The Hawaiian Urchin Experiment

Discussion in 'Environmental' started by Matt Rogers, Aug 31, 2010.

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  1. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    Some of Hawaii's coral reefs are not what they used to be due in part to agricultural runoff, silt, and invasive species. But a recent experiment conducted by Biologists produced results that exceeded their expectations. At a test patch in Kaneohe Bay, divers used a vacuum to remove non-native algae and then released 1,200 native collector urchins (Tripneustes gratilla) on half the patch. What they discovered was that very little algae grew back on the urchin side. The non-urchin side grew back thicker than before.

    [​IMG]
    Native Collector Urchins being released to combat invasive algae - Photo Credit: DLNR, Tony Montgomery

    The biologists are now working on cultivating a large number of urchins at the Anuenue Fisheries Research Center for experiments on other affected areas.

    Source:
    Sea urchins tested as algae removers - Hawaii News - Staradvertiser.com
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2010
    1 person likes this.
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  3. mcfarrow

    mcfarrow Skunk Shrimp

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  4. WhiskyTango

    WhiskyTango Eyelash Blennie

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    2 people like this.
  5. kcbrad

    kcbrad Giant Squid

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    Seeing what my urchin did in my tank - I believe it!
     
  6. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

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    Great article
     
  7. Matt Rogers

    Matt Rogers Kingfish

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    That was very interesting. Thanks for sharing. k+
    That was one heck of a disease with profound affects - I hope nothing like that occurs out west.
     
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  9. grubbsj

    grubbsj Gigas Clam

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    I can see this working, as my tuxedo urchin is one busy critter...
     
  10. Seano Hermano

    Seano Hermano Giant Squid

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    Cool. That's pretty interesting.
     
  11. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    Thats actually one of the coolest articles ive read in a long time!