The transition zone chlorophyll front can trigger <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acanthaster planci</Emphasis> outbreaks in the Pacific Ocean: Historical confirmation |
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Authors: | Peter Houk Steven Bograd Robert van Woesik |
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Institution: | (1) CNMI Division of Environmental Quality, P.O. Box 501304, Saipan, MP 96950, USA;(2) Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 W University Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32935, USA;(3) Southwest Fisheries Science Center, Environmental Research Division, NOAA, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA |
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Abstract: | We hypothesize that the North Pacific transition zone chlorophyll front (TZCF) can episodically deliver enhanced phytoplankton
levels that are linked to the emergence of adult populations of the coral eating starfish Acanthaster planci. In some years, the seasonally migrating TZCF bathes the northwest Hawaiian Islands with chlorophyll-a rich waters during
the winter months that coincide with peak starfish spawning and provide ideal conditions for A. planci larval survival. We found significant relationships between starfish populations in the North Pacific and the southernmost
latitude of the TZCF, chlorophyll-a concentrations, sea surface temperature, and Ekman transport indices since 1967. We propose
that TZCF-triggered primary outbreaks are followed by secondary outbreaks throughout the region, in accordance with the surface
currents and separated by a sequential time lag. Our historical confirmation suggests outbreaks are predictable, which has
immediate coral reef conservation and management consequences. |
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Keywords: | Acanthaster planci outbreaks causes Pacific Ocean transition zone chlorophyll front |
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