<Emphasis Type="Italic">Acanthaster planci</Emphasis> outbreaks in Vanuatu coincide with ocean productivity,furthering trends throughout the pacific ocean

This study identifies linkages between regional ocean productivity and the emergence of large Acanthaster planci starfish populations in Vanuatu. Positive correlations were found between wind stress, chlorophyll-a, and upwelling during January–February 2009, corresponding with coral-eating starfish occurrences. Further, temporal associations have existed between monthly wind stress and upwelling since 2000, and were predictors of past starfish events. Links between starfish emergence and oceanographic features are discussed, drawing upon evidence from other asteroid echinoderms. High regional productivity associated with anomalous oceanographic conditions in Vanuatu, and globally, can be used as early warning indicators of probable, future starfish emergence to aid the foundation and success of local management efforts.     

CotSim—an interactive Acanthaster planci metapopulation model for the central Great Barrier Reef

CotSim is a size-structured metapopulation model of the crown-of-thorns (Acanthaster planci) on the central Great Barrier Reef (GBR). The populations of starfish and the coral cover on 269 individual reefs are modelled for up to 200 years. Starfish are represented as larvae, two age classes of juveniles and three size classes of adults. Coral can either be modelled as a single type or as two types each with a characteristic growth rate, equilibrium cover and susceptibility to starfish predation. Reefs are connected using simulated dispersal data for A. planci on the central GBR. These data were generated using a particle tracking program where simulated currents displaced particles representing dispersing larvae after an A. planci spawning episode. The dispersal data represented patterns expected from the 1976/77 to 1989/90 spawning season. The starfish growth model is a density-dependent matrix model. When coral cover is low, survival within classes is low and the transitions into larger classes is impeded. In contrast, at high coral cover the reverse patterns occur. Both the starfish and coral data are filtered through an interpretation model to generate observed patterns. The starfish interpretation model represents the important difficulty in detecting smaller adults. Results from the model using the default parameters correspond with published patterns of starfish/coral dynamics and the overall patterns of starfish outbreaks on the GBR.The model is an interactive event-driven 32-bit Windows application requiring Windows 95 or Windows NT 3.51/4.0. Most parameters are able to be altered by the user with three tabbed dialogue boxes (for the simulation, starfish and coral parameters). Biologically justifiable default parameters are provided for all parameters. Parameters and initial starfish populations are stored in simple coded ASCII files. Simulations are controlled using ‘Run’, ‘Pause/Continue’ and ‘Stop’ operations. Maps of the GBR illustrate the spatial and temporal structure of the metapopulation dynamics including the patterns of dispersal. Once paused, populations on individual reefs can be examined using two types of plots (time series and single time bar charts). Overall patterns can be displayed using latitude versus time plots of observed reef state. Starfish populations and coral cover can be edited, which enables users of the model to become associated with some of the key issues regarding large-scale starfish control programs. Results from the model can be written to ASCII files for additional analysis. The speed of a simulation is able to be controlled and colours for important graphical elements can be altered. CotSim includes indexed online context-sensitive help and a graphical install routine. The program adheres to published guidelines for Windows applications.     

Genetic connectivity of the coral‐eating sea star Acanthaster planci during the severe outbreak of 2006–2009 in the Society Islands,French Polynesia

Occasional population outbreaks of the crown‐of‐thorns sea star, Acanthaster planci, are a major threat to coral reefs across the Indo‐Pacific. The presumed association between the serial nature of these outbreaks and the long larval dispersal phase makes it important to estimate larval dispersal; many studies have examined the population genetic structure of A. planci for this purpose using different genetic markers. However, only a few have focused on reef‐scale as well as archipelago‐scale genetic structure and none has used a combination of different genetic markers with different effective population sizes. In our study, we used both mtDNA and microsatellite loci to examine A. planci population genetic structure at multiple spatial scales (from <2 km to almost 300 km) within and among four islands of the Society Archipelago, French Polynesia. Our analysis detected no significant genetic structure based on mtDNA (global F_ST = ?0.007, P = 0.997) and low levels of genetic structure using microsatellite loci (global F_ST = 0.006, P = 0.005). We found no significant isolation by distance patterns within the study area for either genetic marker. The overall genetically homogenized pattern found in both the mitochondrial and nuclear loci of A. planci in the Society Archipelago underscores the significant role of larval dispersal that may cause secondary outbreaks, as well as possible recent colonization in this area.     

