MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Long-term Population and Community Dynamics: Benthic Algae and Other Community Components, ongoing since 2005

Coral reefs are comprised of scleractinian corals and many other benthic organims. The sampling described here
quantifies the relative abundances of corals (aggregate abundance) and the other major benthic components including
algal turfs, macroalgae, crustose corallines, and other sessile invertebrates. Abundance is estimated yearly at
each of 6 sites (2 per shore) around the island. At each site, and in each of 4 habitats (fringing reef, backreef,
forereef 10-m depth, forereef 17-m depth), 5 permanent 10-m long transects have been established and abundance
estimates are made at fixed positions along each transect (n=10, 0.25 m2 quadrats per transect) allowing a repeated
measures statistical analysis for the detection of temporal trends.

This material is based upon work supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation under Grant No. OCE 22-24354
(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 2005-2023). This work represents a contribution of
the Moorea Coral Reef (MCR) LTER Site.