Session 1 - ISRS European Meeting 2006 Bremen - Universität ...

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR REEF STUDIES 

EUROPEAN MEETING 

BREMEN, GERMANY 

19 - 22 SEPTEMBER 2006 

PROGRAMME 

and 

ABSTRACTS 

CENTER FOR TROPICAL MARINE ECOLOGY (ZMT) 

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR REEF STUDIES

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY 

FOR REEF STUDIES 

PARTNERS 

CENTER FOR TROPICAL MARINE ECOLOGY BREMEN 

UNIVERSITY OF BREMEN GERMAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION 

The organisers gratefully acknowledge the support of the following partners 

Springer Science and Business Media 

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General Information 

Location 

The University of Bremen provides the lecture hall building HS with 2 lecture halls fitted with 500 

und 200 seats, respectively. It is equipped with LCD-, Overhead-, and slide projectors. The 

entrance hall and corridors will be used for poster presentations. 

The Center for Tropical Marine Ecology - ZMT is located some 150 m from the lecture hall 

building and provides additional rooms for seminars, workshops and working group meetings. 

The campus is located in the northern part of Bremen. Bus and tram connections are excellent. The 

tram no. 6 stops at 2 minutes walking distance to the lecture hall building (at stop =Universität- 

Zentralbereich=) and offers a direct connection to the railway station (15 min.) city center (20 

min.) and to Bremen International Airport (32 min.). The bus no. 22 stops close to the lecture halls 

(=Universität/Zentralbereich=), to ZMT and Hotel Atlantic (=Wiener Strasse=) and Hotel Munte 

(=Munte=). Bus no. 20 connects Hotel Landhaus Louisenthal (stop: =Horner Kirche=) with the 

university (=Universität-Zentralbereich=) 

Lunch 

Lunch is included in the registration fees and will be served in the University Mensa, 2 minutes 

walk from the lecture halls. 

International Society for Reef Studies European Meeting Bremen 2006 

I

Monday 18, 18:30 

Social Programme 

Icebreaker Party 


The informal get together on the evening before the official opening of the meeting. In the lobby of 

the ZMT building, where participants can also register. 

Tuesday 19, 18:10 

Reception 

supported by Springer Science+Business Media, together with Poster session 1 Discussion 

Lecture Hall building. 

Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21, 19-20h 

City tour 

A guided one hour walk through the old center of Bremen with highlights like the UNESCO 

heritage site "Rathaus" (City Hall) and the pittoresques quarter "Schnoor". 

Meeting point: "Domtreppen" (stairs at the main gate of the cathedral), tram No. 6, direction 

"Flughafen" (Airport), to stop "Domsheide", then walk across the "Marktplatz" to the cathedral. 

Please register at the conference desk. 

Thursday 21, 20:00 

Conference dinner 

The official get together for conference speakers and delegates, co-organizers and sponsors at a 

dinner during the third day evening of the event. 

"Ratskeller", in the basement of the City Hall building. 

Friday 22, 18:10 

Farewell party 

For those who endure to the final sessions at the end of the meeting, a selection of refreshments, 

drinks and a casual opportunity to discuss the outcome of the meeting and future plans with old and 

new friends. 

In the lobby of the ZMT building. 

II 

International Society for Reef Studies European Meeting Bremen 2006


Satellite map of Bremen City Center. (Dom – St. Petri Cathedral, Rathaus – Town Hall, Domsheide – Tram 

stop) 

Satellite Map of the University campus. 


III


Local Organising Committee ISRS 2006 Bremen 

Local Organising Committee 

Center for Tropical Marine Ecology 

Fahrenheitstr. 6 


Fax: +49-421-23800-30 

Email: isrs2006@zmt.uni-bremen.de 

http://www.zmt-bremen.de 

Chair: Dr. Georg Heiss 

Dr. Susanne Eickhoff 

Gabriele Boehme 

Petra Käpnick 

Silke Meyerholz 

Malik Naumann 

Dr. Claudio Richter 

Dr. Bettina Schmitt 

Karin Springer 

Heike Stürmer 

Scientific Committee 

Prof. Rolf Bak, Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Texel 

Prof. Barbara Brown, University of Newcastle upon Tyne 

Prof. Wolf-Christian Dullo, IfM-Geomar Kiel 

Dr. Jean-Pierre Gattuso, Observatoire Océanologique de Villefranche-sur-Mer 

Prof. Nicholas Polunin, University of Newcastle upon Tyne 

Dr. Claudio Richter, ZMT 

Richard B. Aronson, Ph.D., ISRS 

Dr. Georg Heiss, ZMT 

Travel Award Review Committee 

Presseanfragen bitte an: 

Information for the media: 

Dr. Susanne Eickhoff 

Tel: +49-421-23800-37 

Fax: +49-421-23800-30 

E-mail susanne.eickhoff@zmt-bremen.de 

Center for Tropical Marine Ecology 

Fahrenheitstr. 6 


http://www.zmt-bremen.de 

IV 

Media 

International Society for Reef Studies, European Meeting, Bremen, 2006

Abstracts 


Abstracts are presented in the order: Keynote lectures, oral presentations and poster 

presentations. Abstracts are arranged in sessions, first oral presentations in chronological 

order, then poster presentations in alphabetical order by first author. 

In most cases abstracts are printed as they have been received and have not been edited for 

content. Some ‘light editing’ of titles and affiliations has been carried out to ensure 

uniformity of presentation. 

Neither the Center for Tropical Marine Ecology nor the Organising /Scientific Committee 

of the ISRS European Meeting accept responsibility for content. 

Abstract volume editors: Bettina Schmitt, Georg Heiss, Claudio Richter. 


V

Time, theory and trouble in coral reefs 

Pandolfi JM 

Center for Marine Studies, University of Queensland, Australia 

Keynote Lectures 

The well-recognized challenge to the continued degradation of coral reefs can be considered in the 

light of new data from time-series and new advances in ecological theory. Specifically, paleorecords 

provide key insight into understanding ecological processes at the level of the community 

and provide direct tests of the role of niche theory and neutral theory (demographic stochasticity) in 

their long-term development. Understanding key ecological processes over long time scales 

informs conservation theory and management practice and provides a mechanism for measuring 

their success. 

Notes: 


1


The last deglaciation in the Indo-Pacific regions: 

Sea-level records and reef development 

Camoin GF 

CNRS, CEREGE, Europôle Méditerranéen de l’Arbois, BP 80, F-13545 Aix-en-Provence 

cedex 4, France. 

The timing and course of the last deglaciation (23,000-6,000 calendar years BP - cal. yr BP) are 

essential components for understanding the dynamics of large ice sheets and their effects on Earth's 

isostasy as well as the complex relationship between freshwater fluxes to the ocean, thermohaline 

circulation and, hence, global climate during the Late Pleistocene to Holocene. 

Coral reefs provide the most accurate records of sea-level changes as corals are excellent sea-level 

indicators and can be accurately dated by mass spectrometry; their study helps, therefore, in the 

determination of the timing of deglaciation events and the understanding of the mechanisms 

driving the glacial-interglacial cycles. 

Coral reefs not only record the timing of sea-level rises and associated climate changes but also the 

biologic and geologic changes the reef experiences in response to these events. 

A detailed regional study of the Western Indian Ocean based on the analysis of drill cores carried 

out through modern reefs, in combination with observations and sampling of reef foreslopes, and 

investigations of outcrops provides a comprehensive data base for late glacial to post glacial sealevel 

changes. 

Tahiti (French Polynesia) displays a comprehensive coral reef record of the Last Deglaciation 

based on drill cores carried out through the modern reef, dredgings around the island and more than 

600 m of reef cores with an exceptional recovery that were retrieved from 37 holes ranging from 40 

to 120 m water depth during the IODP Expedition #310 «Tahiti Sea Level». 

Notes: 

2 


An ecosystem in transition - the reefs of the Jurassic 

Leinfelder R 

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany 


The Jurassic Age, 200-130 Million of years ago, is well known for its, often gigantic, dinosaur 

species, which gave rise to commercial blockbuster movies, such as the Jurassic Park series as well 

as to well-known edutainment productions like BBC’s Walking with Dinosaurs. Besides all fiction, 

fact is that biodiversity including dinosaurs was rapidly expanding during the Jurassic. This is 

particularly true of the marine life, giving rise to the enormous reef development during the Late 

Jurassic, whcich is unparalleled from other times of Earth History. Reef regions expanded tens of 

thousands of kilometers, stretching from Kasachstan to Florida or from England to Tanzania. 

Besides coral reefs, other reef types such as sponge reefs or microbial reefs existed, all being 

adapted to distinct environments. Stone corals forming coral reefs were already of the modern, 

scleractinian type, with many forms being as complex as modern star corals or brain corals. 

However, a much greater variety of coral reef types and coral reef settings existed than today, 

reason of which is that modern strategies of corals, especially the adaptation to nutrient restriction 

by photosymbiosis started to develop but at the same time many other strategies were implemented 

as well. To illustrate such strategies we use a „Swabian House Building“ metapher: considering 

Jurassic reefs as self-made homes built by the owners, their complexity depends on the properties 

of the available ground, limitations by the available energy and overall environment, as well as the 

availability of co-workers and working materials. 

Jurassic reefs are, indirectly, more known to the public than might be imagined: beautiful 

landscapes such as the Swabian and Franconian Alb of Southern Germany owe their popularity to 

scenic reef rock relics. Moreover, a great variety of buildung and cover stones from Jurassic reefs, 

such as the Adnet Limestone of the Salzburg area or the Treuchtlingen Marble of southern 

Germany, or even tooth paste and pharmaceutical products are derived from Jurassic reef rocks. 

Last but not least, the great majority of the world’s petroleum and gas is hosted by, and produced 

from, reef-related Jurassic sediments of the Arabian peninsula. The Jurassic age might therefore 

better be called the Jurassic Reef Park rather than the Jurassic Dino Park. 

See: Jurassic Reef Park: www.palaeo.de/edu/JRP 

(this public lecture will be presented in German language) 

Notes: 


3


Ein Ökosystem im Umbruch – Die Riffe der Jurazeit 

Leinfelder R 

Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin, Germany 

Das Jura-Zeitalter ist wegen seiner häufig gigantischen Dinosaurier einer breiten Bevölkerung ein 

Begriff, zumal es die Grundlage für Film-Erfolge wie der Jurassic Park-Serie oder der 

populärwissenschaftlichen BBC-Produktion „Walking with Dinosaurs“ („Dinosaurier - Im Reich 

der Giganten“) war. Neben aller Fiktion ist doch Tatsache das die Artenvielfalt während der 

Jurazeit, also vor etwa 200-140 Millionen Jahren förmlich explodierte. Dies gilt für Saurier, 

insbesondere aber für marines Leben. Während der späten Jurazeit, also vor etwa 150 Millionen 

Jahren, breiteten sich Riffe wie nie zuvor oder hinterher über die Erde auf. Riffregionen breiteten 

sich mehrere Zehntausende Kilometer aus, sie reichten z.B. von Kasachstan über Europa bis 

Florida oder von England bis Tansania. Neben Korallenriffen gab es auch andere Rifftypen, wie 

Schwammriffe oder Mikrobenriffe, die alle an spezielle Umweltmilieus angepasst waren. Die 

Steinkorallen der jurassischen Korallenriffe gehörten bereits zu der heutigen modernen Gruppe der 

scleractinen Korallen, sie waren bereits ähnlich komplex wie ihre heutigen Vertreter. Allerdings 

gab es eine weit größere Fülle verschiedener Korallenrifftypen und, damit verbunden, auch 

spezieller Korallenriff-Mileus. Ursache dafür ist die Tatsache, dass sich die Strategie der heutigen 

tropischen Riffkorallen, sich über eine Lebensgemeinschaft mit einzelligen Algen an die extreme 

Nährstoffarmut der Hochsee anzupassen, während der Jurazeit gerade erst entwickelt wurde. 

Parallel dazu gab es noch viele weitere Anpassungsstrategien, die jedoch nicht bis heute Bestand 

hatten. Um diese Strategien zu erläutern, hilft ein „schwäbischer Häuslebauer-Ansatz“: wenn wir 

Jurassische Riffe als Häuser betrachten, hängt deren Größe, Struktur und Komplexität von den 

verfügbaren Baugrundgegebenheiten, der Energieverfügbarkeit, Vorgaben in der weiteren Bau- 

Umgebung, aber auch von der Verfügbarkeit von Mitarbeitern und Baumaterialien ab. 

Jurassische Riffe sind indirekt eigentlich sehr bekannt, auch wenn uns dies nicht immer bewusst ist. 

So prägen sie mit ihren Felsrelikten die herrlichen Landschaften der Schwäbischen und 

Fränkischen Alb, und werden in einer Vielzahl bekannter Bau- und Fassadensteine, etwa als 

Adneter Marmor aus der Salzburger Gegend oder Treuchtlinger Marmor aus Süddeutschland. Auch 

für Zahnpasta oder Ausgangsprodukt für die Pharmazie werden Jurariffkalke häufig verwendet. 

Schließlich wird nach wie vor das meiste Erdöl und Erdgas aus jurassischen Riff- und 

Rifflagunenkalken der Arabischen Halbinsel produziert. Vielleicht sollten wir die Jurazeit deshalb 

besser als Jura-Riffpark, weniger als Jura-Dinopark bezeichnen. 

Siehe auch: Jurassic Reef Park: www.palaeo.de/edu/JRP (in Deutsch und Englisch) 

Notes: 

4 


Understanding the resilience of coral reefs: 

a mighty challenge for a mighty problem 

Mumby PJ 

University of Exeter, United Kingdom 


The crisis facing coral reefs in terms of climate change and overpopulation is well recognised. 

Combatting these problems presents a daunting challenge to both scientists and policy-makers. 

Given that managers only have a limited suite of tools at their disposal, reef science should reveal 

the impact of these tools on the processes driving reef ecosystems. 

This talk reviews recent progress in reef ecology and attempts to provide a framework for 

managing reef resilience explicitly. 

Notes: 


5


Cyclone and tsunami deposits - what paleo-science reveals about 

extreme events and their impacts on coral reefs 

Scheffers A 

Universität Duisburg-Essen, Germany 

The catalogue of the influence of natural disturbances on coral reefs is extremely complex and 

comprehensive, as reflected in lively scientific debates over the last decades. But, our short 

historical records do not provide us with sufficient information on extreme events such as tropical 

cyclones or tsunami and their natural variability. And, if such information exists it rarely contains 

details on the fate of coral reef communities, because sedimentology mostly works with the 

stratigraphy of fine sediments to reconstruct paleo-environments. However I will show that nature 

effectively records extreme events – tsunami and tropical storms- and their impacts on coral reefs 

in form of natural archives present in coarse reef debris. These archives provide information on the 

full range of spatial and temporal variability of these events. 

The short term impact of tropical cyclones on coral reefs is well documented and studied in great 

detail, but the interaction between tsunami and coral reefs was rather neglected until the recent 

past, when the Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004 caused the greatest tsunami catastrophe in 

human history. This contribution focuses on these extreme events and will present local 

observations of modern and ancient tropical cyclones and tsunami within the Caribbean region and 

coastlines affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. I will also present evidence (based on a detailed 

geochronology and qualitative and quantitative analyses of reef debris) that a tsunami was 

responsible for the destruction of coral reefs on a regional scale in the southern Caribbean around 

3000 yrs BP. Here, a flourishing Acropora palmata-dominated reef has shifted into a Sargassumdominated 

ecosystem. So far, reef recovery did not occur. The sedimentary record shows a strong 

tsunami impact on the north-eastern Bahamas and islands in the Eastern Caribbean for the same 

time period and it remains to be seen whether these events exerted the same influence on the 

ancient reefs. Another result of debris analyses is a clear differentiation between storm and tsunami 

deposits. Whereas the energy (or wave height) of a paleo-event can be calculated by the size of 

transported boulders or their position onshore, the entire amount of debris is not a good indicator of 

the transport energy: here the time gap between two events of high energy to produce a new reef 

body and subsequent new debris plays a crucial role. 

I suggest that we may gain a better understanding of coral reef ecosystems or disconformities and 

their causes by incorporating long-term (multi-century to millennial) records of natural hazards and 

coarse deposits. 

Notes: 

6 


Session 1 

Oral Presentations – Session 1 

Paleoenvironment reconstructions, paleontology 

Chaired by Thomas Felis, Jens Zinke 

Coral reefs provide high-resolution archives of local environmental change at specific reef sites as 

well as large-scale variations in ocean-atmosphere dynamics (e.g., the ENSO phenomenon). Recent 

progress in proxy development and analytical techniques has enabled reconstructions of 

temperature, hydrologic balance/salinity, circulation, upwelling, terrestrial runoff and pH of the 

surface ocean at subdecadal to subseasonal resolution. Most of these proxy records are derived 

from massive annually-banded scleractinian corals, supported by records generated from 

sclerosponges and clams. Such paleoenvironmental records have a great potential to bring 

environmental data from recently established reef monitoring programmes and large-scale ocean 

observing systems into the long-term context of the last centuries. In addition to living reefs, welldated 

fossil reefs and their paleogeographic distribution provide crucial information on 

paleoclimate and sea-level changes in the more distant geological past. Information on the response 

of reefs to past environmental changes under boundary conditions different from today provide an 

important benchmark in successfully assessing and predicting the future of coral reefs in a 

changing climate. 

This session presents aspects of the following topics: 

Notes: 

• Environmental records in reef organisms 

• Fossil reefs and corals as archives 

• Paleoclimate and sea-level change 

• Paleogeographic distribution of reefs 

• Reefs in siliciclastic settings 


7


Global and regional components of reef-coral diversity during 25 

million years of environmental change 

Johnson KG 1 , Renema W 2 , Leloux J 2 , Rosen B 1 

1 Natural History Museum, London 

2 Naturalis, Nationaal Natuurhistorisch Museum, Leiden 

Understanding the effects of global environmental change on reef ecosystems is an important 

challenge. Global generalizations might prove unhelpful if separate regions can be shown to have 

been subjected to different kinds of change and responded in different ways. The fossil record of 

Cenozoic reef ecosystems contains abundant examples of the effects of past global and regional 

environmental changes that can be treated as a replicates within a very long-tem natural 

experiment. Analysis of the results of this experiment will provide a detailed understanding of the 

mechanics of reef ecosystem function during times of accelerated environmental change. We 

document the pattern of diversity of reef-coral genera during the Neogene in the Caribbean and 

Southeast Asia. This analysis is based on new specimen-based data sets compiled from new and 

old collections that have been consistently identified within a modern stratigraphic context. The 

stratigraphic distribution of coral genera suggests that these two regions experienced significantly 

different histories. Although the diversity of genera was significantly higher during the Pliocene 

than in the Miocene in both regions, the reef-coral fauna of Southeast Asia was not affected by 

accelerated rates of extinction during the Early Pleistocene that resulted in the relatively 

depauperate extant Caribbean fauna. 

Notes: 

8 



Comparing biodiversity dynamics of reefs and level-bottom 

ecosystems: the Triassic-Jurassic example 

Kiessling W 

Museum für Naturkunde, Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Invalidenstr.43, Diversität-10115 

Berlin, Germany. 

Due to their great biodiversity today, tropical coral reefs are commonly thought to be cradles of 

evolution, where new species arise more commonly than in other marine ecosystems. At the same 

time tropical reefs are often found to be more vulnerable to extinction than non-reefal systems. 

However, few quantitative analyses on long time series are available to test the generality or even 

validity of these assertions. 

I used a large dataset on Triassic-Jurassic benthic marine taxa from the Paleobiology Database to 

analyse biodiversity dynamics of reef and non-reef taxa. Biodiversity dynamics were assessed 

using modern methods of sampling standardization and a stage level stratigraphic resolution. 

The long term origination rates of reef taxa are not significantly higher than the origination rates of 

level-bottom taxa. Similarly, reef taxa do not show significantly greater extinction rates than other 

benthic taxa. The one significant exception is in the end-Triassic mass extinction which 

preferentially affected reef taxa. Thus biodiversity dynamics appear to be not fundamentally 

different between reefs and level-bottom ecosystems during background extinction times. 

However, a global ecological crisis may indeed affect reefs more strongly than other marine 

ecosystems. 

Notes: 


9


Extinction of coral reefs during early Paleogene warming 

Scheibner C 1 , Speijer RP 2 , Mutti M 3 

1 Department of Geosciences, University Bremen, Germany 

2 Department of Geography and Geology, K.U.Leuven, Belgium 

3 Department of Geosciences, University Potsdam 

We present an overview on platform evolution from late Paleocene-early Eocene carbonate 

platforms from the Tethys. A comparison of time-equivalent carbonate platforms shows a threefold 

Tethyan-wide evolution: I. late Paleocene coralgal-dominated platform stage; II. latest Paleocene 

transitional platform stage, where coralgal reefs thrived at middle latitudes, while the low latitudes 

were dominated by larger foraminifera (Miscellanea, Ranikothalia, Assilina) and III. early Eocene 

platform stage dominated at all paleolatitudes by larger foraminifera (Alveolina, Orbitolites, 

Nummulites). The causes for the stepwise change from coral-dominated platforms to larger 

foraminifera-dominated platforms are multilayered. The early Paleogene was the time of the most 

pronounced long-term warming during the Cenozoic. During this time interval a calcite sea 

prevailed with high CO2 concentrations, and highly oligotrophic regimes. While the transition from 

stage I to stage II does not seem to correlate to a global event, the transition from stage II to stage 

III coincides with the short-term Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum that is characterised by 

increased global warming, a massive input of CO2 and eutrophic conditions on shelf areas. The 

response of corals and larger foraminifera as the most important platform-building organisms to 

these long- and short-term trends resulted in these two steps of Tethyan platform evolution. 

Notes: 

10 



Holocene reef development and carbonate production in 

nearshore, siliciclastic-dominated environments 

Perry C 

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom 

Shallow water, tropical carbonate production is typically associated with high rates of primary 

carbonate production and the development of spatially and bathymetrically extensive reef 

structures. It is increasingly clear, however, that significant areas of reef development and localised 

carbonate production also occur where marine environmental parameters for tropical carbonate 

production approach threshold levels. This paper reports on recent work undertaken at a range of 

turbid, siliciclastic sediment-dominated settings in Jamaica, Mozambique, and Australia. Despite 

often high turbidity conditions and the presence of mobile siliciclastic substrates, areas of active 

coral growth (often with high live coral cover) appear relatively common. These are associated 

with true reef development in the sense that they exhibit clear topographic relief and are important 

local sites of carbonate accumulation. In contrast to the well lithified and encrusted framework 

fabrics characterising clear water, high energy reefs, internal reef fabrics in these siliciclasticdominated 

systems are dominated by sparsely encrusted coral rubble, with the sediment matrix 

comprising mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sands. Inter- and intra-skeletal cements are rare. Although 

data suggests that episodic migration of nearshore sand bodies may result in localised coral 

mortality, coring and 14 C dating indicates long-term (> 1000’s years) persistence of reef accretion 

in these settings. 

Notes: 


11


Five centuries of interannual to multidecadal sea surface 

parameters reconstruction from southwest Pacific coral 

Ourbak T, Corrège T, Malaizé B, Le Cornec F, Charlier K, Peypouquet JP 

Université Bordeaux, Institut de Recherche et de Developpement, France 

The south west Pacific is a critical region concerning interannual to interdecadal climatic 

phenomena. A 7m high coral core, corresponding to more than 500 years of environmental record 

from Ile des Pins, New Caledonia (22°S, 167°E) has been investigated with both trace elements and 

stable isotopes. This multiproxy approach allows reconstruction of sea surface temperature (SST) 

and salinity (SSS). SST variations, estimated from Sr/Ca, robust paleothermometer, reveal a 

warming trend over the 1475-1998 period, modulated by interdecadal cycles. By removing SST 

component from the δ 18 O signal, we have estimated the paleosalinity variability. SSS 

reconstructions show mean saltier conditions at the beginning of the record, and a slow increase of 

salt concentration through the whole record interrupted with even more freshening periods, like the 

one coinciding with a strong warming observed since ~1890. We argue that changes advection 

processes have radically changed over the last centuries. Moreover, this very long core has 

recorded very intense ENSO phenomena. Finally, great variability is recorded during the settlement 

period of the massive coral. It denotes great adaptability of coral, and raises a preoccupying 

question for the future of corals, as 1998 has been the hottest year from the last 523 in our record. 

Notes: 

12 



First century-long reconstruction of past sea surface conditions 

from the Caribbean Sea using a new coral archive 

Hetzinger S, Pfeiffer M, Dullo W-C 

IFM-GEOMAR, Leibniz-Institut für Meereswissenschaften an der Universität Kiel, 

Germany 

This study presents the first century-long high-resolution record of elemental ratio (Sr/Ca) and 

oxygen isotope (δ 18 O) variations in coral aragonite from the Caribbean Sea, that correlate very well 

with instrumental SST data. Our multi-proxy approach is based on fast-growing corals of the genus 

Diploria strigosa which form massive colonies on western Atlantic and Caribbean reefs. Proxy 

timeseries were derived from a coral colony located in the eastern Caribbean Sea (Guadeloupe, 

Lesser Antilles). Both geochemical proxies were analyzed in monthly resolution and encompass 

the entire 20th century (1895-1999). In order to assess the robustness of our proxies, we have 

correlated each proxy with records of sea surface temperature (SST) to derive proxy-temperature 

calibrations. Linear regression yielded a significant correlation of Sr/Ca (δ 18 O) with SST on 

monthly and mean annual scale, slope values of the proxy-SST calibration equations lie well within 

the range of previously published values for other coral species and regions. Hence, rapidly 

growing corals of the genus Diploria strigosa represent an excellent new oceanic archive for the 

tropical Atlantic and will help to provide information on variability of past oceanic parameters on 

interannual to centennial time scales. 

Notes: 


13


Quantifying stresses on the Mesoamerican Reef over space and 

time 

Carilli J, Walsh S, Norris R 

Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD, USA 

This project is focused on using multiple proxies as forensic aides to determine if, when and why 

the corals of the Mesoamerican Reef System are declining in health. We will investigate trends in 

the frequency of disturbance indicators—such as growth rate and interruptions—to quantify the 

level of stress over time on the Mesoamerican reef, while also examining the causes of stress by 

measuring skeletal proxies that represent sedimentation (Ba/Ca ratios), freshwater runoff 

(luminescent banding), and pollution (heavy metals). The Mesoamerican Reef System is an 

important and interesting study location as it is the second largest barrier reef system on earth, 

crosses international boundaries, and has unique hydrographic conditions creating a gradient of 

runoff impact from south to north. Study sites have been chosen from amongst the sites where the 

World Wildlife Fund has sampled organisms for pesticide bioaccumulation, in order for the results 

from both projects to be complimentary. Time series of proxies will also be compared to historical 

climatic and land use records from surrounding countries. Preliminary results will be presented. 

Notes: 

14 



Effect of light and feeding on the nitrogen isotopic composition 

of the zooxanthellate coral Stylophora pistillata 

Reynaud S, Houlbrèque F, Martinez P, Billy I, Allemand D, Ferrier-Pagès C 

Centre Scientifique de Monaco 

Experiments were performed in laboratory in order to investigate the effect of light and feeding on 

the δ 15 N composition of zooxanthellae and animal tissue of Stylophora pistillata. One coral group 

was fed with zooplankton and compared to a starved control group. Each group was also cultivated 

under three light levels (80, 200 and 300 µmol.photons.m -2 .s -1 ). δ 15 N value of the zooplankton was 

measured (6.75 ‰). Results obtained showed that δ 15 N values of coral tissue were significantly 

heavier than those of zooxanthellae: 7.65 ± 0.09 ‰ vs. 6.46 ± 0.10 ‰, for all culture conditions. 

The δ 15 N of coral tissue measured in each light condition was not different within each group of fed 

(ANOVA, P=0.9) or starved colonies (ANOVA, P=0.6). When pooling data obtained under the 3 

lights, the δ 15 N of fed coral tissue (7.36 ± 0.11) ‰ was lighter than the δ 15 N of starved coral tissue 

(7.88 ± 0.12) ‰. We also observed a significant effect of feeding on δ 15 N of zooxanthellae 

(ANOVA, P


16 




Modern reef development and environmental impacts on 

carbonate production 

Chaired by Eberhard Gischler and Chris Perry 

Session dedicated to the memory of Terry Scoffin 

The internal fabric of coral reefs (i.e., the primary and secondary framework) and the sedimentary 

facies that accumulate on and around coral reefs provide valuable potential repositories of 

information about many aspects of reef growth, reef-related carbonate production and reef 

depositional events. Coral assemblages, along with a wide range of taphonomically important 

groups (especially calcareous encrusters and bioeroders) can, for example, yield important 

information about palaeodepths and about depositional environments. The resolution of these 

depositional tools is becoming clearer as studies from a wide range of reef environments contribute 

to our understanding about how these species and assemblages respond to different environmental 

parameters. In addition, improved understanding of styles of coral deposition and about the suites 

of associated post-mortem diagenetic or taphonomic processes that colonise coral substrata are 

providing useful approaches for assessing previous depositional and disturbance events. In a 

similar way reef sediment facies provide, at one level, useful corroborative indicators of 

depositional environments in the fossil record. They also provide, however, useful potential geoindicators 

of changing styles of carbonate production within reef environments driven either by 

reef accretion or by environmental change. The aim of this session is, therefore, to bring together 

researchers interested in applied aspects of reef geoscience relating to understanding the effects of 

both past and on-going environmental change. Many of these themes were encompassed in the 

research of the late Terry Scoffin to whom this session is dedicated. 


Notes: 

• Controls on, and histories of, Holocene reef accretion. 

• Structural consequences of large-scale disturbance events (cyclones, tsunami, coral 

bleaching), and 

• Reef sediments and sediment records of environmental disturbance and change. 


17


Patterns of Holocene tropical reef accretion: growth-rates, paleowater 

depth, and sea-level rise 

Gischler E 

Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität, Frankfurt, Germany 

The growth-rate of hermatypic corals decreases with increase in water depth. Hence, reefs in 

shallow water should accrete faster than those in deeper water. Likewise, massive corals are known 

to have slower growth-rates as compared to branched corals. The analysis of Holocene reef core 

from Belize, Central America, however, indicates that reefs in deeper water accreted faster than 

reefs in shallower water. The positive correlation between reef accretion-rate and Holocene paleowater 

depth is statistically significant (r=0.44, p


Impact of the Sumatran tsunami on the geomorphology and 

sediments of reef islands: South Maalhosmadulu Atoll, Maldives 

Kench PS 

School of Geography and Environmental Science, The University of Auckland, New 

Zealand 

Mid-ocean reef islands have been affected by multiple tsunami during their geological history, but 

there is no published work detailing the affect of tsunami on reef island stability or development. 

Detailed observations of the affects of the Sumatran tsunami on mid-ocean reef islands are 

presented, based on pre- and post-tsunami topographic and planform surveys of 13 uninhabited 

Maldivian islands. Results show no substantial island erosion and no significant change in island 

area (


Upper most Pleistocene and early transgressive relict barrier 

reefs on LGM coastal siliciclastic deposits (Gulf of Papua) 

Droxler A 1 , Mallarino G 2 , Francis JM 1 , Opdyke B 3 , Beaufort L 4 , Daniell J 5 , Bentley 

S 6 , Dickens J 1 , Peterson L 7 

1 Department of Earth Science, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005 

2 PanTerra Geoconsultants B.V, Leiderdorp, 2352, Netherlands 

3 Dep. of Earth and Marine Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia 

4 CEREGE - Université Aix-Marseille III, 13545 Aix en Provence Cedex 04, France 

5 Geoscience Australia, Seabed Mapping, Petroleum and Marine Division, Canberra, Austr. 

6 Dep.of Oceanography & Coastal Sciences/Coastal Studies Institute, LSU, LA 

7 RSMAS, University of Miami, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149 

Results of 2004 MARGINS-PANASH and IMAGES-PECTEN 2005 cruises in the Gulf of Papua 

illustrate that the early part of the last deglaciation was a favourable interval for the establishment 

and growth of coralgal edifices on top of LGM siliciclastic coastal deposits. Surveys of the modern 

shelf edge north of the Great Barrier Reef uncovered a spectacular 30 to 50 m-thick ridge that 

parallels the shelf edge on more than 50 km with linear continuous segments exceeding 10 km in 

length. Analyses of a core, recovered at the basis of the ridge, demonstrate that a barrier reef 

established itself on top of a late LGM siliciclastic beach barrier complex and grew during Melt- 

Water-Pulse-1A (15,000-12,500 calendar years) keeping up with sea level rising from -110 to - 60 

m to then drown during Melt-Water-Pulse-1B. On the northeast shelf edge of the Pandora Trough, 

a series of coralgal edifices, as thick as 80 m, were discovered and seismically imaged. A fist-sized 

coral colony, dated at 19,000 calendar years, was recovered at - 107 m on the flank of one edifice. 

Those relict reefs were, therefore, established immediately after sea level started rising on top of a 

LGM shelf edge delta located at about 120 to -125 m. 

Notes: 

20 



Holocene reef growth and sedimentary facies development of a 

turbid-zone, terrigenous sediment-dominated reef: a case study 

from Paluma Shoals, central Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia 

Palmer S 1 , Perry CT 1 , Smithers S 2 

1 Department of Environmental & Geographical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan 

University, United Kingdom 

2 School of Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography, James Cook University, 

Townsville, Australia 

There is a paucity of knowledge regarding the structure, sedimentology and growth histories of 

turbid-zone terrigenous sediment-dominated reef communities. To advance our understanding a 

study has recently been initiated at a turbid-zone, terrigenous sediment-dominated site on the 

central GBR at Paluma Shoals. Cores recovered across the reef complex reveals an internal 

sedimentary structure comprising coral rubble floatstone facies with little or no biological binding 

or cementation of clasts. Insitu corals are rare. Basal facies are characterised by terrigenous mudrich 

sediments (CaCO3 content ~35%). This represents a phase of reef ‘turn on’, with initial coral 

growth and reef accretion intimately associated with fine-grained (mainly terrigenoclastic) subtidal 

sediments. As the reef accreted vertically, mud content has decreased and CaCO3 increased. Near 

surface units of the southern shoals, associated with active reef development, are carbonate 

dominated (>70% CaCO3), and characterised by branching coral rubble set within a silty-sandy 

sediment matrix. Upper units from the northern shoal exhibit ‘turn-off’ phases associated with 

progressive inundation by intertidal sediment (~45% CaCO3). The depositional history of the reef 

sequence suggests 1) evidence for long-term reef accretion in environments dominated by 

terrigenoclastic sediments, and 2) evidence of cyclical phases of reef initiation, growth and then 

burial. 

Notes: 


21


Benthic foraminifera as indicators for water quality conditions of 

the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia 

Uthicke S, Nobes K, Fabricius K 

Australian Institute of Marine Science, CRC Reef Research Centre, Catchment-to-Reef 

CRC, Australia 

Nearshore coral reefs of the GBR are subjected to increased nutrient and sediment loads. Benthic 

foraminifera are established indicators for Water Quality (WQ) in Florida and the Caribbean. Here, 

we investigate their use as indicators to assess status and trends of WQ on GBR reefs. We 

quantified the distribution and foraminifera community composition along a nutrient and turbidity 

gradient at the Whitsunday Islands. Foraminifera showed a distinct shift in species dominance 

towards larger symbiont-bearing species from turbid inner shelf towards clearer outer shelf reefs. 

Several large foraminifera with diatom or dinoflagellate symbionts were identified as indicators for 

offshore, clear water conditions. In contrast, heterotrophic rotaliids and a species retaining plastids 

(Elphidium sp.) where highly characteristic for low light, higher nutrient conditions. Application of 

the FORAM index to GBR community data showed a significant increase of this index with 

increased light and decreased nutrient availability. Therefore, it will be possible to apply this index 

to GBR reefs after minor adaptations and some additional experimental work on species specific 

limiting factors. Together with specific details on indicator species physiology, a GBR FORAM 

index will provide a valuable tool for assessment of reef health. 

Notes: 

22 




Temperate, deep and cold water reef communities 

Chaired by Jan Helge Fosså 

Traditionally the ISRS European Conference has been a venue for tropical coral reef scientists, but 

in Cambridge 2002, a session on deep-cold-water corals was included for the first time. The session 

was very successful and it is now hoped for a worthy follow-up. Research on tropical reefs 

represents a long and strong tradition and cold-water coral scientists may benefit from interacting 

with their “tropical” colleagues, and vice versa. 

The interest in cold-water coral research has increased in recent years. This is reflected in the 

growing number of participants from the “1st International Symposium on Deep-Sea corals” in 

2000 in Halifax to the 3rd in 2005 in Florida. It is an exciting research field, but also there is a huge 

demand for knowledge from marine managers and society in general because coral species and 

habitats are threatened by human use of the sea. In various regions of the world the deep coral 

communities are so extensive that they are likely to play a major role in the local/regional 

ecosystem. This is one of the reasons why it is important to describe the ecological significance 

(importance as fish habitat, biodiversity hot spots) of the corals and to understand their role in the 

marine food web. 


Notes: 

• Distributions and explanatory factors (present and past) 

• Reef development and morphology (present and past) 

• Significance of corals as habitat for species 

• The role of cold-water corals in the marine food web 

• Ecological consequences of damage or impact to coral communities 

• Management – useful practices, design and effectiveness of MPAs 


23


Scientific Knowledge of Coldwater Coral Ecosystems: Is the 

Glass Half-Empty or Half-Full? A Look Back at the Three 

International Scientific Symposia 

Brock RJ 

U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA. 

Three international coldwater coral symposia have been held to date; Halifax, Canada (2000), 

Erlangen, Germany (2003), and Miami, United States (2005). In Halifax, the first symposium 

consisted of 42 oral presentations and 22 posters. Just five years later, the Miami symposium 

welcomed approximately 230 attendees from some 32 countries, with 9 keynote addresses, 102 oral 

presentations and 88 posters. Clearly, interest in obtaining basic knowledge is strong and continues 

to grow. Several thematic areas are a constant staple of discussion. Where are coldwater corals 

located and how do we taxonomically identify species? What are the basic physiological 

characteristics of coldwater corals? Can corals of the deep sea provide an accurate window into 

past changes of ocean circulation and climate? What links can be made about coral habitat and 

associated fishes? What measures should be taken to protect these structures? A comparison of the 

information presented and identified gaps in our knowledge between the symposia of 2000-2005 

will give us an interesting retrospective (and oral presentation) of where coldwater coral science is 

going, where it has come from, and where it needs to go in the future in order to play an important 

role in any science-based management system. 

Notes: 

24 



The formation of policy for protection of cold-water coral off the 

coast of Norway 

Armstrong CW, van den Hove S 

University of Tromsø, Norway 

MEDIAN, Barcelona, Spain 

This paper presents the implementation of conservation measures, especially bottom trawl free 

areas, for the protection of cold-water coral off the Norwegian coast. The protection measures 

became effective only 8 months after the public were made aware of damaged coral on nationwide 

television. Behind this quick reaction were a number of driving forces such as oil exploration, 

fishers, biologists, NGOs as well as management. The implementation of the protected areas was 

remarkably uncontentious, and this work attempts to outline the reasons for this, and determine 

whether there are lessons to be learned with regard to conservation measures elsewhere. 

Notes: 


25


Developing success critieria to assess the usefulness of 

measures applied to manage cold-water coral protected areas 

Grehan AJ 1 , Pinnegar J 2 , Fosså J-H 3 , Nilsson P 4 , Armstrong C 5 , Pelletier D 6 , 

Mortensen P 3 

1 Earth and Ocean Sciences, NUI,Galway, Ireland 

2 CEFAS, Lowestoft, United Kingdom 

3 Institute for Marine Research, Bergen, Norway 

4 Tjarnoe Laboratory, Sweden 

5 Dept. of Fisheries Economics, Univ. Tromsø, Norway 

6 IFREMER, Nantes, France 

While a number of countries have established, or are in the process of establishing, cold-water 

coral protected areas, little attention has been given to their management. The EC 6th Framework 

Project 'Marine Protected Areas as a Tool for Ecosystem Conservation and Fisheries Management' 

(PROTECT), involving a consortium of scientists from 10 countries will address this issue. The 

overall objective of PROTECT is to improve the science basis for the design, selection, 

implementation, monitoring and management of marine protected areas. PROTECT will then 

provide policy advice to the European Commission and OSPAR to facilitate a more ecologically 

based management of the seas based on the appropriate application of MPA regimes in tandem 

with other measures. 

Cold-water coral protected areas (off the west coasts of Ireland and Norway) have been chosen as 

one of three PROTECT case studies. Here we describe the development of success criteria which 

employ quantifiable metrics to enable the assessment of the usefulness of various management 

measures employed to maintain the favourable ecological quality status of coral habitat in protected 

areas. 

Notes: 

26 



Abundance and productivity of prokaryotes associated to the 

cold water corals Lophelia pertusa and Desmophyllum sp from 

Rockall Trough and Mingulay reef, NE Atlantic 

Maier C 1 , Hoogstraten A 1 , Hegeman J 1 , van Duyl F 1 , Weinbauer M 2 

1 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Res. (NIOZ), AB Den Burg, the Netherlands 

2 Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (LOV), Microbial Ecology and 

Biogeochemistry Group, 06234 Villefranche sur Mer, France 

The role of microbes in deep water coral nutrition was investigated by means of 3H and 14C 

radioisotope incorporation (bacterial production) using freshly collected corals from Rockall Bank 

and Mingulay reef, NE Atlantic. Bacterial abundance in ambient seawater at Rockall Bank was 

relatively low with an order of magnitude of 105 prokaryotes ml -1 . Microbial abundance in tissues 

of Lophelia pertusa and Desmophyllum sp show a 3 order of magnitude higher prokaryotic 

abundance as compared to ambient seawater. Also, 3 H-Leucine incorporation into the tissue of deep 

water corals was significantly higher than 3 H-Leucine incorporation into heterotrophic prokaryotes 

of ambient seawater. The same was true for autotrophic inorganic carbon fixation ( 14 C-sodium 

bicarbonate). On the other hand, deep water corals kept in aquaria show tissue decline when 

deprived of regular zooplankton feeding (Artemia nauplii) even though bacterial abundance was 

even one order of magnitude higher in the aquarium tank than in ambient seawater. This indicates, 

that free-living or coral-associated prokaryotes are not able to meet the energy requirements of the 

coldwater corals. Nevertheless the high microbial abundance and productivity in coral tissue 

indicates an important role of microbe-coral associations for coldwater coral functioning. 

Notes: 


27


Benthic communities in the Cap de Creus Canyon (North-western 

Mediterranean): the dense alive coral banks of Madrepora oculata 

in Cap de Creus canyon 

Orejas C, Gili JM, Puig P, Rossi S, Gori A 

Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (CSIC), Spain 

The Cap de Creus canyon presents different kind of benthic systems dominated by diverse 

suspension feeders depending on the substrate, depth and oceanographic conditions. Fine sand, 

sand mixed with shells and places plenty of stony boulders conforms the underwater landscape of 

the canyon’s southern wall. The most spectacular of these landscapes is the dense banks of the 

white coral Madrepora oculata which has been recorded for a first time in October 2005. In some 

areas of the canyon walls by approximately 200 m depth, dense patches of white coral alive 

colonies have been observed, growing mainly on the upper and lateral sites of boulders. The 

accompanied fauna was mainly composed by other species of suspension feeders (e.g. sponges, 

hydroids and bryozoans). From the video images and previous data, we characterize the white coral 

habitat as a very energetic system dominated by strong currents canyon downward, continuous 

transit of organic and inorganic particles, scarce deposition of fine grain particles in the sea floor 

and a dense planktonic community around, which is dominated by Euphasiacea and probably feed 

many of the inhabiting benthic fauna. The work we are presenting here is the first underwater 

study, carried out with optic methods, of the deep benthic communities inhabiting the head of the 

submarine canyons of the north western Mediterranean. 

Notes: 

28 



Cold water corals and associated fauna from Rockall Trough 

margin carbonate mounds; stable isotope chemistry and paleooceanographic 

implications 

van Weering TCE 1,2 , Mienis F 1 , Richter T 1 , van der Land C 1 , de Haas H 1 , de Stigter 

H 1 , Vonhof H 2 , van Breukelen M 2 

1 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (Royal NIOZ), AB Den Burg, Netherlands 

2 Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Free University, Amsterdam, Netherlands 

Cold water coral and associated fauna from carbonate mounds between 600 and 1000m water depth 

at the SE and SW Rockall Trough margins thrive in water temperatures between 7 and 10.5 o C. 

Oxygen and carbon isotopes from seawater and skeletal carbonate show that these organisms do 

not precipitate CaCO3 in equilibrium with seawater. The isotopic composition of the seawater at 

the SE and SW Rockall Trough margin is nearly the same and has an average δ 18 O value of 0.6 o /oo. 

Alternating dark and light bands parallel to the outer wall sampled for high-resolution time series 

analysis of δ 18 O and δ 13 C and of trace elements show marked fractionation. However, cyclic 

variability in Stylaster sp. represents possibly annual cycles, and is in equilibrium with the ambient 

seawater. Bulk δ 18 O and δ 13 C measurements of bivalve Barbatia nodulosa show isotopic values in 

the same range as Stylaster sp. and can be used to calculate paleotemperatures 

Fossil corals or mollusks thus provide high-resolution records of environmental variability. 

Branches of fossil corals and mollusks have been collected from pistoncores to compare the 

isotopic values of living species and their fossil equivalents, in order to assess local temperature 

variability. 

A recently obtained, preliminary U/Th age of coral in core M 2001/23 indicates the presence of 

cold water corals along the SW Rockalll trough margin at about 11 K years BP. 

Notes: 


29


Environmental control on biometry and demography of solitary 

corals in the Mediterranean Sea 

Goffredo S, Caroselli E, Pignotti E, Mattioli G, Zaccanti F 

Marine Science Group Association, Department of Evolutionary and Experimental 

Biology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna 

The relationship between environmental factors and biometric and demographic characteristics was 

assessed in the Mediterranean Balanophyllia europaea, a zooxanthellate coral, and Leptopsammia 

pruvoti, an azooxanthellate coral. Oral disc allometric growth was opposite in the two species. 

With increasing polyp size, the oral disc of B. europaea assumed an oval shape, while that of L. 

pruvoti tended to assume a circular shape. The different shapes might represent an adaptation to 

different sedimentation stress in the habitats of the two species. In both species, temperature had a 

greater effect on biometry in comparison with solar radiation. In the zooxanthellate species, 

temperature explained a higher percentage of the biometric parameter variance in comparison with 

the azooxanthellate species. The effect of temperature on growth might be amplified by the 

photosynthesis of zooxanthellae, which can influence calcification. While environmental factors 

did not influence demographic characteristics of L. pruvoti, temperature had a negative effect on 

population density of B. europaea. This might be the consequence of a decline in fecundity, due to 

less availability of resources supporting gametogenesis with inhibition of photosynthesis at high 

temperatures. We conclude that the strong effect of temperature on biometry and demography of B. 

europaea depends on photosynthesis of symbiotic zooxanthellae. 

Notes: 

30 



Lophelia pertusa distribution and seabed characteristics at 

Viosca Knoll 826, northeastern Gulf of Mexico 

Schroeder WW 

Marine Science Program, The University of Alabama, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Dauphin 

Island, AL, USA 

The most extensive Lophelia pertusa development found in the Gulf of Mexico to date is located in 

MMS lease block VK826 on the seaward steepening upper De Soto Slope. The principal site is a 90 

m tall mound with water depths of 430-520 m. Indurated substrates are hydrocarbon-derived and 

microbially mediated authigenic carbonates which take the form of hardgrounds, buildups/outcrops, 

blocks, boulders, slabs and rubble; some with vertical relief up to 4 m. These features 

cover portions of the crest, south, west and north sides, and southern and western base/flank of the 

mound. A second site, the crest and upper portions of a smaller mound, lies one kilometer to the 

northeast. Lophelia pertusa, as well as the gorgonian Callogorgia americana delta and two or three 

large species of antipatharians, have successfully colonized these sites, with Lophelia clearly the 

most abundant species. Distribution patterns range from scattered, isolated individuals to extensive 

assemblages of varying colony densities that in a few areas are in the initial phase of thicket 

building. Colony density on the smaller mound is so high that substrate is seldom visible 

suggesting that it may have reached a level of initial coppice development. 

Notes: 


31


32 



State of Indian Ocean and adjacent seas-reefs 

Chaired by Andrew Baird and Tim McClanahan 


Reefs of the Indian Ocean have recently been subjected to a series of unprecedented cataclysmic 

disturbances including the Indian Ocean Dipole upwelling in 1997, the El Nino of 1998 and the 

Sumatra-Andaman tsunami of 2004. These events provide a significant opportunity to determine 

the effects of rare disturbances on reef ecosystems and dependent people. In addition, many reefs 

are situated in areas, such as the Persian Gulf, with extreme fluctuations in environmental variables 

and studies of the biology of the organism may provide important clues on the potential of reefs to 

adapt to climate change. Furthermore, some regions in the Indian Ocean remain isolated either 

geographically or politically, and have yet to be adequately described (e.g. reefs of the Andaman 

Sea, and western Sumatra). 


Notes: 

• Indian Ocean reef status and trends, in particular the effects of reef degradation on reefs 

and associated livelihoods 

• Biology and ecology of reef organisms living in extreme environments 

• Biological and ecological effects of the Sumatra-Andaman tsunami, in particular, studies 

addressing the putative protective role of marine and coastal ecosystems 

• Descriptive studies from previously unstudied locations 


33


Natural barriers against the Sumatra-Andaman tsunami: neither 

reefs nor coastal vegetation mitigated damage on land 

Baird AH 1 , Kerr AM 2 , Anggoro AW 3 , Ardiwijaya RL 4 , Campbell SJ 4 , Fadli N 5 , 

Herdiana Y 4 , Kartawijaya T 4 , Mukminin A 4 , Pardede ST 4 , Pratchett MS 1 , Rudi E 5 , 

Siregar AM 3 , Wahyuningrum PI 4 

1 ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, 

Australia 

2 Marine Laboratory, University of Guam, Mangilao, USA 

3 Institute Pertanian Bogor, Bogor 16151, Indonesia 

4 Wildlife Conservation Society, Bogor 16151, Indonesia 

5 Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, NAD, Indonesia 

The Sumatra-Andaman tsunami of 26 December 2004 was one of the greatest natural disasters in 

recorded human history. Many reports, most relying on anecdotal evidence, have suggested that 

intact and healthy coastal environments, such as coral reefs and mangroves, reduced tsunami 

damage in coastal communities. Here we test this hypothesis using a combination of environmental 

and geographic variables collected from the reefs and coast of Aceh, Indonesia. We performed 

stepwise regressions on inundation distance using variables including reef width, coral cover, reef 

aspect, percent cover of coastal vegetation and variables representing coastal and submarine 

topography. Nearly 70 % of the variation in inundation was explained by coastal topography. 

Inundation was independent of reef quality or cover of coastal vegetation prior to the tsunami. The 

wave stopped only when it reached the relevant inland contour, occasionally up to 4 km inland. We 

also outline serious flaws in all previous studies that suggested that natural barriers mitigated the 

effect of the tsunami. In conclusion, we still lack any quantitative support for shoreline vegetation 

or reefs moderating the 2004 tsunami and there is much to refute it. Consequently, any role of the 

hypothesis in environmental advocacy and formulating policy is misguided and potentially 

disastrous. 

Notes: 

34 



Post-tsunami assessment of the coral reefs of Aceh Province and 

North Sumatra, Indonesia 

Hagan AB 1 , Foster R 2 , Perera N 3 , Gunawan CA 4 , Silaban I 4 , Yaha Y 4 , Manuputty Y 4 , 

Hazam I 4 , Hodgson G 2 

1 Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, Landover, USA and Cambridge Coastal 

Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK 

2 Reef Check Foundation, Pacific Palisades, CA, USA 

3 IUCN (World Conservation Union), Sri Lanka Country Office, Colombo-7, Sri Lanka 

4 Reef Check Foundation Indonesia, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia 

The huge earthquake and resulting tsunami of 26 th December 2004 resulted in regionally variable 

patterns of impact around the Indian Ocean basin. The coast of Sumatra near the earthquake 

epicentre was the first to be struck, within one hour of the event. A collaborative expedition 

between the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, Reef Check International and IUCN 

(World Conservation Union) to the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia, was conducted in October 

2005. Typically tsunami damage was observed as overturned coral colonies and tree debris on the 

reef. Over half the sites surveyed indicated no tsunami damage and only 15% of the sites indicated 

a high level of damage. There was evidence that the earthquake had caused both uplift and 

subsidence of some islands. These processes have resulted in three impacts on reefs: 1) extensive 

mortality of uplifted reef-flat corals, 2) the bringing of reef-front corals into the reef-flat zone and 

3) the relocation of reef-flat communities to the reef-front. Both uplift and subsidence are likely to 

have implications for regional reef ecosystem dynamics; essentially this equates to a large-scale 

coral transplant experiment and only future monitoring will identify if and how corals adapt to such 

zonation changes. 

Notes: 


35


Coral reefs of the Andaman Sea - a reservoir of 'resilience' in the 

face of global warming? 

Brown BE 

University of Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom 

The reefs of the Andaman Sea are some of the least known in the world with a coral diversity as 

high as sites within the 'coral triangle' to the east. Sea temperatures in the region have been rising 

steadily over the last 50 years and since 2002 have been regularly above mean monthly values 

computed between 1961-1990, often exceeding seasonal maxima by 0.6 degrees C. Remarkably, 

bleaching events have not increased in frequency and severity over time as scientists predicted; the 

most intense and extensive bleaching occurred in 1991 and 1995 and all Andaman Sea reefs 

escaped the 1998 event which caused widespread mortality in the central and western Indian 

Ocean. 

The reasons for this apparent 'resilience' likely involve the dynamic oceanography of the region, 

with its reversing monsoon currents, internal waves, upwelling of cool waters along continental 

shelves and the setting of many coral reefs. Inshore reefs and those fringing high islands are 

frequently found in turbid conditions where they experience an extensive tidal range. This paper 

will review these physical factors, the resultant physiological tolerances of corals and their bearing 

on reef 'resilience' in an area where sea temperatures are rising at a rate of 0.14 degrees C per 

decade. 

Notes: 

36 



Lag effects in the impacts of the 1998 bleaching event on coral 

reef fisheries in the Seychelles 

Graham NAJ 1 , Wilson SK 1,2 , Jennings S 3 , Polunin NVC 1 , Robinson J 4 , Daw T 1 

1 School of Marine Science & Technology, University of Newcastle, UK 

2 Australian Institute of Marine Science, TMC, Townsville, Queensland 4810, Australia 

3 Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft Laboratory, 

Lowestoft, UK 

4 Seychelles Fishing Authority, Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles 

The 1998 global bleaching event was particularly devastating to the Seychelles, however little is 

known about how this will affect the reef fishery. We assessed the fringing reef fish assemblages of 

the inner islands in 1994 and 2005 using highly replicated UVC techniques. Using experimental 

trap data, we calculated species specific size of first capture. At both the species and trophic group 

level, there has been very little change in biomass of target fish. However, size spectra slopes were 

significantly less steep in 2005 and overall community abundance had significantly declined, even 

though biomass had remained stable. Change in community size-frequency abundance indicates 

that these trends are a result of a decline in smaller fish (40cm). Corallivores and planktivores have declined, mixed diet feeders display a mixed 

response, piscivores decline across medium size classes, and herbivores decline in smaller sizes 

and an increase in larger sizes. This loss of smaller size classes means that as larger fish die or are 

caught through fishing, fewer fish are replacing them. A time lag effect, related to the collapse of 

the reef matrix, may be in operation whereby the full effects of the bleaching on fishery species and 

the fish assemblage as a whole are yet to be realised. 

Notes: 


37


Slow recovery of coral populations after three bleaching events 

(1996, 1998, 2002) in the southeastern Arabian Gulf (Abu Dhabi, 

Qatar) 

Riegl BM 1 , Purkis SJ 1 , Al Cibahy A 2 , Abdel-Moeti A 2 , Al Mubarak R 3 , Launay F 3 

1 National Coral Reef Inst., USA 

2 Supreme Council for Environment and Natural 

3 Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi 

The southeastern Arabian Gulf used to be home to dense coral growth nearshore and on 

offshore islands and banks. Severe coral mortality occurred in 1996 and 1998, and 

bleaching in 2002. Surveys in 2004, 2005 and 2006 show coral populations, especially 

Acropora, remaining critically depressed. Best coral growth was observed in offshore areas 

close to the Gulf axis but some dense coral areas also existed in nearshore. In the lee of the 

Qatar peninsula coral population consisted mostly of surviving Porites (primarily 

harrisoni), few faviids and no Acropora. Densest Acropora populations were at Umm al 

Arshan, Halul and Sir Bu Nuer, with beginning settlement at Arzanah and Al Hil, all along 

the major axis of wind-driven currents. Remaining islands had regrowth by primarily 

faviids and siderastreids. Coral space-cover rarely exceeded 30% in best areas (Halul, 

Yasat Islands, Sir Bu Nuer, Ras Ghanada) and 5% on offshore banks and islands. Despite 

the fact that Arabian Gulf coral communities are adapted to repeated mortality events, 

three bleaching events in rapid succession caused so much mortality that several more 

decades are needed to achieve pre-1996 coral coverage values. It is unclear whether the 

warming world climate will allow that much time. 

Notes: 

38 



Impact of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami on the seafloor and 

corals at Mu Ko Similan Marine National Park, Thailand 

Chavanich S, Sojisuporn P, Viyakarn V, Siripong A, Menasveta P 

Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 

Thailand 

After the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the impact of the tsunami on coral reefs at Mu Ko Similan 

Marine National Park was investigated. The overall results showed that the damage to corals by 

the tsunami was low, although, the damage was found as deep as 27 meters. Most coral damage 

occurred between 10-20 meters where the seafloor was steep. Moreover, the current profiles from 

oceanographic surveys have shown that typically the current at the deeper depth is 2-3 times 

weaker than that near the surface. However, under the tsunami conditions, extraordinary strong 

currents occurred evenly throughout the whole water column. Therefore, during the tsunami the 

coral communities at the deeper depth that were not accustomed to strong currents (high dynamic 

energy) were prone to damage. In addition, intensive surveys showed that massive coral was the 

most susceptible to the tsunami at almost every study site. From the surveys, at Snapper Alley 

Point, 30-meter below mean seawater level we observed a significant amount of sand, up to two 

meters deep, was blown away from the seafloor. Ten months after the tsunami, monitoring surveys 

found that rocks at 30-meter depth, which were once covered by sand before the tsunami are now 

covered with a new recruitment of small soft corals. 

Notes: 


39


Dynamic change of coral reefs in the Andaman Sea, Thailand 

Phongsuwan N 

Phuket Marine Biological Center, Phuket, Thailand 

Coral community structure on fringing reefs of the west coast of Thailand has been monitored for 

over a decade (1991-2006). Reefs here have been subject to bleaching events in 1991 and 1995, 

lowered sea levels in 1998 and tsunami waves in 2004. Data collected from permanently marked 

transects on the upper reef slopes at 60 locations along the 700km coastline reveal four basic 

temporal patterns with 37% of reef sites showing damage from environmental factors followed by 

good recovery; 23% showing damage and little or no recovery while 33% were unaffected with 

live cover either remaining stable or steadily increasing until present. A further 7% of sites were 

damaged by the tsunami and are predicted to show recovery within the next 5-10 years if 

conditions remain favourable for reef growth. Overall these results confirm that the status of reefs 

on the west coast of Thailand is relatively good at the present time in comparison with those from 

other parts of the Indian Ocean which suffered badly from the 1998 ENSO-related bleaching event. 

Notes: 

40 



Disturbance to coral reefs in Aceh: impacts from the Sumatran- 

Andaman tsunami and pre-tsunami degradation 

Herdiana Y 1 , Kartawijaya T 1 , Pardede ST 1 , Ardiwijaya RL 1 , Anggoro AW, Sirgara 

AM, Campbell SJ 1 , Baird AH 3 

1 The Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, New York 10460, USA 

2 Institute Pertanian Bogor, Bogor 16151, Indonesia 


Queensland 4811, Australia 

Surveys of coral reefs at 49 sites were conducted in northern Sumatra to determine the nature and 

extent of tsunami damage and pre-tsunami disturbance. Evidence of tsunami damage, including the 

abundance of broken corals, recently killed corals and coral rubble, was patchy and varied 

dramatically between sites, and neither aspect, geographic location nor management regime had a 

demonstrable effect. The exception was that of recently killed corals which were more abundant 

where the tsunami was more intense. The abundance of over-turned corals was highly dependent 

on habitat and largely restricted to corals growing in unconsolidated substrata at depth, a feature we 

believe unique to tsunami disturbance. Interestingly, there was little correlation between damage 

variables, a result most probably driven by differences in the coral assemblage structure among 

sites. Coral cover was on average 2-3 times higher on reefs managed by traditional and government 

forms of marine resource protection when compared to areas of open access. In contrast, turf algae 

and coral rubble were 2-3 times more abundant in open access sites compared with marine 

protected areas. These results are consistent with a history of destructive fishing practices, such as 

bombing and cyanide fishing in areas of unrestricted fishing. 

Notes: 


41


Coral reef fish composition and structure in northern Sumatra in 

relation to habitat type, management and the Indian Ocean 

tsunami 

Campbell SJ, Kartawijaya T, Herdiana Y, Ardiwijaya RL 

Wildlife Conservation Society 

In April 2005 we examined the species diversity and abundance of coral reef fish off the coast of 

north-western Sumatra, an area devastated by the Indian Ocean tsunami. There was significant 

spatial variation in the overall species richness and abundance of coral reef fishes, yet this was not 

attributable to the affects of the recent tsunami. The abundance of some coral reef fish families was 

greater within marine protected areas compared to open access areas. Additional coral reef fish 

surveys in February 2006 at 33 sites and at two depths (0-2m and 6-8m) were conducted to 

examine fine-scale variations in reef fish community structure in relation to time, habitat and 

management type. The composition of reef fish assemblages differed between depths but overall 

reef fish abundance did not. Between 2005 and 2006 an increase in juvenile (


Scleractinian coral fauna of the Western Indian Ocean in a time of 

change 

Obura DO 

CORDIO, East Africa, Mombasa, Kenia 

The scleractinian coral fauna of the Western Indian Ocean has been poorly documented, due to 

their difficult taxonomy and low spatial replication of most historical studies. This paper will 

summarize the distributions of hard corals based on detailed field surveys at 9 areas in the region: 

Chagos archipelago, Cosmoledo atoll (Seychelles), Mayotte, Pemba (Mozambique), Mnazi Bay, 

Songo Songo, Mafia (Tanzania), Mombasa and Kiunga (Kenya), combined with observations from 

elsewhere and the literature. Data was collected in 217 individual samples over 162 days over 8 

years from 1998 to 2006. Time-based surveys allowed the construction of species accumulation 

curves on a per-dive and per-site basis, so that differences in dive-times could be corrected to 

obtain standardized richness estimates. Analysis of the predicted species richness of each area will 

be presented and used as a basis to discuss the biogeography of the study region and influence of 

the following factors: 

connectivity and dispersal in the South Equatorial Current and East African Coastal Current, 

southward dispersal of Red Sea/Gulf of Aden species in the Somali Current, confounding effects of 

the 1998 mass mortality of corals on regional distribution patterns and possible impacts of selective 

mortality of corals due to climate change on regional diversity patterns. 

Notes: 


43


44 



Oceanography and plankton 

Chaired by Amatzia Genin and Claudio Richter 


Coral reef processes are tightly linked to the physics and biology of their surrounding waters. 

Cross-boundary exchanges of planktonic food, eggs, larvae, nutrients, dissolved gases, and heat are 

crucial in shaping the reef community. Reefs, reef islands and headlands, in turn, generate complex 

secondary flows which are responsible for retention and dispersal – e.g. the self-seeding of some 

reefs vs. connectivity between others. Currents and topography interact in the generation of fronts 

which provide a sorting mechanism for drifting, floating, sinking and actively swimming particles 

affecting the distribution of sediments, eggs, larvae and plankton near coral reefs. 


Notes: 

• Field and modeling studies of advection, internal waves and turbulence near coral reefs 

• Reef effects on plankton, pelagic productivity, and microbial food-web 

• Pelagic-benthic coupling 

• Effects of advection and topography on pelagic ecological processes – plankton 

aggregation near fronts 

• Effects of advection and turbulence on benthic boundary layer processes 

• Advection and gene flow - retention and dispersal of larvae 

• and related themes. 


45


Towards a high-resolution model of the eco-hydrodynamics of 

the whole Great Barrier Reef, Australia 

Lambrechts J 1 , Bernard P-E 1 , Deleersnijder E 1 , Hanert E 2 , Legat V 1 , Legrand S 1 , 

Remacle J-F 1 , Wolanski E 3 

1 Universite Catholique de Louvain 

2 The University of Reading 

3 Australian Institute of Marine Sciences 

An unstructured-mesh, finite element, depth-integrated model of the hydrodynamics of the whole 

Great Barrier Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, has been developed and implemented on a parallel 

computer. Far away from reefs, islands and important bathymetric features, the mesh size may be 

as large as a few kilometres, whereas, in the vicinity of reefs and islands, the grid is drastically 

refined, leading to meshes that can be 100 metres in size. This enables our model to simulate 

motions characterized by a wide range of space and time scales. Large scale currents, i.e. the tides, 

the wind-induced circulation and the bifurcation of the East Australian Current, are reproduced 

with an accuracy that is comparable to that achieved by today's large-scale models of the GBR. The 

model is also successful at representing small-scale processes, such as tidal jets, their instabilities, 

as well as the eddies developing in the wake of islands and headlands. The influence of the small 

scales on the large scales will be investigated in the near future. Once validated, the model will be 

used for studying the connectivity between subdomains of the GBR. Then, an ecological module 

will be coupled with the present hydrodynamic code. 

Notes: 

46 



High pelagic productivity in waters bordering Ningaloo Reef, 

Western Australia: Links with the 1997-98 El Niño 

Furnas M 

Australian Institute of Marine Science 

Pronounced differences in phytoplankton community composition and primary production 

occurred between the austral summers of 1997-98 and 1998-99 in shelf and slope waters bordering 

Ningaloo Reef and the southern North West Shelf. In 1997-98, diatom assemblages typical of 

upwelling zones dominated phytoplankton populations. Daily primary production exhibited a 

range (0.5 to 8 g C m-2) typical of major Ekman upwelling zones. During the summer of 1998-99 

and in April 2002, prokaryotic picoplankton predominated, with lower biomass levels and pelagic 

production less frequently exceeding 2 g C m-2. Despite favourable winds, surface upwelling was 

inhibited by low-density surface waters in the southward flowing Leeuwin Current. Surface water 

temperatures remained in a warm, coral-favourable range. The strength of the Leeuwin Current 

affects the thickness of the surface layer and the mixing of nutrients into the euphotic zone. A 

weaker Leeuwin Current means a thinner mixed layer and greater nutrient mixing into the euphotic 

zone. Both the strength of the Leeuwin Current and primary production rates were inversely 

correlated with the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). The results suggest episodic El Nino events 

drive high pelagic productivity along the normally oligotrophic Western Australian coast in areas 

supporting coral reefs without concurrent low water temperatures. 

Notes: 


47


Connections between coral reefs: trajectories of coral larvae in 

the caribbean sea 

Pizarro V 1 ; Lonin S 2 , Thomason JC 1 

1 School of Biology & Psychology, Div. of Biology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne 

2 Faculty of Oceanography, Colombian Navy School 

Coral reef degradation is a critical world-wide management issue. Improved conservation strategies 

that prevent further degradation are imperative, and they should include an understanding of the 

life history of reef organisms, especially larval dispersal. Larval dispersal determines the 

connectivity of disparate reefs. It may therefore impact greatly on coral population dynamics and 

hence determine conservation strategies. We decided to obtain pre-competence, competence and 

longevity periods of the two most important Caribbean reef building corals (Montastraea annularis 

and M. faveolata) and couple that information with an advanced hydrodynamic model with a 

Lagrangian transport block based on the “random-walk” technique for sea-surface tracers. Twentynine 

coral reef areas were geographically positioned and the dispersal trajectories determined from 

there for competence and longevity times. Predictions from the model were tested by placing 

submerged panels at six stations on San Andres’ reefs and monitoring the recruitment of corals. 

Our results demonstrate that long-distance connectivity between Caribbean coral populations exists 

and the existence of at least three clearly defined intra-connected eco-regions in the Caribbean: A) 

Eastern Caribbean, B) Western Caribbean and C) Panama-Colombia Gyre. These eco-regions will 

need trans-national conservation strategies to be implemented to ensure the future and 

sustainability of their reefs. 

Notes: 

48 



Biophysical coupling of buoyancy currents, plankton behavior 

and benthic planktivory - a key trophic pathway in coral reefs 

Genin A 1 , Richter C 2 

1 Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Eilat, Israel 

2 Center for Topical Marine Ecology, Bremen, Germany 

Differential heating and cooling of the water column across the reef slope drives exchange 

processes between coral reefs and the adjoining ocean which play a critical role in coral reef biogeochemistry 

and ecology. The resulting onshore-offshore temperature gradients develop because 

the shallow water column in the nearshore zone experiences larger temperature changes than those 

in the deeper, offshore region when subjected to the same rate of heating or cooling. The resulting 

density gradients induce vertical motion: downwelling is generated during the cooling phase and 

upwelling during the heating period. The sinking and rising water masses, respectively, are 

compensated by horizontal cross-shore flows effectively replenishing plankton-depleted water over 

the reef. The vertical components of the currents induce counter-current swimming in depth- 

retaining zooplankters, resulting in their aggregation at the downwelling (or upwelling) front. 

Zooplanktivorous fish, which are highly adapted for feeding on patchy prey, effectively capture the 

aggregated zooplankters, driving a major pathway of carbon and nutrient import to the reef. Thus, 

bio-physical coupling plays a major role in determining the trophic dynamics of coral reef 

ecosystems. 

Notes: 


49


50 



Key taxa and processes 

Chaired by Christine Ferrier-Pagès and Sylvie Tambutté 


Session 6 will be dedicated to some key aspects of coral physiology and ecophysiology from the 

gene to the ecosystem. Processes involved in photosynthesis and calcification, as well as 

interactions between both processes will be considered. Studies on heterophy will concern both 

coral feeding and the effect of food supply on the animal metabolism. Studies concerning the 

moving field of gene flow and coral genomics will be highly welcome. 


Notes: 

• Processes of photosynthesis and calcification: from the gene to the ecosystem 

• Heterotrophy, coral feeding 

• Gene flow/coral genomics 


51


The vital role of heterotrophic feeding for Scleractinian corals 

Houlbrèque F, Tambutté E, Allemand D, Ferrier-Pagès C 

Stanford University, USA 

With some exceptions, most corals can be voracious predators and are able to use a variety of food 

sources such as dissolved and particulate organic matter, bacteria and zooplankton. In this study, 

we estimated the uptake of pico-and nanoplankton by corals and benthic reef organisms. Under 

controlled conditions, symbiotic and asymbiotic Scleractinian corals were able to consume picoand 

nanoplanctonic cells. The amount of nitrogen supplied by their ingestion is as high as the 

amount supplied by the dissolved nitrogen uptake. During an in situ field experiment, 

concentrations of picoplanktonic cells were depleted by 40% above the reef compared to the 

adjacent open waters, suggesting a removal by reef organisms. 

We investigated the effect of zooplankton feeding on different physiological parameters. For fed 

corals, the rates of photosynthesis, per unit surface area, are two to ten times enhanced due to the 

simultaneous increase in the zooxanthellae densities as well as in the amounts of chlorophyll per 

zooxanthellae. Feeding increases both dark and light calcification rates, as well as dark and light 

synthesis of the organic matrix. Our results suggest that the increase in the rates of calcification in 

fed corals might therefore be due to a feeding-stimulation of organic matrix synthesis. 

Notes: 

52 


The blues of coral reefs 


Levy O, Appelbaum L, Leggat B, Miller DJ, Gothilf Y, Hoegh-Guldberg O 

The University of Queensland and the University of Bar-Ilan 

Coral polyps show photosensitivity in the blue light region of the spectrum; hence they are capable 

of detecting the blue portion of lunar irradiance. Lunar illumination is an important factor for 

synchronizing spawning in many species of symbiotic corals. Many anthozoans respond to light. 

They exhibit phototaxis, expansion and contraction, spawning and circadian rhythmicity, but no 

specific photoreceptor cell has been identified and there are no reports regarding molecular 

components (circadian genes) of the biological clock regulating 24-hour rhythms in these animals. 

We hypothesize that circadian photoreceptors like cryptochromes (blue-light-sensing pigments), 

which have an evolutionary conserved role in the entrainment of circadian rhythms in plants, 

insects and vertebrates play a similar role in stony corals and that circadian rhythmic activity in 

corals is driven by conserved clock genes. 

We have isolated two genes in the coral host encoding sequences similar to those encoding 

cryptochromes in higher animals. Using RT-PCR procedures we characterize the genes expression 

in different light treatments and we show that both Cry1 & Cry 3 acts as blue light photoreceptors. 

This study is the first to explore circadian clocks in symbiotic invertebrates from marine 

environments and provide the basis for future research in other marine invertebrates. 

Notes: 


53


Genomic and microarray approaches to coral biology 

Miller DJ 1 , Rudd S 2 , Hayward DC 3 , Grasso LC 3 , Saint R 3 , Ball EE 3 

1 Comparative Genomics Centre, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia 

2 Centre for Biotechnology, FIN-20521, Finland 

3 Centre for the Molecular Genetics of Development and Molecular Genetics and Evolution 

Group, Research School of Biological Sciences, Australian National University, Canberra 

One unexpected outcome of preliminary analyses of EST and genomic data for the cnidarians 

Acropora, Nematostella and Hydra has been the discovery that a substantial number of genes 

assumed to have evolved in the context of vertebrate complexity are actually much older. One 

corollary of this is that, despite their morphological simplicity, corals and their relatives have 

surprisingly large numbers of genes relative to animals which are morphologically more complex, 

including most of the key families of transcription factors and cell signalling pathways, both of 

which appear to have been substantially elaborated prior to the divergence between the Cnidaria 

and Bilateria. A second surprising discovery is that a significant number of cnidarian genes have no 

known counterpart in other animals despite matching strongly with genes known from other 

kingdoms. At least some of these are likely to be ancestral, rather than having been acquired by 

relatively recent lateral gene transfer. The nature of these “non-metazoan” genes implies that 

cnidarians may use signalling pathways not previously known in metazoans, and have previously 

unsuspected metabolic capabilities. In addition, their presence has major applied implications - for 

example, coral thermal tolerances cannot be predicted based on known stress responses in “higher” 

animals. 

Notes: 

54 



Calcium transport and organic matrix synthesis in the 

calcification process of scleractinian corals, role of the 

calicoblastic epithelium 

Tambutté S, Tambutté E, Zoccola D, Moya A, Allemand D 

Centre Scientifique de Monaco, MC 98000 Monaco 

Whereas scleractinian corals are one of the major calcifying groups of organisms in the living 

world, calcification process largely remains a biological enigma. Formation of coral skeleton 

includes two fractions, one mineral and one organic, called organic matrix. In corals, skeleton is 

made of calcium carbonate crystallized in aragonite. In order to build their skeleton, corals have to 

supply calcium from ambient seawater to the calcification site. It is also now firmly established that 

organic matrix plays a major role in calcification. In corals, calcification occurs at the innermost 

margin of the ectodermal cells of the aboral layers i.e. the calicoblastic epithelium, thus the study 

of this layer is of major interest. We will present a review of the data that we have obtained for the 

coral Stylophora pistillata using complementary approaches: microscopy, physiology, 

biochemistry, molecular biology and replace them in the context of the existing literature. 

Notes: 


55


Cellular mechanisms of coral calcification 

Reyes-Bermudez A, Grasso LC, Hayward DC, Ball EE, Miller DJ 

James Cook University, Townville, Australia 

Scleractinian corals are responsible for much of the deposition of calcium carbonate occurring on 

coral reefs. In these animals, cells of the calicoblastic ectoderm secrete and mature an organic 

matrix in which calcium ions are concentrated and nucleation of CaCO3 crystals occurs. However, 

much of the detail of calcification remains unknown, largely because of the technical difficulties 

associated with access to the site at which it occurs. 

We are characterising genes that are candidates for roles in calcification in the model scleractinian, 

Acropora millepora, and are applying expression and microarray analysis in an effort to understand 

the early stages of coral calcification. Several calcium sensors have been identified and their 

expression patterns characterised during metamorphosis and the initiation of calcification. Two 

galaxin-related genes have been characterised; these are likely to play key roles in architecture of 

the coral organic matrix. Consistent with their proposed roles, the galaxin genes have temporally 

distinct (but overlapping) expression patterns in the aboral ectoderm of pre- and post-settlement 

larvae through to adults, suggesting a succession of organic matrix components during coral 

development. Preliminary microarray experiments, combined with in situ hybridisation and 

microscopy data, suggest roles for lipid metabolism and novel genes in calcification in corals. 

Notes: 

56 



Effect of light on calcification in a scleractinian coral Stylophora 

pistillata 

Moya A, Tambutté S, Tambutté E, Zoccola D, Caminiti N, Allemand D 


Most of scleractinian corals are inhabited by photosynthetic dinoflagellates, Symbiodinium sp., 

commonly called zooxanthellae. Through their photosynthesis, zooxanthellae have a crucial role in 

the phenomenon of light-enhanced calcification. Despite the plentiful literature on this 

phenomenon, mechanisms underlying the process of “light-enhanced calcification” remain largely 

unknown. 

The aim of the present study is to provide new informations on the light-enhanced calcification 

using Stylophora pistillata as a model. While many papers on this topic deal with in situ 

experiments, the originality of our work is to use controlled conditions of culture and constant light 

supply. 

In a first step, we determined if the light-enhanced calcification is due to a light-tempered 

parameter, or due to an endogenous circadian rhythm. For this purpose, we studied the diurnal 

cycle of calcification and performed free-running experiments under prolonged periods of dark or 

light conditions. 

In a second step, we made a fine analysis of the time necessary to switch from the light to the dark 

calcification rate and vice versa. We discuss our results in the context of two hypotheses of the 

light-enhanced calcification: 1) the role of symbiont’s photosynthesis on the pH and 2) the role of 

symbiont’s photosynthesis in supplying precursors of organic matrix. 

Notes: 


57


Intra-colonial variability in light acclimation of zooxanthellae in 

coral tissues of Pocillopora damicornis 

Ulstrup KE 1 , Ralph PJ 1 , Larkum AWD 2 , Kühl M 3 

1 Institute for Water and Environmental Resource Management and Department of 

Environmental Science, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia, 

2 School of Biological Sciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia, 

3 Marine Biological Laboratory, Institute of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark 

A novel experimental approach was applied to investigate heterogeneity of O2 concentration, gross 

photosynthesis rates and variable chlorophyll a fluorescence of PSII (photosystem II) in sun- and 

shade-adapted coenosarc and polyp tissues of Pocillopora damicornis. The combination of an O2 

microelectrode with a fibre-optic microprobe (combined sensor diameter


Light, photosynthesis, calcification and growth of hermatypic 

corals 

Dubinsky Z 1,2 , Levanon T 1,2 , Schwartzberg M 1,2 

1 The Mina & Everhard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences Bar Ilan University, Ramat 

Gan, Israel 

2 The Interuniversity Marine Sciences Institute, Eilat, Israel 

The light constrained depth distribution of zooxanthellate corals has been known for several 

decades, because of the energy dependence of corals on photosynthesis of their algal symbionts, the 

zooxanthellae. Likewise, the enhancement of coral calcification by light driven photosynthesis has 

been suggested by Tom Goreau as early as 1959. As a logic outcome, several attempts have been 

made to explain the basis of the phenomenon of “light enhanced calcification”. 

We discuss here the relation of symbiont photosynthesis and translocation of its products to the 

coral host, as function of light, and how the decrease of light with depth modulates the relation 

between photosynthesis and calcification. We also offer an attempt for an a posteriory explanation 

of the modification of coral morphology by light. 

In this study we compared the photoacclimation, calcification and morphology of S. pistillata 

colonies along the reef profile (5-65m) of Eilat, Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea in two seasons (winter & 

summer). 

Notes: 


59


60 



Reef ecological processes 

Chaired by Marta Ribes and Christian Wild 


In spite of decades of research on ecosystem science, many of its most fundamental questions still 

revolve around the transfer of organisms, matter, energy and related essential elements between 

system components. During recent years new methodologies are allowing us a better quantification 

of system fluxes and gain insight into how major ecosystem players, both species and functional 

groups, may interact with each other and the physical environment. Trophic dynamics of tropical 

coral reef ecosystems has called attention because of the role of these reefs in globally important 

biogeochemical processes. Studies on the sources of essential elements as well as on the factors 

controlling their uptake, and recycling are crucial ecological processes to understand reef 

functioning, the evaluation of human impact and for any conservation action. 


Notes: 

• Trophic dynamics and nutrient cycling, 

• Microbe-metazoan interactions, 

• Food webs and ecosystem structure. 


61


Estimates of dissolved nutrient uptake and release across a 

fringing reef of La Reunion 

Cuet P 1 , Atkinson MJ 2 , Fujimura H 3 , Blanchot J 4 , Cordier E 5 , Frouin P 1 , Suzuki Y 3 

1 ECOMAR, Université de la Réunion 

2 Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology 

3 Department of Biology and Geosciences, Shizuoka University 

4 IRD, UR167 (Cyroco) 

5 LSTUR, Université de la Réunion 

Significant changes in dissolved nutrient concentrations across reef flats have been difficult to 

measure. Results from mass-transfer studies of nutrient flux indicate that nutrient uptake is 

relatively slow compared to advection of nutrients, resulting in small changes in nutrient 

concentrations across most reef flats. Mass transfer studies also indicate that water velocity can 

affect nutrient uptake rates. To estimate daily gross community production (P), respiration (R) and 

the corresponding changes in nutrients, current drogues were tracked 27 times, 170 to 270 m across 

a fringing reef of La Reunion. Water was sampled upstream and downstream for carbon and 

nutrients; current speeds were calculated. P and R were approximately matched, implying there 

should be very little change in net nutrient flux across that reef (where net nutrient flux is the 

difference between nutrient uptake and nutrient release). Net flux of nitrate showed a velocity 

dependency. This velocity dependency was used to calculate rate-constants for nutrient uptake. 

Using net flux measurements, rate constants and nutrient concentrations, we calculated uptake and 

release of nutrients. Uptake of N was about 3.2 mmol N m -2 d -1 for nitrate and 2.5 mmol N m -2 d -1 

for ammonia; while uptake of P was 0.23 mmol P m -2 d -1 , giving a 25:1 uptake ratio for N:P. Our 

values corroborate estimates of nutrient uptake and release into other coral reefs. 

Notes: 

62 



Isotope tracer studies on the trophoecology of the cryptic 

encrusting coral reef sponge Halisarca caerulea 

van Duyl FC 1 , Moodley L 2 , de Goeij JM 1 , Nieuwland G 1 , de Kluijver A 1 , van Ijzerloo 

L 2 , Rutgers R 2 

1 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), AB Den Burg, Texel, The 

Netherlands. 

2 Netherlands Institute of Ecology (NIOO-KNAW), AC Yerseke, The Netherlands 

Cryptic habitats in coral reefs are sinks of dissolved and particulate organic matter. Encrusting 

filter feeding sponges, which cover up to 60% of hard substratum in cryptic habitats in coral reefs, 

regulate carbon flow pathways and organic matter recycling in this habitat. Particularly the removal 

of dissolved organic matter by encrusting sponges may be substantial and suggests the involvement 

of sponge associated microbes. We found that cryptic sponges harbor significant amounts of 

associated prokaryotes. Their role in the trophoecology of sponges is still poorly understood. 

Therefore we study the incorporation of different sources of organic matter in sponge and spongeassociated 

microbial biomarkers. Using isotope labeled substrates, we examined the trophic 

significance of major pools of organic matter for the Caribbean coral reef sponge Halisarca 

caerulea in in vitro incubations. The uptake and respiration of 13 C-enriched glucose, dissolved 

organic matter extracted from pelagic diatoms, bacteria and particulate algal carbon was compared 

in 1 and 6 hour incubations. Compound specific (fatty acids) and bulk tissue excess 13 C patterns 

will be used to evaluate the impact and relative importance of the different carbon pools and to gain 

insight into the role of associated microbes in the sponge trophodynamics. 

Notes: 


63


Physiological properties of reef corals: host, symbiont or 

environment? 

Mieog JC 1 , Martinez SA, Berkelmans R 1 , Olsen JL, Stam WT, van Oppen MJH 1 

Australian Institute of Marine Science, 

1 University of Groningen 

When assessing the physiological properties of hermatypic corals, three factors have to be taken 

into account: coral host, coral endosymbiont and environment. Because of practical difficulties, in 

the past it was often chosen to ignore the role of the endosymbiont. Recently however, several 

studies that did control for symbiont type have shown that zooxanthella type can influence the 

physiological properties of corals, sometimes to stunning degrees. 

Here I will discuss the results from a study assessing physiological properties of a reef coral, 

specifically designed to distinguish between host effects, symbiont effects and environmental 

effects. Coral offspring of two populations were raised and infected with zooxanthellae under 

controlled conditions. Each population was infected with two different clades of zooxanthellae, and 

a mixture of the two clades. After infection was established, each infection group was returned to 

the two locations of the parent’s populations. In the following months all groups were regularly 

monitored for growth and survival. After about 5-6 months, a heat-stress experiment was 

performed to assess heat-tolerance. The results show different preferences for zooxanthella type at 

the different locations, and differences in growth, survival and heat tolerance that can be attributed 

to host and/or zooxanthellae effects. 

Notes: 

64 


Algae kill coral by enhancing microbial activity 


Smith JE 1 , Shaw M 2 , Edwards RA 2 , Obura DO 3 , Pantos O 2 , Sala E 4 , Sandin SA 4 , 

Smriga SP 4 , Rohwer FL 2 

1 National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, University of California, Santa 

Barbara 

2 San Diego State University, 

3 CORDIO East Africa, Mombasa, Kenia 

4 Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego 

Declines in coral cover are generally associated with increases in the abundance of fleshy algae. In 

many cases it remains unclear whether algae are responsible, directly or indirectly, for coral death 

or whether they simply settle on dead coral surfaces. Here we show that algae can indirectly cause 

coral mortality by enhancing microbial activity via the release of dissolved compounds. When coral 

and algae were placed in chambers together but separated by a 0.02 micron filter, corals suffered 

100% mortality. With the addition of the broad-spectrum antibiotic ampicillin, mortality was 

completely prevented. Physiological measurements showed complementary patterns of increasing 

coral stress with proximity to algae. Our results suggest that as human impacts increase and algae 

become more abundant on reefs a positive feedback loop may be created whereby compounds 

released by algae enhance microbial activity on live coral surfaces causing mortality of corals and 

further algal growth. 

Notes: 


65


Coral spawning stimulates microbial life in the reef 

Wild C, Jantzen C 

Coral Reef Ecology Working Group (CORE), GeoBio-Center, Ludwig-Maximilians 

University, Munich, Germany 

In the Australian Great Barrier Reef corals during the so called “coral spawning event” release their 

sexual products synchronously during only one or a few nights each year, thereby delivering an 

enormous amount of organic material to the reef ecosystem. We show that the released coral eggs 

and sperms quickly stimulate the planktonic and benthic microbial metabolism and are degraded by 

microbial communities in the reef waters with C turnover rates of about 16 % C h -1 . Measurements 

before during and up to 3 weeks after an extensive coral spawning event in a high temporal and 

spatial resolution revealed that particulate organic matter (POM) concentrations in reef waters were 

increased immediately after the spawning event, while the amount of POM reaching the seafloor 

was increased for 20 days. Short-lasting planktonic and benthic microalgae blooms were observed 

in the reef lagoon within 1 week after the spawning event, indicating the simultaneous recycling of 

organic N and P and ensuing release of inorganic nutrients facilitating autotrophic growth. These 

findings hint to rapid recycling mechanisms for coral gametes in the reef. 

Notes: 

66 



Virus-like particles and heterotrophic bacterial dynamics within 

reef water and sediments associated with a mass coral spawning 

event in the Great Barrier Reef 

Patten NL 1 , Glud RN 2 , Eyre BD 1 , Mitchell JG 3 , Harrison PL 1 

1 Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia 

2 University of Copenhagen, Denmark 

3 Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia 

During coral mass spawning on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) large amounts of particulate matter 

are released from corals as gamete material. Previous studies have shown rapid degradation of 

gamete material through microbial processes. However there have been no direct studies 

investigating viral and bacterial dynamics during a coral spawning event. Employing flow 

cytometry, we show for the first time, temporal changes in virus-like particles (VLP) and bacterial 

abundances within reef waters and reef sediment before, during and following a mass spawning 

event on the GBR. VLP abundances ranged from 0.77 – 4.68 X 10 6 ml -1 and 0.86 – 3.48 X 10 8 ml -1 , 

and bacterial abundances ranged from 0.35 – 2.01 X 10 6 ml -1 and 0.20 – 1.72 X 10 8 ml -1 , in reef 

water and sediments respectively. Within reef water, VLP and bacteria abundances displayed diel 

cycles. Reef water VLP and bacterial abundances exhibited 3-fold increases, while virus-to bacteria 

ratios increased 6-fold following spawning, suggesting significant shifts in microbial populations. 

Sediment VLP and bacterial communities increased by 5.4 and 4.6-fold respectively concomitant 

with a 2.5-fold increase in sediment net primary productivity during the day and oxygen 

consumption at night time. These results suggest important roles for viruses and bacteria in 

microbial food web dynamics within oligotrophic coral reef environments during coral spawning 

events. 

Notes: 


67


Stardust of Planet Coral - are coral surface mucus layer bacteria 

„stardust“ from the water column? 

Guppy R 

University of Newcastle, United Kingdom 

There is growing evidence that the surface mucus layer (SML) bacterial community on corals is 

deterministic. However, although this community appears to be quite different from the one in the 

water column, all surfaces support a distinct community to the water column and the extent to 

which the SML bacterial community is ‘cultured’ by its host and/or represents a settler community 

has not been greatly explored. An initial assessment of the 16S rRNA gene bacterial diversity of 

coral SML and biofilms developing on glass plates was conducted using a combination of gel 

profiling and sequencing techniques. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) of DGGE 

fingerprints suggested that some overlap exists between these surfaces, but the differences were 

significant (ANOSIM, p < 0.001). Similarities between SML and biofilm bacterial communities 

based on both abundance and presence/absence using different techniques indicated that the two 

environments support distinct communities, with less than 10% of the identified species being 

common to both surfaces. The presence of several bacterial ribosomal sequences from bacteria that 

inhabit mucus layers of other organisms also indicates a mucus-specific bacterial community rather 

than passive settlement from the water column. 

Notes: 

68 


Coral mucus: a sticky trap for picoplankton 

Naumann M 1,2 , Wild C 1,3,4 , Richter C 2 


1 GeoBioCenter, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany 

2 Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Bremen, Germany 

3 Ocean Sciences Section, Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO, 

Paris, France 

4 Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany 

Retention of picoplanktonic cyanobacteria in mucoid exudates from scleractinian corals was 

measured in the field and in the laboratory. Cell densities of cyanobacteria in freshly collected 

Fungia mucus was on average 1 ± 0.2*10 4 cells ml -1 showing no significant difference to cell 

densities measured in seawater. Laboratory experiments with rotating chambers revealed increased 

clearance rates of Synechococcus when mucus was present amounting to 15 to 43% of the initial 

cell content within 1 h, while clearance due to cell aggregations ranged only between 3 and 8%. 

Additional incubation experiments in flow-through tanks displayed 15-fold picoplankton 

enrichment in aged mucus aggregates. In situ, aged mucus aggregates released by branching coral 

colonies (Acropora spp.) showed extensive enrichment with cyanobacteria (up to 4.6*10 6 cells ml - 

1 ). The rapid sedimentation (mean: 0.5 cm s -1 ) of the enriched aggregates suggests that coral mucus 

acts as vector for picoplankton enhancing pelagic-benthic coupling near coral reefs. 

Notes: 


69


A confederacy of processes: hierarchical control of reef-fish 

metacommunity structure 

MacNeil MA 1 , Rushton SP 2 , Polunin NVC 1 , Kulbicki M 3 

1 School of Marine Science and Technology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon 

Tyne, UK 

2 School of Biology and Psychology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 

3 Institut de recherche pour le developpement, Universite de Perpignan, Perpignan Cedex, 

France 

Reef-fish communities have been shown to respond to site, local, and regional processes that define 

the species richness, biomass, and community structure of a given reef system. In practice, fish 

communities are affected by multiple factors at any given time, leading to a hierarchy of processes 

interacting in space. The implicitly hierarchical structure of reef systems has been, to some extent, 

ignored, in favour solid empirical studies on one or a few key processes, or broad-scale analysis of 

theoretical ideas. Integrated analysis of local and regional processes as hierarchical systems 

requires a framework that is explicit about how the hierarchy is to be defined and how to infer 

processes based on its structure. Hierarchical models allow multiple process to be expressed in an 

ecologically meaningful way and to be compared by their relative importance. Here we apply 

hierarchical linear models to evaluate the relative importance of multiple processes driving 

metacommunity structure in a Polynesian archipelago. Specifically, we evaluate the contribution of 

spatial-dispersal and local-habitat factors in a hierarchical framework. 

Notes: 

70 




Long-term or large-scale observations of changes in reef 

communities I 

Chaired by Katharina Fabricius 

This session will serve as a forum to discuss long-term or large-scale changes in coral reef 

communities, to better understand and manage coral reefs. Successful reef management requires an 

integrative, ecosystem-wide science approach (ecohydrology), based on observational data, 

experiments and integrative ecosystem models. This session invites contributions that will help to 

better understand natural variation, and system responses to altered regimes such as terrestrial 

runoff through catchment modification, deteriorating water quality and increasing fishing 

pressures. Presentations may explore, but are not restricted to, concepts and relationships involving 

nutrient availability, predation, coral-algal dynamics, crown-of-thorns starfish, ecosystem health, 

ecological indicators and phase shifts. Studies may cover time scales spanning from geological to 

ecological periods, and/or spatial scales from regional to basin-wide studies. 

Notes: 


71


Effects of terrestrial runoff on coral biodiversity 

Fabricius K 

Australian Institute of Marine Science 

Water quality in coastal areas is changing in response to rapidly expanding land clearing and 

fertiliser use. Models estimate that 22% of all coral reefs are classified as at high (12%) or medium 

(10%) threat from land-based pollution and soil erosion. This talk provides an update of the present 

state of understanding of the effects of terrestrial runoff on coral reefs. The review identifies key 

reef ecological responses to the four main water quality issues, namely dissolved inorganic 

nutrients, enrichment with particulate organic matter, light reduction from turbidity and increased 

sedimentation. A number of case studies are presented that represent strong new evidence that the 

conditions of inshore reefs on the Great Barrier Reef has been altered through present water quality 

conditions. In particular, new research shows that hard coral species richness within a 400 km long 

region of the Great Barrier Reef exposed to agricultural runoff, is half of that expected given its 

latitude and locations. While direct effects of increased sedimentation and reduced light on coral 

reproduction and survival are important, profound detrimental effects on reefs also occur through 

increased nutrient availability, through proliferation of macroalgae, and increased outbreak 

frequencies of the coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish Acanthaster planci. 

Notes: 

72 



Variation in vitality components from coast to ocean throughout 

coral reef systems: the example of East Kalimantan 

Bak RPM, Nieuwland G, Nugues MM 

Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), The Netherlands 

Our question is: Are there relevant variables in coral organisms, coral community and coral 

condition changing at the large scale over whole reef systems? We studied coral reefs in the coastal 

setting, at the shelf edge and in oceanic islands throughout the Berau region reef system in East 

Kalimantan (Indonesia). Variables such as presence of dead and live coral, coral colony size, coral 

partial mortality and intensity of spatial competition varied significantly throughout the reef 

system. As a measure of coral metabolic function we measured RNA/DNA ratio in Porites and 

found a significant response of RNA/DNA ratio with depth in the coastal system. This confirms our 

earlier results using RNA/DNA as a parameter for coral holobiont functioning. Throughout the reef 

system, there were large variations in macroalgal (Halimeda) abundance among reefs. The 

distribution of macroalgae and coral disease could be coupled and this is the subject of ongoing 

studies. 

Notes: 


73


Functional groups and vulnerability of coral reefs 

Lokrantz J, Nyström M, Norström AV, Folke C 

Natural Resource Management, Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University 

Long-term persistence of coral-dominated reefs requires successful reorganization after disturbance 

such as coral mass bleaching events or hurricanes. Reports on phase shifts of coral reefs are rapidly 

increasing, but our understanding and ability to forecast such shifts is still in its infancy. Phase 

shifts seem to be promoted by loss of ecosystem resilience but current indicators of coral reef status 

fail to capture such loss. Direct measurements of resilience seem as an unattainable undertaking, 

but using measurements that infer indirect to resilience (surrogates) could provide one way of 

analyzing vulnerability of coral reefs. By using a diverse set of indicators (i.e. species diversity, 

abundance, biomass and size-class distributions) three functional groups of fish herbivores; 

bioeroders, scrapers and grazers, are used as surrogates to analyze the potential vulnerability in 

reorganization of five coral-dominated reefs outside Zanzibar Island (Tanzania). These groups are 

fundamental for successful reorganization of coral reefs after disturbance. Our results show that 

reefs classed to be in a good condition by conventional standards (e.g. coral cover), display signs of 

vulnerability when the status of functional groups is analyzed. 

Notes: 

74 



Coral Disease, outbreaks and environmental drivers on Indo- 

Pacific reefs 

Willis BL 1 , Page CA 1 , Sweatman H 2 , Jacobsen D 3 , Raymundo L 4 , Selig E 5 

1 School of Marine Biology & Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia 

2 Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia 

3 College of the Marshall Islands, Marshall Islands 

4 University of Guam Marine Laboratory, Mangilao, Guam 

5 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, USA 

Outbreaks of coral disease on Caribbean reefs have been escalating in the past few decades, but 

little is known about the frequency of disease outbreaks or their drivers on Indo-Pacific reefs. In 

2002-03, a long-term monitoring program on the Great Barrier Reef detected a dramatic increase in 

the abundance of white syndrome, manifested as a moving front of freshly exposed white skeleton. 

