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1. Hughes, D.T. 1973. Democracy in the Philippines and on Ponape: A Comparison of Two Political Systems Structured on the U.S. Model. Micronesica. 9 (1): 1-10. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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Democracy in the Philippines and on Ponape: A Comparison of Two Political Systems Structured on the U.S. Model

Hughes, D.T.

The purpose of the present report is to illustrate the way in which democracy, just as any other political system, can be modified by the traditional values of a particular society. We shall attempt to do this by comparing the effect of traditional values in two different societies upon the democratic structure which each has borrowed from the U.S. In this comparison we shall focus on one aspect of democracy, the obligation of political leaders and government officials to place the interests of the community of the nation ahead of personal gain and personal obligations and on the way that traditional values influence the fulfillment of this obligation.

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Micronesica 9 (1): 1-10, 1973.

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Hughes 1973	pdf democracy_in_the_philippines_on_ponape-_a_comparison_of_two_political_systems_structured_on_the_u.s._model_hughes_d.t.-micronesica_vol._9_no._1_jul._1973_o.pdf (706.28 KB)	706.28 KB

2. Underwood, J.H. 1973. Population History of Guam: Context of Microevolution. Micronesica. 9 (1): 11-44. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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Population History of Guam: Context of Microevolution

Underwood, J.H.

The status of population history studies in the Pacific has advanced materially in recent years, culminating in such significant publications as those by McArthur (1968), Schmitt (1968), Pool (1961 et seq.), Voisin (1962), and others. Notably, comparable advances have not been forthcoming from the Micronesian area. Thus, the earlier statement by Taeuber and Han (1950) concerning the state of demographic knowledge of this region is still pertinent, while modern investigations into the historical demography of Micronesia have scarcely begun. This situation represents a serious deficiency in the development of research in the microevolution of Micronesian populations, since physical anthropology has long since accepted the critical need for understanding the population matrix of evolutionary process (Cavalli-Sforza and Bodmer, 1971; Salzano et al., 1967; inter alia).

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Micronesica 9 (1): 11-44, 1973.

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3. Moore, P.H. 1973. Composition of a Limestone Forest Community on Guam. Micronesica. 9 (1): 45-58. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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Composition of a Limestone Forest Community on Guam

Moore, P.H.

The vegetation of a limestone forest community was characterized at Pagat, a region on the windward northeastern coast of Guam. Because of the prevailing easterlies this part of the island receives the most rain, and the vegetation varies considerably from that of the leeward side. Thirtyeight species of seed plants were found on a transect 750 meters long, which extended from the plateau (120 m elevation) to the salt spray zone. Information on density, frequency, and percent cover was obtained for each species in 150 quadrats (2x5 m). A list of plants and their relative abundance are given for the lower terrace which was not included in the transect. The relationship between the amount of salt deposition and density of Pemphis acidula in the salt spray zone is also discussed.

Micronesica 9 (1): 45-58, 1973.

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4. Doty, M.S. 1973. Farming the Red Seaweed, Eucheuma, for Carrageenans. Micronesica. 9 (1): 59-74. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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Farming the Red Seaweed, Eucheuma, for Carrageenans

Doty, M.S.

The modern food industry requires 10 to 20 times more carrageenan than the wild seaweed crop provides. Part of this need is being met by the research and development reported here on the basic production ecology and agronomy of Eucheuma, a carrageenan-producing tropical seaweed. Other marine algae, such as Chondrus crispus, the "Irish moss" of temperate regions, produce variable mixtures of the different carrageenans. The genus, Eucheuma, can be divided (Table 1) into two groups of species producing, respectively, iota or kappa carrageenan.
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Micronesica 9 (1): 59-74, 1973.

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5. Wycherley, P.R. 1973. The Phenology of Plants in the Humid Tropics. Micronesica. 9 (1): 75-96. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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The Phenology of Plants in the Humid Tropics

Wycherley, P.R.

Meteorological phenomena (as indicated by cloudiness and hours of bright sunshine) reinforce or modify the relatively small differences in daylength which result from astronomical conditions. Examples of photoperiodism are discussed in relation to this.

The 'storm' stimulus (fast-falling temperature and/or breaking of water stress) stimulates anthesis in representatives of several families of flowering plants.

The flowering of evergreen forest trees (e.g. Dipterocarpaceae) at irregular intervals is attributed to preceding periods with large diurnal temperature ranges and high maximum temperatures indicating high insolation (which is probably the main inductive factor, because of consequent biochemical conditions associated with accumulation of assimilates and high carbohydrate status). Such flowering is thus not attributed to drought.

Flowering in many deciduous trees follows leaf-fall and/or new leaf appearance. Floral initiation may occur during a period when the tree bears only senescent leaves. Leaf abscission, and thus subsequent emergence of new leaves and flowers, appears to be a response to drought. Susceptibility to dry periods in particular seasons, more than in others, may be due to lack of response by new leaves not yet 'hardened' which results in an insensitive period, followed by a phase in which senescence is accelerated by photoperiodic conditions. In this last phase the foliage is sensitized.

Micronesica 9 (1): 75-96, 1973.

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6. Kami, H.T. 1973. The Pristipomoides (Pisces: Lutjanidae) of Guam with Notes on Their Biology. Micronesica. 9 (1): 97-118. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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The Pristipomoides (Pisces: Lutjanidae) of Guam with Notes on Their Biology

Kami, H.T.

Taxonomic data as well as information on the biology of four species of deep water snappers, genus Pristipomoides, are presented. The genus is represented in Guam by the following species, P. auricilla (Jordan, Evermann, and Tanaka), P. sieboldii (Bleeker), P. filamentosus (Cuvier and Valenciennes), and P. flavipinnis Shinohara.

Close affinities are found between P. auricilla and P. sieboldii and between P. filamentosus and P. flavipinnis. Sexual dichromatism of P. auricilla and P. filamentosus is described. P. sieboldii and P. flavipinnis displayed no sexual dichromatism.

Limited information on the feeding habits of these snappers indicates that pelagic tunicates are important food items.

Differences in number between the males and females taken of P. auricilla and P. filamentosus were significant, but P. sieboldii and P. flavipinnis showed no such differences.

Micronesica 9 (1): 97-118, 1973.

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Kami 1973	pdf the_pristipomoides_pisces-_lutjanidae_of_guam_with_notes_on_their_biology_kami_h.t.-micronesica_vol._9_no._1_jul._1973_o.pdf (1.58 MB)	1.58 MB

7. Randall, R.H. 1973. Reef Physiography and Distribution of Corals at Tumon Bay, Guam, Before Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Acanthaster planci (L.) Predation. Micronesica. 9 (1): 119-148. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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Reef Physiography and Distribution of Corals at Tumon Bay, Guam, Before Crown-of-Thorns Starfish Acanthaster planci (L.) Predation

Randall, R.H.

Preliminary field work for this study began in July, 1966, at which time a general reef survey and coral collection was started from all major reef environments of the Tumon Bay region of Guam (Fig. 1).

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Micronesica 9 (1): 119-148, 1973.

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Randall 1973	pdf reef_physiography_and_distribution_of_corals_at_tumon_bay_guam_before_crown-of-thorns_starfish_acanthaster_planci_l._predation_randall_r.h._-_micronesica_vol._9_no._1_jul.o.pdf (2.58 MB)	2.58 MB

8. Bryan, P.G. 1973. Three New Shark Records from Guam, Mariana Islands. Micronesica. 9 (1): 159-160. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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Three New Shark Records from Guam, Mariana Islands

Bryan, P.G.

A shark fishing program was carried out on Guam between August, 1971 and March, 1972. The purpose of the study was to add to the species known from the island and to gain some insight as to their local distribution. Sharks are infrequently captured around Guam and very little taxonomic or ecological data exists.

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Micronesica 9 (1): 159-160, 1973.

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Bryan 1973	pdf three_new_shark_records_from_guam_mariana_islands_by_bryan_p.g._-micronesica_vol._9_no._1_jul._1973_o.pdf (137.91 KB)	137.91 KB

9. Cheney, D.P. 1973. Pearlfish (Carapidae) in Acanthaster planci (L.). Micronesica. 9 (1): 159-159. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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Pearlfish (Carapidae) in Acanthaster planci (L.)

Cheney, D.P.

