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2017
Toledo-Hernández, Carlos; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P.; Díaz-Vázquez, Liz M.; Santiago-Cárdenas, Vanessa; Rosario-Berrios, Derick N.; García-Almedina, Derek M.; Roberson, Loretta M.
Comparison of chemical compounds associated with sclerites from healthy and diseased sea fan corals (Gorgonia ventalina) Journal Article
In: PeerJ, vol. 10, no. 3677, pp. 1-12, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Aspergillosis, Chemical defenses, coral reefs, Gorgonia ventalina, sclerites
@article{Toledo-Hernández2017,
title = {Comparison of chemical compounds associated with sclerites from healthy and diseased sea fan corals (\textit{Gorgonia ventalina})},
author = {Toledo-Hernández, Carlos and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P. and Díaz-Vázquez, Liz M. and Santiago-Cárdenas, Vanessa and Rosario-Berrios, Derick N. and García-Almedina, Derek M. and Roberson, Loretta M.},
editor = {Joseph Pawlik},
url = {https://peerj.com/articles/3677/
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Comparison-of-chemical-compounds-associated-with-sclerites-from-healthy-and-diseased-sea-fan-corals-Gorgonia-ventalina.pdf
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3677},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-08-25},
urldate = {2017-08-25},
journal = {PeerJ},
volume = {10},
number = {3677},
pages = {1-12},
abstract = {The roles of gorgonian sclerites as structural components and predator deterrents have been widely studied. Yet their role as barriers against microbes has only recently been investigated, and even less is known about the diversity and roles of the chemical compounds associated with sclerites.},
keywords = {Aspergillosis, Chemical defenses, coral reefs, Gorgonia ventalina, sclerites},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The roles of gorgonian sclerites as structural components and predator deterrents have been widely studied. Yet their role as barriers against microbes has only recently been investigated, and even less is known about the diversity and roles of the chemical compounds associated with sclerites.
Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie; Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo A.; Torres-López, Valeria; Hernández-Figueroa, Elix M.; Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.
In: Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 4, no. 249, pp. 1-17, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, land use, Land-Based Source Pollution, near-shore coral reefs, precipitation, Reef Restoration, sediment composition, sediment grain size, sedimentation rate, tropical semi-arid watershed
@article{Otaño-Cruz2017,
title = {Effects of Changing Weather, Oceanographic Conditions, and Land Uses on Spatio-Temporal Variation of Sedimentation Dynamics along Near-Shore Coral Reefs},
author = {Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie and Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo A. and Torres-López, Valeria and Hernández-Figueroa, Elix M. and Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.},
editor = {Samantha Oester},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2017.00249/full
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Effects-of-Changing-Weather-Oceanographic-Conditions-and-Land-Uses-on-Spatio-Temporal-Variation-of-Sedimentation-Dynamics-along-Near-Shore-Coral-Reefs.pdf
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2017.00249},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-08-08},
urldate = {2017-08-08},
journal = {Frontiers in Marine Science},
volume = {4},
number = {249},
pages = {1-17},
abstract = {Sedimentation is a critical threat to coral reefs worldwide. Major land use alteration at steep, highly erodible semi-arid islands accelerates the potential of soil erosion, runoff, and sedimentation stress to nearshore coral reefs during extreme rainfall events. The goal of this study was to assess spatio-temporal variation of sedimentation dynamics across nearshore coral reefs as a function of land use patterns, weather and oceanographic dynamics, to identify marine ecosystem conservation strategies. Sediment was collected at a distance gradient from shore at Bahia Tamarindo (BTA) and Punta Soldado (PSO) coral reefs at Culebra Island, Puerto Rico. Sediment texture and composition were analyzed by dry sieving and loss-on-ignition techniques, and were contrasted with environmental variables for the research period (February 2014 to April 2015). Rainfall and oceanographic data were analyzed to address their potential role on affecting sediment distribution with BEST BIO-ENV, RELATE correlation, and linear regression analysis. A significant difference in sedimentation rate was observed by time and distance from shore (PERMANOVA, p < 0.0100), mostly attributed to higher sediment exposure at reef zones closer to shore due to strong relationships with coastal runoff. Sedimentation rate positively correlated with strong rainfall events (Rho = 0.301, p = 0.0400) associated with storms and rainfall intensity exceeding 15 mm/h. At BTA, sediment deposited were mostly composed of sand, suggesting a potential influence of resuspension produced by waves and swells. In contrast, PSO sediments were mostly composed of silt-clay and terrigenous material, mainly attributed to a deforestation event that occurred at adjacent steep sub-watershed during the study period. Spatial and temporal variation of sedimentation pulses and terrigenous sediment input implies that coral reefs exposure to sediment stress is determined by local land use patterns, weather, and oceanographic dynamics. Comprehensive understanding of sediment dynamics and coastal ecosystem interconnectivity is fundamental to implement integrated and adaptive management strategies aimed to promote sustainable development at watershed and island wide-scale to fully mitigate terrigenous sediment impact to marine ecosystems. Furthermore, decision-making processes and policy needs to address sedimentation stress in the context of future climate to reduce land-based threats and strengthen coral reef resilience.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, land use, Land-Based Source Pollution, near-shore coral reefs, precipitation, Reef Restoration, sediment composition, sediment grain size, sedimentation rate, tropical semi-arid watershed},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Sedimentation is a critical threat to coral reefs worldwide. Major land use alteration at steep, highly erodible semi-arid islands accelerates the potential of soil erosion, runoff, and sedimentation stress to nearshore coral reefs during extreme rainfall events. The goal of this study was to assess spatio-temporal variation of sedimentation dynamics across nearshore coral reefs as a function of land use patterns, weather and oceanographic dynamics, to identify marine ecosystem conservation strategies. Sediment was collected at a distance gradient from shore at Bahia Tamarindo (BTA) and Punta Soldado (PSO) coral reefs at Culebra Island, Puerto Rico. Sediment texture and composition were analyzed by dry sieving and loss-on-ignition techniques, and were contrasted with environmental variables for the research period (February 2014 to April 2015). Rainfall and oceanographic data were analyzed to address their potential role on affecting sediment distribution with BEST BIO-ENV, RELATE correlation, and linear regression analysis. A significant difference in sedimentation rate was observed by time and distance from shore (PERMANOVA, p < 0.0100), mostly attributed to higher sediment exposure at reef zones closer to shore due to strong relationships with coastal runoff. Sedimentation rate positively correlated with strong rainfall events (Rho = 0.301, p = 0.0400) associated with storms and rainfall intensity exceeding 15 mm/h. At BTA, sediment deposited were mostly composed of sand, suggesting a potential influence of resuspension produced by waves and swells. In contrast, PSO sediments were mostly composed of silt-clay and terrigenous material, mainly attributed to a deforestation event that occurred at adjacent steep sub-watershed during the study period. Spatial and temporal variation of sedimentation pulses and terrigenous sediment input implies that coral reefs exposure to sediment stress is determined by local land use patterns, weather, and oceanographic dynamics. Comprehensive understanding of sediment dynamics and coastal ecosystem interconnectivity is fundamental to implement integrated and adaptive management strategies aimed to promote sustainable development at watershed and island wide-scale to fully mitigate terrigenous sediment impact to marine ecosystems. Furthermore, decision-making processes and policy needs to address sedimentation stress in the context of future climate to reduce land-based threats and strengthen coral reef resilience.
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Medina-Muñiz, Jeiger L.; Mattei, Hernando; Norat-Ramírez, José
In: Environmental Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 292-333, 2017, ISSN: 2164-7682.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: coral reefs, Environmental stress gradient, Land based source pollution, Multivariate analyses, Reef Restoration, Regime shift, Runoff pulses, Sewage pollution, Tropical islands
@article{Hernandez-Delgado2017,
title = {Unsustainable Land Use, Sediment-Laden Runoff, and Chronic Raw Sewage Offset the Benefits of Coral Reef Ecosystems in a No-Take Marine Protected Area},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Medina-Muñiz, Jeiger L. and Mattei, Hernando and Norat-Ramírez, José},
url = {https://www.macrothink.org/journal/index.php/emsd/article/view/10687/9269
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Unsustainable-Land-Use-Sediment-Laden-Runoff-and-Chronic-Raw-Sewage-Offset-the-Benefits-of-Coral-Reef-Ecosystems-in-a-No-Take-Marine-Protected-Area.pdf
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.5296/emsd.v6i2.10687},
issn = {2164-7682},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-07-07},
urldate = {2017-07-07},
journal = {Environmental Management and Sustainable Development},
volume = {6},
number = {2},
pages = {292-333},
abstract = {Unsustainable land uses may result in poor watershed management, increased soil erosion, poorly-planned urban development, increased runoff, and sewage pollution, creating an environmental stress gradient across coastal coral reefs. This study was aimed at: 1) Evaluating water quality within and outside the Canal Luis Peña Natural Reserve (CLPNR), Culebra Island, Puerto Rico; 2) Determining if there was any significant environmental stress gradient associated to land-based non-point source pollution; and 3) Characterizing shallow-water coral reef communities across the gradient. Strong gradient impacts associated to sediment-laden and nutrient-loaded runoff pulses, in combination with non-point raw sewage pulses, and sediment bedload, impacted coastal coral reefs. Water quality showed significant spatio-temporal fluctuations (p<0.0001), largely responding to heavy rainfall and subsequent runoff pulses. Benthic community structure showed significant spatial variation along the environmental stress gradient (p=0.0002). Macroalgae, dead coral surfaces, algal turf, and low coral species richness, species diversity index (H’c), and evenness (J’c) dominated benthic assemblages across reefs frequently impacted by runoff pulses and sediment bedload. The combination of fecal coliform and enterococci concentrations were correlated with variation in benthic community structure (Rho=0.668; p=0.0020). The combined variation in salinity, dissolved oxygen and enterococci concentrations explained 75% of the observed spatial variation in benthic assemblages (R2 =0.7461; p=0.0400). Local human stressors affected coral reefs within no-take CLPNR and risk analyses suggest it may offset its ecological benefits. There is a need to design and implement integrated coastal-watershed management strategies to address multiple land use activities, including erosion-control best management practices, watershed reforestation, and sewage pollution control.},
keywords = {coral reefs, Environmental stress gradient, Land based source pollution, Multivariate analyses, Reef Restoration, Regime shift, Runoff pulses, Sewage pollution, Tropical islands},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Unsustainable land uses may result in poor watershed management, increased soil erosion, poorly-planned urban development, increased runoff, and sewage pollution, creating an environmental stress gradient across coastal coral reefs. This study was aimed at: 1) Evaluating water quality within and outside the Canal Luis Peña Natural Reserve (CLPNR), Culebra Island, Puerto Rico; 2) Determining if there was any significant environmental stress gradient associated to land-based non-point source pollution; and 3) Characterizing shallow-water coral reef communities across the gradient. Strong gradient impacts associated to sediment-laden and nutrient-loaded runoff pulses, in combination with non-point raw sewage pulses, and sediment bedload, impacted coastal coral reefs. Water quality showed significant spatio-temporal fluctuations (p<0.0001), largely responding to heavy rainfall and subsequent runoff pulses. Benthic community structure showed significant spatial variation along the environmental stress gradient (p=0.0002). Macroalgae, dead coral surfaces, algal turf, and low coral species richness, species diversity index (H’c), and evenness (J’c) dominated benthic assemblages across reefs frequently impacted by runoff pulses and sediment bedload. The combination of fecal coliform and enterococci concentrations were correlated with variation in benthic community structure (Rho=0.668; p=0.0020). The combined variation in salinity, dissolved oxygen and enterococci concentrations explained 75% of the observed spatial variation in benthic assemblages (R2 =0.7461; p=0.0400). Local human stressors affected coral reefs within no-take CLPNR and risk analyses suggest it may offset its ecological benefits. There is a need to design and implement integrated coastal-watershed management strategies to address multiple land use activities, including erosion-control best management practices, watershed reforestation, and sewage pollution control.
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Rosado-Matías, Bernard J.
In: Annals of Marine Biology and Research, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1-17, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Beach erosion, Beach renourishment, Climate change, Coastal Erosion, Coastal Resilience, Conservation Biology, Coral, Coral Reef Ecology, Coral Reef Ecosystems, coral reefs, Environmental Sustainability, Wave Energy
@article{Hernández-Delgado2017b,
title = {Long-Lasting Impacts of Beach Renourishment on nearshore Urban Coral Reefs: a Glimpse of Future Impacts of Shoreline Erosion, Climate Change and Sea Level Rise},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Rosado-Matías, Bernard J.},
url = {https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Long_Lasting_Impacts_of_Beach_Renourishm.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318316763_Long-Lasting_Impacts_of_Beach_Renourishment_on_Near_shore_Urban_Coral_Reefs_a_Glimpse_of_Future_Impacts_of_Shoreline_Erosion_Climate_Change_and_Sea_Level_Rise
},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-05-05},
urldate = {2017-05-05},
journal = {Annals of Marine Biology and Research},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {1-17},
abstract = {Urban shoreline erosion mitigation through beach renourishment has often been dismissed as environmentally insignificant. Given predicted impacts of sea level rise (SLR) and increased shoreline erosion, such activities might become a common practice in the future. But its long-term impacts on adjacent coral reefs have remained poorly documented. Benthic community trajectories were addressed during a period of twelve years across a spatial gradient of sediment burial impacts by beach renourishment on a high-energy urban coral reef at La Marginal Beach, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Impacts associated to beach renourishment, followed by long-term, slowly-evolving impacts associated to sediment bedload, increased turbidity, increased Arecibo River streamflow, urban polluted runoff discharges, high particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration, and coral mortality following massive coral bleaching in 2005 were
addressed through long-term monitoring. There was an initial catastrophic loss in coral species richness, diversity index and percent living coral cover, and a rapid regime shift favoring dominance by macroalgae and other non-reef building taxa. Long-term chronic impacts arrested high impact sites to an early successional stage, and drove moderate and low impact sites to a similar stage of very low species diversity, colony abundance and reef growth. Such chronic changes in community trajectories represent a glimpse into potential future impacts of shoreline erosion, sediment bedload, increasing turbidity and coastal water quality decline associated to SLR. The combination of chronic coral reef decline resulting from beach renourishment, coastal pollution, turbidity, and sediment bedload may have critical long-term ecological implications for urban coral reef resilience, functions and benefits.},
keywords = {Beach erosion, Beach renourishment, Climate change, Coastal Erosion, Coastal Resilience, Conservation Biology, Coral, Coral Reef Ecology, Coral Reef Ecosystems, coral reefs, Environmental Sustainability, Wave Energy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Urban shoreline erosion mitigation through beach renourishment has often been dismissed as environmentally insignificant. Given predicted impacts of sea level rise (SLR) and increased shoreline erosion, such activities might become a common practice in the future. But its long-term impacts on adjacent coral reefs have remained poorly documented. Benthic community trajectories were addressed during a period of twelve years across a spatial gradient of sediment burial impacts by beach renourishment on a high-energy urban coral reef at La Marginal Beach, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Impacts associated to beach renourishment, followed by long-term, slowly-evolving impacts associated to sediment bedload, increased turbidity, increased Arecibo River streamflow, urban polluted runoff discharges, high particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration, and coral mortality following massive coral bleaching in 2005 were
addressed through long-term monitoring. There was an initial catastrophic loss in coral species richness, diversity index and percent living coral cover, and a rapid regime shift favoring dominance by macroalgae and other non-reef building taxa. Long-term chronic impacts arrested high impact sites to an early successional stage, and drove moderate and low impact sites to a similar stage of very low species diversity, colony abundance and reef growth. Such chronic changes in community trajectories represent a glimpse into potential future impacts of shoreline erosion, sediment bedload, increasing turbidity and coastal water quality decline associated to SLR. The combination of chronic coral reef decline resulting from beach renourishment, coastal pollution, turbidity, and sediment bedload may have critical long-term ecological implications for urban coral reef resilience, functions and benefits.
addressed through long-term monitoring. There was an initial catastrophic loss in coral species richness, diversity index and percent living coral cover, and a rapid regime shift favoring dominance by macroalgae and other non-reef building taxa. Long-term chronic impacts arrested high impact sites to an early successional stage, and drove moderate and low impact sites to a similar stage of very low species diversity, colony abundance and reef growth. Such chronic changes in community trajectories represent a glimpse into potential future impacts of shoreline erosion, sediment bedload, increasing turbidity and coastal water quality decline associated to SLR. The combination of chronic coral reef decline resulting from beach renourishment, coastal pollution, turbidity, and sediment bedload may have critical long-term ecological implications for urban coral reef resilience, functions and benefits.
