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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Structure of marginal coral reef assemblages under different turbidity regime

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Author(s):
Loiola, Miguel [1, 2] ; Cruz, Igor C. S. [3] ; Lisboa, Danilo S. [1] ; Mariano-Neto, Eduardo [2] ; Leao, Zelinda M. A. N. [1] ; Oliveira, Marilia D. M. [1] ; Kikuchi, Ruy K. P. [1]
Total Authors: 7
Affiliation:
[1] Fed Univ Bahia UFBA, Inst Geosci, Lab Coral Reefs & Global Changes RECOR, Barao de Jeremoabo St, BR-40210390 Salvador, BA - Brazil
[2] Fed Univ Bahia UFBA, Inst Biol, Postgrad Program Ecol & Biomonitoring, Barao Jeremoabo St, BR-40170115 Salvador, BA - Brazil
[3] Fed Univ Bahia UFBA, Inst Geosci, Dept Oceanog, Barao Jeremoabo St, BR-40210340 Salvador, BA - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH; v. 147, p. 138-148, MAY 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 2
Abstract

Sediment load can influence both the population distribution and structures of coral reef communities. We investigated whether coral assemblages on inshore and more turbid reefs differ from those on offshore reefs in the largest coral reefs of the Southwest Atlantic. We compared inshore and offshore reefs (with different turbidity climatologies) in terms of benthic and coral assemblage structures, abundances and individual sizes of coral populations and recruitment patterns. Unexpectedly, the inshore reefs showed higher coral cover and abundance, larger colonies and more recruits. This finding is related to the predominance of sediment-tolerant species on the turbid reefs. In contrast, only Mussismilia braziliensis (main builder of Abrolhos) showed better performance (greater coverage, larger diameter and more recruits) on offshore reefs, apparently behaving as a strong competitor in less turbid environments. These results reinforce the recent thinking of coral reef of turbid environments as resistant ecosystems and potential refuges considering the unnatural increase of sediment supply. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 14/17815-0 - Technological development of remote sensing to detect phase shifts on coral reefs using optical sensors installed in drone
Grantee:Igor Cristino Silva Cruz
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral