This Small Grants for Exploratory Research (SGER) project will be used as seed money to provide an opportunity for a number of research scientists to have access to time-sensitive field data following the major destruction of Hurricane ANDREW in south Florida. Investigators from the University of Miami and Florida Atlantic University, will initiate field work and research that are directed at fundamental scientific issues relating to the impact of Hurricane ANDREW on the south Florida marine ecosystem. Following the initial field work and planning provided by this project, formal research proposals will be submitted through the normal peer-review process. The timely initiation of this immediate field research, will enhance these longer-term and larger-scale research activities. The tasks to be covered by this project include: - Sediment characterization Dr. Harold Wanless - Sediment/organics characterization Dr. Peter Swart - Mangrove effects characterization Dr. Samuel Snedaker - Seagrass characterization Peggy Fong - Nutrients/coral reef characterization Dr. Alina Szmant - Endangered turtle species effects Dr. Peter Lutz - Exotic tree species distributions Dr. Daniel Austin - Exotic fish species distributions Dr. Walter Courtenay In addition to these research tasks, the funding will help support a special session on Hurricane ANDREW environmental consequences at the Symposium on the Florida Keys Regional Ecosystem, being organized by RSMAS for mid-November 1992 in Miami.
