Nuestro objetivo es desarrollar diversas publicaciones científicas que destaquen nuestro compromiso con la conservación de nuestros recursos marinos.
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2023
Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.
Outplants of the Threatened Coral Acropora cervicornis Promote Coral Recruitment in a Shallow-Water Coral Reef, Culebra, Puerto Rico Journal Article
In: Sustainability, vol. 15, iss. 24, no. 16548, pp. 1-13, 2023.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean, coral outplans, coral recruitment, coral reef degradation, coral reefs restauration
@article{Mercado-Molina2023,
title = {Outplants of the Threatened Coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis} Promote Coral Recruitment in a Shallow-Water Coral Reef, Culebra, Puerto Rico},
author = {Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/15/24/16548
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Outplants-of-the-Threatened-Coral-Acropora-cervicornis-Promote-Coral-Recruitment-in-a-Shallow-Water-Coral-Reef-CulebraPuerto-Rico-sustainability-15-16548.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/su152416548},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-12-05},
urldate = {2023-12-05},
journal = {Sustainability},
volume = {15},
number = {16548},
issue = {24},
pages = {1-13},
abstract = {The numerous socioeconomic and ecological challenges that coral reef degradation poses in the Greater Caribbean have led to a surge in restoration efforts. In this context, outplanting nursery-reared coral colonies has emerged as one of the most common strategies used to rejuvenate degraded reefs and reinstate critical ecosystem processes such as coral recruitment. However, the extent to which coral outplanting promotes the recruitment of coral species remains a subject of ongoing debate. This study tested the hypothesis that reintroducing the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis to a degraded coral reef promotes coral recruitment. To test our hypothesis, a series of recruitment
quadrats were established in an area populated with A. cervicornis outplants and in a reference location devoid of the coral. To further investigate the relationship between A. cervicornis and coral recruitment, an experiment was implemented in which half of the quadrats in the restored area received a coral outplant, while the other half were left undisturbed. After one year, all coral recruits located within the quadrats were counted and identified. It was found that in the restored area the mean recruit density exceeded that of the reference location by a factor of 2.15. Results also unveiled a positive association between coral recruitment and the presence of A. cervicornis. Specifically,
the mean recruit density in quadrats that received an A. cervicornis colony was 2.21 to 4.65-times higher than in the quadrats without coral outplants. This intriguing observation underscores the pivotal role of A. cervicornis in shaping the recruitment dynamics of corals within degraded reef areas, highlighting the potential of active coral outplanting to enhance the resilience of deteriorating coral reef ecosystems.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean, coral outplans, coral recruitment, coral reef degradation, coral reefs restauration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The numerous socioeconomic and ecological challenges that coral reef degradation poses in the Greater Caribbean have led to a surge in restoration efforts. In this context, outplanting nursery-reared coral colonies has emerged as one of the most common strategies used to rejuvenate degraded reefs and reinstate critical ecosystem processes such as coral recruitment. However, the extent to which coral outplanting promotes the recruitment of coral species remains a subject of ongoing debate. This study tested the hypothesis that reintroducing the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis to a degraded coral reef promotes coral recruitment. To test our hypothesis, a series of recruitment
quadrats were established in an area populated with A. cervicornis outplants and in a reference location devoid of the coral. To further investigate the relationship between A. cervicornis and coral recruitment, an experiment was implemented in which half of the quadrats in the restored area received a coral outplant, while the other half were left undisturbed. After one year, all coral recruits located within the quadrats were counted and identified. It was found that in the restored area the mean recruit density exceeded that of the reference location by a factor of 2.15. Results also unveiled a positive association between coral recruitment and the presence of A. cervicornis. Specifically,
the mean recruit density in quadrats that received an A. cervicornis colony was 2.21 to 4.65-times higher than in the quadrats without coral outplants. This intriguing observation underscores the pivotal role of A. cervicornis in shaping the recruitment dynamics of corals within degraded reef areas, highlighting the potential of active coral outplanting to enhance the resilience of deteriorating coral reef ecosystems.
quadrats were established in an area populated with A. cervicornis outplants and in a reference location devoid of the coral. To further investigate the relationship between A. cervicornis and coral recruitment, an experiment was implemented in which half of the quadrats in the restored area received a coral outplant, while the other half were left undisturbed. After one year, all coral recruits located within the quadrats were counted and identified. It was found that in the restored area the mean recruit density exceeded that of the reference location by a factor of 2.15. Results also unveiled a positive association between coral recruitment and the presence of A. cervicornis. Specifically,
the mean recruit density in quadrats that received an A. cervicornis colony was 2.21 to 4.65-times higher than in the quadrats without coral outplants. This intriguing observation underscores the pivotal role of A. cervicornis in shaping the recruitment dynamics of corals within degraded reef areas, highlighting the potential of active coral outplanting to enhance the resilience of deteriorating coral reef ecosystems.
