DOCSLIB.ORG

Coral Recovery on Phase-Shifted Reefs Depend Upon the Type of Macroalgae Present

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Coral Recovery on Phase-Shifted Reefs Depend Upon the Type of Macroalgae Present Nova Southeastern University NSUWorks HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations HCNSO Student Work 12-7-2016 Coral recovery on phase-shifted reefs depend upon the type of macroalgae present Justin N. Voss Nova Southeastern University Follow this and additional works at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd Part of the Marine Biology Commons, and the Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons Share Feedback About This Item NSUWorks Citation Justin N. Voss. 2016. Coral recovery on phase-shifted reefs depend upon the type of macroalgae present. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (435) https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd/435. This Thesis is brought to you by the HCNSO Student Work at NSUWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of NSUWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. HALMOS COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND OCEANOGRAPHY Coral recovery on phase-shifted reefs depend upon the type of macroalgae present By Justin Nicholas Voss Submitted to the Faculty of Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science with a specialty in: Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management Nova Southeastern University December 2016 Acknowledgements I would like to thank my thesis advisor, Dr. Nicole Fogarty, for being an amazing educator and mentor during my graduate career. Under her guidance, I was successful in making a valuable contribution to the scientific literature that would not have come to fruition without her immense talent and skill. Dr. Fogarty’s vast knowledge and experience provided the tools to effectively manage issues and difficulties involved with larvae experiments. I could not imagine having a better advisor or mentor for my Master’s research. I would also like to express my gratitude to my committee members, Dr. Joana Figueiredo and Dr. Jennifer Sneed, for their invaluable help throughout the entire process in conducting my thesis research. Dr. Figueiredo was crucial in molding my experimental design, making it more sound and accurate. She also provided guidance and assistance with statistics that was vital to determining the significance of my study. Dr. Sneed provide excellent feedback, advice, and knowledge on the complex research area of chemical cues and crustose coralline algae. I would also like to thank my fellow lab mates for providing edits, suggestions and feedback on my thesis, especially those who helped score my settlement tiles, Hunter Noren, Margaret Rushmore, and Alicia Vollmer. In addition, I would like to thank Dr. Xaymara Serrano and recent Master’s graduate student, Margaret Rushmore, for sharing resources and splitting cost during coral larvae collection. Dr. Serrano provided excellent guidance and insight, and assisted with sharing resources and troubleshooting issues. Margaret Rushmore was irreplaceable in conducting my work. A special thanks to Margaret for helping me find my experimental reef chambers during the first deployment, taking several hours of swimming in a meandering pattern to locate my project. I want to thank the International Phycological Society and American Museum of Natural History for providing grants to finance my research which allowed me to conduct my research in the Florida Keys. A special thanks to Dr. Ligia Collado-Vides and Dr. Ana Tronholm for their assistance in identifying the macroalgal vouchers. Dr. Collado- Vides was vital for Laurencia voucher identification and Dr. Tronholm was crucial in voucher identification in the Dictyotaceae family down to species. Without these identifications, I would not have properly analyzed data and reached my current conclusions in my thesis research. Finally, I need to thank my family for their support and my girlfriend Courtney Hunter for her many edits to my proposal and thesis. I want to thank everyone for their help during my research, no matter how much or little, this project would not have been the same without your contribution. Contents List of Figures ..................................................................................................................... i List of Tables .................................................................................................................... iii Abstract ............................................................................................................................. iv Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................... 1 1.1 Coral Reef Importance and Phase-shift ...................................................................1 1.2 Causes of Phase-shift ................................................................................................2 1.3 Macroalgae Abundance and Reproduction ..............................................................4 1.4 Impacts of Macroalgae ..............................................................................................5 1.4.1 Impacts on Adult Corals ..................................................................................... 5 1.4.2 The Effect of macroalgae on Coral Recruitment ................................................ 