西沙生态监控区造礁石珊瑚退化原因分析

2005-2009年对西沙生态监控区5个站位(永兴岛、石岛、西沙洲、赵述岛和北岛)造礁石珊瑚种类、覆盖度、补充量及其主要环境因子进行了调查.研究结果表明,西沙生态监控区造礁石珊瑚呈现逐年退化趋势,活造礁石珊瑚覆盖率从2005年的65%下降到2009年的7.93%,而死珊瑚覆盖率变化则相反,从2005年的4.70%增加到...     

Selective coral mortality associated with outbreaks of Acanthaster planci L. in Bootless Bay, Papua New Guinea

Population outbreaks of crown-of-thorns sea star (Acanthaster planci L.) remain one of the most significant biological disturbances on tropical coral reefs although the increasing attention given to other threats has greatly limited recent progress in understanding the cause and consequences of this phenomenon. In September 2005 dramatic increases in the abundance of A. planci were observed on reefs within Bootless Bay, Central Province, Papua New Guinea, where few crown-of-thorns have previously been reported. Densities of A. planci peaked at 162 sea stars per hectare and caused extensive coral mortality. This outbreak killed upwards of 55% of live corals, reducing overall coral cover from 42.4% in 2005 down to just 19.1% in March 2006. Declines in coral cover were largely driven by widespread mortality of Acropora spp. which dominated reef assemblages prior to the outbreak. The extensive depletion of Acropora spp. greatly altered the coral composition as well as the physical structure of reef habitats. In the absence of any other major disturbances these coral communities are likely to quickly recover, but this outbreak highlights the ongoing contribution of A. planci to degradation of coral reef environments.     

Interdecadal Variation of the Transition Zone Chlorophyll Front: A Physical-Biological Model Simulation between 1960 and 1990

The interdecadal climate variability affects marine ecosystems in both the subtropical and subarctic gyres, consequently the position of the Transition Zone Chlorophyll Front (TZCF). A three-dimensional physical-biological model has been used to study interdecadal variation of the TZCF using a retrospective analysis of a 30-year (1960–1990) model simulation. The physical-biological model is forced with the monthly mean heat flux and surface wind stress from the COADS. The modeled winter mixed layer depth (MLD) shows the largest increase between 30°N and 40°N in the central North Pacific, with a value of 40–60% higher during 1979–90 relative to 1964–75 values. The winter Ekman pumping velocity difference between 1979–90 and 1964–75 shows the largest increase located between 30°N and 45°N in the central and eastern North Pacific. The modeled winter surface nitrate difference between 1979–90 and 1964–75 shows increase in the latitudinal band between 30°N and 45°N from the west to the east (135°E–135°W), the modeled nitrate concentration is about 10 to 50% higher during the period of 1979–90 relative to 1964–75 values depending upon locations. The increase in the winter surface nitrate concentration during 1979-90 is caused by a combination of the winter MLD increase and the winter Ekman pumping enhancement. The modeled nitrate concentration increase after 1976–77 enhances primary productivity in the central North Pacific. Enhanced primary productivity after the 1976–77 climatic shift contributes higher phytoplankton biomass and therefore elevates chlorophyll level in the central North Pacific. Increase in the modeled chlorophyll expand the chlorophyll transitional zone and push the TZCF equatorward. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

The transition zone chlorophyll front, a dynamic global feature defining migration and forage habitat for marine resources

