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Effects of eutrophication on reef-building corals

I. Growth rate of the reef-building coral Montastrea annularis

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Abstract

Fourteen environmental variables were monitored at seven locations along the west coast of Barbados on a weekly basis over a one-year period, 1981 to 1982. The physicochemical and biological data indicate that an environmental gradient exists as a result of increased eutrophication of coastal waters. Growth rates (linear extension) of Montastrea annularis (Ellis and Solander), measured along the environmental gradient, exhibit high correlation with a number of water quality variables. Concentration of suspended particulate matter is the best univariate estimator of M. annularis skeletal extension rates (r 2=0.79, P<0.0001). The results suggest that suspended particulate matter may be an energy source for reef corals, increasing growth up to a certain maximum concentration. After this, reduction of growth occurs due to smothering, reduced light levels and reduced zooxanthellae photosynthesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Oceanography, McGill University, 3620 University Street, H3A 2B2, Montreal, Quebec, Canada

    T. Tomascik

  2. Hardy Associates Ltd, 900 Windmill Road, B3A 1P7, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada

    F. Sander

Authors
  1. T. Tomascik
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  2. F. Sander
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Communicated by R. W. Doyle, Halifax

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Tomascik, T., Sander, F. Effects of eutrophication on reef-building corals. Mar. Biol. 87, 143–155 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00539422

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