Aponte and Ballantine 2001

Depth distribution of algal species on the deep insular fore reef at Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas

Aponte NE, Ballantine DL

scientific article Deep Sea Res
Abstract

Deep-water benthic algal composition and cover were studied with a submersible on the deep fore reef of Lee Stocking Island, Bahamas, from 45 to 150 m. Algal cover decreased from 57% to 16% over this depth range. Although there was substantial overlap in depth distributions, different species or groups of species dominated benthic cover at different depths. Lobophora and Halimeda copiosa co-dominated the fore reef from 45 to 60 m. A Corallinales/Peyssonnelia group was abundant from 60 to 120 m. The Corallinales/Peyssonnelia group shared dominance with Ostreobium between 90 and 120 m. Ostreobium was the only alga observed below 150 m and remained abundant below 200 m. Movement of sand down the fore reef is recognized as having substantial influence on algal cover.

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Metadata (pending validation)
Depth Range
45–150 m
Mesophotic Mentions
0 × (total of 2638 words)
Classification
  • Presents original data
  • Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
  • Focused on 'mesophotic coral ecosystem'
Locations
Bahamas
Platforms
Manned Submersible
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