Density, spatial distribution and size structure of sea urchins in Florida Keys coral reef and hard-bottom habitats
Chiappone, M.; Swanson, D.W.; Miller, S.L. (2002). Density, spatial distribution and size structure of sea urchins in Florida Keys coral reef and hard-bottom habitats. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 235: 117-126
In: Marine Ecology Progress Series. Inter-Research: Oldendorf/Luhe. ISSN 0171-8630; e-ISSN 1616-1599, meer
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Analysis > Mathematical analysis > Statistical analysis
Aquatic organisms > Heterotrophic organisms > Herbivores
ASW, USA, Florida, Florida Keys
Colonization
Habitat selection
Population characteristics > Population density
Population characteristics > Population structure > Size distribution
Population functions > Mortality > Natural mortality
Reefs > Biogenic deposits > Coral reefs
Diadema antillarum (Philippi, 1845) [WoRMS]; Echinometra viridis A. Agassiz, 1863 [WoRMS]; Eucidaris tribuloides (Lamarck, 1816) [WoRMS]
Florida Keys [Marine Regions]
Marien/Kust |
| Auteurs | | Top |
- Chiappone, M.
- Swanson, D.W.
- Miller, S.L.
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| Abstract |
The 1983-84 Caribbean-wide mortality of the long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum was followed by a 2nd mortality event during 1991 in the Florida Keys. Pre-mortality sea urchin densities were up to 5 ind./m-2 and the large scale decline of D. Antillarum is considered to be 1 factor affecting community dynamics of Florida Keys reefs. During 1999-2000, we surveyed 125 sites using a stratified random sampling design in shallow-water coral reef and hard-bottom habitats. Strip transects were sampled to assess density, habitat utilization and size structure patterns among habitat types, regional sectors and between fished and protected areas. Nearly 17 yr after the mass mortality, D. Antillarum has not recovered to pre-1983 levels, with current densities no greater than 0.05 ind./m-2, and small test sizes (1 to 2 cm) dominate. Other sea urchins such as Eucidaris tribuloides and Echinometra viridis Agassiz show density and habitat distribution patterns similar to historical observations. |
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