Prazeres, Martina, Roberts, T. Edward, and Pandolfi, John M. (2017) Shifts in species abundance of large benthic foraminifera Amphistegina: the possible effects of Tropical Cyclone Ita. Coral Reefs, 36 (1). pp. 305-309.

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Abstract

On the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), the large benthic foraminifera Amphistegina lobifera, A. lessonii and A. radiata occur in shallow (< 30 m) areas and have a clear distribution gradient. In April 2014, Severe Tropical Cyclone (TC) Ita impacted the northern region of the GBR. We surveyed the leeward slope of Yonge Reef at 6 and 18 m, in August 2013 and 2014. Results showed an overall decline in abundance of Amphistegina and a shift in proportion at both depths between 2013 and 2014. The shallow-dweller A. lobifera was severely affected; however, the deep-dweller A. radiata and the generalist A. lessonii only declined at 6 m and increased in abundance at 18 m. Patterns observed are likely linked to the occurrence of TC Ita. We propose that differing population-level source-sink dynamics should be considered when exploring persistence and recovery patterns over depth in foraminiferal communities.

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