Title
Synergistic effect of high temperature and ultraviolet-B radiation on the gorgonian Eunicea tourneforti (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea: Plexauridae)
Author(s)
Drohan A.F., Thoney D.A., Baker A.C.
Published
2005
Publisher
Bulletin of Marine Science
Abstract
The effects of temperature and ultraviolet-B (UV-B) on the density of symbiotic dinoflagellates in the gorgonian, Eunicea tourneforti (Milne, Edwards, and Haime) were tested in a controlled laboratory experiment. Four different temperatures (21.5, 26.5, 29, and 31.5°C) and three different UV-B intensities (0.002, 1.50, and 2.80 Wm-2) were used in a fully factorial design. The effect of these treatments on algal symbiont density was monitored over a 35-d treatment period and a 31-d recovery period. Treatment at 31.5°C caused significant decreases in densities of zooxanthellae in coral tissues by the end of the experimental period. While UV-B intensity alone did not cause a significant change in zooxanthellae densities, the 29.0 and 31.5°C with 2.80 Wm-2 treatments had no survivors by day 35. Our results indicate that colonies of E. tourneforti lose a portion of their algal symbiont population upon exposure to temperatures = 29.0°C, and ultraviolet light (UV-B wavelengths of 2.80 Wm-2) exacerbates the stress on the symbiont population, contributing to bleaching. © 2005 Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science of the University of Miami.
Keywords
coral bleaching; dinoflagellate; population density; symbiont; temperature effect; ultraviolet B radiation; Alcyonacea; Alcyonaria; algae; Anthozoa; Dinophyceae; Eunicea tourneforti; Gorgonia; Plexauridae; PACIFIC REEF CORALS; ELEVATED-TEMPERATURE; OXIDATIVE STRESS; ZOOXANTHELLAE; TOLERANCE; MORTALITY; HAWAIIAN; ECOLOGY
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the WCS Library to request.
![]()
Back
PUB12321