Assessment of determinating process in associated diversity and formation of rhodolith beds in different spatial scales

Abstract

Rhodoliths are free living nodules formed by coralline crustose algae that constitute unique habitats. These nodules promote the formation of multidimensional micro-habitats which can support a highly diverse community including macroalgae, invertebrates and other organisms. In addition to initiatives to commercially exploit CaCO3 from rhodolith beds, these diverse ecosystems within the Brazilian economic exclusive zone (ZEE) are often potential sites for oil and gas extraction. Applying, the precautionary principle, the IBAMA (Environmental Agency of the Brazilian government) has denied requests for drilling activities where rhodolith beds occur. Understanding of the main organisms associated with rhodoliths and how this benthic community is dependent on the physical structure of the nodules are important scientific questions in understanding and conserving Brazilian marine biodiversity. Here, we will determine physical parameters of the rhodoliths that can be used as predictors of the associated community, and which can be used in classification of these habitats. Futhermore, other important questions concerning rhodolith beds formation from fragments of dead corals. We will study the case of the recently rhodolith beds mapped by the researches involved in this proposal. (AU)