Phase shifts and the role of herbivory in the resilience of coral reefs
- Ledlie, M.
- Graham, N. A. J.
- Bythell, J. C.
- Wilson, S. K.
- Jennings, S.
- Polunin, N. V. C.
- Hardcastle, J.
DOIAbstract
Cousin Island marine reserve (Seychelles) has been an effectively protected no-take marine protected area (MPA) since 1968 and was shown in 1994 to support a healthy herbivorous fish assemblage. In 1998 Cousin Island reefs suffered extensive coral mortality following a coral bleaching event, and a phase shift from coral to algal dominance ensued. By 2005 mean coral cover was <1%, structural complexity had fallen and there had been a substantial increase in macroalgal cover, up to 40% in some areas. No clear trends were apparent in the overall numerical abundance and biomass of herbivorous fishes between 1994 and 2005, although smaller individuals became relatively scarce, most likely due to the loss of reef structure. Analysis ...
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