Soto-Santiago, Francisco Javier; Mercado-Molina, Alex Edgardo; Reyes-Maldonado, Koralis; Sabat, Alberto Miguel
Physiological Response to Thermal Stress of the Caribbean Corals Orbicella annularis and Porites astreoides. Journal Article
In: Research Journal of Environmental Sciences, vol. 11, iss. 2, no. 2, pp. 48-57, 2017, ISSN: 1819-3412.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: coral reefs
@article{Soto-Santiago2017b,
title = {Physiological Response to Thermal Stress of the Caribbean Corals \textit{Orbicella annularis} and \textit{Porites astreoides}.},
author = {Soto-Santiago, Francisco Javier and Mercado-Molina, Alex Edgardo and Reyes-Maldonado, Koralis and Sabat, Alberto Miguel},
url = {https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=rjes.2017.48.57https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Physiological-Response-to-Thermal-Stress-of-the-Caribbean-Corals-Orbicella-annularis-and-Porites-astreoides.pdf},
doi = {10.3923/rjes.2017.48.57},
issn = {1819-3412},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-27},
urldate = {2017-01-27},
journal = {Research Journal of Environmental Sciences},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
issue = {2},
pages = {48-57},
abstract = {Background and Objective: The physiological response of corals to ocean warming is an essential component of their overall resiliency to climate change. It is important to understand how increasing sea surface temperature will affect the mutualistic relationship between corals and their endosymbionts dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium spp.). This study focused on the effects of temperature stress on the photophysiology of two Caribbean corals differing in life history strategies: Orbicella annularis (O. annularis) and Porites astreoides (P. astreoides). Materials and Methods: A total of 12 fragments of each species were collected from the Puerto Morelos, Mexico shoreline. Six fragments of each species were placed under ambient light and a water temperature of 28°C and the other six under ambient light and an elevated temperature of 32°C for 10 days. Maximum pressure over photosytem II (Qm) was estimated daily while chlorophyll content and Symbiodinium densities were measured at the end of the experiment. Results: Qm values were considerably higher in O. annularis at 32°C when compared to O. annularis at 28°C. In contrast, Qm values for P. astreoides did not differ significantly between treatments. Interestingly, Qm values of P. astreoides at 32°C was similar to that of O. annularis at 28°C. Orbicella annularis showed higher Symbiodinium densities and significantly higher concentrations of chlorophyll a at 28°C than at 32°C. In P. astreoides, no differences on chlorophyll content and Symbiodinium densities were found between temperature treatments. Porites astreoides showed higher chlorophyll a content and Symbiodinium densities than O. annularis under high temperature stress. Conclusion: Low Qm values but high chlorophyll concentrations and Symbiodinium densities within P. astreoides after induced temperature stress provides a physiological basis of the opportunistic strategy of this species. However, the significant increase in Qm, lower chlorophyll a concentration and reduced Symbiodinium densities observed in O. annularis at 32°C highlights its vulnerability to ocean warming. If O. annularis, which is considered one of the main builders of Caribbean coral reefs, disappears and is replaced by relatively small and weedy P. astreoides, the structural heterogeneity of Caribbean coral reefs will be reduced.},
keywords = {coral reefs},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Background and Objective: The physiological response of corals to ocean warming is an essential component of their overall resiliency to climate change. It is important to understand how increasing sea surface temperature will affect the mutualistic relationship between corals and their endosymbionts dinoflagellates (Symbiodinium spp.). This study focused on the effects of temperature stress on the photophysiology of two Caribbean corals differing in life history strategies: Orbicella annularis (O. annularis) and Porites astreoides (P. astreoides). Materials and Methods: A total of 12 fragments of each species were collected from the Puerto Morelos, Mexico shoreline. Six fragments of each species were placed under ambient light and a water temperature of 28°C and the other six under ambient light and an elevated temperature of 32°C for 10 days. Maximum pressure over photosytem II (Qm) was estimated daily while chlorophyll content and Symbiodinium densities were measured at the end of the experiment. Results: Qm values were considerably higher in O. annularis at 32°C when compared to O. annularis at 28°C. In contrast, Qm values for P. astreoides did not differ significantly between treatments. Interestingly, Qm values of P. astreoides at 32°C was similar to that of O. annularis at 28°C. Orbicella annularis showed higher Symbiodinium densities and significantly higher concentrations of chlorophyll a at 28°C than at 32°C. In P. astreoides, no differences on chlorophyll content and Symbiodinium densities were found between temperature treatments. Porites astreoides showed higher chlorophyll a content and Symbiodinium densities than O. annularis under high temperature stress. Conclusion: Low Qm values but high chlorophyll concentrations and Symbiodinium densities within P. astreoides after induced temperature stress provides a physiological basis of the opportunistic strategy of this species. However, the significant increase in Qm, lower chlorophyll a concentration and reduced Symbiodinium densities observed in O. annularis at 32°C highlights its vulnerability to ocean warming. If O. annularis, which is considered one of the main builders of Caribbean coral reefs, disappears and is replaced by relatively small and weedy P. astreoides, the structural heterogeneity of Caribbean coral reefs will be reduced.
Alpert, Alice E.; Cohen, Anne L.; Oppo, Delia W.; DeCarlo, Thomas M.; Gaetani, Glenn A.; Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Winter, Amos; Gonneea, Meagan E.
Twentieth century warming of the tropical Atlantic captured by Sr-U paleothermometry Journal Article
In: Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology, vol. 32, iss. 2, pp. 146-160, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Atlantic and Pacific Corals, Climate Reconstruction, Coral Paleothermometry, Coral Reef Studies, Coral Skeletons, Mona Island, Multispecies Calibration, Multiyear Variability, Ocean Conditions Archive, Past Ocean Temperatures, Puerto Rico, Rayleigh Fractionation, Sr-U Thermometer, Sr/Ca Ratio, Twentieth Century Warming, U/Ca Ratio
@article{Alpert2017,
title = {Twentieth century warming of the tropical Atlantic captured by Sr-U paleothermometry},
author = {Alpert, Alice E. and Cohen, Anne L. and Oppo, Delia W. and DeCarlo, Thomas M. and Gaetani, Glenn A. and Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Winter, Amos and Gonneea, Meagan E.},
url = {https://sampr.org/alpert-et-al-2017-20th-century-warming-atlantic-sr-u-paleothermometry/
https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/2016pa002976
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1002/2016PA002976},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-26},
urldate = {2017-01-26},
journal = {Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology},
volume = {32},
issue = {2},
pages = {146-160},
abstract = {Coral skeletons are valuable archives of past ocean conditions. However, interpretation of coral paleotemperature records is confounded by uncertainties associated with single-element ratio thermometers, including Sr/Ca. A new approach, Sr-U, uses U/Ca to constrain the influence of Rayleigh fractionation on Sr/Ca. Here we build on the initial Pacific Porites Sr-U calibration to include multiple Atlantic and Pacific coral genera from multiple coral reef locations spanning a temperature range of 23.15–30.12°C.
Accounting for the wintertime growth cessation of one Bermuda coral, we show that Sr-U is strongly correlated with the average water temperature at each location (r² = 0.91, P < 0.001, n = 19). We applied the multispecies spatial calibration between Sr-U and temperature to reconstruct a 96-year long temperature record at Mona Island, Puerto Rico, using a coral not included in the calibration. Average Sr-U derived temperature for the period 1900–1996 is within 0.12°C of the average instrumental temperature at this site and captures the twentieth-century warming trend of 0.06°C per decade. Sr-U also captures the timing of multiyear variability but with higher amplitude than implied by the instrumental data.
Mean Sr-U temperatures and patterns of multiyear variability were replicated in a second coral in the same grid box. Conversely, Sr/Ca records from the same two corals were inconsistent with each other and failed to capture absolute sea temperatures, timing of multiyear variability, or the twentieth-century warming trend. Our results suggest that coral Sr-U paleothermometry is a promising new tool for reconstruction of past ocean temperatures.},
keywords = {Atlantic and Pacific Corals, Climate Reconstruction, Coral Paleothermometry, Coral Reef Studies, Coral Skeletons, Mona Island, Multispecies Calibration, Multiyear Variability, Ocean Conditions Archive, Past Ocean Temperatures, Puerto Rico, Rayleigh Fractionation, Sr-U Thermometer, Sr/Ca Ratio, Twentieth Century Warming, U/Ca Ratio},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Coral skeletons are valuable archives of past ocean conditions. However, interpretation of coral paleotemperature records is confounded by uncertainties associated with single-element ratio thermometers, including Sr/Ca. A new approach, Sr-U, uses U/Ca to constrain the influence of Rayleigh fractionation on Sr/Ca. Here we build on the initial Pacific Porites Sr-U calibration to include multiple Atlantic and Pacific coral genera from multiple coral reef locations spanning a temperature range of 23.15–30.12°C.
Accounting for the wintertime growth cessation of one Bermuda coral, we show that Sr-U is strongly correlated with the average water temperature at each location (r² = 0.91, P < 0.001, n = 19). We applied the multispecies spatial calibration between Sr-U and temperature to reconstruct a 96-year long temperature record at Mona Island, Puerto Rico, using a coral not included in the calibration. Average Sr-U derived temperature for the period 1900–1996 is within 0.12°C of the average instrumental temperature at this site and captures the twentieth-century warming trend of 0.06°C per decade. Sr-U also captures the timing of multiyear variability but with higher amplitude than implied by the instrumental data.
Mean Sr-U temperatures and patterns of multiyear variability were replicated in a second coral in the same grid box. Conversely, Sr/Ca records from the same two corals were inconsistent with each other and failed to capture absolute sea temperatures, timing of multiyear variability, or the twentieth-century warming trend. Our results suggest that coral Sr-U paleothermometry is a promising new tool for reconstruction of past ocean temperatures.
Accounting for the wintertime growth cessation of one Bermuda coral, we show that Sr-U is strongly correlated with the average water temperature at each location (r² = 0.91, P < 0.001, n = 19). We applied the multispecies spatial calibration between Sr-U and temperature to reconstruct a 96-year long temperature record at Mona Island, Puerto Rico, using a coral not included in the calibration. Average Sr-U derived temperature for the period 1900–1996 is within 0.12°C of the average instrumental temperature at this site and captures the twentieth-century warming trend of 0.06°C per decade. Sr-U also captures the timing of multiyear variability but with higher amplitude than implied by the instrumental data.
Mean Sr-U temperatures and patterns of multiyear variability were replicated in a second coral in the same grid box. Conversely, Sr/Ca records from the same two corals were inconsistent with each other and failed to capture absolute sea temperatures, timing of multiyear variability, or the twentieth-century warming trend. Our results suggest that coral Sr-U paleothermometry is a promising new tool for reconstruction of past ocean temperatures.
2016
Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia; Sabat, Alberto M.
Branching dynamics of transplanted colonies of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis: Morphogenesis, complexity, and modeling Journal Article
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, vol. 482, pp. 134-141, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Reef Restoration
@article{Mercado-Molina2016,
title = {Branching dynamics of transplanted colonies of the threatened coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis}: Morphogenesis, complexity, and modeling},
author = {Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia and Sabat, Alberto M.},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022098116300934?via%3Dihub
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303767879_Branching_dynamics_of_transplanted_colonies_of_the_threatened_coral_Acropora_cervicornis_Morphogenesis_complexity_and_modeling},
doi = {https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2016.05.004},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-06-01},
urldate = {2016-06-01},
journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology},
volume = {482},
pages = {134-141},
abstract = {Acropora cervicornis is a threatened Caribbean coral that depends on branch fragmentation to proliferate. Understanding the patterns of branch formation is, therefore, essential for the development of management and conservation initiatives. This study describes branch morphogenesis in 100 colony fragments that were transplanted to two reefs in Puerto Rico that differ in light intensity. Four morphometric variables were measured for one year: internode length, branch growth rate, the number of ramifying branches (mother branches; MB), and the number of branches produced (daughter branches; DB). Branching complexity was also evaluated using two indices: the Horton-Strahler bifurcation ratio (Rb) and the Carrillo-Mendoza branching index (CM-BI). A simple discrete model was constructed to estimate the number of harvestable branches over time. No spatial difference was observed when comparing the development of the primary branches, as the mean internode lengths, the mean extension rates, and the mean number of branches produced did not differ statistically between sites. Likewise, internode lengths in secondary branches did not vary significantly between sites. In contrast, the mean branching and growth rates of secondary branches differed statistically between the two study locations. Significant spatial differences were also observed when comparing the total number of MB and the total number of DB but not for the ratio of DB to MB. The CM-BI was more appropriate than the Rb in describing the branching structure of A. cervicornis. The model provided a good fit to the observed branching dynamics; demonstrating its usefulness as a tool for predicting branch productivity of this species. The implications for restoration activities are discussed.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Reef Restoration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Acropora cervicornis is a threatened Caribbean coral that depends on branch fragmentation to proliferate. Understanding the patterns of branch formation is, therefore, essential for the development of management and conservation initiatives. This study describes branch morphogenesis in 100 colony fragments that were transplanted to two reefs in Puerto Rico that differ in light intensity. Four morphometric variables were measured for one year: internode length, branch growth rate, the number of ramifying branches (mother branches; MB), and the number of branches produced (daughter branches; DB). Branching complexity was also evaluated using two indices: the Horton-Strahler bifurcation ratio (Rb) and the Carrillo-Mendoza branching index (CM-BI). A simple discrete model was constructed to estimate the number of harvestable branches over time. No spatial difference was observed when comparing the development of the primary branches, as the mean internode lengths, the mean extension rates, and the mean number of branches produced did not differ statistically between sites. Likewise, internode lengths in secondary branches did not vary significantly between sites. In contrast, the mean branching and growth rates of secondary branches differed statistically between the two study locations. Significant spatial differences were also observed when comparing the total number of MB and the total number of DB but not for the ratio of DB to MB. The CM-BI was more appropriate than the Rb in describing the branching structure of A. cervicornis. The model provided a good fit to the observed branching dynamics; demonstrating its usefulness as a tool for predicting branch productivity of this species. The implications for restoration activities are discussed.
