FRESHWATER RUNOFF EFFECTS ON THE DIVERSITY AND COLONIZATION OF CORAL RUBBLE-INHABITING CRUSTACEAN MICROCOMMUNITIES

Abstract. A large cause of degradation of coral reefs is increased sedimentation and eutrophication caused by human modification of freshwater input into the marine environment. Effective tools must be used to monitor the effects of freshwater input before long-term damage is done to the fringing reef zone. One powerful tool is the use of bioindicators. This study attempts to identify possible bioindicators in coral rubble-inhabiting crustacean micro communities. Coral rubble was collected from 5 stream sites with paired controls and crustaceans were counted from each site. This study found that there were significant differences between stream and control sites in percent algal cover of rubble as well as 3 crustacean species (Thalamita admete, Alpheus parvirostris, Psuamis cavipes). Cuapetes sp. density also showed a significant negative correlation with pH levels. A colonization experiment was performed with no significant difference between stream and control sites.