Macroalgae and Coral Disease
Author Information
Author(s): Vu Ivana, Smelick Gillian, Harris Sam, Lee Sarah C., Weil Ernesto, Whitehead Robert F., Bruno John F.
Primary Institution: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
Does the presence of macroalgae influence the spread rates of Caribbean Yellow Band Disease in corals?
Conclusion
Macroalgae have no effect on the severity and dynamics of Caribbean Yellow Band Disease.
Supporting Evidence
- The addition of macroalgae did not affect disease severity or coral fitness.
- Colony survival was 100% in all treatments.
- None of the small coral colonies treated with macroalgae became infected or died.
Takeaway
The study found that adding seaweed next to corals didn't make the coral disease worse, which is surprising because some people thought it might.
Methodology
Three field experiments were conducted to test the effects of macroalgae on coral disease spread, growth, and survival.
Limitations
The study was limited to short-term field experiments and specific coral species.
Participant Demographics
Coral colonies of Montastraea faveolata were used in the experiments.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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