Coral Reefs: Science

In the late 1960s, several Smithsonian scientists set themselves an ambitious goal: understanding the inner workings of Caribbean coral reefs. To study this complex ecosystem, they needed a field station where they could conduct research in one location, from multiple disciplines, over a long period of time. In 1972 they came across a tiny island with three shuttered buildings. It was near all the major habitats and isolated enough to permit study of the coral reef’s natural dynamics. It was the perfect spot. More than three decades later, Carrie Bow Cay in Belize is still home to the Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystem Program. Scientists and students from around the world continue to survey the area’s reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves; discover new species; and pioneer new research techniques.

Satellites orbiting Earth 850 kilometers (520 miles) above the ocean’s surface help keep track of what’s happening to tiny corals below the ocean’s surface. How can they do that? Operated by NOAA’s Coral Reef Watch, the satellites measure the temperature of the ocean’s surface. That’s critical information for scientists and reef managers. When ocean water stays warm for too long, corals release the microscopic algae that provide them with color and, more importantly, food. Without the algae, corals turn white—or bleach—and may die. An alert system—orange for “possible bleaching,” dark red for “mortality likely”—identifies reefs at greatest risk. The alerts are updated twice a week to help reef managers and other concerned people take steps to reduce the impact of coral bleaching when it is imminent.

Coral reef biologist Dr. Nancy Knowlton is leading the Smithsonian’s effort to increase public understanding of the world’s ocean. She has studied the ecology and evolution of coral reefs for many years and is deeply concerned about their future. “During the three decades I’ve been studying coral reefs in the Caribbean, we’ve lost 80% of the reefs there,” she says. But she remains hopeful. “You have to make people realize that the situation is incredibly serious, but that there’s something they can do.” Besides holding the Smithsonian’s Sant Chair for Marine Science, Dr. Knowlton serves on the National Geographic Society’s Committee on Research and Exploration, chairs the World Bank’s Targeted Research Program for Coral Reefs, and is principal investigator of the Census of Marine Life’s Coral Reef Initiative.