Increased sediment load destabilize algal turf at two different fringing reefs; Evaluating responses across a stress gradient, Moorea, French Polynesia, 2016

Seven reefs in Moorea French Polynesia were examined for sediment and
turf characteristics to establish a baseline for naturally occurring
proportions of sediment within the turf matrix. At each of the seven
sites turf filament heights and sediment depths within the turf matrix
were measured using a galvanized mesh measuring device calibrated by
1mm increments. All surveys were conducted between 2-3m in depth
between April-May of 2016. We then conducted a two-factor experiment
where sediment depth was manipulated at two sites surveyed with strong
differences in turf communities (Maharepa and Gump). Our experiment
ran for 30 days, with sediment treatments maintained every four days.