Pearlfishes are symbionts with certain invertebrates, primarily with echinoderms as hosts. Two genera of pearlfishes have been collected on Guam (Mariana Islands) by Branch (1969) and Trott (1970) from a number of holothurian species and the cushion starfish, Culcita novaeguineae Müller and Troschel. The author has recently observed Guam pearlfishes inhabiting the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci (L.). One juvenile Encheliophis (Jordanicus) gracilis (Bleeker) and three adult specimens of Carapus mourlani (Petit) were collected while assessing the reproductive potential of Acanthaster. Three were taken as they emerged, apparently under oxygen stress, from the oral cavities of moribund starfish. One C. mourlani was found in the coelomic cavity of a dissected Acanthaster. No more than one pearlfish was recovered from each starfish host. The stomachs of all collected pearlfishes were empty and the fish and their starfish hosts appeared normal.

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Micronesica 9 (1): 159-159, 1973.

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10. McGrath, Fr. T.B. 1973. Howard, A. Learning To Be Rotuman. 1970. Teachers College Press, Columbia University, 184 p.. Micronesica. 9 (1): 161-162. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 July 1973.

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Howard, A. Learning To Be Rotuman. 1970. Teachers College Press, Columbia University, 184 p.

McGrath, Fr. T.B.

Rotuma is an island situated at the intersection of Micronesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia. The physical characteristics, language, and culture of its inhabitants reflect the influences of all those regions. These islanders are Polynesian in physical characteristics; their language seems to be a fusion of several languages, but their culture is distinctively Rotuman.

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Micronesica 9 (1): 161-162, 1973.

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McGrath 1973	pdf learning_to_be_rotuman_by_alan_howard-micronesica_vol._9_no._1_jul._1973_o.pdf (171.82 KB)	171.82 KB

11. Yamaguchi, M. 1973. Symposium on the Biology and Ecology of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, Acanthaster planci (L.): Introductory Remarks. Micronesica. 9 (2): 163-164. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Symposium on the Biology and Ecology of the Crown-of-Thorns Starfish, Acanthaster planci (L.): Introductory Remarks

Yamaguchi, M.

Since the Australian people first noticed the infestation of coral reefs by Acanthaster in the early sixties, the Queensland Government established a research team to investigate the extent of the problem, beginning in 1966. Mr. R. Pearson and Dr. R. Endean initiated basic surveys and studies on the problem on the Great Barrier Reef. At a similar time when the Australian workers were engaged in the preliminary studies, an infestation of the reefs around Guam was noticed in 1967. After the recognition of the infestation by participating members at the IBP meeting held on Palau and Guam in 1968, Dr. R. Chesher reported the severe damages of the reefs of Guam and called attention to a supposed expansion of Acanthaster infestations in the Pacific coral reefs. In the summer of 1969, Westinghouse survey teams made intensive surveys in the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands.

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Micronesica 9 (2): 163-164, 1973.

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Yamaguchi 1973	pdf introductory_remarks-micronesica_vol._9_no.2_dec._1973o.pdf (713.52 KB)	713.52 KB

12. Marsh, Jr. J.A. & R.T. Tsuda. 1973. Population Levels of Acanthaster planci in the Mariana and Caroline Islands, 1969-1972. Micronesica. 9 (2): 165-166. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Population Levels of Acanthaster planci in the Mariana and Caroline Islands, 1969-1972

Marsh, Jr. J.A. & R.T. Tsuda.

The presence of large numbers of the crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, and its devastating effect on live coral reefs around some Micronesian islands was first documented by a large-scale survey conducted in July and August, 1969. Eight of the 17 islands surveyed at that time had large populations or aggregations of starfish which were causing extensive reef damage. During the period from June, 1970, to May 1972, second surveys were made of Guam and 13 of the 16 Trust Territory islands originally surveyed in 1969. Four of these islands (Guam, Palau, Truk , and Ponape) still had large populations of Acanthaster. Third surveys, approximately a year after the second surveys, indicated the continued presence of large numbers of starfish on two (Truk and Ponape) of the seven islands visited. New surveys in 1971 on a small high island (Aguijan) in the Marianas and eight small atolls in the Carolines revealed significant numbers of starfish and extensive coral damage only on Aguijan; these starfish disappeared a year later. There was a definite overall decline in Acanthaster planci populations from 1969 to 1972. There were no new outbreaks except for the case of Aguijan cited above. We attribute the decrease in starfish numbers partly to control efforts. As of May, 1972, Acanthaster posed no serious additional threat to the reefs of the Mariana and Caroline Islands.

