Environmental monitoring

Fibropapillomatosis (FP) is a devastating pandemic characterized by benign
cutaneous neoplasias that is afflicting marine turtles worldwide. This study evaluated the
expression of HSP72, GRP96, and Bcl-2 in tumor and healthy biopsies. These proteins
are found in high levels in some tumors and prevent apoptosis, allowing tumor cells to
survive. HSP72 and GRP96 are also known to initiate an immune response and may
contribute to the regression often observed in FP tumors. Results were found that
showed all three protective proteins had significantly higher levels in actively growing
tumor tissue compared to healthy tissue. Specifically, cauliflower-like tumors, thought to
be actively growing, were found to have higher levels of HSP72 and GRP96 compared to
healthy skin, whereas smooth tumors, thought to be regressing, did not. These results
offer insight into the molecular mechanisms behind the development of FP tumors and
open a number of avenues for future research.

Benthic algal species receive elevated nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P)
availability as anthropogenic activities increase the loading of nutrients into coastal
waters. Pelagic species could also be responding to this nutrient enrichment. This study
compared the tissue nutrient content and productivity of three benthic and two pelagic
species of Sargassum. We hypothesized that the benthic species would have a higher
tissue nutrient content and productivity than the pelagic species and the pelagic species
would have a higher tissue nutrient content and productivity than historic data. The tissue
nutrient content and net productivity of the benthic and pelagic species were not
significantly different indicating that the pelagic species are receiving high levels of
nutrient availability comparable to that of the benthic species. Pelagic species in the
current study exhibited significantly higher N:P ratios and net productivity than the
historic data, suggesting a shift from N to P limitation and increased productivity.

Degradation of composite materials in marine environments has been investigated experimentally and with analytical and numerical methods. Basic mechanical properties, fiber volume fraction, moisture absorption curves and transverse tensile properties after water absorption were determined. Transverse fracture surfaces of dry and wet composites were inspected in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). In addition, the edge replication technique was applied. Micromechanical stress analysis of a composite subjected to mechanical, thermal and moisture loading were performed using analytical methods and finite elements. Transverse stiffness and stress levels for interfacial debonding and matrix failure were calculated and correlated with transverse stiffness and strength obtained experimentally.

Green turtle fibropapillomatosis (GTFP) is a highly debilitating disease that affects several species of marine turtles worldwide. This study evaluated stress protein expression in red blood cells (RBCs), skin and tumors of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from a GTFP-prevalent site and a more pristine, GTFP-free site. Levels of expression of HSP72 were significantly higher in healthy turtles from the GTFP-prevalent site compared to healthy turtles from the GTFP-free site, suggesting that these turtles are, indeed stressed. Levels of HSP72 expression were also significantly higher in the nucleated RBCs than in skin tissues of turtles from both sites. These results demonstrate the utility of RBC stress protein evaluation as a new, minimally invasive method of evaluating stress loads in marine turtles as a factor in the potentially multifactorial etiology of GTFP. In addition, HSP72 and GP96 were present and detectable in tumors of diseased turtles, and thus show potential for use in treatment of GTFP.

Shorelines are prefigured by inherited geologic features and spatially-defined process-form relationships that require in depth study. This thesis is based on the interpretation, delineation, and analysis of coastal geomorphological features, as mapped from large-scale (e.g. 1:3600), digital, georeferenced, stereo-paired, color, aerial photography. The morphologic features identified include coral-algae reef tracts, rock reefs, sedimentary features such as bars, troughs, and sandflats, and different types of engineering works. Interrelationships between these morphologic features are analyzed using a remote sensing-GIS/MIS (Geographic and Marine Information Systems) framework, and applying interpretive approaches in the analysis of beach and nearshore morphodynamics. Sediment and wave data is used to calculate the dimensionless fall velocity (O), which combined with local geomorphology, defines beach types. Special purpose geomorphological and morphodynamic maps generated here, together with assessment of beach types and analysis of downdrift erosion provides new insights and deep understanding of large scale coastal behavior, which is of great use to management planning strategies.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission lacks a viable method for monitoring woody vegetation in expansive wetland communities, such as the Florida Everglades. This study used aerial photographs of Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area in southeastern Palm Beach County, Florida to develop techniques for remotely monitoring changes in woody vegetation. Imagery from 2006, 2008, and 2010 were classified into woody and non-woody categories using Adobe Photoshop's Magic Wand Tool. Selection was performed with a bias toward over classification, as project objectives required identifying as many trees as possible. Classified pixels in Time 1 within 4 feet (2 pixels) of classified pixels from Time 2 were considered the same canopy. Overall accuracy for the study was 98%.