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Figure 2. Map of the<br />
Vaavu atoll showing the<br />
location of the study<br />
sites.<br />
Fussfaruhuraa<br />
Kunaavashi Falhu<br />
Felidhoo<br />
Kudiboli Dhiggiri<br />
Alimathaa<br />
FELHIDHOO<br />
ATOLL<br />
(VAAVU)<br />
Aarah<br />
Hulhidhoo<br />
FELIDHOO<br />
Keyodhoo<br />
Thinadhoo<br />
Giraa Falhu<br />
Fothteyo-bodufushi<br />
Kandinma Falhu<br />
Kuda Anbaraa<br />
Anbaraa<br />
Medhugiri<br />
Ruhhurihuraa<br />
Higaakulhi<br />
Thunduhuraa<br />
Bodumohoraa<br />
Rakeedhoo<br />
Vattaru Falhu<br />
Vattarurah<br />
thic community development to evaluate patterns of<br />
succession and competition. A grid point method will be<br />
adopted to estimate cover, species richness and community<br />
development (see Fairfull & Harriot, 1999).<br />
In-situ mapping for coral recruitment<br />
Initial results from Feydhoo Finolhu, North Malé atoll<br />
A total of 88 coral recruits were found within 26 m 2 and<br />
19 m 2 sampled at depths of 5 m and 10 m respectively.<br />
At 5 m recruits constituted 49% of all corals observed,<br />
fragments 35% and the remaining 16% were colonies<br />
that had survived the bleaching. At 10 m more adult<br />
colonies survived (28%) and persisted as fragments<br />
(42%). Only 30% of colonies observed were recruits (see<br />
Figure 3). Despite the sample size being too small to<br />
draw solid conclusions, recruitment was slightly higher<br />
at 5 m than at 10 m whereas fragments and survivors<br />
were more abundant at 10 m.<br />
Number/m 2<br />
50<br />
40<br />
30<br />
20<br />
10<br />
0<br />
Recruits Fragments Survivors<br />
<strong>Status</strong> of colonies<br />
5 m 10 m<br />
Figure 3. The mean density/m 2 of coral colonies classified as 1) recruits,<br />
2) fragments and 3) survivors at two depths at Feydhoo Finolhu in<br />
February <strong>2000</strong>. Error bars = +1 SD between replicate quadrats.<br />
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