The greatest increases in white syndrome were on reefs most distant from the mainland, suggesting 

that terrestrial inputs were not a major driver. A highly significant relationship between frequency 

of temperature anomalies in the year preceding surveys and abundance of white syndrome, 

suggests a link between accumulated thermal stress and disease. Consistent and significant 

increases in the prevalence of coral disease between winter and summer surveys over four years 

provide further support for such a link. Evidence of white syndrome outbreaks in the Marshall 

Islands in 2004 and Palau in 2005 suggests that disease outbreaks are either more common on Indo- 

Pacific reefs than generally assumed or increasing in frequency. These results highlight the need 

for long-term monitoring programs of disease prevalence on Indo-Pacific reefs to determine if coral 

disease is increasing with ocean warming in the region. 

Notes: 


75


Massive phytoplankton bloom in Great Barrier Reef lagoon 

follows river discharge in central Queensland, Australia 

Brodie J, Rohde K, Faithful J, Masters B, Dekker A 

Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research, James Cook University, Townsville, 

Australia 

Intense wet season rainfall in January 2005 caused rivers in the Mackay Whitsunday Region of 

Queensland to produce river discharge to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) lagoon. Regional land use 

is dominated by sugarcane cultivation, beef grazing and urban uses. The high nutrient (nitrogen and 

phosphorus) fluxes from these land uses via river runoff produced a massive phytoplankton bloom 

in the GBR lagoon which after ten days had spread 150 km offshore. The plume and algal bloom 

surrounded inner-shelf reefs of the GBR such as Brampton Island Reef and its spread was tracked 

using a variety of satellite sensors over the ten day period. Samples from the plume revealed 

elevated concentrations of chlorophyll a (and hence phytoplankton biomass), nutrients and 

herbicide residues. The concentration data from the samples, particularly herbicide concentrations, 

and estimated exposure periods from the satellite images allow some estimates of risk to marine 

ecosystems of the GBR to be made. The results show that terrestrial-sources pollutants do travel far 

enough in the GBR lagoon in flood plume events to threaten inner-shelf coral reef, mangrove and 

seagrass ecosystems. 

Notes: 

76 



Coral colour responds to changes in water quality: validation of a 

bioindicator using reflectance spectrometry 

Cooper TF, Slivkoff M, Fabricius KE 

Australian Institute of Marine Science, Catchment-to-Reef Program, CRC Reef Research 

Centre. James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland. Curtin University, Perth, 

Western Australia 

Simple and cost-effective indicators are required to examine the effects of changes in water quality 

on corals. The aim of this study is to combine information on physiology, population and 

community ecology of corals to identify indicators responsive to changes in water quality. To 

achieve this, we have tested the efficacy of a broad range of indicators within different regions and 

along gradients of water quality in the GBR. One such indicator that demonstrates potential for use 

in monitoring programs is the response of coral colour. Coral symbionts can photoacclimate and 

respond to changes in water quality and light availability by changes in symbiont density, size, 

and/or the amount of photosynthetic pigments. This response can be measured as a change in coral 

colour using a simple, but potentially subjective, coral colour chart. To address this, we used highresolution 

visible reflectance spectrometry as a non-destructive, rapid and quantitative measure of 

coral colour. This talk will summarise results of laboratory and field experiments that have used 

spectral reflectance of corals to validate a coral colour chart that could be used in assessments of 

the health of nearshore coral reefs. 

Notes: 


77


Fish mariculture and the coral reefs of Eilat: an unhappy marriage 

Loya Y 

Tel Aviv University 

During the last two decades the coral reefs of the ECNR (Eilat Coral Nature Reserve) have been 

continuously degrading. Recent monitoring (2000-2004) in the ECNR's fore-reef revealed high 

partial mortality of corals and accelerated decrease in their living cover (-60%). The major cause 

for this deterioration, in the last decade, is nutrient enrichment caused by Eilat's fish farms. While 

most other anthropogenic deleterious factors have been minimized, controlled or stopped, the 

persistent influx of nutrients from the fish farms continues without any control. Even if there is the 

slightest doubt concerning the detrimental effect of eutrophication on reef corals, we cannot afford 

to let our reefs wait for unequivocal scientific proof. If eutrophication of the reef is not stopped, the 

final collapse of the unique coral reefs of Eilat is a certainty. In the past, this process might have 

taken 15-20 years. However, in view of the increasing demands we impose on our reef, and the 

problem of global warming, this process will probably be much faster. We should not let this 

happen. In its present fragile state of health, the only chance for restoration of the reef is immediate 

and extreme protection measures against all man-made perturbations. 

Notes: 

78 



Synoptic view of coral bleaching predictability and effects 

McClanahan T, Ateweberhan M, Sebastián CR, Graham NAJ, Wilson SK, 

Bruggemann H, Guillaume MM 

Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, NY, USA 

The ability to monitor coral bleaching events on a global basis has increased greatly with the rapid 

synoptic reporting of temperature data, hot spots, and degree heating weeks but have not been 

tested systematically, scaled in intensity, and against control sites with low DHWs values. We 

undertook a field-based synoptic view of coral bleaching spanning eight countries and ~35 degrees 

of latitude in the western Indian Ocean to test the accuracy of predictions derived from NOAA and 

JCOMM data, and to evaluate the current status of Indian Ocean coral reefs. Here we show that the 

ability to predict the degree of bleaching based on DHWs data was moderate, but increased when 

past temperature anomalies and coral community susceptibility were included. Given the recent 

increase in bleaching events and the predicted demise of coral dominated reef systems in the next 

20 years, there is a need to calibrate the predictive ability of these measurements with field studies, 

and to include factors reflecting local or regional acclimation in predictive models. There has been 

significant ecological reorganization of the coral reef communities in the western Indian Ocean 

since 1998 with the least affected but lower diversity reefs increasing to the south. 

Notes: 


79


Setting an ecological baseline for coral reefs: the Line Islands 

expedition 

Sandin SA 1 , Sala E, DeMartini EE 2 , Dinsdale EA 3 , Edwards RA 4 , Friedlander AF 5 , 

Jackson JBC 1 , Knowlton N 1 , Malay MC 6 , Maragos JE 7 , Obura DO 8 , Pantos O 9 , 

Paulay G 6 , Rohwer F 4 , Smith JE 10 , Smriga SP 1 

1 Scripps Institution of Oceanography 

2 NOAA Fisheries 

3 James Cook University of North Queensland 

4 San Diego State University 

5 The Oceanic Institute 

6 University of Florida, Gainesville 

7 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

8 CORDIO East Africa, Mombasa, Kenya 

9 University of Queensland 

10 National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis 

Most insights into the ecology of coral reef communities are derived from studies of 

anthropogenically-impacted systems. As such, we lack both a fundamental understanding of reef 

functioning without human disturbance and an ecological baseline for conservation and restoration 

efforts. To address this lacking, we quantified the biodiversity and trophic structure of the coral 

reef communities, from microbes to sharks, around four of the northern Line Islands in the central 

Pacific Ocean. Within one biogeographic region, these islands span a broad range of anthropogenic 

disturbance, from intense fishing pressure and nutrient input to essentially pristine with no historic 

human influence. 

Anthropogenic disturbance affected the reef ecosystems in two principal ways. (i) Local human 

impacts, in particular fishing, directly reduced the total biomass and changed the trophic structure 

of the fish community, and indirectly increased algal biomass and incidence of coral disease. (ii) 

Global human impacts, in particular climate change, appear to have reached even these remote 

reefs causing coral mortality. However, we found that the ability of reefs to recover from global 

warming events is increased through the reduction of local impacts. The information synthesized in 

this multidisciplinary study will guide the management of both healthy and degraded coral reef 

systems. 

Notes: 

80 



Microbial community, oxygen and sulphide dynamics in organic 

rich and poor sediments deposited on Montipora peltiformis 

Weber M, Abed R, de Beer D, Lott C, Fabricius KE 

Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology 

We investigated the effects of organic matter in the sediment while exposed on the coral Montipora 

peltiformis for a period of 4 to 6 days. Organic-rich sediments appeared to be much more effective 

in killing corals. We tested the hypothesis that the damage on corals by sedimentation stress is 

microbially mediated. To determine the mechanisms responsible for the physiological stress and 

subsequent death in sediment-exposed corals we followed oxygen and sulphide concentration in the 

sediment layer using microsensors. The accompanied microbial changes of the sediment were 

monitored using 16S rRNA-based molecular tools. Photosynthesis was measured by pulseamplitude 

modulated chlorophyll fluorometry (PAM), which varied greatly between organic-rich 

versus organic-poor sediment and could be correlated with oxygen and sulphide profiles. In 0.6% 

OC enriched sediment oxygen was depleted immediately after sediment accumulation and sulphide 

developed within 24 h. Neither oxygen depletion nor sulphide development was measured in the 

control sediment. Differences in profiles could be related to the geochemistry of the sediments and 

to their different microbial community, which indeed can be responsible for the fast irreversible 

damage on corals. This study provides a better understanding about relationships between coral 

stress-responses and sediment properties. 

Notes: 


81


Phase shift in coral reefs and its ecological implications in Eilat, 

Gulf of Aqaba 

Bahartan K, Israel A, Abelson A 

Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel 

The substantial degradation of coral reefs worldwide is often characterized by decreasing of coral 

live-cover accompanied by proliferation of algae ("phase shift"). Transition of coral reefs to turf 

algae dominance is a recent phenomenon in the Eilat coral reef, as well as in other sites along the 

Gulf of Aqaba, Red sea. The aim of this study was to survey the 'algal turf takeover' phenomenon, 

to define the algal mosaic and to assess the ecological implications of this phenomenon in the reef. 

Surveys were placed along the Northern Gulf coasts at three depths (2, 5 and 10 m), in order to 

estimate the coral-alga dynamics in the reef. The algal turf was found to consist of an array of 

several species of red algae (Rhodophyta) creating a 'hairy-like black layer', which covers spacious 

surfaces of rocks and dead corals. The algal turfs were found to be stable throughout the year, with 

no significant changes during the winter vertical mixing in the Gulf, which normally induces 

seasonal algal bloom. As expected, significant negative correlation was found between sea urchin's 

presence and turf cover. However, reef knolls at the same sites, despite the absence of sea-urchins, 

are clean of any turf. Various ecological implications of turf dominance (e.g. increased 

sedimentation and declined coral recruitment), will be discussed. 

Notes: 

82 



Long term analysis of the spatial distribution and development of 

a Red Sea coral reef, Aqaba 

Luna S 

University Bremen / Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Bremen, Germany 

Patterns of spatial and temporal distribution of coral functional groups were analyzed in a 25m 2 test 

area in the middle fore reef in Aqaba. Time series pictures from the area taken in 1976, 1982, 1989 

and 2005, were compared using a geographic information system for variations in coral cover, 

species richness and colony size distribution. Furthermore, literature from environmental factors 

and CaCO3 consumption were collected, and sedimentation rates during the sampling time 2004- 

2005 were measured. Spatial distribution was analyzed using the Ripley K-test (L-function) which 

calculates if a distribution is clumped, random or regular. This test has been extended to analyze 

associations between two event types showing aggregation or repulsion. Live coral cover was 

affected by deep vertical mixing events which seem to inhibit rehabilitation due to increased 

nutrient loads resulting in phytoplankton and algal blooms. Bioerosion raised the amount of 

sediment that was constantly resuspended and resulted in partial mortality of larger colonies. 

Patterns of distribution showed to be clumped among coral functional groups and no significant 

associations were found between functional groups. The resulting patterns might be an artifact of 

the two dimensional scale used (pictures) for analyzing dynamics of a highly structured 

environment, where protected areas play a determinant role on the distribution of species. 

Notes: 


83


84 




Long-term large-scale observations of changes in reef 

communities II 

Chaired by Carles Pelejero and Hiroya Yamano 

Any efforts to preserve, protect, and manage coral reefs need of reliable programs for quantitatively 

monitoring, mapping and assessing the dynamics of community distribution. This allows the 

investigation of environmental stressor-response relationships and provides the capability to 

efficiently screen and predict the current and future health of these biodiversity rich ecosystems. In 

this session, we wish to invite contributions covering a wide range of questions and scales. First, 

we aim at focusing on the emerging environmental problem of ocean acidification, both from an 

observational point of view, with actual instrumental measurements or proxy-derived trends in 

reef-water pH and other parameters of the CO2 system in seawater and, on the other hand, from an 

ecological perspective of possible threats that future acidification will pose to coral communities. 

Any kind of experimental work addressed to unravel this issue will be most welcome as a 

contribution to this session. Second, we would also like to invite contributions focused in the 

ecological effects of disturbances (e.g. coral bleaching) from different approaches, experimental, 

theoretical and from long-term large-scale observations. Third, we intend to assess and demonstrate 

the effectiveness of being able to monitor coral reefs and their surrounding environment using 

remote sensing, a powerful scientific discipline that continues to improve through advances in 

detector technologies, the acquisition of spectral information on bottom features, increases in the 

spatial and spectral resolution of sensors, as well as by improved computer capabilities and analysis 

methods. We strongly encourage contributions on the use of these techniques, with examples of 

successful applications in the understanding of coral reef communities and their unique 

ecosystems. 

Notes: 


85


Improved early warning of coral bleaching using seasonally 

centred sea surface temperature developed from AVHRR Data 

Klaus R, Turner J 

University of Wales Bangor 

Corals are promoted as sensitive indicators of global climate change, and their mass bleaching has 

been correlated with sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies of 1oC above local summer maxima. 

A new index is proposed, called Seasonally Centred SST anomalies (SC-SSTA), developed using 

Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data, which reveals that SST anomalies 

occurring in the year PRECEDING the bleaching event significantly affect the severity of 

bleaching related mortality. The current early warning system to predict bleaching uses indices 

based on the 1oC threshold derived from sea surface temperature (SST) data. We compared the 

predictions from these indices for the 1997-1998 coral bleaching event in the Indian Ocean with 

field observations at a suite of islands (Mauritius, Rodrigues, Seychelles, Andamans and Socotra) 

and 84 additional sites reported in the literature. The existing indices lacked the spatio-temporal 

resolution necessary to explain the variability in the severity of reported bleaching, as they ignore 

the influence of seasonal temperature anomalies other than those above the maximum temperature. 

In contrast, the new index more accurately predicted mass bleaching and mortality (80% cf 45%), 

and will serve as an improved tool for reef managers. 

Notes: 

86 



Climate change, spatio-temporal variation in seawater, 

temperature, coral bleaching and mortality in East Africa 

McClanahan TR 1,2 , Ateweberhan M 2 , Muhando C 3 , Mohammed MS 3 

1 Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, New York, USA 

2 Coral Reef Conservation Project, Wildlife Conservation Society, Mombasa, Kenya 

3 Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Tanzania 

The role of background temperature history in influencing coral bleaching and mortality in East 

Africa in 1998 and 2005 was explored. A variety of temperature statistics were calculated and their 

relationships with the degree heating months (DHM) determined. Changes in coral cover were 

analyzed in a north-south direction, from Kenya to the Comoros Islands. Temperature variation 

(standard deviation) predicts most of the variation in DHM98, and the relationship of the current 

SST rise in East Africa and DHM varies depending on the site-specific temperature history. The 

effect of the 1998 bleaching-induced mortality was higher in Kenyan than Tanzanian and 

Comorian reefs and is negatively associated with the temperature SD and positively with DHM. 

Bleaching responses to warm temperature anomaly in 2005 was also negatively related to 

temperature variation but it was positively correlated with water flow speed. Tanzanian reefs have 

relatively higher cover and species diversity and were less affected by the 1998 bleaching event. 

They may represent refugia where corals avoid the effect of increased temperature anomalies; they 

are a conservation priority and should be targeted for further ecological research in order to 

understand how resilience evolves in reefs that maintain high coral cover, high diversity and 

ecological functioning. 

Notes: 


87


Large-scale, multi-site analysis of reef spatial architecture: Order 

out of the chaos 

Purkis SJ 1 , Kohler KE 1 , Rohmann SO 2 , Riegl BM 1 


2 U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Through a variety of recent initiatives, reef-scale habitat maps derived from remotely sensed data 

have become widely available to the public. Presented is a meta-analysis of reef-scale map 

products covering both reef and non-reef areas from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. For 

each site, benthic habitat maps were decomposed to polygons describing the perimeter of patches 

of differing benthic character. A suite of geospatial metrics quantifying unit-shape, fractal 

dimension and lacunarity were applied to the polygon sets to investigate the intra- and intersite 

variability within the reefal landscapes. The spatial architecture of the reef sites was shown to 

display robust fractal properties over an extended range of scales and may possibly demonstrate an 

underlying chaotic mechanism of patch formation. Systematic relationships between habitat type 

and geospatial property were identified and represent a step towards a generic statistical 

classification of benthic units on the basis of their shape and complexity. The use of spatial metrics 

allows the quantification of the reefal systems and their associated complexity by a small number 

of indices and as such, the presented techniques have the potential to reduce the present reliance on 

spectral-based mapping methods, while offering insight into the functionality of carbonate 

landscapes. 

Notes: 

88 



Detection of ecologically significant changes in coral reef 

environments from remotely sensed imagery 

Lim A, LeDrew E, Mumby PJ, Ticzon V, Roelfsema C 

University of Waterloo, University of Exeter, University of the Philippines, University of 

Queensland 

One of the issues surrounding the use of remote sensing to detect changes in coral reef 

environments is the lack of information to ecologically evaluate changes that are occurring on reefs 

from the remotely sensed images. Although there may be information available through monitoring 

programs carried out on particular reefs, that information is usually not location specific. Thus, we 

may be able to use that information to determine the overall changes that have occurred on that 

reef, but we cannot correlate them to the changes distinguished on the images produced by the 

various change detection algorithms. In this study we utilize a spectral model of a fore reef and 

simulate ecological changes to that reef using established models that approximate the impacts of 

hurricanes and bleaching to varying degrees of severity. Appropriate changes to the spectral 

characteristics of the reef are then made and change detection analysis is then carried out on the 

images to determine the ecological significance of such changes as would be evident in the images 

and to identify the spatial scale at which these disturbances may be meaningfully detected. 

Notes: 


89


Validation of Along Track Reef Imaging System (ATRIS) image 

quality and vessel navigation on the coral reefs of Tobago, West 

Indies 

Brock JC, Day O, Foster K, Thompson P 

U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg, Buccoo Reef Trust, Tobago, West Indies 

The capability of the Along Track Reef Imaging System (ATRIS) to provide voluminous, precisely 

geo-located digital substrate images of reef substrates has been evaluated. The ATRIS is a vesselmounted 

instrument that acquires continuous digital still EXIF-format images of shallow-marine 

substrates. The ATRIS incorporates subsystems for 1) vessel navigation, 2) benthic imaging, and 

3) bathymetric surveying. The imaging subsystem incorporated a forward-looking video camera, 

and a Nikon D1x digital still camera mounted in a waterproof housing that was deployed on a 

motorized vertical pole attached to the 32’ survey vessel. Images acquired at a rate of 

approximately 1000 per hour, camera-to-seafloor ranges from a precision bathymetric sounder, and 

camera GPS position and time were instantaneously transferred to a computer with 0.5 terabyte 

storage capacity. 

A roughly 30,000 image data set was acquired across reefs fringing the leeward coast of Tobago 

over an eight day period in April May 2006. Validation of ATRIS performance involved the 

evaluation of image quality, and a test of the accuracy of image geo-location. The image quality 

evaluation established correlations between ranked Nikon D1x camera image quality, internal 

camera variables (shutter speed, f-stop), and external environmental variables (water depth, camera 

range, vessel speed). 

Notes: 

90 



Using Reef Check monitoring database to develop the coral reef 

index of biological integrity 

Nguyen THY 1 , Pedersen O 2 , Ikejima K 3 , Sunada K 4 , Oishi S 4 

1 University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan. 

2 Freshwater Biological Laboratory, Biological Institute, University of Copenhagen, DK 

3 Integrated Tropical Coastal Zone Management Interdisciplinary Program, School of 

Environment, Resource and Development, Asian Institute of Technology, Pathumthani, 

Bangkok, Thailand. 

4 Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of 

Yamanashi, Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan. 

The Coral Reef Index of Biological Integrity (CR-IBI) were constituted based on ReefCheck (RC) 

monitoring data and its bioindicators’. 76 “reference” and 72 “degraded” sites in shallow water and 

39 “reference” and 37 “degraded” sites in deep water were classified based on the criteria: >35% 

of HC frequency, the ratio of (FL +DC)/(FL + DC + HC)


Sponge bioerosion: yet another threat to coral reefs? 

Schönberg CHL 

Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Germany 

Bioeroding sponges recently receive growing attention internationally. This is partly due to their 

response to globally changing conditions such as eutrophication, climate change and acidification. 

Changes have led to significant disturbances on coral reefs, e.g. mass mortalities and the putative 

increased incidence of diseases. Some bioeroding sponges appear to benefit and not to suffer from 

such changes. The present study shows that the abundance of a bioeroding sponge community on 

the Great Barrier Reef grew by 50% when compared before and after severe bleaching events. Two 

key species were Aka mucosa (Bergquist, 1965) and the symbiotic Cliona orientalis Thiele, 1900. 

Both are capable of invading live coral. The latter is exceptionally resistant against bleaching. The 

sponge’s hardiness may be explained by its sheltered, endolithic life style. Furthermore, it contains 

a unique, relatively robust G-clade Symbiodinium. The symbionts are moved around within the 

sponge depending on conditions. Given the fact that sponges are major internal bioeroders in tropic 

environments, we can predict rising levels of global bioerosion if present trends continue. This may 

lead to decreases in complexity in reefal environments, lower biodiversities, reduction of 

availability of habitats, and to economic losses for the fisheries and the tourism industries. 

Notes: 

92 



Photographic determination of chlorophyll content in corals: 

implications for monitoring 

Winters G, Beer S, Blekhman A, Holzman R, Loya Y 

Tel Aviv University, Hebrew University, Technion Institute 

Degradation of coral reefs has become a concern among scientist, policy makers, and politicians, 

alike. Coral color has been suggested as an indicator of environmentally induced stress in corals. 

However, problems such as the attenuation of color with depth, comparing photographs taken at 

different lighting conditions and the issue of scoring color have held back this technique. Here we 

present the development of photographic, accurate and easy to use methods for quantitative 

measurements of chlorophyll abundance using coral color. The intensity of RGB channels in digital 

pictures of corals, photographed in situ were compared to chlorophyll abundance in Stylophora 

pistillata corals. Variations in external light were eliminated by photographing corals through a 

specially built opaque funnel with an internal light source, or by normalizing color channels to a 

grey scale as an intensity reference. In both methods chlorophyll abundance was highly correlated 

with intensity of the red channel, despite large variations in lighting conditions during photography. 

These photographic, non-intrusive methods for the determination of chlorophyll enabled 

assessment of temporal, spatial, and stress-induced variations in chlorophyll abundance. 

Notes: 


93


94 



Stress responses in corals 

Chaired by Barbara Brown and John Bythell 


The above session welcomes papers on stress responses of corals at the organism, cell and 

molecular levels. In particular we would encourage papers that improve our understanding of 

disease processes in corals; that further our knowledge of the bleaching response and which clarify 

the interactions between bleaching and disease. 

Notes: 


95


Synergistic stress on corals: effects of chronic parrotfish grazing 

on coral bleaching recovery and coral reproductive fitness 

Rotjan RD 1 , Dimond JL 2 , Thornhill DJ 3 , Leichter JJ 4 , Helmuth B 5 , Kemp DW 3 , 

Lewis, SM 1 

1 Department of Biology, Tufts University. Medford, USA 

2 Department of Biological Sciences, University of Rhode Island. Kingston, RI 

3 Institute of Ecology, University of Georgia. Athens, GA 

4 Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UCSD. La Jolla CA 

Coral grazing by Caribbean parrotfishes is an infrequent event that has historically received little 

attention. However, recent work has shown that corallivory affects several important hermatypic 

coral species, and can influence their distribution, growth, and survival. Here, we examine the 

consequences of corallivory in the context of a bleaching event caused by multiple stressors in this 

case, elevated seawater temperatures in combination with hurricane stress. While the proximal 

environmental triggers of bleaching are reasonably well understood, considerably less is known 

concerning physiological and ecological factors that might exacerbate coral bleaching or delay 

recovery. During a bleaching event in Belize, Montastraea spp. corals that had been previously 

grazed by corallivorous parrotfishes showed a persistent reduction in symbiont density compared to 

intact colonies. Additionally, grazed corals exhibited greater diversity in the genetic composition of 

their symbiont communities, changing from uniform ITS2 type C7 Symbiodinium prior to 

bleaching to mixed assemblages post-bleaching. Furthermore, we investigate the reproductive 

consequences of corallivory on Montastraea annularis corals, using histological tools to compare 

the reproductive output of grazed colonies versus intact colonies. Taken together, our results 

suggest that chronic predation may exacerbate the influence of environmental stressors and may 

have long-term recovery and reproductive consequences. 

Notes: 

96 



Housing a cool guest: Contributions of different Symbiodinium 

types to the physiological response of coral holobionts exposed 

to heat and light stress 

Abrego D 1,2 , van Oppen M 1 , Willis B 2 

1 Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia 

2 School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Australia 

The impacts of warming seas on the frequency and severity of bleaching events are well 

documented, but we know very little about the potential for different Symbiodinium types to 

enhance the physiological tolerance of the coral holobiont. We examined the response of juvenile 

corals of Acropora tenuis, hosting either type C or D Symbiodinium, in a series of heat and light 

stress experiments. Despite the fact that Symbiodinium type D is generally recognised as more heat 

tolerant, we found that A. tenuis juveniles harbouring type C were consistently more tolerant to 

heat and light stress than those hosting type D. This was based on measurements of maximum 

quantum yield of fluorescence in Photosystem II (Fv/Fm ratios), changes in tissue pigmentation, 

and mortality. In the highest light and temperature treatment (32ºC), Fv/Fm ratios in type D 

juveniles were 29% lower than those of type C juveniles. Similarly, 94% of D juveniles were 

bleached or dead by the end of this experiment, in contrast to only 33% of C juveniles. These 

results suggest that host factors may influence the contributions of Symbiodinium types to 

holobiont physiology and demonstrate that type D Symbiodinium does not enhance the 

thermal/light tolerance of juvenile A. tenuis. 

Notes: 


97


A comparative study of microbial community interactions and 

divergent cellular processes in coral diseases and bleaching 

Ainsworth T, Hoegh-Guldberg O 

Center for Marine Studies, University of Queensland 

Diseases of corals have become widely reported in recent years and are believed to be increasing 

worldwide. The microbial involvement in reef demise is now increasingly linked to environmental 

change and coral bleaching. Coral function relies on the coral-zooxanthallae symbiosis and 

associated microbial communities together forming the coral holobiont. Given the potential of 

microbial systems to affect reef ecosystems, it is necessary to understand the role of microbial 

communities in stable and disturbed reef environment, and the associated holobiont processes of 

disease and cell death. This research investigates the uniformity of coral microbial and cellular 

changes associated with divergent disease syndromes and bleaching events. Here we use 

fluorescence in situ hybridization to investigate the changing architecture of the coral-microbe 

association and histopathological techniques to investigate and compare coral holobiont responses. 

This research aims to add to a diagnostic toolkit for differentiating and classifying cytological 

changes in corals associated with disease and stress. 

Notes: 

98 



Black Band Disease (BBD) in Eilat (Red Sea): diving into the BBD 

microbial community 

Barneah O, Ben-Dov E, Kushmaro A 

Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer 

Sheva Israel 

Black Band Disease (BBD) in the Red Sea mainly affects massive stony coral species belonging to 

at least five genera including Favia, Favites, Goniastrea, Platygyra and Hydnophora. Microscopic 

observations of BBD in Eilat revealed cyanobacterial filaments different from those of the 

Caribbean BBD cyanobacteria. Spectrophotometric measurements of the filament pigments showed 

absorption maxima at 565 nm, indicating the presence of the light-harvesting cyanobacterial 

pigment phycoerythrin. Molecular diversity of microorganisms associated with BBD of massive 

stony corals in Eilat was studied. Clone libraries were constructed from samples of diseased corals 

(collected at summer, autumn and spring). Analysis of libraries from Favia favus and Favites sp. 

BBD mats identified 16S rDNA cyanobacterial sequences similar to cyanobacteria clones obtained 

from diseased corals from the Great Barrier Reef, Australia and less similar to those from the 

Caribbean. The composition, diversity and partitioning of bacterial communities will be discussed. 

Notes: 


99


Targeted functional genomics of coral stress 

Matz M 1 , Field S 2 , Konzen K 2 , Seron T 2 , Becker K 3 

1 University of Texas at Austin 

2 University of Florida 

3 National Institute of Aging 

Monitoring expression levels of 150-200 genes that respond to stress may provide sufficient data to 

evaluate stress intensity as well as recognize the contribution of particular stress factors. We 

performed three two-way subtractive hybridizations to obtain cDNA samples enriched by the 

transcripts that are either up- or down-regulated in Porites lobata during any of the following three 

types of stress: elevated heat/light, exposure to copper and inflammation following mechanical 

injury. The array of 3456 randomly picked clones from these samples has been manufactured. Its 

characterization thus far identified 258 clones that are reproducibly differentially expressed and 

correspond to 154 unique clusters, which represents 70-90 individual genes. Among those, there 

are genes implicated in oxidative phosphorylation, antibacterial response, neurogenesis, signal 

transduction, morphogenesis, skeleton deposition, mucus metabolism etc. We are presently 

extending our gene collection by analyzing more stressors. These experiments will provide a 

wealth of data bearing on the basic molecular mechanism of stress response in corals, leading to 

better understanding of possible long-term effects of ecologically relevant natural and 

anthropogenic processes on coral reefs. 

Notes: 

100 



Relative sensitivity of biomarkers as early indicators of 

environmental stress in corals 

McDougall KE 1 , Boyd KG 1 , Gibb SW 1 , Brown BE 1,2 , Downs CA 3 

1 Environmental Research Institute, North Highland College, UHI Millennium Institute, 

Thurso, Caithness, UK 

2 School of Biology, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 

3 Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, Clifford, Virginia, USA 

It is now clear that corals exhibit an array of pathological and physiological responses to 

environmental pressures depending on the degree or type of stress to which they are exposed. 

These range from more obvious and easily quantified responses such as the severe loss of 

zooxanthellae to more subtle changes in the host and symbiont such as an increased expression of 

heat-shock proteins. This has resulted in a number of diverse chemical biomarkers being proposed 

as indicators of bleaching stress in corals. Here we evaluate three of these chemical biomarker 

systems, fatty acid profiles, the ratio of the xanthophylls diadinoxanthin and diatoxanthin and the 

production of chlorophyll a-like compounds, in a study designed to assess the sensitivity of the 

branching coral Pocillopora damicornis to increased levels of heat and light. The results indicate 

that the production of chlorophyll a-like compounds provides an earlier indicator of stress than the 

xanthophyll ratio when assessing samples on a daily basis. Fatty acid profiling was found to be 

less sensitive than the other two methods. These observations support the use of chlorophyll a-like 

compounds as sensitive diagnostic markers of bleaching. 

Notes: 


101


Catalase characterization and implication in bleaching of a 

symbiotic sea anemone 

Merle P-L, Sabourault C, Richier S, Furla P, Allemand D 

UMR-1112 UNSA-INRA Réponse des Organismes aux Stress Environnementaux 

Oxidative stress is suspected to be involved in cnidarian bleaching, i.e. symbiosis disruption 

between animal cells and their photosynthetic symbionts (named zooxanthellae). Studying antioxidant 

balance is then crucial to understanding how symbiotic cnidarians cope with reactive 

oxygen species production. This study therefore investigates catalase antioxidant enzymes and the 

implication of their inhibition in the bleaching of the temperate symbiotic sea anemone, Anemonia 

viridis. Using specific separation of animal tissues (ectoderm and endoderm) from the symbionts 

(zooxanthellae), spectrophotometric assays and native PAGE revealed both tissue-specific and 

activity pattern distribution of two catalase electrophoretypes, E1 and E2. E1, expressed in all three 

tissues, presents high sensitivity to the catalase inhibitor aminotriazole (ATZ) and elevated 

temperatures. The ectodermal E1 form is responsible for 67% of total catalase activity. The E2 

form, expressed only within zooxanthellae and their host endodermal cells, displays low sensitivity 

to ATZ and relative thermostability. We further cloned an ectodermal catalase, which shares 68% 

identity with mammalian mono-functional catalases. Finally, 6 days of exposure to ATZ (0.5 mM) 

led to effective catalase inhibition and initiated symbiont expulsion, thereby demonstrating the 

crucial role of this enzyme in cnidarian bleaching. These results may help to understanding the role 

of the anti-oxidant balance in symbiotic cnidarian physiology and pathologies. 

Notes: 

102 



Effect of sub-lethal increases in temperature on the growth and 

photosynthesis of two Mediterranean corals: Cladocora 

caespitosa and Oculina patagonica 

Rodolfo-Metalpa R, Richard C, Allemand D, Ferrier-Pagès C 


The two Mediterranean corals, Cladocora caespitosa and Oculina patagonica were exposed to a 

long-term (3-7 weeks) increase in temperature (20-28°C) similar to that experienced in situ during 

the last warm summers (1999, 2003 and 2005). Growth rate, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) as 

well as zooxanthellae and chlorophyll contents were measured during the incubation. O. 

patagonica showed a significant decrease in growth rate, Fv/Fm and zooxanthellae density either 

when the “normal” 24°C summer temperature was maintained during more than 4 weeks, or when 

temperature was increased to 26°C and above for two weeks. However, elevated temperatures 

caused only few tissue necrosis in their nubbins. C. caespitosa growth rate was slightly decreased at 

24°C and totally at 26 and 28°C. Fv/Fm was gradually reduced when temperature increased. 

Contrary to O. patagonica, temperatures above 24°C caused tissue necrosis and dead of almost all 

their nubbins. 

Results showed that O. patagonica is more resistant to high temperature conditions. On the 

contrary, C. caespitosa appears to live close to its thermal limit during the summer period and a 

long-term increase at only 24°C or above could be lethal for this coral. Mass-mortality events of 

this species during the last warm summers seem to confirm this hypothesis. 

Notes: 


103


Ultrastructural analysis in the elucidation of disease in reefbuilding 

corals 

Renegar DA 1 , Blackwelder PL 2 , Ritchie KB 3 , Gochfeld DJ 4 , Moulding AL 1 , Riegl 

BM 1 , Portnoy DA 2 , Alsayegh H 2 


2 Nova Southeastern University 

3 Mote Marine Laboratory 

4 University of Mississippi 

An increase in the incidence of coral disease has been observed worldwide, and may play a 

significant role in the demise of critical reef-building species. Dark Spot Syndrome (DSS) 

typically affects the reef-building coral Siderastrea siderea and manifests as lesions of varying 

color, size, shape and location that can result in tissue death and skeletal changes. Electron 

microscopy facilitates detection of variability in organelle morphology, membrane integrity, and 

micron-scale crystalline structure of the coral skeleton. In addition, ultrastructural analysis may 

reveal microbial activity and initial tissue changes not resolvable utilizing histology. For example, 

we have recently reported on previously unrecognized bacterial populations within the epidermal 

tissue of the reef-building coral, Montastraea cavernosa. The primary objective of the present 

study is ultrastructural investigation of the cellular characteristics, possible pathogenic microbes, 

and skeletal variability in diseased and healthy S. siderea. An additional objective is identification 

and isolation of epidermal bacteria and amoebocyte cells in M. cavernosa using current methods of 

genetic analysis. This study addresses the need for additional perspectives on coral pathology, and 

advances the goal of effective protection of current coral reef condition by investigating sub-lethal 

indicators of coral disease. 

Notes: 

104 



Is Dissolved Organic Carbon a driving force of coral mortality? 

Assessment from Sri Lanka 

Fairoz MFM, Rohwer F 

Dept. Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego CA, USA 

Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) is the main component and output of the marine carbon cycle. 

We hypothesize over-fishing and eutrophic conditions change the quality of DOC in the water 

column, which leads to high microbial activity and coral mortality by opportunistic coral diseases. 

Effects of DOC on coral reef decline is not fully described, and identifying casual mechanisms and 

relationship of DOC in healthy and impacted coral reefs will be important for conservation 

initiatives. Surveys were conducted on reef sites in Sri Lanka, which was subjected to varying 

degrees of natural and anthropogenic impacts. The Northern reefs had higher coral and lower algae 

cover, whereas the Southern reefs had low coral and higher algae cover. Coral cover was positively 

correlated with DOC concentrations. Nutrient analysis shows that one of the Northern sites was 

very eutrophic. We predict that this site will experience increased coral disease incidence and a 

drop in coral cover in the next couple of years. Future studies will explore relationships between 

DOC, microbial activity and coral diseases. 

Notes: 


105


Heterotrophy sustains photosynthesis of symbiotic 

dinoflagellates in the scleractinian coral Stylophora pistillata 

(Esper) during thermal stress 

Borell EM 

Center for Marine Tropical Ecology, Bremen, Germany 

The photophysiological plasticity in the symbiotic dinoflagellates of Stylophora pistillata in 

response to either feeding (Artemia nauplii) or starvation during long-term exposure to elevated 

temperature was explored by pulse-amplitude-modulated (PAM) chlorophyll fluorometry. 

Exposure to elevated temperature (>3°C above ambient) led to a decrease in the overall 

photosynthetic performance of dinoflagellates in corals of both treatments but was significantly 

more pronounced in starved corals. Continuous rapid light curve (RLC) assessment revealed 

marked reductions in light saturation and maximum electron transport rates (ETRmax) of 

dinoflagellates in starved corals after 10 days. This was concurrent with a significant decrease in 

pre-dawn maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm). 

Dinoflagellates in fed corals, by contrast, showed no significant decrease in Fv/Fm and were able 

to sustain rapid induction of energy dependent quenching (NPQ) at saturating light (>1000 

µmol m –2 s –1 ). Dinoflagellates in starved corals exhibited strong signs of photoinhibition 

characterized by a slow decay of baseline fluorescence (F) and concomitant decline of NPQ, 

attesting the functional loss of photoprotective mechanisms and Calvin cycle inhibition. 

Collectively these observations provide evidence that zooplankton may constitute a nutritional 

asset for the coral-algal complex promoting functional integrity of the symbiosis under thermal 

stress. 

Notes: 

106 




Biodiversity of coral reefs - from molecules to communities 

Chaired by Rolf Bak and Serge Planes 

The biodiversity of coral reefs has many aspects for reef scientists. It is an axiom to some, an 

enigma to others, a fast changing characteristic of reefs to many. We expect a stimulating session 

on all aspects of biodiversity and latest developments in: The scope of our interest is wide, from 

changes in biodiversity on reefs through species losses and gains, including invasive species, to 

population genetics, phylogeography, molecular systematics and evolution of corals, fishes, 

sponges and other taxa. 

Notes: 


107


Modelling the beta diversity of coral reefs 

Harborne AR, Mumby PJ, Zychaluk K, Hedley JD, Blackwell PG 

Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK and 

Department of Probability and Statistics, Hicks Building, University of Sheffield, 

Sheffield, UK 

Quantifying the beta diversity (species replacement along spatio-temporal gradients) of ecosystems 

is important for understanding patterns of biodiversity. However, virtually all studies of beta 

diversity focus on one-dimensional transects orientated along a specific environmental gradient 

defined a priori. By ignoring a second, spatial dimension and the associated changes in species 

composition and environmental gradients, this approach provides limited insight into the full 

pattern of beta diversity. Here, we use remotely-sensed imagery to quantify beta diversity 

continuously, in two dimensions and at multiple scales across an entire tropical marine seascape. 

We then show that beta diversity can be modelled (0.852>=r2>=0.590) using the environmental 

variables of mean and variance of depth and wave exposure. Beta diversity is positively correlated 

to the range of environmental conditions so that, for example, beta diversity increases with 

increasing variance of depth. By analyzing such relationships across seascapes, this study provides 

a framework for a range of disparate reef literature including studies of zonation, diversity and 

disturbance. Using supporting evidence from soft-bottom communities, we hypothesize that depth 

will be an important variable for modelling beta diversity in a range of marine systems. We discuss 

the implications of our results for the design of marine reserves. 

Notes: 

108 


Hurricanes and the early life history of corals 

Vermeij MJA, Sandin SA 

University of Hawaii & SCRIPPS 


A large number of biotic and abiotic processes can directly or indirectly affect coral recruitment 

and survivorship. We quantified a number of these interactions and explain 50-80% of the variation 

in abundance of recruits over a three-year period. Abiotic disturbance (sedimentation) directly 

killed coral recruits and thus limits coral population development. Turf algae regulated the number 

of coral recruits by preventing settlement of planulae, whereas crustose coralline algae and adult 

colonies facilitate and produce coral recruits, respectively. The passing of a hurricane enhanced the 

detrimental effects of sedimentation on coral recruitment, but revealed distinct coral demographic 

responses in regions with and without competing turf algae. A large increase in coral recruitment 

was observed in areas in which turf algae were formerly abundant, with no compensatory 

recruitment spike in regions with few turfs. A disturbance (hurricane) thus has direct and indirect 

effects on coral recruitment with the outcome depending on the composition of the complexity of 

the nearby abiotic and biotic environment. This study shows that a large number of factors 

synergistically drive patterns in coral recruitment, and that the non-linear nature of these dynamics 

appears only with increased biological complexity. 

Notes: 


109


Scale and biodiversity of reef fishes: Comparison between East 

Africa and the Red Sea 

Belmaker J, Ziv Y, Shashar N 

The Departments of Life-Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, 

Israel and the H. Steinitz Marine Biology Laboratory, The Interuniversity Institute for 

Marine Sciences, Eilat, Israel 

Natural communities are conspicuously hierarchical and are shaped by processes operating over 

various spatial scales. However, it is unclear how these processes interact to shape species 

diversity. It is being increasingly realized that processes operating at regional scales, i.e., affecting 

the available species pool, can also influence local patterns of diversity. In coral reef fish, a largescale 

biogeographical gradient produces low diversity in the Northern Red Sea compared to the 

coast of East Africa. In this study I examine how this large-scale gradient affects spatial patterns of 

diversity within each region. I used additive partitioning to decompose total diversity to the 

diversity contributed by each of several nested spatial scales. Results suggest that although total 

diversity differs greatly between the regions, the proportional contribution of each spatial scale to 

the total diversity is remarkably similar. Regional enrichment increases local richness within all 

spatial scales, even within the smallest spatial scale of a single coral head. Empirical patterns were 

further compared with patterns generated from specific null models. Both regions exhibit similar 

departures from null model expectation. Consequently, my results suggest that although regional 

richness varies greatly between these regions, basic processes shaping fish diversity patterns may 

show high similarity. 

Notes: 

110 



Functional diversity of Symbiodinium in closely related coral 

species with large depth distributions 

Frade PR, Bak RPM 

Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ); University of Amsterdam (UvA) 

Coral reef ecosystems depend on the mutualistic symbiosis between the coral host and 

photosynthetic dinoflagellates (genus Symbiodinium). The presence of specific Symbiodinium 

types adapted to different light regimes is hypothesized to constitute an important axis for niche 

diversification in reef corals. We study the undescribed genetic and physiological variation in the 

intriguing case of corals with large vertical distributions. Madracis morphospecies are distributed 

from 2 to >60m depth over reefs but contain only Symbiodinium type B (SSU rDNA RFLP). In a 

first step to unravel underlying genetic variation, three type B variants (B7, B13 and B15) were 

recently described from rDNA ITS region sequence analysis. We explore the correlation of such 

diversity with light regimes and the possible existence of a wide plasticity of Symbiodinium 

photosynthetic systems. Our aim is to link B-type genetic diversity with physiological plasticity of 

Symbiodinium populations occupying Madracis morphospecies over their vertical distribution in 

the reefs of Curacao, Netherlands Antilles. Sequence analysis of Symbiodinium rDNA ITS2 is 

combined with in situ measurements of relevant photosynthetic parameters for the intact holobiont. 

Symbiodinium functional diversity results are shown and discussed in terms of coral vertical 

distribution and different photoadaptation / acclimation strategies. 

Notes: 


111


A multidisciplinary approach for the taxonomic and 

phylogeographic study of the branching species in coral genus 

Psammocora 

Benzoni F 1 , Stefani F 1 , Cancelliere C 1 , Pichon M 2 , Galli P 1 

1 Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 

Milano, Italy 

2 Laboratoire des Ecosystemes Aquatiques Tropicaux & Mediterranéens, Ecole Pratique des 

Hautes Etudes, Université de Perpignan, Perpignan - France 

The Indo-Pacific coral genus Psammocora Dana, 1846 has a wide geographic distribution and is 

commonly found in any reef environment. Twenty-three extant Psammocora species have been 

described. Species synonymies have been proposed by various authors in the last thirty years 

however a taxonomic revision of the genus has never been undertaken. Among the described 

species eleven have a typically branching and very variable growth form. We verified the proposed 

synonymies of the branching Psammocora species through a morphometric study of type material, 

and the examination of extensive museum reference collections and additional specimens collected 

for the purpose of this study. The definition of genetic and morphologic boundaries among the 

branching species was then addressed through a joint morphometric and molecular study using a 

portion of the b-tubulin gene as a marker. Finally the phylogeographic implications of the 

evidenced genetic structure were discussed in relation to past and present historical events acting 

on the whole distribution range of the species. 

Notes: 

112 



Molecular delimitation of species in the scleractinian coral genus 

Pocillopora 

Flot J-F 

UMR 7138 Systématique, Adaptation, Evolution - Muséum National d\'Histoire Naturelle, 

Paris 

Corals of the genus Pocillopora are notoriously difficult to identify down to species level, 

supposedly due to their high level of morphological plasticity in response to environmental factors 

such as light, wave action and sedimentation. In an attempt to revise the taxonomy of this genus, 

about 800 samples were collected in Japan, the Philippines, New Caledonia, Hawaii, Clipperton 

and Mexico from depths ranging from 0 to 50 meters below the surface. Each sample included 

several digital underwater photographs recording colony morphology, a small skeletal voucher 

fragment and a DNA extract. To unravel the evolutionary relationships among these individuals, 

we sequenced three nuclear markers as well as a large portion of the mitochondrial genome. Our 

results suggest that the true number of species is far less than previously recognized, and that 

hybridization is playing a large role, together with morphological plasticity, in generating the 

amazing diversity of forms observed in this genus. 

Notes: 


113


Coral population genetics in the Indonesian Seas 

Starger CJ, Baker AC, Barber PH 

Columbia University, University of Miami, Boston University 

Indonesia is the center of diversity for coral reef animals. It is also the world s most threatened 

marine region, with up to 80% of reefs facing major loss of ecosystem function due to pollution, 

overfishing and climate change. The mechanisms behind the origin and maintenance of this high 

diversity are poorly understood. As a consequence, it is unknown how coral reefs will respond to 

increasing human pressure. Our research focuses on the population genetics of reef building corals 

(order: Scleractinia, family: Pocilloporidae). Through the use of multilocus molecular genetic data, 

we aim to identify barriers to dispersal and infer coral migration pathways. These data will help us 

understand where new corals are coming from, if there are barriers to dispersal, and if some reefs 

are genetically isolated from others. Preliminary data from two species in Krakatau, Aceh, Pulau 

Seribu, Manado, and West Papua indicate that dispersal and gene flow are high, and that genetic 

diversity recovers quickly following disturbances. This information will lead to more accurate 

predictions about the future of threatened and degraded coral reefs in Indonesia. Hypotheses on the 

reticulate evolutionary history of coral species will be discussed. 

Notes: 

114 



Detection of a Calmodulin pseudogene and its phylogenetic 

significance 

Combosch D, Schuhmacher H, Vollmer S 

University of Duisburg-Essen & Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 

Phylogenetic analyses at and below the species levels for Scleractinian corals has proved difficult 

in large part because commonly used molecular markers, especially mitochondial markers, lack 

appropriate genetic variation due to low rates of molecular evolution. In an effort to develop a 

nuclear marker for species and population genetic analyses for a broad range of corals, we 

developed an exon spanning intron crossing (EPIC) marker for the Calmodulin (CalM) gene. CalM 

sequence data from five Pocillopora species are largely polyphyletic at this locus and each species 

contained two distinct gene regions that were highly divergent in their exon and intron sequences. 

Higher level phylogenetic comparisons with other Scleractinia, Anthozoa, Cnidaria and non- 

Cnidaria indicate that these divergent fragements represent a silenced pseudogene. The detection 

and description of pseudogenes is essential from the analyses of DNA sequences, especially for 

phylogenetic purposes, and it is not yet clear if the CalM will be useful for phylogenetic analyses at 

or below the species level. 

Notes: 


115


Characterization of symbiotic algal cells in a vertical system: Red 

Sea soft corals 

Zurel D, Benayahu Y 

Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University 

Primary production in coral reefs depends mainly on the symbiotic relationship between corals and 

the photosynthetic micro-algae Symbiodinium. Understanding the nature of this symbiosis is crucial 

for exploring coral reefs. Lack of sexual reproduction has led classical taxonomy to view 

Symbiodinium as a single species. Recent analysis of ribosomal genes allowed a more specific 

classification, dividing Symbiodinium into clades (A-G), sub-divided into genotypes. A previous 

study on Eilat octocorals revealed a possible link between clade distribution and the mode of 

symbiont acquisition by corals. Sexual progeny of octocorals acquiring algae from the environment 

harbor mainly Clade C, while those acquiring them from parent colonies harbor Clade A. The 

present study was aimed at exploring the distribution of algae at the subcladal level in parentally 

(vertical) acquiring octocorals: Litophyton crosslandi, Nephthea acuticonica and Stereonephthya 

cundabiluensis. Analysis of samples from different depths and sites indicated that each host species 

harbors a unique algal genotype. L. crosslandi sampled from Eritrea harbors a different genotype 

compared to its Eilat conspecific. Assuming these host species are unable to change their 

symbionts once acquired, we suggest that environmental conditions in Eilat, being the most 

northern limit of coral reef distribution, may have determined specific host-symbiont combinations. 

