Seasonal and depth variation in fecundity of Acropora palifera at two reefs in Papua New Guinea

Abstract

Fecundity and abundance of Acropora palifera and the abundance of other scleractinians were compared at two reefs in the Huon Gulf, Papua New Guinea. While temperature and salinity were similar at both reefs, turbidity and sedimentation were higher on one of the reefs. A negative correlation was found between fecundity of A. palifera and three factors: depth, turbidity and sedimentation rate. There was also a negative correlation between coral cover and water transparency and sedimentation. The results suggest that high rates of sedimentation and low transparency depress fecundity of A. palifera, and limit the depth distribution and reduce the abundance of this species and other scleractinians. Lower fecundity in February and March was correlated with higher water temperatures. It is suggested that coral reproduction can be used as a biological indicator of stress on coral reefs.