Pelagic ecosystem dynamics on all temporal scales may be driven by the dynamics of very specialized oceanic habitats. One such habitat is the basin-wide chlorophyll front located at the boundary between the low chlorophyll subtropical gyres and the high chlorophyll subarctic gyres. Global satellite maps of surface chlorophyll clearly show this feature in all oceans. In the North Pacific, the front is over 8000 km long and seasonally migrates north and south about 1000 km. In the winter this front is located at about 30–35°N latitude and in the summer at about 40–45°N. It is a zone of surface convergence where cool, vertically mixed, high chlorophyll, surface water on the north side sinks beneath warm, stratified, low chlorophyll water on the south side. Satellite telemetry data on movements of loggerhead turtles and detailed fisheries data for albacore tuna show that both apex predators travel along this front as they migrate across the North Pacific. The front is easily monitored with ocean color satellite remote sensing. A change in the position of the TZCF between 1997 and 1998 appears to have altered the spatial distribution of loggerhead turtles. The position and dynamics of the front varied substantially between the 1998 El Niño and the 1999 La Niña. For example, from May to July 1999 the transition zone chlorophyll front (TZCF) remained between about 35°N and 40°N latitude showing very little meandering, whereas in 1998, during the same period, the TZCF exhibited considerable meandering and greater monthly latitudinal movement. Catch rates for albacore were considerably higher in 1998 than in 1999, and we hypothesize that a meandering TZCF creates regions of convergence, which enhances the foraging habitat for apex predators along the front.     

2022年夏季胶州湾致灾物种多棘海盘车的分子解析

多棘海盘车(Asterias amurensis)是海星纲的一个致灾物种,广泛分布于包括我国黄海、渤海海域、韩国、日本和俄罗斯海域在内的北太平洋海域,并作为入侵种分布于澳大利亚的塔斯马尼亚海域。多棘海盘车在多个海域发生过暴发性增殖导致的高密度、大规模聚集,对海洋生态系统和水产养殖造成严重的负面影响。自2006年以来在我国山东青岛海域多次发生大规模多棘海盘车聚集,对贝类养殖造成重大经济损失。日本、俄罗斯、澳大利亚等海域的多棘海盘车遗传多样性研究取得了显著进展,然而,迄今为止鲜有针对我国海域致灾物种多棘海盘车的分子生物学分析,阻碍了我国海域种群与全球种群间遗传进化关系的比较分析。研究重点分析了于2022年7月在胶州湾发生多棘海盘车暴发时采集的12个样本,系统组装了其线粒体基因组、核糖体基因簇以及多种通用分子标记。基于线粒体基因组和核糖体基因簇的系统发育分析表明多棘海盘车具有较高的种内遗传多样性。基于线粒体基因组的蛋白编码基因进行分化时间估算,多棘海盘车的种内遗传分化可能发生在1.7～4.2 Ma,表明多棘海盘车的扩布可能较早发生。与线粒体基因组相比,多棘海盘车核糖体基因簇序列在种内极为保守...     

Influence of anthropogenic pressure and seasonal upwelling on coral reefs in Nha Trang Bay (Central Vietnam)

The growing coastal development, dredging and dumping activities, overfishing and expansion of marine cage culture in Nha Trang Bay (NTB) of Central Vietnam since the beginning of the 2000s have resulted in a dramatic decrease of live coral cover. Surveys conducted in April–May 2013 and the same period in 2014 revealed that with an increase in distance from the outer part of the bay towards the mainland, the rivers’ influxes and dredged areas, coral cover decreased from 75% to 0.6% and species richness from 63 to 5, while the abundance of macroalgae increased from 0% to 56%. These changes correlate with differences in the concentration of suspended sediments on the same gradient. The abundance of the crown‐of‐thorns starfish Acanthaster planci and of the echinoid Diadema setosum significantly increased between the first estimation in 1998 and the survey in 2014, from 0 to 1.7 individuals (ind.) per 100 m^?2 and from 50.8 to 94.5 ind. per 100 m^?2, respectively, contributing to coral loss and intensive bioerosion of the reef framework in the bay. The large sizes of adult colonies of tabulate Acropora on the remote stations with negligible sedimentation and eutrophication loads were inconsistent with the assumptions that temperature‐induced coral bleaching or cyclones could be the major impacts in Nha Trang Bay. Analysis of the 16‐year thermal history of the bay did not reveal any instances in which the coral thermal bleaching threshold had been exceeded up to the present study. Seasonal upwelling, which occurs annually in the vicinity of Central Vietnam, may contribute to mitigation of thermal anomalies within NTB and to the maintenance of healthy coral communities on the remote reefs with relatively low anthropogenic impact.     

