Wong Chi-chun. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 114-118). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Chinese Abstract --- p.v / Table of Contents --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.x / List of Tables --- p.xii / List of Plates --- p.xiii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Study Site --- p.1 / Chapter 1.3 --- Experimental Organisms --- p.4 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objectives --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5 --- Outline of the Thesis --- p.8 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- The Physical Parameters of AMW and AYW in Ping Chau / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Sedimentation rates --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Particle size analysis for trapped sediments --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Total suspended solid --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Relative light penetration --- p.15 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Sedimentation rates --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Particle size analysis --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Total suspended solids --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Relative light penetration --- p.21 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.21 / Chapter 2.5 --- Summary --- p.27 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- The Growth Rates of Platygyra sinensis and Goniopora columna Under Different Sediment Load Environments / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.28 / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Staining by Alizarin Red S --- p.29 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- X-ray radiography for growth bands --- p.31 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Photography or Video recording --- p.39 / Chapter 3.1.4 --- Counting the number of polyps --- p.33 / Chapter 3.1.5 --- Accurate buoyant weighing technique --- p.33 / Chapter 3.1.6 --- Concrete nail --- p.34 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.36 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.37 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.38 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Sediment-rejection efficiency of Platygyra sinensis and Goniopora columna in situ and in aquarium / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.44 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.45 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- hi si/11 Experiment --- p.45 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- In Aquarium --- p.46 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Statistical analysis --- p.47 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.47 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Behavioral responses --- p.47 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Treatment effects --- p.48 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Convexity of Platygyra sinensis --- p.48 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.52 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- The Effects of Continuous Sediment Influx on Platygyra sinensis and Goniopora columna / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.57 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.59 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Aquaria set-up --- p.59 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Coral handling --- p.60 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Preliminary screening experiment --- p.60 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Persistent sediment influx experiment --- p.61 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Evaluation of zooxanthellae and chlorophyll-a densities --- p.62 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Daily weather records --- p.63 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.63 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Preliminary screening experiment --- p.63 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Persistent influx experiment --- p.64 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Weather data from Hong Kong Observatory --- p.71 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Aquaria condition --- p.71 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.74 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Short-term Sediment Burial Effects on Platygyra sinensis and Goniopora columna --- p.81 / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.81 / Chapter 6.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.82 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- In situ burial experiments --- p.82 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Burial experiment in aquaria --- p.84 / Chapter 6.3 --- Results --- p.85 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Behavioral response --- p.85 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- First in situ burial experiment 一 Oct1999 --- p.85 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Second in situ burial experiment - Jan2000 --- p.92 / Chapter 6.3.4 --- Burial experiment in aquaria - Mid-June2000 --- p.102 / Chapter 6.4 --- Discussion --- p.103 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Summary and Perspective --- p.109 / References --- p.114

Choi Li Si. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 156-168). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Contents --- p.v / List of Tables --- p.ix / List of Figures --- p.xi / Chapter Chapter 1: --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- The distribution and growth of coral and algae in Hong Kong --- p.3 / Chapter 1.3 --- Objectives --- p.6 / Chapter 1.4 --- Study Site --- p.7 / Chapter 1.5 --- Coral species chosen for the experiment --- p.10 / Chapter 1.6 --- Thesis outline --- p.11 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- "General Survey on Changes in Percentage Coverage of Coral and Fleshy Macroalgae in AMW and AYW, Tung Ping Chau, over Time" / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.18 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- In-situ survey methods --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Comparison of coral cover in the presence or absence of algae --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Environmental parameters --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- "Image, data and statistical analysis" --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Coral coverage in AMW and AYW --- p.28 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Percentage algal cover in AMW and AYW --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Dominating fleshy algal species in AMW and AYW --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Comparison of the coral coverage before and after the algal removal --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- Water temperature --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Nutrient levels --- p.32 / Chapter 2.3.7 --- Further observation on the health of the corals during fleshy macroalgal bloom --- p.34 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.35 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- "The Effects of Algal-Coral Interactions on the Photosynthetic Ability of the Coral, Porites lobata in AMW and AYW, Tung Ping