Integration in the coral ecosystem
To determine the effect of long-term shading on coral energy* trade-offs, various indicators are monitored:
- Colony growth by measuring wetted weight
- Colony survival by monitoring coral color and photosynthetic activity
- Reproduction by quantifying gamete emission
4 species/genres of coral were cuttings in the different study areas to determine whether the response to shading over the long term differs according to species/genres.
*Every organism has a limited amount of energy resources available for its development, survival and maintenance of reproductive functions
To study the effects of long-term shading on competition for space between corals and algae, the following indicators are analyzed:
- Coral colony growth by 3D reconstruction
- Algae growth by photoquadrat analysis
- Survival of colonies and algae by monitoring photosynthetic activity
