Reef Damage
(February 16,2003)
On 02/16/03 Vone Research continued monitoring the coral restoration project .We dove area # 11 and #12 . This area was first reported on 11/16/02. It is approximately 130' wide by 520' long. It begins in 70 ft. of water and goes to 40ft. In this area it appears that all the hard coral have been stabilized. Most are doing very well. A few are showing signs of stress and bleaching. We saw approximately 7 barrel sponges that are doing well. Several are disintegrating. The soft corals in this area for the most part are doing very well. Two attachments have failed. However , the soft corals are still alive. There are approximately 20 soft corals that haven't been stabilized. For the first time I regret to report the soft coral that is not yet stabilized is beginning to die.