Toledo-Hernández, Carlos; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia; Ramírez-Camejo, Luis; Paniagua, Raiza; Sabat, Alberto M.; Roberson, Loretta; Bayman, Paul
The role of sclerites in the defense against pathogens of the sea fan Gorgonia ventalina (Octocorallia) Journal Article
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, vol. 483, pp. 20-24, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: defense, Gorgonia ventalina, pathogens, sclerites
@article{Toledo-Hernández2016,
title = {The role of sclerites in the defense against pathogens of the sea fan \textit{Gorgonia ventalina} (Octocorallia)},
author = {Toledo-Hernández, Carlos and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia and Ramírez-Camejo, Luis and Paniagua, Raiza and Sabat, Alberto M. and Roberson, Loretta and Bayman, Paul},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022098116301058},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2016.06.002},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-06-01},
urldate = {2016-06-01},
journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology},
volume = {483},
pages = {20-24},
abstract = {Sessile organisms such as octocorals cannot avoid threats such as predation, parasitism or fungal infections through evasive responses. Instead, they rely on strategies that deter or reduce the impact of these threats. One such strategy is the development of hard structures such as sclerites, which are minute calcium carbonate skeletal elements located on top of the ectoderm and within the mesoglea and gastrodermal tube walls. Sclerites have multiple roles, including structural support of the colony and protection from predators. The role of sclerites as a physical barrier that deters fungal infection, however, is unknown. This study examines the potential role of sea fan sclerites as protection from fungal infection. To accomplish this, four different fungi isolated from healthy sea fans were inoculated into 5 mL tubes filled with culture media and with sclerites from healthy and diseased fans placed on top. To determine whether chemical compounds in the sclerites impact infection, sclerites from healthy and diseased fans were extracted for several days with acetone prior to inoculation. Results showed that the sclerite layer delayed fungal infection from reaching the agar when compared to controls (tubes with agar but no sclerites). There was no difference between tubes with healthy and diseased sclerites, but there were differences among sclerites extracted with acetone. This study suggests that, in addition to the roles in structural support and predator deterrence, sclerites play a role as physical and chemical barriers against to fungal infection.},
keywords = {defense, Gorgonia ventalina, pathogens, sclerites},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Sessile organisms such as octocorals cannot avoid threats such as predation, parasitism or fungal infections through evasive responses. Instead, they rely on strategies that deter or reduce the impact of these threats. One such strategy is the development of hard structures such as sclerites, which are minute calcium carbonate skeletal elements located on top of the ectoderm and within the mesoglea and gastrodermal tube walls. Sclerites have multiple roles, including structural support of the colony and protection from predators. The role of sclerites as a physical barrier that deters fungal infection, however, is unknown. This study examines the potential role of sea fan sclerites as protection from fungal infection. To accomplish this, four different fungi isolated from healthy sea fans were inoculated into 5 mL tubes filled with culture media and with sclerites from healthy and diseased fans placed on top. To determine whether chemical compounds in the sclerites impact infection, sclerites from healthy and diseased fans were extracted for several days with acetone prior to inoculation. Results showed that the sclerite layer delayed fungal infection from reaching the agar when compared to controls (tubes with agar but no sclerites). There was no difference between tubes with healthy and diseased sclerites, but there were differences among sclerites extracted with acetone. This study suggests that, in addition to the roles in structural support and predator deterrence, sclerites play a role as physical and chemical barriers against to fungal infection.
Ramos-Scharrón, C. E.; Rogers, C.; Hernández Delgado, Edwin A.; Retrepo, J.; Botero, F.; Coldren, S.; Garza-Perez, J. R.; Sanchez-Navarro, P.; Dokken, Q.; Ferguson, R.; Koss, J.; Martindale, R.; Vandiver, L.; Viqueira-Ríos, R. A.
Caribbean Coral Reef at Risk Workshop
vol. 31, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Caribbean Sea; climate change; coral reefs; disturbance; ecological restoration; endangered species; hurricanes; Puerto Rico; recovery; sustainability
@workshop{CE2016,
title = {Caribbean Coral Reef at Risk},
author = {Ramos-Scharrón, C. E. and Rogers, C. and Hernández Delgado, Edwin A. and Retrepo, J. and Botero, F. and Coldren, S. and Garza-Perez, J. R. and Sanchez-Navarro, P. and Dokken, Q. and Ferguson, R. and Koss, J. and Martindale, R. and Vandiver, L. and Viqueira-Ríos, R. A.},
url = {https://sampr.org/ramos-scharron-et-al-2016-reef-encounter/},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-04-01},
urldate = {2016-04-01},
volume = {31},
issue = {31},
abstract = {The degradation of Earth's coral reef ecosystems has environmental and socio-economic consequences of importance to fisheries, food security, shoreline stability, tourism, and economic development options. Since our planet's history suggests that thousands to millions of years have been necessary for coral reefs to recover from similar past collapses, a key question that deserves an immediate response is, "Can we afford further degradation?"
Coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean are particularly at risk. The well-documented loss of coral cover throughout the region and the increased abundance of macroalgae in many locations provide strong evidence of systems undergoing major changes in species composition, physical structure, and function. The causes of modern coral reef degradation are numerous and can differ from one location to the next, but experts agree that humans have played and continue to play a major role in this decline.
As concerned citizens representing a variety of geographical locales from both the private and public sectors, the participants of The University of Texas workshop held in September 2015 wish to voice our concerns and recommendations for how to proceed with the conservation of coral reefs and other associated coastal environments. Although we acknowledge the alignment of our views with statements and resolutions of the US Coral Reef Task Force, we still wish to reformulate and emphasize some important points. As a group, we concluded that the main challenge we face is determining how to bring the best science and management actions together to assist in ecosystem recovery.
We believe this would be best achieved through the regional replication of locally implemented management measures that take advantage of the natural resilient capabilities of coral reefs. Workshop participants from Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands concluded that warmer seawater temperatures, particularly by rendering susceptibility to disease outbreaks, and land-based sources of pollution represent two of the most pressing causes for coral reef degradation in each of these areas. Participants agreed that Caribbean-wide reductions of some key coral reef stressors can be achieved through local actions and watershed-scale management.},
howpublished = {REEF ENCOUNTER},
keywords = {Caribbean Sea; climate change; coral reefs; disturbance; ecological restoration; endangered species; hurricanes; Puerto Rico; recovery; sustainability},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {workshop}
}
The degradation of Earth's coral reef ecosystems has environmental and socio-economic consequences of importance to fisheries, food security, shoreline stability, tourism, and economic development options. Since our planet's history suggests that thousands to millions of years have been necessary for coral reefs to recover from similar past collapses, a key question that deserves an immediate response is, "Can we afford further degradation?"
Coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean are particularly at risk. The well-documented loss of coral cover throughout the region and the increased abundance of macroalgae in many locations provide strong evidence of systems undergoing major changes in species composition, physical structure, and function. The causes of modern coral reef degradation are numerous and can differ from one location to the next, but experts agree that humans have played and continue to play a major role in this decline.
As concerned citizens representing a variety of geographical locales from both the private and public sectors, the participants of The University of Texas workshop held in September 2015 wish to voice our concerns and recommendations for how to proceed with the conservation of coral reefs and other associated coastal environments. Although we acknowledge the alignment of our views with statements and resolutions of the US Coral Reef Task Force, we still wish to reformulate and emphasize some important points. As a group, we concluded that the main challenge we face is determining how to bring the best science and management actions together to assist in ecosystem recovery.
We believe this would be best achieved through the regional replication of locally implemented management measures that take advantage of the natural resilient capabilities of coral reefs. Workshop participants from Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands concluded that warmer seawater temperatures, particularly by rendering susceptibility to disease outbreaks, and land-based sources of pollution represent two of the most pressing causes for coral reef degradation in each of these areas. Participants agreed that Caribbean-wide reductions of some key coral reef stressors can be achieved through local actions and watershed-scale management.
Coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean are particularly at risk. The well-documented loss of coral cover throughout the region and the increased abundance of macroalgae in many locations provide strong evidence of systems undergoing major changes in species composition, physical structure, and function. The causes of modern coral reef degradation are numerous and can differ from one location to the next, but experts agree that humans have played and continue to play a major role in this decline.
As concerned citizens representing a variety of geographical locales from both the private and public sectors, the participants of The University of Texas workshop held in September 2015 wish to voice our concerns and recommendations for how to proceed with the conservation of coral reefs and other associated coastal environments. Although we acknowledge the alignment of our views with statements and resolutions of the US Coral Reef Task Force, we still wish to reformulate and emphasize some important points. As a group, we concluded that the main challenge we face is determining how to bring the best science and management actions together to assist in ecosystem recovery.
We believe this would be best achieved through the regional replication of locally implemented management measures that take advantage of the natural resilient capabilities of coral reefs. Workshop participants from Colombia, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands concluded that warmer seawater temperatures, particularly by rendering susceptibility to disease outbreaks, and land-based sources of pollution represent two of the most pressing causes for coral reef degradation in each of these areas. Participants agreed that Caribbean-wide reductions of some key coral reef stressors can be achieved through local actions and watershed-scale management.
Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia; Toledo-Hernández, Carlos; Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Sabat, Alberto M.
Scraping and extirpating: two strategies to induce recovery of diseased Gorgonia ventalina sea fans Journal Article
In: Marine Ecology, vol. 37, iss. 2, pp. 336-343, 2016, ISSN: 0173-9565.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: coral diseases, Coral Reef Decline, Gorgonia ventalina
@article{Ruiz-Diaz2016,
title = {Scraping and extirpating: two strategies to induce recovery of diseased \textit{Gorgonia ventalina} sea fans},
author = {Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia and Toledo-Hernández, Carlos and Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Sabat, Alberto M.},
url = {https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/maec.12283
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ruiz-Diaz_et_al-2016-Marine_Ecology.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1111/maec.12283},
issn = {0173-9565},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-27},
urldate = {2016-01-27},
journal = {Marine Ecology},
volume = {37},
issue = {2},
pages = {336-343},
abstract = {Coral diseases are currently playing a major role in the worldwide decline in coral reef integrity. One of the coral species most afflicted by disease in the Caribbean, and which has been the focus of much research, is the sea fan Gorgonia ventalina. There is, however, very little information regarding the capacity of sea fans to recover after being infected. The aim of this study was to compare the rehabilitation capacity of G. ventalina after diseased-induced lesions were eliminated either by scraping or extirpating the affected area. Scraping consisted of removing any organisms overgrowing the axial skeleton from the diseased area as well as the purple tissue bordering these overgrowths using metal bristle brushes. Extirpation consisted of cutting the diseased area, including the surrounding purpled tissue, using scissors. The number of scraped colonies that fully or partially rehabilitated after being manipulated and the rates at which the sea fans whose lesions were scrapped grew back healthy tissue were compared among: (i) colonies that inhabited two sites with contrasting environmental conditions; (ii) colonies of different sizes and (iii) colonies with different ratios of area of legions to total colony area (LA/CA). Both strategies proved to be very successful in eliminating lesions from sea fans. In the case of scraping, over 51% of the colonies recovered between 80% and 100% of the lost tissue within 16 months. The number of colonies that recovered from scraping was similar among sites and among colony sizes, but differed significantly depending on the relative amount of lesion to colony area (LA/CA). When lesions were extirpated, lesions did not reappear in any of the colonies. We conclude that lesion scraping is useful for eliminating relatively small lesions (i.e. LA/CA < 10%), as these are likely to recover in a shorter period of time, whereas for relatively large lesions (LA/CA ≥ 10%) it is more appropriate to extirpate the lesion.},
keywords = {coral diseases, Coral Reef Decline, Gorgonia ventalina},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Coral diseases are currently playing a major role in the worldwide decline in coral reef integrity. One of the coral species most afflicted by disease in the Caribbean, and which has been the focus of much research, is the sea fan Gorgonia ventalina. There is, however, very little information regarding the capacity of sea fans to recover after being infected. The aim of this study was to compare the rehabilitation capacity of G. ventalina after diseased-induced lesions were eliminated either by scraping or extirpating the affected area. Scraping consisted of removing any organisms overgrowing the axial skeleton from the diseased area as well as the purple tissue bordering these overgrowths using metal bristle brushes. Extirpation consisted of cutting the diseased area, including the surrounding purpled tissue, using scissors. The number of scraped colonies that fully or partially rehabilitated after being manipulated and the rates at which the sea fans whose lesions were scrapped grew back healthy tissue were compared among: (i) colonies that inhabited two sites with contrasting environmental conditions; (ii) colonies of different sizes and (iii) colonies with different ratios of area of legions to total colony area (LA/CA). Both strategies proved to be very successful in eliminating lesions from sea fans. In the case of scraping, over 51% of the colonies recovered between 80% and 100% of the lost tissue within 16 months. The number of colonies that recovered from scraping was similar among sites and among colony sizes, but differed significantly depending on the relative amount of lesion to colony area (LA/CA). When lesions were extirpated, lesions did not reappear in any of the colonies. We conclude that lesion scraping is useful for eliminating relatively small lesions (i.e. LA/CA < 10%), as these are likely to recover in a shorter period of time, whereas for relatively large lesions (LA/CA ≥ 10%) it is more appropriate to extirpate the lesion.
Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P.; Toledo-Hernandez, Carlos; Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Pérez, María-Eglée; Sabat, Alberto M.
The role of coral colony health state in the recovery of lesions Journal Article
In: Peer J, pp. 1-13, 2016.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: coral diseases, Coral Reef Decline, Depth, Environmental factors, Gorgonia ventalina, Health condition, Healthy state, Lesion recovery, Recovery techniques, Sea fans corals, temperature, Water motion
@article{Ruiz-Diaz2016b,
title = {The role of coral colony health state in the recovery of lesions},
author = {Claudia P. Ruiz-Diaz and Carlos Toledo-Hernandez and Alex E. Mercado-Molina and María-Eglée Pérez and Alberto M. Sabat},
url = {https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ruiz-Diazetal2016.pdf
https://peerj.com/articles/1531/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26788423/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289376592_The_role_of_coral_colony_health_state_in_the_recovery_of_lesions},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.1531},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-05},
urldate = {2016-01-12},
journal = {Peer J},
pages = {1-13},
abstract = {Coral disease literature has focused, for the most part, on the etiology of the more than 35 coral afflictions currently described. Much less understood are the factors that underpin the capacity of corals to regenerate lesions, including the role of colony health. This lack of knowledge with respect to the factors that influence tissue regeneration significantly limits our understanding of the impact of diseases at the colony, population, and community level. In this study, we experimentally compared tissue regeneration capacity of diseased versus healthy fragments of Gorgonia ventalina colonies at 5 m and 12 m of depth. We found that the initial health state of colonies (i.e., diseased or healthy) had a significant effect on tissue regeneration (healing). All healthy fragments exhibited full recovery regardless of depth treatment, while diseased fragments did not. Our results suggest that being diseased or healthy has a significant effect on the capacity of a sea fan colony to repair tissue, but that environmental factors associated with changes in depth, such as temperature and light, do not. We conclude that disease doesn’t just compromise vital functions such as growth and reproduction in corals but also compromises their capacity to regenerate tissue and heal lesions.},
keywords = {coral diseases, Coral Reef Decline, Depth, Environmental factors, Gorgonia ventalina, Health condition, Healthy state, Lesion recovery, Recovery techniques, Sea fans corals, temperature, Water motion},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Coral disease literature has focused, for the most part, on the etiology of the more than 35 coral afflictions currently described. Much less understood are the factors that underpin the capacity of corals to regenerate lesions, including the role of colony health. This lack of knowledge with respect to the factors that influence tissue regeneration significantly limits our understanding of the impact of diseases at the colony, population, and community level. In this study, we experimentally compared tissue regeneration capacity of diseased versus healthy fragments of Gorgonia ventalina colonies at 5 m and 12 m of depth. We found that the initial health state of colonies (i.e., diseased or healthy) had a significant effect on tissue regeneration (healing). All healthy fragments exhibited full recovery regardless of depth treatment, while diseased fragments did not. Our results suggest that being diseased or healthy has a significant effect on the capacity of a sea fan colony to repair tissue, but that environmental factors associated with changes in depth, such as temperature and light, do not. We conclude that disease doesn’t just compromise vital functions such as growth and reproduction in corals but also compromises their capacity to regenerate tissue and heal lesions.