Notes: 

116 



Molecular data suggest multiple introductions of Carijoa riisei 

into the Hawaiian archipelago 

Concepcion GT 

University of Hawaii, Manoa 

The ability of Carijoa riisei to outgrow and overwhelm the native and profitable black corals 

(Antipathes dichotoma and A. grandis) is a huge threat to Hawaii´s black coral jewelry industry. 

The ecology and invasion biology of such a devastatingly efficient coral is of utmost concern to 

conservation biologists trying to understand the movement and spread of C.riisei throughout 

Hawaiian deep water black coral beds. The purportedly invasive C.riisei was first described in the 

Caribbean and tropical Atlantic. In Hawaii it was first discovered in Pearl Harbor in 1972 leading 

to the generally accepted theory that it arrived attached to the hull of a ship traveling from the 

Caribbean to Hawaii. C.riisei samples were collected worldwide in an attempt to confirm the origin 

of the Hawaiian C.riisei and approximate when it arrived in Hawaii. Molecular evidence has shown 

that C.riisei in Hawaii did not originate in the Caribbean, but rather from multiple introductions 

from the Indo-Pacific. Any attempts to estimate the approximate arrival time in Hawaii have 

proven difficult due to the paucity of data on Anthozoan molecular clocks and the extremely low 

rate of evolution in cnidarian mtDNA. 

Notes: 


117


Geographic variation in clonal structure in a reef building 

Caribbean coral Acropora palmata 

Baums IB 1 , Miller MW 2 , Hellberg ME 3 

1 Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric 

Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA 

2 NOAA-Fisheries, Southeast Science Center, Miami, Florida, USA 

3 Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 

USA 

Species that build the physical structure of ecosystems often reproduce clonally. The degree of 

clonality may vary over a species’ range depending on the relative success of sexual and asexual 

recruitment. High clonal diversity of structural species may promote the species diversity and 

resilience of ecosystems, while low genotypic diversity may indicate clonal reproduction 

maintaining genetic variation during population decline. Here, we genotype samples of the coral 

Acropora palmata spanning its Caribbean range (n = 751). Within reefs and among reefs within 

regions, clonal structure varied from being predominantly asexual to purely sexual. However, two 

genetically isolated regions differed: genotypically depauperate populations characterized the 

western region, genotypically rich stands typified the eastern Caribbean. Asexual recruitment was 

not correlated with large-scale disturbance history or abundance of large colonies, but was 

negatively correlated with shelf area. Thus, sexual recruitment seemed more prevalent in the 

eastern range of A. palmata than the west, and these geographic differences in the contributions of 

sexual and asexual reproduction may be related to habitat characteristics. 

Notes: 

118 



Genetic differences between two species of Pavona (Scleractinia; 

Agariciidae) in Mauritius, Indian Ocean 

Moothien Pillay KR 1 , Asahida T 2 , Chen CA 3 , Terashima H 2 , Ida H 2 

1 Mauritius Oceanography Institute, France Centre, Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius 

2 School of Fisheries Sciences, Kitasato University, Japan 

3 Research Centre for Biodiversity, Academia Sinica, Taiwan. 

In this study, we examined the genetic differences between the sympatric Pavona cactus and P. 

decussata, two of the major components of the shallow reef flat coral communities in Mauritius, 

using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (rDNA ITS-1 and ITS-2) and the 

mitochondrial cytochrome b (mtDNA Cyt.b) gene. The phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence 

types supported the distinct species status of P. cactus and P. decussata. The significant difference 

detected by the NCA indicated that both P. cactus and P. decussata in Mauritius constitute 

statistically distinguishable lineages. The complementary use of the mtDNA Cyt.b gene, 

characterized by a very slow rate of evolution in corals, contributed largely in determining the 

relationship between these closely related taxa. The conservative change at the amino acid level 

confirmed these species to be genetically distinct. We conclude that P. cactus and P. decussata 

remain distinct evolutionary units despite their ecological uniqueness in Mauritius. 

Notes: 


119


Evolution of the reef fish genus Serranus – a new world origin of 

old world species? 

Kochzius M 1 , Dominici-Arosemena A 2 

1 Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics, FB2-UFT, University of Bremen, Germany 

2 Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Bremen, Germany 

The genus Serranus (Serranidae: Serraninae) has its main distribution in the tropical and 

subtropical Atlantic (23 species) and Eastern Pacific (6 species), with its highest diversity in 

neotropical coral reefs. Nine species occur in the Eastern and 14 in the Western Atlantic, but none 

of them is amphiatlantic. Therefore, the genus Serranus is well suited to study the evolution of 

coastal Atlantic fishes in order to (1) reveal if Western and Eastern Atlantic, as well as Eastern 

Pacific species form monophyletic clades, and (2) to locate the geographic origin of the genus. 

Samples of six Eastern Atlantic, five Western Atlantic, and 2 Eastern Pacific Serranus species have 

been collected and two mitochondrial markers (cyt b and 16S) were sequenced. Phylogenetic trees 

have been reconstructed on the basis of these, as well as sequences from other Serraninae available 

in Genebank, comprising 11 Serranus, six Hypoplectrus, as well as one species each of the genera 

Paralabrax and Diplectrum. The topography of Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Maximum 

Likelihood (ML) trees were identical, showing a basal polytomy with three well supported clades. 

All Eastern Atlantic species form a well supported monophyletic subclade with a Eastern Pacific 

and a Western Atlantic species basal to it, indicating that the origin of the old world species is in 

the neotropics. 

Notes: 

120 



Speciation on a round planet: phylogeography of the goatfish 

Mulloidichthys. 

Lessios HA, Robertson DR 

Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute 

The goatfish Mulloidichthys is a pantropical genus, abundant on most coral reefs of the world. We 

constructed a mitochondrial DNA phylogeny of its species, based on the entire ATPase 8 and 6 

coding region (843 bp) and the 5' end of the control region (582 bp). The reconstruction revealed 

that the Indo-Pacific M. phlugeri diverged first, followed by M. flavolineatus, also from the Indo- 

Pacific, followed by the Atlantic M. martinicus, which is an outgroup to a polytomy composed of 

the eastern Pacific M. dentatus and the Indo-Pacific M. vanicolensis and M. mimicus. Genetic 

divergence in previously published isozyme evidence agrees with the phylogenetic placement of 

these species by mtDNA. The divergence between M. martinicus and the Pacific tritomy is 

significantly smaller than divergence in the same DNA fragment in six other fish genera likely to 

have been split by the rise of the Isthmus of Panama 3.1 mya. Mulloidichthys, therefore, is likely to 

have maintained genetic contact between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean around the tip of S. 

Africa and through the Benguela upwelling up until the Pleistocene. Gene flow within each of the 

species is high, even over different oceanic regions. M. vanicolensis, in particular, which was 

formerly thought as not distributed East of the Central Pacific, is actually found in abundance at the 

Clipperton Atoll and even at the shore of the Americas. 

Notes: 


121


Phylogeography of tropical Indo-Pacific coral reef sponges 

Wörheide G 

Geoscience Centre Göttingen, Dept. of Geobiology, Göttingen, Germany and Queensland 

Centre for Biodiversity, Queensland Museum, Brisbane, Australia 

The biogeographic history of tropical marine invertebrates still remains one of the greatest 

mysteries in natural history. Previous biodiversity analyses of australasian tropical sponges showed 

that latitudinal gradients in sponge diversity were not evident and that biogeographic factors were 

causing the observed patterns at larger spatial (beta and gamma) scales of diversity. However, what 

those factors were remained enigmatic. Here, the widely distributed Indo-Pacific coral reef sponge 

Leucetta ‘chagosensis’ (Calcarea) was used as a model to investigate phylogeographic and 

population genetic relationships of populations covering all of its known geographic range. 

Analyses of ribosomal DNA (ITS, partial 28S rDNA) and a newly developed single-copy nuclear 

intron-marker showed high phylogeographic structure throughout the Indo-Pacific. Most clades 

were deeply divergent and reciprocally monophyletic, with two deeply divergent clades discovered 

on the Great Barrier Reef. Comparative data from Pericharax heteroraphis (Calcarea), focussing 

on the Great Barrier Reef and using the same molecular markers, showed strikingly different 

patterns and now allow further exploration of patterns and processes responsible for the 

diversification of coral reef sponges in the Indo-Pacific. 

Notes: 

122 



Contrasting patterns of regional genetic structure across reef 

dwelling species in the Coral Triangle 

Barber PH 

Boston University 

The reefs if the Coral Triangle are the World’s most diverse and most threatened. Understanding 

patterns of genetic connectivity within this environment provides insight both into the processes 

generating biodiversity as well as a context to frame regional management plans. In this study we 

examined patterns of genetic structure across the Coral Triangle in over 20 species of fish and 

invertebrate taxa, representing multiple reef functional groups ranging from corals to pelagic fish. 

Results indicate a broad array of responses to this shared physical environment. Some taxa exhibit 

the classic pattern of differentiation between Pacific and Indian Ocean populations. Others show 

fine-scale genetic differentiation suggesting a history of regional geographic isolation. Still others 

show no genetic structure at all, including obligate commensals of regionally structured hosts. 

Although patterns fell into these three basic classes, there were few commonalities among taxa 

with similar patterns of genetic structure. The unique responses of multiple taxa to a shared 

environment suggest a multiplicity of physical and ecological processes contributing to high 

biodiversity in the Coral Triangle. They also demonstrate the difficulties faced by marine managers 

in designing reserve systems that will effectively protect a broad array of biodiversity. 

Notes: 


123


Strong genetic structure and limited gene flow between 

populations of the False Clown Anemonefish (Amphiprion 

ocellaris) in the Indo-Malay Archipelago 

Timm J, Kochzius M 

Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics, FB2-UFT, University of Bremen, Germany 

Like many fishes on coral reefs, the False Clown Anemonefish Amphiprion ocellaris has a life 

history with two different phases: adults are strongly site-attached, whereas larvae are planktonic. 

Therefore, the larvae have the potential to disperse, but the degree of dispersal potential depends on 

the period of the larval stage, which is only 8 to 12 days in A. ocellaris. In this study, we 

investigated the genetic population structure and gene flow in A. ocellaris across the Indo-Malay 

Archipelago by analysing a fragment of the mitochondrial control region. The phylogenetic 

analyses indicated a clear separation of the populations from the Indian Ocean and Sunda shelf 

from all other populations, shown by distinct clades that are supported by high bootstrap values. 

This can be explained by the separation of the Indian and Pacific Ocean during low sea-level stands 

and re-colonisation of the Sunda shelf from the Indian Ocean. A population genetic analysis using 

AMOVA revealed a significant and very high overall Φst- value of 0.52 (p


Limited gene flow in the giant clam Tridacna crocea across the 

Indo-Malay Archipelago 

Nuryanto A, Kochzius M 


Indonesia is world’s number one exporter of marine ornamentals. Therefore, baseline data for 

management and sustainable use of these living marine resources are needed. The giant clam 

Tridacna crocea is a sedentary species and dispersal is therefore only possible by the pelagic eggs 

and larvae, with the potential of high connectivity between even distant populations. This research 

project aims to provide genetic data for the giant clam T. crocea in order to facilitate the spatial 

arrangement of marine protected areas. Data on connectivity of populations are necessary to 

identify populations that export larvae to areas of exploitation. Here, we sequenced 456 bp of 

mtDNA Cytochrome C Oxidase I gene from 300 individuals of T. crocea collected at 15 localities 

across the Indo-Malay Archipelago. Analysis of Molecular Variances (AMOVA) and pairwise 

comparisons revealed significant genetic structuring (overall Φst=0.28; p


Where have all the larvae gone? Connectivity in the Hawaiian 

Archipelago 

Toonen RT, Baums IB 

University of Hawaii at Manoa, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, Coconut Island, 

Hawaii, USA 

The Northwest Hawaiian Island Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (NWHICRER) is the single largest 

conservation area under US jurisdiction, and the world's most remote island archipelago. The 

NWHICRER is unusual because it contains only a couple dozen tiny islands, atolls and shoals 

within the borders of the 350,000 square kilometre reserve. Studies of connectivity between reef 

habitats across this broad region are lacking, and the agencies charged with management of this 

region have little information on which to base decisions. Thus, we are examining population 

genetic structure for more than 30 species of reef invertebrates and corals to infer patterns of 

connectivity and gene flow among these isolated reef habitats. Preliminary data from a few of these 

species suggests that population structure across the Hawaiian Archipelago does not fit a simple 

isolation by distance model, and predictions of connectivity based on broad-scale oceanographic 

currents are poorly supported. Also, closely-related species with similar ecology and reproductive 

biology appear to have significantly different patterns of gene flow. Together, these results suggest 

that species-specific differences in reproductive biology or larval behavior may dominate patterns 

of connectivity in Hawaii. 

Notes: 

126 



Marine introductions in Hawaii reveal cryptic emerging species of 

coral reef fish 

Planes S 1,2 , Messmer V 1,4 , Bowen BW 3 , Choat JH 4 , Earle J 5 , Robertson DR 6 

1 Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes – UMR CNRS 8046 – France 

2 Centre de Recherches Insulaires et Observatoire de l’Environnement - Polynésie française 

3 Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, USA 

4 School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture - James Cook University, Australia 

5 Bishop Museum – Hawai, USA 

6 Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panamá 

Allopatric isolation models have dominated speciation theory 1 , but are difficult to reconcile with a 

marine environment where physical barriers are few and pelagic larvae have great dispersal 

potential 2-4 . Recent reports on marine speciation have emphasized ecological partitions 5-7 combined 

with limited larval dispersal 8,9 , prompting a reappraisal of marine allopatry. Approximately 50 

years ago, fishery officers inadvertently began a great experiment in marine allopatry and 

speciation, by introducing a reef fish (Lutjanus kasmira) to Hawaii from isolated populations in 

French Polynesia and the remote Marquesas islands of the South Pacific. The source populations 

are distinguished by a 75% frequency shift at a nuclear SNP, combined with 4.4% mean sequence 

divergence in the mtDNA control region, indicating isolation for about 500k yr. Both source 

populations persist today in Hawaii, but asymmetric and incomplete introgression demonstrate 

partial reproductive isolation, the first stage of incipient speciation. These allopatric lineages, when 

combined in Hawaii after half a million years of geographic isolation, demonstrate the qualities of 

emerging species on a remarkably short timescale. 

Notes: 


127


128 



Reef protection and management 

Chaired by Annette Mühlig-Hofmann and Nicholas Polunin 


Probably the most widespread set of human impacts on coral reefs is that caused by resource 

exploitation. But there are many wide-on questions about regional trajectories of decline in major 

resources, the baselines from which these have come, the complex systemic consequences of this 

exploitation and the interaction of these impacts with others such as nutrient inputs and coral 

bleaching. A major current activity in coastal management is area-based control of exploitation, 

using no-take zones and partial closures, yet the scientific basis of such measures remains 

inadequate. Understanding the socio-economic origins of these impacts is crucial; why do people 

use resource-depleting and otherwise destructive techniques, how do they perceive the resources 

targeted and wider environment, and what does it take to sustain compliance through comanagement? 

These questions and issues will be at the heart of this session, which welcomes 

original studies from around the tropics spanning the natural and social sciences and humanities. 

Notes: 


129


A socio-economic assessment of Marine Protected Areas in 

Northern Madagascar 

Cinner J 1 , Harding S 2 


Australia 

2 Wildlife Conservation Society, Soavimbahoaka, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar 

There is a lack of socio-economic information available for the effective management of coral reefs 

in Madagascar, which are an important resource for coastal communities. We conducted a 

comprehensive socio-economic study of two existing and one designated MPA in northern 

Madagascar. Information was gathered using several techniques, including household surveys, both 

resource user and community leader key informant interviews, and oral histories. 

The study sites were remote with poor access to infrastructure and services, a low material style of 

life, and low education. Dependence on marine resources varied between communities and an array 

of customary and modern marine resource governance structures were either instituted or in 

development. These included limited entry areas, no-take zones, traditionally managed areas closed 

for spiritual reasons and open-access areas. Resource users had varying perceptions about these 

conservation strategies. While the majority of fishers surveyed suggested that, overall, conservation 

was a positive practice, they felt that it had negative consequences on their livelihoods. The next 

challenge for conservation practitioners is to develop strategies that users perceive are improving 

their livelihoods. To achieve this, a number of activities are proposed, including; that all 

monitoring conducted is presented to communities to demonstrate the effects of conservation on 

their livelihoods; site visits for key community members to successful conservation areas; and 

coordination with development agencies implementing local fisheries based projects. 

Notes: 

130 



Impacts of the live coral aquarium trade on Heliofungia 

actiniformis (Quoy and Gaimard, 1833) population dynamics in 

South Sulawesi, Indonesia 

Knittweis L 

Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, Bremen, Germany 

In 2004-2006 the Indonesian authorities allocated the highest live coral trade quotas in South 

Sulawesi to the fungiid Heliofungia actiniformis - despite a lack of data on biological 

characteristics and potential impacts of collection practices. Semi-structured interviews with local 

fishermen and subsequent in situ surveys revealed a size selective fishery towards the small polyps, 

resulting in a significant shift in size-frequency distributions, as well as reduced overall abundances 

at harvested sites. Heliofungia actiniformis growth rates were measured and coral age, natural and 

fishing mortality rates estimated using growth and population models. Demographic parameters 

estimated for unharvested sites were confirmed by data from permanent transects. Polyps grew 

isometrically, with growth rates decreasing linearly with increasing coral size and virtually ceasing 

at about 18-20 years of age. At non-harvested sites individuals of 0-2 years were most abundant; 

natural mortality rates were high during the attached anthocaulus growth stage and subsequent 

recruitment to the free living anthocyathus stage. At harvested sites the young polyps targeted by 

the trade were scarce. The situation of a directed depletion of young organisms may lead to an 

overall reduction of coral biomass production at fished sites, by removing a large proportion of 

polyps before the attainment of sexual maturity. A predictive analytical model was applied to look 

into potential future management strategies. 

Notes: 


131


Three to tango for community-based marine resource 

management in Fiji 

Mühlig-Hofmann A, Stead S, Polunin NVC 

School of Marine Science & Technology, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, U.K. 

To date, Fiji’s customary fishing grounds (qoliqoli) represent a unique dual ownership, 

theoretically connecting indigenous resource owners and government for reef management. 

However, this ‚co-management’ has not been uniform across Fiji and no national guidelines exist. 

To achieve resilience of ecosystems to conservation and user needs on a national level, the 

prerequisites for initiation and long-term success of stakeholder involvement have to be known. 

This case-study presents examples from three qoliqoli with different community-based marine 

resource management (CBMRM) approaches. Interviews, focus groups and non-participant 

observations were used to investigate (co-)management measures in place, communities’ roles in 

addressing these and perceptions of them. Existing measures included closed areas, gear and access 

restrictions, whilst few means existed to monitor fishing pressure. Main differences among the 

three sites were the management partners, origins of measures and time-frame for their 

implementation. Decisions still rested with some central individuals only and were not always 

community-embedded. Nevertheless, community perceptions towards the implemented 

management measures were generally positive. This study suggests a triangular co-management 

approach as a better way forward for Fiji, where the communities take the ‚lead’ and by equally 

bonding with both government and other facilitating agents, ensure the sustainable use of their 

resources. 

Notes: 

132 



Impacts of subsistence fishing on fish community structure in Fiji 

Schuchert P, Rushton S, Polunin N, Mesbahi E 

Newcastle University 

At spatial large scale fishing pressure alters fish community structure with respect to species 

composition and body size, however, studies on fishing at subsistence level are scarce. We used 

ordination techniques to analyse the impact of small scale fishing pressure and local benthic 

environment on fish community structure in the Lau island group, Fiji. While fishing pressure had 

negligible impact on the resident fish community, the impact of the local benthic environment 

varied greatly among fish taxa and among levels of data aggregation. Benthic habitat variables 

were explanatory for data at species level, but their impact decreased on size and taxonomic levels. 

Notes: 


133


Higher fish diversity in No-Take Areas: a shallow affair? 

Tyler EHM, Speight MR, Manica A 

Zoology Department, Oxford University and Zoology Department, Cambridge University 

We assessed the effect of No-Take Areas (NTAs) on total fish species richness (including all 

commercial and non-commercial families, for a total of > 400 species) in Zanzibar, Tanzania. 

Three NTAs were compared to five unprotected sites in a matched pair design with 24 repeats per 

site. NTAs had higher species richness, but only at shallow depths. To depths of four metres, 

NTAs had an average of four more species per ~150m2 after correcting for habitat differences. 

However, there was no effect below eight metres. The higher species richness in NTAs was solely 

attributable to commercially important species. The depth limitation of artisanal gears in the area 

suggests that this shallow effect on commercial species richness is due to fishing, implying that 

NTAs can mitigate the negative effects of exploitation on biodiversity. 

Notes: 

134 



The biological, social and economic value of No-take Areas as 

tools in conservation management of locally exploited coral reef 

fisheries 

Unsworth RKF 1 , Cullen LC 1 , Bell JJ 2 , Smith DJ 1 

1 University of Essex 

2 University of Wales, Aberystwyth 

Small No-take areas (NTA) in regions of large artisanal fisheries provide an important means of 

increasing social capital. Temporal studies on reef groupers since the commencement of a small 

community led NTA in Eastern Indonesia, combined with research on fisheries value of Seagrass 

beds were used to demonstrate the biological success and direct economic value of the NTA. 

Groupers were monitored over a five year period (2001-2005), whilst in 2005 surveys of 

economically important fish and invertebrate populations were also conducted. The direct fisheries 

economic value of these populations at the four sites was calculated following market surveys 

within local villages. The NTA caused a 30% increase in grouper number (relative to losses of up 

to 50%·yr -1 in nearby areas) and the development of a more mature grouper population, whilst the 

Seagrass beds of the NTA were found to be valued at US$ 44000·hec -1 , two orders of magnitude 

higher than nearby sites. This was the result of increased fish populations and not invertebrates. 

This NTA is a social community self management experiment that demonstrates small scale NTA’s 

are capable of stabilising top predatory fish species and increasing the direct fishery value of 

habitats. The use of socially acceptable small NTA's within networks of reserves should become 

useful tools in the management of tropical artisanal fisheries. 

Notes: 


135


Anthropogenic and natural stresses on coral reefs around 

Spermonde Archipelago: management challenges for 

conservation 

Jompa J 1 , Husain A 1 , Litaay M 1 , Yanuarita D 1 , Richter C 2 

1 Center for Coral Reef Research, Hasanuddin University, Makassar, Indonesia 

2 Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT), Bremen, Germany 

The Spermonde shelf off South Sulawesi, Indonesia is completely separate from the Sunda shelf 

across the Makassar Strait and bears around 100 small islands surrounded by fringing reefs and 

hundreds of patch reefs. This study investigates long term impacts of human activities as well as 

natural stressors on general condition of coral reefs in this region. The Spermonde Archipelago has 

been an important source of food and income by countless fishermen for centuries. Observations on 

coral reef general conditions revealed dramatic changes in live coral cover and populations of 

economically important species (e.g. sea cucumber, lobster, groupers and other important reef 

fishes). Most of old fishermen have also witnessed very significant changes in fish catch both 

numbers and sizes. Destructive fishing practices (especially bomb and cyanide) and land based 

pollution have been the major causes of reef degradation in this region. Some natural stressors 

especially Acanthaster plancii and bleaching have also contributed to coral reef decline, but they 

were poorly recorded. Despite these increasing stresses, relatively high market demand from 

aquarium hobbyist on ornamental organisms (fish, coral, etc.) and life fish trade (e.g. groupers and 

wrasse) have caused more problems. This paper describes the fate of coral reef ecosystem in this 

region and management challenges for conservation. 

Notes: 

136 



Implementation and evaluation of no-take zones to promote a 

sustainable fishery for Octopus cyanea in South West 

Madagascar 

Rabinery D, Nadon M, Harris A, Humber F 

Blue Ventures Conservation 

Intensive fishing for octopus (Octopus cyanea) occurs predominantly on reef flat areas in southwest 

Madagascar during low spring tides and is one of the most economically important marine 

products in south west Madagascar. Traditionally, fishermen traded octopus in a regional inland 

market but now foreign-owned seafood trading and collection companies purchase most of the 

catch. The change to an international market for octopus has increased its value and the quantity 

harvested. Observations from fishermen in the Andavadoaka region indicated a decrease in the 

average weight of octopus caught, suggesting that the octopus were over-exploited. 

As part of a collaborative project involving international NGO’s, commercial fishing companies 

and the local community, a system of no take zones (NTZs) has been implemented in the region 

since November 2004. December 2005 to January 2006 also saw the first national closure period to 

octopus fishing throughout south west Madagascar. Octopus catch has been monitored in the region 

since September 2004, and results for octopus catches indicate that both the NTZs and the national 

closure have had significant effects on both mean size and number of octopus harvested. Here, we 

present the results of all the NTZs, the lessons learnt and the future of the fishery. 

Notes: 


137


A new biologically and socially-based strategy for a 

conscientious management of coral reef resources in the 

Marshall Islands. 

Pinca S 

NRAS conservation Marshall Islands 

Between 2001 and 2005 seven atolls of the Marshall Islands (RMI) received underwater 

assessments for gathering biological information on the status of reefs and their resources. RMI 

government needs this data for assisting local atolls in both setting measures on the extraction of 

resources and preserving biodiversity and special habitats through no-take zones, a modern version 

of the traditional ‘mo’ or tabu. 

Some of the studied atolls are located in the northernmost region of RMI, the driest, most 

inhospitable and un-inhabited, where threats come uniquely for illegal and unregulated foreign 

fishing activities. Others are located in the central and southern part of the country, including the 

capital atoll, where overpopulation and westernized life style cause the major impacts on the 

marine communities. Interesting results on ecological/geographical variations and different levels 

of human-induced impacts appeared. These studies focused on both the description of reef status 

and production as well on recommendations regarding which sites should become the no-take 

areas. This approach is a novelty compared to other Pacific islands countries, where selection of 

sites does not follow a former baseline ecological study. Information of this type is considered 

essential to examine the effects of MPAs on the ecosystem. 

Notes: 

138 



Can community marine sanctuaries be sustained? Lessons from 

managing coral reef ecosystem. Case from South Sulawesi, 

Indonesia 

Prasetiamartati B 

Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) Indonesia 

Community marine sanctuaries are one of the means facilitated by external assistance in 

promoting sustainable marine resource use. Awareness raising, capacity building and social capital 

building are promoted through this process. Four small islands in Taka Bonerate Marine National 

Park and Spermonde Archipelago, South Sulawesi, Indonesia had underwent this course of action. 

Even though compliance was achieved at the beginning, it gradually lessened. This occurs because 

fishers are not able to overcome collective action dilemmas (Ostrom 1990), including problems of 

credible commitment, of monitoring individual compliance, and of institution supply. The 

collective action dilemmas do not only involve local fishers but extend to the external facilitators, 

where element of trust as well as bridging and linking social capital are important in coral reef 

governance and the establishment of institution at local level. 

Notes: 


139


Enhanced impact assessment for protecting coral reefs from 

developments 

Turner J, Boak R, Klaus R, Daby D, Hardman E 

University of Wales Bangor; Water Management Consultants; University of Mauritius 

Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) provides decision makers with an indication of the likely 

consequences of initiating a development, implementing policies or enacting legislation. EIA is 

used to reduce adverse impacts before project proposals come through to the authorisation stage. 

Although EIAs are mandatory for major developments, they are often poorly drafted and barely 

implemented, resulting in damaged environments such as coral reefs. EIA is enhanced when 

feedback loops are employed to curtail damaging activities immediately they occur during 

construction and operational phases of developments. In this approach, monitored environmental 

parameters become thresholds, setting limits during development. If thresholds are exceeded, then 

information from control sites is used to identify the development action responsible. An example 

of such feedback monitoring is presented in the construction of a wastewater outfall through a coral 

reef on Mauritius. Monitoring established criteria for realistic thresholds against which change 

could be measured, and to accurately determine spatial and temporal mitigation measures for 

construction activities (such as anchoring, rock cutting, dredging, armouring, rock dumping). The 

casestudy illustrates how good practice involves EIA in which feedback monitoring of simply 

measured thresholds forewarns of negative impact, allowing for immediate reactive management to 

protect coral reef environments. 

Notes: 

140 



Reef rehabilitation 

Chaired by Buki Rinkevich and Alasdair Edwards 


The decline of coral reefs worldwide has prompted the need for urgent development of adequate 

rehabilitation and restoration methodologies. In many cases protection of reefs failed to prevent 

further habitat degradation. Hence, active measures are numerous, but not all are ecologically 

compatible. Adequate concepts of reef restoration, preferably embedded in theories of uwlandscape 

ecology, are still in their infancies and state-of-the-art remediation protocols are rare. 

Another point for consideration is the overharvesting of reef organisms for food and ornamental 

trade, degrading reef health as well. 


Notes: 

• Reef rehabilitation and restoration 

• Concepts for reef restoration 

• Reef rehabilitation sites, case studies 

• Mariculture of corals and other reef organisms 


141


Recovery potential and setting criteria for monitoring coral reef 

restoration success or failure. 

Edwards AJ 

School of Biology, Ridley Building, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK 

A key issue in reef restoration is deciding whether a degraded site needs restoring. At sites where 

environmental conditions are good, the reef is likely to be ecologically resilient and will recover 

naturally from impacts. As conditions decline so does resilience and recovery potential. Deciding at 

what level restoration is likely to be effective and what other measures are needed to kick-start a 

sustainable recovery is a key research need. The goals of reef restoration projects are seldom 

precisely defined. Even when goals are set, the criteria that will be used to evaluate whether a 

restoration project can be regarded as a success, partial success or failure are rarely explicitly 

defined. This makes the evaluation of such projects difficult and contributes to our poor record of 

learning from past attempts at restoration. 

The problems of deciding on criteria, choosing indicators, and setting clear targets for restoration 

projects are discussed in an ecological context. This is harder than one might expect and is likely to 

be highly case-specific. A case is made that processes which reflect reef functioning (e.g., coral 

recruitment rates or rates of fish herbivory), as well as static endpoints (e.g., percentage coral 

cover, coral species richness) should be considered when choosing indicators. 

Notes: 

142 



Coral transplantation and natural recruitment on 

electrochemically formed reef structures 

Eisinger M, van Treeck P, Paster M, Schuhmacher H 

Institute of Biology and Geography, Dpt. Hydrobiology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 

Germany 

We report here on a coral reef rehabilitation project conducted in the Egyptian Red Sea over 5 

years aiming to develop rehabilitation measures for mechanically degraded reef areas with a 

minimum of environmental harm and interference with living resources. Main focus was laid on 

the selection of suitable candidates for coral transplantation on electrochemically formed limestone 

substrates and on natural recruitment by corals and other benthic organisms. All coral fragments 

were derived from ship groundings and other damaged reef sites. 

In total, 21 scleractinian and 3 hydrocoral species were tested. After optimization of the 

experimental conditions, most of the transplants exhibited good to very good survival rates, 

manifested by the development of a strong foothold at their base. This active anchorage is 

obviously promoted by the electrochemical process. Annual linear extension rates were in the range 

of values assessed for the Northern Red Sea. Beside the active rehabilitation by coral 

transplantation natural coral recruitment on the artificial reef structures was documented. Thereby, 

characteristic settlement patterns which are typical for the development of proto-reef communities 

could be detected. A comparison with the settlement situation on adjacent reef blocks revealed a 

significant speed-up of recovery by the application of our innovative rehabilitation method. 

Notes: 


143


Relative survival and growth rates of transplanted coral ramets of 

two sizes from eleven species in Bolinao, Philippines 

Guest JR, Dizon RM, Edwards AJ, Gomez ED 

University of Newcastle upon Tyne, University of the Philippines 

Here we report on an ongoing coral transplantation study on the coral reefs around Bolinao in north 

west Luzon, Philippines. During December 2005 and January 2006, two different sizes of coral 

ramet (i.e. small ramets


Evaluation of methods to enhance reef restoration 

Moulding AL 1 , Gilliam DS 1 , Kosmynin V 2 , Dodge RE 1 

1 National Coral Reef Institute Nova Southeastern University, 

2 State of Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 

The coral reefs of southeast Florida are offshore a highly urbanized area with a population 

exceeding 5 million people and three major shipping ports with over 6000 ships calling on an 

annual basis. Reef damage events are common and have been caused by ship groundings and 

marine construction activities such as channel dredging. Restoration activities generally include the 

reattachment of dislodged stony corals, removal of rubble, and placement of boulders or cement 

modules as alternative stable substrate. Restoration funds are typically restricted to these activities 

and are generally not available for applied research or monitoring of reef recovery, thus hindering 

advancement of the field. The goal of this study is two-fold: 1) to examine the potential for natural 

recovery by examining coral recruitment to both damaged and control sites, and 2) to test several 

reef restoration enhancement methods. Coral reproduction and the potential for larval seeding will 

be evaluated as a possible technique to speed reef recovery. In addition, recruitment and survival 

of juveniles will be compared on four substrate materials commonly used in reef restoration 

projects. Finally, the efficacy of transplanting gorgonians and sponges through fragmentation and 

of corals through relocation of juveniles will be assessed. 

Notes: 


145


The importance of planktonic food sources in the aquaculture of 

sexual coral recruits for reef restoration purposes 

Wietheger A 1 , Petersen D 2 

1 Dept. of Zoology, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany 

2 Rotterdam Zoo, Rotterdam, The Netherlands 

The influence of two common food organisms on the growth and survival of newly settled primary 

polyps of the brooder Favia fragum was studied under laboratory conditions. 

Primary polyps of F.fragum were kept in 2-liter-aquaria for five months and were daily fed with 

freshly hatched Artemia salina (concentration: 50, 150, 300 nauplii l -1 ) and the diatom 

Phaeodactylum tricornutum (200.000, 2.000.000, 20.000.000 cells l -1 ); growth and survival rates 

were measured regularly. 

Whilst growth was concentration-dependent under A.salina with a maximum of 9.4±4.9 mm 2 

(increase: 1168,7%) at the highest food concentration compared to 1.8±1.0 mm 2 (control), growth 

was not related to the concentration of P.tricornutum. The latter one was overall lower than coral 

growth in all A.salina regimes. Highest growth rates acquired under laboratory conditions were 

similar to rates in a closed coral system aquarium with extensive technical support. We attained 

high survival rates under both feeding regimes (A.salina: 75,4±12,6%; P.tricornutum: 70,3±5,9%; 

mean±SD), which were not influenced by food source and concentration. 

Our study shows that aquaculture-food organisms can significantly enhance initial growth of sexual 

recruits under suboptimal conditions with relatively low technical support. With little cost and 

effort, juveniles may more rapidly reach colony sizes necessary for successful reef restoration. 

Notes: 

146 




Capacity building, public awareness and outreach 

Chaired by Moshira Hassan 

Coral reefs face a range of threats, which are also complex and dynamic, and frequently cross 

geographical and jurisdictional scales. As such, no single actor has the ability to enact reef 

protection. However, by building coalitions and outreach programmes for reef conservation and 

management, stakeholders can greatly increase their effectiveness. National governments, state 

organisations, donor agencies, non-governmental organisations and foundations, the private sector, 

local communities and the wider public have sought to engage each other’s relative strengths 

through partnerships and co-management initiatives. The input of each of these groups is sought. 


Notes: 

• The development and evaluation of skills, resources, and institutions for coral reef 

conservation, and learning from management successes and failures; 

• Communication of coral reef issues to the broader public; 

• Increasing the awareness of stakeholders, decision makers, and the general public 

regarding 

o reef related issues, especially to threats to coral reefs 

o the possible solutions each of them can contribute to improving the situation; 

• The development of conservation partnerships and active engagement with stakeholders. 


147


Locally-managed marine areas: a learning exchange experience 

of various stakeholders 

Bacal JV 

SIKAT, Inc. 

In the Philippines, locally-managed marine protected areas are beginning to get recognized and 

appreciated in areas where coastal communities are highly marginalized. It is thru the LMMA 

where different groups and stakeholders work together in order to protect and manage their coral 

reefs – their only source of living. The degree of success of most LMMA’s depend on. 

1.An organized and socially-prepared fisherfolks. A common vision and goal towards coastal 

resource management should bind them together resulting to a workable plan which includes 

enforcement, livelihood development, capacity-building, monitoring and evaluation. An adaptive 

management is applied. 

2.Transfer of technology to stakeholders specifically in monitoring the reefs. This increases their 

ability to address anthropogenic and natural threats to reefs like use of dynamite fishing, sodium 

cyanide and crown of thorns infestation. Data gathered in monitoring will increase their capacity 

and leverage for decision-making in drafting coastal resource management plans and enforcement 

as well as lobby for financial support. 

3.Building meaningful partnership with various stakeholders will increase chance of LMMA 

effectiveness and sustainability. A well-defined process, systems and structure for cooperation in 

resource management and mobilization should be in place. 

4.Data-gathered are shared and monitored among LMMA practitioners and implementers. 

Notes: 

148 



Assessment of coral assemblages of the Egyptian Gulf of Aqaba 

and development of a need-for-protection index 

Leujak W 1 , Tilot V 2 , Ormond RFG 1 

1 University Marine Biological Station Millport, Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland, UK 

2 Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Département Milieux et Peuplements Aquatiques, 

Paris, France 

In order to assess the impact of the very rapid development of several parts of the Gulf of Aqaba 

coastline and of recreational tourism and to provide a regional benchmark information on reef 

habitat structural complexity and fish communities and recovery of coral populations in the past 5- 

10 years, a series of 9 permanently marked stations have been established in 2001 and 2002 to be 

monitored on a yearly basis with an updated strategy and methodology of video surveys and visual 

census techniques. The permanent sites were selected according to different natural environments 

and human impacts. 

Total live substrate cover was found to decrease with increasing depth, ranging from 58 to 23% at 3 

m, 50 to 14% at 7 m and 52 to 13% at 16 m. Coral genera diversity and fish abundance decreased 

with increasing depth but not fish diversity. Comparison of data obtained in the present study with 

past monitoring data indicated that hard coral cover had declined substantially, with largest 

declines recorded at shallow depths. 

Based on a need-for-protection index, a classification of stations according to coral abundance and 

diversity and vulnerability to damage by tourist activities identified stations that require higher 

protection in the future. 

Notes: 


149


Dealing with transition in MPAs: A case study of the Honduran 

Coral Reef Foundation 

Bown N 

University of Newcastle, United Kingdom 

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated as part of fisheries management 

strategies, protecting against threats to commercial fish, vulnerable habitats, and complex 

ecosystems. Much research has been carried out to measure the ecological benefits, and criticisms, 

of establishing MPAs across the world, with many reservations expressed about their effectiveness 

in protecting fish stocks and habitats (Sweeting and Polunin 2005; Kaiser 2003). However, what is 

rarely studied is the socio-economic impact of MPAs, and even more rarely, the ways in which 

MPAs are established, funded, and managed (Lundquist et al 2005), and, crucially, the ways in 

which they undergo governance transitions. To remedy these deficiencies, an important MPA in 

Honduras will be studied the Honduran Coral Reef Foundation (HCRF) in the Cayos Cochinos 

Islands - which is currently experiencing a transitional period as a result of impending changes to 

its funding source and governing mechanism. The central aims of the project are to assess the 

resilience of the HCRF in effecting this transition; to compare and contrast the success of its 

current and emerging governance modes; to assess stakeholder participation and compliance of 

fishing communities both inside and outside the MPA; and to draw out any lessons for the 

governance of MPAs in general. 

Notes: 

150 



Developing capacity for Coastal Zone Management in the 

Southern Caribbean through partnerships and strategic alliances 

- Lessons learnt from the Buccoo Reef Trust 

Day O, Langton R, MacFarlane G, Trotman K 

Buccoo Reef Trust 

The growing role of NGOs in the management of the coastal zone of Caribbean islands is discussed 

along with the opportunities, pitfalls and constraints presented to the NGO sector. Special 

emphasis will be placed on the increasing opportunities for global strategic alliances, and the need 

for mechanisms that bridge the gaps between local needs and international priorities, as well as 

academia and management. 

Lessons will be drawn from the experiences of the Buccoo Reef Trust, which was founded in 1999 

and is now one of the largest environmental non-governmental organisations in the Southern 

Caribbean. Through strategic alliances with public and private sector partners and a targeted 

international fund-raising campaighn, the BRT has successfully expanded its programmes of 

research, education and conservation. These programmes have received national and international 

recognition, including the 2004 Environment Award from the World Association of NGOs. The 

BRT is now seeking new institutional partners to build upon existing national and regional projects 

and to develop new strategies for harnessing marine science and technology for Caribbean 

development. Key areas of interest are Integrated Watershed and Coastal Area Management, MPA 

management, environmental education, and the application of cost-effective technologies for 

coastal zone management. 

Notes: 


151


Stakeholders’ participation in integrated coastal zone 

management: Lessons from around the world 

Schläppy M-L 1,2 , Glaser M 1 

1 Center for Tropical Marine Tropical Ecology, Bremen, Germany 

2 Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology, Bremen, Germany 

The analysis of abstracts from 400 publications having "participatory" as a keyword revealed that 

publications came predominantly from conferences proceedings (39 %) and non peer-reviewed 

journals (34 %). Publication numbers rose in the early 1990s, and were especially about Asia and 

Africa with prevalence in India and Bangladesh. Twenty-five percent of publications clearly stated 

that the participatory process was successful in reaching the proposed management goal while 20% 

stated that more participation was needed. In 18 % of the abstracts the outcome was not clearly 

stated and in 4 % the results were both positive and negative. Participatory research in the field of 

integrated coastal zone management may yield long lasting results if certain pitfalls can be avoided. 

Some of the most common pitfalls are mentioned (project legitimacy, government's involvement, 

representativeness of stakeholders, actors' commitment and funding independent) by drawing on 

the published experiences and lessons from around the world. 

Notes: 

152 



Topics of general interests 

Chaired by Pedro M. Alcolado and Jamaludin Jompa 


The complexity of coral reef ecosystems has challenged scientists to better understand various 

biological aspects, interactions between organisms, and those affecting coral reef resilience, as well 

as realistic management tools for sustainable use of coral reefs. This session deals with topics of 

general interest of great conservation and management relevance, including ecological adaptations 

in response to interactions between reef organisms, impacts of various different stress factors, and 

ecological assessment tools for better management. Presentations encompass diverse areas of the 

world, including the Red Sea, Indian Ocean, Indonesia, and Caribbean. Ecological adaptations are 

presented by examples of strong interactions between reef organisms e.g. corals and fishes. This 

session also presents the effects of disturbances from natural one such as bleaching to impact of 

human activities such as tourism (e.g diving, snorkeling, and reef trampling). Few papers also 

contribute to raise some important issues on methods for coral reef ecological assessment, e.g. 

need-for-protection-index and assessment for marginal reefs. The varied issues presented underline 

the importance of integration towards a holistic approach in coral reef management. 

Notes: 


153


A comparison of the financial value of coral reefs and alternative 

incomes within the Kaledupa sub-region of Wakatobi Marine 

National Park, Indonesia 

Cullen L, Smith D, Pretty J 

Coral Reef Research Unit, University of Essex 

Kaledupa is the second largest island in the Wakatobi Marine National Park. The sub-region 

consists of 17 villages, with a population of around 17000 spread between 4400 households. 

Marine resources in the sub-region are heavily exploited for income, food, building materials and 

waste disposal. 

This work quantified the full extent to which local people are financially dependant on marine 

resources compared with other incomes; determined the financial value of alternative incomes; and 

identified the minimum income alternatives must provide for financial viability. Reasons behind 

resource exploitation and local environmental perceptions were also investigated. A household 

survey was used focusing on income, marine resource use and direct financial value. 10% of 

households were included; 440 interviews conducted. 

45% of Kaledupans’ depend directly on marine resources for primary income; many more utilise 

marine resources as a secondary income or food source. 100% of households rely on seafood as 

their major, or only, protein source; including villages where farming is the commonest income 

generator. 30% of households use coral and 59% use sand as a building material, 33% use 

mangrove fuel wood. Seaweed farming is growing and is perceived to be an acceptable alternative 

to fishing or other destructive techniques but there are currently problems with growth rates, 

disease and lack of space. Tourism is limited but generates some of the highest incomes. 

Notes: 

154 



Seasonal fluctuations in zooxanthellae densities in corals in the 

Mombasa Marine Park 1998-2006 

Grimsditch G, Mwaura J, Amiyo N, Kilonzo J, Obura D 

CORDIO East Africa, Mombasa, Kenya 

This paper examines seasonal fluctuations in zooxanthellae densities in corals of the Mombasa 

Marine National Park (4 ° S, Kenya) between 1998 and 2006. Eleven species were sampled: 

Acropora spp, Echinopora gemmacea, Favia spp, Galaxea fascicularis, Hydnophora microconos, 

Montipora aequituberculata, Pavona decussata, Pocillopora damicornis, Pocillopora eydouxi, 

Porites cylindrica and Porites lutea. Zooxanthellae densities were higher in normally coloured 

(0.88 – 4.06 x10 6 cm -2 ) and ‘pale’ (0.47 – 1.25 x10 6 cm -2 ) corals compared to ‘bleached’ (0.03 – 

1.09 x10 6 cm -2 ) corals for all species. Mitotic indices were higher in ‘pale’ corals (1.40 – 3.60%) 

compared to ‘normal’ (0.46 – 2.35%) and ‘bleached’ (0.24 – 1.80%) corals. Most studies on 

zooxanthellae population fluctuations have been carried out on corals at higher latitudes (>20 o 

north and south) where seasonal environmental conditions are more variable between summer and 

winter months than at the equator and have been implicated in driving regular fluctuations in 

zooxanthellae densities. This study will investigate seasonal fluctuations in zooxanthellae densities 

and the relationship with mitotic indices at this low-latitude site. 

Notes: 


155


Analysis of recent coral bleaching events at Reunion Island 

Guillaume MMM 1,2 , Turquet J 3 , Cauvin B 4 , Bruggemann JH 2 

1 Département Milieux et Peuplements aquatiques, UMR 5178 CNRS/UPMC/MNHN, 

Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France 

2 Laboratoire d’Ecologie marine, Université de la Réunion, BP 7151, Saint-Denis messag 

cx 9, la Réunion 

3 Agence pour la Recherche et la Valorisation marines, Sainte-Clotilde, la Réunion 

4 Association Parc marin de la Réunion, Saint-Leu, la Réunion. 

After the first two bleaching episodes in 1983 and in 1998, related to major ENSO events, coral 

bleaching appears to have become a recurrent phenomenon at Reunion Island since 2001. The 

recent occurrences of coral bleaching (annual from 2001 to 2005) are analysed using a 10-year 

record of in situ temperatures at the entrance of Port Est as well as in-situ temperatures from 

various reef-flat sites. Seawater temperature records from five sites on three different reef flats 

showed variation between sites that were not related to bleaching observations. Coral communities 

having different species composition that differ in tolerance to temperature increase, as well as 

previous bleaching events inducing coral mortality may explain these discrepancies. 

Maximum Degree Heating Weeks indices, calculated from local temperature records, often 

coincide with the onset of bleaching and DHW seem positively correlated with the duration of a 

bleaching event. Other climatic conditions also appear to trigger bleaching. Comparison of spring 

and summer seawater temperature records at Port Est in 2004-05 to those in 2003-04 showed that 

temperature did not trigger coral bleaching in 2005 in the North-Western side of Reunion. Lowered 

salinities related to torrential rains are likely to have triggered coral bleaching at these sites. 

Notes: 

156 



Influence of dead coral substrate morphology on patterns of 

juvenile coral distribution 

Norström AV 1 , Lokrantz J 1 , Nyström M 1 , Yap HT 2 

1 Natural Resource Management, Department of Systems Ecology, Stockholm University, 

Stockholm, Sweden, 

2 The Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines, Quezon City, Philippines 

This study examines the abundances of three morphological categories of juvenile corals (massive, 

branching and encrusting) on two different types of natural substratum, dead massive and dead 

branching corals. The overall results show that the morphological characteristics of dead coral 

substratum have a significant influence on the coral recruitment patterns with respect to the 

morphology of the recruits: juvenile corals of massive and branching types were more abundant on 

substrates of corresponding morphology. The results obtained from this study suggest that dead 

coral might attract coral larvae that are morphologically similar. On the other hand it may be the 

result of post-settlement mortality. Whatever the mechanism shaping the patterns is, it seems that 

the physical morphology of the dead coral substrate has a significant influence on the coral recruit 

assemblage. Hence, we suggest that substrate morphology can be an important qualitative factor for 

coral settlement and possible determinant of community structure. 

Notes: 


157


Trampling on Red Sea reef flats – towards a concept of managing 

visitor use 

Leujak W, Ormond RFG 

University Marine Biological Station Millport 

The effects of trampling by visitors walking over the reef flat to snorkel or swim along the reef 

edge were studied at two popular fringing reef site in South Sinai, Egypt. 12 stations showed a 

sequence of events linked to increased frequency and extent of trampling, with the intensities of 

trampling ranging up to 324 tramplers m -2 yr -1 at the most heavily trampled stations. 

