Calcification rates in the calcareous coralline red alga Amphiroa foliacea from the inshore Great Barrier Reef

The calcareous coralline red alga Amphiroa foliacea was measured for calcium exchange and calcification rates.Washout experiments were carried out on samples collected from around 5 m depth at Nelly Bay, Magnetic Island. Loss of exchangable 45Ca2+ and 14C uptake were measured by taking samples at regular intervals during the labelling period and calcification rates calculated. Variables were: Light (L), Dark (D), loaded in light washed out in dark (L/D); temperature (28°C, 38°C); time (0 to 600 minutes); thalli state (living, killed by airdrying and resoaked, decalcified); segment (apical=young, second and third segments=mature, remaining=old). To describe the calcium exchange between Amphiroa foliacea and seawater.To better understand the compartmentation of isotopes. Coralline red algae are the most widespread of the calcareous algae.