Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
This study examined the niche’s corals had and their locations on the reef. And more closely observed how light availability and structural complexity affect the spatial distribution of different coral species on a shallow reef. By using photogrammetry and putting out HOBO light sensors data was observed to see how much light the corals received and the structural complexity that surrounds them. Surveys were done on Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef, and the study site was Horseshoe. Horseshoe is a shallow reef located on the sheltered side making it easy to survey at. During a 3 day span light sensors were left on the corals to record how much light they intake. And photogrammetry was done to see the structures of the corals and how deep in the water they were. After running this data and it was found that within the genus there were not many differences. When looking at depth, the Platygyra colonies had more depth than the Acropora. But when looking at light intake the Acropora took in more amounts of light than the Platygyras did. Which makes sense because you would assume corals closer to the surface are able to receive more light than ones closer to the floor. Structural complexity and rugosity however did not show any statical differences. This could mean that the rugosity and surrounding areas do not influence where coral species are distributed around the reef.
Disciplines
Life Sciences
Recommended Citation
Becker, Olivia, "Effects and importance of structure and light on Acropora and Platygyra corals in a shallow reef" (2025). Australia: Rainforest, Reef, and Cultural Ecology. 16.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/ase2/16