2015
Hernandez-Delgado, Edwin A.
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 101, no. 1, pp. 5-28, 2015.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Climate change, coral reefs
@article{Hernández-Delgado2015,
title = {The emerging threats of climate change on tropical coastal ecosystem services, public health, local economies and livelihood sustainability of small islands: Cumulative impacts and synergies},
author = {Hernandez-Delgado, Edwin A.},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X15300357},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.09.018},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-12-31},
urldate = {2015-12-31},
journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin},
volume = {101},
number = {1},
pages = {5-28},
abstract = {Climate change has significantly impacted tropical ecosystems critical for sustaining local economies and community livelihoods at global scales. Coastal ecosystems have largely declined, threatening the principal source of protein, building materials, tourism-based revenue, and the first line of defense against storm swells and sea level rise (SLR) for small tropical islands. Climate change has also impacted public health (i.e., altered distribution and increased prevalence of allergies, water-borne, and vector-borne diseases). Rapid human population growth has exacerbated pressure over coupled social–ecological systems, with concomitant non-sustainable impacts on natural resources, water availability, food security and sovereignty, public health, and quality of life, which should increase vulnerability and erode adaptation and mitigation capacity. This paper examines cumulative and synergistic impacts of climate change in the challenging context of highly vulnerable small tropical islands. Multiple adaptive strategies of coupled social–ecological ecosystems are discussed. Multi-level, multi-sectorial responses are necessary for adaptation to be successful.},
keywords = {Climate change, coral reefs},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Climate change has significantly impacted tropical ecosystems critical for sustaining local economies and community livelihoods at global scales. Coastal ecosystems have largely declined, threatening the principal source of protein, building materials, tourism-based revenue, and the first line of defense against storm swells and sea level rise (SLR) for small tropical islands. Climate change has also impacted public health (i.e., altered distribution and increased prevalence of allergies, water-borne, and vector-borne diseases). Rapid human population growth has exacerbated pressure over coupled social–ecological systems, with concomitant non-sustainable impacts on natural resources, water availability, food security and sovereignty, public health, and quality of life, which should increase vulnerability and erode adaptation and mitigation capacity. This paper examines cumulative and synergistic impacts of climate change in the challenging context of highly vulnerable small tropical islands. Multiple adaptive strategies of coupled social–ecological ecosystems are discussed. Multi-level, multi-sectorial responses are necessary for adaptation to be successful.
Sturm, Paul; Viqueira-Rios, Roberto; Medina-Muniz, Jeiger L.; Hernández Delgado, Edwin A.; González-Ramos, Carmen; Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo; Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie; Cabrera-Beauchamp, Gerardo
Cabo Rojo: Community Watershed Action Plan for Water Quality and Coral Reefs Working paper
2015.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Cabo Rojo Watershed Plan Water Quality Improvement Coral Reef Protection Public Health and Safety Local Economic Support
@workingpaper{Sturm2015,
title = {Cabo Rojo: Community Watershed Action Plan for Water Quality and Coral Reefs},
author = {Sturm, Paul and Viqueira-Rios, Roberto and Medina-Muniz, Jeiger L. and Hernández Delgado, Edwin A. and González-Ramos, Carmen and Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo and Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie and Cabrera-Beauchamp, Gerardo},
url = {https://sampr.org/sturm-et-al-2015-cabo_rojo_final_draft/
},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-12-27},
urldate = {2015-12-27},
abstract = {This watershed plan represents the culmination of the watershed planning process in Cabo Rojo. The goal of the watershed plan is to help chart a course for the improvement of water quality and coral reefs and to serve the goals of the citizens of the Cabo Rojo/Guanajibo watersheds, including protecting public health, safe and healthy beaches, and natural resources which serve to support the local economy.
},
keywords = {Cabo Rojo Watershed Plan Water Quality Improvement Coral Reef Protection Public Health and Safety Local Economic Support},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {workingpaper}
}
This watershed plan represents the culmination of the watershed planning process in Cabo Rojo. The goal of the watershed plan is to help chart a course for the improvement of water quality and coral reefs and to serve the goals of the citizens of the Cabo Rojo/Guanajibo watersheds, including protecting public health, safe and healthy beaches, and natural resources which serve to support the local economy.
Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P.; Pérez, María E.; Rodríguez-Barreras, Ruber; Sabat, Alberto M.
Demography of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis: implications for its management and conservation Journal Article
In: Coral Reefs, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 1113-1124, 2015.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, Reef Restoration
@article{Mercado-Molina2015b,
title = {Demography of the threatened coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis}: implications for its management and conservation},
author = {Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P. and Pérez, María E. and Rodríguez-Barreras, Ruber and Sabat, Alberto M.},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281639362_Demography_of_the_threatened_coral_Acropora_cervicornis_implications_for_its_management_and_conservation
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00338-015-1341-8
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mercado-Molinaetal2015b.pdf
},
doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00338-015-1341-8},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-12-02},
urldate = {2015-12-02},
journal = {Coral Reefs},
volume = {34},
number = {4},
pages = {1113-1124},
abstract = {Populations of Acropora cervicornis have collapsed throughout the Caribbean. This situation has prompted the initiation of many restoration efforts; yet, there are insufficient demographic data and analyses to effectively guide these initiatives. In this study, we assessed the spatiotemporal variability of A. cervicornis vital rates. We also developed a population matrix model to (1) evaluate the risk of population extinction, (2) estimate population growth rates considering different rates of colony fragmentation and fragment survival, (3) determine the demographic transition(s) that contribute the most to spatiotemporal differences in growth rates , and (4) analyze the effectiveness of outplanting coral fragments of different sizes.Themodel was parameterized by following the fate of 300 colonies from 2011 to 2013 at two localities in Puerto Rico. Demographic transitions varied spatiotemporally, with a significant interaction between location and time period on colony fate. Spatiotemporal variations in growth rates were also observed. During the first year, populations exhibited growth rates below equilibrium (0.918 and 0.948), followed by a dramatic decline at both sites (0.535 and 0.709) during the second year. The lower growth rates were caused by a decrease in the probability of stasis of large-sized colonies coupled with the lack of sexual recruits and a meager contribution of asexual recruitment. Spatial variations in growth rates were largely due to differences in the probability of medium-sized colonies advancing to the largest size class. The viability analysis forecasts that the populations will reach quasi-extinction levels of 25% of the initial population size in less than 16 yrs. Numerical simulations indicate that outplanting fragments larger than 250 cm in total linear length (TLL) would result in a higher asymptotic population size than outplanting smaller fragments. We argue, however, that transplanting colonies less than 100 cm TLL will be a better management strategy because they can be produced faster and in higher numbers at coral nurseries.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, Reef Restoration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Populations of Acropora cervicornis have collapsed throughout the Caribbean. This situation has prompted the initiation of many restoration efforts; yet, there are insufficient demographic data and analyses to effectively guide these initiatives. In this study, we assessed the spatiotemporal variability of A. cervicornis vital rates. We also developed a population matrix model to (1) evaluate the risk of population extinction, (2) estimate population growth rates considering different rates of colony fragmentation and fragment survival, (3) determine the demographic transition(s) that contribute the most to spatiotemporal differences in growth rates , and (4) analyze the effectiveness of outplanting coral fragments of different sizes.Themodel was parameterized by following the fate of 300 colonies from 2011 to 2013 at two localities in Puerto Rico. Demographic transitions varied spatiotemporally, with a significant interaction between location and time period on colony fate. Spatiotemporal variations in growth rates were also observed. During the first year, populations exhibited growth rates below equilibrium (0.918 and 0.948), followed by a dramatic decline at both sites (0.535 and 0.709) during the second year. The lower growth rates were caused by a decrease in the probability of stasis of large-sized colonies coupled with the lack of sexual recruits and a meager contribution of asexual recruitment. Spatial variations in growth rates were largely due to differences in the probability of medium-sized colonies advancing to the largest size class. The viability analysis forecasts that the populations will reach quasi-extinction levels of 25% of the initial population size in less than 16 yrs. Numerical simulations indicate that outplanting fragments larger than 250 cm in total linear length (TLL) would result in a higher asymptotic population size than outplanting smaller fragments. We argue, however, that transplanting colonies less than 100 cm TLL will be a better management strategy because they can be produced faster and in higher numbers at coral nurseries.
Torres-Pérez, Juan L.; Guild, Liane S.; Armstrong, Roy A.; Corredor, Jorge; Zuluaga-Montero, Anabella; Polanco, Ramón
Relative Pigment Composition and Remote Sensing Reflectance of Caribbean ShallowWater Corals Journal Article
In: PlosONE, vol. 10, iss. 11, pp. 1-20, 2015.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, pigment
@article{Torres-Pérez2015b,
title = {Relative Pigment Composition and Remote Sensing Reflectance of Caribbean ShallowWater Corals},
author = {Torres-Pérez, Juan L. and Guild, Liane S. and Armstrong, Roy A. and Corredor, Jorge and Zuluaga-Montero, Anabella and Polanco, Ramón},
editor = {Wayne Iwan Lee Davies},
url = {https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0143709
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Relative-Pigment-Composition-and-Remote-Sensing-Reflectance-of-Caribbean-ShallowWater-Corals.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0143709},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-11-30},
urldate = {2015-11-30},
journal = {PlosONE},
volume = {10},
issue = {11},
pages = {1-20},
abstract = {Reef corals typically contain a number of pigments, mostly due to their symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic dinoflagellates. These pigments usually vary in presence and concentration and influence the spectral characteristics of corals. We studied the variations in pigment composition among seven Caribbean shallow-water Scleractinian corals by means of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis to further resolve the discrimination of corals. We found a total of 27 different pigments among the coral species, including some alteration products of the main pigments. Additionally, pigments typically found in endolithic algae were also identified. A Principal Components Analysis and a Hierarchical Cluster Analysis showed the separation of coral species based on pigment composition. All the corals were collected under the same physical environmental conditions. This suggests that pigment in the coral’s symbionts might be more genetically-determined than influenced by prevailing physical conditions of the reef. We further investigated the use of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) as a tool for estimating the total pigment concentration of reef corals. Depending on the coral species, the Rrs and the total symbiont pigment concentration per coral tissue area correlation showed 79.5–98.5% confidence levels demonstrating its use as a non-invasive robust technique to estimate pigment concentration in studies of coral reef biodiversity and health.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, pigment},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Reef corals typically contain a number of pigments, mostly due to their symbiotic relationship with photosynthetic dinoflagellates. These pigments usually vary in presence and concentration and influence the spectral characteristics of corals. We studied the variations in pigment composition among seven Caribbean shallow-water Scleractinian corals by means of High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis to further resolve the discrimination of corals. We found a total of 27 different pigments among the coral species, including some alteration products of the main pigments. Additionally, pigments typically found in endolithic algae were also identified. A Principal Components Analysis and a Hierarchical Cluster Analysis showed the separation of coral species based on pigment composition. All the corals were collected under the same physical environmental conditions. This suggests that pigment in the coral’s symbionts might be more genetically-determined than influenced by prevailing physical conditions of the reef. We further investigated the use of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) as a tool for estimating the total pigment concentration of reef corals. Depending on the coral species, the Rrs and the total symbiont pigment concentration per coral tissue area correlation showed 79.5–98.5% confidence levels demonstrating its use as a non-invasive robust technique to estimate pigment concentration in studies of coral reef biodiversity and health.
Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P.; Sabat, Alberto M.
Demographics and dynamics of two restored populations of the threatened reef-building coral Acropora cervicornis Journal Article
In: Journal for Nature Conservation, vol. 24, pp. 17-23, 2015.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, Coral transplantation, Fragment stabilization, Reef Restoration
@article{Mercado-Molina2015,
title = {Demographics and dynamics of two restored populations of the threatened reef-building coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis}},
author = {Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P. and Sabat, Alberto M.},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1617138115000023
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2015.01.001},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-17},
urldate = {2015-01-17},
journal = {Journal for Nature Conservation},
volume = {24},
pages = {17-23},
abstract = {Acropora cervicornis is one of the principal reef-building organisms in the Caribbean; it is also considered one of the most threatened coral species. Due to its ecological importance and critical status it is the focus of many restoration and management initiatives. However, studies that quantitatively measure the efficacy or feasibility of these efforts are mostly lacking. In this study, nursery-reared fragments ofA. cervicornis were transplanted to two reefs in Puerto Rico as part of a reef rehabilitation program, andtheir survival, growth, and branch production were measured for a year. We also evaluated the effect ofthis restoration on the dynamics and viability of the fragment populations by means of a simple model.Survival of outplanted fragments surpassed 60%. Colony growth rate varied between 0.20 ± 0.18 and0.29 ± 0.21 cm d−1(mean ± SD) whereas branch production ranged between 7.02 ± 5.72 and 11.86 ± 7.06(mean ± SD) branches per fragment per year. Survival did not vary considerably with respect to fragmentsize. In contrast, large fragments (≥25 cm) grew faster and tended to produce more branches than smallerones. Model simulations indicate that (1) in the absence of recruitment, and without any subsequenthuman intervention, restored populations will decrease below a quasi-extinction level of 25% of theinitial population size after just 3 years and (2) transplanting at least 20 colony fragments per year (12%of initial population) is sufficient to keep the restored populations above the 25% threshold. We conclude that A. cervicornis may be a feasible species for restoration projects given sustained human intervention and that transplanting fragments of at least 25 cm to reefs is an effective restoration protocol that requires minimum effort to maintain a viable restored population of this key reef-building coral.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, Coral transplantation, Fragment stabilization, Reef Restoration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Acropora cervicornis is one of the principal reef-building organisms in the Caribbean; it is also considered one of the most threatened coral species. Due to its ecological importance and critical status it is the focus of many restoration and management initiatives. However, studies that quantitatively measure the efficacy or feasibility of these efforts are mostly lacking. In this study, nursery-reared fragments ofA. cervicornis were transplanted to two reefs in Puerto Rico as part of a reef rehabilitation program, andtheir survival, growth, and branch production were measured for a year. We also evaluated the effect ofthis restoration on the dynamics and viability of the fragment populations by means of a simple model.Survival of outplanted fragments surpassed 60%. Colony growth rate varied between 0.20 ± 0.18 and0.29 ± 0.21 cm d−1(mean ± SD) whereas branch production ranged between 7.02 ± 5.72 and 11.86 ± 7.06(mean ± SD) branches per fragment per year. Survival did not vary considerably with respect to fragmentsize. In contrast, large fragments (≥25 cm) grew faster and tended to produce more branches than smallerones. Model simulations indicate that (1) in the absence of recruitment, and without any subsequenthuman intervention, restored populations will decrease below a quasi-extinction level of 25% of theinitial population size after just 3 years and (2) transplanting at least 20 colony fragments per year (12%of initial population) is sufficient to keep the restored populations above the 25% threshold. We conclude that A. cervicornis may be a feasible species for restoration projects given sustained human intervention and that transplanting fragments of at least 25 cm to reefs is an effective restoration protocol that requires minimum effort to maintain a viable restored population of this key reef-building coral.