Aponte-Marcano, Patria I.; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.; Mercado-Molina, Alex E.
Effectiveness of different nursery designs for the restoration of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis in Culebra, Puerto Rico Journal Article
In: Conservation Evidence Journal, vol. 20, pp. 30-39, 2023, ISSN: 1758-2067.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean Coral Reefs, coral restoration, Puerto Rico
@article{Aponte-Marcano12023,
title = {Effectiveness of different nursery designs for the restoration of the threatened coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis} in Culebra, Puerto Rico},
author = {Aponte-Marcano, Patria I. and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E. and Mercado-Molina, Alex E.},
url = {https://www.conservationevidence.com/individual-study/12254
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Effectiveness-of-different-nursery-designs-for-the-restoration-of-the-threatened-coral-Acropora-cervicornis-in-Culebra-Puerto-Rico.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.52201/CEJ20/PNCI5011},
issn = {1758-2067},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-09-01},
urldate = {2023-09-01},
journal = {Conservation Evidence Journal},
volume = {20},
pages = {30-39},
abstract = {The threatened staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis is an important reef-builder species in the Caribbean. Its ecological importance and critical status have prompted efforts to restore degraded populations. In this respect, nursery-based programmes have effectively propagated A. cervicornis and helped to increase population sizes. Despite many advances in low-cost coral nursery designs, there is still a need to increase productivity while reducing costs. This study evaluates A. cervicornis demographic performance in two propagation structures: floating trees (FT) and floating horizontal frames (HF). Two equal-sized fragments were collected from 50 healthy staghorn coral colonies. Each fragment was placed into an FT or HF design. Survival, growth, branching, and productivity were recorded for seven months. To address the cost-effectiveness of the coral propagation techniques, we compared the total cost of producing corals between the two designs. Survival was similar, with 91% and 92% of the coral fragments surviving in the FT and HF, respectively. Although colonies in HF nurseries grew faster and produced more branches than those in FT nurseries, these differences were not statistically significant. Likewise, productivity did not differ statistically between nursery designs despite fragments in HF nurseries being 1.5 times more productive than those in FT nurseries. Because of the similarity in demographic performance, the selection of nursery designs could be based solely on their cost-effectiveness. In this respect, the cost-effectiveness analysis shows that producing corals using HF costs about 70% less than FT. Thus, we conclude that floating horizontal frame (HF) nurseries are better for propagating A. cervicornis and accelerating coral restoration activities.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean Coral Reefs, coral restoration, Puerto Rico},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The threatened staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis is an important reef-builder species in the Caribbean. Its ecological importance and critical status have prompted efforts to restore degraded populations. In this respect, nursery-based programmes have effectively propagated A. cervicornis and helped to increase population sizes. Despite many advances in low-cost coral nursery designs, there is still a need to increase productivity while reducing costs. This study evaluates A. cervicornis demographic performance in two propagation structures: floating trees (FT) and floating horizontal frames (HF). Two equal-sized fragments were collected from 50 healthy staghorn coral colonies. Each fragment was placed into an FT or HF design. Survival, growth, branching, and productivity were recorded for seven months. To address the cost-effectiveness of the coral propagation techniques, we compared the total cost of producing corals between the two designs. Survival was similar, with 91% and 92% of the coral fragments surviving in the FT and HF, respectively. Although colonies in HF nurseries grew faster and produced more branches than those in FT nurseries, these differences were not statistically significant. Likewise, productivity did not differ statistically between nursery designs despite fragments in HF nurseries being 1.5 times more productive than those in FT nurseries. Because of the similarity in demographic performance, the selection of nursery designs could be based solely on their cost-effectiveness. In this respect, the cost-effectiveness analysis shows that producing corals using HF costs about 70% less than FT. Thus, we conclude that floating horizontal frame (HF) nurseries are better for propagating A. cervicornis and accelerating coral restoration activities.