7 1.5 Florida’s Reefs ..........................................................................................................9 1.6 Porites astreoides Reproduction .............................................................................11 1.7 Larval Chemoreception ...........................................................................................11 1.8 Settlement Induction Compounds ...........................................................................13 1.9 Laurencia and CCA similarities .............................................................................13 1.10 Laurencia and Coral Larvae Settlement ..............................................................15 1.11 Significance ...........................................................................................................16 1.12 Research Objectives ...............................................................................................16 CHAPTER 2 ........................................................................................................................ 18 2.1 Introduction .............................................................................................................18 2.2 Methods ....................................................................................................................20 2.2.1 Study site ........................................................................................................... 20 2.2.2 Collection of Porites astreoides ....................................................................... 21 2.2.3 Macroalgae collection ...................................................................................... 22 2.2.4 Settlement tile conditioning .............................................................................. 22 2.2.5 Experiment 1: Does L. intricata and Dictyotaceae impact P. astreoides larval swimming behavior? .................................................................................................. 23 2.2.6 Statistical Analysis ............................................................................................ 24 2.2.7 Experiment 2 Does L. intricata influence P. astreoides settlement? ................ 25 2.2.8 Statistical analysis ............................................................................................ 26 2.2.9 Experiment 3: Does L. intricata have any latent effect on the post-settlement survival of P. astreoides? .......................................................................................... 26 2.2.10 Statistical analysis .......................................................................................... 27 2.2.11 Experiment 4: When given a choice of substrates, are P. astreoides larvae influenced by the presence of L. intricata and Dictyotaceae? .................................. 27 2.2.12 Statistical analysis .......................................................................................... 28 2.2.13 Experiment 5: Does L. intricata and Dictyotaceae influence the post- settlement survival of P. astreoides? ......................................................................... 29 2.2.14 Statistical analysis .......................................................................................... 29 2.3 Results ......................................................................................................................29 2.3.1 Experiment 1: Does L. intricata and Dictyotaceae impact P. astreoides larval swimming behavior? .................................................................................................. 29 2.3.2 Experiment 2: Does L. intricata influence P. astreoides settlement? .............. 35 2.2.3 Experiment 3: Does the presence of L. intricata have any latent effects on the post-settlement survival of P. astreoides? ................................................................. 37 2.2.4 Experiment 4: When given a choice of substrates, are P. astreoides larvae influenced by the presence of L. intricata and Dictyotaceae? .................................. 40 2.2.5 Experiment 5: Does L. intricata and Dictyotaceae influence the post-settlement survival of P. astreoides? .........................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Coral Injuries Caused by Spirobranchus Opercula with and Without Epibiotic Turf Algae at Curaçao
    Marine Biology (2019) 166:60 https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-019-3504-6 SHORT NOTE Coral injuries caused by Spirobranchus opercula with and without epibiotic turf algae at Curaçao Bert W. Hoeksema1,2 · Dagmar Wels1 · Roeland J. van der Schoot1 · Harry A. ten Hove1 Received: 11 January 2019 / Accepted: 26 March 2019 © The Author(s) 2019 Abstract Reef-dwelling Christmas tree worms (Spirobranchus spp.) are common coral associates. Their calcareous tubes are usually embedded in the coral skeleton and can be closed by an operculum. Tubes not overgrown by coral tissue either remain bare or become covered by algae. Despite their widespread distribution, high abundance and striking appearance, little is known about the impact of these worms on their hosts. We quantifed visible coral damage caused by Spirobranchus in Curaçao (Southern Caribbean) and found that 62.6% of worm opercula (n = 1323) caused abrasions and tissue loss in their hosts. Filamentous turf algae, known to be potentially harmful to corals, covered 76.9% of the opercula. Examination of the six most frequently inhabited host species showed a variation in the damage percentages, although this was independent of the presence of epibiotic algae on 78.4% of all opercula. Since injured corals are more susceptible to diseases, the overall nega- tive impact of Spirobranchus worms on their hosts may be more severe than previously assumed. Introduction and Nishihira 1996), even if the host becomes overgrown by sponges and octocorals, which in turn can act as replacement Coral-dwelling tubeworms of the genus Spirobranchus hosts (Hoeksema et al. 2015, 2016; García-Hernández and (Polychaeta: Serpulidae), known popularly as Christmas Hoeksema 2017).
