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Emerging filamentous red algae blooms: A rising threat to coral reef restoration.

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Title: Emerging filamentous red algae blooms: A rising threat to coral reef restoration.
Alternate Title: Floraciones emergentes de algas rojas filamentosas: una amenaza creciente para la restauración de los arrecifes de coral.
Authors: Toledo-Hernández, Carlos1 cgth0918@gmail.com, Patricia Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia1 ruizclaudia@metaspr.org, Mercado-Molina, Alex E.1,2 alex.mercado1@upr.edu
Source: Revista de Biología Tropical. 2026 Supplement, Vol. 74, p1-4. 4p.
Subjects: CORAL reef restoration, ALGAL blooms, RED algae, CORALS, CORAL declines, ECOLOGICAL impact
Geographic Terms: PUERTO Rico
Abstract (English): Introduction: The in-situ cultivation of acroporid corals in Culebra, Puerto Rico, has been impacted by blooms of filamentous red algae in recent years. Since 2022, the onset of this bloom has occurred from March to the end of April, with a consistent recurrence pattern. The filamentous algae become entangled with corals both in nursery structures and after outplanting to the reef, often leading to partial or complete tissue smothering. Objective: Document, for the first time, the recurrence and ecological impact of a filamentous red algal bloom observed since 2022 in the coral nurseries and restoration sites of Culebra, Puerto Rico. Results: The mortality rate resulting from each bloom event, including corals on farms and transplants, ranged from 5 % to 20 %. The specific algal species or assemblage remains unknown; however, visual inspection is consistent with species of the genus Cottoniella, characterized by fine, red filamentous thalli, profuse branching, and the formation of dense, entangling mats. Conclusions: The environmental factors that promote these blooms and their origin remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, the origin and the geographical distribution of these blooms have not been determined; at present, it is yet unclear whether they are a local or regional phenomenon. It is vital to note that these events, when considered in conjunction with other environmental disturbances, have the potential to compromise the success of coral reef restoration and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Abstract (Spanish): Introducción: El cultivo in situ de corales acropóridos en Culebra, Puerto Rico, se ha visto afectado por floraciones de algas rojas filamentosas en los últimos años. Desde 2022, el inicio de esta floración ha ocurrido de marzo a finales de abril, con un patrón recurrente constante. Las algas filamentosas se enredan con los corales tanto en las estructuras de vivero como después de trasplantarlos al arrecife, lo que a menudo provoca una asfixia parcial o total del tejido. Objetivo: Documentar, por primera vez, la recurrencia e impacto de afloramientos de algas rojas observados desde el 2022, en fincas de corales y áreas de restauración de Culebra, Puerto Rico. Resultados: La tasa de mortalidad resultante de cada floración, incluyendo corales en granjas y trasplantes, osciló entre el 5 % y el 20 %. Se desconoce la especie o conjunto específico de algas; sin embargo, la inspección visual es consistente con especies del género Cottoniella, caracterizadas por finos talos filamentosos rojos, profusa ramificación y la formación de densas esteras enredadas. Conclusiones: Los factores ambientales que promueven estas floraciones y su origen aún no se han dilucidado. Además, no se ha determinado el origen ni la distribución geográfica de estas floraciones; actualmente, no está claro si se trata de un fenómeno local o regional. Es vital señalar que estos eventos, cuando se consideran en conjunto con otras perturbaciones ambientales, tienen el potencial de comprometer el éxito de los esfuerzos de restauración y conservación de los arrecifes de coral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database: MedicLatina
Description
Abstract:Introduction: The in-situ cultivation of acroporid corals in Culebra, Puerto Rico, has been impacted by blooms of filamentous red algae in recent years. Since 2022, the onset of this bloom has occurred from March to the end of April, with a consistent recurrence pattern. The filamentous algae become entangled with corals both in nursery structures and after outplanting to the reef, often leading to partial or complete tissue smothering. Objective: Document, for the first time, the recurrence and ecological impact of a filamentous red algal bloom observed since 2022 in the coral nurseries and restoration sites of Culebra, Puerto Rico. Results: The mortality rate resulting from each bloom event, including corals on farms and transplants, ranged from 5 % to 20 %. The specific algal species or assemblage remains unknown; however, visual inspection is consistent with species of the genus Cottoniella, characterized by fine, red filamentous thalli, profuse branching, and the formation of dense, entangling mats. Conclusions: The environmental factors that promote these blooms and their origin remain to be elucidated. Furthermore, the origin and the geographical distribution of these blooms have not been determined; at present, it is yet unclear whether they are a local or regional phenomenon. It is vital to note that these events, when considered in conjunction with other environmental disturbances, have the potential to compromise the success of coral reef restoration and conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00347744
DOI:10.15517/9j22kx29