From HealthNewsDigest.com

Environment
Summer Full Moons Trigger 'Sex' on Florida Keys Coral Reefs
By
Jul 23, 2015 - 10:29:07 AM

(HealthNewsDigest.com) - FLORIDA KEYS -- Expectant divers are to take to the Florida Keys reefs hoping to witness a delicate reproductive phenomenon that occurs in the middle of the night when coral polyps release millions of gametes (eggs and sperm) in synchronized mass-spawning rituals. The unique natural event takes place around the late July, August and September full moon cycles. 

Typically occurring on or about the August and September full moons, the fantastical underwater exchange of gametes means the continued survival of coral reefs including boulder corals such as brain and star corals as well as the protected branching species, elkhorn and staghorn corals.

This year, because the July full moon falls on July 31, researchers and scientists are anticipating a potentially earlier-than-normal spawning period -- perhaps with a release in early August.

Most commonly, the eggs and sperm enter the water in massive quantities. The spectacular white excretion covers a broad geographic area to maximize chances of fertilization and overwhelm nearby predators with more food than they can consume. 

When egg and sperm do unite, the newly formed larvae or "planula" ascends to the surface to free-float in the current. Within a matter of days or even weeks, the planula settles to the bottom to grow into a polyp and eventually form colonies. 

What triggers the event remains unclear, though scientific observations indicate a strong connection between the coral spawn and seasonal lunar cycles as well as multiple environmental cues such as water temperature and tidal and 24-hour light cycles. 

Cultured corals, the result of ongoing wild transplant efforts by Key Largo's Coral Restoration Foundation, also have been documented as spawning each year.

Keys dive operators are expecting to schedule coral spawning night dives around the late July, Aug. 29 and Sept. 28 full moon dates to enable underwater enthusiasts to view the undersea spectacle. 


Florida Keys visitor information: www.fla-keys.com or 1-800-FLA-KEYS
Florida Keys diving information: www.fla-keys.com/diving
Social: Facebook · Twitter · Instagram · Youtube · Keys Voices

###For advertising/promo please call Mike McCurdy at: 877-634-9180 or email [email protected]



© Copyright by HealthNewsDigest.com