Chau" / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Settings of the permanent corals --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Measurement of the seasonal changes in the photosynthetic ability of the corals --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Measurement of the diurnal changes in the photochemical efficiency of Porites lobata --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Correlation of quantum yield with the zooxanthellae density and the chlorophyll a concentrations --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Evaluation of zooxanthellae and chlorophyll-a densities --- p.68 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.69 / Chapter 3.2.6.1 --- Monthly measurement of the photosynthetic ability of the corals --- p.69 / Chapter 3.2.6.2 --- Diurnal measurements of the photosynthetic ability of the corals in May and July2002 --- p.70 / Chapter 3.2.6.3 --- Relationships between quantum yield and zooxanthellae and chlorophyll a concentrations --- p.70 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.70 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- The photosynthetic activities of corals --- p.70 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- The photochemical quenching (qP) of the corals --- p.72 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Diurnal fluctuations in the photosynthetic ability of Porites lobata and the Photo synthetically Active Radiation (PAR) --- p.73 / Chapter 3.3.3.1 --- Photosynthetic quantum yield of Porites lobata --- p.74 / Chapter 3.3.3.2 --- Diurnal changes in the Photo synthetically Active Radiation (PAR) --- p.75 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- The relationship between the photosynthetic ability of the corals and their chlorophyll-a and zooxanthellae densities --- p.76 / Chapter 3.3.5 --- Correlation between photosynthetic activities of corals and eenvironmental parameters --- p.76 / Chapter 3.3.5.1 --- Heights of coral colonies --- p.76 / Chapter 3.3.5.2 --- Photosynthetic ability of the corals and the presence of the drifting algae --- p.77 / Chapter 3.3.5.3 --- Photosynthetic ability of the corals and sea water temperature --- p.77 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.78 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- The photosynthetic activities of the corals --- p.78 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- The photochemical quenching of the corals --- p.80 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Diurnal changes in the photosynthetic efficiencies of the P. lobata --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Relationship between the fluorescence yield and the chlorophyll-a and zooxanthellae densities --- p.82 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- The effects of drifting fleshy macroalgae on the corals: A caging manipulation of their effect on the photosynthetic activities of the corals / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.114 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.115 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Setting up of the cages --- p.115 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Setting up of the corals --- p.116 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Measurement of the photosynthetic activities of the corals --- p.117 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Data and statistical analysis --- p.117 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.117 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- The photosynthetic ability of the corals under different treatments --- p.117 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- The photosynthetic activities of different regions of the corals in each treatment --- p.119 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.120 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- "Interactions between corals, filamentous algal turf and encrusting coralline algae in Tung Ping Chau" / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.135 / Chapter 5.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.138 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.139 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Coral-algal turf interactions --- p.139 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Coral-coralline algae interactions --- p.140 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- General observations on the growth of the algal turf and the CCA on corals --- p.141 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.141 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Summary and Perspectives --- p.152 / References --- p.156

Ma Wai Chun. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 135-150). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.iii / 論文摘要 --- p.vii / Table of contents --- p.x / List of table --- p.xii / List of figure --- p.xiii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Studies on coral population dynamics --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- The study site --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- The experimental organisms --- p.7 / Chapter 1.4 --- Objectives --- p.8 / Chapter 1.5 --- Outline of the thesis --- p.9 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- The patterns of recruitment and mortality of Oulastrea crispata --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Recruitment --- p.13 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Colony mortality --- p.16 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Studies on coral recruitment and mortality in Hong Kong --- p.18 / Chapter 2.2 --- Material & methods --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Sampling methods --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Data and statistical analysis --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Recruitment patterns --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Mortality patterns --- p.26 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.29 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Recruitment --- p.29 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Mortality --- p.33 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- The growth and population structure of a scleractinian coral Oulastrea crispata --- p.58 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.58 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials & methods --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Field procedures --- p.66 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Laboratory procedures --- p.67 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Data analysis --- p.67 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.68 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- The mode of budding for Oulastrea --- p.73 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- The methods of measurement --- p.74 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- The limitation in searching for new recruits --- p.78 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- The variation in the growth curves of Oulastrea --- p.78 / Chapter 3.4.5 --- The seasonal changes in growth rates --- p.79 / Chapter 3.4.6 --- The variation of size structures --- p.81 / Chapter 3.4.7 --- Conclusions --- p.82 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- The competition between a scleractinian coral Oulastrea crispata and macroalgae --- p.109 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.109 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials & methods --- p.113 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Sampling in the field --- p.113 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Works in the laboratory --- p.114 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.116 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Effects of algae on recruitment rates --- p.116 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Effects of algae on colony mortality --- p.116 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Effects of algae on absolute growth rates --- p.117 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Effects of algae on the partial mortality frequency --- p.117 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.117 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- Summary and perspectives --- p.130 / References --- p.135

