Managing an invasive corallimorph at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Line Islands, Central Pacific

A significant phase shift from coral to corallimorpharian dominance, centered around a shipwreck at Palmyra Atoll, was documented in 2007. This invasive species threatened the reef ecosystem by overgrowing native corals and coralline algae. Management efforts, including the removal of the shipwreck and the application of pulverized bleach, demonstrated localized reductions in corallimorpharian cover. The study highlights the effectiveness of targeted interventions, such as active eradication in heavily infested areas (> 66% cover), to mitigate colonization rates and protect remaining reefs. This research provides critical insights into managing invasive cnidarians, offering lessons applicable to similar situations globally.

Work, T. M., Aeby, G. S., Neal, B. P., Price, N. N., Conklin, E., & Pollock, A. (2018). Managing an invasive corallimorph at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge, Line Islands, Central Pacific. Biological Invasions, 20(8), 2197–2208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-018-1696-1