Publications

Changes in coral cover on reefs of Chagos over eighteen years

Seven transects on seaward reef slopes of two Chagos atolls were examined in 1996 in a manner similar to that conducted at the same sites in 1978. Cover by corals and other major benthic groups, was measured by tape transects, from just below the surf zone to over 30 m deep. General patterns of diversity and cover as mapped in 1978 are shown, and compared with those of 1996. In shallow water there is a marked reduction in coral cover in shallow water, caused by a fall in one or two species of Acropora. Reasons for this decline are elusive but possibilities, some connected to meteorological patterns, are examined.

Authors

Sheppard Charles .

Year

1

ISBN-13

9781841030036

Keywords

Scleractnia (hard corals), Acropora, coral zonation