Woo Chi Kit. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 275-287). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Contents --- p.vii / List of Tables --- p.xii / List of Figures --- p.xvi / Chapter Chapter 1: --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Biotic disturbances --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1.1 --- Competition --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1.2 --- Bioerosion --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.1.3 --- Predation --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.1.4 --- Diseases --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Abiotic disturbances --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.2.1 --- Fluctuating physical parameters --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.2.2 --- Human activity --- p.8 / Chapter 1.1.2.3 --- Pollution --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.2.4 --- Hurricanes --- p.10 / Chapter 1.1.2.5 --- Sedimentation --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Consequences of injuries --- p.11 / Chapter 1.1.3.1 --- Degradation of coral community --- p.12 / Chapter 1.1.3.2 --- Reduction of coral fitness --- p.14 / Chapter 1.1.3.3 --- Recovery from injuries --- p.15 / Chapter 1.2 --- Study Area --- p.17 / Chapter 1.3 --- Objectives --- p.18 / Chapter 1.4 --- Thesis outline --- p.19 / Chapter Chapter 2: --- The regeneration of artificial injuries on scleractinian corals / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.22 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Study site --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Species chosen --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Tissue injury vs scraping injury --- p.29 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Effect of colony size on lesion regeneration --- p.30 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Seasonal differences in lesion regeneration --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.6 --- Monitoring of injury recovery --- p.31 / Chapter 2.2.7 --- Tissue thickness of the coral species --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.8 --- Water temperature --- p.32 / Chapter 2.2.9 --- Image and statistical analyses --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.33 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Regeneration pattern of artificial lesion --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.1.1 --- Regeneration pattern of experiments in summer 2001 --- p.34 / Chapter 2.3.1.2 --- Regeneration pattern of experiments in autumn 2001 --- p.35 / Chapter 2.3.1.3 --- Regeneration pattern of experiments in winter 2001 --- p.36 / Chapter 2.3.1.4 --- Regeneration pattern of experiments in spring 2002 --- p.38 / Chapter 2.3.1.5 --- Regeneration pattern of experiments in summer 2002 --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.1.6 --- Regeneration pattern of experiments in autumn 2002 --- p.39 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Generalized recovery pattern --- p.41 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Statistical analysis of the recovery time of the artificial lesion --- p.42 / Chapter 2.3.3.1 --- Colony size vs Recovery time --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.3.2 --- Tissue injury vs Scraping injury --- p.43 / Chapter 2.3.3.3 --- Recovery times among species with artificial lesions --- p.44 / Chapter 2.3.3.4 --- Recovery time of artificial lesions inflicted at different seasons --- p.44 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Photosynthetic activity of lesions inflicted by artificial injuries --- p.45 / Chapter 2.3.5 --- The tissue thickness of coral species --- p.48 / Chapter 2.3.6 --- Water temperature in Tung Ping Chau --- p.49 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.49 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Rate of recovery in the artificial lesions --- p.49 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Effects of colony size on the recovery of the artificial lesion --- p.51 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Recovery of different injury types --- p.54 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Interspecific differences on regeneration --- p.56 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Seasonal differences in the recovery time of artificial lesions --- p.60 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- Photosynthetic activity of the artificial lesions --- p.62 / Chapter 2.4.7 --- Difficulties and and significance of the experiments --- p.65 / Chapter Chapter 3: --- The regeneration of selected coral species subjected to experimental breakage and toppling / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.135 / Chapter 3.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.139 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Study site --- p.139 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Species chosen --- p.140 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Experimental breakage of Acropora digitifera --- p.140 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Experimental toppling of selected coral species --- p.142 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Image and statistical analysis --- p.143 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.143 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- The regeneration of Acropora digitifera colonies subjected to experimental breakage --- p.143 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Photosynthetic activity of the fragments --- p.147 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- The regeneration of corals subjected to experimental toppling --- p.147 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.150 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Rate of recovery of coral lesions inflicted by artificial breakage --- p.151 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Size dependence of lesion recovery in artificial breakage study --- p.152 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Fragmentation of the branching corals --- p.155 / Chapter 3.4.4 --- Recovery of experimental toppling --- p.159 / Chapter Chapter 4: --- The regeneration of bleached scleractinian corals / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.185 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.189 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Study