Assessment of Coral Reefs off San Salvador Island, Bahamas (Stony Coral, Algae and Fish Populations)
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2003
Publication Title
Atoll Research Bulletin
Abstract
During assessments at 11 shallow reef sites on an Salvador Island, Bahamas in .iunc I998 we found low prevalence of disease, bleaching, and recent partial-colon1 mortality among stony corals (10 cm minimum dixncter). Old partial-colony mortalit) was >50% in Acropora palmata; however, recent tissue losses were low and it had recruits at several sites. Total (recent + old) partial-colony mortality of the Montastraea annularis species complex exceeded 30% on leeward patch reefs and back reefs. Groupers (serranids), snappers (lutjanids), and grunts (haemulids) were rare. Parrotfishes (scarids) were uncommon at most sites and surgeonfishes (acanthurids) were the dominant herbivores. Macroalgae, particularly browns that are seldom grazed by surgeonfishes. were the dominant algal functional group. The green macroalga Microdictyon marinum was extremely abundant and overgrowing Porites porires on leeward patch reefs. To facilitate their conservation, an Salvador Island's reef resources should be designated as a marine reserve.
Volume
496
Issue
7
First Page
124
Last Page
144
DOI
doi.org/10.5479/si.00775630.496-7.124
Rights
© Smithsonian Institution
Recommended Citation
Peckol, Paulette M.; Curran, H. Allen; Greenstein, Benjamin J.; Floyd, Emily Y.; and Robbart, Martha L., "Assessment of Coral Reefs off San Salvador Island, Bahamas (Stony Coral, Algae and Fish Populations)" (2003). Geosciences: Faculty Publications, Smith College, Northampton, MA.
https://scholarworks.smith.edu/geo_facpubs/59
Comments
Archived as published.
The Atoll Research Bulletin Bulletin is issued by the Smithsonian Institution to provide an outlet for information on the biota of tropical islands and reefs and on the environment that supports the biota. The Bulletin is published by the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press. Current issues can be found at: http://opensi.si.edu/index.php/smithsonian/catalog/series/ARB This repository host issues published before 2013.