Coral recovery trends in Mu Ko Chang National Park, the Eastern Gulf of Thailand
Keywords:
connectivity, coral recruitment, Gulf of Thailand, management, self-seedingAbstract
The recovery potential of corals after the bleaching events is controlled by coral larval supply, proper substrate, settlement, and survival rates of juvenile corals. Larval connectivity among coral populations is an essential aspect of understanding the recovery potential of corals after severe disturbances. Reef connectivity depends on oceanographic conditions and sources of coral larval supply. This study investigated the coral recruitment patterns and their relationships with adult coral communities at seven study sites in Mu Ko Chang, Trat Province, the Eastern Gulf of Thailand. Live coral covers were in a range of 25.9-71.2 % while dead coral covers varied between 10.8 and 50.6 %. The live coral covers at Hin Gurk Maa and Ko Thong Lang were significantly higher than those of other reef sites. Low coral recruitment was found at Ko Wai, Ko Thong Lang, and Ko Yak Lek. The brooding coral Pocillopora spp. at Ko Thian and, Ko Yak Lek showed evidence of self-seeding. The broadcast spawning coral Poritidae exhibited indications of a high degree of self-seeding. Recruits of Leptastrea, Lithophyllon, and Psammocora were frequently found without their parent colonies. The inter reef connectivity and local coral recruitment are required for further studies to provide proper management strategies of coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand.
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