Site and Species chosen --- p.189 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Recovery of bleached corals in summer 2001 --- p.190 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Recovery of bleached corals in winter --- p.191 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Physical parameters --- p.192 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.192 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.193 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Photosynthetic quantum yield of Hydnophora exesa --- p.193 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Photosynthetic quantum yield of Montipora turgescens --- p.194 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Photosynthetic quantum yield of winter bleached Pontes lutea --- p.195 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Physical parameters --- p.197 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.199 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Bleaching affects photosynthesis --- p.199 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Temperature regulating the photosynthesis --- p.207 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Consequence of coral bleaching --- p.209 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Adaptive bleaching hypothesis --- p.210 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Scope for corals in Hong Kong --- p.211 / Chapter Chapter 5: --- General health conditions of coral communities in Tung Ping Chau / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.221 / Chapter 5.2 --- Methods and materials --- p.224 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Study site --- p.224 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Species chosen --- p.225 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Belt transect and quadrat methods --- p.225 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Definitions of injury types --- p.226 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.229 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.229 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- General surveys of the corals --- p.229 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Injuries on Platygyra acuta --- p.230 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Injuries on Pontes lutea --- p.231 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Injuries on Pavona decussata --- p.235 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Statistical analysis --- p.236 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.237 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Seasonal differences and the health of specific coral in Tung Ping Chau --- p.237 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Partial mortality --- p.240 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Recruitment of bivalves --- p.242 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Physical damage on the coral surface --- p.243 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Summary and Perspectives / Chapter 6.1 --- The regeneration of artificial injuries on scleractinian corals --- p.264 / Chapter 6.2 --- The regeneration of selected coral species subjected to experimental breakage and toppling --- p.267 / Chapter 6.3 --- The regeneration of injuries from natural impact on scleractinian coral --- p.269 / Chapter 6.4 --- General health conditions of selected coral species in Tung Ping Chau --- p.270 / Chapter 6.5 --- Significance of the findings of the experiments carried out in this study --- p.271 / Chapter 6.6 --- Limitations and future works --- p.273 / References --- p.275

石珊瑚是具有自營及異營功能的生物，近年來，異營功能被認為是石珊瑚很重要的營養來源，可令牠們從珊瑚白化中復原。香港每年的海水溫度可由冬天的攝氏十三度升到夏天的三十度，這季節性的溫度變異令香港成為石珊瑚生存的邊緣地方，石珊瑚只能組成群落但不能成礁。雖然環境因素對於石珊瑚的生長並不理想，但大型的珊瑚白化仍沒有發生，這意味著香港的珊瑚比較能夠適應香港的嚴峻困難環境，珊瑚具有的異營功能或許能夠提供牠們額外的能量，作為日常新陳代謝之用。所以，這研究的目標是找出異營功能對香港石珊瑚的重要性，這研究以豐年蝦的無節幼體(Artemia salina nauplii)及團塊角孔珊瑚(Goniopora lobata)作為實驗對象，以找出石珊瑚怎樣應用異營功能來加快生長、提高生理反應及增加能量儲備。此外，這研究還成立了一種量化珊瑚白化的方法，以提供一種簡單、快捷、客觀及不破壞珊瑚為前提的方法來監測珊瑚的健康。 / 本研究紀錄了七種香港常見但具有不同珊瑚蟲大小的石珊瑚的攝食速率，結果發現團塊角孔珊瑚的攝食速率最高，每小時每公升每平方厘米珊瑚表面積的攝食率在白天和晚上分別為203±90隻及145±79隻豐年蝦的無節幼體。攝食速率跟珊瑚蟲面積大小及豐年蝦的密度有著正面的相互關係。團塊角孔珊瑚與其它石珊瑚在外觀上有所不同，牠們無論白天或是晚上也會伸出自己的觸手，這特色令牠們可以攝取更多食物，所以牠們被選為這次研究的實驗珊瑚品種。 / 在異營的情況下，團塊角孔珊瑚的蟲黃藻密度及葉綠素a的濃度在一個月後倍增，由每平方厘米珊瑚表面積的2.75±0.50 x 10⁶蟲黃藻及每平方厘米珊瑚表面積每毫升的23.82±5.42微克葉綠素a到6.00±1.57 x 10⁶蟲黃藻及每平方厘米珊瑚表面積每毫升的53.56±17.66微克葉綠素a，但沒有異營的珊瑚則沒有任何轉變。`此外，從實驗的第二個星期起，應用異營功能的情況下珊瑚的鈣化速率會較快，平均達到每平方厘米珊瑚表面積每小時每公升100微克的生長。無論有異營與否，珊瑚的最大光合作用量子效率也保持在0.6左右。 / 本研究在數碼照片及電腦圖像分析軟件的幫助下，成立了量化珊瑚白化一種簡單、客觀、無破壞性及便宜的方法。這方法使用一塊貼上黑色及白色膠紙的金屬架作為黑白色的參考，再以數碼照片去量度白化的百分比，這方法測出白化了的濱珊瑚屬個體可以達到100%的白化百分比，此外，白化百分比與光合作用效率及蟲黃藻的密度有反向的關係。這方法能有效地在水底定期監測珊瑚的顏色變化，實驗的結果顯示團塊角孔珊瑚的顏色在一年間能有顯著的變化，在春天及秋天牠們只有少於20%的白化百分比，但在夏天及冬天則有超過30%的白化百分比，這跟光合作用效率有反向的關係。 / 在季節性溫度模擬實驗中反映出異營功能可以幫助珊瑚保持光合作用效率及帶來一個較和緩的珊瑚顏色轉變，此外，從團塊角孔珊瑚珊瑚蟲/觸手的長度得知，異營功能能夠令牠們的珊瑚蟲/觸手伸得更長，反映出利用異營功能的珊瑚個體比較健康及能主動地攝取食物。 / 在一天攝氏一度的溫度轉變的另一個實驗下，團塊角孔珊瑚的白化百分比隨著溫度轉變而增加，由20%增至60%，此外，長期的高溫壓力對於牠們較有破壞性，實驗結果顯示團塊角孔珊瑚在攝氏三十四度的高溫下會把其珊瑚蟲及觸手縮回在骨骼裏，而其白化百分比在實驗後的兩個月仍沒有下降的現象；珊瑚在攝氏十二度的低溫壓力下，並慢慢地回復到牠們合適的水溫後，牠們的顏色則漸變正常，珊瑚蟲/觸手也慢慢伸出來。但在更低的低溫壓力下(攝氏十度)，珊瑚蟲則從骨骼裏脫離，不能再回復。珊瑚蟲/觸手的長度或許能夠顯示珊瑚的健康及攝食狀態，實驗結果顯示珊瑚蟲/觸手的長度與水溫一起上升，但在低溫及攝氏三十度下，珊瑚蟲/觸手會慢慢縮回。利用異營功能與否對牠們的熱適應沒有任何分別，在攝氏十二度的低溫情況下，異營更帶來負面的影響，致珊瑚有較短的半致死時間。所以，在極端低溫及高溫的情況下，石珊瑚可能使用了很多的能量去抵抗轉變，但確不能從異營中取得額外的營養。本研究最後一個實驗正正反映出這個實況，展示出團塊角孔珊瑚最佳的攝食溫度為攝氏二十三度，每小時每公升每珊瑚蟲可進食28.11±4.59隻豐年蝦，但在攝氏十四跟三十二度下，牠們每小時每公升每珊瑚蟲只吃了約6隻豐年蝦。異營功能在合適的溫度下能夠提高珊瑚的能量儲備及蟲黃藻的密度，但在極端的溫度下，能量儲備則減少，甚至比自營的珊瑚個體還要低。總括而言，異營及自營功能對石珊瑚都是非常重要，但異營功能並不是絶對可以幫助珊瑚去抵抗嚴峻的環境壓力。 / 這次研究幫助認識了異營功能對香港珊瑚群落的作用，從而知道它能夠提供營養，提高蟲黃藻密度及能量儲備，香港石珊瑚可能依靠異營功能來適應香港特殊的環境。 / Scleractinian corals form coral communities in Hong Kong, a marginal area for their growth because of its fluctuating seawater surface temperature (SST) that ranged from 13 to 30ºC throughout a year. In spite of this, mass coral bleaching has not occurred in Hong Kong. It may be possible that Hong Kong corals are tougher, well adapted to the Hong Kong stressful environment. Heterotrophy may contribute significantly to their daily metabolic demand. This research therefore aimed at finding out the roles of heterotrophy in Hong Kong corals using Artemia salina nauplii as their food. / Goniopora lobata exhibited the highest feeding rate among all species tested. It is unique in having its polyps and tentacles extended all day long. This characteristic allows it to grab more food during the day than the other coral species examined and hence it was chosen to be the candidate for heterotrophy studies in this research. / With heterotrophy (Artemia salina nauplii feeding), zooxanthellae density and Chl a concentration were doubled in fed G. lobata colonies in 4 weeks. Calcification rates of fed colonies were generally higher than those of unfed colonies starting from the second week of a four week experiment. / Using digital imagery and computer image analysis, an easy, objective, non-destructive and inexpensive method was developed to quantify coral bleaching in terms of its % whiteness. This % whiteness of a coral is expressed with reference to the black and white markers around a metal frame or PVC plates. It was negatively correlated with photosynthetic efficiency and zooxanthellae density. When applied on G. lobata in situ, it was found that this coral showed seasonal fluctuation with < 20% whiteness in spring and autumn, but greater than 30% whiteness in summer and winter. / Experimental set up with seasonal temperature fluctuation pattern