Spatial Patterns and Short-term Changes of Coral Assemblages Along a Cross-shelf Gradient in the Southwestern Lagoon of New Caledonia

A significant correlation between juvenile and adult coral distributions suggests that adult assemblages are partly shaped by short-term recruitment patterns. This finding highlights the dynamic nature of coral reef ecosystems, where past recruitment events can influence current assemblage structures. The study investigated spatial distribution and interannual variability (2006–2008) of coral assemblages across 10 stations in New Caledonia's southwestern lagoon, evaluating cross-shelf gradients. Coral cover, generic richness, and abundance varied among fringing, mid-shelf, and barrier reefs, with abundance increasing with distance from shore. While assemblage composition was generally habitat-related, some overlap existed between mid-shelf and fringing reefs. Interannual changes were minimal but detected in specific genera at mid-shelf and barrier reefs, indicating localized high turnover rates.

Adjeroud, M., Poisson, E., Peignon, C., Penin, L., & Kayal, M. (2019). Spatial Patterns and Short-term Changes of Coral Assemblages Along a Cross-shelf Gradient in the Southwestern Lagoon of New Caledonia. Diversity, 11(2), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/d11020021