The coral communities of the Islas Marias archipelago,Mexico: structure and biogeographic relevance to the Eastern Pacific

Various authors have suggested that the Islas Marias archipelago, Mexico, may play a significant biogeographic role in the dispersal of Indo Pacific coral species into the Eastern Pacific; however, the coral communities of this archipelago have received scarce attention to date. Here, we first addressed coral community structure across the islands and, by employing ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle‐tracking experiments, used this information to evaluate the relevance of the archipelago for coral dispersal. Twenty‐four coral communities were recorded in the archipelago. Coral cover varied significantly among islands: Maria Cleofas had large values (38.5%), intermediate values were observed for Maria Madre (26.5%) and Maria Magdalena (22.84%), and relatively low values were recorded for San Juanito (18.5%). Coral communities mainly consisted of Pocillopora (57.3%) and Porites (25.5%) species, while species of Pavona (16%) and Psammocora (0.6%) made relatively minor contributions. Thirteen stony coral species were identified in the archipelago; of these Psammocora profundacella and Pavona duerdeni represent new records. Ordination analysis, minimum spanning tree and particle‐tracking experiments suggested similar connecting paths in the studied area; in general, the Islas Marias stands as a route for coral dispersal of Indo Pacific species into the Northeastern Pacific. In a regional context, the Islas Marias has three major biogeographic implications to coral dispersal: (i) the archipelago stands as a major stepping stone for the transport of species and individuals among the Revillagigedo archipelago, the Gulf of California and the tropical Mexican Pacific; (ii) the Islas Marias may play a seminal role in maintaining the genetic connectivity between southern and northern coral populations along the Mexican Pacific and (iii) because of its relatively pristine status and low levels of human impact, the archipelago may potentially serve as a source of coral propagules for ecosystem recovery in the Gulf of California and along the Pacific coast of the Mexican mainland following natural and/or human induced perturbations.     

Reconstruction of pH in the Surface Seawater over the North Pacific Basin for All Seasons Using Temperature and Chlorophyll-<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis>

We found a simple function of pH that relates to sea surface temperature (SST, K) and chlorophyll-a (Chl, µg l⁻¹) using measured surface seawater pH, SST and Chl data sets over the North Pacific: pH (total hydrogen scale at 2°C) = 0.01325 SST − 0.0253 Chl + 4.150 (R² = 0.95, p < 0.0001, n = 483). Moreover, evaluating the seasonal variation of pH based on this algorithm, we compared the measured pH with the predicted pH at the observational time series stations in subpolar and subtropical regions. The average of ΔpH (measured - predicted, n = 52) was 0.006 ± 0.022 pH. Therefore, the combination of SST and Chl can allow us to determine the spatiotemporal distribution of pH over the North Pacific. Using the climatological data sets of SST and Chl with our pH algorithms, we have described the seasonal distributions of pH at 25°C (pH₍₂₅₎) and pH in situ temperature (pH_(T)) over the North Pacific surface water.     