simulating that in the field revealed that heterotrophy can help to sustain photosynthetic yield and elicit a gentle coral colour change in G. lobata over time. Moreover, fed G. lobata extended their polyps / tentacles at a greater length than the unfed colonies, suggesting that fed colonies were more healthy and active in capturing food. / Heat stress was found to be more deleterious to G. lobata colonies such that they cannot extend their polyp / tentacles nor regain their colour two months after the thermal tolerance experiment using Chronic Lethal Methodologies (CLM) approach. In contrast, colonies of G. lobata cold-stressed at 12ºC had their colour returned to normal and their polyps / tentacles extended after a few days. The degree of extension of polyp / tentacle of G. lobata could thus be used as an indication of its health or feeding status. Under the cold stressed treatment of 12ºC, heterotrophy was even detrimental and a lower median lethal time (LT50) was found in fed colonies. Hence, it is likely that corals under extreme low and high temperatures would deplete more of their energy reserves and could not replenish them because of decline in their feeding rates. To verify this, additional experiment was carried out to evaluate the relationship between coral feeding rates, symbiont responses and energy reserves at a wide range of temperature from 14ºC to 32ºC. Results showed that feeding rate of G. lobata was optimal at 23ºC and much lowered at extremes. It also showed that heterotrophy was important in enhancing coral energy reserves and symbiont density under optimal feeding temperatures (23ºC and 27.5ºC) but less important under extreme temperatures such that energy reserves became even lower than that in the unfed colonies. This suggests that heterotrophy and autotrophy are both important to coral nutrition. Under optimal condition, heterotrophy could play a significant role in supplementing corals with additional energy reserves that could be used to overcome stresses. However, under extreme conditions, feeding stops and heterotrophy can no longer play its role and at times, could even be detrimental to the survival of the corals. / These findings from all the experiments are useful in providing the insight needed to understand the role of heterotrophy in Hong Kong corals and their effects on various physiological responses. Heterotrophy is important to provide nutrients for better growth, higher symbiont density and increased energy reserves and it may be the reasons why Hong Kong corals are tougher and can withstand a wide range of temperature fluctuation throughout a year. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Chow, Ming Him. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 221-251). / Abstracts also in Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / 摘要 --- p.vi / Contents --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.xv / List of Figures --- p.xvi / Chapter Chapter 1 --- General Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Coral reef and its importance --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Scleractinian corals and coral-algal symbiosis --- p.3 / Chapter 1.1.3 --- Heterotrophic nutrition --- p.4 / Chapter 1.1.4 --- Autotrophy-heterotrophy dynamics --- p.6 / Chapter 1.1.5 --- Coral growth and calcification under heterotrophy --- p.7 / Chapter 1.1.6 --- Environmental stressors and coral bleaching --- p.9 / Chapter 1.1.7 --- Coral status in Hong Kong --- p.11 / Chapter 1.2 --- Significance of the project --- p.14 / Chapter 1.3 --- Study objectives --- p.15 / Chapter 1.4 --- Study site Wu Pai (Crescent Island) and Chek Chau (Port Island) --- p.16 / Chapter 1.5 --- Coral species chosen for the experiments --- p.17 / Chapter 1.6 --- Thesis outline --- p.18 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- Diurnal Heterotrophy in Corals as a Function of Their Polyp Size / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Site description and sample collection --- p.26 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Feeding experiments --- p.27 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Artemia density count and feeding rate determination --- p.28 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Data analysis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Feeding rate of scleractinian corals between day and night --- p.30 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Relationships between feeding rate and coral polyp area --- p.31 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Relationship between feeding rate, Artemia concentration and feeding duration --- p.32 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.34 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Feeding rate of scleractinian corals --- p.34 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Hong Kong underwater environment --- p.38 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Goniopora lobata as an active feeder --- p.39 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Day and night differences --- p.40 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Mechanisms of coral heterotrophy --- p.42 / Chapter 2.5 --- Summary --- p.43 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Effects of Heterotrophy on the Growth and Photosynthetic Physiological Responses of Goniopora lobata / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Sample collection and conditioning --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Coral culture experiment --- p.56 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Feeding rate determination 57 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Measurements of zooxanthellae density and chlorophyll a concentration --- p.57 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Measurements of calcification rate --- p.59 / Chapter 3.2.6 --- Measurements of photosynthetic efficiency of corals --- p.61 / Chapter 3.2.7 --- Data analysis --- p.61 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Feeding rate --- p.62 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Zooxanthellae density and chlorophyll a concentration --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Calcification rate --- p.63 / Chapter 3.3.4 --- Maximum quantum yield --- p.64 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.65 / Chapter 3.4.1 --- Coral feeding rate, zooxanthellae density and chlorophyll a concentration --- p.65 / Chapter 3.4.2 --- Calcification rate --- p.67 / Chapter 3.4.3 --- Photosynthetic responses in fed and unfed corals --- p.69 / Chapter 3.5 --- Summary --- p.70 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Quantifying the Degree of Coral Bleaching using Photoquadrat and Computer Image Analysis / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.76 / Chapter 4.