    [Show full text]
  • Reproduction and Population of Porites Divaricata at Rodriguez Key: the Lorf Ida Keys, USA John Mcdermond Nova Southeastern University, [email protected]
    Nova Southeastern University NSUWorks HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations HCNSO Student Work 1-1-2014 Reproduction and Population of Porites divaricata at Rodriguez Key: The lorF ida Keys, USA John McDermond Nova Southeastern University, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd Part of the Marine Biology Commons, and the Oceanography Commons Share Feedback About This Item NSUWorks Citation John McDermond. 2014. Reproduction and Population of Porites divaricata at Rodriguez Key: The Florida Keys, USA. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, Oceanographic Center. (17) https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd/17. This Thesis is brought to you by the HCNSO Student Work at NSUWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of NSUWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY OCEANOGRAPHIC CENTER Reproduction and Population of Porites divaricata at Rodriguez Key: The Florida Keys, USA By: John McDermond Submitted to the faculty of Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science with a specialty in Marine Biology Nova Southeastern University i Thesis of John McDermond Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Science: Marine Biology Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center Major Professor: __________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • What Is Coral Bleaching
    Mote Marine Laboratory / Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Florida Keys BleachWatch Program CORAL BLEACHING FACT SHEET A single coral colony is made up of numerous individual coral polyps (see photo right). Corals depend on unicellular algae known as zooxanthellae located inside their tissue to provide them with carbohydrates and oxygen through photosynthesis. The zooxanthellae are usually golden brown in color and are found at various densities in individual species of corals. Some corals have additional pigments in their tissues which when combined with the zooxanthellae gives the normal “healthy” coloration of the coral. Stressed corals may lose or expel zooxanthellae. The Photo: MML transparent tissue remains with the underlying white skeleton Healthy Porites astreoides polyp showing giving the coral a bleached white appearance. This process is zooxanthellae. called coral bleaching. What Causes Coral Bleaching? Bleaching is a stress response that results when the coral-algae relationship Healthy Bleached breaks down. Coral bleaching can be caused by a wide range of environmental stressors such as pollution, oil spills, increased sedimentation, extremes in sea temperatures, Photo: MML extremes in salinity, low oxygen, disease, and Comparison of healthy (left) and paling (middle) and bleached (right) brain coral Colpophyllia natans. predation. The corals are still alive after bleaching and do not necessarily always die. If the environmental conditions return to normal rather quickly, the corals can regain or regrow their zooxanthellae and survive. If the stressors are prolonged, the corals are more susceptible to disease, predation, and death because they are without an important energy source. Past, Present …FUTURE? Localized or colony specific bleaching has been recorded for over 100 years but only in the last 20 years have we seen mass bleaching events.
    [Show full text]
  • Rare Parthenogenic Reproduction in a Common Reef Coral, Porites Astreoides Alicia A
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by NSU Works Nova Southeastern University NSUWorks HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations HCNSO Student Work 1-26-2018 Rare Parthenogenic Reproduction in a Common Reef Coral, Porites astreoides Alicia A. Vollmer [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd Part of the Marine Biology Commons, and the Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Commons Share Feedback About This Item NSUWorks Citation Alicia A. Vollmer. 2018. Rare Parthenogenic Reproduction in a Common Reef Coral, Porites astreoides. Master's thesis. Nova Southeastern University. Retrieved from NSUWorks, . (464) https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd/464. This Thesis is brought to you by the HCNSO Student Work at NSUWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of NSUWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Thesis of Alicia A. Vollmer Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science M.S. Marine Biology M.S. Coastal Zone Management Nova Southeastern University Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography January 2018 Approved: Thesis Committee Major Professor: Nicole Fogarty Committee Member: Joana Figueiredo Committee Member: Xaymara Serrano This thesis is available at NSUWorks: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/occ_stuetd/464 HALMOS COLLEGE OF NATURAL SCIENCES AND OCEANOGRAPHY RARE PARTHENOGENIC REPRODUCTION IN A COMMON REEF CORAL, PORITES ASTREOIDES By Alicia A. Vollmer Submitted to the Faculty of Halmos College of Natural Sciences and Oceanography in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science with a specialty in: Marine Biology and Coastal Zone Management Nova Southeastern University January 26, 2018 Thesis of Alicia A.
    [Show full text]
  • Differential Regeneration of Artificial Lesions Among Sympatric Morphs of the Caribbean Corals Porites Astreoides and Stephanocoenia Michelinii
    MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Vol. 163: 279-283.1998 Published March 12 Mar Ecol Prog Ser ' NOTE Differential regeneration of artificial lesions among sympatric morphs of the Caribbean corals Porites astreoides and Stephanocoenia michelinii 'Institute for Systematics and Population Biology, University of Amsterdam, Mauritskade 61, PO Box 94766,1090 GT Amsterdam, The Netherlands 'Carmabi Foundation. PO Box 2090, Piscaderabaai zln. Curaqao, Netherlands Antilles 3Netherlands Institute for Sea Research. PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg.Texe1, The Netherlands ABSTRACT: Regeneration of artificial lesions was studied as tion, external and internal morphology, behavior, ecol- an ecophysiological character in 2 morphs of Porites astre- ogy (e.g. non-scleractinian associates, distribution), oides and Stephanocoenia michelinii to contribute to a better and physiology (environmental tolerance limits), to understanding of their presently unclear taxonomic status. As a reference, regeneration was also studied In 3 species1 distinguish closely related species when skeletal fea- morphs of h4adracis. P. astreoides consists of a green and a tures fail to reveal differences. A multi-character brown morph, while S. michelinii consists of an encrusting approach is even more favored, because when a con- morph with widely spaced corallites and a massive morph sistent pattern is found in several characters, debate with compacted polyps. Regeneration was significantly faster in the green P. astreoides and in the encrusting S. michelinii. over the adequacy of a particular characteristic as a No sigmficant differences were found among the Madracis taxonomic tool becomes less important (Wed&Knowl- species/morphs. The energy required for faster regeneration ton 1994). This approach is now being used more often in the 2 morphs was apparently not generated as a result of than before, and is frequently based on a combination elevated densities of zooxanthellae or chlorophyll a.