Santiago-Padua, Paola; Velázquez-Alvarado, Jeremy; López-Pérez, Arelys Del Mar; Nevárez-Mélendez, Julimar; Díaz-Druet, Lemuel E.; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.; Mercado-Molina, Alex E.
Demographic and population response of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis (Scleractinia, Acroporidae) to fireworm corallivory Journal Article
In: Revista de Biología Tropical, vol. 71, iss. 1, pp. 1-15, 2023, ISSN: 2215-2075 Vol. 71 (S1): e54912.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean, coral demographics, coral outplants, elasticity analysis, Hermodice carunculata, population matrix model, predation, restored population
@article{Santiago-Padua2023,
title = {Demographic and population response of the threatened coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis} (\textit{Scleractinia}, \textit{Acroporidae}) to fireworm corallivory},
author = {Santiago-Padua, Paola and Velázquez-Alvarado, Jeremy and López-Pérez, Arelys Del Mar and Nevárez-Mélendez, Julimar and Díaz-Druet, Lemuel E. and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E. and Mercado-Molina, Alex E.},
url = {https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rbt/article/view/54912
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Demographic-and-population-response-of-the-threatened-coral-Acropora-cervicornis-Scleractinia-Acroporidae-to-fireworm-corallivory.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.15517/rev.biol.trop..v71iS1.54912},
issn = {2215-2075 Vol. 71 (S1): e54912},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-04-30},
urldate = {2023-04-30},
journal = {Revista de Biología Tropical},
volume = {71},
issue = {1},
pages = {1-15},
abstract = {Introduction: The fireworm Hermodice carunculata is a widespread polychaete that can prey upon many coral species. However, few studies have examined the effect of fireworm predation on coral demographics during non-outbreak periods.
Objective: To determine whether predation by H. carunculata compromised the growth, survival, and population performance of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis.
Methods: Nursery-reared coral fragments (n = 99) were fixed to the bottom of Punta Melones reef in the Island Municipality of Culebra, Puerto Rico. Predation activity and its demographic consequences on coral outplants were assessed from December 2020 to August 2022. Susceptibility to predation was compared between colonies collected directly from the reef and those originating from outside sources (e.g., coral nurseries). With the demographic data, simple size-based population matrix models were developed to 1) examine whether fireworm predation led to a significant decline in population growth rate (λ), 2) determine the demographic transition(s) that contribute the most to λ, and 3) determining the demographic transition(s) that accounted for differences in λ when comparing scenarios that considered either only predated colonies or both predated and non-predated outplants.
Results: Predation increased over time, being more frequently observed in the area with the highest topographic relief and on colonies foreign to the study site. Outplants that were partially consumed grew significantly slower than non-predated colonies; however, predation did not threaten their survival. The likelihood of being attacked by the fireworm increased with branching complexity. The estimated λ for a scenario considering only predated colonies was 0.99, whereas, for a scenario where both predated and non-predated colonies were considered, λ was 0.91. Population growth, under the two scenarios, was mainly influenced by the probability of a large colony surviving and remaining at the largest size.
Conclusions: Although predation can negatively impact coral growth, the relatively high survival rate of predated colonies compensates for the adverse effect. Since survival is the demographic transition that contributes most to population growth, it could be concluded that under a non-outbreak scenario, fireworm predation may not be the primary cause of A. cervicornis population decline.
Keywords: coral demographics; coral outplants; elasticity analysis; Hermodice carunculata; population matrix model; predation; restored population.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean, coral demographics, coral outplants, elasticity analysis, Hermodice carunculata, population matrix model, predation, restored population},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Introduction: The fireworm Hermodice carunculata is a widespread polychaete that can prey upon many coral species. However, few studies have examined the effect of fireworm predation on coral demographics during non-outbreak periods.
Objective: To determine whether predation by H. carunculata compromised the growth, survival, and population performance of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis.
Methods: Nursery-reared coral fragments (n = 99) were fixed to the bottom of Punta Melones reef in the Island Municipality of Culebra, Puerto Rico. Predation activity and its demographic consequences on coral outplants were assessed from December 2020 to August 2022. Susceptibility to predation was compared between colonies collected directly from the reef and those originating from outside sources (e.g., coral nurseries). With the demographic data, simple size-based population matrix models were developed to 1) examine whether fireworm predation led to a significant decline in population growth rate (λ), 2) determine the demographic transition(s) that contribute the most to λ, and 3) determining the demographic transition(s) that accounted for differences in λ when comparing scenarios that considered either only predated colonies or both predated and non-predated outplants.