Assessment of the effectiveness of natural coral fragmentation as a dispersal mechanism for coral reef‐boring sponges

Eastern Pacific reefs are mostly made up of interlocking coral branches of Pocillopora, which are easily broken by physical forces associated with heavy swells and winds. In this study we investigated the potential of these coral fragments to enable propagation of boring sponges. For this, we quantified the frequency of occurrence and diversity of boring sponges in fragments of corals recently trapped among the branches of live colonies, and later tested the hypothesis that these sponges colonize new branches of corals. Nearly 80% of the coral colonies investigated had coral fragments among their branches, and 69% of these coral fragments contained boring sponges (11 species), some of these sponges in reproduction (23% of them carried oocytes). To test whether sponges inhabiting coral fragments could colonize new branching corals we transplanted them to healthy branches, and to branches whose living tissue was mechanically eliminated to simulate damage produced by grazing and death after bleaching and other causes of coral tissue mortality. All the transplanted coral fragments cemented to each new colony by means of calcification, and of the three sponge species tested (Cliona vermifera, Cliona tropicalis and Thoosa mismalolli) only C. vermifera was able to colonize both new living branches (26.9%) and cleaned branches (65.5%). The apparent capability of C. vermifera to colonize by direct contact may be another key ability of this species to maintain high frequency of occurrence in Pacific coral reefs. However, although C. tropicalis and T. mismalolli were not able to colonize new coral substrata by direct contact, coral fragments have the potential to contribute to local persistence of these sponges and to their dispersal, both by asexual (fragments) and sexual means (transport of sexual products). The present findings may partly explain the current increase of excavating sponges on deteriorating reefs with a large availability of dead branching corals.     

Have there been recent changes in climate? Ask the fish

It is generally accepted that a climate shift occurred about 1977 that affected the dynamics of North Pacific marine ecosystems. Agreement on the possibility of further climate shifts in 1989 and the late 1990s is yet to be achieved. However, there have been changes in the dynamics of key commercial fishes that indicate changes in their environment occurred in the early 1990s, and possibly around 1998. One method of measuring climate change is to observe the dynamics of species that could be affected.Several studies have described decadal-scale changes in North Pacific climate–ocean conditions. Generally, these studies focus on a single index. Using principal components analysis, we use a composite index based on three aspects of climate ocean conditions: the Aleutian Low Pressure Index, the Pacific Atmospheric Circulation Index and the Pacific Interdecadal Oscillation Index. We link this composite index (Atmospheric Forcing Index) to decadal-scale changes in British Columbia salmon and other fish populations. Around 1989 there was a change from intense Aleutian Lows (above average south-westerly and westerly circulation patterns and warming of coastal sea surface temperatures) to average Aleutian Lows (less frequent south-westerly and westerly circulation and slightly cooler coastal sea surface temperatures in winter). These climate–ocean changes were associated with changes in the abundance and ocean survival of salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), distribution and spawning behaviour of hake (Merluccius productus) and sardines (Sardinops sagax) and in recruitment patterns of several groundfish species.     

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) has been described by some as a long-lived El Niño-like pattern of Pacific climate variability, and by others as a blend of two sometimes independent modes having distinct spatial and temporal characteristics of North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) variability. A growing body of evidence highlights a strong tendency for PDO impacts in the Southern Hemisphere, with important surface climate anomalies over the mid-latitude South Pacific Ocean, Australia and South America. Several independent studies find evidence for just two full PDO cycles in the past century: “cool” PDO regimes prevailed from 1890–1924 and again from 1947–1976, while “warm” PDO regimes dominated from 1925–1946 and from 1977 through (at least) the mid-1990's. Interdecadal changes in Pacific climate have widespread impacts on natural systems, including water resources in the Americas and many marine fisheries in the North Pacific. Tree-ring and Pacific coral based climate reconstructions suggest that PDO variations—at a range of varying time scales—can be traced back to at least 1600, although there are important differences between different proxy reconstructions. While 20th Century PDO fluctuations were most energetic in two general periodicities—one from 15-to-25 years, and the other from 50-to-70 years—the mechanisms causing PDO variability remain unclear. To date, there is little in the way of observational evidence to support a mid-latitude coupled air-sea interaction for PDO, though there are several well-understood mechanisms that promote multi-year persistence in North Pacific upper ocean temperature anomalies.     

