An experimental analysis of the effects of herbivory and nutrient enrichment on benthic community dynamics on a Hawaiian reef
Smith JE, Smith CM, Hunter CL. 2001. An experimental analysis of the effects of herbivory and nutrient enrichment on benthic community dynamics on a Hawaiian reef. Coral Reefs. 19:332-342
This study experimentally tested the roles of herbivory and enhanced nutrient concentrations on benthic community structure on a coral-dominated reef in Hawaii. A randomized factorial block design was used to simultaneously investigate the effects of nutrient enrichment and herbivore exclusion on the development of benthic algal communities on artificial surfaces over a 6-month time period. Total algal biomass was greatest on settlement surfaces exposed to both nutrient enrichment and herbivore exclusion simultaneously. Fleshy algal biomass was greatest on surfaces removed from grazing whereas calcareous biomass was greatest on surfaces exposed to nutrient enrichment. This research demonstrates that on short time scales, nutrient enrichment and herbivore exclusion can independently and interactively support shifts in benthic algal comunity structure on a Hawaiian reef.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Smith, J.; Smith, C.; Hunter, C.
- Units
- ALKA , PACN
- Keywords
- benthic community, crustose coralline algae, Eutrophication, fleshy algae, Hawaii, Herbivory, Nutrient Enrichment, phase shift, Puako