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Spatial Variation In Sea Urchins, Fish Predators, And Bioerosion Rates On Coral Reefs Of Belize, Jocelyn Brown-Saracino, Paulette Peckol, H. Allen Curran, Martha L. Robbart
Spatial Variation In Sea Urchins, Fish Predators, And Bioerosion Rates On Coral Reefs Of Belize, Jocelyn Brown-Saracino, Paulette Peckol, H. Allen Curran, Martha L. Robbart
Biological Sciences: Faculty Publications
Although sea urchins are critical for controlling macroalgae on heavily fished coral reefs, high densities threaten reefs, as urchins are also prodigous bioeroders. This study examined urchin population characteristics, bioerosion rates, their fish predators (Labridae), and potential competitors (Scaridae) on unprotected reefs and a reef within a marine protected area (MPA) in the lagoonal regions off Belize. Urchin density (<1 >m-2) and bioerosion rates (∼0.2 kg CaCO3m-2year-1) were lowest and members of the Labridae were the highest (∼20 fish 200 m-3) within the MPA, while several unprotected reefs had higher (∼18-40 m-2) urchin densities, lower Labridae abundances (1-3 fish 200 …