Species-diverse coral communities on an artificial substrate at a tuna farm in Amami,Japan

Tuna-farming is expanding worldwide, necessitating the monitoring/managing of its effects on the natural environment. In Japan, tuna-farming is conducted on coral reefs that have been damaged by mass-bleaching events and crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks. This study focused on the coral community on an artificial substrate of tuna-farm to reveal the possible effects of tuna-farming on the natural environment. Corals flourished on ropes suspended in the farm in the Amami Islands, southern Japan. These were moored 3 m below the sea-surface in 50-m-deep water. The coral community on the rope was analyzed and compared with those on natural substrata on two adjacent COTS-damaged reefs and with that in a protected reef. Corals were monitored throughout a year. Sixty coral species grew on the ropes, that corresponds to 27.3% of the 220 species known from Amami. The coral community was unique, dominated by massive faviid corals. On the ropes, the water temperature rarely exceeded 30.0 °C and no corals on the rope were severely bleached or covered by sedimentation during the observations. The tuna-farm infrastructure provided corals with a suitable habitat, and species-rich coral communities were established. These coral communities are an important node connecting tuna-farms and the natural environment.     

Pacific decadal oscillation and European climatic anomalies

By using the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data sets for 1951–2001, we study the characteristics of Pacific cyclones. It is shown that the northeast-southwest direction is predominant in the displacements of cyclones in the North Pacific. We study the variability of the field of surface atmospheric pressure in different phases of the Pacific decadal oscillation characterizing the temperature anomalies on the surface of the ocean in the region bounded by 20 and 60°N. It is shown that the decadal variations of the North Atlantic Oscillation supported by the large-scale anomalies of the Pacific decadal oscillation is the most important cause of natural decadal oscillations in the European region. We study and evaluate the regional response to the Pacific decadal oscillation by using, as an example, the analysis of variations of the discharge of European rivers. __________ Translated from Morskoi Gidrofizicheskii Zhurnal, No. 4, pp. 13–23, July–August, 2007.     

Low calcification rates and calcium carbonate production in Porites panamensis at its northernmost geographic distribution

Porites panamensis is a hermatypic coral present in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Skeletal growth parameters have been reported, but studies of the relationship between annual calcification rates and environmental controls are scarce. In this study, we investigated three aspects of the annual calcification rates of P. panamensis: growth parameters among three P. panamensis populations; the sea surface temperature as a calcification rate control spanning a latitudinal gradient; and calcium carbonate production among three sites. Growth parameters varied among the sites due to the colony growth form. Massive colonies in the north showed a higher calcification rate than encrusting colonies in the south (mean: 1.22–0.49 g CaCO₃ · cm^?2 · yr^?1), where variations in calcification rates were related to growth rate (0.91–0.38 cm · yr^?1) rather than to skeletal density differences (overall mean ± SD, 1.31 ± 0.04 g CaCO₃ · cm^?3). Our results showed a positive linear relationship between annual calcification rates and sea surface temperatures within these P. panamensis populations. Differences were related to distinct oceanographic environments (within and at the entrance of the Gulf of California) with different sea surface temperature regimes and other chemical properties. Different populations calcified under different environmental conditions. Calcium carbonate production was dependent upon the calcification rate and coral cover and so carbonate production was higher in the north (coral cover 12%) than in the south (coral cover 3.5). Thus, the studied sites showed low calcium carbonate production (0.25–0.43 kg CaCO₃ · m^?2 · yr^?1). Our results showed reduced calcification rates, regional temperature regime control over calcification rates, different growth forms, low coral cover and low calcium carbonate production rates in P. panamensis.     