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.79 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Design of photoquadrat --- p.79 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Photo image analysis --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2.3 --- Trial run and normalization of the technique --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.3.1 --- Intensity of normal and bleached sections of a coral Porites sp. --- p.81 / Chapter 4.2.3.2 --- Intensity of coral Goniopora lobata under different exposure settings and contrasts --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.4 --- Field application of the technique on other coral species --- p.82 / Chapter 4.2.5 --- Evaluation of the use of % whiteness to estimate photosynthetic physiological states of the coral Goniopora lobata --- p.83 / Chapter 4.2.5.1 --- Collection and photo taking of samples --- p.83 / Chapter 4.2.5.2 --- Photosynthetic quantum yield --- p.84 / Chapter 4.2.5.3 --- Tissue extraction and sample preservation for zooxanthellae and chlorophyll a measurements --- p.84 / Chapter 4.2.5.4 --- Zooxanthellae density count and determination of chlorophyll a concentration --- p.85 / Chapter 4.2.6 --- Data analysis --- p.86 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Percent whiteness calculation --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Normalization of the technique --- p.88 / Chapter 4.3.2.1 --- Effect of simulated changes in light condition (exposure compensation) on % whiteness estimation --- p.88 / Chapter 4.3.2.2 --- Effect of simulated changes in turbidity (contrasts) on % whiteness estimation --- p.88 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Colour change in common coral species at different seasons --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- Relationship between % whiteness and photosynthetic physiological states of corals --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.4.1 --- Effective quantum yield vs % whiteness --- p.90 / Chapter 4.3.4.2 --- Zooxanthellae density per coral surface area vs % whiteness --- p.90 / Chapter 4.3.4.2 --- Chlorophyll a concentration per cm² coral surface area vs % whiteness --- p.91 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.91 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Measure of coral colour in terms of % whiteness --- p.92 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Effects of extreme conditions in estimating coral % whiteness --- p.93 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Changes in intensity of coral colours at different seasons --- p.95 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Comparison with other approaches to quantify coral colour change --- p.96 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Estimation of coral % whiteness as a tool to assess photosynthetic physiological state of corals --- p.98 / Chapter 4.4.6 --- Potential limitations of the technique --- p.100 / Chapter 4.5 --- Summary --- p.101 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- High and Low Thermal Tolerance Limits of Goniopora lobata / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.112 / Chapter 5.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.116 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Sample collection and conditioning --- p.116 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Polyp / tentacle length classification of Goniopora lobata --- p.117 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Upper thermal limit experiment (Experiment 1) --- p.118 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Lower thermal limit experiment (Experiments 2A and 2B) --- p.118 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Data analysis --- p.119 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.120 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Experiment 1 (Upper thermal tolerances of corals) --- p.120 / Chapter 5.3.1.1 --- Daily changes in the frequency of polyp / tentacle length classes of coral colonies --- p.120 / Chapter 5.3.1.2 --- Mortality and LT₅₀ --- p.121 / Chapter 5.3.1.3 --- % whiteness --- p.121 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Experiment 2A (Lower thermal tolerances of corals, lower limit: 12ºC) --- p.122 / Chapter 5.3.2.1 --- Daily changes in the frequency of polyp / tentacle length classes of coral colonies --- p.122 / Chapter 5.3.2.2 --- Mortality and LT₅₀ --- p.123 / Chapter 5.3.2.3 --- % whiteness --- p.123 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Experiment 2B (Lower thermal tolerances of corals, lower limit: 10ºC) --- p.124 / Chapter 5.3.3.1 --- Daily changes in the frequency of polyp / tentacle length classes of coral colonies --- p.124 / Chapter 5.3.3.2 --- Mortality and LT₅₀ --- p.125 / Chapter 5.3.3.3 --- % whiteness --- p.125 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.126 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Polyp / tentacle lengths of Goniopora lobata under different temperatures --- p.126 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- The effects of heterotrophy (feeding) on G. lobata survivorship under extreme temperatures --- p.127 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Coral colour and bleaching --- p.128 / Chapter 5.4.4 --- Upper, lower thermal tolerances and LT₅₀ of Goniopora lobata --- p.128 / Chapter 5.4.5 --- Coral recovery --- p.129 / Chapter 5.4.6 --- Corals after thermal stress --- p.130 / Chapter 5.4.7 --- Application of CLM approach and its implications --- p.131 / Chapter 5.5 --- Summary --- p.132 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Seasonal Variations in Coral Colour and Physiological Responses of Goniopora lobata in situ and ex situ / Chapter 6.1 --- Introduction --- p.142 / Chapter 6.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.147 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Seasonal field study --- p.147 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- Laboratory study --- p.148 / Chapter 6.2.3 --- Data analysis --- p.150 / Chapter 6.3 --- Results --- p.152 / Chapter 6.3.1 --- Ambient seawater temperature, effective quantum yield and % whiteness of Goniopora lobata colonies in the natural environment --- p.152 / Chapter 6.3.2 --- Zooplankton abundance and biomass --- p.153 / Chapter 6.3.3 --- Responses of G. lobata under the simulated environmental conditions --- p.154 / Chapter 6.3.3.1 --- Coral mortality --- p.154 / Chapter 6.3.3.2 --- Seasonal maximum quantum yields --- p.155 / Chapter 6.3.3.3 --- Seasonal feeding rates --- p.155 / Chapter 6.3.3.4 --- Seasonal change in coral colours --- p.156 / Chapter 6.4 --- Discussion --- p.156 / Chapter 6.4.1 --- Coral colour change, effective quantum yield, seawater temperature, zooplankton abundance and coral heterotrophy in the natural environment --- p.157 / Chapter 6.4.2 --- Coral responses under simulated seasonal change conditions --- p.160 / Chapter 6.4.3 --- Comparison of coral responses to seasonal change under natural and simulated laboratory conditions --- p.163 / Chapter 6.4.4 --- Limitations of this simulation approach --- p.165 / Chapter 6.5 --- Summary --- p.167 / Chapter Chapter 7 --- Effects of Temperature and Heterotrophy on Physiological Responses and Energy Reserves of Goniopora lobata / Chapter 7.1 --- Introduction --- p.177 / Chapter 7.2 --- Materials and Methods --- p.180 / Chapter 7.2.1 --- Sample collection and acclimation --- p.180 / Chapter 7.2.2 --- Design of the experiment --- p.181 / Chapter 7.2.3 --- Artemia feeding experiments --- p.181 / Chapter 7.2.4 --- Coral tissue extraction and analysis --- p.182 / Chapter 7.2.4.1 --- Zooxanthellae and chlorophyll a measurement --- p.183 / Chapter 7.2.4.2 --- Protein content analysis --- p.184 / Chapter 7.2.4.3 --- Carbohydrate content analysis --- p.184 / Chapter 7.2.4.4 --- Total lipid content analysis --- p.185 / Chapter 7.2.5 --- Photosynthetic quantum yield measurement --- p.186 / Chapter 7.2.6 --- Coral colour quantification --- p.186 / Chapter 7.2.7 --- Data analysis --- p.187 / Chapter 7.3 --- Results --- p.188 / Chapter 7.3.1 --- Feeding rate --- p.188 / Chapter 7.3.2 --- Zooxanthellae density --- p.188 / Chapter 7.3.3 --- Chlorophyll a (Chl a) content --- p.190 / Chapter 7.3.4 --- Protein content --- p.191 / Chapter 7.3.5 --- Carbohydrate contents --- p.191 / Chapter 7.3.6 --- Total lipids --- p.192 / Chapter 7.3.7 --- Maximum quantum yield --- p.193 / Chapter 7.3.8 --- Coral colour --- p.194 / Chapter 7.4 --- Discussion --- p.195 / Chapter 7.4.1 --- Feeding responses under different temperatures --- p.196 / Chapter 7.4.2 --- Symbiont responses under different temperatures --- p.198 / Chapter 7.4.3 --- Energy reserves --- p.199 / Chapter 7.4.4 --- Autotrophy-heterotrophy dynamics --- p.201 / Chapter 7.5 --- Summary --- p.202 / Chapter Chapter 8 --- Summary and Perspectives --- p.212 / References --- p.221

