García-Urueña, Rocío del P.

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    Dinámica de crecimiento de tres especies de coral en relación a las propiedades ópticas del agua
    (2004) García-Urueña, Rocío del P.; García-Saís, Jorge R.; College of Arts and Sciences - Sciences; Armstrong, Roy A.; Alfaro, Mónica; Yoshioka, Paul; Aponte, Nilda E.; Department of Marine Sciences; Gilbes, Fernando
    The growth patterns in the coral species Monstastrea annularis, M. cavernosa and Acropora cervicornis were studied in Media Luna and Laurel reefs in La Parguera, Puerto Botes in Desecheo Island and El Negro in Mayagüez. Montastrea annularis in Mayagüez and La Parguera was analyzed by the X-ray technique. The photosynthetic available radiation (PAR), ultraviolet radiation (UV), and chlorophyll-a concentrations were correlated with the linear growth in each species. Montastrea annularis growth did not show correlation between the PAR and UV irradiance and was positive with chlorophyll concentrations. Meanwhile M. cavernosa did not present correlation with PAR irradiance but was positive with UV radiation. Puerto Botes had the greatest penetration of UV and growth, while the correlation with chlorophyll was negative. Therefore, light was not a determinant factor in the response of growth for the species. On the other hand, availability of food showed a differential response among the species. Bleaching and illnesses were quantified to determine if they affected growth dynamics. Coral bleaching coincided with the highest temperature and illnesses, but this occurred on colonies of species not studied. Community composition of the reefs was different in terms of the main species that compose them but, these changes were not significant. Transplants of Acropora cervicornis during the rainy and dry seasons were made in the area of La Parguera. The first transplant was made on the protected area of Media Luna reef, in the front of the same reef and in the shelf edge. The direct effects of the entrances of external material affect the water parameters and the response in growth and survival of the species. In contrast, during the dry season the transplants were carried out in the reefs of San Cristóbal and Media Luna, resulting in 100% survival.