MCR LTER: Coral Reef Resilience: Algae, Coral, and Sediment data from Grazing Intensity Experiment, 2010 - 2012

These data describe the percent cover of benthic space holders (primarily algae), the biomass of algae and sediment, and the number of corals recruiting on 15 cm X 15 cm terra cota tiles experimentally manipulated on the forereef on the north shore of Moorea. The experiment was established to test whether and how different levels of grazing influence benthic community development. Five treatments were initially established to create a gradient in grazing pressure with a sixth treatment established shortly thereafter. Each treatment was replicated ten times using a randomized block design. Each cage initially contained four tiles, and one tile from each cage has been photographed and destructively sampled for biomass at regular intervals. In addition to the original tiles deployed in July 2010, tiles were subsequently deployed in March 2011, August 2011, and March 2012 to test whether community development varies among seasons. This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under
Grant No. OCE 16-37396 (and earlier awards) as well as a generous gift from the Gordon and
Betty Moore Foundation. Research was completed under permits issued by the French Polynesian
Government (Délégation à la Recherche) and the Haut-commissariat de la République en
Polynésie Francaise (DTRT) (Protocole d'Accueil 2005-2018). This work represents a
contribution of the Moorea Coral Reef (MCR) LTER Site.