Hongo C., Wirrmann Denis. (2015). Preliminary identification of key coral species from New Caledonia (Southwest Pacific Ocean), their significance to reef formation, and responses to environmental change. Island Arc, 24 (1), p. 31–46. ISSN 1440-1738.
Titre du document
Preliminary identification of key coral species from New Caledonia (Southwest Pacific Ocean), their significance to reef formation, and responses to environmental change
The recognition of key coral species (KCS) in the geological record, i.e. those that contribute to reef formation and maintenance of coral reef ecosystems, is important for understanding the development and evolution of reef ecosystems and for forecasting their responses to climate change and anthropogenic impacts in the near future. This study examined the contribution to reef formation and maintenance of KCS from Pleistocene and Holocene barrier reefs in New Caledonia, based on analyses of six cores retrieved from three different reefs: Islets Kendec, Amédée, and Bayes. Our results indicate that at least 19 genera and 33 species of corals contributed to reef formation and maintenance during the Holocene in New Caledonia. Among them, Goniastrea retiformis, Isopora palifera, Dipsastraea pallida/speciosa complex, corymbose Acropora sp., massive Porites sp., and encrusting Porites sp. were KCS during the Holocene. This observation suggests that KCS will potentially contribute to the formation and persistence of reefs in the near future under conditions of estimated global sea-level rise of 0.2–0.6 m/100 years. However, the distributions and abundances of these species are currently decreasing. This study emphasizes the need for further research on the restoration and conservation of potential KCS.
Plan de classement
Milieu marin [036MILMAR]
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Stratigraphie et paléontologie [064STRATI]