Heavily trampled stations had higher numbers of broken, abraded and flattened coral colonies, 

reduced coral cover (in particular branching corals), lower numbers of juvenile corals and higher 

numbers of coral colonies that were smothered by sediment. At Ras Um Sidd trampling led to a 

shift in coral community structure, with massive corals replacing more susceptible branching corals 

with increasing trampling intensities. Overall fish abundance and diversity showed no conclusive 

trend, but the abundance of obligate corallivores decreased and that of herbivores increased with 

increasing trampling intensities. 

The applicability of the ‘carrying capacity concept` was investigated as a management tool for 

determining how much use is acceptable. Examination of the relationship between hard coral cover 

and intensity of trampling suggested that carrying capacity could be set at approximately 50 

tramplers m -2 yr -1 . However, establishing meaningful limits of change requires more knowledge 

about ecological processes and about the social consequences, such as crowding and loss of appeal 

due to reduced coral reef health. 

Notes: 

158 



Morphological adaptations to microhabitats in coral-associated 

fishes 

Herler J 

Department of Theoretical Biology and Morphology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University 

of Vienna 

There are numerous specialized fishes that exploit a variety of spatially restricted habitats in coral 

reefs, for example gobiids associated with living coral colonies. Coral-associated gobies belong to 

the most habitat-specialized reef fish. In the Gulf of Aqaba (northern Red Sea), 21 species from 

seven gobiid genera occupied corals or coral rock. The most specialized species (genera Gobiodon, 

Paragobiodon, Bryaninops and Pleurosicya) were associated with only a single coral species. 

Among the genus Gobiodon, which inhabits narrowly branched Acropora corals, three new species 

were discovered. Gobiid morphology was examined in respect to microhabitat structure. Body 

shape, pelvic fin development and eye indices were shown to be specialized features related to 

microhabitat characteristics. Geometric and traditional morphometrics showed high body shape 

variation between species of Gobiodon, which favor different Acropora corals. Coral interbranch 

space restricts fish body width and thus limits maximum fish size. Gobiodon histrio, for example, 

grows larger than congenerics due to allometric growth, yielding a highly compress body in large 

specimens. Since body size plays a major role in the competitive hierarchy, such species are 

superior competitors and out-compete sister species. This study contributes to the explanation of 

body shape evolution and radiation in highly specialized reef fishes. 

Notes: 


159


Population structure, reproductive biology, and trophic ecology 

of red coral (Corallium rubrum, L.): Case study of an 

overharvested precious coral 

Tsounis G 1,2 , Rossi S 1 , Gili JM 1 , Arntz WE 2 

1 Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (CSIC) 

2 Alfred Wegener Institut für Polar und Meeresforschung, Bremerhaven, Germany 

The precious red coral (Corallium rubrum, L. 1758) is a characteristic gorgonian of the 

Mediterranean Sea, with slow growth rates and a long lifetime. Due to its red calcium carbonate 

skeleton it is heavily harvested for use by the jewellery industry. 

Five harvested populations at the Costa Brava (NW Spain) have been analyzed, showing a 

population structure significantly shifted towards small/young colonies, compared to a protected 

population. Average size and age of colonies in the harvested populations were estimated at 5 cm 

height and 7.5 years (potential of the species: 50 cm and 100 years), whereas 100 % fertility is 

reached by colonies of 4 – 6 cm height. A majority of colonies with underdeveloped branching 

patterns further indicates overexploitation. 

The main proportion of the diet of Corallium rubrum is particulate organic matter (POM), with 

water movement being as important a factor determining prey capture rate, and thus growth rates, 

is as prey abundance. 

Maximum sustainable yield (MSY, calculated using the Beverton and Holt model) shows an 

optimal age at first capture of 98 years, while 11 year old colonies are legally harvested. This 

reduces the MSY to a fraction of its potential maximum. Poaching and illegal capture of juvenile 

colonies furthermore hinders sustainable exploitation. 

Notes: 

160 



To boldly go where (almost) no one has gone before: The deep 

coral reefs of the Northern Red Sea 

Brokovich E 1,2 , Einbinder S 1,2 , Tchernov D 1,2 , Kiflawi M 1,3 , Shashar N 1,2 , Kark S 1 

1 The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel 

2 The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Sciences of Eilat, Israel 

3 Ben Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel 

The deeper parts of coral reefs (>40m) are not readily accessible and therefore have not been 

sufficiently investigated. The biodiversity and ecology of the deep reef along with the biology of its 

inhabitants are mostly unknown. To overcome the accessibility impediment we used technical 

diving techniques to study the deep reef corals and fish. We investigated three sites at the Gulf of 

Aqaba (Northern Red sea) down to 65m. We found that the community structure of fishes and 

corals changes along the bathymetric gradient and that while species richness declines with 

increasing depth, hard cover increases. Coral colonies demonstrate marked morphological changes 

with depth, with colonies becoming increasingly flat, their polyps more spaced and their corallites 

diameter decreasing. A new record of the scleractinian coral Euphyllia paradivisa found in the 

deep reef, widely expanding the species geographical distribution, indicates the need to study the 

full depth range of corals to understand the processes determining their biogeography. The deep 

reefs may also serve as fishes' nursery. Juvenile angelfish Genicanthus caudovittatus occupy the 

deep reef (45-65m) while adults live in shallower water (30m). These findings were used to 

incorporate the deep coral reefs in the regional conservation scheme. We recommend similar 

considerations to be taken elsewhere. 

Notes: 


161


162 


Poster S01-01 

Poster Presentations – Session 1 

Encrusting coralline algae of the Early Miocene Euphrates 

Formation in Iraq 

Al-Juboury AI 

Research Center for Dams & Water Resources, Mosul University, Iraq 

This work is focused mainly on the shallow marine facies of the Early Miocene Euphrates 

Formation in subsurface sections at Kirkuk area of northeastern Iraq. The Euphrates rocks 

(dominantly of limestone, partly marly and dolomitized) form one of the main units in the 

Burdigalian sequence in the area of study, which display shallowing upward sequences that 

composed of carbonate and evaporite sediments. The Euphrates facies is composed mainly of 

wackstone-packstone and less of dolo-boundstone with silt grains and anhydrite nodules, miliolidal 

to algal with rare planktonic foraminifera and common encrusting coralline algae and with 

Operculina and Amphistegina. The reverse faults resulted in the uplift of some areas and the 

formation of marine ridges that facilitated the growth of coral reefs during Oligocene-early 

Miocene. The Burdigalian period represents the final stage of coral reef development in the area of 

study which is formed mainly as a shoals of patchy reefs dominated in the shallower areas of 

Euphrates Formation. The main recognized algae species include; Corallina, Lithoporella 

melobesioides, Lithophyllum and Archaeolithothamnium. 

International Society for Reef Studies European Meeting Bremen 2006 163

Poster Presentation - Session 1 

Poster S01-02 

Calibration of high-resolution coral records of environmental 

change (Gulf of Aqaba, northern Red Sea) 

Al-Rousan SA 1 , Felis T 2 , Pätzold J 2 

1 Marine Science Station, University of Jordan & Yarmouk University, Aqaba, Jordan 

2 DFG-Research Center for Ocean Margins, University of Bremen, Germany 

The northernmost Red Sea represents one of the northernmost locations of coral reef growth in the 

Indo-Pacific region, and is very sensitive to mid-latitude climate variability of the atmosphere. 

Recent studies have shown that proxy records (stable isotopes, trace elements) derived from 

annually banded Porites corals can be used to reconstruct past changes in the regions’ climate as 

well as large-scale variations of the Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation climate 

phenomenon over the Northern Hemisphere during the last centuries, the Holocene and the last 

interglacial period. 

An important backbone of our ongoing work on fossil Porites corals from submerged and elevated 

reefs in the northern Gulf of Aqaba is the calibration of modern colonies to high-resolution 

environmental data. These calibration studies include a set of temperature loggers deployed along 

the reef slope since 1999 covering the depth range of Porites, CTD profiling and measurements of 

numerous parameters of water column characteristics (e.g, time series of stable isotopes in 

seawater). Latest work aims at assessing the potential of Porites corals as recorders of the pollution 

history of the northern Gulf of Aqaba, by comparing corals from protected and unprotected coral 

reef areas. 

164 


Poster S01-03 


High-resolution skeletal records from a Western Pacific coral and 

their relationships to environmental variables 

Asami R, Yamada T, Iryu Y, Hiejima T 

Department of Geophysics, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University 

Institute of Geology and Paleontology, Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University 

Massive Porites corals living in shallow tropical and subtropical oceans are useful for 

reconstructing paleoclimatic and paleoceanographic variability on inter-annual to centennial 

timescales such as El Nino/Southern Oscillation, Inter-decadal Pacific Oscillation, and solar 

activities because they form continuous skeletal increments at a rapid growth rate of


Poster S01-04 

Sub-seasonally resolved reconstructions of Middle East climate 

during the Holocene from Red Sea corals 

Felis T 1 , Kuhnert H 1 , Al-Rousan SA 2 , Herold M, Lohmann 3 G, Pätzold J 1 

1 DFG-Research Center for Ocean Margins, University of Bremen, Germany 

2 Marine Science Station, University of Jordan & Yarmouk University, Aqaba, Jordan 

3 Alfred-Wegener-Institute for Polar and Marine Research, Bremerhaven, Germany 

The Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation (AO/NAO) phenomenon has a strong control on 

southeastern Mediterranean/Middle East winter climate on interannual and orbital timescales, with 

consequences for the regions’ seasonal cycles of temperature and hydrologic balance. Here we 

present sub-seasonally resolved proxy records of mid- to late Holocene climate based on annuallybanded 

reef corals (Porites) from the northernmost Red Sea (northern Gulf of Aqaba, 29.5 degrees 

North). Oxygen isotope and Sr/Ca records generated from individual coral colonies cover time 

windows of decades to more than a century. 

Relative to modern and late Holocene conditions, the coral records indicate an increased 

seasonality in the hydrologic balance for time windows around 4.4, 4.6 and 6.0 kyr ago. This 

increased seasonality possibly results from increased evaporation during winter, driven by the 

AO/NAO climate phenomenon. Coral Sr/Ca-based temperature seasonality decreases from 6.0 to 

3.0 kyr ago, when modern seasonality is reached. The coral-based results are consistent with 

simulations using a coupled atmosphere-ocean circulation model, and can be attributed to orbital 

insolation changes, both directly and via the AO/NAO. Combining our coral records from the 

northernmost Red Sea with state-of-the-art climate model simulations provides a crucial step in 

understanding and predicting pronounced changes in past, present and future Middle East climate. 

166 


Poster S01-05 


Variability of stable isotope ratios in the coral Siderastrea siderea 

(Gulf of Mexico, Cuba) 

Gonzalez Diaz SP 1 , Rixen T 2 , Jiménez C 2,3 , Staller T 2 and Pätzold J 4 

1 Centro de Investigaciones Marinas, Universidad de La Habana, La Habana, Cuba 

2 Zentrum für Marine Tropenökologie (ZMT), Bremen, Germany. 

3 Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias del Mar y Limnologia (CIMAR). Universidad de 

San Pedro, Costa Rica. 

4 Fachbereich Geowissenschaften (GeoB), Bremen, Germany 

To asses the reproducibility of δ 13 C and δ 18 O records of Cuban corals, four specimens of the coral 

Siderastrea siderea were drilled off the provinces of Havana and Matanzas which are exposed to 

the Loop Current (LC). The near-bimonthly resolution isotopic records (1991-2005) of only two 

colonies replicate well, showing a pronounced seasonality correlated to sea surface temperatures, 

rain rates, and irradiation. Our results suggest that increased photosynthetic calcification, favored 

by oligotrophic conditions in summer, could explain the deposition of the high density bands, 

whereas low density bands are formed in winter, when the wintry mixed layer deepening increases 

the biological production in the LC. The isotopic records of two of the four colonies differ 

significantly and the lack of seasonality could be related to the reduction in summer of 

photosynthetic enhanced calcification and perhaps also to the individual natural history of the 

colonies. However, on inter-annual time scales, low δ 18 O and relative to that enhanced δ 13 C values 

suggest an increased photosynthetic calcification, particularly during ENSO events due to an 

increased stratification and an associated reduced productivity in the water column. Stable isotope 

geochemistry of Cuban corals accurately replicate seasonal variations of environmental variables 

but it is recommended to validate results through replicate records derived from different colonies. 



Poster S01-06 

Large-scale North Atlantic climate variability inferred from local 

coral time-series 

Kuhnert H 1 , Crüger T 2 , Pätzold J 1 

1 RCOM, Universität Bremen, 

2 Max Planck Institut für Meteorologie, Hamburg 

The Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation (AO/NAO) is the dominant mode of climate 

variability in the Northern Hemisphere on interannual to decadal timescales. Skeletal geochemistry 

(Kuhnert et al., 2005) and growth rates in Bermuda corals and the application of an upscaling 

model (Crüger et al., 2005) are used to reconstruct atmospheric and oceanic variability 

characteristic for the AO/NAO. 

Sr/Ca data for autumn spanning the period 1928-1982 were calculated from a near-monthly 

resolved time-series obtained from a Diploria strigosa colony. They correlate with both subsurface 

water temperature and the NAO index, and the typical spatial NAO pattern is evident in the field 

correlation between autumn Sr/Ca and sea level pressure (SLP). 

Annual growth records (1841-1983) from the above colony, a colony of Montastraea cavernosa, 

and the first principal component constructed from both were used in a validated upscaling model. 

Approximately 30% of the temperature field variability and 21% of the detrended SLP field 

variability are explained. 

168 


Poster S01-07 


Potential of δ 13 C/δ 18 O of photosynthetic corals as proxy for water 

depth and sea level change 

Maier C 1 , Pätzold J 2 

1 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, The Netherlands 

2 Research Center Ocean Margins, University of Bremen, Germany 

Investigations on skeletal δ 13 C and δ 18 O of some Caribbean reef corals of the genus Madracis spp 

revealed that these skeletal proxies may even be applied in questions related to physiological 

plasticity of zooxanthellate corals [Maier et al, Coral Reefs 22 (4): 370-380]. We further found an 

astonishing and highly significant correlation of the slope of isochronic skeletal δ 13 C/ δ 18 O to water 

depth (R 2 = 0.916, p < 0.001). Following the rationale of photosynthetically induced positive 

offsets of δ 18 C from a hypothetical kinetic line but a strong depletion of both δ 13 C and δ 18 O through 

photosynthetically enhanced calcification rates it seems rather astonishing that this potential of 

isochronic δ 13 C/ δ 18 O from photosynthetic corals as a potential indication of water depth has not 

been explored earlier on as such. Our own findings are compared to literature data with respect to 

correlation of slope of isochronic δ 13 C/ δ 18 O and water depth. Methodological constraints as well as 

mechanistic controls on stable isotope fractionation will be discussed with view on the potential of 

δ 13 C/ δ 18 O as proxy of past water depth and sea level change. 



Poster S01-08 

Seasonal δ 18 O records from Porites document decreasing 

seasonality and increasing salinity during the Late Miocene in the 

Eastern Mediterranean 

Mertz-Kraus R 1 , Brachert TC 1 , Reuter M 2 , Felis T 3 , Fassoulas C 4 , Iliopoulos G 4 

1 Institut für Geowissenschaften, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany 

2 Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz, Institut für Erdwissenschaften, Bereich Geologie und 

Paläontologie 

3 DFG-Forschungszentrum Ozeanränder, Universität Bremen, Gebäude GEO, Germany 

4 Natural History Museum, University of Crete, Iraklion, Greece 

We describe exceptionally well preserved corals (Porites) of Late Miocene age from the island of 

Crete (eastern Mediterranean, Greece). The massive coral skeletons have retained their original 

aragonite mineralogy, microstructure and skeletal porosity. X-ray photography confirms the 

preservation of annual density bands. Stable isotope records (δ 18 O, δ 13 C) with a quarterly resolution 

exhibit a cyclic signal corresponding to the growth bands. Mean δ 18 O compositions are -2.7 ‰, and 

-1.7 ‰ in Porites of Early Tortonian (10 Ma) and Early Messinian (7 Ma) age and seasonal 

variability was equally around 1.14 ‰ and 0.7 ‰, respectively, which would suggest an average 

sea surface temperature (SST) seasonality of 7.5°C and 4.6°C provided that the δ 18 O seasonality in 

the Crete corals is largely controlled by temperature. However, more positive mean δ 18 O in 

Messinian Porites compared to Tortonian Porites do not reflect lower SST, because coral 

communities and annual extension rates in massive Porites in Tortonian and Messinian are 

identical. Changes in seawater δ 18 O and intercolony variability cannot be ruled out at present for 

the observed shift to more positive δ 18 O values. However lithological and palaeobotanical records 

from central Crete document an increasingly dry climate during the late Miocene, suggesting the 

1.0 ‰ change in δ 18 O during the Late Miocene to correspond with a increase in salinity 

(aridification) prior to the Messinian salinity crisis. 

170 


Poster S01-09 


Skeletal Mg/Ca in deep-water isidid gorgonians (Octocorallia): 

relationship to paleotemperature? 

Noé S, Pfeiffer M, Dullo W-C 

IFM-Geomar, Kiel, Germany 

Deep-water isidid gorgonians (Keratoisis sp.) may represent new potential archives of past 

paleotemperatures in intermediate water masses, based on the chemical composition of their slowgrowing 

skeletons showing concentric Mg-calcitic increments around a central axis. We measured 

Mg/Ca ratios in Holocene, subrecent and modern isidid skeletons recovered on Chatham Rise (New 

Zealand) and in Okhotsk Sea (eastern Siberia) from 590 to 3100 m water depth. A combination of 

radiocarbon dating and counting growth bands provided linear extension rates of 0.4 mm/y average 

and an annual incremental growth. 

The mean of high-resolution Mg/Ca profiles measured in skeletal cross sections by means of 

electron microprobe corresponds well with the ICP-AES analyses. Conspicuously high Mg values 

measured in the organic-rich juvenile stages of all specimens derive from a favoured Mgincorporation 

in the organic phase of this stage. The adult skeletons show fluctuations at subannual 

to decadal scales, whereas the values of the fossil and modern Chatham Rise samples are about 5- 

10 mmol/mol higher with a smaller standard deviation than those of the subrecent and modern 

Okhotsk samples. These data prove for higher intermediate water temperatures in the New Zealand 

area since Late Holocene compared to Okhotsk Sea, fitting well with present-day in situ 

measurements. 



Poster S01-10 

Sea surface temperature, salinity and upwelling activity recorded 

by geochemical componenents from a New Caledonia massive 

coral. 

Ourbak T 

Université Bordeaux, France 

We present a high-resolution study of five geochemical components of a New Caledonia coral 

core. Minor and trace elements (Sr/Ca, U/Ca, Mg/Ca, Ba/Ca), together with oxygen isotopes 

(δ 18 O), were investigated at near-fortnightly resolution. Geochemical measurements were 

compared to sea surface temperature (SSTTSG) and salinity (SSSTSG) recorded by a 

thermosalinograph (TSG) located less than 10 m from the coral. Results show that Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca, 

and δ 18 O are temperature-dependent (correlation coefficient to local SSTTSG between 0.74 and 

0.84). Their robustness as SST tracers is tested against a satellite-based data set for a 4 year 

validation period. U/Ca has a more complex behavior and appears to be linked to both SSTTSG 

and SSSTSG, despite relatively small local SSS variations. For the first time this salinity-related 

imprint is quantified in a U/Ca coralline ratio. In addition to SST and SSS tracers, Ba/Ca 

measurements provide a possible way to investigate upwelling activity occurrences. 

172 


Poster S01-11 


Massive Coral from New Caledonia: a black box recorder of SST, 

SSS and upwelling activity 

Ourbak T, Corrège T, Malaizé B, Le Cornec F, Charlier K, Peypouquet JP 

Université Bordeaux 1, Institut de Recherche et de Developpement, France 

High-resolution study of five geochemical components of a New Caledonia coral core is presented. 

Minor and trace elements (Sr/Ca, U/Ca, Mg/Ca, Ba/Ca), together with oxygen isotopes (δ 18 O), 

were investigated at near-fortnightly resolution. Geochemical measurements were compared to sea 

surface temperature (SST) and salinity (SSS) recorded by a thermosalinograph (TSG) located less 

than 10 m from the coral. Results show that Sr/Ca, Mg/Ca, and δ 18 O are temperature-dependent 

(correlation coefficient to local SST between 0.74 and 0.84). Their robustness as SST tracers is 

tested against a satellite-based data set for a 4 year validation period. U/Ca has a more complex 

behavior and appears to be linked to both SST and SSS, despite relatively small local SSS 

variations. For the first time this salinity-related imprint is quantified in a U/Ca coralline ratio. In 

addition to SST and SSS tracers, Ba/Ca measurements provide a possible way to investigate 

upwelling activity occurrences. 



Poster S01-12 

Corals From the Northern Mozambique Channel (W Indian Ocean) 

show decadal linkages with East African rainfall, Tropical Dipole 

and ENSO between 1865-1994 

Zinke J 1 , Timm O 2 , Dullo W-C 3 , Thomassin BA 4 

1 Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, FALW, Dept. Petrology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 

2 IPRC/SOEST University of Hawaii, Honolulu, United States 

3 Leibniz Institute IFM-GEOMAR, Kiel, Germany, 

4 COC Marseille, CNRS/UMR 6540 Dimar, Marseille, France 

A bimonthly resolved 135 year long oxygen isotope record was generated (1865-1994) from 

Mayotte island (12S, 45E). Additionally, Sr/Ca ratios were measured on bimonthly resolution back 

to 1884 to deconvolve the oxygen isotopic composition of sea water. Our results indicate variations 

in the sea water oxygen isotopes on decadal time scales related to changes in the precipitationevaporation 

balance over the northern Mozambique Channel. The coral data indicate a strong 

correlation with East African rainfall and the Tropical Dipole Mode Index on interannual and 

decadal time scales. The Sr/Ca ratios and oxygen isotopes show a stationary correlation with the 

Nino3 Index for the period 1884 to 1994. Thus, the Mayotte corals can potentially provide insights 

into the spatial and temporal variability of the precipitation-evaporation balance in the northern 

Mozambique Channel and East Africa, and ENSO related SST changes over the last 130 years. 

174 


Poster S02-01 


The importance of consolidated substrate in the recovery and 

resilience of coral reefs 

Abdulla A, Obura D, Bijoux J, Pike K 

IUCN Global Marine Program, CORDIO, SCMRT-MPA 

The importance of appropriate substrate for successful coral recruitment and robust structural 

integrity for maintaining species diversity on reefs is widely recognized. Following the December 

2004 tsunami, an assessment of damage to 16 sites in 7 islands of the Seychelles was conducted in 

February 2005. Granitic reefs suffered less damage than reefs with a calcium carbonate substrate as 

they form the immovable bedrock of the islands, or in the case of boulders and rocks, were too 

dense and of a compact shape to be displaced. On carbonate rock surfaces that were consolidated 

and firm, attached corals showed limited breakage or overturning. Those with poorly consolidated 

framework due to ongoing bioerosion were not robust enough to resist the tsunami waves, whether 

from direct impact of the breaking waves, surge, or movement of rubble and rocks. In these areas 

significant reef rubble was moved by the waves and associated live coral colonies were displaced 

and damaged. Reefs with consolidated rubble or granitic foundations are able to resist substantial 

modification from strong wave forces and can maintain associated coral colonies. The rate of 

recovery of these reefs is likely to be higher than that of reefs with loose rubble and high substrate 

movement. 



Poster S02-02 

Using taphonomic signatures from macroborers and calcareous 

encrusters to assess reef accretionary styles 

Hepburn LJ, Perry C 

Department of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, United Kingdom 

Dept. of Environmental & Geographical Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, 

Manchester, United Kingdom 

Reef development is strongly influenced by the biological processes of bioerosion and encrustation, 

with the balance between these carbonate eroding and carbonate producing processes contributing 

to reef form and shape, the framework preservation potential of the reef interior and therefore 

overall reef accretion. Accretionary styles and the product of the various taphonomic processes 

operating on a reef can be studied by extraction of cores from the reef framework which may then 

be used to: 1) help define how taphonomic processes determine the fate of skeletal framework, 2) 

identify palaeo-environmental reef conditions, 3) facilitate interpretation of relative sea level 

fluctuations, 4) highlight coral growth rates and preservability of different coral species, 5) enable 

dating of the reef and any slumping that may have taken place, and 6) identify any halts in 

accretion which may indicate stressful environmental conditions. Accurately interpreting 

information contained with these cores, however, first requires an understanding of the processes 

that control the preservation of reef framework and the environmental tolerances of the organisms 

responsible for such processes. The present study identifies suites of taphonomic signatures that 

can be regarded as indicative of different reef sub-environments and identifies the taphonomic 

signatures that are indicative of reef depositional styles and events over a range of temporal scales. 

176 


Poster S02-03 


Characterization of sedimentation on a high-latitude reef system 

off Southeast Florida, USA 

Jordan LKB 1 , Gilliam DS 1 , Klink LH 1 , Phillips M 1 , Stephens N 1 , Fisher L 2 , Dodge 

RE 1 

1 National Coral Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, 

Florida, USA 

2 Broward County Department of Planning and Environmental Protection, Fort Lauderdale, 

Florida, USA 

The southeast Florida reef system lies offshore a highly urbanized area subject to numerous 

impacts from major shipping ports, sewer outfalls, canal discharges, ship groundings, commercial 

and recreational fishing, beach renourishment, and other marine construction activities. The 

uniqueness, proximity, and value of this system demand sustained monitoring and increased 

investigation into limiting environmental/ecological processes. Sedimentation rate and grain size 

distribution have been examined since October 1997 using sediment collection stands deployed at 

25 reef monitoring sites. Sedimentation rate and grain size distribution analyses from bimonthly 

collections revealed significant seasonal and spatial variation. Sedimentation rates were highest in 

fall/winter and when tropical storms and hurricanes entered the vicinity of southeast Florida. 

Shallow sites, closest to shore, demonstrated the highest sedimentation rates and largest grain sizes. 

The temporal scale (9 years) of this study provides resource managers with data ready to assist in 

detecting potential changes in sedimentation rate and grain size distribution resulting from 

anthropogenic activities. Identifying these changes may help reduce impacts to the southeast 

Florida reef system. 



Poster S02-04 

The importance of Ctenochaetus striatus (Acanthuridae) for the 

sediment balance of coral reefs in the Northern Red Sea 

Krone R, Paster M, Schuhmacher H 

Universität Duisbug- Essen, Germany 

The rate of carbonates and other minerals which sink down on fringing reef surfaces at the desert 

coast of the South Sinai Peninsula was quantified with a standardised technique. The minimum 

masses which de facto remain on the reefs without any feeding pressure were measured applying a 

new method. The common herbivorous fish species Ctenochaetus striatus which is grazing on coral 

rock was found to defecate exclusively outside the reef. 

Behaviour observations and faeces analyses were done to quantify the masses of inorganic matter 

exported out of the reef. It was found that the examined C. striatus population exports 572.5g m-2 

y-1 inorganic particles (276.9g carbonates, 295.6g land born minerals) out of the reef crest. This 

value represents approximately one third of the here-observed mean accumulation rate of particles 

from the water column. This function of C. striatus within the sediment budget underlines that 

some organisms can contribute significantly to the sediment removal from coral reefs. This should 

be considered when discussing the phenomenon that living reefs are persisting in areas with 

naturally high sediment inputs. A scheme for sediment balances in coral reefs is presented. 

178 


Poster S02-05 


Sediment records of anthropogenically-sourced terrigenous 

sediment input in a tropical embayment: effects on reef sediment 

stratigraphy and geochemistry 

Perry C, Taylor K 

Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom 

Discovery Bay, a carbonate-dominated embayment in north Jamaica, has been subject to inputs of 

iron-rich bauxite sediment since the mid-1960’s. The trace metals Fe, Zn and Mn are significantly 

enriched within sediments (Fe 13,701 ppm, Mn¬ 237 ppm, Zn 74 ppm), with highest contaminant 

levels occurring to the north-east and north-west of the bauxite loading terminal. Cores recovered 

from sites on the western side of the bay provide a stratigraphic record of this history of bauxite 

contamination across water depths from 5 to 25 m, with the thickness of the upper bauxitecontaminated 

sediment horizons (Fe contents up to 7000 µg/g) increasing down transect. In each 

core these overlie sequences of ‘clean’ lagoon carbonates. Down-core sediment-constituent data 

also indicate significant changes in sediment production at the shallowest sites, with sediment 

assemblages shifting from diverse assemblages of coral, mollusc, Amphiroa and Halimeda in the 

clean lagoon sands, to assemblages dominated by Halimeda and Amphiroa within surficial 

sediments. At the deeper sites, no major down-core shifts in sediment constituents occur. These 

sites thus record a rather complex history of changes in sediment stratigraphy and chemistry. Major 

constituent changes however appear linked to more regional declines in coral community and reef 

status. 



Poster S02-06 

An experimental investigation to assess the impact of natural and 

anthropogenic changes on reef environments Barbados, West 

Indies, using Coral Cores Sclerochronology and Laser Ablation 

ICP-MS 

Runnalls LA, Coleman ML 

University of Reading United Kingdom 

We developed a method to assess history of pollution and show its effects on coral communities off 

the west coast of Barbados. Sclerochronology of Montastrea annularis coral cores shows skeletal 

growth rate and records pollution history (manifested as reduced growth). X-radiography shows 

several decades’ annual growth bands and indicates significantly lower growth rate in polluted 

sites. Laser Ablation Inductively-Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) analyses of 

successive growth bands show contrasting trace element concentrations (Cu, Sn, Zn and Pb) 

between corals at different locations and within a single coral. Deepwater corals 7km apart record 

different Pb, and Sn levels, suggesting metal pollution transported by currents. 1995 hurricanes 

dispersed nearshore polluted water to give anomalous Sn and Cu values for most sites. Mean values 

for the concentration factor in coral, relative to water, ranged from 10 for Cu and Ni to 2.4 and 0.7 

(Cd and Zn respectively), but with 60-80%uncertainties because the whole sample was ablated. We 

calculated a history of seawater pollution for these elements from 1943 to 1997 from the coral 

record. Our results are much higher than those obtained from cleaned coral aragonite but 

demonstrate incorporation of more contamination, including particulate material as well as dissolve 

metals. 

180 


Poster S02-07 


Predicting Coral Bleaching: Assessing the accuracy of 3 

predictive techniques 

van Hooidonk R, Huber M 

Purdue University, USA 

Coral bleaching is a major threat to coral reefs globally. Accurate forecasts of bleaching could be 

used together with climate models to predict the fate of reefs, investigate effects of tropical 

cyclones on bleaching, and identify reefs at particular bleaching risk. Therefore we analyzed and 

determined the skill of 3 techniques to predict bleaching by using a dataset of over 3000 reef 

observations (obtained from reefbase.org): 

The Degree Heating Week (DHW) technique is based on accumulated Sea Surface Temperature 

(SST) anomalies in a 12-week period. 

The max3d method calculates the average temperature for the 3 warmest consecutive days in a 75 

day period. 

The coefficient of variance technique (CV) uses the standard deviation divided by the mean of biweekly 

average temperatures to predict bleaching. 

As a measure of accuracy the Peirce Skill Score was calculated for each technique. This revealed 

that the max3d technique performs best to predict bleaching. 



Poster S02-08 

Can sedimentation rate predict coral diversity? 

Velterop R 

Cefas, School of Biosciences, Hatherly Labs, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, United 

Kingdom 

Low diversity and live coral cover are often attributed to terrigenous sediment inputs arising from 

deforestation and poor land management in nearby coastal catchments. The Pearl Cays region of 

the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua is influenced by sediment runoff with the highest total mean 

sedimentation rates at the inshore sites being 3.7 + 0.3 (S.E.) mg·cm 2 ·d -1 . Benthic communities and 

diversity patterns were studied using quantitative video sampling methods. The site most affected 

by terrigenous sedimentation was found to be the most diverse with 21 species of hard coral along 

5 x 50m transects and an average total live coral cover of 26%. The inshore site showed 

sedimentation quality to be largely related to terrigenous influence, with offshore sites influenced 

mainly by reef erosion (high carbonate and organic content). Strong correlations were found 

between abundance of sedimentation-tolerant species of scleractinian coral such as Solenastrea 

bournoni, Agaricia sp, Siderastrea radians and the terrigenous acid insoluble non-calcareous 

sediment fractions. From a management perspective short-term records of total sedimentation rate 

alone is not a good indicator of coral reef health. It is possible to conclude that a more complete 

approach to sedimentation studies is required, based on sedimentation quality, timing and quantity. 

182 


Poster S02-09 


Modern carbonate sedimentary facies on the reef slope and 

island shelf around New Caledonia 

Yamano H, Cabioch G, Chevillon C, Pelletier B, Chardon D, Tachikawa H 

National Institute for Environmental Studies, Institut de Recherche pour le 

Developpement, and Chiba Prefectural Museum 

We collected surface sediments from 52 points on the reef slope and island shelf all around New 

Caledonia (163-167 E, 20-23 S), where the depth ranged from 75 m to 720 m. Benthic and 

planktonic foraminifera, Pteropods fragments, ahermatypic corals, bryozoa, sponges, and fragments 

of carbonate rocks, with variable proportions of mud, were main constituents of the sediments. 

Preliminary examination showed that the surface sedimentary facies could be divided into several 

facies: Pteropods and planktonic foraminifera facies, benthic-planktonic mixed foraminifera facies, 

benthic foraminifera with bryozoa facies, ahermatypic coral facies, and carbonate-rock fragment 

facies. These facies appeared to be distributed according to water depth and geomorphology of the 

reef slope and island shelf. Our results will provide the first comprehensive description on the 

sediments distributed outside of barrier reefs around New Caledonia. 



184 


Poster S03-01 


Video time-lapse monitoring of environmental variability at a 

Lophelia pertusa cold-water coral patch in the Tisler reef, Norway 

Berov DN 1,2 , Thomsen L 1 , Lundalv T 3 , Duineveld G 4 , Lavaleye M 4 , White M 5 , 

Kiriakoulakis K 6 , Palacz A 1 

1 International University Bremen, 

2 University of Southern Denmark, 

3 Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory, 

4 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, 

5 National University of Ireland 

6 University of Liverpool 

The colonial cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa occurs throughout the NE Atlantic continental 

margin from the Gulf of Cadiz to Northern Norway. At the Tisler reef site in the Kosterfjord area ( 

NE Skagerrak), Lophelia patches occur at depths between 70-160 meters, at fully marine 

conditions ensured by the inflow of Atlantic water. During the \'Tisler Reef Experiment\' carried 

out at the Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory, Sweden, the current regimes and fluxes of organic 

matter through the reef were studied in order to understand the factors limiting the occurrence and 

distribution of Lophelia. Additionally, a time lapse HDV video lander was deployed with an ROV 

at a Lophelia patch. Macrofauna species at the coral patch are identified and quantified, and their 

interactions with the environment described. The feeding behaviour of the Lophelia polyps is also 

investigated, in an attempt to relate polyp tentacle activities to changes in current regime and 

particulate suspended material availability. In-situ results are compared with data from a lab flume 

where Lophelia patches were exposed to different current regimes and particle availability. Bottom 

water samples were taken for measuring the physical parameters of POM at the BBL; HPLC 

analysis of POM is also carried out to assess the amino acid bioavailability, shedding light on the 

quality of food sources for Lophelia. 



Poster S03-02 

A ~20,000 years record of continuous sedimentation from a cold 

water coral covered carbonate mound - Galway Mound in the 

Porcupine Seabight 

Eisele M, Wienberg C, Hebbeln D 

MARUM - Center for Marine Environmental Sciences, University of Bremen, Bremen, 

Germany 

The Galway Mound is located in the Belgica Mound province in the eastern Porcupine Seabight 

offshore western Ireland. Located at a water depth of about 790 m Galway Mound stretches about 2 

km in latitudinal and 1 km in longitudinal direction and has an elevation of ~150 m above the 

surrounding sea floor. At its top it is covered by dense and well developed coral thickets. 

During cruise M61-3 on R/V METEOR, five gravity cores from Galway Mound (on-mound cores) 

and two from the surrounding sea floor (off-mound cores) were taken to investigate the long term 

development of Galway Mound and to compare it to the sediment record from the surrounding 

‘normal’ sea floor. These cores were analysed for stable isotopes (δ 13 C and δ 18 O) and for their 

elemental composition with a non- destructive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanner. The easy to 

correlate records from Galway Mound show that this mound, in contrast to some others (e.g., 

Propeller Mound in the northern Porcupine Seabight), is characterised by a consistent sediment 

cover reflecting continuous sedimentation over major parts of the structure. Preliminary age 

assignments based on δ 18 O data indicate the presence of a more or less continuous sediment record 

on Galway Mound spanning the last ~20,000 years from the last glacial maximum to the Late 

Holocene. 

186 


Poster S03-03 


Sexual reproduction of the orange dendrophylliid coral Astroides 

calycularis in the Mediterranean Sea 

Goffredo S, Marconi G, Gasparini G, Zaccanti F 

University of Bologna, Italy 

This study examines the sexual reproduction in a scleractinian coral living in temperate waters, in 

the southern part of the western Mediterranean Sea. Astroides calycularis is an azooxanthellate 

coral that colonizes vertical walls, overhangs, cave entrances, and sea caverns with strong water 

movement, from the surface to 30m in depth. The colonies have been collected monthly, from 

April 2004 to September 2005 at Palinuro (Salerno, Campania, Italy) in the Southern Tyrrhenian 

Sea. This is the first in-depth investigation of the reproductive biology of this species. As expected 

for a member of the family Dendrophylliidae, A. calycularis was a gonochoric coral: colonies were 

sex separated, with all mature polyps in the same colony showing the same sex. Morphological 

aspects of male gametogenesis were similar to those described in other dendrophylliids coral. 

Female gametogenesis was characterized by the conspicuous presence of lipid droplets in the 

oocyte cytoplasm, which were of phagocytic origin. Preliminary quantitative data on the annual 

reproductive cycle indicate spring fertilization. 



Poster S03-04 

Historical record and new survey on biodiversity of deep-water 

octocorals (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) in Sagami Bay and 

adjacent waters of Japan. 

Matsumoto AK, Iwase F, Imahara Y, Namikawa H 

Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo 

History of research on deep and temperate-cold water octocoral (Coelenterata: Octocorallia) fauna 

in Sagami Bay, Japan (34-35 N and 138-140 E) started in 1868. Since then, several studies on 

biodiversity have been conducted, including many expeditions such as those of the Challenger, 

Tiefsee, Albatross, and Sixten Bock. Through these surveys and expeditions, the known number of 

species of octocorals is 259 from Sagami Bay and adjacent waters. These results demonstrate that 

Sagami Bay has a high degree of octocoral biodiversity. In 2001, a five year project started by the 

National Science Museum of Tokyo (NSMT) to recheck and revise the fauna by conducting a 

comprehensive study on both 100 years historical record and on new surveys. 

Fifteen of the octocoral species were newly recorded at littoral to bathyal depths in Sagami Bay. 

Thirty families of octocorals were recorded between the depth of 100-200 m and 41.1 % of all 

recorded specimens and 22.3% of newly recorded specimens were obtained at this depth. A total of 

113 species of octocorals are endemic to Japan and adjacent waters, while 74 of these octocorals 

are only found in or around Sagami Bay. These results reconfirmed the high biodiversity of 

octocoral fauna in Sagami Bay. 

188 


Poster S03-05 


Flume tank experiments on tentacle behaviour and particle 

encounter of the cold-water coral Lophelia pertusa at varying flow 

speed. 

Palacz A 1 , Maier C 2 , Thomsen L 1 , Duineveld G 2 . 

1 International University Bremen (IUB), Bremen, Germany. 

2 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Texel, the Netherlands. 

The deep-water coral Lophelia pertusa is one of the main reef-forming scleractinian species found 

along the NE-Atlantic margin. Intense research aiming at understanding the feeding strategies of 

deep-water corals is hindered by logistic limitations of long-term and/or regular observations at the 

deep depth of Lophelia growth. By carrying out flume tank experiments on living Lophelia at the 

International University Bremen we studied tentacle behavior and particle encounter of living 

Lophelia samples in a simulated hydrodynamic setting. Tentacle extension, a pre-requisite for prey 

and particle capture - was measured under varying flow conditions in order to verify the potential 

influence of tidal cycles and currents on particle capture efficiencies. The behavior of fed and unfed 

Lophelia in response to flow speed were studied. The initial results indicate that the majority of 

polyps do not retract their tentacles even under stream flow velocities as high as 30 cm/s. Finally, 

particle encounter rates at varying flow speed will be presented to shed light on the complex 

biophysical interactions with respect to the 3-dimensional structure of Lophelia branches. 



Poster S03-06 

Food supply mechanisms for cold water corals along the 

continental shelf edge 

Thiem Ø 1 ; Fosså J-H 2 , Berntsen J 3 , Ravagnan E 4 

1 The Bergen Center for Computational Science, Unifob, University of Bergen, Norway 

2 Institute of Marine Research, Norway 

3 Department of Mathematics, University of Bergen, Norway 

4 International Research Institute of Stavanger AS 

In recent years it has been documented that deep-water coral reefs of the species Lophelia pertusa 

are a major benthic habitat in Norwegian waters. Lophelia live and thrive under special 

environmental conditions of which factors such as temperature, water depth, water movement and 

food supply are important. The present work explores the hypothesis that Lophelia forms reefs in 

places where the encounter rate of food particles is sufficiently high and stable over long periods of 

time for continuous growth. This is done by relating the distribution of reefs with the results of 

numerical ocean modelling. 

Numerical simulations have been performed with an idealized bottom topography similar to that 

which is found outside parts of the Norwegian coast. In the simulations the model is first forced 

with an along slope jet and then with an idealized atmospheric low pressure. The model results 

show that the encounter rates between the particles and the water layer near the seabed are 

particularly high close to the shelf break. This may indicate that many Lophelia reefs are located 

along the shelf edges because the supply of food is particularly good in these areas. 

190 


Poster S03-07 


The spatial and temporal distribution of cold-water corals in the 

Gulf of Cadiz, NE Atlantic 

Wienberg C, Hebbeln D 

RCOM – Research Center Ocean Margins, University of Bremen, Germany 

Cold-water corals are widespread along the European continental margin and, recently, have been 

also reported from the Gulf of Cadiz, where they are hosted by mud volcanoes (MV). All 

observations of cold-water corals in this area indicate that these organisms only thrive in waters 

shallower than 1200 m water depth. In order to investigate the long-term development of coldwater 

corals in this region a grab sample from Hesperides MV and three gravity cores taken from 

other MVs have been analysed. Radiocarbon-datings on a number of corals taken from the 

Hesperides MV grab revealed that four different cold-water coral species invaded the Gulf of Cadiz 

at different time intervals ranging from 1.000 to 48.000 yrs. Based on U/Th-datings and stable 

oxygen isotope data obtained from the gravity cores, it appears that the presence of cold-water 

corals in the Gulf of Cadiz is mainly restricted to intermediate climate conditions not comprising 

fully glacial or interglacial settings. This is further confirmed by taxonomic analyses. At this stage, 

it is assumed that observed shifts in the coral community are forced by environmental changes that 

are probably linked to the Late Quaternary glacial/interglacial cycles. 



Poster S03-08 

Franken Mound - facies mapping of a newly-discovered 

carbonate mound at the West Rockall Bank, NE Atlantic 

Wienberg C, Heidkamp S, Hebbeln D 

RCOM - Research Center Ocean Margins, University of Bremen 

Franken Mound is a newly-discovered carbonate mound which is located at the western slope of 

Rockall Bank. Video-footage obtained along two ROV dive tracks revealed seven different facies 

types. Live coral thickets, mainly made up by Lophelia pertusa and Madrepora oculata, are 

restricted to the crest region of Franken Mound. The live corals colonise dead to subfossil coral 

framework which is partly clocked by fine-grained sediments. The smoothly dipping eastern flank 

is covered by sands which are partly admixed with scattered coral rubble grading into sands with 

asymmetrical current ripples co-occuring, at the base of the eastern flank, with dropstones. The 

facies characterised by varying amounts of coral rubble are also present at the base of the western 

flank. In addition, the steeply inclined western flank is characterised by carbonate cliffs of up to 

several meters height which show a patchy to dense colonisation by various mound-forming 

organisms. At the eastern flank, carbonates are only exposed locally devoid of sand cover. This 

facies distribution pattern appears to be dominantly controlled by the local bottom current regime, 

supporting coral growth at the mound crest, causing erosion at the western flank and forcing mobile 

sands to creep up the eastern flank. 

192 


Poster S04-01 


Earthquake and tsunami effects on Indonesian coral reefs 

Bavestrello G 1 , Abrar M 2 , Boyer M 3 , Cerrano C 4 , Mustakim H 5 , Nasution IM 6 , Pinca 

S 7 , Ricciardi F 3 , Schiaparelli S 4 , Yusuf S 8 , Cattaneo-Vietti R 4 

1 Di.S.Mar., Università Politecnica delle Marche; 

2 Research Center for Oceanography – Indonesian Institute of Science. Jakarta, Indonesia; 

3 Celebes Divers, Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia; 

4 Dip.Te.Ris., Università di Genova, Italy; 

5 Directorate General for Surveillance of Marine and Fisheries Resources , 

6 Ministry for Marine Affairs and Fisheries Jakarta, Indonesia; 

7 College of Marshall Islands, Marshall Islands; 

8 Center for Coral Reef Research, Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia 

This work refers about the effect of the earthquake-tsunami event of December 2004 on the coral 

reefs of Simeulue and Salaut Kecil Islands (NW Sumatra), the land most close to the earthquake 

epicentre, two months after the event. In this area the reef uplifted over the average sea level of 100 

- 150 cm. The emerged corals were intact with the coral-dwelling fauna still in situ, suggesting no 

destructive mechanical effects of the tsunami wave. The underwater surveys indicated that the 

submerged part of the coral community was still alive, although many corals showed mechanical 

damage and signs of disease. Among the damaged corals, the branching species are the most 

affected, while the encrusting and massive ones appeared to be intact. Many coral colonies were 

partially buried by sediments, showing often wide necrotic areas. In the sites affected by both 

siltation and mechanical damages to the corals the effects on the fish community were evident with 

anomalous ratios between corallivorous and herbivous species. The more striking feature of the fish 

community, however, was the impressive amount of juveniles relative to adults. Many species 

appear in their recruitment stage, while many adults were likely killed or displaced by the tsunami. 



Poster S04-02 

Post-tsunami condition of a coral reef in Laem Pakarang 

(Andaman Sea, Thailand) 

Benzoni F 1 , Basso D 2 , Giaccone T 3 , Pessani D 4 , Cappelletti FS 2 , Leonardi R 3 , Galli P 1 , 

Choowong M 5 , Di Geronimo S 3 , Robba E 2 

1 Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 

Milano, Italy 

2 Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche e Geotecnologie, Università degli Studi di Milano- 

Bicocca, Milano, Italy 

3 Dipartimento di Scienze Geologiche, Sezione di Paleoecologia e Oceanografia, 

Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy 

4 Dipartimento di Biologia Animale e dell Uomo, Università degli Studi di Torino, Torino, 

Italy 

5 Department of Geology Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 

Thailand 

The 2004 tsunami hit the coast of the Phang Nga Province on the Andaman Sea coast of Thailand 

with two series of waves up to 16 m high. The Laem Pakarang Cape was severely affected and its 

outline dramatically modified. 

The Italian MURST project ‘Impact of catastrophic events on benthic soft-bottom fauna of the 

infralittoral and intertidal zones: the case of the coastal area of Khao Lak, Andaman Sea, Thailand’ 

focuses on the effects of tsunami on the soft bottom communities. Grab sampling for quantitative 

analysis of living and dead macrobenthos was complemented by underwater observations along 

profiles perpendicular to the coast. A profile crossing a submarine topographic relief off the Laem 

Pakarang Cape revealed a previously unreported coral reef at 10 - 12 m depth. 

We conducted SCUBA diving observations along three E-W transects positioned from the shallow 

fore-reef to the 12 m coral communities. Qualitative observations include changes in sediment 

composition and sedimentary structures, traces of benthic activity, Scleractinia diversity and the 

occurrence of broken/displaced coral colonies. The provided zonation of the area showed massive 

coral colonies displacement, breakage and burial between 10 and 12 m depth. No signs of 

significant recovery were noted. 

194 


Poster S04-03 


Assessment of coral reefs of the Farasan Islands Marine Park, 

Saudi Arabia, South-Central Red Sea 

Hagan AB 1,2 , Renaud P 1 , Buckley R 3 , Stobart B 4 , Callow M 5 , Riegl BM 6 , Purkis S 6 , 

Ripley H 7 , Al-Shaikh K 8 , Al-Yami H 8 , Al-Mansi A 8 , Sambas A 8 , Alsuhaibany A 9 

1 Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, Landover, USA. 

2 Cambridge Coastal Research Unit, Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, 

United Kingdom. 

3 School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences, University of Washington, USA. 

4 Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Baleares, Spain. 

5 Lantra, UK. 

6 National Coral Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center, Dania 

Beach, USA. 

7Hyperspectral Imaging Limited, Nova Scotia, Canada. 

8 National Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD), Kingdom 

of Saudi Arabia. 

