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Description:
Author(s):
Rautureau, Ryan; Cynthia Hunter
Title:
Examining Differences in Feeding Strategies in Tripneustes gratilla, with a Focus on Management Implications
Publication Date:
2013
Institution:
University of Hawaii at Manoa
Abstract:
"Tripneustes gratilla, a common sea urchin in the tropical Pacific, is being investigated as a tool for bioremediation. In Kane'ohe Bay, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, T. gratilla has been outplanted and is reducing abundance of the invasive Kappaphycus spp. algae complex. In this experiment, urchins outplanted onto Reef 44 were shown to have positive, significant growth rates between September 28 and November 16, 2013, with an average rate of 0.12 mm/day. Urchins were also shown to consume significantly less Kappaphycus spp. when the alga was hard to reach than when it was uncovered and easily accessible, simulating conditions on the reef. Both consumption rates were significantly above zero, however, indicating that T. gratilla is a good candidate for algal control in the area. Consumption rates did not vary significantly between small and large urchins in either the obscured or uncovered trials."
Electronic Access:
Notes:
FY13; CRCP Project ID: 198; Project Title: Domest Coral Reef Conservation Grant Programs; Principal Investigator: Jenny Waddell; CRCP Grant Number: NA13NOS4820024
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