Caribbean-wide decline in carbonate production threatens coral reef growth

Chris T. Perry (), Gary N. Murphy, Paul S. Kench, Scott G. Smithers, Evan N. Edinger, Robert S. Steneck and Peter J. Mumby
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Chris T. Perry: Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter
Gary N. Murphy: Geography, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter
Paul S. Kench: School of Environment, The University of Auckland
Scott G. Smithers: School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University
Evan N. Edinger: Memorial University
Robert S. Steneck: School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Darling Marine Centre
Peter J. Mumby: Marine Spatial Ecology Lab, School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland

Nature Communications, 2013, vol. 4, issue 1, 1-7

Abstract: Abstract Global-scale deteriorations in coral reef health have caused major shifts in species composition. One projected consequence is a lowering of reef carbonate production rates, potentially impairing reef growth, compromising ecosystem functionality and ultimately leading to net reef erosion. Here, using measures of gross and net carbonate production and erosion from 19 Caribbean reefs, we show that contemporary carbonate production rates are now substantially below historical (mid- to late-Holocene) values. On average, current production rates are reduced by at least 50%, and 37% of surveyed sites were net erosional. Calculated accretion rates (mm year−1) for shallow fore-reef habitats are also close to an order of magnitude lower than Holocene averages. A live coral cover threshold of ~10% appears critical to maintaining positive production states. Below this ecological threshold carbonate budgets typically become net negative and threaten reef accretion. Collectively, these data suggest that recent ecological declines are now suppressing Caribbean reef growth potential.

Date: 2013
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DOI: 10.1038/ncomms2409

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