MEPS 173:305-308 (1998) - doi:10.3354/meps173305
Calcium carbonate production of a dense population of the brittle star Ophiothrix fragilis (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea): role in the carbon cycle of a temperate coastal ecosystem
A. Migné1,*, D. Davoult1,**, J.-P. Gattuso2
**Addressee for correspondence. E-mail: dom@loalit-univlittoral.fr
ABSTRACT: The production of calcium carbonate by a dense Ophiothrix fragilis population was calculated in order to investigate its role in the carbon budget of a temperate coastal ecosystem (Dover Strait, eastern English Channel). Production, calculated using monthly data of population density, demographic structure and a size/CaCO3 conversion, was 682 g CaCO3 m-2 yr-1. Assuming that the molar ratio of CO2 released to CaCO3 precipitated varied with temperature between 0.66 and 0.73, this production would result in the release of 4.8 mol CO2 m-2 yr-1. This calculation reinforces the suggestion that this coastal system is a source of CO2 to the atmosphere.
KEY WORDS: CO2 flux · CaCO3 production · Ophiuroid · Coastal ecosystem · Temperate sea
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