Benthic microalgae in coral reef sediments of the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia

摘要: The abundance and productivity of benthic microalgae in coral reef sediments are poorly known compared with other, more conspicuous (e.g. zooxanthellae, macroalgae) primary producers habitats. A survey the distribution, biomass, on a platform flat cross-shelf transect southern Great Barrier Reef indicated that ubiquitous, abundant (up to 995.0 mg chlorophyll (chl) m−2), productive 110 O2 m−2 h−1) components ecosystem. Concentrations microalgae, expressed as per surface area, were approximately 100-fold greater than integrated water column concentrations throughout region. Benthic microalgal biomass was shallow deeper waters transect. In both areas communities had similar composition, dominated by pennate diatoms, dinoflagellates, cyanobacteria. populations potentially nutrient-limited, based responses nitrogen phosphorus enrichments short-term (7-day) microcosm experiments. productivity, measured evolution, responsive light nutrient availability. observed (92–995 chl m−2) high relative other reports, particularly temperate regions. This plants shelf suggests key ecosystems.