Inhibition of coral recruitment by macroalgae and cyanobacteria
Marine Ecology Progress Series
By: I. B. Kuffner, L.J. Walters, M.A. Becerro, V.J. Paul, R. Ritson-Williams, and K.S. Beach
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Open Access Version: External Repository
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Coral recruitment is a key process in the maintenance and recovery of coral reef ecosystems. While intense competition between coral and algae is often assumed on reefs that have undergone phase shifts from coral to algal dominance, data examining the competitive interactions involved, particularly during the larval and immediate post-settlement stage, are scarce. Using a series of field and outdoor seawater table experiments, we tested the hypothesis that common species of macroalgae and cyanobacteria inhibit coral recruitment. We examined the effects of Lyngbya spp., Dictyota spp., Lobophora variegata (J. V. Lamouroux) Womersley, and Chondrophycus poiteaui (J. V. Lamouroux) Nam (formerly Laurencia poiteaui) on the recruitment success of Porites astreoides larvae. All species but C. poiteaui caused either recruitment inhibition or avoidance behavior in P. astreoides larvae, while L. confervoides and D. menstrualis significantly increased mortality rates of P. astreoides recruits. We also tested the effect of some of these macrophytes on larvae of the gorgonian octocoral Briareum asbestinum. Exposure to Lyngbya majuscula reduced survival and recruitment in the octocoral larvae. Our results provide evidence that algae and cyanobacteria use tactics beyond space occupation to inhibit coral recruitment. On reefs experiencing phase shifts or temporary algal blooms, the restocking of adult coral populations may be slowed due to recruitment inhibition, thereby perpetuating reduced coral cover and limiting coral community recovery. ?? Inter-Research 2006.
Suggested Citation
Kuffner, I., Walters, L., Becerro, M., Paul, V., Ritson-Williams, R., and Beach, K., 2006, Inhibition of coral recruitment by macroalgae and cyanobacteria: Marine Ecology Progress Series, v. 323, p. 107-117, https://doi.org/10.3354/meps323107.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Inhibition of coral recruitment by macroalgae and cyanobacteria |
| Series title | Marine Ecology Progress Series |
| DOI | 10.3354/meps323107 |
| Volume | 323 |
| Year Published | 2006 |
| Language | English |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Marine Ecology Progress Series |
| First page | 107 |
| Last page | 117 |