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MEPS
Marine Ecology Progress Series

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MEPS 367:143-152 (2008)  -  DOI: https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07594

Competitive effects of macroalgae on the fecundity of the reef-building coral Montastraea annularis

Nicola L. Foster1,*, Steve J. Box1,2, Peter J. Mumby1

1Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of BioSciences, University of Exeter, Prince of Wales Road, Exeter EX4 4PS, UK
2Present address: Coral Cay Conservation, 40–42 Osnaburgh Street, London NW1 3ND, UK

ABSTRACT: In recent decades, a rise in coral mortality, attributed to increased frequency of mass-bleaching events, increased prevalence of disease, and more frequent and severe hurricanes, has contributed to a rapid proliferation of macroalgae across many Caribbean reefs. As a consequence, the frequency of coral–algal interactions has risen. Here, we document the effects of 2 dominant Caribbean macroalgae, Dictyota spp. and Lobophora variegata, and a mixed algal community on the fecundity of a massive coral. Montastraea annularis is a dominant Caribbean reef-building coral characterised by a low recruitment rate. To investigate the effects of macroalgae on coral fecundity, algal contact was experimentally manipulated around the perimeter of M. annularis patches. Fecundity was measured as the diameter of eggs (ES), the number of eggs per gonad (E#) and the number of gonads per polyp (G#). Algal contact was shown to significantly reduce the diameter of eggs at both the coral–algal boundary and at the centre of coral patches. The presence of Dictyota spp. or a mixed algal community was shown to have more detrimental effects on ES than the presence of L. variegata. Removal of algal contact immediately prior to gametogenesis increased the reproductive output of polyps directly adjacent to the cleared areas, with an increase in ES, E# and G#. Our results imply that algal competitors can reduce the fecundity of M. annularis through mechanical and/or allelochemical damage of polyps directly adjacent to the algae and by causing the re-allocation of energy within the coral patch from reproduction to defence and repair.


KEY WORDS: Fecundity · Competition · Coral · Macroalgae · Energy allocation


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Cite this article as: Foster NL, Box SJ, Mumby PJ (2008) Competitive effects of macroalgae on the fecundity of the reef-building coral Montastraea annularis. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 367:143-152. https://doi.org/10.3354/meps07594

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