Biological impact caused by changes on a tropical reef. Final report
A biological study is conducted on a fringing coral reef adjacent to a thermoelectric power plant on Guam, before and after release of plant effluent. The before study shows corals of the reef front, submarine terrace, and seaward slope to be devastated because of a recent infestation by the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci (L.). Introduction of the effluent is shown to be responsible for recent destruction of reef margin corals. Effluent is found to stratify beyond the surf zone and is no longer a threat to benthic organisms. Coral transect studies show an increase in recent coral re-colonization on the reef front, terrace and slope since the Acanthaster infestation. No such recovery is evident in benthic habitats of the reef margin, exposed to effluent. Thermal simulation experiments, performed on a series of reef corals in the laboratory, suggest mean upper tolerance limits for the corals between 30 and 33C. These temperatures are common on the reef margin adjacent to the power plant. Sublethal elevation of temperature is shown to reduce growth rate in some of the coral species. (GRA)
- Research Organization:
- Guam Univ., Agana. Marine Lab.
- OSTI ID:
- 7230357
- Report Number(s):
- PB-253088
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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