Algal turf productivity on coral reefs: a meta-analysis

Tebbett, Sterling B., and Bellwood, David R. (2021) Algal turf productivity on coral reefs: a meta-analysis. Marine Environmental Research, 168. 105311.

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Abstract

Algal turfs are an abundant and highly productive component of coral reef ecosystems. However, our understanding of the drivers that shape algal turf productivity across studies and among reefs is limited. Based on published studies we considered how different factors may shape turf productivity and turnover rates. Of the factors considered, depth was the primary driver of turf productivity rates, while turnover was predominantly related to turf biomass. We also highlight shortcomings in the available data collected on turf productivity to-date; most data were collected prior to global coral bleaching events, within a limited geographic range, and were largely from experimental substrata. Despite the fact turfs are a widespread benthic covering on most coral reefs, and one of the major sources of benthic productivity, our understanding of their productivity is constrained by both a paucity of data and methodological limitations. We offer a potential way forward to address these challenges.

Item ID: 71227
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1879-0291
Keywords: Algal turfs; Coral reef; Ecosystem function; Herbivory; Productivity; Sediment
Copyright Information: Published Version: © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. Accepted version may be made open access in an Institutional Repository after a 24 month embargo.
Funders: Australian Research Council (ARC)
Projects and Grants: ARC CE140100020, ARC FL190100062
Date Deposited: 10 Jan 2022 23:40
FoR Codes: 31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 100%
SEO Codes: 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280102 Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences @ 100%
Downloads: Total: 369
Last 12 Months: 100
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