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HERO ID
8658439
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Algal turf productivity on coral reefs: A meta-analysis
Author(s)
Tebbett, SB; Bellwood, DR
Year
2021
Is Peer Reviewed?
1
Journal
Marine Environmental Research
ISSN:
0141-1136
Volume
168
Page Numbers
105311
Language
English
PMID
33798994
DOI
10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105311
Web of Science Id
WOS:000663361600005
Abstract
Algal turfs are an abundant and highly productive component of coral reef ecosystems. However, our understanding of the drivers that shape algal turf productivity across studies and among reefs is limited. Based on published studies we considered how different factors may shape turf productivity and turnover rates. Of the factors considered, depth was the primary driver of turf productivity rates, while turnover was predominantly related to turf biomass. We also highlight shortcomings in the available data collected on turf productivity to-date; most data were collected prior to global coral bleaching events, within a limited geographic range, and were largely from experimental substrata. Despite the fact turfs are a widespread benthic covering on most coral reefs, and one of the major sources of benthic productivity, our understanding of their productivity is constrained by both a paucity of data and methodological limitations. We offer a potential way forward to address these challenges.
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