    [Show full text]
  • Photographic Identification Guide to Some Common Marine Invertebrates of Bocas Del Toro, Panama
    Caribbean Journal of Science, Vol. 41, No. 3, 638-707, 2005 Copyright 2005 College of Arts and Sciences University of Puerto Rico, Mayagu¨ez Photographic Identification Guide to Some Common Marine Invertebrates of Bocas Del Toro, Panama R. COLLIN1,M.C.DÍAZ2,3,J.NORENBURG3,R.M.ROCHA4,J.A.SÁNCHEZ5,A.SCHULZE6, M. SCHWARTZ3, AND A. VALDÉS7 1Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Apartado Postal 0843-03092, Balboa, Ancon, Republic of Panama. 2Museo Marino de Margarita, Boulevard El Paseo, Boca del Rio, Peninsula de Macanao, Nueva Esparta, Venezuela. 3Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of Natural History, Invertebrate Zoology, Washington, DC 20560-0163, USA. 4Universidade Federal do Paraná, Departamento de Zoologia, CP 19020, 81.531-980, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. 5Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de los Andes, Carrera 1E No 18A – 10, Bogotá, Colombia. 6Smithsonian Marine Station, 701 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, FL 34949, USA. 7Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 900 Exposition Boulevard, Los Angeles, California 90007, USA. This identification guide is the result of intensive sampling of shallow-water habitats in Bocas del Toro during 2003 and 2004. The guide is designed to aid in identification of a selection of common macroscopic marine invertebrates in the field and includes 95 species of sponges, 43 corals, 35 gorgonians, 16 nem- erteans, 12 sipunculeans, 19 opisthobranchs, 23 echinoderms, and 32 tunicates. Species are included here on the basis on local abundance and the availability of adequate photographs. Taxonomic coverage of some groups such as tunicates and sponges is greater than 70% of species reported from the area, while coverage for some other groups is significantly less and many microscopic phyla are not included.
    [Show full text]
  • A Guide to the Identification of the Common Corals of St. Croix
    A Guide to the Identification of the Common Corals of St. Croix Thomas Suchanek Department of Biology University of California Davis, CA Converted to digital format by Thomas F. Barry (NOAA/RSMAS) in 2004. Copy available at the NOAA Miami Regional Library. Minor editorial changes may have been made. Guide to the Common Corals of St. Croix 197 A Guide to the Identification of the Common Corals of St. Croix Thomas Suchanek Dept. of Biology University of California Davis, CA INTRODUCTION This guide was designed as an aid in identifying both live and dead corals from St. Croix which form hard, calcium carbonate skeletons. This encompasses representatives both from the Class Anthozoa (the true or scleractinian corals) and from the Class Hydrozoa (hydrocorals). Representatives from the third class of Cnidaria, the Scyphozoa, produce no calcium carbonate skeletons and are not discussed. Of the 60 or so species of "stony" corals found in the western Atlantic region, this guide focuses on 37 species which are found relatively commonly on St. Croix. Other representatives which may be common in other locations such as St. Thomas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica or Florida, but are not common on St. Croix, have not been included. Various references listed at the end of the text include many of those other species. The guide is arranged in two sections. First is a descriptive section including taxonomic and natural history information on each species represented. Following that section is a series of plates which depict three conditions for each species. First is a habitat photo, as the coral colony would appear to a swimmer or diver approaching it in the field.