2014
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; González-Ramos, Carmen M.; Medina-Muñiz, Jeiger L.; Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo A.; Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie; Rosado-Matías, Bernard J.; Cabrera-Beauchamp, Gerardo
Widespread Impacts of Land Based Source Pollution on Southwestern Puerto Rican Coral Reefs Working paper
2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Coral Reef Ecosystems Land-Based Source Pollution (LBSP) Water Quality Decline Coral Species Richness Coastal Ecosystem Management
@workingpaper{Hernández-Delgado2014,
title = {Widespread Impacts of Land Based Source Pollution on Southwestern Puerto Rican Coral Reefs},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and González-Ramos, Carmen M. and Medina-Muñiz, Jeiger L. and Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo A. and Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie and Rosado-Matías, Bernard J. and Cabrera-Beauchamp, Gerardo},
url = {https://sampr.org/hernandez-delgado-et-al-2014-final-report-cr-lbsp-coral-reefs-5/},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-12-27},
urldate = {2014-12-27},
abstract = {Local coral reef ecosystems across the southwestern Puerto Rico shelf still represent a critical natural resource with invaluable socio-economic significance. However, they are showing unequivocal signs of decline, mostly as a result of chronic land-based source pollution (LBSP) impacts. This study provided important evidence suggesting there are signs of an LBSP gradient across the western Puerto Rico shelf and that chronic water quality decline has significantly affected the face of coral reef benthic communities, coral recruit assemblages, and indirectly affected reef fish communities.
A snapshot view of water quality across the shelf showed that turbidity and phosphate (PO₄) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) concentrations increased along inshore sites, while dissolved oxygen concentration declined along inshore waters. PO₄ concentrations resulted in nearly 11 times above the recommended concentration for healthy coral reefs across inshore sites, almost 8 times across mid-shelf sites, and about 3 times across outer shelf sites. Observed NH₄⁺ concentrations across inshore sites exceeded 981 times the recommended concentration for healthy coral reefs. Concentrations also exceeded the recommended limits 590 times across mid-shelf sites and 155 times across outer shelf sites.
Chlorophyll-a concentration was up 4 to 7 times higher than recommended limits for healthy coral reefs across inshore sites, 3 to 6 times across mid-shelf sites, and 3 to 6 times across outer shelf sites. Coral reef benthic community structure, coral recruit assemblages, and fish community structure showed significant differences across the observed LBSP gradient. Coral species richness, H’ and J’ indices, and percent living cover increased with increasing distance from the shore. Coral recruit abundance and the presence of important reef-building species also increased with increasing distance.
Overall fish species richness, abundance, biomass, and the abundance and biomass of total carnivores, piscivores, omnivores, as well as many fishery-targeted species (subfamily Epinephelinae, family Lutjanidae) and indicator species (Chaetodontidae, Pomacentridae) increased with increasing distance from the shore. Nonetheless, inshore coral reef ecosystems still supported critical large populations of juvenile and semi-adult stages of parrotfishes (Scaridae) and other fish taxa. This suggests the critical importance of protecting and restoring inshore and mid-shelf coral reefs.
Multiple recommendations are discussed to address LBSP impacts across the shelf, to implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce impacts, to monitor its effects on coastal ecosystems, and to rehabilitate the ecological functions of inshore and mid-shelf coral reefs.},
keywords = {Coral Reef Ecosystems Land-Based Source Pollution (LBSP) Water Quality Decline Coral Species Richness Coastal Ecosystem Management},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {workingpaper}
}
Local coral reef ecosystems across the southwestern Puerto Rico shelf still represent a critical natural resource with invaluable socio-economic significance. However, they are showing unequivocal signs of decline, mostly as a result of chronic land-based source pollution (LBSP) impacts. This study provided important evidence suggesting there are signs of an LBSP gradient across the western Puerto Rico shelf and that chronic water quality decline has significantly affected the face of coral reef benthic communities, coral recruit assemblages, and indirectly affected reef fish communities.
A snapshot view of water quality across the shelf showed that turbidity and phosphate (PO₄) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) concentrations increased along inshore sites, while dissolved oxygen concentration declined along inshore waters. PO₄ concentrations resulted in nearly 11 times above the recommended concentration for healthy coral reefs across inshore sites, almost 8 times across mid-shelf sites, and about 3 times across outer shelf sites. Observed NH₄⁺ concentrations across inshore sites exceeded 981 times the recommended concentration for healthy coral reefs. Concentrations also exceeded the recommended limits 590 times across mid-shelf sites and 155 times across outer shelf sites.
Chlorophyll-a concentration was up 4 to 7 times higher than recommended limits for healthy coral reefs across inshore sites, 3 to 6 times across mid-shelf sites, and 3 to 6 times across outer shelf sites. Coral reef benthic community structure, coral recruit assemblages, and fish community structure showed significant differences across the observed LBSP gradient. Coral species richness, H’ and J’ indices, and percent living cover increased with increasing distance from the shore. Coral recruit abundance and the presence of important reef-building species also increased with increasing distance.
Overall fish species richness, abundance, biomass, and the abundance and biomass of total carnivores, piscivores, omnivores, as well as many fishery-targeted species (subfamily Epinephelinae, family Lutjanidae) and indicator species (Chaetodontidae, Pomacentridae) increased with increasing distance from the shore. Nonetheless, inshore coral reef ecosystems still supported critical large populations of juvenile and semi-adult stages of parrotfishes (Scaridae) and other fish taxa. This suggests the critical importance of protecting and restoring inshore and mid-shelf coral reefs.
Multiple recommendations are discussed to address LBSP impacts across the shelf, to implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce impacts, to monitor its effects on coastal ecosystems, and to rehabilitate the ecological functions of inshore and mid-shelf coral reefs.
A snapshot view of water quality across the shelf showed that turbidity and phosphate (PO₄) and ammonium (NH₄⁺) concentrations increased along inshore sites, while dissolved oxygen concentration declined along inshore waters. PO₄ concentrations resulted in nearly 11 times above the recommended concentration for healthy coral reefs across inshore sites, almost 8 times across mid-shelf sites, and about 3 times across outer shelf sites. Observed NH₄⁺ concentrations across inshore sites exceeded 981 times the recommended concentration for healthy coral reefs. Concentrations also exceeded the recommended limits 590 times across mid-shelf sites and 155 times across outer shelf sites.
Chlorophyll-a concentration was up 4 to 7 times higher than recommended limits for healthy coral reefs across inshore sites, 3 to 6 times across mid-shelf sites, and 3 to 6 times across outer shelf sites. Coral reef benthic community structure, coral recruit assemblages, and fish community structure showed significant differences across the observed LBSP gradient. Coral species richness, H’ and J’ indices, and percent living cover increased with increasing distance from the shore. Coral recruit abundance and the presence of important reef-building species also increased with increasing distance.
Overall fish species richness, abundance, biomass, and the abundance and biomass of total carnivores, piscivores, omnivores, as well as many fishery-targeted species (subfamily Epinephelinae, family Lutjanidae) and indicator species (Chaetodontidae, Pomacentridae) increased with increasing distance from the shore. Nonetheless, inshore coral reef ecosystems still supported critical large populations of juvenile and semi-adult stages of parrotfishes (Scaridae) and other fish taxa. This suggests the critical importance of protecting and restoring inshore and mid-shelf coral reefs.
Multiple recommendations are discussed to address LBSP impacts across the shelf, to implement best management practices (BMPs) to reduce impacts, to monitor its effects on coastal ecosystems, and to rehabilitate the ecological functions of inshore and mid-shelf coral reefs.
Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo; Rodríguez-Barreras, Ruber; Colón-Miranda, Roberto; Díaz-Ortega, Geraldine; Martínez-González, Neidibel; Schleier-Hernández, Sandra; Sabat, Alberto M.
Revisiting the population status of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum in northern Puerto Rico Journal Article
In: Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, pp. 1-8, 2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Caribbean, coral reefs, Diadema antillarum, population recovery, Puerto Rico
@article{Mercado-Molina2014,
title = {Revisiting the population status of the sea urchin \textit{Diadema antillarum} in northern Puerto Rico},
author = {Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo and Rodríguez-Barreras, Ruber and Colón-Miranda, Roberto and Díaz-Ortega, Geraldine and Martínez-González, Neidibel and Schleier-Hernández, Sandra and Sabat, Alberto M.},
url = {https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Mercado-Molinaetal.2014_Diadema.pdf
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/journal-of-the-marine-biological-association-of-the-united-kingdom/article/abs/revisiting-the-population-status-of-the-sea-urchin-diadema-antillarum-in-northern-puerto-rico/E27E7958C257AF819430A078AD667989
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270160317_Revisiting_the_population_status_of_the_sea_urchin_Diadema_antillarum_in_northern_Puerto_Rico/link/54a18a1a0cf256bf8baf745c/download?_tp=eyJjb250ZXh0Ijp7ImZpcnN0UGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIiwicGFnZSI6InB1YmxpY2F0aW9uIn19
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1017/S002531541400188X},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-11-14},
urldate = {2014-11-14},
journal = {Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom},
pages = {1-8},
abstract = {The mass mortality suffered by the sea urchin Diadema antillarum between 1983–1984 is considered one of the major causes of coral reef degradation in the Caribbean. Its near disappearance resulted in a disproportionate growth of macroalgae that has led to a ‘phase shift’ from coral-to-algal dominated reefs. The close relationship between this echinoid and the functioning of coral reef ecosystems makes it imperative to better understand the potential for recovery of its populations. From 2009 to
2011, we assessed the density and size structure of D. antillarum in various reefs where previous population data were available. Results indicate a modest increase in density in all localities with respect to the last time they were surveyed in 2003/2004. Nevertheless, density values are still lower than values reported for the island prior to the die-off. Overall density did not surpass 1.49 ind. per m2, and did not change considerably during the studied period. Lack of population growth coincided with a lack of juveniles; suggesting that population growth at the studied sites may be limited by the number of individuals recruiting into the juvenile stage.},
keywords = {Caribbean, coral reefs, Diadema antillarum, population recovery, Puerto Rico},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The mass mortality suffered by the sea urchin Diadema antillarum between 1983–1984 is considered one of the major causes of coral reef degradation in the Caribbean. Its near disappearance resulted in a disproportionate growth of macroalgae that has led to a ‘phase shift’ from coral-to-algal dominated reefs. The close relationship between this echinoid and the functioning of coral reef ecosystems makes it imperative to better understand the potential for recovery of its populations. From 2009 to
2011, we assessed the density and size structure of D. antillarum in various reefs where previous population data were available. Results indicate a modest increase in density in all localities with respect to the last time they were surveyed in 2003/2004. Nevertheless, density values are still lower than values reported for the island prior to the die-off. Overall density did not surpass 1.49 ind. per m2, and did not change considerably during the studied period. Lack of population growth coincided with a lack of juveniles; suggesting that population growth at the studied sites may be limited by the number of individuals recruiting into the juvenile stage.
2011, we assessed the density and size structure of D. antillarum in various reefs where previous population data were available. Results indicate a modest increase in density in all localities with respect to the last time they were surveyed in 2003/2004. Nevertheless, density values are still lower than values reported for the island prior to the die-off. Overall density did not surpass 1.49 ind. per m2, and did not change considerably during the studied period. Lack of population growth coincided with a lack of juveniles; suggesting that population growth at the studied sites may be limited by the number of individuals recruiting into the juvenile stage.
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Alejandro-Camis, Pedro J.; Candelas-Sánchez, Frances; Fonseca-Miranda, Jaime S.; González-Ramos, Carmen M.; Guzmán-Rodríguez, Roger; Mège, Pascal; Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo A.; Olivo Maldonado, Iván; Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.
