Turf Algae Dynamics in the Coral Reef Ecosystems of the Spermonde Archipelago Gunawan Syafruddin(1), Estradivari(2-3), A. M. Agung Pratama Abdurrahman(1), Inayah Yasir(4), Rohani Ambo-Rappe(4)
(1)Master Student in Marine Science Study Program, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
(2)Department of Ecology, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Germany
(3)Department of Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry, University of Bremen, Germany
(4)Marine Science Department, Faculty of Marine Science and Fisheries, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
Abstract
Turf algae are common in coral reef ecosystem benthic communities. Comprised of many small algae and the juvenile phase of some macroalgae, turf algae are generally formed by filaments up to 2 cm high. Turf algae play an important role in coral reef ecosystem dynamics and changes in their abundance are often associated with changes in coral cover. Turf algae abundance is intrinsically linked to the influence of anthropogenic activities on coral reef ecosystems. Damage to coral reefs can increase turf algae cover, which can trigger a phase shift from coral-dominated to algal-dominated reefs. Algal turf cover and abundance in a given coral reef area can be influenced by many factors, including distance from the mainland. This study examined the dynamics of algal turf cover in shallow reefs around eight islands representing the different zones of the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia based on distance from the Sulawesi mainland (Lae-Lae, Samalona, Barranglompo, Badi, Bonetambung, Lumu-lumu, Gusung Karang Kassi, and Kapoposang). Turf algae percentage cover data were collected in plots along line transects at each site. The dominant cover category tended to differ among inshore-offshore spatial gradient, and was also influenced by anthropogenic and natural factors, including coral reef cover, rugosity, nutrient concentrations, and predators.