    [Show full text]
  • Effects of Pressure on Swimming Behavior in Planula Larvae of the Coral Porites Astreoides (Cnidaria, Scleractinia)
    Joumlllof EXPERIMENTAL MARINE BIOLOGY Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology AND ECOLOGY ELSEVIER 288 (2003) 181 - 20 1 www.elscvicr.com/locatc/jcmbc Effects of pressure on swimming behavior in planula larvae of the coral Porites astreoides (Cnidaria, Scleractinia) Joel L. Stake *, Paul W. Sammarco Department of B;%g,J: University ofLouisiana lit LlIli,yelle. Lafayette, LA 7115114. USA Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON). 8/24 Ilwv. 56. Chauvin, LA 711344. USA Received 8 August 2002 ; received in revised form 20 November 2002 ; accepted 15 December 2002 Abstract Mechanisms governing the behavior of coral planulae are not well understood. particularly those manifesting themselves between the time when the larvae are released and when they settle. Larvae from the hermatypic coral Porites astreoides Lamarck were exposed to different levels of hydrostatic pressure- J03.4, 206.9. 310.3, 413.8. and 517.1 kPa (including ambient pressure). Data were collected at stops of the above pressures for 15 min each, respectively. This was done in both an increasing sequence and a decreasing one. When exposed to increases in pressure from 103.4 kl'a, larvae swam upward (negative barotaxis) in a spiraling motion. Upon exposure to decreasing pressure [rom 517.1 kl'a, larvae moved downward (positive barotaxis). but the magnitude of the vertical movement was much less than in the case of increasing pressure. This suggests that these larvae are more sensitive to increased pressure than decreasing pressure. High variance was also observed in the responses of these larvae at both the intra- and inter-colony levels. Thus. this behavioral trait is variable within the population.
    [Show full text]
  • Growth Rates of Porites Astreoides and Orbicella Franksi in Mesophotic Habitats Surrounding St
    Growth rates of Porites astreoides and Orbicella franksi in mesophotic habitats surrounding St. Thomas Sarah H. Groves1,5,*, Daniel M. Holstein2, Ian C. Enochs3,4, Graham Kolodzeij3, Derek P. Manzello3, Marilyn E. Brandt5, Tyler B. Smith5 1. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science Marine Spatial Ecology Division, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 101 Pivers Island Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516, USA 2. Duke University Marine Laboratory, Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, 135 Duke Marine Lab Rd., Beaufort, NC 28516 3.Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratories (AOML), NOAA, 4301 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, FL 33149, USA 4. Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, FL 33149, USA 5. Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, 2 John Brewer’s Bay, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00802, USA *Communicating author: [email protected] Keywords Mesophotic coral ecosystems, Sclerochronology, Refugia, Shelf edge reefs, Orbicella spp. Abstract Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are deep (>30 m), light-dependent communities that are abundant in many parts of the global ocean. MCEs are potentially connected to shallow reefs via larval exchange and may act as refuges for reef organisms. However, MCE coral community recovery after disturbance, and thus, community resilience, are poorly understood components of their capacity as refuges. To assess the potential for disturbance and growth to drive community structure on MCEs with differential biophysical conditions and coral communities, we collected colonies of Orbicella franksi and Porites astreoides and used computerized tomography to quantify calcification. The divergence of coral growth rates in MCEs with different environmental conditions may be species specific; habitat-forming O.
    [Show full text]
  • Lesion Healing on Massive Porites Spp. Corals
    MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Vol. 164: 213-220, 1998 Published April 9 Mar Ecol Prog Ser - Lesion healing on massive Porites spp. corals R. van Woesik* Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Senbaru 1, Nishihara, Okinawa 903-0213, Japan ABSTRACT: Sn~alltissue lesions 15 to 1310 mm2 were inflicted on massive Porites spp. corals living in a shallow moat (<3m) in Okinawa, Japan. All but 1 lesion, affected by extreme mid-winter low tides, healed completely within 19 mo. Regenerat~onrates decreased exponentially over time and decreased in accordance with the lesion's surface area. The best predictive models were those using the deriva- tives of the exponential equations. A high perimeter to surface area ratio was a consequence of, and appeared to facilitate, regeneration. There was no significant difference in the rate of lesion regenera- tion between Porites lutea and Porites lobata. KEY WORDS: Lesions . Massive Porjtes . Healing rates INTRODUCTION mortality during episodes of Acanthaster planci preda- tion (author's pers, obs.). Massive Porites corals are prolific throughout the Studies on the regeneration of coral lesions extend world's tropical oceans (Veron 1995);they are particu- back several decades (Stephenson & Stephenson 1933, larly common on reefs nearshore and are arguably the Kawaguti 1936, Fishelson 1973, Loya 1976). The most important reef-building corals on the inner Great capacity to regenerate appears to be species specific Barrier Reef (Australia) (Hopley 1982, Davies 1983). and dependent on lesion size, sea-surface tempera- Porites colonies have long been recognised for their ture, water depth and whether the colony has been usefulness as temporal analogues (Buddemeier & recently bleached (Lester & Bak 1985, Meesters & Bak Kinzie 1976) and have become the focus of palaeo- 1993, Meesters et al.
