emDiadema Antillarum/em 17 Years after Mass Mortality: is Recovery Beginning on St. Croix?

R. J. Miller, A. J. Adams, Nancy B. Ogden, John C. Ogden, J. P. Ebersole

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Diadema antillarum was once ubiquitous in the Caribbean, but mass mortality in 1983-84 reduced its numbers by >97%. We measured Diadema abundance on back reefs and patch reefs that have been well studied for >25 years. From June 2000 to June 2001, populations on back reefs have increased >100% (June 2001 mean densities 0.004-0.368/m2), while patch reef populations increased >350% (June 2001 densities 0.236-0.516/m2). Populations are dominated by small urchins, suggesting high recent recruitment. Increased Diadema densities appear to be affecting macroalgae abundance. The general spatio-temporal pattern of recovery around St. Croix seems to be following that of the die-off, suggesting that the same oceanographic features that spread Diadema's pathogen are now carrying urchin larvae.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalCoral Reefs
Volume22
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • caribbean
  • diadema antillarum
  • herbivory
  • recovery

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