9 Regional Organisation for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf 

of Aden (PERSGA), Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. 

The Red Sea hosts some of the most biodiverse reef ecosystems in the world, supporting a wealth 

of coral and fish life and a high level of endemism. The Farasan Islands Marine Protected Area 

(16°20’-17°20’N, 41°24’-42°26’E) consists of 96 islands and lies 40 km offshore from Jizan, Saudi 

Arabia, in the south-central Red Sea. In May 2006, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans 

Foundation undertook an expedition to the Farasan Islands, in collaboration with the National 

Commission for Wildlife Conservation and Development (NCWCD) and the Regional 

Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden 

(PERSGA). Employing a Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (CASI) sensor mounted on a 

seaplane, aerial surveys of the Farasan Islands and surrounding reefs were conducted in order to 

develop a high-resolution atlas of the shallow water habitats. Benthic and fish surveys were 

undertaken to assess the present health of the reef ecosystem within the Farasan Islands MPA. The 

findings from this expedition will be compared to previously collected data in order to quantify the 

success of the MPA in recent years and enhance future regional marine ecosystem management. 



Poster S04-04 

Substrate rugosity and coral recruitment in coral reefs of the 

Maldives (Indian Ocean) 

Lasagna R, Gattorna I, Giovannetti E, Albertelli G, Morri C, Bianchi CN 

Genoa University, Italy 

Recovery of Maldivian coral communities started immediately after the 1998 bleaching, thanks to 

high coral recruitment and rapid growth of the colonies. Recovery was still in progress when the 

Sumatra-Andaman tsunami hit the Maldivian atolls. Early surveys suggested that the tsunami had 

little impact on reef communities, although the displacement and subsequent deposition of sand 

might have caused smoothing of the substrate and thus impediment to further recruit settlement. 

Data on substrate rugosity (measured at spatial scales of both metres and tens of metres) and coral 

recruitment were collected in April 2005 and 2006 to test the hypothesis that a smoother substrate 

is less attractive to recruits than a rough substrate. Two reef typologies were considered: ocean 

forereef sites and backreef or lagoon reef sites. 

No difference in rugosity was found between the two typologies at the spatial scales investigated. 

Both rugosity and recruit abundance were different among sites at the scale of metres, and not at 

the larger scale nor among reef typologies. This not only suggests that coral recruitment positively 

correlates with substrate rugosity, but also that microscale plays a greater role than differences 

between oceanic and lagoon environments. 

196 


Poster S04-11 


Coral reefs of the northeast coast of Madagascar, Cap d'Ambre to 

Baie du Loky 

McKenna SA 1 , Allen GR 1 , Mahavaro J 2 , Randriamanantsoa B 3 , Razafinjatovo PP 1 , 

Bakary G 2 , Jaomanana 4 

1 Conservation International 

2 Centre National de Recherches sur l’Environment 

3 Wildlife Conservation Society 

4 Association Nationale pour la Gestion des Aires Protegées 

Madagascar's terrestrial biodiversity has overshadowed the island's marine biodiversity. 

Consequently data gaps exist for many of the country's marine habitats. Coral reefs, particularly 

those off the east coast, have been especially unexplored. These data gaps need to be filled if the 

government of Madagascar is to meet its pledge made at the World Parks Congress and the World 

Summit for Sustainable Development to expand their marine protected areas (MPA) by one million 

hectares by 2009. Moreover, this data is critical to ensure biodiversity representative networks of 

MPAs for effective conservation. Here, we report findings from Conservation International's 

Marine Rapid Assessment Program Survey on the reefs along the northeast coast from Cap 

d'Ambre to Baie du Loky. Standard in situ survey methods were used to collect data on biologically 

and commercially important species and to identify threats on 24 reef sites. Extensive on-site 

interviews were conducted in 12 villages to document socioeconomic issues regarding marine 

resource use. The survey documented 17 fish species not previously recorded from Madagascar. 

The majority of sites surveyed had little to no evidence of stress with an optimal site for protection 

identified. Comparatively, the northeast reefs appear healthier than those in other parts of the 

country. 



Poster S04-05 

Status of the reefs of Ras Mohammed National Park, Egypt 

McMellor S 

University of Essex, United Kingdom 

This report reflects the data collected as part of the establishment of a long term coral reef 

monitoring program set up by Coral Reef Research Unit, University of Essex (UK) and the EEAA. 

All the reefs surveyed in this study showed similar cover of Scleractinian corals and also similar 

amounts of total live cover. The mean colony size appears relatively small and suggests that the 

reefs are starting to recover from the COTs event of several years ago. The large amount of 

substratum available for recruits means many small colonies showing a couple of years growth 

dominate. 

The greatest increases in coral cover since the COTs event are found at the sites with the lowest 

number of visitors, while the slower recovery rates can be observed at the most heavily dived sites. 

No immediate natural threats were observed during the period of this study, COTs were minimal, 

and Drupella Gastropods inhabited a small percentage of colonies at some sites. Neither incidence 

of coral disease nor coral bleaching were observed. 

The multi-zoned management technique applied to Ras Mohammed offers a number of 

opportunities to monitor both the recovery of the impacted reefs, as well as the anthropogenic 

impact of the dive tourists. 

198 


Poster S04-06 


Coral reef community structure and diversity patterns in 

Mauritius, Indian Ocean 

Moothien Pillay KR 1 , McClanahan TR 2 , Maina J 2 , Muthiga NA 3 

1 Mauritius Oceanography Institute, France Centre, Victoria Avenue, Quatre-Bornes, 

Mauritius 

2 Coral Reef Conservation Project, Mombasa, Kenya 

3 Wildlife Conservation Society, Mombasa, Kenya 

Coral reefs in Mauritius are under constant threats from marine and land based activities as well as 

natural disturbances such as cyclones, bleaching and diseases. In this study, we quantified the 

major macro benthic community components and the hard taxonomic richness at 14 sites from 7 

locations around Mauritius by line intercept and time-sampling methods to look at the present 

status of the back reef communities. Hard corals and turf algae dominated the benthos at most 

locations. Mean coral cover varied significantly among the sampled reefs (p


Poster S04-07 

Nutrients weaken corals’ resistance to tsunami 

Richter C 1 , Nanninga G 1 , Phongsuwan N 2 , Segl M 3 , Felis T 3 , Kuhnert H 3 , Winter C 3 

1 Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, 28359 Bremen, Germany 

2 Phuket Marine Biological Center, Phuket, Thailand 

3 DFG-Research Center for Ocean Margins, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, 

Germany 

Tropical coastal ecosystems play a pivotal role as breakwaters for shoreline protection, and help 

mitigate extreme events like tropical cyclones and tsunamis. Coral reefs around the Indian Ocean 

survived the impact of the December tsunami in a better shape than expected. However, in coastal 

areas subjected to eutrophication, corals including large massive Porites were so infested with 

boring mussels (Lithophaga), that their weakened skeletons succumbed to the wave like hollow 

trees in a storm, whereas less infested species, including drag-susceptible Acropora, survived the 

surge unscathed. Here we combine field assessments of bioerosion, historical records of 

eutrophication and coral-based records of skeletal fracture resistance and nutrient input with 

numerical modelling of the tsunami wave in a coastal bay, to show that sewage run-off may 

severely undermine a coasts’ protective barrier so that extreme events can wreak havoc. Our results 

highlight the importance of healthy coastal ecosystems as insurance against the vagaries of a 

notoriously unpredictable ocean and the need for scientific capacity and infrastructure to protect 

and restore these invaluable natural assets. 

200 


Poster S04-08 


Recovery of coral communities after the tsunami in 2004 in the 

Andaman Sea, Thailand 

Sawall Y 


The tsunami in Dec. 2004 hit the coral reefs in the Andaman Sea of Thailand heavily in some areas 

but mostly in the shallow region and very localized. Different methods were used to get an idea of 

the potential of the reef to recover after the tsunami event. (1) Settlement plates, (2) visual census 

of coral recruits on natural substrate, (3) line intercept transects, (4) observation of damaged coral 

colonies and their ability to survive. In most of the reefs a sufficient supply of larvae can be seen, 

probably because of untouched reefs nearby. Suitable substrate in particular dead corals is highly 

abundant in most damaged reefs. In some regions a high cover of filamentous green algae is visible 

and might impact the coral recruitment in a negative way. Some impacted reefs which have been in 

a very bad condition before tsunami already are destroyed to a level, where probably recovery will 

not be possible or only very slow. Rehabilitation efforts (transplantations, artificial substrates) are 

recommended at this highly impacted reefs, while at other sites protection of the reef would be 

enough to support the process of recovery. 



Poster S04-09 

First description of the coral reefs of India’s west coast 

Sluka RD, Lazarus S, Mary GA 

Millennium Relief & Development Services and Institute for Environmental Research and 

Social Education 

The coral and rocky reefs of India’s west coast have received little attention and thus far have 

remained undescribed. We conducted surveys at seven sites from the southern tip of India to Goa. 

Line intercept transects were used to describe benthos at the taxon level. The Roving Diver method 

was used to describe fish communities associated with these reefs. Coral cover was low (

Poster S04-10 


Coral reef ecosystems of the Andaman Islands 

Turner JR, Vousden D, Klaus R, Satyanarayana C, Fenner D, Venkataraman K, 

Rajan P, Subba Rao N 

University of Wales Bangor, UNDP-GEF, Zoological Survey of India, Australian Institute 

of Marine Sciences 

Results of a field survey of coral reefs and coastal vegetation of the Andaman islands are 

reinterpreted in the context of the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman tsunami. Rapid site assessments were 

undertaken in April 2001 from SY Ilala throughout the northern Andaman islands, to record reef 

structure, biotopes, and diversity. Further, Landsat satellite imagery was processed to map 

terrestrial and marine habitats. Reefs described included coral growth on exposed offshore banks, 

shallow windward fringing reefs, steep channel reefs between islands, and sheltered patch reefs. 

197 corals in 58 genera (110 new records) were recorded (mean 65 species per site). 11,939 km 2 of 

reef included 520km 2 of reef flat surrounding islands with 74% vegetation cover and 518 km 2 of 

mangrove. Natural forest bordered most coasts with mangrove on northward facing shores and 

between islands close to channel reefs. Only 8.25% of land area was cleared. Reefs were healthy 

and no impacts from human activity were recorded on remote reefs except for incidences of 

poaching. Contrary to anecdotal reports, neither the 1998 El Niño nor Acanthaster had caused mass 

mortality. The Andaman reefs were more diverse and less impacted than previously predicted, and 

coastal vegetation was largely intact, probably mitigating some of the effects of the tsumani in 

2004. 



204 


Poster S05-01 


A bio-oceanographic filter to larval dispersal in a reef-building 

coral 

Baums IB 1,2 , Paris CB 2 , Chérubin LM 

1 Pennsylvania State University, 

2 University of Miami 

Gene flow was shown to be limited between western and eastern Caribbean populations of the reefbuilding 

coral, Acropora palmata. However, some mixing was detected among populations near 

Puerto Rico (PR). Our genetic analyses group A. palmata samples from the east coast of the 

Dominican Republic (DR) with the western Caribbean population, suggesting a filter to gene flow 

east of the DR. To test the hypothesis of a present day bio-oceanographic filter occurring between 

PR and the DR (i.e., in the Mona Passage) we used a Lagrangian stochastic model (LSM) of larval 

dispersal, coupling coral life history characteristics with physical forcing. The model operated at 

two spatial scales: Caribbean-wide and focusing on the Mona Passage area. Results from the 

Caribbean-wide study corroborated with no significant virtual larval exchange between the two 

populations. The small-scale model indicated that virtual larvae do not readily traverse the Mona 

Passage during the corals’ reproductive season. Larvae released from Mona Island, in the center of 

the passage, are retained in the lee within topographically steered eddies acting, together with the 

larval competency period, as a de facto filter to dispersal. Combined, our findings revealed the 

location of a seasonal filter to gene flow and its mechanism. 



206 


Poster S06-01 


Modeling coral calcification in Stylophora pistillata 

Cui J, Kaandorp JA, Allemand D 

University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

In this study, based on currently available experimental knowledge of the physiology of coral 

calcification, we constructed a multi-compartmental model to describe the biomineralization 

process in zooxanthellate scleractinian corals (Stylophora pistillata). The model is composed of a 

series of reaction-diffusion equations for various relevant species (e.g., Ca 2+ , H + , HCO3 - and CO2) 

in different tissue compartments. 

Different ion transporters are modeled by different mathematical terms according to their known 

characteristics. CO2 production by coral respiration and CO2 consumption by zooxanthellate 

photosynthesis are expressed as CO2 source and sink terms in the corresponding reaction-diffusion 

equations respectively. The CO2 assimilation rate in zooxanthellae versus irradiance is 

approximated by an experimental curve for C3 plant cells. Carbon consumption by the animal for 

calcification are modeled detailedly for various DIC species (HCO3 - ,CO3 -- ,CO2). Precipitation rate 

in virtual ECF (extracellular calcifying region) is modeled by a rate expression in an existent model 

for deep-sea coral calcification. Numerical simulation results show that light-enhanced calcification 

can be easily explained by this model. Moreover, our model can be used to validate various 

proposed mechanism models for light-enhanced calcification. With this model we aim to predict 

the change of coral calcification rate due to changes of some other environmental factors such as 

pCO2 in sea water. 



Poster S06-02 

Influence of hydrogen peroxide on coral metabolism 

Higuchi T, Fujimura H, Ikota H, Arakaki T, Oomori T 

University of the Ryukyus, Japan 

Coral metabolism can be used as an indicator for physiological state of a coral colony. We studied 

coral metabolism using a Continuous Flow Complete Mixing (CFCM) experimental system. The 

CFCM experimental system is a newly developed experimental system for quantitative 

investigation of corals’ metabolic changes. Coral incubation conditions tested were: 1) no addition 

of hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) to the supplied seawater (HOOH 0 nM for 12 days) and 2) addition 

of various concentrations of HOOH to the supplied seawater (0, 300, 3000 and 30000 nM HOOH 

for 3 days each). With no addition of HOOH, the coral metabolisms (photosynthesis and 

calcification) were relatively stable, and we did not find any significant metabolic changes. It is 

concluded that, with no HOOH addition, the coral did not suffer significant stress from the CFCM 

experimental system over a 12-day incubation period. When HOOH concentrations were increased, 

we observed large decreases in photosynthesis and calcification. We found statistically significant 

differences in the photosynthesis rates between 0 and 3000 nM, and 0 and 30000 nM HOOH. 

Additionally, we found statistically significant differences in the calcification rates between 0 and 

30000 nM HOOH. Thus, higher HOOH concentrations clearly influenced coral metabolisms. 

208 


Poster S06-03 


Identification of a protist-coral association and its possible 

ecological role 

Kramarsky-Winter E, Harel M, Siboni N, Ben Dov E, Bricner I, Loya Y, Kushmaro 

A 

Ben Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Tel Aviv University, Israel. 

Recent investigations of coral associated microbial communities have revealed that coral surfaces 

are replete with microorganisms that may play important roles in colony wellbeing. In this study 

we show that the surfaces of a number of large polyped coral species are covered by a layer of 

aggregate like microorganisms. These microorganisms are embedded in the mucus of solitary coral 

Fungia granulosa and in a number of Faviid species. They are found on the coral surface and in the 

coral tissue. They are dispersed in a patchy distribution, with the highest density occurring in the 

area of the polyp mouth. Microscopic investigation revealed that the microorganisms found on and 

in tissues of F. granulosa are approximately 5-30 µm in diameter and are made up of unique 

coccoid bodies of approximately 1 µm in diameter. TEM revealed that they contain a nucleus, 

mitochondria and golgi, indicating they are eukaryotic in nature. The morphological data lead us to 

identify these organisms as stramenopile protists. This premise was strengthened by molecular 

investigation of samples taken from the surface mucus of the coral F. granulosa. The possible role 

of these protists is discussed. 



Poster S06-04 

Characterization of proteins from the matrix of sclerites from the 

alcyonarian, Lobophytum crassum. 

Rahman MA, Isa Y, Uehara T 

Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 

Japan 

Calcified organic substances in the skeleton contain a protein-polysaccharide complex playing a 

key role in the regulation of bio-calcification. However, information concerning the matrix proteins 

in alcyonarian and their effect on calcification process is still unknown. Hence we studied the 

organic matrix of endoskeletal sclerites from alcyonarian coral, Sinularia polydactyla, to analyze 

the sequences and functional properties of the proteins present. The separated sclerites from the 

colony were identified by scanning electron microscope (SEM). By recording the decline of pH in 

the experimental design, the inhibitory effect of the matrix on CaCO3 precipitate was revealed. 

SDS-PAGE analysis of the preparations showed seven bands of proteins with apparent molecular 

weights of 109, 83, 70, 63, 41, 30 and 22 kDa. Newly derived protein sequences were subjected to 

bioinformatics analysis involving identification of similarities to other proteins. The 83 and 63-kDa 

proteins appeared to be calcium binding proteins, detected as radioactive bands by 45Ca 

autoradiography. Periodic acid-Schiff staining indicated that the 83 and 63-kDa proteins were 

glycosylated. The isolated organic matrix possesses carbonic anhydrase activity which functions in 

calcium carbonate crystal formation, indicating that organic matrix is not only structural protein but 

also a catalyst. These findings suggest that the endoskeletal sclerites of alcyonarian corals have 

protein-rich organic matrices, which might be related to the calcification process. 

210 


Poster S06-05 


The effect of different flow regimes on the growth and autotrophic 

and heterotrophic feeding of nubbins of the scleractinian corals 

Galaxea fascicularis and Stylophora pistallata 

Schutter M, Crocker J, Janse M, Verreth J, Osinga R 

Wageningen University, The Netherlands 

Water flow is one of the most important abiotic factors influencing the growth of corals. Different 

aspects of flow, such as speed, turbulence and direction, affect prey capture efficiency, exchange 

rate of dissolved gasses and nutrients, and removal of sediment or mucus. 

Three separate experiments are performed to examine the effect of water flow on growth, feeding, 

photosynthesis and respiration of two species of scleractinian corals, Galaxea fascicularis and 

Stylophora pistillata. Different flow regimes (0 cm/s, 20 cm/s and 30 cm/s, uni- and bi-directional 

flow) are created in one large tank system to ascertain similar water quality and feed concentration. 

Ten nubbins of each species are used for each treatment. Growth is measured every six weeks by 

buoyant weighing and image analysis for a 24 week period. In short-term experiments, the 

efficiency of these corals to capture artemia nauplii under different flow regimes is studied in a 

1500 cm 3 flow cell. Additional short-term experiments are performed to study photosynthesis and 

respiration of the corals at different flow regimes. 

All experiments are currently in progress. The results will be presented and discussed. 



212 


Poster S07-01 


Uncultured coral bacteria: potential source for bioactive 

compounds 

Ben Yosef DZ, Kushmaro A 

Ben Gurion University, Israel 

Recent investigations suggested that the microbiota on coral surfaces may play important roles in 

colony wellbeing providing protection from pathogens by competitive exclusion or secretion of 

antibiotic substances. This provides an example of the importance of coral associated microbiota on 

reef health. Unfortunately many of the coral associated microorganisms are currently considered 

unculturable. Until recently, environmental microbiology has been limited by the ability to culture 

microorganisms in the laboratory. This is particularly true for microbiota from marine ecosystems 

where only 0.1% of bacteria have been cultured by standard techniques. Our novel culturing 

technology, carried out by the encapsulation of bacteria in agar spheres coated by polymeric 

membrane and the subsequent incubation of the spheres with the coral host, provides a method of 

in situ cultivation of these microorganisms. Under these conditions the entrapped bacteria can 

access important nutrients through the membrane. Microbiota associated with mucus from the 

corals Fungia granulosa Favia sp. and Rehytisma fulvum fulvum cultivated using this method 

displayed high diversity. Many of the microorganisms were identified as novel species that 

demonstrated bioactivity. These novel and diverse coral associated microorganisms can be useful 

resources for bioactive natural products and will enhance our understanding of coral-microbial 

interactions. 



Poster S07-02 

Variation in growth of butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) in 

response to resource availability 

Berumen M 

James Cook University, Australia 

Butterflyfishes (Chaetodontidae) are known to have inter-specific variation in both dietary 

preferences and also in degrees of feeding specialisation. Intra-specific differences in diet are 

further known to lead to differences in physiological condition of individual butterflyfish. At large, 

geographic (latitudinal) scales, many reef fish show clear patterns of intra-specific variation in 

growth, although the cause of this is unclear. This study examined the role of resources in the 

growth of butterflyfishes. As over 90% of their growth occurs in the first 2 years of their life, an 

experimental study was conducted with juvenile butterflyfishes. Consuming preferred prey 

(determined by field observations) leads to greater growth than either non-selected or avoided prey. 

Further, the benefit is greater in a specialist than in a generalist. For coral-feeding butterflyfishes, 

the relation of growth to the availability species-specific preferred resources is explored. 

214 


Poster S07-03 


Sponges feeding mainly on dissolved organic matter? Encrusting 

sponges play a key role in DOM removal in coral cavities 

de Goeij JM 1,2 , van Duyl FC 1 

1 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, PO Box 59, 1790 AB Den Burg, Texel, The 

Netherlands, 

2 CARMABI Foundation, PO Box 2090, Piscaderabaai z/n, Willemstad, Curaçao, 

Netherlands Antilles 

Coral cavities are among the largest but least explored habitats of coral reefs. We studied dissolved 

organic matter (DOM) removal by cavity sponges in the fore reef slope of coral reefs along 

Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles. In an earlier study, we found significant dissolved organic carbon 

(DOC) depletion in cavity water compared to ambient reef water. Influxes of DOC in a coral cavity 

of 100 L in volume averaged 120 mmol C·m-2·day-1. Suspension feeders, of which the greater part 

are sponges, inhabit more than 50 % of the cavity walls, and therefore considered an important 

factor of carbon depletion. Sampling was done on the reef at 12 m depth in darkened 1 L and 1.7 L 

chambers with stirring devices. We used 2 species of encrusting cavity sponges, Halisarca caerulea 

and Mycale microsigmatosa. Water samples were taken in 30 to 90 min time series. Significant 

reductions in DOC concentrations in H. caerulea and M. microsigmatosa (8 to 27 % and 9 to 16 % 

respectively) were found. Influxes of DOC averaged 230 µmol C·cm-3·day-1 and 170 µmol C·cm- 

3·day-1 for H. caerulea and M. microsigmatosa respectively. Largest concentration drops were 

observed in the first 10 min, comparable with DOC depletion patterns in cavities. Blanks of bare 

substrate show no significant flux of dissolved carbon. We conclude that cryptic habitats are sinks 

of DOM, cavity sponges take up DOM and play a significant role in DOM removal in cryptic 

habitats. 



Poster S07-04 

Bioerosive impact of Diadema antillarum (Echinodermata: 

Echinoidea) on Caribbean coral reef ecosystems at Archipelago 

Los Roques, Venezuela after two decades of the Massive 

Mortality Event 

González-Rivero M 1,2,3 , Villamizar E 1,2,3 y Rodríguez J 4 

1 School of Biology, Central University of Venezuela. 

2 Los Roques Scientific Foundation, Venezuela. 

3 Coastal marine ecosystems laboratory, IZT, Venezuela. 

4 Biology Department, Carabobo University, Venezuela. 

Many coral reef taxa remove important CaCO3 amounts from the reef matrix. Before the drastic 

reduction of its populations in 1982, Diadema antillarum was considered the sea urchin with the 

major bioerosive potential in the Caribbean. Recently, there have been recovering reports of this 

species for the Caribbean. This study aimed to estimate the D. antillarum densities and its 

consequent bioerosive impact at one of the most healthy Caribbean coral reef ecosystem. Censuses 

were carried out in two shallow reefs: BDA, an apparently homogeneous path reef and DMH, a 

platform reef at the Archipelago Los Roques. Densities were estimated using belt-transects (20m 2 ) 

and the bioerosive rate through the CaCO3 content in the sea urchin feces collected during 24h. The 

mean densities were 0.3±0.2 ind/m 2 (BDA) and 0.7±0.6 ind/m 2 (DMH). Locality did not affect 

individual bioerosive capacity (K-W p=0,596; mean 5.15 g.CaCO3/ind.day); therefore, densities 

were the determinant factor of population bioerosive rates in each ecosystem: 0.7±0.4 

Kg.CaCO3/m 2 .year in BDA and 1.3±1.0 Kg.CaCO3/m 2 .year in DMH. Considering the health of the 

coral reefs studied, and the estimates of densities and bioerosive rates, D. antillarum might 

participates, through its bioerosive effect, on the maintenance of the reef structure through the 

bioerosion activities. 

216 


Poster S07-05 


Estimate of impact and bioerosive rate by Sparisoma viride 

(Family Scaridae) in a coral reef of Archipelago Los Roques 

National Park, Venezuela 

Herrera-Reveles A 1,3,4 ; Rodríguez J 2,3 , Villamizar E 3,4 

1 Biology School, Sciences Faculty, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela. 

2 Sciences and Technology Faculty, Carabobo University, Carabobo State, Venezuela. 

3 Coastal Marine Ecosystems Laboratory, Tropical Zoology Institute, Central University of 

Venezuela. 

4 Los Roques Scientific Foundation, Caracas, Venezuela. 

Parrotfishes are considered to be significative bioeroders of coral reefs due to their feed activities in 

wich large quantities of CaCO3 are ingested and therefore removed from the corals, producing new 

sediments and debilitating the coral reef structure. In this investigation we estimated the bioerosive 

rate of Sparisoma viride and its impact over a coral reef system at Archipelago Los Roques 

National Park, an insular reef complex located at the Caribbean South. The bioerosional rate was 

estimated through behavioral studies and gut analysis on forty individuals, and visuals census were 

conducted to estimate S.viride population density and sizes classes. S.viride feeds throughout the 

day continuously, and has high bites rates over the different dead corals. The individual size and its 

relative abundance in the coral reef strata are the key factors in the bioerosive rate, increasing with 

the sizes and tending to reduce with the depth. The major bioerosive rate was registered in the 

shallow zones (6,304 Kg m -2 yr -1 ) by standard length individuals major to 23 cm. Montastraea 

annularis colonies showed the highest level of affectation probably due to their abundance, turf 

algae availability and less substratum density compared to other corals in the system. 



Poster S07-06 

Photosynthetic performance of giant clams, Tridacna maxima and 

T. squamosa in the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea 

Jantzen C, Wild C, Richter C 

Center for Marine Tropical Ecology, Bremen, Germany 

The giant clams Tridacna maxima and Tridacna squamosa were investigated to evaluate and 

quantify the photosynthetic rate of their symbiotic algae, the zooxanthellae, in the Gulf of Aqaba, 

Northern Red Sea. The effective quantum yield, as a measurement for photosynthetic efficiency, 

was calculated using an underwater fluorometer, the Diving PAM. Supplementing chamber 

incubations with giant clams were conducted to determine the net photosynthetic rate per mantle 

surface area, via quantifying the oxygen concentrations in the chamber water over time. The giant 

clams showed good adaptation to different light conditions for short-term changes, i.e. light 

changes over the day, as well as long-term changes, i.e. light and shade, respectively depth. A good 

correlation between Diving Pam measurements and chamber incubations reveals that the Diving 

PAM is an appropriate tool for investigating the photosynthetic performance of giant clams. 

218 


Poster S07-07 


Labile microbial associations, questioning traditional laboratory 

experimental design in coral research 

Kooperman N, Ben-Dov E, Kramarsky-Winter E, Loya Y, Barak Z, Kushmaro A 

Ben Gurion University and Tel Aviv University, Israel 

The dynamic microbial biota living in the mucus, on the surface and in the tissues of many coral 

species may play important roles in holobiont physiology and health. This microbiota was reported 

to differ with coral species, water depth and geographic location. Our results indicated that mucus 

from corals maintained in the closed system aquaria, in artificial seawater, showed a significantly 

lower diversity of bacteria than mucus from corals collected from the natural environment 

(CMNE). The differences in coral associated microbiota in aquarium raised corals when compared 

to natural corals pose important questions as to the validity of many aquarium based experiments, 

and at the very least indicate the need for an in depth evaluation of the effect of surface microbiota 

on coral physiological function. 



Poster S07-08 

Biodiversity of coral-associated bacteria 

Lampert Y 1 , Kelman D 1 , Dubinsky Z 1 , Nitzan Y 1 , Hill RT 2 

1 The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat- 

Gan, Israel 

2 Center of Marine Biotechnology, University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute, 

Baltimore, USA 

Coral reefs are the most biodiverse of all marine ecosystems. Bacteria are known to be abundant 

and active in seawater around corals, inside coral tissues and within their surface microlayer. 

However, little is known about the structure, composition and maintenance of these bacterial 

communities. In the current study we characterized the culturable and unculturable bacterial 

community within the mucus of healthy specimens of Red Sea stony corals. This was done by 

using culture-based methods and molecular cloning techniques. In the mucus of the solitary coral 

Fungia scutaria more than 30% of the isolated bacteria were novel species and a new genus. The 

culturable heterotrophic bacterial community of the mucus of this coral is comprised mainly of the 

bacterial groups gammaproteobacteria, alphaproteobacteria and of Actinobacteria. The unculturable 

bacterial community within the mucus of the Red Sea corals Platygyra lamellina and F. scutaria 

were highly diverse, with representatives of the gammaproteobacteria, alphaproteobacteria, 

betaproteobacteria, deltaproteobacteria, epsilonproteobacteria, as well as from CFB (Cytophaga- 

Flavobacter/Flexibacter-Bacteroides) group, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Planctomyces, and 

several unclassified bacteria. The communities of these corals differed greatly from one another. 

The variation in the bacterial communities among and within coral species, different sites within a 

coral colony, and sampling dates will be discussed. 

220 


Poster S07-09 


Pathways towards superoligotrophy in tropical scleractinian coral 

reefs – a Jurassic perspective and a modern “Jurassic-type” reef 

setting. 

Leinfelder RR 1 , Struck U 1 , Saric B 2 , Nose M 2 , Goldberg J 2 

1 Museum of Natural History, Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany 

2 GeoBio-Center at LMU, München, Germany 

Scleractinian reefs rapidly evolved and expanded during the Jurassic. Many mid and late Jurassic 

corals exhibit good indicators for the existence of photosymbionts (integrated calical growth 

shapes, depth zonation, typical growth banding with high and low-density bands and, in some 

examples, non-linear clustering of C/O stable isotopes). Contrasting this view is that coraldominated 

reefs mostly grew under terrigeneous influence. Typical low-nutrient settings such as 

the 1000 km broad Arabian shelf or intra-tethydian platforms were dominated by stromatoporoid 

sponges with or without scleractinian corals. Taxa distribution shows provincialism of many 

stromatoporoids. Coral taxa distribution data are not yet statistically significant but also point to 

differences between near-coast and intra-ocean platforms, indicative of splitting of the coral reef 

window into a mesotrophic to mildly oligotrophic subset dominated by mixotrophic corals and a 

superoligotrophic subset dominated by stromatoporoids together with strongly photosymbiontic 

corals. 

The Bahia Almirante coral reefs from Panama represent a “Jurassic-type” modern example for 

mixotrophy of corals. These reefs are adapted to both reduced salinity and to sewage-related, 

slightly elevated nutrients. This is shown by the C/O and N stable isotope pattern, signalling that 

certain phototrophic coral species consumed considerable proportions of zooplankton and, 

possibly, even terrigeneous plant debris. 



Poster S07-10 

Factors influencing southeast Florida coral reef community 

composition 

Phillips MA, Gilliam DS, Jordan LKB, Dodge RE, Fisher LE 

National Coral Reef Institute (Phillips, Gilliam, Jordan, Dodge) 

Broward County Environmental Protection Department (Fisher) 

The southeast Florida reef system lies offshore a heavily populated and urbanized coast. These high 

latitude reefs are not only affected by their geography but also by anthropogenic factors that 

accompany an urban area such as dredging activities, ship groundings, waste water outfalls, and 

runoff. As high latitude reefs, stony corals rank low in cover (2-3%) compared to more dominate 

reef benthos such as sponges, gorgonians, and zoanthids (85%). Using annual monitoring data 

collected since 2000, the southeastern Florida reef community is being analyzed with respect to 

various factors that might affect community composition. Stony coral data includes colony size, 

density, diversity, percent cover, and mortality. Sponge and octocoral density were also collected to 

gather a more complete picture of community composition. A number of factors that may affect 

reef composition (such as sedimentation rate/grain size, depth, distance from shore, and distance 

from port channels) are being examined. Additionally, the reefs off the southeast Florida coast can 

be categorized into unique ridges or tracts that run parallel to the coastline. These reef tracts are 

also being considered when studying reef community composition. 

222 


Poster S07-11 


Main factors determining particle removal by coral reef 

communities 

Ribes M, Atkinson MJ, Coma R 

Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii, Coconut Island, Kaneohe, 

Hawaii, USA. 

Institut de Ciències del Mar (CMIMA-CSIC), Barcelona. Spain. 

Centre d'Estudis Avançats de Blanes (CEAB-CSIC), Girona, Spain. 

Studies of nitrogen budgets in coral reefs mainly focus on dissolved inorganic forms (NO3 - and 

NH4 + ) while the role of particulate matter has received little attention. To determine the relative 

effects of water velocity and friction coefficient (as a descriptor of community structure) on particle 

removal, we measured clearances rates of picoplankton cells (0.2 to 2 µm) using an experimental 

flume. The two main types of coral reef community from Kaneohe Bay (Hawaii) (rubble and live 

coral) have been examined. We found that water velocity can affect clearance rate of picoplankton, 

however this effect depends on the type of benthic community. Water velocity had a positive effect 

on removal of particles by rubble communities. However, the effect of water velocity on removal 

of particles by live coral communities was not significant. The abundance and distribution of 

associated fauna (mainly sponges and ascidians) and the friction coefficient contributed to explain 

the different effect of water velocity in particle removal. We contrast our findings with the removal 

of dissolved inorganic nutrients by the same coral reef communities. 



Poster S07-12 

Algae and detritus in the epilithic algal matrix of Stegastes 

diencaeus (Pomacentridae) territories: their prevalence and 

nutritional value as food items 

Schläppy M-L 

ZMT/MPI-Bremen, Germany 

The bio-chemical analysis of three fractions (algae, coarse and fine detritus) of Stegastes diencaeus 

territories was undertaken to evaluate their nutritional value. The nutritional content of detritus was 

compared to that of algae inside and outside territories of adult and juveniles at three shallow coral 

reef sites at South Caicos Island, Turks and Caicos, Caribbean. Organic matter and carbohydrates 

were highest in the algal fraction. Protein content was highest in the algal fraction inside adult 

territories. Overall, coarse detritus was more nutritious than fine detritus. Stegastes diencaeus 

behaved like most other territorial damselfish species by feeding exclusively on the epilithic algal 

matrix (EAM) within the territory which was the most frequent habitat within territories. 

Aggressive behaviour was observed against herbivorous and carnivorous coral reef fishes. The 

stomach content analysis of Stegastes diencaeus revealed that adults and juveniles ingested mostly 

filamentous algae and detritus. Evidence from this study brings support to the hypothesis that 

detritus is an easily obtainable and nutritionally valuable food source for small reef fishes. 

224 


Poster S07-13 


Patterns of distribution of territorial damselfishes and their 

behaviour towards invertebrate competitors at Taumesina reef, 

Samoa 

Schläppy M-L 


The pattern of distribution of several territorial damselfishes was found to be highly segregated and 

found to match substrate cover at Taumesina reef, Samoa. Addition of potential invertebrate food 

competitors (2 sea cucumbers species and 1 sea urchin species) in a transparent weighted plastic 

bag inside the damselfish territory resulted in a more aggressive display of the resident fish towards 

the intruder than towards the control bag. The frequency and duration of the aggressive displays 

were higher than when the fish was observed in its normal activities. 



Poster S07-14 

Linkage between organic flow and micro ecosystem in coral reef 

Suzuki Y, Casareto B, Charpy L, Blancholt J, Ishikawa Y, Itou T 

Shizuoka University, LASC, IRD, and Mitsubishi Corporation, Japan 

Coral consists of many living by sunlight and organic matters (DOM and POM), growing, 

calcifying, respiring, and serving as home for many animals. Nitrogen fixing and nitrifying bacteria 

within coral skeletons suggests possibly translocation of nitrogen organic compounds from bacteria 

to the coral, but the magnitude of this pathway is uncertain (Casareto, 2005). We would like to 

report the important role of nitrogen fixer, especially coccoides cyanobacteria, recently discovered, 

Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, within organic flow in the whole coral reef ecosystem. 

We had studied production and decomposition of DOM and POM in water, sediments and coral 

skeleton by microorganisms, which are cyanobacteria, micro algae, heterotrophic bacteria, etc. in 

Miyako Island, Sesoko Island and La Reunion Island from 2001 to 2005. Results indicate that 

release of DOM in net primary production is 2.6 to 9.2 % for endolithic algae, 11.5 to 38% for 

epiphytic algae, 6% to 8% for zooxanthellae and 40% to 60% for benthic cyanobacteria. 

Surprisingly the contribution of cyanobacteria to the flow of organic matter as dissolved forms is 

greater than previously thought. Moreover we found the presence of peptidoglycan, which is a 

major component of bacteria and/or cyanobacteria cell wall, as important component of DOM in 

coral reefs. 

226 


Poster S07-15 


Bacterial and archaeal phylotypes of octocorals from tropical, 

temperate and deep coral bioherms 

Weinbauer MG 1 , Agis M 1 , Lee OO 2 , Maier C 3 , Qian P-Y 2 

1 Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche (LOV), Microbial Ecology and 

Biogeochemistry Group, Villefranche sur mer, France 

2 Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (HKUST), Coastal Marine Laboratories, 

Hong Kong 

3 Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research (NIOZ), Biological Oceanography, Texel, 

The Netherlands 

It is known that stony corals harbor specific bacterial and archaeal communities. We investigated 

bacterial and arechaeal community composition on octocorals populating temperate and tropical 

surface waters and deep coral reef banks (600 - 800 m water depth). Pro-karyotes living on the 

surface and within the octocorals were studied. In branching gorgonian corals prokaryotic 

community composition differed between growth regions thus, suggesting a succession of 

microbes. Despite this variability, prokaryotic community composi-tion differed between species 

and also from the communities in ambient water or on bare rock. In terms of diversity, octocorals 

seems to provide a more favorable landscape for Archaea than for Bacteria. Some octocorals such 

as the soft coral Dendronephthya harbor specific phylotypes. The detailed nature of this potentially 

mutualistic interaction remains unknown but is now studied using molecular tools. 



228 


Poster S08-01 


A three-year study on the uptake and succession of 

Symbiodinium dinoflagellates in acroporid corals: what 

differences between adult and juvenile patterns of association tell 

us about the dynamics of coral-algal symbioses. 

Abrego D 1 , Willis B 1,2 , van Oppen M 2 

1 AIMS@JCU, School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, 

Australia 

2 AIMS@JCU, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville, Australia 

We investigated the patterns of initial uptake and succession of clade C and D symbionts in the 

corals Acropora tenuis and A. millepora, at three different sites on the Great Barrier Reef. At one 

site (Magnetic Island), adult colonies of A. tenuis are dominated by clade C symbionts, while A. 

millepora adults host clade D. At the other two sites, clade C dominates adult colonies of both 

species. To determine if symbiont fidelity was maintained, we transplanted coral juveniles between 

Magnetic Island and the other two sites over a three-year period (ie. including three cohorts). In 

over 70% of initial surveys at all sites, we found that symbiont uptake was dominated by clade D 

Symbiodinium in both coral species. Survival of juveniles was predominantly highest at the 

Magnetic Island site. Here, A. millepora juveniles maintained the dominant association with clade 

D Symbiodinium while the symbiont population in A. tenuis juveniles shifted gradually over a 

period of two years to clade C. We will discuss these results in terms of changing environmental 

conditions associated with growth of the colony, changes in physiological requirements as the 

juveniles grow, and the implications for our understanding of the dynamics in coral-algal 

symbioses. 



Poster S08-02 

6-year community metabolism in coral reef ecosystem at Sesoko 

Island, Okinawa, Japan 

Fujimura H 1 , Kuwano T 1 , Higuchi T 1 , Tokeshi R 2 , Kitada Y 3 , Nakano Y 4 , Arakaki 

T 1 , Oomori T 1 

1 Department of Chemistry, Biology and Marine Science, Faculty of Science, University of 

the Ryukyus, 

2 Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Engineering Sciences, Kyushu University, 

3 Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University, 

4 Sesoko station, Tropical Biosphere Research Center, University of the Ryukyus 

Owing to the global warming and environmental change, coral reefs have been under a serious 

threat of degradation in the world. In order to understand the present state of coral reefs and predict 

the future change, it is important to study a long-term variation of community metabolism in coral 

reefs. 

We introduced a model to estimate the weekly to monthly organic carbon production rate of coral 

reef community under the natural water flow conditions. About 20 boxes were applied to Sesoko 

coral reef area to construct the variations of oxygen concentrations at the end point of the water 

flow where we have continuously monitored the water quality for 6 years using the multi- 

parameter sensor. Photosynthesis-irradiance curves of the community metabolism were determined 

to fit the reconstructed variations from the model with monitored real variations of oxygen. 

Net primary production was lower than zero during summer because of high respiration rate of 

benthic metabolism. This suggests that the Sesoko coral reef ecosystem has significant seasonal 

variations that are autotrophic during winter and heterotrophic in summer. These parameters 

represent the conditions of reef environment and are needed to monitor continuously to the future. 

230 


Poster S08-03 


Octocoral dynamics in the Florida Keys 1996-2002: recovery from 

impacts of Hurricane Georges and underlying decline of 

Gorgonia ventalina 

Lybolt M 1,2 , Hallock P 2 , Yanev G 2 

1 Coastal Planning and Engineering; 

2 University of South Florida 

Changes in octocoral abundance among size classes and taxonomic groups were assessed by 

examining video-transects from 28 stations sampled in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2002. Stations were 

classified as fore-reef, reef-crest, patch-reef, or hardbottom and were distributed along 120 km of 

the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In situ abundance data collected in 2002 affirmed the 

accuracy of video-derived counts. 

Total Gorgonia ventalina density 1996-2002 declined 19% with declines at 61% of stations. 

Declines were only partly attributable to Hurricane Georges, in September 1998. Significant 

declines between 1996 and 1998, particularly among medium G. ventalina, were attributable to the 

fungal disease Aspergillosis and stress from the 1997 mass-bleaching event. The 19% decline in G. 

ventalina abundance resulted more from chronic biotic stressors than Hurricane Georges. 

Following Hurricane Georges total octocoral abundance declined 11% and declines were greater at 

stations near the storm center (17%) and stations in shallower water (19%). Storm impact was 

related to octocoral height; tall octocorals (>40 cm) declined 43%, medium (10-40 cm) declined 

4%, short (


Poster S08-04 

Variation in coral and macroalgae recruitment at the Gulf of Eilat 

Stambler N 1 , Zakai D 2 , Dubinsky Z 1 

1 Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel, and Interuniversity 

Institute for Marine Science, Eilat, Israel. 

2 Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority, Eilat, Israel. 

The interaction between coral and seaweed recruitment is important to the understanding of the 

dynamics and potential causes for the decline of coral reefs. During a period of 3 years, we 

monitored the abundance and size of stony coral juveniles, and algal biomass recruitment, 

simultaneously to the same artificial substrates at sites within the Coral Beach Nature Reserve of 

Eilat, northern Red Sea. Variation was assessed on a) 3 spatial: between racks, sites, and plate 

faces, and b) 2 temporal: between seasons and years scales. 

Coral recruitment was significantly lower in summer, when algal chlorophyll was most abundant. 

However, most corals recruited during spring, when algal chlorophyll was low. Algae 

preferentially settled on the upper well-illuminated faces, whereas corals were more abundant and 

grew larger on the lower, shaded sides. The numbers of coral recruits were negatively correlated 

with algal biomass on the upper plate surfaces. This study also showed that chlorophyll a biomass 

larger than 1 µg/0.01 m2 may reduce coral recruitment and size. Our results might indicate 

interference of macroalgal proliferation with coral recruitment. 

232 


Poster S08-05 


Dispersal dynamics drive spatiotemporal variability in algal 

blooms on Maui, Hawaii 

Vermeij MJA 

University of Hawaii at Manoa, USA 

Algal blooms of various invasive and native species occur on Maui’s reefs. The spatiotemporal 

dynamics of these blooms is highly variable and can not be attributed solely to reduced herbivory 

and increased nutrients. Algal species occur in a wide variety of habitats that sometimes overlap 

with those areas characterized by increased nutrient loads, i.e. near shore and near urbanized areas 

or sewage injection wells, but also areas that are naturally high in nutrient such as reefs near river 

mouths. A greater overlap between a species preferred habitat and those enriched in nutrients 

enhances the ability to predict the occurrence of near shore algal blooms. A larger distance between 

the two habitats causes bloom formation to be more dependent on occasional seeding by fragments/ 

propagules that originated in the species’ preferred habitat. The presence of high nutrient loads is 

thus not necessarily the sole predictor of algal bloom formation and source-sink dynamics driven 

by ocean currents need to be considered. Depending on the distribution of species’ preferred habitat 

the number of factors involved in bloom formation varies, thereby affecting the predictability of 

such blooms. The multitude of factors involved in the formation of algal blooms creates the 

potential for rapid and unexpected responses to varying environmental settings, and thus asks for 

very conservative management approaches. 



Poster S08-06 

Macroalgal production and herbivory on different reef substrates 

of Turneffe Islands Atoll, Belize 

Zetsche E-M, Richter C, McField M 

University of Bremen, Germany 

Center for Tropical Marine Ecology; Bremen, Germany 

WWF, Belize 

The effects of herbivory on algal biomass and composition on settlement plates were investigated 

at Turneffe Islands Atoll, Belize. Replicate open and closed cages were placed at 4 sites of varying 

reef substrate and sampled 4 times over a 91-day period. Exclusion of large-bodied herbivores did 

not influence algal biomass measured as wet, dry and decalcified weight suggesting minor grazing 

by these herbivores. Pooled average biomass ranged from 0.0012 g dry wt cm -2 to 0.0175 g dry wt 

cm -2 during the experiment with differences between sites becoming more pronounced in the latter 

half. Percent algal coverage of functional algal groups (turf algae, fleshy algae, geniculated and 

crustose coralline, crustose non-coralline) changed with time for each of the sites. Algal 

compositions were never dominated by fleshy algae. Fish occupation and foraging activities were 

studied in the cages, with damselfish, juvenile wrasse and parrotfish being responsible for the 

grazing activities. No large-bodied herbivores were observed grazing in the cages. 1-3 damselfish 

occupied cages at each of the sites and maintained algal turf communities on the settlement plates. 

The results indicate that juveniles and damselfish are important grazers in this area of Turneffe 

Islands, controlling relative species composition and biomass levels of macroalgae. 

234 


Poster S09-01 


Coral monitoring and coral bleaching events at Garig Gunak 

Barlu National Park (the Northern Territory, Australia) 

Gomelyuk V 

Marine Group, Department of Natural Resources, Environment & the Arts, Australia 

A network of monitoring stations (GCRMN protocol) was set up in the Park in 2001. Still photo 

images of each 1 m2 permanent quadrat within each station are taken once a year. Live coral cover 

area values are assessed using Image-Pro® Express software. Percent live coral cover is calculated 

for each of 64 quadrats within 16 permanent plots for further statistical analysis. Use of permanent 

plots and precise assessment of live coral cover have significantly increased statistical power of 

analysis: four 4 m2 permanent plots at any site were enough to detect changes in live coral cover 

with statistical power > 0.8. Changes in live coral cover of 5% could be detected with statistical 

power > 0.8. Short coral bleaching in November 2001 was resulted from local “hot spot”. Impact 

on corals was relatively small due to the short period of thermal exposure. A destructive coral 

bleaching happened in November 2002 - mid January 2003. A combination of adverse factors such 

as water temperature elevated well beyond coral bleaching threshold, coral exposure to direct sun 

heat and UV radiation resulted in serious losses and changes in coral reef composition. Acropora 

coral losses were from 44 to 90% at different sites. 



Poster S09-02 

Development of a Hybrid Mapping Tool (HMT) for the 

characterisation of coral reef landscapes 

Kohler KE 1 , Purkis SJ 1 , Rohmann SO 2 , Riegl BM 2 

1 National Coral Reef Inst. (USA); 

2 U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 

Remote sensing is routinely used as the basis for the production of reef-scale benthic habitat maps 

and is unsurpassed in terms of accuracy and cost. In cases where atmospheric status, bathymetry 

and water column optical properties can be adequately described, automated classification of 

benthic character is possible with high accuracy. For region-wide mapping initiatives such an 

automated approach is unfeasible since optical closure on the system is unattainable over large 

areas. Consequently, regional mapping has heretofore been done using a strategy of expert-driven 

manual digitisation of reef habitat. Although accurate, this strategy is expensive and time 

consuming in areas of high complexity and area. The Hybrid Mapping Tool (HMT) is being 

designed to aid the expert-driven process and accelerate map production through automated 

delineation of habitat boundaries using a suite of edge-detection methods combined with a 

statistical assignment of map polygons to habitat classes on the basis of their spectral, textural and 

boundary properties. By combining automated and visual techniques, HMT will be able to produce 

thematically accurate maps of shallow-water benthic habitats from a variety of image sources 

including multibeam sonar, LIDAR, and satellite sensors such as Quickbird and IKONOS. 

