Corallivorous snail removal: evaluation of impact on Acropora palmata

Published source details Miller M. (2001) Corallivorous snail removal: evaluation of impact on Acropora palmata. Coral Reefs, 19, 293-295.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Control spread of non-native/invasive/problematic invertebrates using biological, chemical and/or mechanical methods Action Link

Control spread of non-native/invasive/problematic invertebrates using biological, chemical and/or mechanical methods

A replicated, controlled study in 1999 at two coral reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, USA, (Miller 2001) found that removing coral-eating snails Coralliophilia abbreviata from branches of elkhorn coral Acropora palmata colonies led to a reduction in live tissue loss compared to branches with snails left in place, but no difference compared to branches without snails. After two months, average tissue loss was lower on branches with snails removed (0.80 cm²/day) and control branches with no snails (0.001 cm²/day) compared to branches with snails (3.37 cm²/day). There was an average of 81% fewer incidences of snails observed on branches with snails removed compared to branches with snails remaining. In June 1999, individual elkhorn coral colonies with snails attached were selected at two reefs (French and Pickles). Snails were removed from one branch from each colony, snails were left in place on another branch and a third branch (with no snails) was left snail-free. Where possible, different treatments were applied to branches from the same colony, however, on two occasions, treatments were applied to branches from different, adjacent, colonies. Sampling was carried out every 4–11 days for two months and tissue loss recorded using photographs. Snails were removed or replaced as necessary to maintain the treatment levels.

(Summarised by: Ann Thornton)