Results: Predation increased over time, being more frequently observed in the area with the highest topographic relief and on colonies foreign to the study site. Outplants that were partially consumed grew significantly slower than non-predated colonies; however, predation did not threaten their survival. The likelihood of being attacked by the fireworm increased with branching complexity. The estimated λ for a scenario considering only predated colonies was 0.99, whereas, for a scenario where both predated and non-predated colonies were considered, λ was 0.91. Population growth, under the two scenarios, was mainly influenced by the probability of a large colony surviving and remaining at the largest size.
Conclusions: Although predation can negatively impact coral growth, the relatively high survival rate of predated colonies compensates for the adverse effect. Since survival is the demographic transition that contributes most to population growth, it could be concluded that under a non-outbreak scenario, fireworm predation may not be the primary cause of A. cervicornis population decline.
Keywords: coral demographics; coral outplants; elasticity analysis; Hermodice carunculata; population matrix model; predation; restored population.
Objective: To determine whether predation by H. carunculata compromised the growth, survival, and population performance of the threatened coral Acropora cervicornis.
Methods: Nursery-reared coral fragments (n = 99) were fixed to the bottom of Punta Melones reef in the Island Municipality of Culebra, Puerto Rico. Predation activity and its demographic consequences on coral outplants were assessed from December 2020 to August 2022. Susceptibility to predation was compared between colonies collected directly from the reef and those originating from outside sources (e.g., coral nurseries). With the demographic data, simple size-based population matrix models were developed to 1) examine whether fireworm predation led to a significant decline in population growth rate (λ), 2) determine the demographic transition(s) that contribute the most to λ, and 3) determining the demographic transition(s) that accounted for differences in λ when comparing scenarios that considered either only predated colonies or both predated and non-predated outplants.
Results: Predation increased over time, being more frequently observed in the area with the highest topographic relief and on colonies foreign to the study site. Outplants that were partially consumed grew significantly slower than non-predated colonies; however, predation did not threaten their survival. The likelihood of being attacked by the fireworm increased with branching complexity. The estimated λ for a scenario considering only predated colonies was 0.99, whereas, for a scenario where both predated and non-predated colonies were considered, λ was 0.91. Population growth, under the two scenarios, was mainly influenced by the probability of a large colony surviving and remaining at the largest size.
Conclusions: Although predation can negatively impact coral growth, the relatively high survival rate of predated colonies compensates for the adverse effect. Since survival is the demographic transition that contributes most to population growth, it could be concluded that under a non-outbreak scenario, fireworm predation may not be the primary cause of A. cervicornis population decline.
Keywords: coral demographics; coral outplants; elasticity analysis; Hermodice carunculata; population matrix model; predation; restored population.
Toledo-Hernández, Carlos; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia; Ramírez-Lugo, Juan Sebastian; Torres-Díaz, Marielys; Santiago-Pagán, Lisby; Bruno-Chardón, Andrea; Díaz-Vázquez, Liz M.