Micronesica 9 (2): 165-166, 1973.

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Marsh & Tsuda 1973	pdf population_levels_of_acanthaster_planci_in_the_mariana_and_caroline_islands_1969-1972-micronesica_vol._9_no.2_dec._1973o.pdf (298.49 KB)	298.49 KB

13. Wass, R.C. 1973. Acanthaster Population Levels and Control Efforts on Ponape, Eastern Caroline Islands. Micronesica. 9 (2): 167-170. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Acanthaster Population Levels and Control Efforts on Ponape, Eastern Caroline Islands

Wass, R.C.

In 1969, a survey of 16 islands in the U.S. Trust Territory revealed large populations of the coral-eating starfish, Acanthaster planci, in certain locations around Ponape. A control team was formed a year later in an attempt to reduce the numbers of these starfish. Surveys conducted in 1971 and 1972, however, continued to indicate the presence of large numbers of Acanthaster though almost 70,000 were reported killed by the control team. In 1973, when 99,368 starfish were reported killed, the survey did show a reduced population level. During the 14-month period preceding this survey, the average number of starfish killed per diver-hour in the water also decreased significantly. The population decline did not occur everywhere around Ponape. Rather, reductions were limited to those areas where Acanthaster had previously been most abundant and where the greatest control efforts had been exerted.

Micronesica 9 (2): 167-170, 1973.

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Wass 1973	pdf acanthaster_population_levels_and_control_efforts_on_ponape_eastern_caroline_islands-micronesica_vol._9_no.2_dec._1973o.pdf (1.24 MB)	1.24 MB

14. Cheney, D.P. 1973. An Analysis of the Acanthaster Control Programs in Guam and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands. Micronesica. 9 (2): 171-180. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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An Analysis of the Acanthaster Control Programs in Guam and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

Cheney, D.P.

The crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, has been subjected to extensive control programs in Micronesia in an effort to decrease population densities and to reduce probable reef destruction. The kill data from these programs were compiled for the years 1970 through 1972 and summarized and analyzed for important variable components. Detailed analyses were possible only for Ponape, Truk, and Guam. Generally, within an island group, the total number of starfish killed or seen declined following an extended period of starfish control; however, the kill per unit of effort (man-hour in water) remained relatively stable, ranging from 4 in Palau to 18 in Ponape. The total kill per unit of effort (effort based on total man-hours worked) ranged from 1.4 in Palau to 5.2 in Truk . The areal and time patterns of control activities are discussed in relation to the monitoring programs and show with few exceptions good correlation between the results of the control program and the predictions and recommendations of the survey teams. Recommendations are made concerning the influence of certain variables and data keeping procedures in determinating the effectiveness of control programs.

Micronesica 9 (2): 171-180, 1973.

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Cheney 1973	pdf analysis_of_the_acanthaster_control_programs_in_guam_and_the_trust_territory_of_the_pacific_islands-micronesica_vol._9_no.2_dec._1973o.pdf (3.56 MB)	3.56 MB

15. Soegiarto, A. 1973. Status of Acanthaster planci in Indonesian Waters. Micronesica. 9 (2): 181-182. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Status of Acanthaster planci in Indonesian Waters

Soegiarto, A.

During the height of the Acanthaster scare, a few limited surveys were carried out on some Indonesian coral reefs. The recorded number of individuals was from 4 to 13 along a ten-meter line. In January of 1973 an additional survey was carried out on some reefs around Ambon Island. A rather large number of small juveniles was observed, but not at a dangerous level. It is believed that destruction of reef environment due to man activities, such as picking up coral heads for construction in some of the heavily populated islands in Indonesia, is more serious than damage caused by Acanthaster planci.

Micronesica 9 (2): 181-182, 1973.

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16. Nishihira, M. & K. Yamazato. 1973. Observations of Acanthaster Population around Sesoko Island, Okinawa. Micronesica. 9 (2): 183-184. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Observations of Acanthaster Population around Sesoko Island, Okinawa

Nishihira, M. & K. Yamazato.