A 3-dimensional individual-based model, the ReefModel, was developed to simulate the interaction among six functional groups of coral reef organisms (tabular coral, foliaceous coral, massive coral, macroalga, corallivorous gastropod and herbivorous fish) using an object-oriented technique. The simulation results suggest that (i) fast-growing habit with overtopping competitive mechanism is effective for corals to gain dominance in a stable coral community; (ii) the integration of physical disturbance and the differential responses of corals play an important role in structuring coral communities; (iii) macroalgal influence can cause significant shift in coral community structure, but the influence can be mediated by herbivory; (iv) gastropod predation provides differential effects on different coral groups; (v) alternative stable states can occur in coral reef communities and result from the influence of small random spatial events that occur early on during the interactions among the reef organisms. / A two year (1997--1999) monitoring programme of the coral communities at two sites, A Ma Wan (AMW) and A Ye Wan (AYW), in Tung Ping Chau, Hong Kong was carried out. The study identified a total of 45 scleractinian coral species in the study areas, in which 40 species were recorded in AMW and 32 species were recorded in AYW. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) ordinations showed that distinct spatial variations occurred in the coral communities within and between sites and were probably due to the differential effects of the repeated severe cyclone impacts on the communities. The seasonal influence of corallivorous gastropods (Drupella rugosa and Cronia margariticola ) and macroalgae also caused substantial decrease in percent cover of various dominant species in the communities. / Another two year (1998--1999) monitoring programme on the reef fish communities in the study areas was also carried out. The study identified a total of 106 species in the study areas, in which 87 species were recorded in AMW and 78 species were recorded in AYW. A seasonal pattern was observed in the abundances and species richness of all fishes and of most of the frequently encountered families/trophic groups in both study areas. This pattern may be related to the seasonal fluctuation of macroalgae, the influence of recruitment and post-settlement of fish larvae, and the seasonal variation in the behaviour of fishes. MDS ordinations demonstrated that spatial variation in fish community structure existed within and between sites and were possibly related to the spatial variation of the coral community structure therein. The ordinations also showed that the fish community structures were not seasonally stable throughout the study period. / Coral reef communities have high ecological and economic values but are under increasing human-induced stress locally and worldwide. Long-term monitoring of the communities is thus essential to understand the natural variation of the communities in order to provide objective assessment on the impacts of human on them. Furthermore, anthropogenic disturbances are known to cause phase shifts of coral reef communities that suggests the potential existence of alternative stable states in these communities. Examining this diagnosis by modelling studies is important for their conservation. / In conclusion, the coral communities in Tung Ping Chau, Hong Kong may have low resilience towards severe disturbances. Preserving the coral resilience should be one of the main goals of any strategy aimed at conserving the coral communities around the island. Precautionary principle should also be adopted in their conservation as the alternative stable states may appear in the communities after exposure to human or naturally induced disturbances. / Tam Tze Wai. / "April 2006." / Adviser: Put O. Ang, Jr. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 67-11, Section: B, page: 6168. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 199-211). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

Hui, Yuk Ling. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 132-146). / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / Acknowledgements --- p.i / Abstract (English) --- p.ii / Abstract (Chinese) --- p.vi / Contents --- p.viii / List of Tables --- p.xi / List of Figures --- p.xiii / Chapter Chapter 1 --- Introduction --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- General biology of scleractinian corals --- p.1 / Chapter 1.2 --- Global coral degradation --- p.2 / Chapter 1.3 --- Effects of temperature and other environmental factors on coral growth and development --- p.4 / Chapter 1.4 --- Restoration strategies --- p.6 / Chapter 1.5 --- Scleractinian corals in Hong Kong and study site of this thesis research --- p.9 / Chapter 1.6 --- Target coral species --- p.10 / Chapter 1.7 --- Objectives --- p.11 / Chapter 1.8 --- Thesis outline --- p.12 / Chapter Chapter 2 --- "Gametogenic Cycles of Acropora tumida in Cheung Sha Wan,Tung Ping Chau, HKSAR" --- p.17 / Chapter 2.1 --- Introduction --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Samples collection --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Histology --- p.20 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Gamete classification and measurements --- p.21 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Temperature records --- p.23 / Chapter 2.2.5 --- Data analysis --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3 --- Results --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Gametogenic cycle of Acropora tumida --- p.23 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Oogenesis in Acropora tumida --- p.24 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Spermatogenesis in Acropora tumida --- p.29 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Temperature data --- p.30 / Chapter 2.4 --- Discussion --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Gametogenic cycle of Acropora tumida --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Oogenesis in Acropora tumida --- p.32 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Spermatogenesis in Acropora tumida --- p.34 / Chapter Chapter 3 --- Comparison on the Oogenesis in Acropora tumida Grown Ex situ and In situ --- p.44 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.44 / Chapter 3.