In: Open Journal of Ecology, vol. 4, pp. 918-944, 2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Reef Restoration
@article{Hernández-Delgado2015b,
title = {Community-Based Coral Reef Rehabilitation in a Changing Climate: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes, Extreme Rainfall, and Changing Land Use Impacts},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Alejandro-Camis, Pedro J. and Candelas-Sánchez, Frances and Fonseca-Miranda, Jaime S. and González-Ramos, Carmen M. and Guzmán-Rodríguez, Roger and Mège, Pascal and Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo A. and Olivo Maldonado, Iván and Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.},
url = {https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Hernandez-Delgadoetal.2014Coralreefrehabclimatechange.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267453286_Community-Based_Coral_Reef_Rehabilitation_in_a_Changing_Climate_Lessons_Learned_from_Hurricanes_Extreme_Rainfall_and_Changing_Land_Use_Impacts
https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=50930
},
doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oje.2014.414077},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-10-11},
urldate = {2014-10-11},
journal = {Open Journal of Ecology},
volume = {4},
pages = {918-944},
abstract = {Coral reefs have largely declined across multiple spatial scales due to a combination of local-scale anthropogenic impacts, and due to regional-global climate change. This has resulted in a significant loss of entire coral functional groups, including western Atlantic Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) biotopes, and in a net decline of coral reef ecosystem resilience, ecological functions, services and benefits. Low-tech coral farming has become one of the most important tools to help restore depleted coral reefs across the Wider Caribbean Region. We tested a community-based,
low-tech coral farming approach in Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, aimed at adapting to climate change-related impacts through a two-year project to propagate A. cervicornis under two contrasting fishing management conditions, in coastal areas experimenting significant land use changes. Extreme rainfall events and recurrent tropical storms and hurricanes had major site- and method-specific impacts on project outcome, particularly in areas adjacent to deforested lands
and subjected to recurrent impacts from land-based source pollution (LBSP) and runoff. Overall, coral survival rate in “A frame” units improved from 73% during 2011-2012 to 81% during 2012-2013. Coral survival rate improved to 97% in horizontal line nurseries (HLN) incorporated during 2012-2013. Percent tissue cover ranged from 86% to 91% in “A frames”, but reached 98% in HLN. Mean coral skeletal extension was 27 cm/y in “A frames” and 40 cm/y in HLN. These
growth rates were up to 545% to 857% faster than previous reports from coral farms from other parts of the Caribbean, and up to 438% faster than wild colonies. Branch production and branchiness index (no. harvestable branches > 6 cm) increased by several orders of magnitude in comparison to the original colonies at the beginning of the project. Coral mortality was associated to hurricane physical impacts and sediment-laden runoff impacts associated to extreme rainfall and deforestation of adjacent lands. This raises a challenging question regarding the impact of chronic
high sea surface temperature (SST), in combination with recurrent high nutrient pulses, in fostering increased coral growth at the expense of coral physiological conditions which may compromise corals resistance to disturbance. Achieving successful local management of reefs and adjacent lands is vital to maintain the sustained net production in coral farms and of reef structure, and the provision of the important ecosystem services that they provide. These measures are vital for buying time for reefs while global action on climate change is implemented. Adaptive community-
based strategies are critical to strengthen institutional management efforts. But government agencies need to transparently build local trust, empower local stakeholders, and foster co-management to be fully successful. Failing to achieve that could make community-based coral reef rehabilitation more challenging, and could potentially drive rapidly declining, transient coral reefs into the slippery slope to slime.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Reef Restoration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Coral reefs have largely declined across multiple spatial scales due to a combination of local-scale anthropogenic impacts, and due to regional-global climate change. This has resulted in a significant loss of entire coral functional groups, including western Atlantic Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) biotopes, and in a net decline of coral reef ecosystem resilience, ecological functions, services and benefits. Low-tech coral farming has become one of the most important tools to help restore depleted coral reefs across the Wider Caribbean Region. We tested a community-based,
low-tech coral farming approach in Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, aimed at adapting to climate change-related impacts through a two-year project to propagate A. cervicornis under two contrasting fishing management conditions, in coastal areas experimenting significant land use changes. Extreme rainfall events and recurrent tropical storms and hurricanes had major site- and method-specific impacts on project outcome, particularly in areas adjacent to deforested lands
and subjected to recurrent impacts from land-based source pollution (LBSP) and runoff. Overall, coral survival rate in “A frame” units improved from 73% during 2011-2012 to 81% during 2012-2013. Coral survival rate improved to 97% in horizontal line nurseries (HLN) incorporated during 2012-2013. Percent tissue cover ranged from 86% to 91% in “A frames”, but reached 98% in HLN. Mean coral skeletal extension was 27 cm/y in “A frames” and 40 cm/y in HLN. These
growth rates were up to 545% to 857% faster than previous reports from coral farms from other parts of the Caribbean, and up to 438% faster than wild colonies. Branch production and branchiness index (no. harvestable branches > 6 cm) increased by several orders of magnitude in comparison to the original colonies at the beginning of the project. Coral mortality was associated to hurricane physical impacts and sediment-laden runoff impacts associated to extreme rainfall and deforestation of adjacent lands. This raises a challenging question regarding the impact of chronic
high sea surface temperature (SST), in combination with recurrent high nutrient pulses, in fostering increased coral growth at the expense of coral physiological conditions which may compromise corals resistance to disturbance. Achieving successful local management of reefs and adjacent lands is vital to maintain the sustained net production in coral farms and of reef structure, and the provision of the important ecosystem services that they provide. These measures are vital for buying time for reefs while global action on climate change is implemented. Adaptive community-
based strategies are critical to strengthen institutional management efforts. But government agencies need to transparently build local trust, empower local stakeholders, and foster co-management to be fully successful. Failing to achieve that could make community-based coral reef rehabilitation more challenging, and could potentially drive rapidly declining, transient coral reefs into the slippery slope to slime.
low-tech coral farming approach in Culebra Island, Puerto Rico, aimed at adapting to climate change-related impacts through a two-year project to propagate A. cervicornis under two contrasting fishing management conditions, in coastal areas experimenting significant land use changes. Extreme rainfall events and recurrent tropical storms and hurricanes had major site- and method-specific impacts on project outcome, particularly in areas adjacent to deforested lands
and subjected to recurrent impacts from land-based source pollution (LBSP) and runoff. Overall, coral survival rate in “A frame” units improved from 73% during 2011-2012 to 81% during 2012-2013. Coral survival rate improved to 97% in horizontal line nurseries (HLN) incorporated during 2012-2013. Percent tissue cover ranged from 86% to 91% in “A frames”, but reached 98% in HLN. Mean coral skeletal extension was 27 cm/y in “A frames” and 40 cm/y in HLN. These
growth rates were up to 545% to 857% faster than previous reports from coral farms from other parts of the Caribbean, and up to 438% faster than wild colonies. Branch production and branchiness index (no. harvestable branches > 6 cm) increased by several orders of magnitude in comparison to the original colonies at the beginning of the project. Coral mortality was associated to hurricane physical impacts and sediment-laden runoff impacts associated to extreme rainfall and deforestation of adjacent lands. This raises a challenging question regarding the impact of chronic
high sea surface temperature (SST), in combination with recurrent high nutrient pulses, in fostering increased coral growth at the expense of coral physiological conditions which may compromise corals resistance to disturbance. Achieving successful local management of reefs and adjacent lands is vital to maintain the sustained net production in coral farms and of reef structure, and the provision of the important ecosystem services that they provide. These measures are vital for buying time for reefs while global action on climate change is implemented. Adaptive community-
based strategies are critical to strengthen institutional management efforts. But government agencies need to transparently build local trust, empower local stakeholders, and foster co-management to be fully successful. Failing to achieve that could make community-based coral reef rehabilitation more challenging, and could potentially drive rapidly declining, transient coral reefs into the slippery slope to slime.
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo; Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.
In: Revista Biologia Tropical, vol. Vol. 62, no. Suppl. 3, pp. 183-200, 2014, ISSN: 0034-7744.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Benthic community structure, bombing impacts, community-based ecological rehabilitation, coral reefs, fish community structure, military activities, novel habitats
@article{Hernández-Delgado2014b,
title = {Bomb-cratered coral reefs in Puerto Rico, the untold story about a novel habitat: from reef destruction to community-based ecological rehabilitation},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo and Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.},
url = {https://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-77442014000700019
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Bomb-cratered-coral-reefs-in-Puerto-Rico-the-untold-story-about-a-novel-habitat-from-reef-destruction-to-community-based-ecological-rehabilitation.pdf},
issn = {0034-7744},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-09-29},
urldate = {2014-09-29},
journal = {Revista Biologia Tropical},
volume = {Vol. 62},
number = {Suppl. 3},
pages = {183-200},
abstract = {Ecological impacts of military bombing activities in Puerto Rico have often been described as minimal, with recurrent allegations of confounding effects by hurricanes, coral diseases and local anthropogenic stressors. Reef craters, though isolated, are associated with major colony fragmentation and frameworkpulverization, with a net permanent loss of reef bio-construction. In contrast, adjacent non-bombarded reef sections have significantly higher benthic spatial relief and biodiversity. We compared benthic communitieson 35-50 year-old bomb-cratered coral reefs at Culebra and Vieques Islands, with adjacent non-impacted sites; 2) coral recruit density and fish community structure within and outside craters; and 3) early effects of a rehabilitation effort using low-tech Staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis farming. Reef craters ranged in size from approximately 50 to 400m2 and were largely dominated by heavily fragmented, flattened benthos, with coral cover usually below 2% and dominance by non-reef building taxa (i.e., filamentous algal turfs, macroalgae). Benthic spatial heterogeneity was lower within craters which also resulted in a lowered functional value as fish nursery ground. Fish species richness, abundance and biomass, and coral recruit density were lower within craters. Low-tech, community-based approaches to culture, harvest and transplant A. cervicornis into formerly bombarded grounds have proved successful in increasing percent coral cover, benthic spatial heterogeneity, and helping rehabilitate nursery ground functions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 3): 183-200. Epub 2014 September 01.},
keywords = {Benthic community structure, bombing impacts, community-based ecological rehabilitation, coral reefs, fish community structure, military activities, novel habitats},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Ecological impacts of military bombing activities in Puerto Rico have often been described as minimal, with recurrent allegations of confounding effects by hurricanes, coral diseases and local anthropogenic stressors. Reef craters, though isolated, are associated with major colony fragmentation and frameworkpulverization, with a net permanent loss of reef bio-construction. In contrast, adjacent non-bombarded reef sections have significantly higher benthic spatial relief and biodiversity. We compared benthic communitieson 35-50 year-old bomb-cratered coral reefs at Culebra and Vieques Islands, with adjacent non-impacted sites; 2) coral recruit density and fish community structure within and outside craters; and 3) early effects of a rehabilitation effort using low-tech Staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis farming. Reef craters ranged in size from approximately 50 to 400m2 and were largely dominated by heavily fragmented, flattened benthos, with coral cover usually below 2% and dominance by non-reef building taxa (i.e., filamentous algal turfs, macroalgae). Benthic spatial heterogeneity was lower within craters which also resulted in a lowered functional value as fish nursery ground. Fish species richness, abundance and biomass, and coral recruit density were lower within craters. Low-tech, community-based approaches to culture, harvest and transplant A. cervicornis into formerly bombarded grounds have proved successful in increasing percent coral cover, benthic spatial heterogeneity, and helping rehabilitate nursery ground functions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 3): 183-200. Epub 2014 September 01.
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; González-Ramos, Carmen M.; Alejandro-Camis, Pedro J.
In: Revista Biologia Tropical, vol. Vol. 62, no. Supl.3, pp. 49-64, 2014, ISSN: 0034-7744.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Climate change, community trajectory, coral decline, coral recruitment, Mona Island, Puerto Rico, transitional state
@article{Hernández-Delgado2014f,
title = {Large-scale coral recruitment patterns on Mona Island, Puerto Rico: evidence of a transitional community trajectory after massive coral bleaching and mortality},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and González-Ramos, Carmen M. and Alejandro-Camis, Pedro J.},
url = {https://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-77442014000700012
https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rbt/article/view/15901
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Large-scale-coral-recruitment-patterns-on-Mona-Island-Puerto-Rico-evidence-of-a-transitional-community-trajectory-after-massive-coral-bleaching-and-mortality.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.15517/rbt.v62i0.15901},
issn = {0034-7744},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-09-01},
urldate = {2014-09-01},
journal = {Revista Biologia Tropical},
volume = {Vol. 62},
number = {Supl.3},
pages = {49-64},
abstract = {Coral reefs have largely declined across the northeastern Caribbean following the 2005 massive bleaching event. Climate change-related sea surface warming and coral disease outbreaks of a white plague-like syndrome and of yellow band disease (YBD) have caused significant coral decline affecting massive reef building species (i.e., Orbicella annularis species complex) which show no apparent signs of recovery through larval sexual recruitment. We addressed coral recruit densities across three spur and groove reef locations along the western shelf of remote Mona Island, Puerto Rico: Punta Capitán (PCA), Pasa de Las Carmelitas (PLC), and Las Carmelitas-South (LCS). Data were collected during November 2012 along 93 haphazard transects across three depth zones (<5m, 5-10m, 10-15m). A total of 32 coral species (9 octocorals, 1 hydrocoral, 22 scleractinians) were documented among the recruit community. Communities had low densities and dominance by short-lived brooder species seven years after the 2005 event. Mean coral recruit density ranged from 1.2 to 10.5/m2 at PCA, 6.3 to 7.2/m2 at LCS, 4.5 to 9.5/m2 at PLC. Differences in coral recruit community structure can be attributed to slight variation in percent macroalgal cover and composition as study sites had nearly similar benthic spatial heterogeneity. Dominance by ephemeral coral species was widespread. Recovery of largely declining massive reef-building species such as the O. annularis species complex was limited or non-existent. The lack of recovery could be the combined result of several mechanisms involving climate change, YBD disease, macroalgae, fishing, urchins and Mona Island’s reefs limited connectivity to other reef systems. There is also for rehabilitation of fish trophic structure, with emphasis in recovering herbivore guilds and depleted populations of D. antillarum. Failing to recognize the importance of ecosystem-based management and resilience rehabilitation may deem remote coral reefs recovery unlikely.},
keywords = {Climate change, community trajectory, coral decline, coral recruitment, Mona Island, Puerto Rico, transitional state},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Coral reefs have largely declined across the northeastern Caribbean following the 2005 massive bleaching event. Climate change-related sea surface warming and coral disease outbreaks of a white plague-like syndrome and of yellow band disease (YBD) have caused significant coral decline affecting massive reef building species (i.e., Orbicella annularis species complex) which show no apparent signs of recovery through larval sexual recruitment. We addressed coral recruit densities across three spur and groove reef locations along the western shelf of remote Mona Island, Puerto Rico: Punta Capitán (PCA), Pasa de Las Carmelitas (PLC), and Las Carmelitas-South (LCS). Data were collected during November 2012 along 93 haphazard transects across three depth zones (<5m, 5-10m, 10-15m). A total of 32 coral species (9 octocorals, 1 hydrocoral, 22 scleractinians) were documented among the recruit community. Communities had low densities and dominance by short-lived brooder species seven years after the 2005 event. Mean coral recruit density ranged from 1.2 to 10.5/m2 at PCA, 6.3 to 7.2/m2 at LCS, 4.5 to 9.5/m2 at PLC. Differences in coral recruit community structure can be attributed to slight variation in percent macroalgal cover and composition as study sites had nearly similar benthic spatial heterogeneity. Dominance by ephemeral coral species was widespread. Recovery of largely declining massive reef-building species such as the O. annularis species complex was limited or non-existent. The lack of recovery could be the combined result of several mechanisms involving climate change, YBD disease, macroalgae, fishing, urchins and Mona Island’s reefs limited connectivity to other reef systems. There is also for rehabilitation of fish trophic structure, with emphasis in recovering herbivore guilds and depleted populations of D. antillarum. Failing to recognize the importance of ecosystem-based management and resilience rehabilitation may deem remote coral reefs recovery unlikely.
Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia; Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Sabat, Alberto M.
Survival, growth, and branch production of unattached fragments of the threatened hermatypic coral Acropora cervicornis Journal Article
In: Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, vol. 457, pp. 215-219, 2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Asexual reproduction, Coral fragments, coral reefs, Fragment reattachment
@article{Mercado-Molina2014b,
title = {Survival, growth, and branch production of unattached fragments of the threatened hermatypic coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis}},
author = {Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia and Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Sabat, Alberto M.},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022098114001105},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jembe.2014.04.017},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-08-13},
urldate = {2014-08-13},
journal = {Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology},
volume = {457},
pages = {215-219},
abstract = {Fragmentation has been regarded as the most important reproductive strategy in the threatened reef building coral Acropora cervicornis. Before the Caribbean-wide collapse experienced by A. cervicornis, asexual reproduction may have served as an effective source of new colonies to sustain and/or enhance local population growth. However, baseline information on the demographic success of fragments in nature is limited, hampering our ability to estimate the real contribution of asexual fragmentation to current population growth. In this study, natural occurring fragments of A. cervicornis were monitored for 18 months at two sites in Puerto Rico in order to quantify their survival, growth, and branching dynamics. Fragment survivorship did not exceed 26%, growth rates were relatively low with mean values ranging between 0.0242 ± 0.0168 (SE) and 0.0906 ± 0.0301 (SE) cm d− 1, and fragments barely produced new branches. No significant differences were found when comparing these demographic traits for different size categories. The relative low rates of survival, growth and branch production of natural fragments suggest that asexual fragmentation may not currently be a significant source of recruits for populations of this threatened coral.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Asexual reproduction, Coral fragments, coral reefs, Fragment reattachment},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Fragmentation has been regarded as the most important reproductive strategy in the threatened reef building coral Acropora cervicornis. Before the Caribbean-wide collapse experienced by A. cervicornis, asexual reproduction may have served as an effective source of new colonies to sustain and/or enhance local population growth. However, baseline information on the demographic success of fragments in nature is limited, hampering our ability to estimate the real contribution of asexual fragmentation to current population growth. In this study, natural occurring fragments of A. cervicornis were monitored for 18 months at two sites in Puerto Rico in order to quantify their survival, growth, and branching dynamics. Fragment survivorship did not exceed 26%, growth rates were relatively low with mean values ranging between 0.0242 ± 0.0168 (SE) and 0.0906 ± 0.0301 (SE) cm d− 1, and fragments barely produced new branches. No significant differences were found when comparing these demographic traits for different size categories. The relative low rates of survival, growth and branch production of natural fragments suggest that asexual fragmentation may not currently be a significant source of recruits for populations of this threatened coral.
