|
Description:
Title:
Managing herbivores for their impacts on Caribbean coral reef ecosystems : a summary report for managers and practitioners
Author(s):
Adam, Thomas C.
Burkepile, Deron E.
Ruttenberg, Benjamin I. (Benjamin Isaac)
Paddack, Michelle J.
United States, National Marine Fisheries Service
Southeast Fisheries Science Center (U.S.), Protected Resources and Biodiversity Division
United States, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Coral Reef Conservation Program (U.S.)
Corporate Name:
United States, National Marine Fisheries Service
Southeast Fisheries Science Center (U.S.), Protected Resources and Biodiversity Division
United States, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Coral Reef Conservation Program (U.S.)
Dates of Publication:
2015
Abstract:
Caribbean reefs have suffered unprecedented declines over the last several decades due to a variety of factors. Some of the most rapid and dramatic changes occurred following the region-wide die-off of the sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, in the mid-1980s, which resulted in the proliferation of algae on many reefs, especially those with few herbivorous fishes. Thirty years later, Diadema remain rare in most locations, algae are abundant on many reefs, and there is concern that fisheries targeting herbivorous fishes, especially parrotfishes, are compromising the function of many reef ecosystems. In some locations, such as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Bahamas, robust populations of herbivorous fishes have been associated with elevated coral recruitment and positive reef trajectories. Yet other reefs, such as those in the Florida Keys, show no signs of recovery despite abundant herbivore populations. The emerging picture suggests that impacts of herbivores on coral recovery are likely to be highly context-dependent, and that management actions targeting herbivores will vary in their ability to facilitate coral persistence and recovery. This document is intended to serve as a guide on how to manage herbivore populations to facilitate healthy, resilient coral reefs. It is based on our current understanding of the processes that structure reef ecosystems, and summarizes information from a larger scientific review"--Preface.
Keywords:
Algae
Biological control
Coral reef ecology
Coral reef fisheries
Coral reef fishes
Coral reef management
Coral reef restoration
Management
Place Keywords:
Caribbean Area
Local Corporate Name:
NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service)
SEFSC (Southeast Fisheries Science Center)
OPR (Office of Protected Resources)
CoRIS (Coral Reef Information System)
Type of Resource:
Miscellaneous
Genre:
Protected Resources and Biodiversity Division report ; PRBD-2015-1
Note:
Caribbean reefs have suffered unprecedented declines over the last several decades due to a variety of factors. Some of the most rapid and dramatic changes occurred following the region-wide die-off of the sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, in the mid-1980s, which resulted in the proliferation of algae on many reefs, especially those with few herbivorous fishes. Thirty years later, Diadema remain rare in most locations, algae are abundant on many reefs, and there is concern that fisheries targeting herbivorous fishes, especially parrotfishes, are compromising the function of many reef ecosystems. In some locations, such as the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park, Bahamas, robust populations of herbivorous fishes have been associated with elevated coral recruitment and positive reef trajectories. Yet other reefs, such as those in the Florida Keys, show no signs of recovery despite abundant herbivore populations. The emerging picture suggests that impacts of herbivores on coral recovery are likely to be highly context-dependent, and that management actions targeting herbivores will vary in their ability to facilitate coral persistence and recovery. This document is intended to serve as a guide on how to manage herbivore populations to facilitate healthy, resilient coral reefs. It is based on our current understanding of the processes that structure reef ecosystems, and summarizes information from a larger scientific review"--Preface.
2015
NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service)
SEFSC (Southeast Fisheries Science Center)
OPR (Office of Protected Resources)
CoRIS (Coral Reef Information System)
Library
Public Domain
1860
URL:
|
