Primary Colonization of Marine Debris in Cayos Cochinos, Honduras
Date of Award
2008
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Gilchrist, Sandra
Keywords
Coral Reef, Colonization, Marine Debris
Area of Concentration
Environmental Studies
Abstract
Humans discard a variety of trash that becomes incorporated into the marine environment. On coral reefs, discarded glass bottles and jars develop visible biofilms within 24 hours and are also colonized quickly both by fouling and mobile organisms. A series of fore reef, reef, and back reef sites were used during a threeweek study at Cayos Cochinos, Honduras to examine glass bottle and jar colonization. The bottles and jars served as shelters, parts of territories for reef organisms, and also as foraging sites. Observations showed that behaviors occurring naturally on the reef were consistently mimicked with the artificial substrate, demonstrating successful incorporation into the coral reef. Within three weeks what is typically considered discarded marine debris became an integral part of the habitat on this reef.
Recommended Citation
Price, Renee, "Primary Colonization of Marine Debris in Cayos Cochinos, Honduras" (2008). Theses & ETDs. 4016.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/4016
Rights
This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.