One of the many scientific studies here at Palmyra Atoll
is the aggressive smothering of healthy Acropora stoney-corals
by the Warty Corallimoph (Rhodactis howesii).

Scientist hypothesize this native sea-anemone
like species is being 'fertilized' by iron from local shipwrecks,
specifically a 100-ft long-liner fishing vessel
that crashed into the reefs of Palmyra in 1991.

Shipwrecks on Coral Reefs harbor Unwanted Species
Citation: Work TM, Aeby GS, Maragos JE (2008)