Effects of Ocean Acidification on the Supply-Side Ecology of Crustose Coralline Algae in the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

Ocean acidification (OA) and warming are both threats to the physiological and demographic processes of crustose coralline algae (CCA). This group of algae is one of the most abundant in tropical and temperate reefs where they play essential roles including reef building and induction of invertebrate settlement. Despite their importance, little is known about the effects of OA on early stages of CCA and on population and community dynamics. In addition, CCA are widely distributed around the world and are especially abundant in coral reef ecosystems. They can occupy different habitats due to their variation in life history characteristics. However, there is a gap in the knowledge about their temporal variation (in adult and recruits) and demographic relationships among reproduction, recruitment and adult abundance. Therefore, this PhD thesis aimed to assess the supply-side ecology of crustose coralline algae in the reef and their responses to future anthropogenic impacts.