New group of algae destroying coral reefs discovered by UvA scientists

Scientists at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) have discovered a group of algae that significantly contributes to the decline of coral reefs. These 'turf algae' were never addressed  in studies on the destruction of reefs as, up until now, scientists considered the larger and more visible ‘macro algae’ to be responsible for the damage. The results of the investigation on the Dutch coral reefs in the Caribbean have recently been published in the scientific journal PLoS ONE.

In recent decades, several studies have shown that coral reefs around the world are in a state of decline. Corals are disappearing and the seabed is gradually becoming covered in algae. Overfishing of algae-eating herbivores such as parrotfish and the eutrophication of coastal waters (the supersaturation of sea water with nutrients) have led to a situation where there is a threat of coral reefs becoming overgrown with large plant-like algae called macro algae. An increase of macro algae in a coral reef is therefore widely regarded as a sign that the reef is dying. Virtually all attention is paid to the macro algae, while the much smaller ‘turf algae’ are largely ignored. (UvA)

> Read the whole article