Population dynamics of a high-latitude coral Alveopora japonica Eguchi from Jeju Island, off the southern coast of Korea

Abstract

Although coral reefs are facing severe challenges from a variety of natural and anthropogenic stresses, there is anecdotal evidence that the high-latitude coral species Alveopora japonica Eguchi, 1968, has increased its population over the past two decades around Jeju Island, off the southern coast of Korea. The present study provides the first ecological data on this species. Alveopora japonica is opportunistically occupying the empty space left vacant following the recent kelp-forest decline. Colony abundance, age- and size-frequency distributions, lifespan, growth rates and biological characteristics such as surface area, weight and volume of two A. japonica populations in Jeju Island were investigated. Alveopora japonica around Jeju Island is characterised by a mean colony size of 30cm2, a slow growth rate (4.8mm year–1), and a short lifespan of 12–13 years, as determined by X-radiographic measurements. Alveopora japonica presented a dense population of 120 colonies m–2 on average. Population-age and -size structures at both sites reflected a healthy status and indicated a local stability, with a stationary size structure allowing population maintenance over time. The present study provided data to develop population-dynamics models to predict the potential outcomes of A. japonica populations to alternative management scenarios in Jeju Island.