The second abnormally high concentration of Acanthaster population was observed in the mid-western coast of Okinawa in 1969. Although the high-density area extended northwards, the concentration is still observable in roughly the same part of the island. Some parts of the coral reefs attacked are presently almost free from living corals. Observations on the ecological distribution, density, size distribution, etc ., of an Acanthaster population was carried out in April and May 1972 around Sesoko Island, located 500 m away from Okinawa Island. The change in the population one year after that will be reported with a note on the change observed in the devastated area. Some aspects of the biology of Acanthaster will also be reported.

Micronesica 9 (2): 183-184, 1973.

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17. Yamazato, K. & T. Kiyan. 1974. Reproduction of Acanthaster planci in Okinawa. Micronesica. 9 (2): 185-196. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Reproduction of Acanthaster planci in Okinawa

Yamazato, K. & T. Kiyan.

Reproduction of Acanthaster planci (L.) was studied using samples collected in Okinawa once or twice a month from February 8 to December 12, 1970. Mean gonad index (gonad weight per cent of body weight) increases steadily from February to early June, then declines rapidly from late June to early August. It remains at low levels from early August to early December or possibly to January except October when there is a secondary peak. Along with this change, there are parallel changes in the mean values and frequency distribution patterns of the size of egg cells and in the relative abundance of mature eggs. These and other evidences lead to a conclusion that in Okinawa A. planci breeds mainly during June and July and possibly during October. Nevertheless, the gonads contain mature eggs during other months, except December, though at very low ratios. It is not certain whether actual breeding takes place throughout the year.

Micronesica 9 (2): 185-196, 1974.

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Yamazato & Kiyan 1973	pdf reproduction_of_acanthaster_planci_in_okinawa-micronesica_vol._9_no.2_dec._1973o.pdf (4.37 MB)	4.37 MB

18. Lucas, J.S. 1973. Reproductive and Larval Biology of Acanthaster planci (L.) in Great Barrier Reef Waters. Micronesica. 9 (2): 197-204. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Reproductive and Larval Biology of Acanthaster planci (L.) in Great Barrier Reef Waters

Lucas, J.S.

A small dispersed population of Acanthaster planci on Lodestone Reef was regularly sampled from June 1972 to April 1973. There was a progressive increase in gonad index from mid-winter (June) to mid-summer (December) and then a rapid decline to a low level in late January. These changes were similar in magnitude and timing to those in aggregated populations of A . planci in Great Barrier Reef waters.

Mean oocyte diameter and abundance of spermatozoa varied with gonad index. Oogenesis was very rapid in November and December, and ovaries contained a single mode of mature oocytes in December. Oocytes and spermatozoa were shed during the short breeding season in mid-summer when water temperature was about 28°C and optimal for larval survival. There was no evidence of shedding at any other time, although at least a small proportion of starfish in all samples had some mature gametes.

Larvae were reared from hatching at five temperatures-24, 26, 28, 30, and 32°C, and at three salinities-30, 32.5, and 35%. Survival at day 8 was highest in the lowest salinity and at the medial temperature, 28°C. No larvae developed to brachiolaria at 24 or 32°C. Larval development and metamorphosis were completed at 28°C in a minimum of 17 days. Development was completed at 26%, but not at 22% salinity. Larval temperature requirements may limit the southern distribution of A . planci and the salinity responses of larvae will be important in northern Great Barrier Reef waters.

Micronesica 9 (2): 197-204, 1973.

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Lucas 1973	pdf reproductive_and_larval_biology_of_acanthaster_planci_l._in_great_barrier_reef_waters.-micronesica_vol._9_no.2_dec._1973o.pdf (2.81 MB)	2.81 MB

19. Dana, T.F. & W.A. Newman. 1973. Massive Aggregation and Migration of Acanthaster: Behavioral Responses to Severe Food Limitation. Micronesica. 9 (2): 205-206. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Massive Aggregation and Migration of Acanthaster: Behavioral Responses to Severe Food Limitation

Dana, T.F. & W.A. Newman.

