Coral mortality and interaction with algae in relation to sedimentation

Evidence for water-mediated mechanisms in coral–algal interactions

“…Direct, physical effects include shading, abrasion, and smothering [11,12]. However, plastic algal mimics, used to simulate physical effects, often produce fewer effects on corals than live organisms, supporting the role of chemistry and metabolic activity [13 -15].…”

The effects of water flow and sedimentation on interactions between massive Porites and algal turf

“…Carbonate and terrigenous sediments have widespread effects on coral settlement, recruitment, and reproduction and have been implicated as a major cause of reef degradation worldwide (Rogers 1990, Gilmour 1999, Wilkinson 2000. In contrast, studies of the effects of sediment on algae, such as filamentous algal turf, point to the enhancement of competitive ability through a process known as sediment trapping, resulting in the smothering and overgrowth of corals as well as decreased coral recruitment (Steneck 1997, Nugues and Roberts 2003, Birrell et al 2005). The few studies directly examining the relationship between coral, algae, and sediments have reported conflicting results, from synergistic negative effects of sediments and algae on coral, to coral competitive superiority in areas of increased sedimentation (McCook 2001, Nugues andRoberts 2003).…”

“…In contrast, studies of the effects of sediment on algae, such as filamentous algal turf, point to the enhancement of competitive ability through a process known as sediment trapping, resulting in the smothering and overgrowth of corals as well as decreased coral recruitment (Steneck 1997, Nugues and Roberts 2003, Birrell et al 2005). The few studies directly examining the relationship between coral, algae, and sediments have reported conflicting results, from synergistic negative effects of sediments and algae on coral, to coral competitive superiority in areas of increased sedimentation (McCook 2001, Nugues andRoberts 2003). Sediments may exert significant direct and indirect effects on coral-algal interactions by (1) damaging or killing coral tissue that may indirectly lead to algal overgrowth of the newly opened space, or (2) by directly promoting algal overgrowth of live coral tissue.…”

Unsustainable Land Use, Sediment-Laden Runoff, and Chronic Raw Sewage Offset the Benefits of Coral Reef Ecosystems in a No-Take Marine Protected Area

“…Activities such as deforestation and construction of unpaved roads across steep slopes have resulted in increasing soil erosion rates and subsequent sediment delivery to adjacent coastal habitats (Sladek-Nowlis, Roberts, Smith & Siirila, 1997;MacDonald, Anderson, & Dietrich, 2007), with concomitant long-term impacts on adjacent coral reef ecosystems (Nemeth & Sladek-Nowlis, 2001;Ramos-Scharrón, Amador, & Herná ndez-Delgado, 2012;Ramos-Scharrón, Torres-Pulliza, & Herná ndez-Delgado, 2015). Increasing sedimentation is often linked to increasing turbidity and eutrophication (Meesters, Bak, Westmacott, Ridgley et al, 1998).…”