Seasonal shifts in the competitive ability of macroalgae influence the outcomes of coral–algal competition

Abstract

Understanding the effects of natural processes on coral–algal competition is an important step in identifying the role of macroalgae in perturbed coral reef ecosystems. However, studies investigating coral–algal interactions are often conducted in response to a disturbance, and rarely incorporate seasonal variability. Here, naturally occurring coral–algal interactions were assessed in situ four times a year over 2 years across eight sites spanning diverse benthic communities. In over 6500 recorded coral–algal interactions, cyanobacteria and turf algae were found to be the most damaging regardless of season, resulting in visible damage to coral in greater than 95% of interactions. Macroalgae that primarily compete using chemical mechanisms were found to be more damaging than those that compete using physical mechanisms (e.g. abrasion), with both groups demonstrating decreased competitive ability in summer. While crustose coralline algae were the least damaging to competing coral, during summer, it became three times more competitive. Our results demonstrate that the competitive ability of macroalgae and the outcomes of coral–algal competition can fluctuate in seasonal cycles that may be related to biomass, production of chemical defences and/or physical toughness. The results of this study have important implications for understanding the trajectory and resilience of coral reef ecosystems into the future.