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8563324 
Book/Book Chapter 
Exposure to nutrient-enriched sediments mitigates the negative impacts of sedimentation on coral growth in the Caribbean corals Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea 
Lirman, D; Herlan, J; Langdon, C; Capo, T 
2008 
National Coral Reef Institute 
Dania Beach, FL 
Proceedings of the 11th International Coral Reef Symposium 
900-904 
English 
Sedimentation is a major source of disturbance to coral reefs. However, the documentation of healthy coral communities in areas with high sediment and nutrient inputs suggests that an enhanced heterotrophic environment may allow corals to thrive under marginal conditions. Here, we document the effects of sedimentation on the survivorship and growth of Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea to evaluate whether the higher nutrient content of enriched sediments can be utilized to offset the negative impacts of sedimentation. P. astreoides and S. siderea showed high tolerance to chronic sedimentation that reduced light levels and covered corals daily for three weeks. Limited tissue losses were observed, but total mortality was not recorded. Coral growth was significantly influenced by the addition of sediments. For P. astreoides, control corals had the fastest growth rates, followed by corals from the enriched nutrient treatment, non-enriched sediment treatment, and the shading treatment. For S. siderea, growth rates were highest for control corals, followed by corals in the enriched sediments treatment, the shading treatment, and the non-enriched sediment treatment. The enhanced growth of Porites astreoides and Siderastrea siderea exposed to nutrient-enriched sediments shows that corals are able to offset the negative impacts of sedimentation by assimilating sediment nutrients. 
Riegl, BM; Dodge, RE 
9780984387144 
11th International Coral Reef Symposium 
Fort Lauderdale, FL 
July 7-11, 2008