|
|||||
|
|
Macroalgae in the coral reefs of Eilat (Gulf of Aqaba, Red Sea) as a possible indicator of reef degradation |
|
| Authors: | Karnit Bahartan Mohammad Zibdah Alvaro Israel Avigdor Abelson |
| Institution: | a Department of Zoology, George S. Wise Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel b Marine Science Station, P.O. Box 195, Aqaba, Jordan c Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, The National Institute of Oceanography, Tel-Shikmona, P.O. Box 8030, Haifa 31080, Israel |
| Abstract: | The current state of health of the coral reefs in the northern Gulf of Aqaba (Red Sea), notably the Eilat reefs, is under debate regarding both their exact condition and the causes of degradation. A dearth of earlier data and unequivocal reliable indices are the major problems hinder a clear understanding of the reef state. Our research objective was to examine coral-algal dynamics as a potential cause and an indication of reef degradation. The community structure of stony corals and algae along the northern Gulf of Aqaba reveal non-seasonal turf algae dominancy in the shallow Eilat reefs (up to 72%), while the proximate Aqaba reefs present negligible turf cover (<6%). We believe that turf dominancy can indicate degradation in these reefs, based on the reduction in essential reef components followed by proliferation of perennial turf algae. Our findings provide further evidence for the severe state of the Eilat coral reefs. |
| Keywords: | Coral reefs Turf algae Rhodophyta Degradation Red Sea Eilat |
| 本文献已被 ScienceDirect 等数据库收录！ | |