Coral Reefs: An Ecosystem in Transition
This book covers in one volume materials scattered in hundreds of research articles, in most cases focusing on specialized aspects of coral biology. In addition to the latest developments in coral evolution and physiology, it presents chapters devoted to
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Keywords Reef bioerosion • Microborers • Euendoliths • Cyanobacteria • Microalgae • Fungi • Macroborers • Sponges • Bivalves • Grazers • Urchins • Parrotfishes • Carbonate dissolution • Sedimentation • Carbonate budget • Reef framework • Coral reefs • Ocean acidification • Anthropogenic factors
1 Introduction Coral reef maintenance depends on the balance between constructive and destructive forces. Constructive forces are mainly calcification and growth of corals and encrusting coralline algae. Destructive forces comprise physical, chemical, and biological erosion. Bioerosion is considered as the main force of reef degradation because physical erosion (storms) is temporary and localized, and chemical erosion is considered as negligible due to the actual ocean chemistry (Scoffin et al. 1980). Reef bioerosion affects sedimentary and skeletal carbonate substrates. It plays an important role in reef sedimentation, diversity maintenance by creating habitats and by providing food resources, and in biogeochemical cycles (recycling of dissolved Ca2+ and C). Thus, bioerosion is an integral part of the coral reef carbonate balance. The concept of bioerosion was introduced by Neumann (1966). It includes biocorrosion, which refers to destruction of carbonates by chemical means, and bioabrasion which refers to mechanical removal of carbonates by organisms (Golubic and Schneider 1979; Schneider and Torunski 1983). Most of the coral reef studies to date have focused on reef growth and accretion. In contrast, much less attention has been paid to bioerosion processes. Since the 1950s, the A. Tribollet (*) Unité de Recherche CAMELIA, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, BP A5 101 Promenade Laroque, 98848, Nouméa Cedex, Nouvelle-Calédonie e-mail: [email protected] S. Golubic (*) Department of Biology, Boston University, 5 Cummington Street, 02215, Boston, MA, USA e-mail: [email protected]
number of publications on bioerosion processes has increases exponentially (Wilson 2008). It is obvious, however, from Wilson’s bibliographic review (http://www.wooster.edu/ geology/bioerosion/BioerosionBiblio.pdf) that most of the studies on bioerosion concerned macroboring and grazing agents. Less attention has been given to microboring agents. Moreover, only a few reviews have been published on the different aspects of bioerosion. For instance, Otter (1937) reported on rock-destroying organisms related to coral reefs. Hutchings (1986) reviewed bioerosion processes in coral reefs in general. Schneider and Le Campion (1999) reviewed the roles of cyanobacteria in construction and destruction of carbonates in freshwater and marine environments including reefs. Golubic et al. (2005) reviewed the roles of boring fungi in marine ecosystems. Perry and Hepburn (2008) reviewed the main processes, including bioerosion, involved in the carbonate balance in coral reefs. Only recently Tribollet (2008a) reviewed the roles of microboring organisms in modern coral reef ecosystems. Finally, the most recent review on bioerosion processes and agents in
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