MCR LTER: Coral Reef: Macroalgal CHN, ongoing since 2005

Samples of two common macroalgal species (Sargassum mangarevense, Turbinaria ornata) are
collected yearly from fringing, backreef, and reef crest sites at each of the sites
(LTER 1 through LTER 6) around Moorea. CHN analyses of dried, ground samples of each individual are made using
standard methods. CHN data are used to track sustained variation in nutrient availability.
Water column nutrients in coral reef systems usually are low to undetectable and their inputs
tend to be episodic and ephemeral. Using CHN contents of macroalgae allows the integration of
nitrogen availability over a longer time period, in this case, over approximately 3 months. 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.