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Samples collection --- p.48 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Histological analysis --- p.50 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Environmental conditions --- p.50 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- Data analysis --- p.51 / Chapter 3.3 --- Results --- p.52 / Chapter 3.3.1 --- Comparison of oogenesis in ex situ and in situ Acropora tumida samples --- p.52 / Chapter 3.3.2 --- Comparison of spermary development in ex situ and in situ Acropora tumida samples --- p.54 / Chapter 3.3.3 --- Environmental conditions --- p.54 / Chapter 3.4 --- Discussion --- p.55 / Chapter Chapter 4 --- Oogenesis along a Fragmentation Gradient in the Branching coral Acropora tumida --- p.70 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.70 / Chapter 4.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.74 / Chapter 4.2.1 --- Samples collection and histological analysis --- p.74 / Chapter 4.2.2 --- Data analysis --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3 --- Results --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Oogenesis in intact Acropora tumida colonies --- p.76 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Oogenesis in Acropora tumida fragments --- p.77 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Sterile zone in Acropora tumida branch tips --- p.78 / Chapter 4.4 --- Discussion --- p.79 / Chapter Chapter 5 --- "Temperature Effects on the Survivorship, Growth and Oogenesis in Acropora tumida Fragments Grown under Laboratory Conditions " --- p.87 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.87 / Chapter 5.2 --- Methods and Materials --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Samples collection --- p.91 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Samples culture --- p.92 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Survivorship --- p.93 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Growth measurement --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- Reproductive analysis --- p.94 / Chapter 5.2.6 --- Statistical analysis --- p.95 / Chapter 5.3 --- Results --- p.95 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- Temperatures in ex situ ambient aquaria and the in situ site at Tung Ping Chau --- p.95 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Survivorship of coral branches --- p.96 / Chapter 5.3.3 --- Growth measurement --- p.97 / Chapter 5.3.4 --- Oogenic development --- p.98 / Chapter 5.3.4.1 --- Oocyte developmental stages --- p.99 / Chapter 5.3.4.2 --- Oocyte size measurement --- p.100 / Chapter 5.3.4.3 --- Oocyte density --- p.103 / Chapter 5.3.5 --- Spermary developmental stages --- p.105 / Chapter 5.4 --- Discussion --- p.105 / Chapter 5.4.1 --- Survivorship --- p.105 / Chapter 5.4.2 --- Growth measurement --- p.107 / Chapter 5.4.3 --- Oogenesis under different temperature conditions --- p.109 / Chapter 5.4.3.1 --- Oocyte developmental stage --- p.109 / Chapter 5.4.3.2 --- Oocyte size measurement and density --- p.113 / Chapter 5.4.5 --- Spermary developmental stage --- p.114 / Chapter Chapter 6 --- Summary and Perspectives --- p.128 / References --- p.132

Ocean circulation changes in the tropical Pacific strongly influence global climate, as demonstrated during El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) extremes. Understanding the causes of past variability in tropical Pacific circulation and their relationship to climate change will help to predict how future climate may evolve under anthropogenic radiative forcing. I measure fossil coral radiocarbon (Δ¹⁴C) from Palmyra (6°N, 162°W) and Christmas (2°N, 157°W) Islands in the central tropical Pacific to reconstruct high-resolution records of tropical Pacific ocean circulation variability over the last millennium. Variations in coral Δ¹⁴C from Palmyra and Christmas reflect a combination of the atmospheric concentration of ¹⁴C at the time of growth, Δ¹⁴C-depleted waters associated with equatorial upwelling, and Δ¹⁴C -enriched waters advected from the western tropical Pacific. Existing oxygen isotopic (δ ¹⁸O) records of the Palmyra and Christmas fossil corals reveal a rich history of interannual to centennial variability in sea-surface temperature (SST) and salinity over the last millennium [Cobb et al., 2003b]. My approach targets specific time intervals associated with strong interannual to centennial-scale coral δ ¹⁸O anomalies for high-resolution Δ¹⁴C analysis. Seasonally-resolved Δ¹⁴C measurements are used to compare interannual Δ¹⁴C variability across the 10th, 13th, 15th, 17th, and 20th centuries. Annually-resolved Δ¹⁴C measurements are used to compare decadal to centennial-scale Δ¹⁴C variations from the 10th, 12th - 15th and 17th centuries. SEM photos are used to assess the fidelity of the coral Δ¹⁴C records with respect to post-depositional alteration of the coral skeleton. I find evidence for minor dissolution and addition of secondary aragonite, but my results indicate that coral Δ¹⁴C is only compromised after moderate to severe diagenesis. Despite strong ENSO signals in modern and fossil coral δ ¹⁸O, our data show no statistically significant interannual variability in coral ¹⁴C. There is a centennial-scale increase in coral radiocarbon from the Medieval Climate Anomaly (MCA, ~900-1200AD) to the Little Ice Age (LIA, ~1500-1800). I use a box model of central tropical Pacific Δ¹⁴C contributions to show that this centennial-scale trend over the last millennium is largely explained by centennial-scale changes in atmospheric ¹⁴C. However, large 12th century depletions in Palmyra coral ∆¹⁴C data cannot be explained by atmospheric ¹⁴C variability and likely reflect a roughly two-fold increase in upwelling and/or a significant change in the ¹⁴C of higher-latitude source waters reaching the equatorial Pacific during this time. Conversely, significantly enriched Christmas coral ∆¹⁴C values during the 16th century are consistent with a two-fold reduction in upwelling strength and/or the advection of high-¹⁴C waters to the equatorial thermocline from higher latitudes.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Hong Kong, 1999. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 370-441).

Coral bleaching is a worldwide result of climate change that is affecting the marine ecosystems greatly. Methods to help solve the issue have been previously explored and Beneficial Microorganisms for Corals (BMCs) have been proven to help mitigate coral bleaching in laboratory trials. In their efforts to test its effectiveness on the field, scientists have found that it would be beneficial to have a constant, biocompatible, source of BMCs. We have tested Calcium Alginate microspheres, what we call Alginate Beads, in terms of release rate and cell viability to determine if they are fit to be used as vectors for the BMC consortia. By placing the Beads in two different temperatures representing winter and summer temperatures in the Red Sea in agitation we were able to understand their dynamics more clearly. By using Flow Cytometry, Colony Forming Units, and microscopy techniques we were able to see that Alginate Beads incorporate bacteria into their matrix and keep them viable for up to two weeks. We also observed that the Beads release more bacterial cells at higher temperatures compared to lower temperatures. This suggests that when used in the field, Alginate Beads are able to sustain the bacteria for a prolonged time period and it will release bacteria at a higher rate in warmer temperatures potentially either season or region-wise. Hence, we believe that Alginate Beads could be suitable as vectors for field research and should be explored further.