How Caribbean King Crabs Might Help Save Florida’s Coral Reef

By Dr. Jason Spadaro

Photo credit Scott Jones and Zack

Islamorada – The Florida Keys History & Discovery Center Presents… “How Caribbean King Crabs Might Help Save Florida’s Coral Reef” a lecture on Wednesday, April 13, with Dr. Jason Spadaro, Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellow.

Due to climate change, many coral reefs have degenerated, and growing in their place is an overabundance of seaweed. Although seaweeds are beneficial to the ocean ecosystem, too much growth can also cause harm to coral reefs. They can prevent the baby corals from settling into reefs as they block the sunlight needed for them to grow and reproduce.

Dr. Jason Spadaro researched the “cascading effects” of the Caribbean king crab on coral reef communities. The crabs, which are native to Florida and the Caribbean, act as “reef goats” that eat almost any type of seaweed, and they eat a lot of it. When introduced to experimental plots on coral reefs, the crabs reduced the seaweed cover by fifty to eighty percent, resulting in a commensurate three to five-fold increase in coral recruitment and reef fish community abundance and diversity. The encouraging news is that Dr. Spadaro and his fellow researchers believe that boosting the presence of these crabs in the wild could help combat the seaweed problem and ultimately restore the reefs.

Dr. Spadaro holds a PhD in ecological sciences. His specialization and research focus on the effect of herbivores on coral reef communities and restoration ecology. Dr. Spadaro teaches the specialized coral reef ecology courses at CFK including Coral Reef Biology and Management, Restoration of Coral Reefs, and Coral Reef Assessment. Dr. Spadaro is also experienced and interested in aquaculture and stock enhancement for restoration. 

Attend in person or participate virtually!

Doors open at 5:00 p.m., lecture begins at 6 p.m. The lecture is at the Keys History & Discovery Center and Islander Resort Conference Center, MM 82. Lectures are free for members and $10 for non-members. Secure your seat with an advance registration at 305-922-2237 or https://www.tickettailor.com/events/floridakeyshistorydiscoverycenter/665511.

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