Nitrogen Fixation in a Coral Reef Community

DOI Web Site 3 Citations
  • W. J. Wiebe
    Department of Microbiology, University of Georgia, Athens 30602
  • R. E. Johannes
    Department of Zoology, University of Georgia
  • K. L. Webb
    Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Gloucester Point 23062

Abstract

<jats:p> Algal reef flats at Enewetak Atoll, Marshall Islands, fix atmospheric nitrogen at rates comparable to those in managed agriculture. The dominant nitrogen fixer appears to be the blue-green alga <jats:italic>Calothrix crustacea</jats:italic> . Since this nutrient enrichment contributes to the high productivity of adjacent coral reefs and undoubtedly to atoll lagoons, it is recommended that the algal reef flats receive increased conservation priority. </jats:p>

Journal

  • Science

    Science 188 (4185), 257-259, 1975-04-18

    American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

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