Long-term dynamics of the brown macroalga Lobophora variegata on deep reefs in Curaçao

Lobophora variegata occurs in the eulittoral zone and in deep water on coral reefs in Curaçao. An analysis of the long-term (1979–2006) changes in the vertical distribution of the macroalga in permanent quadrats indicated a significant increase in cover of the deepwater community. In 1998, Lobophora...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Coral reefs 2008-06, Vol.27 (2), p.389-393
Main Authors: Nugues, M. M., Bak, R. P. M.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agaricia
Algae
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Biological and medical sciences
Biomedical and Life Sciences
Cnidaria. Ctenaria
Coral reefs
Deep water
Freshwater & Marine Ecology
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Invertebrates
Life Sciences
Lobophora
Lobophora variegata
Marine
Marine ecology
Oceanography
Sea water ecosystems
Synecology
Vertical distribution
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Summary:Lobophora variegata occurs in the eulittoral zone and in deep water on coral reefs in Curaçao. An analysis of the long-term (1979–2006) changes in the vertical distribution of the macroalga in permanent quadrats indicated a significant increase in cover of the deepwater community. In 1998, Lobophora covered 1 and 5% of the quadrats at 20 and 30 m, respectively. By 2006, these values had risen to 25 and 18%, precipitating a shift in abundance of corals and macroalgae at both depths. This increase coincided with losses in coral cover, possibly linked to bleaching, disease and storm-related mortality in deep water plating Agaricia corals. In contrast, macroalgae remained relatively rare (
ISSN:0722-4028
1432-0975
DOI:10.1007/s00338-007-0346-3