236 


Poster S09-03 

How long will it take for the reef to recover? 

McDonald A 



Around the world reefs are under threat of degradation due to global warming. Speculations persist 

that changing climatic conditions will increase the frequency and intensity of disturbance events 

such as coral bleaching. In order to speculate on how a change in the disturbance regime will 

influence reefs, it is essential to establish the current disturbance dynamics. Specifically, looking at 

the minimum recovery times necessary for a reef to establish a diverse adult assemblage. This 

poster reviews the available literature into recovery estimates, and potential geographic variation in 

recovery times. 



238 


Poster S10-01 


The extent and severity of the 2005 coral bleaching event in 

Tobago and the subsequent fate of tagged corals 

Day O 1 , O’Farrell S 2 , Lovelace B 1 , Comley J 2 

1 Buccoo Reef Trust ; Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago 

2 Coral Cay Conservation 

In September 2005 a coral bleaching event was observed on the reefs surrounding the island of 

Tobago, in what was later reported to be the most severe and regionally widespread bleaching 

event ever recorded in the Caribbean. This study presents the results of surveys conducted around 

Tobago by the Buccoo Reef Trust (BRT) and Coral Cay Conservation (CCC) during the period 

from November 2005 to the present. The extent and severity of the bleaching was initially assessed 

(Phase 1) using rapid assessment techniques (7000 data points from 88 transects at 22 discreet 

sites). Overall mean bleaching of hard corals was found to be 66% (71% on deep transects and 

63% on shallow sites). Bleaching by geographic area was found to be largely consistent, with sites 

exhibiting greater than 85% bleaching dispersed throughout the target area. However, of the 9 

transects exhibiting less than 20% bleaching, 5 were located near Speyside in the northeast of 

Tobago, perhaps indicating either localised tolerance to bleaching or superior water quality (lower 

temperatures, less silt and fewer nutrients). The fate of tagged corals was subsequently monitored 

(Phase 2) using photoquadrats and video from December to the present. Rates of recovery and 

mortality are presented and discussed. 



Poster S10-02 

Photoacclimation strategies of different clades of Symbiodinium 

spp. under different light environments 

Hennige S, Suggett D, Warner M, Smith D 

University of Essex, United Kingdom 

Coral metabolism relies on products derived from photosynthesis by symbiotic microalgae 

(Symbiodinium spp.) harboured within their tissues. This dependency upon photosynthesis means 

that corals must inhabit environments that are invariably exposed to a wide range of irradiances. 

Therefore, optimization of photosynthesis will be determined by the plasticity with which the 

zooxanthellae can photoacclimate. Here we investigated signatures of photoacclimation in several 

clades and sub-clades of zooxanthellae. Each clade was grown under light conditions ranging from 

25 to 800 µmol photons m -2 s -1 under f/2 nutrients and a pH of 7.5. The various clades were 

characterised by different strategies for managing excitation pressure to and from the pool of 

available reaction centres in photosystem II. For example, in response to increasing growth 

irradiance, clade B increased effective cross section absorption (σPSII) and decreased maximum 

photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm). Clade C had the opposite strategy with regards to σPSII and 

Fv/Fm. Photoacclimatory changes were facilitated through changes in light harvesting 

pigmentation and the photosynthetic unit size and concentration associated with photosystems I and 

II, which will directly affect absorption. Our preliminary results show that different clades are built 

differently and may reflect genotypic divergence in a varied light environment. 

240 


Poster S10-03 


Seasonal changes in coral condition as deduced by 

zooxanthellae abundance and histology 

Keshavmurthy S, Fukami K 

Kochi Univeristy, Graduate School of Kuroshio Science 

Response of coral species to the seasonal changes in environmental conditions, was observed in 

two coral species, Acropora hyacinthus and Stylophora pistillata over a period of one year at a 

relatively undisturbed environment, in the Southern part of Kochi Prefecture, Japan. Zooxanthellae 

abundances were high in summer months (July-August, 25-29 0 C, 2-4 X 10 6 and 1.5-3 X 10 6 per 

cm 2 tissue) and low in winter months (December-February, 16-18 0 C, 6 X 10 5 -1.6 X 10 6 and 6 X 

10 5 -1.2 X 10 6 per cm 2 tissue) for A. hyacinthus and S. pistillata, respectively. There was no 

significant difference for the variation in the zooxanthellae abundance for both the species. There 

was clearer seasonal response in the zooxanthellae abundance in A. hyacinthus than in S. pistillata. 

Coral health as seen by decrease in the zooxanthellae abundances was generally low in winter 

months. This condition was also in the histological observations of the tissue sections. Coral 

condition looked normal in all sampled seasons for both the species. Tissue sections did not show 

any abnormalities. However, mucus cells seemed to increase in sections of A. hyacinthus in 

December. This study shows that corals were under physiological stress in low temperature winter 

season in undisturbed temperate environment. 



Poster S10-04 

The extent and intensity of the 1998 mass bleaching event on the 

reefs of Mauritius, Indian Ocean. 

Moothien Pillay KR 1 , Terashima H 2 , Kawasaki H 2 

Albion Fisheries Research Centre, Albion, Petite Riviere, Mauritius 

1 Present address: Mauritius Oceanography Institute, France Centre, Victoria Avenue, 

Quatre-Bornes, Mauritius 

2 Present address: ICNet Limited, 4-1, Shintoshin, Chuo-ku, Saitama, 3300081, Japan 

The most severe and large scale-bleaching event on record occurred in 1998 world-wide. In 

Mauritius, three surveys covering 2 habitats at 4-5 sites were conducted to describe and quantify 

the event. Bleaching was recorded at all sites and habitats. However, relatively few corals were 

bleached (

Poster S10-05 


Abundance and morphological diversity of virus-like particles 

within healthy and diseased Acropora muricata coral-surface 

microlayers 

Patten NL 1 , Mitchell JG 2 , Davy JE 3 , Harrison PL 1 , Hoegh-Guldberg O 3 

1 Southern Cross University, Lismore, New South Wales, Australia 

2 Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia 

3 Centre of Marine Studies, University of Queensland, Australia 

Species-specific associations of bacteria, zooxanthellae and other microbes, including 

cyanobacteria and fungi have been proposed to be important in coral health. However, the roles of 

viruses in these associations have been largely ignored. Using flow cytometry, we show that mean 

virus-like particle (VLP) abundance in the coral-surface microlayer (CSM) of healthy and diseased 

Acropora muricata was 2.0 x 106 and 1.7 x 106 respectively. VLP abundances were 2.5-fold 

higher in the CSM than in 1 m distant water. Virus-to bacteria ratios were 2-fold higher within the 

CSM than in 1 m distant water suggesting fundamental shifts between virus and bacterial 

communities associated with corals compared with overlying water. Transmission electron 

microscopy showed the morphological diversity of VLPs within the CSM was high. Lemon 

shaped, filametous, tail-less and tailed polygonal VLPs were present in varying sizes with shifts in 

the dominant VLP morphs occurring between healthy and diseased corals. Subsequently, the 

potential role(s) of VLPs in coral health will be discussed. 



Poster S10-06 

Oxidative stress induces apoptotic events during thermal stress 

in the symbiotic sea anemone, Anemonia viridis 

Richier S, Sabourault C, Merle P-L, Courtiade J, Allemand D, Furla P 

UMR-1112 UNSA-INRA Réponse des Organismes aux Stress Environnementaux 

Symbiosis between Cnidarian and photosynthetic protists is widely distributed over temperate and 

tropical seas, where they constitute coral reefs. Nevertheless, these symbiosis have experienced 

large degradation during the past 20 years. This degradation is partly due to a phenomenon called 

"bleaching", where the cnidarian hosts lose their algae or the symbiont's photosynthetic capacity. 

Bleaching has been linked to heat stress or UV light exposure and oxidative stress has been 

described to cause coral bleaching during exposure to elevated temperatures. 

As apoptosis has been shown during bleaching event, we have focused our study on the role of 

apoptosis in bleaching via oxydative stress in the symbiotic sea anemone Anemonia viridis. We 

characterized caspase-like enzymes both at molecular and biochemical levels and we investigated 

the occurence of apoptotic events as well as antioxydant capacity in response to elevated 

temperature. 

244 


Poster S11-01 


The implications of predation risk on the behavior and growth of 

prey in coral reef fish 

Abdulla A 


I examined predator-induced modifications in foraging behaviour of a common tropical fish, 

Pomacentrus moluccensis, in groups of different size and at different ontogenetic stages on coral 

reefs in the Great Barrier Reef. Different group sizes of P. moluccensis were exposed to a potential 

predator or non-predator and changes in foraging behaviour of juveniles and adults were observed. 

In the presence of a predator, foraging effort, estimated by the number of bites taken and foraging 

distance away from shelter, was reduced whilst the presence of a non-predator caused an increase 

in foraging distance of P. moluccensis. In the presence of a predator, adults exhibited greater 

reduction in foraging than juveniles. Juveniles continued foraging even in the presence of predators 

which may help explain maintenance of high growth rates in young coral reef fishes. In contrast, 

reduced foraging in adults might reflect an emphasis on survival. Prey fish in large groups exposed 

to a predator displayed less reduction in foraging effort compared to fish in smaller groups. 

Therefore, aggregating in coral reef fishes, a common phenomenon, may serve to dilute predation 

risk and increase individual foraging effort in social groups of pomacentrids. 



Poster S11-02 

Sponge, scleractinian and gorgonian community composition 

and structure as environmental bio-indicators in coral reefs 

Alcolado PM 

Instituto de Oceanología, Playa, La Habana, Cuba 

Abstract. Long-term data from a large number of coral reef sites sampled around Cuba since 1976 

are presented to explore the potential use of sponge, coral and gorgonian communities as bioindicators, 

using uni- and multivariate techniques. Species composition and percentages, Shannon’s 

heterogeneity index (H’) and Pielou’s equitability index (J’) were calculated. For delimiting ranges 

of variation H’ and J’, and for obtaining trends of community variables, with environmental 

inference purposes, meta-analyses were carried out. Dominance patterns of sponges, gorgonians 

and corals were analyzed with regard to pollution, sedimentation and wave energy. Clus¬ter 

analysis and Multidimensional Non-metric Scaled Multivariate analysis (MDS) allowed to identify 

polluted sites. Preston and Preston’s (1975) scheme was applied and modified for sponges, 

gorgonians and corals to infer environmental combinations of predictability and favorability. The 

scheme is useful as spatial reference pattern to comparatively infer the community condition in 

different places within stress and predictability gradients. These spatial reference patterns can be 

used to display the variation of a site along time. Meta-analysis using H’ (or organism’s cover, 

density, and J’) versus depth scatter graphs are presented as a way to compare sites, considering the 

influence of depth in the variation ranges of the respective parameters. 

246 


Poster S11-03 


Habitat preference, mutualism and competition of two coral reef 

fish species 

Ben-Moshe N 1,2 , Shashar N 2,3 , Bar-Gil A 2,3 , Abramsky Z 1 

1 Ben Gurion University of the Negev, 

2 The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Studies, Eilat, 

3 The Hebrew University in Jerusalem 

The ability of many coral-reef- fish species to live together in limited areas of the reef is of high 

scientific interest. We examined habitat preference in two Red Sea common Pomacentridae species 

(Dascyllus marginatus and Chromis viridis) that co-occur occasionally in branching corals. We 

used aquaria experiments to explore the effects of intra and inter-specific densities on habitat 

preference; and computer animations to test the effect of visual stimuli. Laboratory results were 

compared to data collected in field surveys. Our results suggest an interesting behavioral pattern 

that combines both mutualism and competition; the species prefer to share the same corals in low 

densities, but as densities increase the more generalist species move to corals not inhabited by the 

competitor. We also found that young D. marginatus prefer corals inhabited by adults of both 

species. In addition, we show that the species can distinguish between different color patterns of 

fish and that visual stimuli may have great effect on habitat preference. 



Poster S11-04 

Introns yield new hope as genetic markers to assess 

scleractinian coral connectivity 

Bongaerts P, Ridgway T 

University of Amsterdam, University of Queensland (Centre for Marine Studies) 

Coral reefs are in serious decline, and research in support of reef management objectives is 

urgently needed. Despite the number of new molecular genetic tools and the wealth of information 

that is now available for population-level processes in many marine disciplines, scleractinian coral 

population genetic information remains surprisingly limited. The technical difficulties and possible 

reasons for this delay have recently been reviewed and it was suggested that microsatellites and 

introns hold the best hope for coral population genetics. Whilst microsatellites have recently been 

shown to be useful markers in corals, they are extremely taxonomically specific, often not 

transferable outside of the coral species boundary. This study focuses on an alternative, and 

provides the first detailed assessment of the applicability of newly isolated intron markers to 

evaluate population genetic structuring in scleractinian corals. In doing so, PCR and SSCP analysis 

were carried out on nine populations of Acropora millepora from the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) 

using three novel intron markers, encompassing sample scales from 1000km to 1km. Preliminary 

analysis shows that the intron markers reveal resolvable genetic structure, showing identical 

patterns when compared to allozyme electrophoresis, albeit with greater resolution. This poster 

therefore presents the population genetic structure of A. millepora on the GBR as the first in depth 

case study of the applicability of introns as population genetic markers in scleractinian corals. 

248 


Poster S11-05 


Tide pool fish assemblages adjacent to coral reefs at Gorgonia 

Island, Colombia (Tropical Eastern Pacific) 

Castellanos-Galindo GA, Garcia-Campo HF, Zapata FA, Giraldo A 

Grupo de Investigación en Ecología de Arrecifes Coralinos. Sección de Biología Marina. 

Departamento de Biología. Universidad del Valle. AA 25360 Cali, Colombia. 

The role that tide pool fish assemblages play in adjacent subtidal fish assemblages is poorly 

understood, despite the general acceptance that tide pools act as nursery areas for many fish species 

inhabiting subtidal areas as adults. We examined the species composition of tide pool fish 

assemblages at Gorgona Island (Tropical Eastern Pacific) by sampling at three different sites with 

destructive (rotenone) and non-destructive (clove oil anaesthetic) techniques during 1993 and 2006. 

Forty seven species were identified and ecologically characterized as residents (19%), transients 

(38%) and accidental visitors (43%). Major families represented within the assemblage were 

Pomacentridae (5 species), Muraenidae and Gobiesocidae (4 species each) and Labrisomidae and 

Gobiidae (3 species each). Comparing transient species densities in tide pools and in adjacent coral 

reefs, we identified Stegastes acapulcoensis, Abudefduf troschelii, Apogon dovii, Epinephelus 

labriformis and Sargocentron suborbitalis as the principal species that depend on tide pools as 

juvenile habitat. High proportions of transients and accidental visitors highlight the importance 

that tide pools might have as recruitment areas for young-of-the-year coral reef fishes. 



Poster S11-06 

Genetic population structure of the endemic Fourline Wrasse 

(Larabicus quadrilineatus) suggests limited dispersal distances 

in the Red Sea 

Froukh T, Kochzius M 


Larabicus quadrilineatus (Labridae) is considered as an endemic fish species of the Red Sea and 

Gulf of Aden. The juveniles of this species are cleaner fish that feed on ectoparasites of other 

fishes. Cleaner fish are very popular and therefore collected for marine ornamental trade in high 

numbers. L. quadrilineatus is exported by several companies in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and 

Djibouti to Europe and North America. We investigated the genetic population structure and gene 

flow of L. quadrilineatus among five locations in the Red Sea to infer connectivity among them in 

order to give recommendations for the design of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). To estimate 

genetic diversity, we analysed 369 bp of 237 mitochondrial DNA control region sequences. 

Haplotype and nucleotide diversities were higher in the Southern than in the Northern Red Sea. 

Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) detected the highest significant genetic variation 

between north and central/south populations (Фct= 0.012; p

Poster S11-07 


Disruption of Lessepsian host-parasites complexes during 

migration from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea 

Galli P 1 , Azzurro E 2 , Stefani F 1 , Benzoni F 1 , Kritsky D 3 , Andaloro F 4 

1 Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, 

Italy; 

2 ICRAM, Central Institute for Marine Research, Lab. of Milazzo, Messina, Italy; 

3 Department of Health and Nutrition Sciences, Idaho State University, Pocatello, Idaho; 

4 ICRAM, Palermo, Italy 

Rabbitfishes, belonging to the Siganidae, include two Lessepsian species: Siganus rivulatus was 

first recorded in the Mediterranean area in 1927 and Siganus luridus in 1964. Success of these 

rabbithfishes in the new Mediterranean environment can be explained by an hypothesis of empty 

niche for the fishes with loss of their parasites during translocation. 

Despite the presence of some studies concerning distribution and ecology of these Lessepsian 

species, there is a lack of information concerning the migration dynamics of Lessepsian hostparasites 

complexes. In this study, we examined monogenoids parasitizing the gills of Siganus 

luridus in the Red Sea (Ras Mohammed National Park), Egypt and Linosa Island, Sicily (the 

northern limit of the known distribution reached by this species). Siganus rivulatus was only 

examined in the Red Sea. 

In the Red Sea, S. luridus was parasitized by the dactylogyrids, Glyphidohaptor plectocirra and 

Tetrancistrum polymorphus, while Siganus rivulatus hosted Glyphidohaptor plectocirra, 

Tetrancistrum suezicus and an undescribed species of Tetrancistrum. All specimens of Siganus 

luridus collected in Linosa were uninfested with monogenoids. An explanation of the disruption of 

host-parasites complex is provided. 



Poster S11-08 

Progress report of a systematic study to the soft coral genus 

Dendronephthya (Nephtheidae, Octocorallia) 

Jürgens L, Reinicke GB 

German Oceanographic Museum 

Type material of the genus Dendronephthya in German museum collections was reviewed and 

investigated during an inventory project of Alcyonacea type material in German museum 

collections (GBIF). Numerous species of the genus Dendronephthya exhibit large variability in the 

morphological characters relevant for the systematics of this taxon. Results of the survey presented 

focus on the type material that is mostly composed of small colonies or fragments. The material 

was investigated using modern digital photo techniques. Furthermore, molecular methods (ITS) 

were tested on selected reference material. The morphological investigations discovered a larger 

variability of characters, than had originally been described by Kükenthal (1905) from his type 

material. In particular, the shape of polyp bundles of the ‘Glomeratae’ colonies varies beyond the 

limits stated in the species definitions. Arrangements of polyps and sclerite characters often show 

more specific analogy with colonies of Stereonephthya, e.g. D. savignyi (Ehrenberg 1834). The 

present confusion of available names of Dendronephthya species originates from wide distribution 

areas and variable characters, in combination with subjective interpretations of investigators. 

Modern investigations of population structures, biography and genetic exchange are needed, as 

well as calibration and cross-checking of old types and reference material using modern 

morphological and molecular genetic techniques. 

252 


Poster S11-09 


Molecular systematics of Indo-Pacific butterflyfishes 

(Chaetodontidae) 

Kochzius M 1 , Froukh T 1 , Timm J 1 , Khalaf MA 2 

1 Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics, FB2-UFT, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, 

Germany 

2 Marine Science Station, P.O. Box 195, Aqaba, Jordan 

Chaetodontidae are a reef-dwelling group of fishes that occur in the tropical Atlantic and Indo- 

Pacific Ocean. Even though many studies on their systematics have been conducted, ambiguities 

remain regarding the classification in subgenera and their phylogenetic relationships. This study 

aims to investigate the phylogentic relationships of 47 Indo-Pacific butterlyfish species from the 

genera Forcipiger, Chelmon, Coradion, Hemitaurichthys, Heniochus, Prognathodes, and 

Chaetodon based on mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) and 12S rDNA (12S) sequences. 

Specimens collected in the Red Sea, Indonesia and the Philippines were sequenced and sequences 

have been obtained from public data bases. Almost identical phylogenetic trees were re-constructed 

by Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods. The genus Coradion is 

monophyletic and basal to all chaetodontids, which is supported by high bootstrap values (95% in 

ML and 100% in MP analysis), followed by the genus Forcipiger. Chelmon and Hemitaurichthys 

(monophyletic; bootstrap values of 100% in ML and MP analysis) are closely related genera and 

form a sister group to the genus Heniochus (monophyletic; bootstrap values of 82% in ML and 

75% in MP analysis). The genus Chaetodon is monophyletic (bootstrap values: 84%in ML and 

78% in MP analysis), but only if Parachaetodon ocellatus is changed to Chaetodon oligacanthus, 

as proposed by Smith et al. (2003). All subgenera within the genus Chaetodon are monophyletic 

based on the classification of Smith et al. (2003), even though some of them have only low 

bootstrap support. Additional molecular markers and taxa, especially from the Atlantic, are needed 

to obtain a better resolved phylogeny of butterflyfishes. 



Poster S11-10 

Congruence of genetic population structure in the blue starfish 

Linckia laevigata and its parasite Thyca crystallina in the central 

Indo-Malay Archipelago? 

Kochzius M, Hauschild J, Kirchhoff S, Meyer-Wachsmuth I, Seidel C 

Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics, FB2-UFT, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, 

Germany 

The blue starfish Linckia laevigata is widely distributed on Indo-Pacific coral reefs and hosts the 

parasitic snail Thyca crystallina. Phylogeographic and population genetic studies of marine animals 

in the Indo-Malay Archipelago have shown a genetic discontinuity between the Indian Ocean and 

West Pacific, supporting the view of evolution in separated ocean basins. Aim of this study is to 

reveal the genetic population structure of L. laevigata and T. crystallina in this region to verify (1) 

if a genetic differentiation in this two ocean basins can be observed, and (2) if the population 

structures of host and parasite are congruent. Samples of this two species have been collected at 23 

sites across the central Indo-Malay Archipelago. As a molecular marker we sequenced the 

mitochondrial COI gene from 169 individuals of L. laevigata and 182 individuals of T. crystallina. 

Additionally, sequences of L. laevigata from GenBank have been utilised. The haplotype network 

for L. laevigata revealed the distribution of haplotypes with an Indian and Pacific Ocean origin, 

whereas such a pattern could not be shown for T. crystallina. AMOVA revealed restricted gene 

flow (ΦST=0.09; p

Poster S11-11 


A genetic survey on the diversity of zooxanthellae (Symbiodinium 

sp) in the scleractinian coral Porites cylindrica along a pollution 

gradient in Spermonde Archipelago, Sulawesi, Indonesia 

Kochzius M 1 , Krämer W 1 , Jompa J 2 , Borell E 3 , Richter C 3 


2 Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia 

3 Centre for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT), Bremen, Germany 

Scleractinian corals are known to host a rich diversity of zooxanthellae, and to be able to adapt 

symbiont composition (Symbiodinium clades A, B, C, D, and F) in response to perturbations of the 

host-symbiont relationship (e.g. bleaching) due to temperature, light, salinity or nutrient stress. 

Such perturbations have been shown to be associated with shifts from clade C to clade D 

dominated Symbiodinium communities in scleractinians. Here, we examine the spatial distribution 

of symbiont diversity along a pronounced cross-shore gradient in salinity, nutrient availability and 

pollution in the common scleractinian Porites cylindrica. Branches of the coral were collected in 

Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia, between the heavily polluted 1.5 million city of Makassar and 

reefs 60 km offshore. Genotypes of 64 Symbiodinium samples were characterised by sequencing 

the 28S gene in order to test the hypothesis that clade D zooxanthellae dominate in stressed 

colonies of Porites cylindrica inshore, whereas offshore colonies are associated with other clades. 

A comparison with Symbiodinium sequences available in sequence data bases and a phylogenetic 

analysis showed that all sequences belong to the common Indo-Pacific Symbiodinium clade C, 

independent of environmental condition. The lack of diversity in response to large environmental 

stressors is at odds with the established notion that symbiont diversity is a major key to coral 

resilience. 



Poster S11-12 

Evolution of anemonefishes (Amphiprioninae, Pomacentridae). 

1. Molecular phylogeny 

Kochzius M, Timm J 


Germany 

Anemonefishes (Amphiprioninae) are a subfamily of the damselfishes (Pomacentridae) and 

comprise 28 species of the genera Amphiprion and Premnas. Following the classification of Allen 

(1991) based on morphological characters, the genus Amphiprion is subclassified into the four 

subgenera Amphiprion, Actinicola, Paramphiprion, and Phalerebus. The subgenus Amphiprion is 

separated into the clarkii and ephippium complex. The host- specificity of the anemonefishes 

ranges from specialists with only one host anemone e.g. in Premnas biaculeatus, Amphiprion 

fenatus, and A. nigripes to the generalist A. clarkii inhabiting 10 different anemone species. The 

evolution of host-specificity is controversial: based on morphological characters Allen (1972) 

proposed that the ancestral anemonefish was a generalist, whereas Elliott et al. (1999), based on a 

molecular phylogeny, proposed an ancestral specialisation. Here, we investigate the current 

taxonomy and evolution of host-specificity by utilising 1081 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b 

gene of 20 anemonefish species. Almost identical phylogenetic trees were reconstructed by 

Neighbour Joining (NJ), Maximum Parsinony (MP), and Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods. 

Based on the current set of species, the subgenera Paramphiprion, Amphiprion (ephippium 

complex), and Actinicola are supported as monophyletic with high bootstrap values, whereas 

Phalerebus is not monophyletic. The question, if the ancestral anemonefish was a generalist or 

specialist could not be resolved. 

256 


Poster S11-13 


Molecular systematics of lionfishes (Scorpaenidae, Pteroinae) 

and phylogeography of the Pterois miles/P. volitans species 

complex in the Indo-West Pacific 

Kochzius M, Wolter H 


Germany 

A previous phylogenetic study (Kochzius et al. 2003) based on mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) 

and 16S rDNA (16S) sequences of seven pteroid species did not support the current separation of 

the genera Pterois and Dendrochirus. The siblings Pterois miles and P. volitans were clearly 

separated and these results supported the proposed allopatric or parapatric distribution in the Indian 

and Pacifc Ocean. However, due to a lack of samples from the Indo-Malay Archipelago, the 

distribution of P. miles and P. volitans haplotyps in the transition zone of their distribution could 

not be studied. Here, we investigate (1) the utility of the nuclear markers ETS2 (External 

Transcribed Spacer 2) and ITS2 (External Transcribed Spacer 2) to resolve the lionfish phylogeny, 

and (2) the geographic distribution of mitochondrial haplotypes in the Indo-West Pacific. Since a 

partition homogeneity test did not show a significant difference between the ETS2, ITS2, cyt b, and 

16S data sets (p=0.069) we conducted a combined analysis. This combined analysis of 

mitochondrial and nuclear markers supported the previous findings of two main clades: (1) 

‘‘Pterois’’ clade (P. miles and P. volitans), and (2) ‘‘Pteropterus–Dendrochirus’’ clade (remainder 

of the eight sampled species). Tissue samples of the P. miles/P. volitans species complex were 

collected at 10 sites across the Indo-Malay Archipelago and mitochondrial sequences were 

obtained in order to investigate their phylogeography. This analysis revealed that all specimens 

sampled in the Indo-Malay Archipelago belong to P. volitans, except one specimen from Thousand 

Islands in the Java Sea, which is P. miles. 



Poster S11-14 

Aspartic acid-rich proteins: Analysis of proteinaceous 

components of the organic matrix of calcitic spicules from the 

alcyonarian, Sinularia polydactyla 

Rahman MA, Uehara T 

Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 

Japan 

Acidic proteins play a major role in the bio-calcification process. These proteins are generally 

thought to control mineral formation and growth. Thus, Characterization of acidic proteins in 

alcyonarian is important as a first step toward linking function to individual proteins, which is our 

ultimate goal. Analysis of proteinaceous components in the both soluble and insoluble fractions 

shows a particularly high content of aspartic acid. Aspartic acid comprises about 61% of insoluble 

and 31% of soluble fractions from the total proteins. In an in vitro assay we show that the matrix 

proteins which are abundance of aspartic acids induce the formation of amorphous calcium 

carbonate prior to its transformation into the calcitic crystalline form. We also show scanning 

electron micrographs of the rhombohedral calcite crystals used as template, the protein imprinted 

with these crystals. Electrophoretic analyses of proteins extracted from the soluble and insoluble 

organic matrix of the spicules showed five protein bands; two of which are probably glycosylated. 

The soluble matrix showed two additional faint bands. The Ca 2+ -binding analysis of components of 

the soluble organic matrix shows the significant protein fractions at 109 and 63 kDa. An 

interpretation of these results supports the concept that the organic matrix acts as a template for 

spicule formation. The aspartic acid-rich proteins within the matrix play a major role in the 

biomineralization process. 

258 


Poster S11-15 


New online: GBIF-database compilation of the Alcyonacea type 

material in German museum collections (Octocorallia) 

Reinicke GB, Jürgens L 

German Oceanographic Museum, Stralsund 

The Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) is an international project aiming to set up a 

biodiversity data platform freely accessible via the internet. Within the German subproject “GBIF- 

Cnidaria” a database compilation was assembled of type material of Alcyonacea in German 

zoological museum collections. Project results focus on the inventory of Alcyonacea types in 

natural history museums, where the type specimen’s identities were verified and catalogued using 

comparison of labels, catalogues, literature figures and digital photos. Data were entered into the 

collection database software “SeSam”, established at the Senckenberg Museum Frankfurt. A total 

of over 650 type specimens of Alcyonacea were fed to the database, representing the Alcyonacea 

type collections of the Phyletic Museum Jena, the Museum für Naturkunde (Berlin), the 

Zoologische Staatssammlung München, the Zoological Museum Hamburg and the Senckenberg 

Museum in Frankfurt. In various cases fragments of type specimen transferred as reference samples 

to other museum collections could be tracked and referenced together. Most of the type material 

refers to the works of Kükenthal, Ehrenberg and May. Among octocorals, soft corals (Alcyoniina) 

showed the highest numbers of type specimens (335), followed by Holaxonia (137) and Calcaxonia 

(108) in the inventory of Alcyonacea types. Data can be accessed at http://sesam.gbifevt3.senckenberg.de. 



Poster S11-16 

Molecular genetic evidence for a new species of giant clam 

(Tridacnidae) in the Red Sea 

Roa-Quiaoit HA 1* , Kochzius M 2 , Richter C 1 

1 Center for Tropical Marine Ecology, 28359 Bremen, Germany 


* present address: Marine Biological Research Center, Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro 

City, 9000 Philippines 

This study provides evidence for the existence of a prominent, yet overlooked, new species of giant 

clam in the Red Sea. Molecular mitochondrial rDNA analysis distinguish the new species Tridacna 

mahara sp. nov. from its sympatric congeners T. squamosa and T. maxima, as well as other 

reported tridacnids from the wider Indo-Pacific region. A molecular phylogeny based on 16s rDNA 

sequences placed all specimens of Tridacna mahara sp. nov. in a separate monophyletic clade 

within the subgenus Chametrachea (bootstrap value, MP 98% and NJ 100%). Tridacna mahara sp. 

nov. as part of Chametrachea is also strongly supported by its morphological and behavioural 

similarity to T. maxima and T. squamosa. We can only speculate at this point that this species could 

be a relic population on the northern border of its former range. 

260 


Poster S11-17 


Genetic variability in Pocillopora damicornis in exposed and nonexposed 

areas 

Rosengren S, Souter P 

Dept Systems Ecology; Sweden 

In this study we have investigated if chronic exposure to anthropogenic disturbances has reduced 

the genetic variability in reef building corals in Nha Trang (Vietnam) in the South China Sea. 

Pocillopora damicornis were collected from eight areas outside Nha Trang in November 2005. 

Four areas used are chronically exposed to sedimentation and four areas are not affected by any 

anthropogenic disturbances. Corals were collected and the genetic composition of P. damicornis 

individuals were analysed with species-specific microsatellites. 

P. damicornis were genetically different when the two reef areas were compared and preliminary 

result show that the genetic diversity was reduced in corals from turbid reefs. This can be explained 

either by hard environmental selection or by the fact that there are fewer individual clones in the 

reproducing population. 



Poster S11-18 

Does live coral cover and coral health influence the community of 

highly specialized reef fishes? 

Schiemer L, Niedermüller S, Herler J 

University of Vienna, Department of Marine Biology; Department of Theoretical Biology 

and Morphology 

Fishes of the genus Gobiodon are strictly associated with living scleractinian (Acropora) corals. All 

Gobiodon species use a range of species but prefer a single or a few (=host) corals. The present 

study in the Gulf of Aqaba (northern Red Sea) examined the effect of coral health and live coral 

cover on these specialists. Six sites (chosen in terms of different exposition, water depth and 

supposed live coral cover) were compared. Size, identity and condition of corals and the occupation 

by six species of Gobiodon were assessed in three 10x1 m belt transects, laid on both the reef crest 

and reef slope at each site. Live Acropora coral cover ranged from 2.3% to 16.5% between sites 

and partial coral mortality varied between 6 ± 2 % (Acropora loripes) to 50 ± 7 % (Acropora 

variolosa). Fish density was highly correlated with coral density and live coral coverage over all 

sites and occupation rates were highly correlated with host coral size. If a certain colony live area 

remained, partial mortality did not determine the presence of breeding pairs, which prefer large 

colonies. Therefore, not only coral abundance but also the state of coral assemblages influences the 

community structure of coral-dwelling gobies. 

262 


Poster S11-21 


Phylogeography of Cladocora caespitosa: testing the utility of ITS 

markers 

Stefani F 1 , Benzoni F 1 , Pichon M 2 , Corselli C 3 , Galli P 1 

1 Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, 

Italy 

2 Laboratoire des Ecosystemes Aquatiques Tropicaux et Mediterraneens, Ecole Pratique des 

Hautes Etudes, Universite de Perpignan, France 

3 Department of Geological Sciences and Geotechnology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 

Milan, Italy 

Cladocora caespitosa is an endemic species of the Mediterranean Sea and represents the principal 

bioconstructor of this basin. Despite the presence of some studies concerning the ecology and 

growth of this corals, a lack of information about its phylogeny and genetic structure is evidenced. 

In this work we tested the applicability of ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacers sequences (ITS1 

and ITS2) as suitable markers to infer phylogeography of this specie in the Mediterranean Sea. The 

degree of variability of these multigene family have been tested at intra-individual, intra-specific 

and intra-generic level. C. caespitosa shows intra-individual variability, compatible with recent 

divergence or hybridization. Since the absence of strictly related species in the Mediterranean, the 

hypothesis of a recent origin is considered more likely. Despite this, the intra-individual and intraspecific 

variability is much lower than intra-generic divergence, suggesting the absence of lineage 

retention predating the origin of the species. Finally, significant level of genetic structure have been 

evidenced between the studied populations. Consequently, ITS sequences show adequate resolution 

in order to compare genetic structure of C. caespitosa with past and present factors aging on the 

Mediterranean basin. 



Poster S11-19 

Morphological and genetic boundaries in Platygyra daedalea on 

lagoonal reefs in Kenya 

Souter P, Mangubhai S 

School of Life Science, Södertörn University College, Sweden and Southern Cross 

University, School of Environmental Science, Australia 

High intraspecific variability and lack of adequate field descriptions or distinct skeletal features has 

made identification of faviids such as Platygyra daedalea challenging. In this study, morphometric 

and molecular techniques were used to examine phenotypic variation in P. daedalea to understand 

how these were related in the Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve in Kenya. Genetic 

studies included five microsatellite loci as well as sequence analysis of the rDNA Internal 

Transcriber Spacer (ITS1 and ITS2) and 5.8S region. AMOVAS of the microsatellite data as well 

as the sequence data showed significant genetic differences between the two proposed morhhotyes. 

However phylogenetic trees based on maximum parsimony show no evidence of divergence 

between the two morphotypes indicative of either a shared ancestral polymorphism or current 

introgression. Morphometric analysis found two morphological types existed, but there was no 

single diagnostic trait could be used to distinguish between the two, though a combination of four 

skeletal characters separated them. Skeletal variation was continuous with no sharp discontinuity 

between morphotypes and was consistent with findings from the Great Barrier Reef. 

264 


Poster S11-20 


Evolution of anemonefishes (Amphiprioninae, Pomacentridae). 

2. Species boundaries in the Indo-Malay Archipelago 

Timm J, Figiel M, Kochzius M 


Germany 

Many species of coral reef fishes are distinguished by their colour patterns, but genetic studies have 

shown these are not good predictors of genetic isolation and species bounderies. The genus 

Amphiprion comprises several species that have very similar colouration. Additionally, 

morphological characters are so variable, that sibling species can show a considerable overlap, 

making it difficult to differentiate them. In this study, we investigated the species bounderies 

between the sibling species pair A. ocellaris and A. percula and three closely realted species of the 

subgenus Phalerebus (A. akallopisos, A. sanderacinos, A. perideraion) by phylogenetic analysis of 

mitochondrial control region sequences. Samples have been collected at several sites across the 

Indo-Malay Archipelago. The siblings A. ocellaris and A. percula thought to have an allopatric 

distribution, with an area of overlap in Tomini Bay, northeast Sulawesi. However, all individuals 

(n=18) sampled in the Togean Islands do not belong to the A. ocellaris clade, but form a distinct 

sister clade to A. percula with a genetic distance of 12.4%. This genetic distance is between the 

maximum distance within (9.7%) and the minimum distance between species (13.9%), which could 

indicate a cryptic species. The three species of the subgenus Phalerebus show three monophyletic 

clades, concordant to the morphological classification. 



266 


Poster S12-01 


Sustainability of coral reef fish collection for the aquarium trade 

in the Egyptian Red Sea 

Ebeid ML 

National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, Egypt 

Coral reef fishes of the Egyptian Red Sea have been collected for aquarium trade since 1990. One 

official company was responsible for the collection and exportation of approximately 67 species 

until 2002, when the fishing activities were banned by the government. This study examines the 

effects of ornamental fish collecting from the shallow reefs of the southern Gulf of Suez on fish 

assemblages and related benthic communities. Forty species of the most frequently collected coral 

reef fishes belonging to ten families (Chaetodontidae, Pomacanthidae, Labridae, Pomacentridae, 

Acanthuridae, Balistidae, Cirrhitidae, Ostraciidae, Scorpaenidae and Tetraodontidae) were counted 

in three 100m long, 5m wide transects along the reef edge of two collected and two uncollected 

sites along the eastern coast of the Gulf of Suez. The effects of fish collection on benthic 

communities were assessed using five 1m² quadrats randomly placed on the reef edge inside each 

fish transect. The study revealed the complete disappearance of two valuable species of the family 

Pomacanthidae; Pomacanthus imperator and P. asfur. Moreover, the abundances of 37.5 % of the 

study species were significantly lower at collected sites. The recovery of depleted fish populations 

as well as possible management plans for future activities are then discussed. 



Poster S12-02 

Larvae ‘cue-ing’ up for the blue revolution 

Enhancing larvae collection for aquaculture, aquario-culture and 

restocking programmes 

Heenan A 

University of Edinburgh 

There is an urgent call for more innovative approaches to reef fisheries resource management. The 

level of mortality experienced across the entire life history of reef fish is during the pelagic larval 

stage, a stage common across the majority of reef fish species. A more sustainable approach 

towards increasing fisheries production could be achieved by focusing the harvesting of fishes at 

the pre-settlement stage prior to this natural bottleneck in the life history. Recent studies show 

increased levels of reef fish larvae being attracted to light traps and artificial reefs broadcasting reef 

noise sound recordings (Simpson et al. 2004 and 2005). In order to develop a fisheries management 

tool, this study will scrutinize the role of sound and biotic chemicals as cues used by larval fish 

when orientating towards a suitable settlement site. Previously established experimental techniques 

will be employed in the aquarium and the field in order to determine specific cues which relate to 

larval orientation. Once a spectrum of cues has been determined, they will be incorporated into 

novel broadcasting techniques to enhance larval fish collection for the marine aquario-culture trade 

and to promote the recruitment of fish onto specific sites. As a result the efficacy of employing 

these cues on an applied management scale will be comprehensively assessed. 

268 


Poster S12-03 


An overview of international mooring buoy programs and the 

effect of mooring buoys on coral reefs offshore broward county, 

Florida, USA 

Klink LH 1 , Gilliam DS 1 , Stout D 2 , Dodge RE 1 

1 National Coral Reef Institute 

2 Broward County Environmental Protection Department 

Coral reef communities are among the most diverse, productive and complex ecosystems on earth. 

Protecting these extremely valuable and important natural resources from anthropogenic impacts 

receives considerable attention. One of the most direct impacts on coral reef communities is 

physical damage from resource users (e.g. vessel anchors, fishing debris, trash). To reduce user 

impacts, many nations have installed permanent mooring buoys for commercial and recreational 

use. Buoy installation continues to grow as mooring buoys gain popularity and familiarity. This 

study discusses the challenges and successes of current mooring buoy programs around the world. 

Despite increasing number of mooring buoy installations, few studies have addressed mooring 

buoy effectiveness in reducing reef damage. Broward County, Florida, a highly populated area, has 

a system of over 100 mooring buoys installed along its offshore reef system. The frequency of 

mooring use and small vessel anchoring near the moorings is being recorded. A benthic assessment 

is also being conducted at the moorings and other comparable areas of the reef to examine user 

impacts. This data gives an indication of the effectiveness of mooring buoys in protecting coral reef 

communities. The results of this study are beneficial for both existing and future mooring buoy 

programs. 



Poster S12-04 

Long-term changes in a coral reef fishery: The role of gear and 

closed-area management 

McClanahan TR 1 , Hicks CC 2 , Darling ES 2 

1 Wildlife Conservation Society, Marine Programs, Bronx, NY 

2 Coral Reef Conservation Project, Mombasa, Kenya 

We examined fish catches over ten years along the Kenyan coast to determine the effects of seine 

net exclusion and closed area management on the artisanal coral reef fishery. The change in gear 

use triggered a redistribution of effort in the fishery from high intensity seining to lower-effort 

gears such as traps, gill nets, hand lines and spear guns. Fishing intensity has a negative 

relationship with CPUE, mean trophic level of the catch and gear diversity but total catch goes up 

with these factors to 20 fishers/km 2 , indicating high production and resilience to fishing. Sites 

within 5-km of a protected area exhibit increased CPUE, trophic level and catch stability and sites 

with beach seine use display lower predictive responses of CPUE, trophic level and catch stability 

than predicted by the regression models normalized for effort. Our data indicate that closed area 

management buffers the effects of increased fishing pressure and has a positive effect on the reef 

fishery, increasing the yield, trophic level, and stability of the catch. In contrast, the use of 

destructive gears appears to amplify the effect of exploitation – sites with beach seine use show 

lower yield and stability compared to non-seine sites. 

270 


Poster S12-05 


Linking science and management: a new IUCN Working Group on 

coral bleaching, resilience and climate change 

Obura D, Marshall P, Tamelander J 

Coral Reef Degradation in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO), Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 

Authority (GBRMPA) 

The immediate threat to coral reefs from climate change is acute, and both science and 

management practitioners are racing to develop knowledge and tools that may help limit the 

vulnerability of reefs to climate change. A working group on coral bleaching, resilience and climate 

change has been established through IUCN on a 3-year grant from the MacArthur Foundation, 

running from 2006-2008. The goal is to draw on leading practitioners in coral reef science and 

management to streamline the identification and testing of management interventions to mitigate 

the impacts of climate change on coral reefs. The group will consult with experts in three areas: 

climate change and coral bleaching research, management and ecological resilience, to promote 

and develop the framework provided by resilience theory as a bridge between bleaching research 

and management implementation. Through open consultations and a series of workshops key 

problem areas will be addressed leading to improved recommendations and practices for coral reef 

conservation. These will be channeled through existing conservation and management networks for 

application in the field, and tested through research trials. A consultative process identifying the 

research and management agenda for the group will be run through 2006, including feedback 

through the ISRS Bremen meeting in September and ITMEMS in October 2006. 



Poster S12-06 

Political will, governance and the establishment of marine 

protected areas 

Paterson SK, Drew WM 

The Nature Conservancy 

Protected areas are currently considered to be the primary tool with respect to marine conservation 

efforts at a global scale. Strategies employed for designation and the resulting effectiveness of 

protected areas are dependent on many factors including political commitment and governance. 

This paper elucidates the similarities and differences between two distinct political entities, 

neighbours on the Puerto Rican Bank with very similar biological ecosystems, in the pursuit of the 

conservation of natural marine resources. 

As signatories to the Global Programme of Work on Protected Areas and the Convention of 

Biological Diversity & supported by a strong conservation ethic, the British Virgin Islands are 

currently designing a Systems Plan that will place 30% of nearshore habitats under no-take 

designation. This single legislative act will enable full designation of a network of protected areas 

to be enacted simultaneously. 

In contrast, the US Virgin Islands are taking a more step wise approach to the establishment of 

protected areas throughout the territory where conservation efforts are often controversial. 

Compounded by the involvement of both federal and territorial governments, this approach has 

hindered conservation efforts. 

While at different stages in the process of formal conservation measures, these territories provide 

unique insight into strategic approaches being employed world wide. 

272 


Poster S12-07 


Combining aerial photographs and satellite imagery to map 

marine habitats of the Cozumel Reefs National Park, Mexico 

Rioja-Nieto R, Sheppard C 

University of Warwick, United Kingdom 

As effective management of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) has become more important, GIS 

coupled with remote sensing have been increasingly used to help managers obtain essential 

information on the extent and type of marine habitats. 

Aerial photography exists for the West coast of Cozumel Island, including part but not all of 

Cozumel Reefs National Park. The need was for a GIS of the entire MPA. This describes how 

Landsat 7 TM was utilized to extend the mapped coverage, using the aerial photos directly where 

possible and to train the Landsat 7 image where only the latter existed. Further, the coverage was 

extended to adjacent unmanaged area. Significant habitat classes were obtained using cluster 

analysis, and supervised classifications performed, grouping habitat classes according to their 

spectral signatures. A classification using 8 groups proved to be the most accurate (overall 

accuracy = 64%, T = 0.58, p < 0.01), but too coarse for management purposes, and 15 classes 

(overall accuracy = 55%, T = 0.51) was optimum. 

To examine the effect of management strategies, comparisons on distributions of habitat size and 

habitat diversity inside and outside the MPA were made and the results are discussed. 



Poster S12-08 

Socioeconomic importance of marine ornamental fishery in 

Spermonde Archipelago, South Sulawesi, Indonesia 

Syakir M 1,2 , Krain E 1 , Kochzius M 2 , Jompa J 3 , Lange H 4 

1 Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT), 28359 Bremen, Germany 

2 Centre for Environmental Research and Technology (UFT), University of Bremen, 

Germany 

3 Universitas Hasanuddin, Makassar, Indonesia 

4 Research Center for Sustainability Studies, University of Bremen, 28359 Bremen, 

Germany 

Even though Indonesia is the world’s leading exporter of marine ornamentals, information on the 

extent and socio-economic importance of this fishery is limited. This study attempts to investigate 

the socio-economic conditions of fishermen engaged in ornamental fishery and the organisational 

pattern of marine ornamental trade in the Spermonde Archipelago, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Six 

islands were chosen as sampling sites where ornamental fishery is prevalent. The main findings are 

that only few fishermen depend on ornamental fishery for their livelihood and that. It exists only in 

some niches and in few specific islands. It is estimated that 1.6 % of the total population of 

Spermonde is engaged in this fishery. The estimated income from ornamental fishery varies 

considerably, contributing between 13-83% to the total household expenditures annually. In terms 

of value of catch, fish from the genus Pomacanthus and corals from the genus Euphyllia are most 

important. In terms of availability of the stock, fish from the genus Amphiprion and corals from the 

genus Euphyllia are preferable. A lack of management is noticed, even though some regulations 

and marine protected areas exist. Besides a low level of awareness of the people, there is a lack of 

monitoring and surveillance. These short-comings appear to be a major problem for sustainable 

ornamental fishery. 

274 


Poster S12-09 


Remote sensing as a decision support tool in ICZM: a case study 

for Hurghada (Egypt) 

Vanderstraete T 1 , Goossens R 1 , Ghabour TK 2 

1 Ghent University, Geography Department, Ghent, Belgium / 

²National Research Centre, Soils and Water Use Department, Cairo 

Hurghada has seen a massive expansion over the last two decades, mainly resulting from booming 

tourism. This resulted in heavily damaged coral reefs, especially close to the coast but also further 

offshore. A management system is already in place controlling urban development and protecting 

part of the coral reefs. Additional efforts, however, are required to come to a regional integrated 

coastal zone management (ICZM) system. Remote sensing proves to be a useful decision support 

tool for ICZM, especially when integrated with additional information sources into a Geographic 

Information System (GIS). Some examples of remote sensing-derived decision support products 

are given, being a multi-temporal analysis of the major changes in the period between 1987 and 

2000; a threat analysis indicating the coastal zones most at risk from current human activities; and 

an initial MPA zonation scheme optimally combining socio-economic development with ecological 

conservation. This baseline information can easily be visualized and is, therefore, optimally suited 

for managers to communicate with the different stakeholder groups involved. 



