Development of a theoretical framework for predicting responses of coral reef ecosystems to nutrient enrichment and herbivory (2009-2011)
Abstract
The goal of this research is to enhance understanding of the processes that maintain the functioning of coral reef ecosystems. This will be achieved by novel investigations of the impacts of nutrient enrichment and herbivore reduction on growth rates and tissue composition of corals and macroalgae sampled over an extended latitudinal gradient. Our studies, conducted in the context of emerging ecological theory, will improve the strength of ecological predictions and mechanistic knowledge of factors affecting the sustainability of coral reefs.
