Science Saturday Ӏ Land Dive: Coral Science Survey
We ended the year by diving into data! Our last Science Saturday of 2025 was hosted by Director Kitty Edwards of DPNR’s Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas. This exciting event brought underwater research to the surface. Kitty was joined by Lindsay Dade, a Coral Research Specialist at the University of the Virgin Islands, to conduct a land-based coral survey demonstrating how scientific divers collect data.
While diving adds complexity to data collection, Lindsay showcased the organization and precision researchers maintain when conducting surveys through the Endangered Coral Mapping Program (ECMP). The ECMP uses a circular plot about 15 meters in diameter, divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant is monitored by a pair of divers to ensure complete coverage. High-tech underwater paper and mechanical pencils are used to document species, along with plenty of photographs.
During a coral survey, it’s essential to identify each species by name, spot signs of diseases and note whether the coral is healthy or stressed. The ECMP focuses on rare and endangered corals in shallow water, mapping their distribution across the territory. Several species are monitored, including the Elkhorn Coral, Greater Star Coral and Flower Coral.
Lindsay shared that after reviewing collected data, some species only have small fragments remaining, with varying sizes, as populations of rare corals are impacted by climate change, coral bleaching, and disease. Runoff and sedimentation also negatively impact these species. Kitty noted that even after corals die, evidence of its presence remains.
How does recent ECMP data compare to historical data collected throughout the territory? Can you pronounce the scientific name of the Staghorn Coral (Acropora cervicornis)? Which coral species is your favorite to learn about? Click the link below to watch the full interview with Kitty and Lindsay.
Science Saturday, a monthly Facebook LIVE event, airs on the second Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. Watch the full interview on the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Facebook page or the Science Saturday YouTube playlist.
