Phosphorus supply for atoll biological productivity

The origin of phosphorus for atoll productivity is discussed using biogeochemical data from Tikehau atoll (French Polynesia) and taking into account new concepts of the role of the coral reef fractal dimension on P uptake. The horizontal P flux from surface oceanic water is three orders of magnitude higher than the estimated outer reef new production and three times higher than the lagoon new production. Therefore, the nutrient paradox for atoll production is definitively obsolete.