Coral communities and reefs from Guerrero,Southern Mexican Pacific

Corals in the Eastern Pacific extend south from the Gulf of California to Ecuador and oceanic Chile, and west from Colombia to Clipperton Atoll. Nevertheless, large stretches of the Mexican Pacific remain fundamentally unstudied. Therefore, to assess the current conditions of coral communities, a coastal fringe ～300 km long (17°40′ N, 101°39′ W to 16°46′ N, 99°49′ W) was surveyed within the Southern Mexican Pacific, between 2005 and 2009. Fifteen stony coral species were identified at 13 coral communities and six Pocillopora‐dominated fringing reefs, with Pocillopora verrucosa and Pocillopora damicornis the primary contributing taxa. Reef development was identified in embayments or behind rocks or islands that offered shelter from northern and northwestern winds. Observations of Pocillopora effusus, Pocillopora inflata, Porites lobata, Pavona clavus, and Pavona varians expanded the species known geographic ranges by several degrees of latitude, suggesting reef building fauna comprised a mixture of widespread and relatively rare Eastern Pacific corals. Results indicated greater live coral cover in the Ixtapa‐Zihuatanejo area (15–73%) than in the Acapulco localities, which had high algal dominance; the reefs in the latter region exhibited high erosion. Regional differences are likely the result of long‐standing anthropogenic pressures around Acapulco since 1950, when it became an important tourist destination. This paper is the first detailed report of ecologically stressed corals and coral reefs from the state of Guerrero on the Mexican Southern Pacific coast.     

Reef status in the Rasfari region (North Malé Atoll,Maldives) five years before the mass mortality event of 1998

The Maldives was severely hit by massive coral bleaching and subsequent mortality in 1998. The results of reef monitoring in the following years have supported contrasting views about their recovery potential, partly because of the scarcity of information on the situation before 1998. Quantitative data on coral assemblages collected in 1993 in the Rasfari region (North Malé Atoll) may provide a base-line for the evaluation of the present status of the Maldivian reefs. Five years before the 1998 mortality, most coral communities appeared to be similar, in terms of both coral cover and growth-form composition, to those described in 1958 and 1964, notwithstanding increased human pressure and local events such as minor bleaching episodes in 1987 and crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) attacks in 1989. Three lessons can be learnt from these results to help to understand the present situation, some ten years after the 1998 mass mortality. First, Maldivian reefs proved in the past to be capable of maintaining flourishing coral life despite various disturbances. Second, four years had been sufficient for complete reef recovery after a (minor) bleaching event. Third, recovery after both COTS attack and bleaching follows a predictable path suggesting that the presence of a three-dimensional community structure, which should reduce post settlement mortality of coral recruits, is essential for rapid coral recovery. As coral recruitment remains high and large tabular Acropora colonies are now reappearing, it is expected that Maldivian reefs should return to their original condition within the next few years.     

The contribution of atmospheric acid deposition to ocean acidification in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean

The absorption of anthropogenic CO₂ and atmospheric deposition of acidity can both contribute to the acidification of the global ocean. Rainfall pH measurements and chemical compositions monitored on the island of Bermuda since 1980, and a long-term seawater CO₂ time-series (1983–2005) in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean near Bermuda were used to evaluate the influence of acidic deposition on the acidification of oligotrophic waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and coastal waters of the coral reef ecosystem of Bermuda. Since the early 1980's, the average annual wet deposition of acidity at Bermuda was 15 ± 14 mmol m^− 2 year^− 1, while surface seawater pH decreased by 0.0017 ± 0.0001 pH units each year. The gradual acidification of subtropical gyre waters was primarily due to uptake of anthropogenic CO₂. We estimate that direct atmospheric acid deposition contributed 2% to the acidification of surface waters in the subtropical North Atlantic Ocean, although this value likely represents an upper limit. Acidifying deposition had negligible influence on seawater CO₂ chemistry of the Bermuda coral reef, with no evident impact on hard coral calcification.