Continuous bottom temperature measurements in strategic areas of the Florida Reef Tract from 1988-06-07 to 2014-08-31

It is well understood that temperature is a major factor controlling distribution, growth and survival of the world's coral reefs. This is especially true of high latitude reefs such as those of the Florida Reef Tract where seasonal temperature extremes detrimental to coral health frequently occur. Past environmental perturbations in the Caribbean and southeast Florida that may be linked to elevated seawater temperature include coral bleaching, a sea urchin die-off, black band coral disease and a seagrass die-off. The first 3 disturbances occurred on a massive scale throughout the Caribbean and southeast Florida. Large-scale die off of seagrass has thus far only been documented in the Florida Bay area of the Florida Keys. This project is a cost-effective and integral part of an overall plan to monitor the Florida Keys coral reef ecosystem.