Seawater carbonate chemistry and coral-algal interactions in an acidified ocean

This study aimed to simulate the indirect interaction between pelagic Sargassum spp. and Acropora cervicornis coral fragments from the Florida Reef in current-day and future ocean pH conditions over the course of 70 days in a mesocosm experimental system. Measurements of coral growth and health via buoyant weight and Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorescence measurements reveal an unexpected coral-algal interaction.