The award will support Dr. Lang with "rapid response funding" to conduct some preliminary studies of the coral- bleaching phenomenon recently affecting reefs in the western tropical Atlantic Ocean. Dr. Lang will lead a collaborative effort to (1) give a general assessment of the extent of the bleaching phenomenon in the western tropical Atlantic in order to document the region wide patterns of occurrence; (2) organize the repeated monitoring over a year period of four specific (Venezuela, St. Croix USVI, Florida Keys, Bahamas) areas which represent a range of reef types (on the basis of geography within the region, proximity to continental influences, degree of reef development), (3) establish a base of coral samples at the four sites for measuring the growth responses of bleached and control coral colonies, (4) facilitate repetitive assessments in additional regions that have ongoing programs (Bermuda, Panama, Puerto Rico, Columbia, St. John USVI), and (5) conduct an analysis of transect and environmental data with the assistance of Dr. Howard Lasker (SUNY Buffalo) and Dr. Richard Dodge (Nova University).//
