Journal
MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES
Volume 335, Issue -, Pages 19-29Publisher
INTER-RESEARCH
DOI: 10.3354/meps335019
Keywords
calcareous algae; community metabolism; P-E curves; primary production; respiration; calcification
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Maerl community respiration, photosynthesis and calcification were measured seasonally in the Bay of Brest (France). The dynamics of oxygen, carbon and carbonate fluxes at the water-sediment interface were assessed using benthic chambers. Community respiration (CR) fluctuated in accordance with the seasonal changes in water temperature, from 1.5 mmol C m(-2) h(-1) in winter to 8.7 mmol C m-2 h-1 in summer. Mean gross community production (GCP) varied significantly among seasons, according to incident irradiance and temperature, from 3.4 mmol C m(-2) h(-1) in winter to 12.7 mmol C m(-2) h(-1) in summer. Mean annual P-max for the P-E curve was estimated to 13.3 mmol C m(-2) h(-1). Carbonate precipitation only occurred during light incubations and varied seasonally from 0.7 mmol CaCO3 m(-2) h(-1) in winter to 4.2 mmol CaCO3 m(-2) h(-1) in summer. Mean annual Pmax was 3.2 mmol CaCO3 m(-2) h(-1). Annual CR was estimated to 407.4 g C m(-2) yr(-1), and GCP, to 240.9 g C m(-2) yr(-1). Maerl communities are, therefore, heterotrophic systems (GCP:CR = 0.6), and are a source Of CO2 for surrounding environments. In addition, CO2 released by calcification averaged 39.2 g C m(-2) yr(-1). Maerl community annual carbonate production was estimated to 486.7 g CaCO3 m(-2) yr(-1); they are therefore one of the most important carbonate producers in shallow coastal waters.
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