Journal of the
Ocean Science Foundation

An open-access free online peer-reviewed Marine Biology Journal, since 2008.

published by the Ocean Science Foundation

 
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RESEARCH ARTICLE

Corallimorph and Montipora Reefs in Ulithi Atoll, Micronesia: documenting unusual reefs

Nicole L. Crane, Michelle J. Paddack, Peter A. Nelson, Avigdor Abelson, John Rulmal, Jr. & Giacomo Bernardi

Abstract

Here we report the presence of two unusual reef types at Ulithi Atoll, Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia: 1. a corallimorph-dominated reef off the island of Mogmog is found within an otherwise coral-dominated area, and 2. a general spread of Montipora reefs that were found to dominate the reef landscapes near inhabited islands. The Montipora reefs primarily occur near villages and in disturbed areas such as near boat-launch ramps. Indigenous people in the area say these reefs are fairly recent (ca. late 1960s) and that Montipora has been spreading rapidly.

 

     

 

CITATION:

Crane, N.L., Paddack, M.J., Nelson, P.A., Abelson, A., Rulmal, J. & Bernardi, G. (2016) Corallimorph and Montipora Reefs in Ulithi Atoll, Micronesia: documenting unusual reefs. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation, 21, 10-17.

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.51289

publication date: 10 May 2016