Effects of turf algae on recruitment and juvenile survival of gorgonian corals
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Published source details
Linares C., Cebrian E. & Coma R. (2012) Effects of turf algae on recruitment and juvenile survival of gorgonian corals. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 452, 81-88.
Published source details Linares C., Cebrian E. & Coma R. (2012) Effects of turf algae on recruitment and juvenile survival of gorgonian corals. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 452, 81-88.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Remove problematic species Action Link |
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Transplant wild-grown coral onto artificial substrate Action Link |
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Remove problematic species
A randomized, replicated study in 2008 at two sites in Menorca, Balearic Islands, NW Mediterranean (Linares et al. 2012), found that removing nuisance turf algae from near temperate soft coral Eunicella singularis colonies led to a higher number of juvenile coral than areas without algae removal. Three months after turf algae was removed, the average number of juvenile soft coral was higher in areas where turf algae had been removed (Cap Roig: 14.7/m2; Na Ponsa: 2.2/m2) compared to areas without algae removal (Cap Roig: 1.5/m2; Na Ponsa 0/m2). In April 2008, forty 40 × 40 cm quadrats were randomly marked 15–20 m deep at two sites (Cap Roig and Na Ponsa). Turf algae was removed from within 20 quadrats at each site and 20 were left undisturbed. Three months later, in July 2008, quadrats were inspected in-situ and Eunicella singularis recruits (~3–5 mm high) were counted.
(Summarised by: Ann Thornton)
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Transplant wild-grown coral onto artificial substrate
A replicated study in 2008–2009 at a site in Menorca, Spain (Linares et al. 2012) found that transplanting fragments of juvenile temperate soft coral Eunicealla singularis on PVC and rubber plates above patches of nuisance turf algae led to higher survival and growth compared to corals transplanted on plates attached onto the rocky substrate and exposed to turf algae overgrowth. Fifteen months after transplanting, survival rate of fragments not exposed to turf algae growth was 90% compared to 30% for fragments exposed to turf algae. Growth was higher for fragments not exposed (2.8 mm) compared to exposed turf algae (2.1 mm). In April 2008, small end-tips (<5 cm) were collected from 80 individual colonies of Eunicealla singularis. Tips were attached to ten PVC plates overlayed with rubber (eight tips/plate) using holes and slits cut into the rubber. Five plates were raised above the substrate on a frame, so were not exposed to turf algae growth. Five plates were attached directly onto the rocky substrate, so were exposed to turf algae growth. Survival was recorded in-situ after fifteen months. Growth was measured in a laboratory using 20 randomly selected tips (10 each from exposed and non-exposed plates).
(Summarised by: Ann Thornton)
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