Biomass and nutrient flux measurements on Holothuria atra populations on windward reef flats at Enewetak, Marshall Islands

Authors

C. F. D'Elia
K. L. Webb, Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Files

Document Type

Book Chapter

Department/Program

Virginia Institute of Marine Science

Editors

D.L. Taylor (ed.)

Publication Date

1977

Book Title

Proceedings of Third International Coral Reef Symposium Vol. 1: Biology

Publisher

Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science

City

Miami, Florida

Abstract

Although it is reasonably well established that corals symbiotic with endozoic algae (the zooxanthellae) are capable of "multitrophic" (1) existence, we are still a long way away from evaluating the relative importance of the various trophic pathways (2). There is no question that zooplankton provide a source of materials and energy to corals, yet there is doubt whether zooplankton are plentiful enough to supply all the needs for these essentials (3). There appear to be alternate sources of supply. Sufficient energy is likely to be available to the symbiotic association by virtue of the photosynthetic capacity of the zooxanthellae (4); thus, energy wise, the effects of the limited quantities of available zooplankton may be obviated. But what of the balance of nutrient elements such as N and P?

Recommended Citation

D'Elia, C. F. and Webb, K. L., "Biomass and nutrient flux measurements on Holothuria atra populations on windward reef flats at Enewetak, Marshall Islands" (1977). VIMS Books and Book Chapters. 140.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/vimsbooks/140