Díaz-Ortega, Geraldine; Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.
In: Natural Resources, vol. 5, pp. 561-581, 2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora palmata, Coral Reef Decline, Eutrophication, Land-Based Source Pollution
@article{Díaz-Ortega2014,
title = {Unsustainable Land-Based Source Pollution in a Climate of Change: A Roadblock to the Conservation and Recovery of Elkhorn Coral \textit{Acropora palmata} (Lamarck 1816)},
author = {Díaz-Ortega, Geraldine and Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.},
url = {https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=48446
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Unsustainable-Land-Based-Source-Pollution-in-a-Climate-of-Change-A-Roadblock-to-the-Conservation-and-Recovery-of-Elkhorn-Coral-Acropora-palmataLamarck-1816.pdf},
doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/nr.2014.510050},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-07-18},
urldate = {2014-07-18},
journal = {Natural Resources},
volume = {5},
pages = {561-581},
abstract = {Chronic eutrophication and turbidity are critical detrimental factors impacting coral reef ecosystems, adversely affecting their ecological functions, services, benefits, and resilience across multiple spatial scales and over prolonged periods of time. Inadequate land use practices and lack of appropriate sewage treatment can adversely contribute to increase land-based source pollution (LBSP) impacts in coastal waters and to magnify impacts by sea surface warming trends associated to climate change. Fringing coral reefs off Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, support extensive remnant patches of Elkhorn coral Acropora palmata (Lamarck 1816), which was listed in 2006 as a threatened species under the US Endangered Species Act. Chronic impacts by LBSP have significantly affected local downstream fringing reefs. We characterized the spatial extent of a water quality stress gradient across 12 reefs along the Vega Baja coast through monthly measurements of multiple physico-chemical parameters. Most parameters, particularly PO4, , chlorophyll-a, and the concentration of optical brighteners (OABs), showed a statistically significant increase (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05) in waters close to the main pollution sources, but also in waters adjacent to Cibuco River effluents. Dissolved oxygen also declined and turbidity increased on polluted sites. PO4, , and chlorophyll-a, exceeded recommended concentrations for coral reef ecosystems by factors of 7 - 50 times, 600 - 1240 times, and 17 - 83 times, respectively, depending on the source of the effluents and the distance from sewage pollution sources. Also, water turbidity exceeded 4 - 10 times the recommended value for pristine coral reefs. Coral reefs showed significant decline in close proximity to the polluted zone, showing a significantly different benthic community structure (PERMANOVA, p < 0.0001) dominated by non-reef building taxa (i.e., macroalgae, algal turf) and bare substrate. Percent coral cover and abundance of A. palmata, showed a significant increase with distance. Coral species richness, species diversity index, and the variance in taxonomic distinctness were very low on reef patches adjacent to the polluted zone, increased at a moderate distance with increasing coral cover and co-existence of multiple species, and declined far from the pollution source due to dominance exerted by A. palmata. This study suggests that chronic LBSP resulted in a major decline of one of the largest and most dense remnant stands of A. palmata across the northeastern Caribbean and that nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations were unsustainable for coral reefs. This situation requires immediate solution to prevent further damage to these unprecedented resources. It further suggests that chronic LBSP may synergistically magnify sea-surface warming impacts driving corals to an increased state of risk in face of forecasted climate change impacts. Actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts on coral reefs must require a priori controls of LBSP to be effective.},
keywords = {Acropora palmata, Coral Reef Decline, Eutrophication, Land-Based Source Pollution},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Chronic eutrophication and turbidity are critical detrimental factors impacting coral reef ecosystems, adversely affecting their ecological functions, services, benefits, and resilience across multiple spatial scales and over prolonged periods of time. Inadequate land use practices and lack of appropriate sewage treatment can adversely contribute to increase land-based source pollution (LBSP) impacts in coastal waters and to magnify impacts by sea surface warming trends associated to climate change. Fringing coral reefs off Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, support extensive remnant patches of Elkhorn coral Acropora palmata (Lamarck 1816), which was listed in 2006 as a threatened species under the US Endangered Species Act. Chronic impacts by LBSP have significantly affected local downstream fringing reefs. We characterized the spatial extent of a water quality stress gradient across 12 reefs along the Vega Baja coast through monthly measurements of multiple physico-chemical parameters. Most parameters, particularly PO4, , chlorophyll-a, and the concentration of optical brighteners (OABs), showed a statistically significant increase (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05) in waters close to the main pollution sources, but also in waters adjacent to Cibuco River effluents. Dissolved oxygen also declined and turbidity increased on polluted sites. PO4, , and chlorophyll-a, exceeded recommended concentrations for coral reef ecosystems by factors of 7 - 50 times, 600 - 1240 times, and 17 - 83 times, respectively, depending on the source of the effluents and the distance from sewage pollution sources. Also, water turbidity exceeded 4 - 10 times the recommended value for pristine coral reefs. Coral reefs showed significant decline in close proximity to the polluted zone, showing a significantly different benthic community structure (PERMANOVA, p < 0.0001) dominated by non-reef building taxa (i.e., macroalgae, algal turf) and bare substrate. Percent coral cover and abundance of A. palmata, showed a significant increase with distance. Coral species richness, species diversity index, and the variance in taxonomic distinctness were very low on reef patches adjacent to the polluted zone, increased at a moderate distance with increasing coral cover and co-existence of multiple species, and declined far from the pollution source due to dominance exerted by A. palmata. This study suggests that chronic LBSP resulted in a major decline of one of the largest and most dense remnant stands of A. palmata across the northeastern Caribbean and that nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations were unsustainable for coral reefs. This situation requires immediate solution to prevent further damage to these unprecedented resources. It further suggests that chronic LBSP may synergistically magnify sea-surface warming impacts driving corals to an increased state of risk in face of forecasted climate change impacts. Actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts on coral reefs must require a priori controls of LBSP to be effective.
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Shivlani, Manoj; Sabat, Alberto M.
Ecosystem-Based and Community-Based Model Integration to Designate Coral Reef No-Take Marine Protected Areas: A Case Study from Puerto Rico Journal Article
In: Natural Resources, vol. 5, pp. 538-560, 2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Climate change, Community-Based Management, Fish Communities, Marine Protected Areas
@article{Hernández-Delgado2014e,
title = {Ecosystem-Based and Community-Based Model Integration to Designate Coral Reef No-Take Marine Protected Areas: A Case Study from Puerto Rico},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Shivlani, Manoj and Sabat, Alberto M.},
url = {https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=48445
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ecosystem-Based-and-Community-Based-Model-Integration-to-Designate-Coral-Reef-No-Take-Marine-Protected-Areas-A-Case-Study-from-Puerto-Rico.pdf
},
doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/nr.2014.510049},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-07-12},
urldate = {2014-07-12},
journal = {Natural Resources},
volume = {5},
pages = {538-560},
abstract = {Ecosystem-based management and community-based participation in governance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been identified as key elements to improve management success, local stakeholder support, and compliance with regulations. However, both are often rarely achieved, resulting in poor MPA governance, support and success. A quantitative assessment of the spatiotemporal change (1997-2012) of coral reef fish communities within Arrecifes La Cordillera Natural Reserve in northeastern Puerto Rico was carried out. We also identified community expectations of and support for the designation of a network of small no-take MPAs within the reserve’s boundaries. A holistic approach employing biophysical and socioeconomic methods was used as part of a participatory model to identify priorities for the designation of candidate no-take MPAs. Populations of the most important fishery-targeted species showed a significant temporal decline, particularly in areas subjected to intense recreational activities and spearfishing. Most groupers (Serranidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), barracudas (Sphyraenidae), and some parrotfishes (Scaridae) were nearly absent at most sites. Most individuals belonged to smaller size categories. Herbivores represented the majority of the total fish biomass, suggesting strong fishing impacts on apex predators. Fish declines also occurred after two massive coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2005 that were followed by mass coral mortalities, suggesting combined negative impacts of fishing and climate change. A no-take MPA designation was supported by 80% of the artisanal fishermen, 73% of the concessionaires (i.e., SCUBA diving, charter boats), and 52% of registered vessel operators.
Stakeholders agreed that coral reef conditions in the reserve had declined over time, as well as water quality which affected reef health and fisheries. Stakeholders did not recognize climate change and sea surface warming as threats to coral reefs and fisheries. Nonetheless, stakeholder perceptions of candidate no-take MPA sites remarkably matched those identified through fish counts. This study also highlighted the pervasive views held by many stake-holders concerning MPA management and enforcement, and recommended that any no-take MPA designation process considers improving stakeholder participation, understanding of management objectives, actions, and accomplishments, and building stakeholders trust. The integration of ecosystem-based and community-based participatory models may be critical to foster improved support of no-take MPAs and foster a long-term community-based integration to develop and implement mitigation strategies for climate change impacts in novel future scenarios.},
keywords = {Climate change, Community-Based Management, Fish Communities, Marine Protected Areas},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Ecosystem-based management and community-based participation in governance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been identified as key elements to improve management success, local stakeholder support, and compliance with regulations. However, both are often rarely achieved, resulting in poor MPA governance, support and success. A quantitative assessment of the spatiotemporal change (1997-2012) of coral reef fish communities within Arrecifes La Cordillera Natural Reserve in northeastern Puerto Rico was carried out. We also identified community expectations of and support for the designation of a network of small no-take MPAs within the reserve’s boundaries. A holistic approach employing biophysical and socioeconomic methods was used as part of a participatory model to identify priorities for the designation of candidate no-take MPAs. Populations of the most important fishery-targeted species showed a significant temporal decline, particularly in areas subjected to intense recreational activities and spearfishing. Most groupers (Serranidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), barracudas (Sphyraenidae), and some parrotfishes (Scaridae) were nearly absent at most sites. Most individuals belonged to smaller size categories. Herbivores represented the majority of the total fish biomass, suggesting strong fishing impacts on apex predators. Fish declines also occurred after two massive coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2005 that were followed by mass coral mortalities, suggesting combined negative impacts of fishing and climate change. A no-take MPA designation was supported by 80% of the artisanal fishermen, 73% of the concessionaires (i.e., SCUBA diving, charter boats), and 52% of registered vessel operators.
Stakeholders agreed that coral reef conditions in the reserve had declined over time, as well as water quality which affected reef health and fisheries. Stakeholders did not recognize climate change and sea surface warming as threats to coral reefs and fisheries. Nonetheless, stakeholder perceptions of candidate no-take MPA sites remarkably matched those identified through fish counts. This study also highlighted the pervasive views held by many stake-holders concerning MPA management and enforcement, and recommended that any no-take MPA designation process considers improving stakeholder participation, understanding of management objectives, actions, and accomplishments, and building stakeholders trust. The integration of ecosystem-based and community-based participatory models may be critical to foster improved support of no-take MPAs and foster a long-term community-based integration to develop and implement mitigation strategies for climate change impacts in novel future scenarios.
Stakeholders agreed that coral reef conditions in the reserve had declined over time, as well as water quality which affected reef health and fisheries. Stakeholders did not recognize climate change and sea surface warming as threats to coral reefs and fisheries. Nonetheless, stakeholder perceptions of candidate no-take MPA sites remarkably matched those identified through fish counts. This study also highlighted the pervasive views held by many stake-holders concerning MPA management and enforcement, and recommended that any no-take MPA designation process considers improving stakeholder participation, understanding of management objectives, actions, and accomplishments, and building stakeholders trust. The integration of ecosystem-based and community-based participatory models may be critical to foster improved support of no-take MPAs and foster a long-term community-based integration to develop and implement mitigation strategies for climate change impacts in novel future scenarios.
Sturm, Paul; Viqueira-Rios, Roberto; Meyer-Comas, Louis; Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; González-Ramos, Carmen; Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo; Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie
Culebra: Community Watershed Action Plan for Water Quality and Coral Reefs Working paper
2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Culebra Watershed Plan Water Quality Improvement Coral Reef Conservation Stakeholder Engagement Restoration Opportunities
@workingpaper{Sturm2014,
title = {Culebra: Community Watershed Action Plan for Water Quality and Coral Reefs},
author = {Sturm, Paul and Viqueira-Rios, Roberto and Meyer-Comas, Louis and Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and González-Ramos, Carmen and Montañez-Acuña, Alfredo and Otaño-Cruz, Abimarie},
url = {https://sampr.org/sturm-et-al-2014-culebra-final-watershed-mgmt-plan/},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-03-11},
urldate = {2014-03-11},
abstract = {This watershed plan represents the culmination of the initial watershed planning process in Culebra. The goal of the watershed plan is to help chart a course for the improvement of water quality and coral reefs and to serve the goals of the citizens of Culebra. The process to complete the Plan has included:
1. A baseline study that summarizes existing scientific information and background on the study area (integrated into this report).
2. A stakeholder process that has included meetings with individuals, agencies, and a series of meetings with the public to establish goals and objectives for the watershed plan.
3. Fieldwork to establish water quality and coral reef conditions as well as the sources of pollution coming from the land.
4. Identification and prioritization of restoration opportunities including policy changes, implementation projects, and enforcement issues.
5. Completion of a draft and final watershed plan.},
keywords = {Culebra Watershed Plan Water Quality Improvement Coral Reef Conservation Stakeholder Engagement Restoration Opportunities},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {workingpaper}
}
This watershed plan represents the culmination of the initial watershed planning process in Culebra. The goal of the watershed plan is to help chart a course for the improvement of water quality and coral reefs and to serve the goals of the citizens of Culebra. The process to complete the Plan has included:
1. A baseline study that summarizes existing scientific information and background on the study area (integrated into this report).
2. A stakeholder process that has included meetings with individuals, agencies, and a series of meetings with the public to establish goals and objectives for the watershed plan.
3. Fieldwork to establish water quality and coral reef conditions as well as the sources of pollution coming from the land.
4. Identification and prioritization of restoration opportunities including policy changes, implementation projects, and enforcement issues.
5. Completion of a draft and final watershed plan.
1. A baseline study that summarizes existing scientific information and background on the study area (integrated into this report).
2. A stakeholder process that has included meetings with individuals, agencies, and a series of meetings with the public to establish goals and objectives for the watershed plan.
3. Fieldwork to establish water quality and coral reef conditions as well as the sources of pollution coming from the land.
4. Identification and prioritization of restoration opportunities including policy changes, implementation projects, and enforcement issues.
5. Completion of a draft and final watershed plan.
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.
