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A new method for measuring growth and age in the precious red coral Corallium rubrum (L.)

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Abstract

A new technique for aging red coral Corallium rubrum (L.) colonies based on staining the organic matrix found in the axial calcareous skeleton is presented and validated. This method provided clear-cut images of growth rings of red coral. To demonstrate their annual periodicity, two approaches have been used: (i) applying this technique to adult colonies of known age (more than 20 years old), and (ii) labeling colonies with calcein and allowing them to grow for 1 year. Results provided evidence of the annual periodicity of growth rings. This new method assesses colony age with an underestimate of true age by 3–4 years. The difference between estimated age and actual age could be attributed to the phase of initial growth during which rings are not formed. Colonies from different sites, depths, and habitats (n=33) were analyzed yielding preliminary data on longevity and mean growth rates in red coral. Colonies from shallow habitats (15–62 m) examined here with basal diameter of about 7 mm were at least 30–40 years old. Mean growth rate of basal diameter was 0.35±0.15 mm year−1. Comparison with previous aging methods used for red coral resulted in considerable differences in estimations of age (about 10 years greater in this study) and growth rates (about four times lower). The application of this method to red coral will provide key data as a basis for developing management and conservation plans for this valuable species.

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Fig. 1a–d
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Acknowledgements

We thank B. de Ligondes and R. Graille for their help in the field work, ensuring excellent safety conditions during diving. We also thank Prof. D. Allemand, Dr. R. Grigg, and an anonymous reviewer for their comments on the manuscript. J. Garrabou was funded by a fellowship from the Société de Secours des Amis des Sciences. This study was partially funded by the Institut Français de la Biodiversité and by the Environment Department of the TotalFinaElf group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre d’Océanologie de Marseille, UMR-CNRS 6540 DIMAR, Station Marine d’Endoume, rue Batterie des Lions, 13007, Marseille, France

    C. Marschal, J. Garrabou & J. G. Harmelin

  2. ESA CNRS 8046 “Recifs coralliens”, Université Perpignan, 66860, Perpignan Cedex, France

    M. Pichon

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  1. C. Marschal
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  2. J. Garrabou
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  3. J. G. Harmelin
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  4. M. Pichon
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Correspondence to J. Garrabou.

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Communicated by: H.R. Lasker

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Marschal, C., Garrabou, J., Harmelin, J.G. et al. A new method for measuring growth and age in the precious red coral Corallium rubrum (L.). Coral Reefs 23, 423–432 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-004-0398-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-004-0398-6

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