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Effect of aragonite saturation state on settlement and post-settlement growth of Porites astreoides larvae

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Abstract

In response to the increases in pCO2 projected in the 21st century, adult coral growth and calcification are expected to decrease significantly. However, no published studies have investigated the effect of elevated pCO2 on earlier life history stages of corals. Porites astreoides larvae were collected from reefs in Key Largo, Florida, USA, settled and reared in controlled saturation state seawater. Three saturation states were obtained, using 1 M HCl additions, corresponding to present (380 ppm) and projected pCO2 scenarios for the years 2065 (560 ppm) and 2100 (720 ppm). The effect of saturation state on settlement and post-settlement growth was evaluated. Saturation state had no significant effect on percent settlement; however, skeletal extension rate was positively correlated with saturation state, with ~50% and 78% reductions in growth at the mid and high pCO2 treatments compared to controls, respectively.

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Acknowledgments

This project was funded in part by a grant awarded by Mote Marine Laboratory’s Protect Our Reefs specialty license plate. Permit FKNMS-2007-009 was provided by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for the collection of coral colonies. Field and laboratory assistance was provided by M. Miller and W. Cooper. Constructive review of the manuscript by M. Miller and D. Manzello is greatly appreciated.

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  1. Division of Marine Biology and Fisheries, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, 4600 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL, 33149, USA

    R. Albright, B. Mason & C. Langdon

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  1. R. Albright
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  2. B. Mason
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  3. C. Langdon
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Correspondence to R. Albright.

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Communicated by Guest Editor Dr Katharina Fabricius

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Albright, R., Mason, B. & Langdon, C. Effect of aragonite saturation state on settlement and post-settlement growth of Porites astreoides larvae. Coral Reefs 27, 485–490 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-008-0392-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-008-0392-5

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