summary --------------- A total of 38 subsurface recording thermographs have been deployed in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) and at other selected locations on the Florida Reef Tract and associated hydrologic ecosystems since 1988. These instruments were originally programmed to record at 2 hour intervals; however starting in 2011, they are being refurbished and programmed to operate every ten minutes. They are placed in permanent housings attached to suitable substrate. Data retrieval, servicing and reprogramming for continuous deployment have occurred, on average, annually. The collected data has been made available to FKNMS Managers and others who monitor and assess environmental conditions that influence FKNMS areas of the Florida Reef Tract. Project Objectives ------------------ The purpose of this project is to document bottom seawater temperature in strategic areas of the Florida Reef Tract on a continuing basis and make that information available to management and research user groups. This is an ongoing project. Project Background ------------------ It is well understood that temperature is a major factor controlling distribution, growth and survival of the world's coral reefs. This is especially true of high latitude reefs such as those of the Florida Reef Tract where seasonal temperature extremes detrimental to coral health frequently occur. Past environmental perturbations in the Caribbean and southeast Florida that may be linked to elevated seawater temperature include coral bleaching, a sea urchin die-off, black band coral disease and a seagrass die-off. The first 3 disturbances occurred on a massive scale throughout the Caribbean and southeast Florida. Large-scale die off of seagrass has thus far only been documented in the Florida Bay area of the Florida Keys. This project is a cost-effective and integral part of an overall plan to monitor the Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem. Project Methods --------------- Ryan Industries, Inc. recording thermographs were deployed at strategic locations on the Florida Reef Tract during 1988*. Due to the Ryan Industries discontinuing their product line during the course of the project, a change to another manufacturer's thermograph was implemented. Sea-Bird Electronics, Inc.* recording thermographs are used. To date, 38 thermographs have been deployed, completing a permanent network of these sensors from southern Broward County to the Dry Tortugas. In response to extreme anthropogenic events on the Florida Reef Tract and surrounding hydrologic ecosystems (e.g. Massive shipwreck groundings and associated reef restoration), monitoring stations have been positioned to provide project managers additional data for ongoing studies. A hollow, pre-cast concrete coral head or concrete and PVC monument have been used to protect and conceal thermographs. Where appropriate, bolt-on stainless steel brackets were used to secure instruments to structural supports (e.g. concrete or steel pilings) of fixed bridges or navigational aids. Originally, a 2 hour recording mode was programmed to monitor changes in reef tract bottom water temperature. Analysis has shown that for the same level of effort, a 10-minute period could be applied, so beginning in 2011, data are reported on a 10-minute interval. Data had been collected, on average, annually from all instruments. Due to mechanical problems with some instruments, there are occasional gaps in the data streams from some of monitoring stations. Also, the network was not maintained from 2008 through 2010, so there are larger gaps at some stations during this time period. The Fowey Rocks Lighthouse station, inside the boundaries of Biscayne National Park, was operated for only one period of time - from July 2006 to March 2009. Project Coordinator ------------------- Michael F Buchman Chief of Staff for Programmatic Integration Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 33 East Quay Road Key West, FL 33040 USA 305-809-4700, ext. 237 mike.buchman@noaa.gov * Selection of this manufacturer's product does not constitute an official product endorsement by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.