How to quantify algal turf sediments and particulates on tropical and temperate reefs: An overview

Sterling B. Tebbett, M. Paula Sgarlatta, Albert Pessarrodona, Adriana Vergés, Thomas Wernberg, David R. Bellwood

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Algal turfs are the most abundant benthic covering on reefs in many shallow-water marine ecosystems. The particulates and sediments bound within algal turfs can influence a multitude of functions within these ecosystems. Despite the global abundance and importance of algal turfs, comparison of algal turf-bound sediments is problematic due to a lack of standardisation across collection methods. Here we provide an overview of three methods (vacuum sampling, airlift sampling, and TurfPods), and the necessary equipment (including construction suggestions), commonly employed to quantify sediments from algal turfs. We review the purposes of these methods (e.g. quantification of standing stock versus net accumulation) and how methods can vary depending on the research question or monitoring protocol. By providing these details in a readily accessible format we hope to encourage a standardised set of approaches for marine benthic ecologists, geologists and managers, that facilitates further quantification and global comparisons of algal turf sediments.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105673
JournalMarine Environmental Research
Volume179
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2022

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'How to quantify algal turf sediments and particulates on tropical and temperate reefs: An overview'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this