E.S.A. CORAL SPECIES LISTING: A ROADBLOCK TO COMMUNITY-BASED ENGAGEMENT IN CORAL REEF CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION ACROSS THE U.S. CARIBBEAN? Journal Article
In: REEF ENCOUNTER, vol. 29, no. 1, pp. 11-15, 2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean Coral Reefs, coral reefs, CORAL SPECIES LISTING, Reef Restoration
@article{Hernández-Delgado2014bc,
title = {E.S.A. CORAL SPECIES LISTING: A ROADBLOCK TO COMMUNITY-BASED ENGAGEMENT IN CORAL REEF CONSERVATION AND REHABILITATION ACROSS THE U.S. CARIBBEAN?},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.},
url = {https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/E_S_A_CORAL_SPECIES_LISTING_A_ROADBLOCK.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265405995_ESA_coral_species_listing_a_roadblock_to_community-based_engagement_in_coral_reef_conservation_and_rehabilitation_across_the_US_Caribbean},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-02-27},
urldate = {2014-02-27},
journal = {REEF ENCOUNTER},
volume = {29},
number = {1},
pages = {11-15},
abstract = {Coral reef ecosystems have declined globally driven by multiple local-scale human stressors and large-scale climate change-related factors, which can produce a combination of acute, stochastic events, and longterm, slowly-evolving changes (Côté and Darling 2010, Hughes et al. 2013). Mounting evidence points to the wider Caribbean region as one of the most susceptible to rapid ecosystem resilience decline (Rogers and Miller 2006, Roff and Mumby 2012, Rogers 2013). This has often resulted in a long-term decline in percent live coral cover, species diversity and a widespread phase shift in benthic community structure (Hughes 1994, Miller et al. 2009, Edmunds 2013), with limited recovery ability (Hughes and Tanner 2000, Birkeland et al. 2013). It has also resulted in the demise of susceptible coral functional groups such as Atlantic acroporid corals (Bruckner and Hourigan 2000) and a major loss of coral reef ecosystem resilience, functions, benefits, services, and socio-economic value (Bellwood et al. 2004), including the ability to sustain fisheries (Pauley et al. 2002, Pauley and Zeller, 2014, Pratchett et al. 2014).},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean Coral Reefs, coral reefs, CORAL SPECIES LISTING, Reef Restoration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Coral reef ecosystems have declined globally driven by multiple local-scale human stressors and large-scale climate change-related factors, which can produce a combination of acute, stochastic events, and longterm, slowly-evolving changes (Côté and Darling 2010, Hughes et al. 2013). Mounting evidence points to the wider Caribbean region as one of the most susceptible to rapid ecosystem resilience decline (Rogers and Miller 2006, Roff and Mumby 2012, Rogers 2013). This has often resulted in a long-term decline in percent live coral cover, species diversity and a widespread phase shift in benthic community structure (Hughes 1994, Miller et al. 2009, Edmunds 2013), with limited recovery ability (Hughes and Tanner 2000, Birkeland et al. 2013). It has also resulted in the demise of susceptible coral functional groups such as Atlantic acroporid corals (Bruckner and Hourigan 2000) and a major loss of coral reef ecosystem resilience, functions, benefits, services, and socio-economic value (Bellwood et al. 2004), including the ability to sustain fisheries (Pauley et al. 2002, Pauley and Zeller, 2014, Pratchett et al. 2014).
2013
Mercado-Molina, Alex; Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Rivera-Rivera, José E.; Rivera-Rivera, Mayra; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.; Olivo-Maldonado, Iván; Fonseca-Miranda, Jaime S.; Rodríguez-Inoa, Evelyn A.
Sociedad Ambiente Marino 2013.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Protocolo, Reef Restoration
@manual{Molina2013,
title = {PROTOCOLO PARA LA PROPAGACIÓN Y LA RESTAURACIÓN DE POBLACIONES DEL CORAL CUERNO DE CIERVO, \textit{ACROPORA CERVICORNIS} : ESTRATEGIAS DE BAJO COSTO DE LA SOCIEDAD AMBIENTE MARINO},
author = {Mercado-Molina, Alex and Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Rivera-Rivera, José E. and Rivera-Rivera, Mayra and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E. and Olivo-Maldonado, Iván and Fonseca-Miranda, Jaime S. and Rodríguez-Inoa, Evelyn A.},
url = {https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/PROTOCOLO_PARA_LA_PROPAGACION_Y_LA_RESTA.pdf},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-12-31},
urldate = {2013-12-31},
organization = {Sociedad Ambiente Marino},
abstract = {Los arrecifes de coral a través del planeta han sufrido una degradación significativa debido a
una combinación de factores naturales y de causas humanas que han tenido impactos adversos
importantes a través de diversas escalas espaciales y temporales. Factores localizados como el
deterioro en la calidad del agua asociado a la sedimentación excesiva, turbidez, la
contaminación y la sobrepesca, en combinación con el impacto de factores con impactos a
mayor escala como los huracanes, brotes de enfermedades en los corales y el blanqueamiento
masivo de corales como consecuencia del cambio climático y el incremento en la temperatura
superficial del mar han resultado en una degradación amplia de los arrecifes de coral. Esto ha
tenido como consecuencia una disminución sistemática en la densidad poblacional de muchas
especies de corales, incluyendo al coral Cuerno de ciervo, Acropora cervicornis. Su disminución
ha sido a tal nivel que dicha especie se designó en el año 2006 como una especie amenazada
bajo la Ley Federal de Especies en Peligro de Extinción por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos de
América (EEUU).
Ante la marcada disminución poblacional de esta especie a través de todo el Caribe, incluyendo
al archipiélago de islas de Puerto Rico, la Sociedad Ambiente Marino (SAM), en colaboración
con el Grupo de Investigación en Arrecifes de Coral (GIAC) de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
(UPR), más recientemente adscrito al Centro para la Ecología Tropical Aplicada y Conservación
(CATEC, por sus siglas en inglés) de la UPR, la Asociación de Pescadores de la Isla de Culebra, y
la organización no gubernamental Coralations, desarrolló a partir del 2003 el Proyecto
Comunitario de Acuacultura de Corales y Rehabilitación de Arrecifes. Dicho proyecto tiene como
meta principal la propagación de A. cervicornis mediante el uso de métodos de baja tecnología
y de bajo costo, y mediante la participación directa de las comunidades de base. A su vez, esto
fomenta la reintroducción de la especie a zonas previamente despobladas y fomenta la
rehabilitación del crecimiento neto del arrecife, de su resiliencia, su paisaje, de sus funciones
ecológicas y de sus servicios. Particularmente, esto promueve a la vez la recuperación de las
pesquerías arrecifales.
Este manual constituye un resumen de muchas de las lecciones aprendidas por SAM durante el
proceso de desarrollar el proyecto de base enteramente comunitaria de restauración y
rehabilitación de arrecifes de coral más duradero y antiguo en todo el Caribe. El mismo,
igualmente, constituye el primer manual de su tipo redactado para el Caribe hispano-parlante.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Protocolo, Reef Restoration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {manual}
}
Los arrecifes de coral a través del planeta han sufrido una degradación significativa debido a
una combinación de factores naturales y de causas humanas que han tenido impactos adversos
importantes a través de diversas escalas espaciales y temporales. Factores localizados como el
deterioro en la calidad del agua asociado a la sedimentación excesiva, turbidez, la
contaminación y la sobrepesca, en combinación con el impacto de factores con impactos a
mayor escala como los huracanes, brotes de enfermedades en los corales y el blanqueamiento
masivo de corales como consecuencia del cambio climático y el incremento en la temperatura
superficial del mar han resultado en una degradación amplia de los arrecifes de coral. Esto ha
tenido como consecuencia una disminución sistemática en la densidad poblacional de muchas
especies de corales, incluyendo al coral Cuerno de ciervo, Acropora cervicornis. Su disminución
ha sido a tal nivel que dicha especie se designó en el año 2006 como una especie amenazada
bajo la Ley Federal de Especies en Peligro de Extinción por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos de
América (EEUU).
Ante la marcada disminución poblacional de esta especie a través de todo el Caribe, incluyendo
al archipiélago de islas de Puerto Rico, la Sociedad Ambiente Marino (SAM), en colaboración
con el Grupo de Investigación en Arrecifes de Coral (GIAC) de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
(UPR), más recientemente adscrito al Centro para la Ecología Tropical Aplicada y Conservación
(CATEC, por sus siglas en inglés) de la UPR, la Asociación de Pescadores de la Isla de Culebra, y
la organización no gubernamental Coralations, desarrolló a partir del 2003 el Proyecto
Comunitario de Acuacultura de Corales y Rehabilitación de Arrecifes. Dicho proyecto tiene como
meta principal la propagación de A. cervicornis mediante el uso de métodos de baja tecnología
y de bajo costo, y mediante la participación directa de las comunidades de base. A su vez, esto
fomenta la reintroducción de la especie a zonas previamente despobladas y fomenta la
rehabilitación del crecimiento neto del arrecife, de su resiliencia, su paisaje, de sus funciones
ecológicas y de sus servicios. Particularmente, esto promueve a la vez la recuperación de las
pesquerías arrecifales.
Este manual constituye un resumen de muchas de las lecciones aprendidas por SAM durante el
proceso de desarrollar el proyecto de base enteramente comunitaria de restauración y
rehabilitación de arrecifes de coral más duradero y antiguo en todo el Caribe. El mismo,
igualmente, constituye el primer manual de su tipo redactado para el Caribe hispano-parlante.
una combinación de factores naturales y de causas humanas que han tenido impactos adversos
importantes a través de diversas escalas espaciales y temporales. Factores localizados como el
deterioro en la calidad del agua asociado a la sedimentación excesiva, turbidez, la
contaminación y la sobrepesca, en combinación con el impacto de factores con impactos a
mayor escala como los huracanes, brotes de enfermedades en los corales y el blanqueamiento
masivo de corales como consecuencia del cambio climático y el incremento en la temperatura
superficial del mar han resultado en una degradación amplia de los arrecifes de coral. Esto ha
tenido como consecuencia una disminución sistemática en la densidad poblacional de muchas
especies de corales, incluyendo al coral Cuerno de ciervo, Acropora cervicornis. Su disminución
ha sido a tal nivel que dicha especie se designó en el año 2006 como una especie amenazada
bajo la Ley Federal de Especies en Peligro de Extinción por el gobierno de los Estados Unidos de
América (EEUU).
Ante la marcada disminución poblacional de esta especie a través de todo el Caribe, incluyendo
al archipiélago de islas de Puerto Rico, la Sociedad Ambiente Marino (SAM), en colaboración
con el Grupo de Investigación en Arrecifes de Coral (GIAC) de la Universidad de Puerto Rico
(UPR), más recientemente adscrito al Centro para la Ecología Tropical Aplicada y Conservación
(CATEC, por sus siglas en inglés) de la UPR, la Asociación de Pescadores de la Isla de Culebra, y
la organización no gubernamental Coralations, desarrolló a partir del 2003 el Proyecto
Comunitario de Acuacultura de Corales y Rehabilitación de Arrecifes. Dicho proyecto tiene como
meta principal la propagación de A. cervicornis mediante el uso de métodos de baja tecnología
y de bajo costo, y mediante la participación directa de las comunidades de base. A su vez, esto
fomenta la reintroducción de la especie a zonas previamente despobladas y fomenta la
rehabilitación del crecimiento neto del arrecife, de su resiliencia, su paisaje, de sus funciones
ecológicas y de sus servicios. Particularmente, esto promueve a la vez la recuperación de las
pesquerías arrecifales.
Este manual constituye un resumen de muchas de las lecciones aprendidas por SAM durante el
proceso de desarrollar el proyecto de base enteramente comunitaria de restauración y
rehabilitación de arrecifes de coral más duradero y antiguo en todo el Caribe. El mismo,
igualmente, constituye el primer manual de su tipo redactado para el Caribe hispano-parlante.
2011
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.; Olivo, Iván; Fonseca, Jaime; Lucking, Mary Ann
Alternativas tecnológicas para el cultivo y la restauración de los arrecifes de coral en Puerto Rico Book Chapter
In: Seguinot-Barbosa, José (Ed.): Chapter 3.6, pp. 178-186, Ediciones SM, 1, 2011.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora palmata, Conservation, Coral, Coral Deseases, coral farming, Preservation, Restoration Ecology, Seagrass and Coral Reef Restoration Projects
@inbook{Hernández2011,
title = {Alternativas tecnológicas para el cultivo y la restauración de los arrecifes de coral en Puerto Rico},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E. and Olivo, Iván and Fonseca, Jaime and Lucking, Mary Ann},
editor = {José Seguinot-Barbosa},
url = {https://sampr.org/hernandez-et-al-2011-c3-6-rest-corales-final/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265966133_Alternativas_de_baja_tecnologia_para_la_rehabilitacion_de_los_arrecifes_de_coral
},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-11},
urldate = {2011-01-11},
pages = {178-186},
publisher = {Ediciones SM},
edition = {1},
chapter = {3.6},
abstract = {La pérdida de los arrecifes de coral y sus ecosistemas asociados debido a una combinación de factores locales de origen humano y factores asociados al calentamiento del mar ha sido significativa durante las últimas décadas. Esto ha redundado en pérdidas significativas en la biodiversidad de corales y de la fauna asociada al arrecife, así como en un cambio significativo de fase en la estructura de la comunidad, en donde la dominancia de los corales ha sido sustituida por la dominancia de las algas y otros grupos de especies no constructores de arrecifes.
Este tipo de cambios tiene usualmente consecuencias nefastas para el sostenimiento de la resistencia a perturbaciones y de la resiliencia del ecosistema, lo que influye en su capacidad de recuperación después de alguna perturbación. También afecta adversamente el mantenimiento de las funciones ecológicas y los servicios que nos proveen dichos ecosistemas. Las consecuencias ecológicas, ambientales, sociales y económicas de esto pueden ser de gran magnitud.},
keywords = {Acropora palmata, Conservation, Coral, Coral Deseases, coral farming, Preservation, Restoration Ecology, Seagrass and Coral Reef Restoration Projects},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
La pérdida de los arrecifes de coral y sus ecosistemas asociados debido a una combinación de factores locales de origen humano y factores asociados al calentamiento del mar ha sido significativa durante las últimas décadas. Esto ha redundado en pérdidas significativas en la biodiversidad de corales y de la fauna asociada al arrecife, así como en un cambio significativo de fase en la estructura de la comunidad, en donde la dominancia de los corales ha sido sustituida por la dominancia de las algas y otros grupos de especies no constructores de arrecifes.
Este tipo de cambios tiene usualmente consecuencias nefastas para el sostenimiento de la resistencia a perturbaciones y de la resiliencia del ecosistema, lo que influye en su capacidad de recuperación después de alguna perturbación. También afecta adversamente el mantenimiento de las funciones ecológicas y los servicios que nos proveen dichos ecosistemas. Las consecuencias ecológicas, ambientales, sociales y económicas de esto pueden ser de gran magnitud.
Este tipo de cambios tiene usualmente consecuencias nefastas para el sostenimiento de la resistencia a perturbaciones y de la resiliencia del ecosistema, lo que influye en su capacidad de recuperación después de alguna perturbación. También afecta adversamente el mantenimiento de las funciones ecológicas y los servicios que nos proveen dichos ecosistemas. Las consecuencias ecológicas, ambientales, sociales y económicas de esto pueden ser de gran magnitud.