There are but two situations where Acanthaster is known to have overwhelmed the carrying capacity of a reef-the Great Barrier Reef and Guam. References in earlier scientific literature suggest that large aggregations of Acanthaster are not unprecedented. Thus these aggregations may be thought of as evolutionarily determined responses to natural events. Analysis of the size structure of aggregated and non-aggregated Acanthaster populations leads to the conclusion that aggregated populations have growth dynamics virtually the same as non-aggregated ones. Aggregated populations, then, must consist of individuals brought together in response to some peculiar feature of their local environment. Extended periods of abnormally high typhoon frequencies followed by local flurries and direct strikes was a sequence of unusual events preceding the observation of massive aggregations. This suggests that aggregation and migration may be a behavioral response to the food limitation imposed by typhoon damage to a reef's living corals.

Micronesica 9 (2): 205-206, 1973.

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Dana & Newman 1973	pdf massive_aggregation_and_migration_of_acanthaster-_behavioral_reponses_to_severe_food_limitation-micronesica_vol._9_no.2_dec._1973o.pdf (282.85 KB)	282.85 KB

20. Yamaguchi, M. 1973. Recruitment of Coral Reef Asteroids, with Emphasis on Acanthaster planci (L.). Micronesica. 9 (2): 207-212. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Recruitment of Coral Reef Asteroids, with Emphasis on Acanthaster planci (L.)

Yamaguchi, M.

The paucity of juvenile asteroids and other echinoderms in the field has been recognized by a number of workers from various localities. Some authors have paid special attention to trying to locate such juvenile populations, but have failed in most cases. This is true for the common asteroids of Guam such as Linckia laevigata, L . multifora, and Culcita novaeguineae. This fact is surprising because the adult populations are so conspicuous. Acanthaster represents a similar picture in population structure. The aggregating populations of Acanthaster from various localities in the Indo-West Pacific show a uniform unimodality in the size-frequency distribution of the animals, except for one from the Red Sea. Juvenile Acanthaster have seldom been located in the field. Field evidence suggests that recruitments of many echinoderms, which produce larvae of similar feeding requirements and similar life-spans, is very sporadic in intensity from year to year although they reproduce annually or semi-continuously. Their populations are maintained by occasional year-classes which settle at high intensity and their longevous nature may keep the populations superficially stable, although the exact longevity data in the animals are unknown.

Micronesica 9 (2): 207-212, 1973.

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Yamaguchi 1973	pdf recruitment_of_coral_reef_asteroids_with_emphasis_on_acanthaster_planci_l.-micronesica_vol._9_no._2_dec._1973o.pdf (2.41 MB)	2.41 MB

21. Randall, R.H. 1973. Distribution of Corals After Acanthaster planci (L.) Infestation at Tanguisson Point, Guam. Micronesica. 9 (2): 213-222. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Distribution of Corals After Acanthaster planci (L.) Infestation at Tanguisson Point, Guam

Randall, R.H.

Distributional analysis of the reef corals was undertaken at Tanguisson Point in the early part of 1970, one year after the starfish infestation, and includes relative abundance of coral species and percentage of substrate occupied by living corals by reef zones and the distribution of corallum size and growth forms for the entire reef. By using coral distributional studies conducted prior to the starfish infestation period on an adjacent reef at Tumon Bay, a baseline value was established for the above parameters. Using this baseline data it was found that the total number of species at Tanguission Point had decreased from 146 to 96, and the number of genera from 36 to 33. In the major zones of starfish infestation the per cent of reef surface covered by living corals dropped from 49 to 21 in the reef front zone, from 59 to less than 1 in the submarine terrace zone, and from 50 to less than 1 in the seaward slope zone. There was a relative decrease in all corallum size ranges except the 0-5 cm range and a relative decrease in all the coral growth forms differentiated, except the encrusting types. There is some coral recovery taking place as evidenced by the presence of small, newly established corals from planula settlement and the presence of small surviving patches of previous living corals.

Micronesica 9 (2): 213-222, 1973.

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22. Pearson, R.G. 1973. Recovery of Coral Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef Following Attack by Acanthaster. Micronesica. 9 (2): 223-224. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Recovery of Coral Reefs on the Great Barrier Reef Following Attack by Acanthaster

Pearson, R.G.

