Researchers Published in Smithsonian Marine Station Newsletter

This fall, HCAS research scientists Brian Walker, Ph.D. and Karen Neely, Ph.D. had their work published in the Smithsonian Marine Station Newsletter. Titled “Using 3D Modeling to Understand Coral Disease,” it discusses how computer programming can aid in monitoring stony coral treatments.

Stony coral tissue loss disease (SCTLD) has spread throughout Florida’s Coral Reef causing extensive mortalities in more than 21 species of reef-building corals and resulting in the local extinction of some species. Not only has SCTLD caused great devastation along Florida’s Coral Reef, but it has recently been found in 17 other countries or territories throughout the Caribbean.

Walker and Neely have been collaborating with the Smithsonian’s The Coral Health and Marine Probiotics (CHAMP) lab. They have been working have been working to treat infected corals along the reef with beneficial bacteria, probiotics. One of the biggest hurdles of the project is to be able to compare tissue loss progression on each coral over time to better understand if the probiotic treatments are successful at slowing or stopping the disease. Numerous photographs are taken of each coral each time the researchers are able to visit them on the reef. Using a software program, Agisoft Metashape, the CHAMP lab compiles these photos into 3D models of each coral. By comparing the surface area of healthy tissue on each model over time, the CHAMP lab can compare effectiveness between treatments.

Posted 11/14/21