NCRI Scientists Discover Monster Coral near Port Everglades

NCRI diver studying newly discovered large Broward coral	Kevin Helmle, doctoral graduate student, rinses core samples from large Broward coral

Divers with the National Coral Reef Institute (NCRI) at NSU’s Oceanographic Center have discovered a very large Broward County star coral (Montastraea faveolata) south of the Port Everglades Inlet. At over 6 feet in height and approximately 12 feet in diameter, the specimen is one of the largest in the area.

In coordination with NOAA, NSU scientists have taken a core sample from the skeleton of this coral. X-radiographs of the core reveal growth banding, similar to the rings in tree trunks. Analysis of growth bands indicates the coral is well over 300 years old, making it the oldest animal in Southeast Florida.

NCRI intends to further analyze this large coral skeleton for valuable data on past history of climate and environmental change. Preliminary work suggests the major drainage of the Everglades in Broward from the 1940’s to 1970’s may have caused depressed growth in this coral.

Photo credits: Coral - Dr. David Gilliam, NSU OC NCRI Research Scientist X-radiograph - Kevin Helmle, NSU OC NCRI Ph.D. student