Consequences of coral bleaching for sessile reef organisms

Abstract

Sessile organisms, such as corals and erect algae, provide a complex architecture on coral reefs that is important for capturing light and utilizing dissolved gases and plankton to maintain high primary production (Enriques et al. 2005; Finelli et al. 2006). These sessile organisms also provide refuge and shelter for many mobile animals (Chap. 9). In addition, sessile algae and the coral–algal symbiosis determine carbon fixation and its pathways into organic and inorganic forms. These are the basis for the energy that supports the ecosystem and deposits the calcium carbonate skeletons that create the reef. Bleaching is the loss of the coral symbiont or plant and animal pigments and often leads to a loss of energy or the partial mortality of the affected organism and, when severe, whole-colony mortality. Consequently, the effect of coral bleaching on this group of organisms has major consequences for reef productivity, reef growth, and biodiversity. This chapter reviews studies conducted on coral reefs throughout the world to document the many and varied effects of bleaching on sessile organisms.