title: Effects of sediments on the reproductive cycle of corals.
abstract: Dredging, river plumes and natural resuspension events can release sediments into the water column where they exert a range of effects on underlying communities. In this review we examine possible cause-effect pathways whereby light reduction, elevated suspended sediments and sediment deposition could affect the reproductive cycle and early life histories of corals. The majority of reported or likely effects (30+) were negative, including a suite of previously unrecognized effects on gametes. The length of each phase of the life-cycle was also examined together with analysis of water quality conditions that can occur during a dredging project over equivalent durations, providing a range of environmentally relevant exposure scenarios for future testing. The review emphasizes the need to: (a) accurately quantify exposure conditions, (b) identify the mechanism of any effects in future studies, and (c) recognize the close interlinking of proximate factors which could confound interpretation of studies.
authors.affiliation: Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Perth, Australia; Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), Perth, Australia; Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. Electronic address: r.jones@aims.gov.au.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Perth, Australia; Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), Perth, Australia; Centre of Microscopy, Charaterisation and Analysis, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. Electronic address: g.ricardo@aims.gov.au.
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Ricardo
authors.affiliation: Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), Perth, Australia; Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), Perth, Australia. Electronic address: a.negri@aims.gov.au.
authors.forename: A P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Negri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D047108:Embryonic Development; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D019015:Geologic Sediments; D008675:Metamorphosis, Biological; D012098:Reproduction; D045483:Rivers; D013472:Sunlight; D014867:Water; D060753:Water Quality
chemical_list: D014867:Water
keywords: Coral spawning; Dredging; Fertilization; Reproduction; Sediment; Settlement