- Dona Paula, Goa, India.
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- iiosc2020[at]nio[dot]org
| Abstract Submission No. | ABS-2022-06-0203 |
| Title of Abstract | Comparison of coral sizes under different habitats and management across three archipelagos in the Indian Ocean |
| Authors | Juliet Karisa*, David Obura, Benjamin Cowburn, Gabriel Grimsditch, Chaolun Chen |
| Organisation | Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute |
| Address | P.O Box 81651, Mombasa. Silos Road, English Point, Mkomani Mombasa, Coast, Kenya Pincode: 00254 Mobile: 722977652 E-mail: jfuraha@gmail.com |
| Country | Kenya |
| Presentation | Oral |
| Abstract | Coral colony size is an important life history trait that can be used to reect taxonomic adaptations and responses to environmental stress such as bleaching. Differential susceptibility of corals to bleaching is one of the responses that influences coral community re-assembly. Corals suffered almost 90% mortality at some sites in the Indian Ocean 1998/99 mass bleaching event. In this study, we examine the spatial variation in colony size across three Archipelagos in the Indian Ocean and determine the factors that are driving those patterns like habitat, management levels and environmental factors. Using coral reef rapid assessment methods, we surveyed a total of 88 study sites at three archipelagos in Indian Ocean (Kiunga-Lamu in Kenya; Moheli in Comoros; and Maldives) at different environmental, habitat and management settings. Coral colonies were categorized into seven size classes; 0-5cm, 6-10cm, 11-20cm, 21-40cm, 41-80cm, 81-160cm and >160cm. We are utilizing multivariate analysis to determine the effect of environmental conditions, habitat and management factors that contribute to the spatial pattern in coral community. This information will help in defining the role of archipelagos in the persistence of coral reefs amid climate change disturbance. |