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Science 18 April 1975:
Vol. 188. no. 4185, pp. 257 - 259
DOI: 10.1126/science.188.4185.257
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Articles

Nitrogen Fixation in a Coral Reef Community

W. J. Wiebe 1, R. E. Johannes 2, and K. L. Webb 3

1 Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens 30602
2 Department of Zoology, University of Georgia
3 Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point 23062

Algal reef flats at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands, fix atmospheric nitrogen at rates comparable to those in managed agriculture. The dominant nitrogen fixer appears to be the blue-green alga Calothrix crustacea. Since this nutrient enrichment contributes to the high productivity of adjacent coral reefs and undoubtedly to atoll lagoons, it is recommended that the algal reef flats receive increased conservation priority.


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
Discovery of Symbiotic Nitrogen-Fixing Cyanobacteria in Corals.
M. P. Lesser, C. H. Mazel, M. Y. Gorbunov, and P. G. Falkowski (2004)
Science 305, 997-1000
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Diurnal Changes in the Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide in Coral Reef Water.
H. Kayanne, H. Kayanne, A. Suzuki, and H. Saito (1995)
Science 269, 214-216
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Molybdenum Availability, Nitrogen Limitation, and Phytoplankton Growth in Natural Waters.
R. W. HOWARTH and J. J. COLE (1985)
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Fish Schools: An Asset to Corals.
J. L. MEYER, E. T. SCHULTZ, and G. S. HELFMAN (1983)
Science 220, 1047-1049
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Nitrogen Fixation in the Marine Environment.
D. G. Capone, D. G. CAPONE, and E. J. CARPENTER (1982)
Science 217, 1140-1142
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