Echinoid grazing as a structuring force in coral communities: Whole reef manipulations

Sammarco, Paul W.

doi:10.1016/0022-0981(82)90020-x

Cited by 213 publications

(146 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Algae are known to limit settlement and survival of crustose corallines (Vine 1974, Wanders 1977 and corals (Potts 1977, Bak & Engel 1979, Sammarco 1980, 1982a, Fitz et al 1983, Rosesmyth 1984, van Moorsel 1985, and are very common competitors for space at the periphery of scleractinian corals (Liddell et al 1984, Bak unpubl.). This finds expression in the significant decrease of crustose coralline algae at 27 and 3 m. However, corals were only slightly reduced in cover at 27 m, indicating their a b h t y to compete effectively with algae (de Ruyter van Steveninck unpubl.).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Cages were usually employed to control the densities of D. antrllarum in inclusion/exclusion experiments. Experiments free of possible cage effects were executed on isolated patch reefs (Sammarco et al 1974, Sammarco 1982a), but were not feasible in most reef situations (but see Hay & Taylor 1985). However, a great natural experiment was initiated when, in the course of 1983, mass mortalities of D. antrllarum swept the Caribbean (Lessios et al 1983, 1984a, b, Bak et al 1984.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Extrapolating from experimental data in the literature (Earle 1972, Wanders 1977, Ogden & Lobe1 1978, Williams 1981, Sammarco 1982a and the extensive data available on these particular reef sites (van den Hoek et al 1975, Wanders 1977, Bak & Engel 1979, Bak & Luckhurst 1980, d e Ruyter van Steveninck & Breeman 1981, van Duyl 1985. we predicted the following obvious changes in bottom components to occur: increase in cover of fleshy and filamentous algae, decrease in cover of scleractinian corals, particularly noticeable in a species such as Agaricia agaricites (Linnaeus), decrease in cover of crustose coralline algae, and possibly decreases in sandy sediment and miscellaneous organisms.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Changes in abundance of coral-reef bottom components related to mass mortality of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum

Steveninck¹,

Bak²

1986

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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We studied the effect of a reduction in grazing pressure, following mass mortallties of the abundant sea urchin Diadema antillarum, on coral-reef bottom components at Curaqao (Netherlands Antilles). We surveyed cover of fleshy and fllamentous algae, scleractinlan corals, crustose coralline algae, loose sediment and a miscellaneous category in permanent quadrats at depths of 27, 15 and 3 m during 1 yr. At all depths, cover of fleshy and filamentous algae increased significantly, reaching a new equhbrium. Corals, crustose corallines and/or loose sediment generally decreased in cover, but not all changes were significant. At the species level, we found the coral Agar~cia agaricites, at 15 m, to be relatively vulnerable among corals. The macroalgae Lobophora variegata and Dictyota spp. increased significantly in cover at 27 and 15 m, respectively. We expect, in view of the observed continuously low rates of recrutment of D. antillarum, and in vlew of the new equilibrium in algal cover, no rapid return to the origlnal situation, unless other herbivorous organisms will take over the role of D. anWlarum.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Changes in abundance of coral-reef bottom components related to mass mortality of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum

Steveninck¹,

Bak²

1986

Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.

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“…Although Sammarco (1982) considered sea urchin grazing to be one of the structuring forces in coral reefs, algal blooms are also particularly pronounced on reefs that have low stocks of herbivorous fish (Lessios, 1988). Comparing species of fish at Sites T and P, Chabanet et al (1997) showed that, among Acanthuridae, the unicorn tang, Naso unicornis, was more abundant at Site-P while Ctenochaetus striatus and Zebrasoma scopas were more abundant at Site-T.…”

Section: Species Richnessmentioning

confidence: 99%

Fringing Reefs of Reunion Island and Eutrophication Effects - Part 2: Long-Term Monitoring of Primary Producers