276 


Poster S13-01 


Heterotrophic nutrition of giant clams from the Jordanian coast of 

the Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea 

Al Shiyab AW, Al-Najjar T 

The University of Jordan & Yarmouk University, Marine Science Station, Aqaba, Jordan 

The study is part of the pilot project on sustainable aquaculture of the giant clam (Tridacna spp.) in 

the Jordanian sector of the Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea), in collaboration with the centre of tropical 

marine ecology (ZMT), Bremen, Germany 

Different microalgae species Isochrysis galbana, Nannochloropsis oculata, Tetraselmis suecica, 

and natural phytoplankton were used in feeding of different size groups 3-5, 5-7, 7-9 cm's of 

Juvenile Tridacna maxima. Within the different microalgae species Isochrysis galbana was found 

to be a good food for all growth stages of giant clams. Significant difference between different 

microalgae species in both short and long-term experiments were obtained, the grazing rate of 

Isochrysis galbana was 1.64, Tetraselmis suecica 1.22, Nannochloropsis oculata 0.96, and natural 

phytoplankton 0.72 µg l -1 d -1 Chlorophyll a (chll a). Significant difference between different size 

classes were also obtained, however, the grazing rate of the different shell length class was in the 

following order 3-5 > 5-7> and 7-9cm. Sampling time does not show any significant difference on 

the grazing rate of T. maxima on the different microalgae species. The grazing rate of T. maxima 

veliger larvae did not show significant difference under two feeding conditions, the grazing rate of 

0.13 µg l -1 d -1 chll a were obtained for 600 cell. ml -1 and 0.07µg l -1 d -1 chll a for 300 cell. ml -1 . The 

relationship between the grazing rate and veliger number was highly positive. 



Poster S13-02 

Coral transplantation increases fish abundance and diversity on 

artificial reefs 

Ferse S 


This poster presents the initial results of an ongoing study on the effects of concrete structures 

alone and in combination with transplanted coral fragments on the reef fish community. 

Three sets consisting of three 100m 2 rubble plots each (one control, one covered with 50 concrete 

structures, and one with a combination of structures and 2500 coral transplants) were deployed at 

different locations in North Sulawesi, Indonesia, between June 2005 and March 2006. The sites are 

located at depth ranges of 3-7m, 12-20m and 12-19m, respectively. Corals of two different species 

with different morphologies were transplanted to each location. Subsequently, regular visual 

censuses of the fish community in each plot were carried out. Fishes colonized the plots within 

hours after deployment. Nine months after deployment of the first site, the average number of fish 

species was 11±2, 42±2 and 30±2 at the Control, Coral Structure and Structure plots, respectively. 

The average number of individuals was 21±3, 302±6 and 100±2, respectively. Pomacentrids 

comprised most fish at the Coral Structure site, while Acanthurids dominated at the Structure site. 

Except for the still increasing number of individuals at the Coral Structure site, all values seemed to 

level off. The numbers at the other sites were evolving similarly. 

278 


Poster S13-03 


Effects of an electric field on the growth and survival of two 

Acropora species 

Ferse S, Romatzki S 


Here we present results of an ongoing experiment examining the responses in growth and survival 

rates of two Acropora species transplanted onto electrically charged iron frames and onto concrete 

cups strapped to bamboo boards. The experiment is carried out in situ in North Sulawesi, 

Indonesia, at a depth of 5 m since March 2006. 

A total of 700 coral fragments were assigned to one of three treatments: mounted in metal tubes 

with direct contact to the charged metal; glued into concrete cups strapped onto bamboo boards and 

exposed to the electric field; in concrete cups on bamboo boards outside the electric field 

(=Control). 

Length increases are measured every month and the number of living fragments is counted. 

In the first growth period, Acropora yongei grew best in concrete cups exposed to the electric field 

(5.8±0.3mm/30days), while Acropora pulchra had the highest growth rate when transplanted 

directly onto the electrically charged metal (2.5±0.3mm/30days). The smallest length increase of 

Acropora pulchra was found in the Control (1.1±0.1mm/30days), while direct contact to the 

charged metal resulted in the smallest growth rate in Acropora yongei (2.3±0.3mm/30 days). 

Increased predation by coralivorous fishes and decreased color intensity were noticed in fragments 

on the charged frames. 



Poster S13-04 

The role of an artificial marine structure (AMS) in a restricted area 

in maintaining coral reef fish population diversity 

Halperin M, Benayahu Y 

Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Israel 

Eilat coastal area offers a suitable system to study the effects of artificial marine structures (AMS) 

on the abundance and distribution of coral reef fishes. We selected the damselfish Dascyllus 

trimaculatus Rüpell in order to study the following subjects in both natural reefs and an AMS (oil 

jetty) that is closed to the public: (1) demographical features, and (2) genetic structure. The data 

was collected during August, November 2005, January and March 2006. DNA was extracted from 

anesthetized fish fin-clips and an mtDNA control-region-based haplotype network was created. A 

high abundance of Stylophora colonies and fish of the family Pomacentridae was found at the 

southern sites. Pocillopora colonies were abundant at the southern beaches and at the AMS site. D. 

trimaculatus were highly abundant on the AMS, where the fish recruits inhabit mainly Pocillopora 

colonies growing on the pillars of the jetty. The haplotype network suggested a relatively closed 

population within the AMS site. These results indicate the effect of the availability of a habitat in 

the form of branching corals growing on the AMS, for survivorship of D. trimaculatus recruits, 

thus, demonstrating the importance of the structural heterogeneity provided by the AMS for 

maintaining a unique fish population. 

280 


Poster S13-05 


The SECORE (SExual COral REproduction) Project - an initiative 

of public aquariums and scientists to enhance coral reef 

conservation 

Petersen D 

Rotterdam Zoo 

SECORE (SExual COral REproduction) Project is an initiative of public aquariums and coral 

research institutions to enhance sustainability in in-situ and ex-situ coral populations. Due to 

important conservation needs for coral reefs, SECORE (www.secore.org) was initiated by the 

Rotterdam Zoo in 2001 with the primary goals of (1) studying sexual coral reproduction, (2) 

developing ex-situ breeding techniques, (3) disseminating techniques among the aquarium and 

research community through workshops and publications, (4) developing an international network 

of public aquariums and research institutions to enhance cooperation, and (5) establishing breeding 

programs to help sustaining coral populations in aquaria and in the field. The first SECORE 

Workshop was organized in 2005 by the Rotterdam Zoo. The second SECORE Workshop is cohosted 

by Dirk Petersen, Mike Brittsan (Columbus Zoo and Aquarium) and Eric Borneman 

(University of Houston) during the mass spawning of the endangered coral Acropora palmata in 

Puerto Rico in 2006. Public aquariums and scientific institutions from Europe and the USA will 

participate to learn more about the reproduction of A. palmata. The workshop participants aim at 

establishing aquaculture methods for the fragile juvenile stages with the longterm goal to initiate a 

breeding program to support the conservation and restoration of A. palmata. 



Poster S13-06 

Development of a propagation protocol for the soft coral 

Sarcophyton glaucum for pharmaceutical and reef-restoration 

purposes 

Sella I, Benayahu Y 

Tel Aviv University, Israel 

It has been estimated that only 41% of the coral reefs worldwide are currently healthy. 

Consequently, many countries prohibit coral collection; therefore coral propagating techniques 

have been developed in order to find alternative sources. However, Intensive farming of corals in 

the marine environment could lead to adverse effects on the limited resources found in natural reef 

habitats. There is a need to develop protocols for propagating corals in a closed system in order to 

meet the increasing demand for corals by the pharmaceutical industry and for restoration of 

denuded reefs. Species of the soft coral Sarcophyton (Octocorallia) have a wide Indo–Pacific 

distribution and are known for their diverse natural compounds. This study dealt with the 

establishment of a protocol for propagation of S. glaucum in land-based facilities, running 

seawater, and the reef environment. We determined the minimum size of cuttings from colonies of 

S. glaucum that will yield high survivorship, as well as the appropriate glue and substrate that will 

allow their successful and rapid growth. Growth rates and biomass of the cuttings were monitored 

under different conditions of temperature regime, salinity, light and feeding. The results indicate 

that survivorship, biomass, organic weight and colony morphology are related to the cultivation 

conditions. 

282 


Poster S13-07 


Post-settlement survival of reef corals - Reproductive season is 

not adaptive for initial benthic survival 

Soong K, Kuo K-M 

National Sun Yat-sen University, Taiwan 

To test the hypothesis that seasonal reproduction of reef corals increases survival rates of the initial 

benthic stages, we set out artificial settling plates at 2-mo intervals in southern Taiwan and 

monitored the survival of each naturally-settled juvenile at 2-mo intervals for at least one year after 

settlement. Spats of Pocilloporidae and Porites constituted the majority of coral recruits. The 

brooding Pocilloporidae exhibited significant seasonal variation of recruitment, whereas the 

broadcast spawning Porites did not. Survivorship was affected by season of settlement in these two 

groups of corals, although the patterns were not constistent with predictions of the adaptive 

hypothesis for either taxa. Recruits of Pocilloporidae showed greater settlement and survival on 

younger than on older plates; however, neither pattern occurred in Porites. Settling rates were 

highest on the margins of plates in both taxa, but greater survival on plate margins was found only 

in Porites. Spatial preferences at settlement are more likely to be adaptive for juvenile survival. 



Poster S13-08 

Stony coral removal and transplantation associated with a shore 

protection project 

Stephens NR, Gilliam DS, Dodge RE 

National Coral Reef Institute, Nova Southeastern University Oceanographic Center 

A year-long shore protection project was recently completed in Broward County, Florida (USA). 

Hard bottom resources were present within a zone predicted to be impacted by beach construction 

activities. Stony corals were removed from these hard bottom areas in order to minimize impacts to 

these resources. A total of 654 stony corals were removed and transplanted to nearby mitigation 

reefs consisting of limestone boulders. After transplantation, 169 of these colonies (25 percent), 

representing the species distribution of the transplanted colonies, were chosen for monitoring. 

These colonies have been monitored for eighteen months at six month intervals. Data collection 

includes in situ colony measurements (live tissue and total colony length and width), percent 

mortality and bleaching estimates, and identification of coral recruits within 25 centimeters of the 

transplants. Colonies were also photographed and their live tissue areas measured using image 

analysis software (NCRI CPCe). Data was then analyzed to determine transplant survivorship as a 

whole and to discern differences in survivorship amongst different coral species. Growth rates were 

analyzed with attention to species and colony size differences. Growth rates were also used to 

determine if the colonies underwent transplantation stress. 

284 


Poster S14-01 


Legislative mandates and involving the public in order to fulfill 

them: a look at Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida) and the 

establishment of marine zoning 

Brock RJ 

U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA), Silver Spring, Maryland, USA 

In the United States, designation of a national park by the U.S. Congress comes with a very clear 

mandate as to why the particular area is receiving such a designation. In the case of Dry Tortugas 

National Park (DRTO), this 160 km 2 area in the Gulf of Mexico was established to “protect and 

interpret a pristine subtropical marine ecosystem, including an intact coral reef community” (Public 

Law 102-525). HOW one goes about fulfilling this Congressional mandate and what is meant by 

protect, pristine, and intact can be very contentious and open to interpretation. Therefore, it is very 

important to engage the public in making them aware of what the enabling legislation says we must 

do but exploring together various solutions on how we can fulfill these mandates. This presentation 

will explore how statutory requirements, stakeholder inputs, and science were used to develop 

various marine zones at DRTO. 



Poster S14-02 

VINE: Growing environmental literacy through the Virgin Islands 

network of environmental educators 

Curtis S 

U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Coastal Zone Management 

The U.S. Virgin Islands have some of the most spectacular terrestrial and marine resources in the 

United States and a long history of environmental education and outreach programs. Most are 

charged with fostering stewardship to preserve natural or cultural resources and to promote 

conservation. Frequently, there is duplication of programs and fragmentation of services. In 

response to this duplication, the Virgin Islands Network of Environmental Educators (VINE) was 

formed in August 2004. 

VINE members recognized the tremendous gap in communication between themselves, other 

environmental organizations, stakeholders and educators. This gap was compounded by the 

territorial challenges of having a region that consists of three islands each with different 

environmental challenges. A total of 24 agencies, or nearly all who are actively involved with the 

territory’s environmental and cultural resources, are represented in VINE. 

VINE members are working to reduce fragmentation, duplication and provide support for 

coordinated programs. VINE is running two chapters on St. Croix, and St. Thomas/St. John; and 

has shared its resources and experiences with teachers and environmental outreach professionals in 

both Puerto Rico as well as the British Virgin Islands. VINE has been asked to assist in establishing 

a sister chapter in the British Virgin Islands. 

286 


Poster S14-03 


The development of successful conservation partnerships for the 

management of Moheli Marine Park, Comoros 

Davis P, Poonian C, Rabi FA 

C3, London, United Kingdom 

The Union of the Comoros is situated at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel, equidistant 

(approximately 300km) from continental Africa and Madagascar. It comprises three volcanic 

islands; Grande Comore, Anjouan and Mohéli. The Comoros are classed as a Least Developed 

Country with 88% of the population living on the coast and fisheries being of considerable 

economic importance (8% of GDP). Effective management of marine resources thus assumes a 

particular importance in the development of sustainable livelihoods and the reduction of poverty. 

In addition, the rich biodiversity of the Comoros provides immense potential for the development 

of marine eco-tourism. 

Mohéli Marine Park was the first MPA to be established in the Comoros in 2001, based on its rich 

biological diversity and the presence of humpback whales, endangered dugong and the third most 

important nesting site for green sea turtles in the world. Partnerships between village associations, 

national government and NGOs are so far proving to be successful on Moheli. Ten villages are 

involved in the management of the Park through village associations with 12 local ‘ecogardes’ in 

charge of day-to-day management and monitoring activities. Capacity-building is provided by a 

formal collaboration between an international NGO, Community Centred Conservation (C3) and 

the Park and income-generating projects are currently being initiated throughout the island. 



Poster S14-04 

2002-2005 diving for the environment: Mediterranean underwater 

biodiversity project 

Environmental monitoring in collaboration with the industry of 

underwater tourism 

Goffredo S, Neri P, Orlandi A, Gagliardi MS, Velardi A, Pensa F, Piccinetti C, 

Zaccanti F 

Biodiversity has a value as an indicator of environmental health. Monitoring is the first step 

towards natural resource management. The goal of “Diving for the Environment” was to obtain 

data on the state of the marine biodiversity along the Italian coasts, by the collaboration of 

recreational scuba divers. On a specially formulated questionnaire, volunteers reported the presence 

of 61 marine taxa encountered during recreational dives. This research was patronaged by the 

Italian Ministry of the Environment and supported by ASTOI (Association of Italian Tour 

Operators), A.DI.SUB (Association of Italian Scuba Diving Agency – IDEA, PADI, PSS, SNSI, 

SSI) and the popular scientific magazine Quark. During the 4-year study, 3,825 divers have 

completed 18,757 questionnaires, corresponding to 13,539 diving hours. In the Ligurian and 

Northern Tyrrhenian seas, data showed a north-south gradient, where the best situations were in the 

southernmost areas. This condition could be related to the high anthropogenic stress in urban and 

industrial zones. Divers were willing to take part in monitoring and contributed in scientific terms 

by collecting considerable amounts of data over short time periods, and in economic terms by 

decreasing costs. The greatest limitation was the difficulty in obtaining a uniformly distributed 

sample across time and space. 

288 


Poster S14-05 


Effect of intensive SCUBA diving on fringing reefs of the northern 

Red Sea 

Hasler H 

Department of Marine Biology; University of Vienna, Austria 

The effect of intensive recreational SCUBA diving on fringing reefs was investigated in Dahab, 

South Sinai, Egypt. Frequently dived sites were compared to dives sites with no or little diving. 

Benthic communities, coral cover and condition of corals were examined by point sampling 

method and by photographic quadrate plot sampling, at shallow (2-4m) and mid (10-12m) water 

depths. Fish and invertebrate assemblages were assessed by 5 x 20m belt transects (following 

Reefcheck). Sediment traps, deployed parallel to shoreline at certain distances from dive sites 

entrances, yielded sedimentation rates. Zones that are heavily used by divers showed a significant 

higher number of broken corals and significant lower coral cover. Shallow water coral communities 

were significantly more affected by SCUBA diving than deeper ones. At heavily used dive sites, 

sedimentation rates significantly decreased with increasing distance from the entrance. At the 

beginning of the dive buoyancy of divers is often not given, which results in sedimentation by 

ground contact and fin kicks. Ecological sustainable dive plans for individual sites and 

reinforcement of environmental education of both, dive guides and recreational divers are essential 

to conserve the ecological and the aesthetic qualities of dive sites. 



Poster S15-01 

An ecological survey on the coral reefs in El Quadim Bay, El 

Quseir, Egypt. 3. Diversity and community structure of corals 

Alter C 1,2 , Heiss GA 1,3 , Roder C 1,3 , Kochzius M 1,4 

1 Reef Check e.V., Bremen, Germany; 

2 Red Sea Environmental Center (RSEC), Dahab, Egypt ; 

3 Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT), Bremen, Germany; 


Germany 

A study on the condition of the reefs of the El Quadim Bay, El Quseir, Egypt was conducted in 

October 2005 to detect and quantify anthropogenic impacts on the reef community, in particular 

from diving activities. 

From the reef flat to 30 m depth 144 species of stony corals, 4 species of hydrocorals and 15 genera 

of soft corals were found. The coral communities are heterogeneous, only in the inner part of the 

bay Porites nodifera is dominant. Horizontal as well as vertical zonations could be detected which 

is a typical feature in reefs generated by depth differences, site characteristica and expositions. The 

average coral cover was 36.6%, which is relatively high for reefs that grow on steeper slopes. The 

percentage of recently killed coral was low and the most abundant coral damage was breakage 

presumably caused by divers, snorkellers and swimmers. Most breakage was observed on the inner 

southern (right) side of the bay, where diving intensity is highest. It is probable, that part of the 

responsibility for the breakage lies with the snorkellers who, swimming on the surface, usually 

move close to the reef crest and are often pushed against the reef by waves. 

The assessment was divided into two components: Basic surveys with Reef Check methods, which 

deliver baseline data on fish and invertebrate indicator species, substrate composition and general 

reef quality in terms of pollution, damage and diseases. Detailed surveys on the fish and coral fauna 

were carried out to reveal the diversity and structure of different reef populations and to allow 

comparisons to other reef sites (see Posters S15-02 and S15-04). 

The reefs of the El Quadim Bay are generally in a good ecological condition. The diving tourism 

does not impose an immediate threat to the coral reefs’ health. The diversity of the fish and coral 

fauna is high and the population structures are similar to those observed in protected areas. 

The reef topography, the exclusion of fishing and the control over numbers and skills of SCUBAdivers 

by the dive centre staff contribute significantly to the healthy condition of the reefs of the El 

Quadim Bay. 

290 


Poster S15-02 



Quseir, Egypt. 1. Managing sustainable recreational SCUBA 

diving 

Heiss GA 1,3 , Alter C 1,2 , Roder C 1,3 , Kochzius M 1,4 

1 Reef Check e.V., Bremen, Germany; 

2 Red Sea Environmental Center (RSEC), Dahab, Egypt ; 

3 Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT), Bremen, Germany; 


Germany 

A study on the condition of the reefs of the El Quadim Bay, El Quseir, Egypt was conducted in 

October 2005 to detect and quantify anthropogenic impacts on the reef community, in particular 

from diving activities. The assessment was divided into two components: Basic surveys with Reef 

Check methods, which deliver baseline data on fish and invertebrate indicator species, substrate 

composition and general reef quality in terms of pollution, damage and diseases. Detailed surveys 

on the fish and coral fauna were carried out to reveal the diversity and structure of different reef 

populations and to allow comparisons to other reef sites (see Posters S15-01 and S15-04). 

The reefs of the El Quadim Bay are generally in a good ecological condition. The diving tourism 

does not impose an immediate threat to the coral reefs’ health. The diversity of the fish and coral 

fauna is high and the population structures are similar to those observed in protected areas. 

The reef topography, the exclusion of fishing and the control over numbers and skills of SCUBAdivers 

by the dive centre staff contribute significantly to the healthy condition of the reefs of the El 

Quadim Bay. 



Poster S15-03 

Connectivity and population structure of three different species 

of fish in the Western Indian Ocean. 

Henriksson O, Grahn M 

Södertörns University, School of life science, Sweden 

This study aims to investigate the genetic population structure and the amount of connectivity 

between these species. Fish populations are being studied using Amplified Fragment Length 

Polymorphism. The primarily focus of this study is on the Peacock grouper Cepholopholis argus, 

the Blue-barred Parrotfish Scarus ghobban and the White spotted humbug (Dascyllus 

trimaculatus). Samples are being collected using mainly two methods; catch, sample and release of 

live fish at mass spawning events, and fin clippings at local fish markets. 

In Tanzania and Kenya the fish are sampled from local fisherman at the local fish market, 

additional information collected is the local name of the landing site, size and sex of sample. 

Prior to this study a pilot study was undertaken in Tanzania and this method proves to be effective 

for commercially important species. The certainty of origin can be established by attending fish 

markets with limited catchments areas and interviewing the fisherman about catch sites. A 

minimum of 30 samples where collected from each species and site. DNA extraction and 

subsequent genetic analysis was carried out at Södertörn University College in Sweden. 

Preliminary results indicate that S. ghobban is subdivided into several distinct populations. The 

results of this study will lie as a base for informed management decisions about Marine Protected 

Areas (MPAs), taking into account spill over effects as well as connectivity between MPAs. 

292 


Poster S15-04 



Quseir, Egypt. 2. Diversity and community structure of fishes 

Kochzius M 1,2 , Heiss GA 1,3 

1 Reef Check e.V., Bremen, Germany 


Germany 

3 Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT), Bremen, Germany 

The fish fauna was surveyed by the visual census technique at different depths following two 

different protocols. A rapid survey was conducted on indicator fish following the Reef Check 

protocol at four sites along four 20 m transects at 2-6 and 6-12 m depth. A detailed survey on 

species level was conducted on three transects of 50 m length and 5 m width at each of the four 

study sites at the shallow slope (5 m) and deep slope (10 m), respectively. Additional observations 

on species occurrence were made down to 25 m depth. A total of 153 fish species, belonging to 97 

genera and 40 families were observed between 3 m and 25 m depth, with damselfishes 

(Pomacentridae) being the most abundant fish family. The most abundant Reef Check indicator fish 

were butterfly fishes (Chaetodontidae). The fish populations of the northern and southern side of 

the bay were significantly different, which may be due to variable substrate characteristics and 

hydrodynamic differences. The ban of fishing in the El Quadim Bay seems to have a positive effect 

on the abundance and diversity of fish. There is no indication that the dive tourism has a major 

negative impact on the fish fauna. 



Poster S15-05 

BEAMR (Benthic Ecological Assessment for Marginal Reefs): a 

preferred replacement for AGRRA and similar benthic 

assessment methods tailored for marginal reefs 

Lybolt M, Baron R 

Coastal Planning and Engineering, Florida, USA 

Coastal Planning & Engineering, Inc. (CPE) developed an alternative benthic biological assessment 

method specifically tailored to characterize marginal reef habitats. The core of BEAMR is in situ 

estimation of percent cover of all substrate and sessile benthos, pooled to major functional groups: 

sediment, bare hard substrate, macroalgae, turf algae, encrusting red algae, seagrass, sponge, 

hydroid, Millepora, octocoral, stony coral, anemone, zoanthid, sessile Annelid, sessile Arthropod, 

bryozoan, and tunicate. These data are supplemented by quantification of physical characteristics, 

macroalgae cover by genus, and size and abundance of octocoral and stony coral colonies. A major 

innovation of BEAMR is the seamless integration of field data collection and data management 

using a customized MS Access database including built-in QAQC utilities. 

BEAMR was compared against PointCount for Coral Reefs and the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef 

Assessment (AGRRA) in ‘classic’ reef habitat, and in typical marginal reefs. The methodological 

error and sampling efficiency was compared for all. BEAMR is less efficient in the field, but 

quantifies percent cover for a broader array of organisms and so is more useful for change 

detection, especially where corals are uncommon. State authorities have accepted the method as a 

preferred alternative to AGRRA in marginal habitats. 

294 


Poster S15-06 


Interactions between coral-feeding and coral-inhabiting reef 

fishes in the northern Red Sea 

Niedermüller S, Schiemer L, Herler J 

University of Vienna, Department of Marine Biology; Department of Theoretical Biology, 

Austria 

The Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes) are known to comprise highly specialized coral-feeding 

species. In the northern Red Sea, Chaetodon austriacus - an obligate corallivor - feeds mainly on 

Acropora corals. These branching scleractinians are a frequently used microhabitat of specialized 

gobiid fishes (genus Gobiodon) which are assumed to act as a coral predator deterrent. This study 

examines the food selection of Chaetodon austriacus in respect to occupation of corals by gobies at 

4 different sites in Dahab, South Sinai, Egypt. Bite rates and coral species were noted in six-minute 

intervals and corals were subsequently examined for Gobiodon occupation. Bite rates per colony 

were not affected by goby occupation, but the number of selected unoccupied corals was 

significantly higher than that of occupied colonies. At all sites, the spectrum of selected corals 

differed significantly from available corals. Generally, less occupied coral species such as 

Acropora selago and A. hyacinthus were favored. Species with high occupation rates were either 

largely avoided (A. loripes) or unoccupied colonies were mainly selected (A. gemmifera). Since 

butterflyfishes also fed on occupied colonies, Gobiodon spp. should not be regarded as an efficient 

coral predator deterrent but they may nevertheless influence the dietary spectrum of C. austriacus. 



Poster S15-07 

Field guide of the common algae on coral reefs of Savusavu, Fiji 

islands 

Schläppy M-L, South R, Skelton P 


A field guide of the common coral reef algae of Savusavu Bay, Vanua Levu, Fiji Islands was 

created with colour pictures of algae belonging to Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta. Each 

picture is accompanied by a short description of the typical location, and depth at which the species 

is found as well as a short morphological description. The species included in the guide are also 

found in many neighbouring islands so the descriptions are given in both English and French, the 

main administrative languages of most pacific islands. 

296 


A 

Abdel-Moeti A........................ 38 

Abdulla A...................... 175, 245 

Abed R.................................... 81 

Abelson A ............................... 82 

Abramsky Z .......................... 247 

Abrar M ................................ 193 

Abrego D......................... 97, 229 

Agis M .................................. 227 

Ainsworth T ............................ 98 

Al Cibahy A............................ 38 

Al Mubarak R ......................... 38 

Al Shiyab AW....................... 277 

Albertelli G ........................... 196 

Alcolado PM ................. 153, 246 

Al-Juboury AI ....................... 163 

Allemand D...15, 52, 55, 57, 102, 

103, 207, 244 

Allen GR............................... 197 

Al-Mansi A ........................... 195 

Al-Najjar T............................ 277 

Al-Rousan SA ............... 164, 166 

Alsayegh H ........................... 104 

Al-Shaikh K .......................... 195 

Alsuhaibany A ...................... 195 

Alter C .......................... 290, 291 

Al-Yami H ............................ 195 

Amiyo N ............................... 155 

Andaloro F ............................ 251 

Anggoro AW..................... 34, 41 

Appelbaum L .......................... 53 

Arakaki T ...................... 208, 230 

Ardiwijaya RL ............ 34, 41, 42 

Armstrong CW.................. 25, 26 

Arntz WE .............................. 160 

Asahida T.............................. 119 

Asami R ................................ 165 

Ateweberhan M................. 79, 87 

Atkinson MJ.................... 62, 223 

Azzurro E.............................. 251 

B 

Bacal JV................................ 148 

Bahartan K .............................. 82 

Baird AH..................... 33, 34, 41 

Bak RPM..................73, 107, 111 

Bakary G............................... 197 

Baker AC .............................. 114 

Ball EE.............................. 54, 56 

Barak Z ................................. 219 

Barber PH ..................... 114, 123 

Bar-Gil A .............................. 247 

Barneah O ............................... 99 

Baron R................................. 294 

Basso D................................. 194 

Baums IB ...............118, 126, 205 

Bavestrello G ........................ 193 

Beaufort L............................... 20 

Becker K ............................... 100 

Author Index 

Beer S ......................................93 

Bell JJ ....................................135 

Belmaker J.............................110 

Ben Dov E .............................209 

Ben Yosef DZ........................213 

Benayahu Y ........... 116, 280, 282 

Ben-Dov E.......................99, 219 

Ben-Moshe N ........................247 

Bentley S .................................20 

Benzoni F ...... 112, 194, 251, 263 

Berkelmans R ..........................64 

Bernard P-E .............................46 

Berntsen J ..............................190 

Berov DN ..............................185 

Berumen M............................214 

Bianchi CN............................196 

Bijoux J .................................175 

Billy I.......................................15 

Blackwelder PL .....................104 

Blackwell PG.........................108 

Blancholt J.............................226 

Blanchot J................................62 

Blekhman A.............................93 

Boak R...................................140 

Bongaerts P............................248 

Borell EM......................106, 255 

Bowen BW ............................127 

Bown N .................................150 

Boyd KG ...............................101 

Boyer M.................................193 

Brachert TC ...........................170 

Bricner I.................................209 

Brock JC..................................90 

Brock RJ..........................24, 285 

Brodie J ...................................76 

Brokovich E...........................161 

Brown BE..................36, 95, 101 

Bruggemann JH...............79, 156 

Buckley R..............................195 

Bythell J...................................95 

C 

Cabioch G..............................183 

Callow M...............................195 

Caminiti N ...............................57 

Camoin GF ................................2 

Campbell SJ.................34, 41, 42 

Cancelliere C .........................112 

Cappelletti FS........................194 

Carilli J ....................................14 

Caroselli E ...............................30 

Casareto B .............................226 

Castellanos-Galindo GA........249 

Cattaneo-Vietti R...................193 

Cauvin B................................156 

Cerrano C ..............................193 

Chardon D .............................183 

Charlier K........................12, 173 

Charpy L................................226 

Chavanich S.............................39 

Chen CA................................119 

Chérubin LM .........................205 


Chevillon C........................... 183 

Choat JH ............................... 127 

Choowong M ........................ 194 

Cinner J................................. 130 

Coleman ML ......................... 180 

Coma R ................................. 223 

Combosch D.......................... 115 

Comley J ............................... 239 

Concepcion GT ..................... 117 

Cooper TF............................... 77 

Cordier E................................. 62 

Corrège T ........................ 12, 173 

Corselli C .............................. 263 

Courtiade J ............................ 244 

Crocker J............................... 211 

Crüger T................................ 168 

Cuet P...................................... 62 

Cui J...................................... 207 

Cullen LC...................... 135, 154 

Curtis S ................................. 286 

D 

Daby D.................................. 140 

Daniell J .................................. 20 

Darling ES............................. 270 

Davis P.................................. 287 

Davy JE................................. 243 

Daw T ..................................... 37 

Day O.......................90, 151, 239 

de Beer D ................................ 81 

de Goeij JM..................... 63, 215 

de Haas H................................ 29 

de Kluijver A........................... 63 

de Stigter................................. 29 

Dekker A................................. 76 

Deleersnijder E........................ 46 

DeMartini EE.......................... 80 

Di Geronimo S ...................... 194 

Dickens J................................. 20 

Dimond JL .............................. 96 

Dinsdale EA............................ 80 

Dizon RM ............................. 144 

Dodge RE......145, 177, 222, 269, 

284 

Dominici-Arosemena A ........ 120 

Downs CA............................. 101 

Drew WM ............................. 272 

Droxler A ................................ 20 

Dubinsky Z ..............59, 220, 232 

Duineveld G.................. 185, 189 

Dullo W-C................13, 171, 174 

E 

Earle J ................................... 127 

Ebeid ML .............................. 267 

Edwards AJ ............141, 142, 144 

Edwards RA...................... 65, 80 

Einbinder S ........................... 161 

Eisele M ................................ 186 

Eisinger M............................. 143 


Index 

Eyre BD .................................. 67 

F 

Fabricius KE ... 22, 71, 72, 77, 81 

Fadli N .................................... 34 

Fairoz MFM .......................... 105 

Faithful J ................................. 76 

Fassoulas C ........................... 170 

Felis T ........7, 164, 166, 170, 200 

Fenner D................................ 203 

Ferrier-Pagès C.... 15, 51, 52, 103 

Ferse S........................... 278, 279 

Field S ................................... 100 

Figiel M................................. 265 

Fisher L ................................. 177 

Fisher LE............................... 222 

Flot J-F.................................. 113 

Folke C.................................... 74 

Fosså J-H................... 23, 26, 190 

Foster K................................... 90 

Foster R................................... 35 

Frade PR................................ 111 

Francis JM............................... 20 

Friedlander AF ........................ 80 

Frouin P................................... 62 

Froukh T........................ 250, 253 

Fujimura H .............. 62, 208, 230 

Fukami K............................... 241 

Furla P........................... 102, 244 

Furnas M ................................. 47 

G 

Gagliardi MS......................... 288 

Galli P ........... 112, 194, 251, 263 

Garcia-Campo HF ................. 249 

Gasparini G ........................... 187 

Gattorna I .............................. 196 

Genin A............................. 45, 49 

Ghabour TK .......................... 275 

Giaccone T ............................ 194 

Gibb SW................................ 101 

Gili JM ............................ 28, 160 

Gilliam DS ... 145, 177, 222, 269, 

284 

Giovannetti E ........................ 196 

Giraldo A............................... 249 

Gischler E.......................... 17, 18 

Glaser M................................ 152 

Glud RN .................................. 67 

Gochfeld DJ .......................... 104 

Goffredo S............... 30, 187, 288 

Goldberg J............................. 221 

Gomelyuk V.......................... 235 

Gomez ED............................. 144 

Gonzalez Diaz SP.................. 167 

González-Rivero M............... 216 

Goossens R............................ 275 

Gori A ..................................... 28 

Gothilf Y ................................. 53 

Graham NAJ ..................... 37, 79 

Grahn M ................................ 292 

Grasso LC ......................... 54, 56 

Grehan AJ ............................... 26 

Grimsditch G......................... 155 

Guest JR ................................ 144 

298 

Guillaume MMM.............79, 156 

Gunawan CA ...........................35 

Guppy R...................................68 

H 

Hagan AB ........................35, 195 

Hallock P ...............................231 

Halperin M.............................280 

Hanert E...................................46 

Harborne AR..........................108 

Harding S...............................130 

Hardman E.............................140 

Harel M..................................209 

Harris A .................................137 

Harrison PL......................67, 243 

Hasler H.................................289 

Hassan M ...............................147 

Hauschild J ............................254 

Hayward DC......................54, 56 

Hazam I ...................................35 

Hebbeln D..............186, 191, 192 

Hedley JD ..............................108 

Heenan A...............................268 

Hegeman J ...............................27 

Heidkamp S ...........................192 

Heiss GA ...............290, 291, 293 

Hellberg ME ..........................118 

Helmuth B................................96 

Hennige S ..............................240 

Henriksson O .........................292 

Hepburn LJ ............................176 

Herdiana Y...................34, 41, 42 

Herler J ..................159, 262, 295 

Herold M ...............................166 

Herrera-Reveles A .................217 

Hetzinger S ..............................13 

Hicks CC ...............................270 

Hiejima T...............................165 

Higuchi T.......................208, 230 

Hill RT...................................220 

Hodgson G...............................35 

Hoegh-Guldberg O ....53, 98, 243 

Holzman R...............................93 

Hoogstraten A..........................27 

Houlbrèque F .....................15, 52 

Huber M.................................181 

Humber F...............................137 

Husain A................................136 

I 

Ida H ......................................119 

Ikejima K.................................91 

Ikota H...................................208 

Iliopoulos G ...........................170 

Imahara Y ..............................188 

Iryu Y.....................................165 

Isa Y ......................................210 

Ishikawa Y.............................226 

Israel A ....................................82 

Itou T .....................................226 

Iwase F...................................188 

J 

Jackson JBC.............................80 


Jacobsen D .............................. 75 

Janse M ................................. 211 

Jantzen C......................... 66, 218 

Jaomanana............................. 197 

Jennings S ............................... 37 

Jiménez C.............................. 167 

Johnson KG............................... 8 

Jompa J.......... 136, 153, 255, 274 

Jordan LKB................... 177, 222 

Jürgens L....................... 252, 259 

K 

Kaandorp JA ......................... 207 

Kark S ................................... 161 

Kartawijaya T.............. 34, 41, 42 

Kawasaki H........................... 242 

Kelman D .............................. 220 

Kemp DW ............................... 96 

Kench PS................................. 19 

Kerr AM.................................. 34 

Keshavmurthy S.................... 241 

Khalaf MA ............................ 253 

Kiessling W............................... 9 

Kiflawi M.............................. 161 

Kilonzo J ............................... 155 

Kirchhoff S............................ 254 

Kiriakoulakis K ..................... 185 

Kitada Y ................................ 230 

Klaus R.................... 86, 140, 203 

Klink LH ....................... 177, 269 

Knittweis L............................ 131 

Knowlton N............................. 80 

Kochzius M.. 120, 124, 125, 250, 

253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 260, 

265, 274, 290, 291, 293 

Kohler KE ....................... 88, 236 

Konzen K .............................. 100 

Kooperman N........................ 219 

Kosmynin V .......................... 145 

Krain E .................................. 274 

Kramarsky-Winter E ..... 209, 219 

Krämer W.............................. 255 

Kritsky D............................... 251 

Krone R................................. 178 

Kühl M .................................... 58 

Kuhnert H.............. 166, 168, 200 

Kulbicki M .............................. 70 

Kuo K-M............................... 283 

Kushmaro A .... 99, 209, 213, 219 

Kuwano T.............................. 230 

L 

Lambrechts J ........................... 46 

Lampert Y ............................. 220 

Lange H................................. 274 

Langton R.............................. 151 

Larkum AWD.......................... 58 

Lasagna R.............................. 196 

Launay F ................................. 38 

Lavaleye M ........................... 185 

Lazarus S............................... 202 

Le Cornec F..................... 12, 173 

LeDrew E ................................ 89 

Lee OO.................................. 227 

Legat V.................................... 46

Leggat B.................................. 53 

Legrand S................................ 46 

Leichter JJ............................... 96 

Leinfelder RR................ 3, 4, 221 

Leloux J .................................... 8 

Leonardi R ............................ 194 

Lessios HA............................ 121 

Leujak W....................... 149, 158 

Levanon T............................... 59 

Levy O .................................... 53 

Lewis, SM............................... 96 

Lim A...................................... 89 

Litaay M................................ 136 

Lohmann ............................... 166 

Lokrantz J ....................... 74, 157 

Lonin S.................................... 48 

Lott C...................................... 81 

Lovelace B ............................ 239 

Loya Y ...............78, 93, 209, 219 

Luna S..................................... 83 

Lundalv T.............................. 185 

Lybolt M ....................... 231, 294 

M 

MacFarlane G........................ 151 

MacNeil MA ........................... 70 

Mahavaro J............................ 197 

Maier C ............27, 169, 189, 227 

Maina J.................................. 199 

Malaizé B........................ 12, 173 

Malay MC............................... 80 

Mallarino G............................. 20 

Mangubhai S......................... 264 

Manica A............................... 134 

Manuputty Y........................... 35 

Maragos JE ............................. 80 

Marconi G............................. 187 

Marshall P............................. 271 

Martinez P............................... 15 

Martinez SA............................ 64 

Mary GA............................... 202 

Masters B ................................ 76 

Matsumoto AK...................... 188 

Mattioli G................................ 30 

Matz M.................................. 100 

McClanahan TR..33, 79, 87, 199, 

270 

McDonald A ......................... 237 

McDougall KE...................... 101 

McField M ............................ 234 

McKenna SA......................... 197 

McMellor S........................... 198 

Menasveta P............................ 39 

Merle P-L...................... 102, 244 

Mertz-Kraus R ...................... 170 

Mesbahi E ............................. 133 

Messmer V............................ 127 

Meyer-Wachsmuth I ............. 254 

Mienis F .................................. 29 

Mieog JC................................. 64 

Miller DJ..................... 53, 54, 56 

Miller MW ............................ 118 

Mitchell JG ..................... 67, 243 

Mohammed MS ...................... 87 

Moodley L............................... 63 

Moothien Pillay KR......119, 199, 

242 

Morri C..................................196 

Mortensen P.............................26 

Moulding AL.................104, 145 

Moya A..............................55, 57 

Muhando C..............................87 

Mühlig-Hofmann A .......129, 132 

Mukminin A ............................34 

Mumby PJ....................5, 89, 108 

Mustakim H...........................193 

Muthiga NA...........................199 

Mutti M ...................................10 

Mwaura J ...............................155 

N 

Nadon M................................137 

Nakano Y...............................230 

Namikawa H..........................188 

Nanninga G............................200 

Nasution IM...........................193 

Naumann M.............................69 

Neri P.....................................288 

Nguyen THY ...........................91 

Niedermüller S ..............262, 295 

Nieuwland G......................63, 73 

Nilsson P .................................26 

Nitzan Y ................................220 

Nobes K...................................22 

Noé S.....................................171 

Norris R...................................14 

Norström AV...................74, 157 

Nose M ..................................221 

Nugues MM.............................73 

Nuryanto A............................125 

Nyström M ......................74, 157 

O 

O’Farrell S.............................239 

Obura DO ... 43, 65, 80, 155, 175, 

271 

Oishi S.....................................91 

Olsen JL...................................64 

Oomori T .......................208, 230 

Opdyke B.................................20 

Orejas C...................................28 

Orlandi A...............................288 

Ormond RFG.................149, 158 

Osinga R................................211 

Ourbak T ................. 12, 172, 173 

P 

Page CA...................................75 

Palacz A.........................185, 189 

Palmer S ..................................21 

Pandolfi JM ...............................1 

Pantos O ............................65, 80 

Pardede ST ........................34, 41 

Paris CB.................................205 

Paster M.........................143, 178 

Paterson SK ...........................272 

Patten NL.........................67, 243 

Pätzold J 164, 166, 167, 168, 169 

Paulay G ..................................80 


Pedersen O .............................. 91 

Pelejero C................................ 85 

Pelletier B ............................. 183 

Pelletier D ............................... 26 

Pensa F.................................. 288 

Perera N .................................. 35 

Perry C .................................. 179 

Perry CT...............11, 17, 21, 176 

Pessani D............................... 194 

Petersen D..................... 146, 281 

Peterson L ............................... 20 

Peypouquet JP................. 12, 173 

Pfeiffer M........................ 13, 171 

Phillips MA................... 177, 222 

Phongsuwan N ................ 40, 200 

Piccinetti C............................ 288 

Pichon M....................... 112, 263 

Pignotti E ................................ 30 

Pike K ................................... 175 

Pinca S .......................... 138, 193 

Pinnegar J................................ 26 

Pizarro V................................. 48 

Planes S......................... 107, 127 

Polunin NVC.....37, 70, 129, 132, 

133 

Poonian C.............................. 287 

Portnoy DA........................... 104 

Prasetiamartati B................... 139 

Pratchett MS............................ 34 

Pretty J .................................. 154 

Puig P...................................... 28 

Purkis SJ ............38, 88, 195, 236 

Q 

Qian P-Y ............................... 227 

R 

Rabi FA................................. 287 

Rabinery D............................ 137 

Rahman MA.................. 210, 258 

Rajan P.................................. 203 

Ralph PJ .................................. 58 

Randriamanantsoa B ............. 197 

Ravagnan E ........................... 190 

Raymundo L............................ 75 

Razafinjatovo PP................... 197 

Reinicke GB.................. 252, 259 

Remacle J-F ............................ 46 

Renaud P............................... 195 

Renegar DA .......................... 104 

Renema W................................. 8 

Reuter M ............................... 170 

Reyes-Bermudez A ................. 56 

Reynaud S............................... 15 

Ribes M........................... 61, 223 

Ricciardi F............................. 193 

Richard C .............................. 103 

Richier S ....................... 102, 244 

Richter C.....45, 49, 69, 136, 200, 

218, 234, 255, 260 

Richter T ................................. 29 

Ridgway T............................. 248 

Riegl BM....38, 88, 104, 195, 236 

Rinkevich B .......................... 141 

Rioja-Nieto R........................ 273 


Index 

Ripley H................................ 195 

Ritchie KB............................. 104 

Rixen T.................................. 167 

Roa-Quiaoit HA .................... 260 

Robba E................................. 194 

Robertson DR................ 121, 127 

Robinson J............................... 37 

Roder C ......................... 290, 291 

Rodolfo-Metalpa R................ 103 

Rodríguez J ................... 216, 217 

Roelfsema C............................ 89 

Rohde K .................................. 76 

Rohmann SO ................... 88, 236 

Rohwer FL ................ 65, 80, 105 

Romatzki S............................ 279 

Rosen B..................................... 8 

Rosengren S .......................... 261 

Rossi S ............................ 28, 160 

Rotjan RD ............................... 96 

Rudd S..................................... 54 

Rudi E ..................................... 34 

Runnalls LA .......................... 180 

Rushton SP...................... 70, 133 

Rutgers R................................. 63 

S 

Sabourault C.................. 102, 244 

Saint R..................................... 54 

Sala E ................................ 65, 80 

Sambas A .............................. 195 

Sandin SA ................. 65, 80, 109 

Saric B................................... 221 

Satyanarayana C.................... 203 

Sawall Y................................ 201 

Scheffers A................................ 6 

Scheibner C............................. 10 

Schiaparelli S ........................ 193 

Schiemer L .................... 262, 295 

Schläppy M-L 152, 224, 225, 296 

Schönberg CHL....................... 92 

Schroeder WW........................ 31 

Schuchert P ........................... 133 

Schuhmacher H ..... 115, 143, 178 

Schutter M............................. 211 

Schwartzberg M ...................... 59 

Sebastián CR........................... 79 

Segl M................................... 200 

Seidel C................................. 254 

Selig E..................................... 75 

Sella I .................................... 282 

Seron T.................................. 100 

Shashar N .............. 110, 161, 247 

Shaw M ................................... 65 

Sheppard C............................ 273 

Siboni N ................................ 209 

Silaban I .................................. 35 

Siregar AM.............................. 34 

Sirgara AM.............................. 41 

Siripong A............................... 39 

Skelton P ............................... 296 

Slivkoff M............................... 77 

Sluka RD............................... 202 

Smith DJ................ 135, 154, 240 

Smith JE ............................ 65, 80 

300 

Smithers S................................21 

Smriga SP ..........................65, 80 

Sojisuporn P.............................39 

Soong K.................................283 

Souter P .........................261, 264 

South R ..................................296 

Speight MR............................134 

Speijer RP................................10 

Staller T .................................167 

Stam WT..................................64 

Stambler N.............................232 

Starger CJ ..............................114 

Stead S...................................132 

Stefani F.................112, 251, 263 

Stephens NR ..................177, 284 

Stobart B................................195 

Stout D...................................269 

Struck U.................................221 

Subba Rao N..........................203 

Suggett D...............................240 

Sunada K .................................91 

Suzuki Y ..........................62, 226 

Sweatman H.............................75 

Syakir.....................................274 

T 

Tachikawa H..........................183 

Tambutté E ..................52, 55, 57 

Tambutté S...................51, 55, 57 

Tamelander J..........................271 

Taylor K.................................179 

Tchernov D............................161 

Terashima H ..................119, 242 

Thiem Ø.................................190 

Thomason JC ...........................48 

Thomassin BA .......................174 

Thompson P.............................90 

Thomsen L.....................185, 189 

Thornhill DJ.............................96 

Ticzon V ..................................89 

Tilot V ...................................149 

Timm J...........124, 253, 256, 265 

Timm O .................................174 

Tokeshi R...............................230 

Toonen RT.............................126 

Trotman K..............................151 

Tsounis G...............................160 

Turner J............................86, 140 

Turner JR...............................203 

Turquet J................................156 

Tyler EHM.............................134 

U 

Uehara T ........................210, 258 

Ulstrup KE...............................58 

Unsworth RKF.......................135 

Uthicke S .................................22 

V 

van Breukelen M......................29 

van den Hove S........................25 

van der Land C ........................29 


van Duyl FC .............. 27, 63, 215 

van Hooidonk R .................... 181 

van Ijzerloo L .......................... 63 

van Oppen MJH ........ 64, 97, 229 

van Treeck P.......................... 143 

van Weering TCE.................... 29 

Vanderstraete T ..................... 275 

Velardi A............................... 288 

Velterop R............................. 182 

Venkataraman K.................... 203 

Vermeij MJA................. 109, 233 

Verreth J................................ 211 

Villamizar E .................. 216, 217 

Viyakarn V.............................. 39 

Vollmer S .............................. 115 

Vonhof H................................. 29 

Vousden D............................. 203 

W 

Wahyuningrum PI ................... 34 

Walsh S ................................... 14 

Warner M .............................. 240 

Weber M ................................. 81 

Weinbauer M........................... 27 

Weinbauer MG...................... 227 

White M ................................ 185 

Wienberg C ........... 186, 191, 192 

Wietheger A .......................... 146 

Wild C................. 61, 66, 69, 218 

Willis BL................... 75, 97, 229 

Wilson SK......................... 37, 79 

Winter C................................ 200 

Winters G ................................ 93 

Wolanski E.............................. 46 

Wolter H................................ 257 

Wörheide G........................... 122 

Y 

Yaha Y .................................... 35 

Yamada T.............................. 165 

Yamano H ....................... 85, 183 

Yanev G ................................ 231 

Yanuarita D........................... 136 

Yap HT.................................. 157 

Yusuf S.................................. 193 

Z 

Zaccanti F................ 30, 187, 288 

Zakai D.................................. 232 

Zapata FA.............................. 249 

Zetsche E-M.......................... 234 

Zinke J............................... 7, 174 

Ziv Y ..................................... 110 

Zoccola D.......................... 55, 57 

Zurel D .................................. 116 

Zychaluk K............................ 108

Session 1 - ISRS European Meeting 2006 Bremen - Universität ...

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