Development of Benthic Community on an Artificial Reef Complex, Jeju Island, Korea

Abstract

Development process of benthic community on experimental substrata attached on a newly installed artificial reef complex in Jeju Island was observed for 27 months from 1992 to 1994. Among 34 species of algae and 64 species of zoobenthos obtained from the study, Ecklonia cava dominated with a maximum biomass of about 10 kg/m2. It was able to smother the other animals, however it provided a new substrate for the new settlers. Opportunistic bryzoans such as Likenopora radiata and Dexiospira spirillum occurred during the early stage were substituted by poriferans, banacles and other bryzoans. Young barnacles were smothered by bryozoans, on the contrary, bryozoans were bulldozed by adult barnacles. No apparent differences have been observed between vertically and horizontally installed substrates in terms of species composition and biomass during the early stage of succession. Thereafter owing to the rapid growth of E. cava, the horizontal substrata carried on a higher biomass while the vertical showed a higher coverage. The benthic process on the experimental substrata can be classified into three stages: initial stage, build up stage and regulatory stage. Important mechanisms involved were canopying of E. cava, suffocation by bryozoans and poriferans, and bulldozing of adult barnacles.