Region-wide temporal and spatial variation in Caribbean reef architecture: is coral cover the whole story?

摘要: The architectural complexity of coral reefs is largely generated by reef-building corals, yet the effects current regional-scale declines in cover on reef are poorly understood. In particular, both extent to which lead and length time it takes for collapse following mortality unknown. Here we assess temporal spatial covariation between using a Caribbean-wide dataset temporally replicated estimates spanning four decades. Both have declined rapidly over time, with little evidence time-lag. However, annual rates change do not covary, levels vary greatly among similar cover. These findings suggest that stressors influencing Caribbean sufficiently severe widespread produce complexity, even though direct function at local scales. Given simple cover, important conservation monitoring restoration give due consideration architecture This will help ensure ecosystem services supported such as nutrient recycling, dissipation wave energy, fish production diversity, maintained enhanced.