The Dynamics of Zooxanthellae Populations: A Long-Term Study in the Field
I. Fagoonee,
1
H. B. Wilson,
2
M. P. Hassell,
2*
J. R. Turner
3
Coral bleaching characterized by the expulsion of symbiotic algae
(zooxanthellae) is an increasing problem worldwide. Global warming has
been implicated as one cause, but the phenomenon cannot be fully
comprehended without an understanding of the variability of
zooxanthellae populations in field conditions. Results from a 6-year
field study are presented, providing evidence of density regulation but
also of large variability in the zooxanthellae population with regular
episodes of very low densities. These bleaching events are likely to be
part of a constant variability in zooxanthellae density caused by
environmental fluctuations superimposed on a strong seasonal cycle in
abundance.
1 Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of
Science, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius.
2 Department of Biology, Imperial College, Silwood
Park, Ascot, Berks. SL5 7PY, UK.
3 School of Ocean
Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5EY,
UK.
*
To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail:
m.hassell{at}ic.ac.uk