Investigations have centered on reefs off the Queensland coast near Innisfail. Large populations of Acanthaster attacked these reefs in the mid 1960's. Transect surveys of the seaward slopes of 18 reefs made during July-November 1971 showed that the coverage of live corals, larger than about 10 cm diameter, ranged from less than 1 per cent on the worst affected reef to 58.5 per cent on an undamaged reef. Corals near the reef crest subject to heavy wave action and large colonies of Diploastrea and massive and branching Porites were least affected. Long term quantitative studies of two 10 m² plots on damaged reefs have recently commenced. Preliminary results show that about 70 to 75 per cent of all colonies are less than 5 cm diameter. Although turnover of small corals is high there is a net gain of colonies. Mortality of large colonies is low. Factors which could influence the recovery of corals on damaged reefs are discussed.

Micronesica 9 (2): 223-224, 1973.

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23. Wickler, W. 1973. Biology of Hymenocera picta Dana. Micronesica. 9 (2): 225-230. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Biology of Hymenocera picta Dana

Wickler, W.

The marine shrimp Hymenocera picta Dana of the Indo-Pacific region grows up to 5 cm in length. Both sexes moult every 18-20 days. After each moult, the female is ready to spawn about 1000 eggs which become attached to the underside of her abdomen. Mysis-larvae hatch out of the eggs within 18 days. Between moulting and egg-laying the female will allow one single copulation which is good for only one batch of eggs. These shrimps are territorial (philopatric) and normally live in pairs. Hymenocera seem to feed exclusively on starfish; they are able to kill even large specimens. There is no obvious cooperation between the members of a pair, nor are two animals necessary to make hunting successful. Every Hymenocera-male has a clear preference for his individual mate with whom it stays most of the time. However, it tries to copulate with every available freshly moulted female. Since individual recognition and pair-bond do exist, this species seems to have a rather low population density which has been confirmed by field data.

Micronesica 9 (2): 225-230, 1973.

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24. Seibt, U. 1973. Sense of Smell and Pair-Bond in Hymenocera picta Dana. Micronesica. 9 (2): 231-236. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Sense of Smell and Pair-Bond in Hymenocera picta Dana

Seibt, U.

Hymenocera picta Dana has functional eyes and is able to recognize conspecifics by sight over 20 cm away. Prey, however, is identified by smell and located by the shrimp moving upstream as long as the scent is perceived. Scents are perceived by the waving antennules which have a single row of sensory hairs on their terminal lobes. Hymenocera are normally found in pairs: 93.5 per cent heterosexual and 6.5 per cent homosexual. Therefore, both sexes must be able to identify the sex of a conspecific. Using only scent-cues, the shrimp does prefer conspecifics over other crustacea. Males identify by scent only and prefer their own female over any other conspecific. A pheromone is produced only by the female and perceived by males only. Motivation analysis shows that the pairbond (the attachment to a particular individual of opposite sex) in Hymenocera is not part of the agonistic, or sexual, or brood-care behavior complex, but is based on a special "drive for attachment". We suggest that attachment to a conspecific in Hymenocera is a means of reducing stress in the individual.

Micronesica 9 (2): 231-236, 1973.

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25. Bryan, P.G. 1973. Growth Rate, Toxicity, and Distribution of the Encrusting Sponge Terpios sp. (Hadromerida: Suberitidae) in Guam, Mariana Islands. Micronesica. 9 (2): 237-242. Date Revised/Accepted: 01 December 1973.

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Growth Rate, Toxicity, and Distribution of the Encrusting Sponge Terpios sp. (Hadromerida: Suberitidae) in Guam, Mariana Islands

Bryan, P.G.

An encrusting marine sponge, thought to be a new species of Terpios, encrusts both living and non living substrates on Guam. Growth rate, toxicity, and distribution of the sponge were studied. The sponge grew an average of 23 mm per month over a live colony of Porites lutea. Sponge growth over live corals was significantly faster (P≤0.025) than growth over non living substrate. Pieces of the sponge placed on specimens of Fungia echinata killed some of the coral tissue and caused retraction of the tentacles and closure of the stomodaea. The most extensive encrustations of Terpios sp. were found along the southeast side of Guam on the reef terraces and also on the western side near Anae Island. In one area the sponge dominated most of the reef terrace for nearly a kilometer.

Micronesica 9 (2): 237-242, 1973.

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