coralline algae

Abstract Distribution and abundance of coral diseases have been well documented, but only a few studies con- sidered diseases affecting crustose coralline algae (CCA), particularly at the species level. We investigated the spa- tiotemporal dynamics of diseases affecting CCA along the south coast of Curac ̧ao, southern Caribbean. Two syn- dromes were detected: the Coralline White Band Syndrome (CWBS) previously described and the Coralline White Patch Disease (CWPD) reported here for the first time. Diseases were present at all six study sites, and our results did not reveal a relationship between disease occurrence and human influence. Both diseases were more prevalent on the shallower reef flat than on the deeper reef slope, and during the warm/rainy season than during the cold/dry season. The patterns observed were consistent with a positive link between temperature and disease occurrence. Reef flat communities were dominated by Neogoniolithon mamillare and Paragoniolithon solubile, whereas deeper habitats were dominated by Hydrolithon boergesenii. Dis- eases affected all the species encountered, and no prefer- able host was detected. There was a significant relationship between both disease occurrences and CCA cover. Moni- toring of affected patches revealed that 90 % of lesions in CWBS increased in size, whereas 88 % of CWPD lesions regenerated over time. CWBS linear progression rate did not vary between seasons or species and ranged from 0.15 to 0.36 cm month-1, which is in the same order of mag- nitude as rates previously documented. We conclude that diseases have the potential to cause major loss in CCA cover, particularly in shallow waters. As CCA play a key role in reef ecosystems, our study suggests that the emer- gence of diseases affecting these algae may pose a real threat to coral reef ecosystems. The levels of disease reported here will provide a much-needed local baseline allowing future comparisons. 

The Littler’s team [including Barrett Brooks, Don Hurlbert, Barbara Watanabe and Larry Gorenflo (Conservation International)] traveled to the island of Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles (1 Nov 06 to 14 Nov 06). The purpose of this expedition was to assist the Ministry of Nature Affairs for the Netherlands Antilles (MINA) and the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science at Conservation International to assess the current status of Bonaire’s marine flora. The team collected over 300 specimens from the upper reef to a depth of 56 m. This assessment increased the known species reported from Bonaire by 35% (Appendix II, List of Species). The marine flora is typical of many Caribbean reefs with no specific areas of extremely high diversity or unique species composition. Also included in this evaluation are over 100 digital images (Appendix III), properly identified to the species level in most cases. These images may be used by managers in web sites, oral presentation, training manuals, brouchures, etc., to make marine plant identification possible for Bonaire’s many divers, volunteers, conservationists or interested agencies.
The team surveyed the health of the reefs using key indicator species (recognized from our >30 continuous years of coral-reef research) in reference to the growing problems associated with eutrophication and overfishing along tropical and subtropical shorelines worldwide. The ecological responses of corals and macroalgae to nutrient enrichment and release from predation have been repeatedly cited as priority areas in need of further research (National Research Council, 2000; Littler & Littler 2006).