Crustose, calcareous algal bloom (Ramicrusta sp.) overgrowing scleractinian corals, gorgonians, a hydrocoral, sponges, and other algae in Lac Bay, Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

Findings:

• Ramicrusta overgrows 14 of Lac’s species of scleractinian corals including Acropora, Agaricia, and Diploria, as well as three species of gorgonians.
• Ramicrusta grows upward from the base of coral and causes the death of grown tissues.
• Complete overgrowth by the crustose calcareous algae may happen after several months.

Management Recommendations:

N/A