Dissolved nutrients of a high-latitude coral reef, Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia

Abstract

Dissolved nutrients were monitored at 20 stations over a 2 yr period in the Easter Group of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia. Nutrient concentrations were greater inside the reef complex than concentrations In the oceanic region outside the island groups. Winter concentrations of dissolved organic phosphorus and nitrogen were high in the channels and along the islands, and reactive (inorganic) phosphate was high over the reef flats in winter. We suggest a mechanism for nutrient enrichment of the island groups whereby macroalgal material, tom by waves from the extensive algal stands along reef margins, IS deposited inside the reef complex and through remineralization processes form a significant nutrient source in the lagoon.