ConserveOnline - Long-term effects of the 1998 coral bleaching event on reef fish assemblages

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Long-term effects of the 1998 coral bleaching event on reef fish assemblages

By Web Admin on 10/31/2006 | Keyword(s): Coral reef resources

This paper examined the effects of the 1998 coral bleaching event on fish assemblages by measuring fish abundance, taxonomic richness, and functional group abundances (i.e. obligate corallivores, facultative corallivores, coral dwellers, benthic invertebrate feeders, roving herbivores, territorial herbivores). These variables were compared to habitat and site differences over time. Initially, the authors saw a significant increase in total abundance and taxonomic richness after only 6 months in one site. However, both measures decreased at both sites after 6 years. These discrepancies indicate the need for long term monitoring. Additionally, the long term declines experienced by both sites post bleaching create cause for concern for the long term impacts of bleaching on coral reef communities. Authors: Kajsa C. Garpe, Saleh A. S. Yahya, Ulf Lindahl, Marcus C. Öhman. Marine Ecology Progress Series 315: 237-247

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