Effects of Cyclone "Joy' on nearshore coral communities of the Great Barrier Reef

Abstract

The Keppel Island reefs were affected by extreme floodwaters, which damaged corals to an average depth of 1.3 m below low water datum. Mortality was highest for shallow Acropora spp. and pocilloporids; faviids were most tolerant. Shallow waters around Middle Reef experienced moderate floodwaters, and significant mortality occurred to colonies of Acropora spp.; other corals were not damaged. The Whitsunday Island reefs were subjected to minor floodwaters, and shallow corals suffered little damage; however, deepwater pocilloporids died, possibly because of low incident light during the tropical depression. -from Authors