Abstract
AbstractA quantitative survey of a submerged barrier reef was undertaken in Barbados, West Indies, over a two year period (1971–73). Photo‐line transects were employed to obtain coverage data on corals and other benthic organisms. Light, sedimentation, currents, oxygen, temperature and salinity were also monitored.Results indicate corals cover about 30 per cent of the bottom with living colonies; another 7 per cent is contributed by other zoobenthos. The most abundant coral species are Montastrea annularis, M. cavernosa and Siderastrea siderea, each contributing between 4 and 5 per cent of bottom cover. Light is the only physical factor monitored that correlated significantly with biomass; sedimentation may have a secondary effect. Most of the barrier reef is composed of mixed coral associations forming a biologically accommodated community.Comparisons are made between the barrier reef in Barbados and deeper reefs in Jamaica and Curacao. Reefs are, in the main, similar but coral species and community structure differences do occur.
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