Naim¹,

Tourrand²,

Ballesteros³

et al. 2013

Atoll Research Bulletin

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No . 5 9 6 P AR T 1 : L o n g -T e r m Mo n i t o r i n g o f T wo S h a l l o w Co r a l Re e f Co mmu n i t i e s C a t h e r i n e T o u r r a n d , Od i l e N a i m, L i o n e l B i g o t , C h r i s t o p h e C a d e t , B r u c e C a u v i n , S t u a r t S e mp l e , L u c i e n F . Mo n t a g g i o n i , P a s c a l e C h a b a n e t a n d He n r i c h B r u g g e ma n nNo . 5 9 7 No . 5 9 7 P AR T 2 : L o n g -T e r m Mo n i t o r i n g o f P r i ma r y P r o d u c e r s Od i l e N a i m, C a t h e r i n e T o u r r a n d , E n r i c B a l l e s t e r o s , S t u a r t S e mp l e , L i o n e l B i g o t , B r u c e C a u v i n , P a s c a l e C u e t , a n d L u c i e n F . Mo n t a g g i o n i No . 5 9 8 P AR T 3 : L o n g -T e r m Mo n i t o r i n g o f L i v i n g Co r a l s Od i l e N a i m, C a t h e r i n e T o u r r a n d , Ge r a r d F . F a u r e , L i o n e l B i g o t , B r u c e C a u v i n , S t u a r t S e mp l e a n d L u c i e n F . Mo n t a g g i o n iA T OL L R E S E AR C H B UL L E T I N NOS . 5 9 6 -5 9 8 FRINGING REEFS OF REUNION ISLAND AND EUTROPHICATION EFFECTS ABSTRACTStudies on the reef flat of Saint-Gilles La Saline between 1987 and 2009 compared spatio-temporal variations of primary producers on two sites, Toboggan and Planch'Alizés. Toboggan (Site-T) is an oligotrophic site characterized by Acropora corals, abundant sea urchins and few primary producers. Planch'Alizés (Site-P) is a heterotrophic site, characterized by massive corals, abundant primary producers and occasional sea urchins. From shore to outer reef front, the reef flat comprises three parts: the back reef (B), the coral zone with Large coral strips (L) and the coral zone with Narrow coral strips (N). This paper (which is Part 2 in a three part series) is divided into four sections. The first (1993, 1996, and 2002) focuses on four groups of primary producers: cyanophytes; turfs (including Stegastes epilithic algal communities); encrusting coralline algae; macroalgae. Their abundance and dominant species were recorded in the three subzones, B, L and N, using 50m-line intercept transects (LITs). The second section (1998 to 2009 inclusive, on the two same sites), reports on annually monitored turfs, encrusting coralline and macroalgae on two permanent 20m LITs. These annual records extend periodic records from these same LITs from 1987LITs from , 1993LITs from , 1996LITs from and 2002. The third section describes species richness of primary producers at the infracentimetric level in zones B, L and N in 1994. In the final section, seasonal variability is documented as changes in the biomass of dominant macroalgae reported monthly over a period of seven months (1993-94).In 1993-2002, primary producers were dominant at P (average ~ 60%) but inconspicuous at T (~5%). In terms of relative cover, turfs and macroalgae were the dominant forms at both sites (75% turfs, 10% macroalgae at T ; 24% t. and 52% m. at P). On both sites, cyanophytes significantly decreased over time. Among turfs, fine filamentous turfs were pr...

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“…Conversely, reducing the rates of bioerosion may also have implications for habitats including coral and sand beaches that require regular bioerosion for maintenance (Schneider andTorunki 1982, Hutchings 1986) or for coral reefs where urchin herbivory and bioerosion inhibits algal overgrowth and promotes the colonization of coral (Sammarco 1982). Furthermore, the destruction of pilings by shipworms and isopod wood-borers were responsible for the collapse of docks leading to millions of dollars in damage (Miller 1926, Kofoid andMiller 1927).…”

Section: Effects Of Temperature On Bioerosion and The Creation Of Plamentioning

confidence: 99%

Biological Erosion of Marine Habitats and Structures by Burrowing Crustaceans

Davidson¹

2000

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Marine bioeroders, borers, and burrowers can have drastic effects to marine habitats and facilities. By physically altering the structure of marine habitats, these organisms may elicit ecosystem-level effects that cascade through the community. While borer damage is typically restricted to a few substratum types, burrowing isopods in the genus Sphaeroma attack a diversity of substrata in tropical and temperate systems. My dissertation examined how boring sphaeromatid isopods affect coastal habitats (saltmarshes, mangroves) and other estuarine substrata as well as marine structures. I used a combination of lab and mensurative field experiments to quantify the effects of boring by isopods and examine how select factors affect the colonization, hence burrowing damage by isopods. I explored these questions primarily using the temperate To examine the small-scale factors that mediate colonization and boring, I conducted a series of binary choice experiments. I found the presence of conspecifics, biofilm, and shade were important factors influencing colonization. These small scale factors likely explain why isopod attack is focused in some substrata. Finally, to examine the boring effects of tropical isopods in mangroves, I examined the associations between burrowing by S. terebrans and mangrove performance and fecundity. I found negative relationships between boring effects and performance and fecundity in two mangrove species in a restored mangrove stand in Taiwan. Together, these studies elucidate the effects of bioerosive isopods on saltmarshes, mangroves, and marine structures. However, the similar mechanisms involved in bioerosion in other boring species suggest that these results can be used to infer similar effects of other borers. In addition, since many species of sphaeromatid isopods have been introduced, this research shows how the effects of a non-native bioeroder can damage marine facilities and degrade and alter marine habitats.Through biological erosion and thus changing the physical structure of a marine habitat these non-native species can have ecosystem-level effects that cascade throughout the local community.iii Acknowledgements

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Echinoid grazing as a structuring force in coral communities: Whole reef manipulations

Cited by 213 publications

References 17 publications

Changes in abundance of coral-reef bottom components related to mass mortality of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum

Changes in abundance of coral-reef bottom components related to mass mortality of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum

Fringing Reefs of Reunion Island and Eutrophication Effects - Part 2: Long-Term Monitoring of Primary Producers

Biological Erosion of Marine Habitats and Structures by Burrowing Crustaceans

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