    [Show full text]
  • Sponge Contributions to the Geology and Biology of Reefs: Past, Present, and Future 5
    Sponge Contributions to the Geology and Biology of Reefs: Past, Present, and Future 5 Janie Wulff Abstract Histories of sponges and reefs have been intertwined from the beginning. Paleozoic and Mesozoic sponges generated solid building blocks, and constructed reefs in collaboration with microbes and other encrusting organisms. During the Cenozoic, sponges on reefs have assumed various accessory geological roles, including adhering living corals to the reef frame, protecting solid biogenic carbonate from bioeroders, generating sediment and weakening corals by eroding solid substrate, and consolidating loose rubble to facilitate coral recruitment and reef recovery after physical disturbance. These many influences of sponges on substratum stability, and on coral survival and recruitment, blur distinctions between geological vs. biological roles. Biological roles of sponges on modern reefs include highly efficient filtering of bacteria- sized plankton from the water column, harboring of hundreds of species of animal and plant symbionts, influencing seawater chemistry in conjunction with their diverse microbial symbionts, and serving as food for charismatic megafauna. Sponges may have been playing these roles for hundreds of millions of years, but the meager fossil record of soft-bodied sponges impedes historical analysis. Sponges are masters of intrigue. They play roles that cannot be observed directly and then vanish without a trace, thereby thwarting understanding of their roles in the absence of carefully controlled manipulative experiments and time-series observations. Sponges are more heterogeneous than corals in their ecological requirements and vulnerabilities. Seri- ous misinterpretations have resulted from over-generalizing from a few conspicuous species to the thousands of coral-reef sponge species, representing over twenty orders in three classes, and a great variety of body plans and relationships to corals and solid carbonate substrata.
    [Show full text]
  • Fishery Management Plan, Regulatory Impact Review, and Final
    FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN, REGULATORY IMPACT REVIEW, AND FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR CORALS AND REEF ASSOCIATED PLANTS AND INVERTEBRATES OF PUERTO RICO AND THE UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS CARIBBEAN FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL 268 Muñoz Rivera Avenue, Suite 1108 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00918-2577 July, 1994 IN MEMORIAM DR. CARLOS GOENAGA TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 DEFINITIONS 4 1.0 INTRODUCTION 7 2.0 DESCRIPTION OF RESOURCE 8 2.1 Corals 8 2.1.1 Class Hydrozoa 8 2.1.2 Class Anthozoa 9 2.1.2.1 Antipatharian anthozoans 9 2.1.2.2 Octocorallian anthozoans 9 2.1.2.3 Actinarian anthozoans 10 2.1.2.4 Scleractinian anthozoans 10 2.2 Live-Rock 13 2.2.1 Rubble-Rock 14 2.2.2 Algae-Rock 14 2.2.3 False-Coral 14 2.2.4 Sea-Mat 15 2.3 Invertebrates Associated with Reef and Coral Reefs 17 2.3.1 Porifera 17 2.3.2 Annelida 17 2.3.3 Mollusca 17 2.3.4 Arthropoda 19 2.3.5 Echinodermata 19 2.3.6 Bryozoa and Chordata 20 2.4 Marine Algae and Flowering Plants 21 2.5 Ecological Relationships 23 2.6 Fishery Management Unit 26 2.7 Distribution of Species in the Fishery Management Unit 26 2.8 Present Condition of Components of the FMU 30 2.8.1 Natural stressors 30 2.8.2 Anthropogenic stressors 31 2.8.2.1 Reefs 31 2.8.2.2 Seagrasses 36 2.9 Probable Condition of Habitat in the Future 37 3.0 DESCRIPTION OF FISHERY 38 3.1 History of Exploitation 38 3.2 Current Commercial Use 39 3.3 Current Recreational Use 41 3.4 Research and Medicine 43 3.5 Science and Education 44 3.6 User Conflicts 44 3.7 Landings and Value Information 44 3.8 Vessels, Gear, Employment
    [Show full text]