Long term benthic dynamics following interventions on macroalgae dominated reefs (Old ID 28962)
Role
Principal Investigator
Description
Macroalgae flourish under conditions with high amounts of terrestrial runoff, increased sedimentation and nutrient loading; conditions characteristic of an increasing number of coral reefs globally. These conditions can prompt a shift from coral dominance to an altered, macroalgae-dominated community, with the return of coral dominance rare once fleshy macroalgae have established. By increasing space for growth of existing coral colonies and enhancing available space for coral recruitment, manual removal of macroalgae (“sea-weeding”) has been proposed as one measure to promote reef recovery on macroalgae dominated reefs. This project will monitor the long-term benthic impacts of removing macroalgae from experimental plots on a degraded inshore reef.
Date
15 Mar 2023 - 15 Mar 2024
Project Type
N/A
Keywords
Reef restoration;Macroalgae removal;Benthic dynamics;Coral reefs;Reef management
Funding Body
Reef HQ Volunteers Association
Amount
4500
Project Team
David Bourne