bioerosion by sea urchins

[Frank KELMO]

Dear Colleagues,
Amongst the disastrous effects of the 1997-98 ENSO I have found the 
following affirmation:
"Sea urchins eroded disturbed coral colonies at rates that exceed 
carbonate production, potentially resulting in the elimination of 
existing reef buildups" 
My question is how sea-urchins erosion can be best assessed? 
Mokady et al. 1996 (Biol Bull, 190(3):367-372), suggest 
quantification of CaCO3 fecal pellets contents + total gut contents. 
Any other suggestions? I would appreciate everything you can track 
down. 
Thanks, Frank.


F.Kelmo
Coral Reef Ecology
Benthic Ecology Research Group
613 Davy Building, University of Plymouth,
Drake Circus, Devon, PL4 8AA
United Kingdom.
Phone: +44 (0)1752 232951 (Lab) +44 (0)870 712 5852 (home)
Fax: +44 (0)1752 232970
E-mail: fkelmo at plymouth.ac.uk
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