In: Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 10, pp. 1-11, 2023.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Coral immunity, coral reefs, coral reefs restauration
@article{Toledo-Hernández12023,
title = {Uncovering the link between environmental factors and coral immunity: A study of fluorescent protein expression and phenoloxidase activity in \textit{Acropora cervicornis}},
author = {Toledo-Hernández, Carlos and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia and Ramírez-Lugo, Juan Sebastian and Torres-Díaz, Marielys and Santiago-Pagán, Lisby and Bruno-Chardón, Andrea and Díaz-Vázquez, Liz M.},
editor = {Virginia M. Weis and Nicholas MacKnight and Bradford Dimos
},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2023.1133486/full
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Uncovering-the-link-between-environmental-factors-and-coral-immunity-A-study-of-fluorescent-protein-expression-and-phenoloxidase-activity-in-Acropora-cervicornisfmars-10-1133486.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2023.1133486},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-03-02},
urldate = {2023-03-02},
journal = {Frontiers in Marine Science},
volume = {10},
pages = {1-11},
abstract = {Worsening environmental conditions due to climate change have profoundly affected the health of coral reefs worldwide. Thus, understanding how corals respond to fluctuating and/or extreme levels of temperature and solar irradiation will guide future protection and restoration efforts of this valuable ecosystem. Herein, we present a study of the immune responses of the endangered coral Acropora cervicornis to seasonal fluctuations in water temperature (WT), light intensity (LI), and water depth. Immune responses were observed by measuring the concentration of green and cyan fluorescent proteins (GFP and CyFP) and the activity of phenoloxidase (PO), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the photoprotective protein melanin. To study these responses, visually healthy A. cervicornis fragments were placed at 8, and 12 m depth, and GFP, CyPF, and PO activity were measured at three-month intervals over a 12-month period. Seawater temperature and light intensity were also measured at each depth during this period. A general linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of seasonal variations of WT, LI, and water depth on the immune proteins. GFP, CyFP, and PO activity varied significantly across time – all higher in late summer/early fall and lower in late winter/early spring. Likewise, WT and LI significantly affected GFP, CyFP, and PO activity. On the other hand, water depth only had a significant effect on fluorescent protein concentrations but not PO activity. Our study demonstrates that corals can modulate these key immune-related proteins throughout natural seasonal fluctuations. That is, increasing in months of higher thermal and light conditions while decreasing in months with mild thermal and light conditions. The phenotypic plasticity of A. cervicornis in adapting to a changing environment underscores the importance that in future studies time of the year should be a meaningful consideration when evaluating the responses of A. cervicornis to the environment.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Coral immunity, coral reefs, coral reefs restauration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Worsening environmental conditions due to climate change have profoundly affected the health of coral reefs worldwide. Thus, understanding how corals respond to fluctuating and/or extreme levels of temperature and solar irradiation will guide future protection and restoration efforts of this valuable ecosystem. Herein, we present a study of the immune responses of the endangered coral Acropora cervicornis to seasonal fluctuations in water temperature (WT), light intensity (LI), and water depth. Immune responses were observed by measuring the concentration of green and cyan fluorescent proteins (GFP and CyFP) and the activity of phenoloxidase (PO), an enzyme involved in the biosynthesis of the photoprotective protein melanin. To study these responses, visually healthy A. cervicornis fragments were placed at 8, and 12 m depth, and GFP, CyPF, and PO activity were measured at three-month intervals over a 12-month period. Seawater temperature and light intensity were also measured at each depth during this period. A general linear mixed model was used to determine the effects of seasonal variations of WT, LI, and water depth on the immune proteins. GFP, CyFP, and PO activity varied significantly across time – all higher in late summer/early fall and lower in late winter/early spring. Likewise, WT and LI significantly affected GFP, CyFP, and PO activity. On the other hand, water depth only had a significant effect on fluorescent protein concentrations but not PO activity. Our study demonstrates that corals can modulate these key immune-related proteins throughout natural seasonal fluctuations. That is, increasing in months of higher thermal and light conditions while decreasing in months with mild thermal and light conditions. The phenotypic plasticity of A. cervicornis in adapting to a changing environment underscores the importance that in future studies time of the year should be a meaningful consideration when evaluating the responses of A. cervicornis to the environment.
2022
Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia; Toledo-Hernández, Carlos; Sánchez-González, Juan Luis; Betancourt, Brenda
The Effects of Depth-Related Environmental Factors on Traits in Acropora cervicornis Raised in Nurseries. Journal Article
In: Water, vol. 14, iss. 2, pp. 212, 2022.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, coral farm, light levels, restauration, sea temperature
@article{Ruiz-Diaz2022b,
title = {The Effects of Depth-Related Environmental Factors on Traits in Acropora cervicornis Raised in Nurseries.},
author = {Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia Patricia and Toledo-Hernández, Carlos and Sánchez-González, Juan Luis and Betancourt, Brenda},
editor = {Kevin B. Strychar},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/14/2/212
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357778397_The_Effects_of_Depth-Related_Environmental_Factors_on_Traits_in_Acropora_cervicornis_Raised_in_Nurseries
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Effects-of-Depth-Related-Environmental-Factors-on-Traits-in-Acropora-cervicornis-Raised-in-Nurseries-water-14-00212.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/w14020212},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-12},
urldate = {2022-01-12},
journal = {Water},
volume = { 14},
issue = {2},
pages = {212},
abstract = {Populations of Acropora cervicornis, one of the most important reef-building corals in the Caribbean, have been declining due to human activities and global climate change. This has prompted the development of strategies such as coral farms, aimed at improving the long-term viability of this coral across its geographical range. This study focuses on comprehending how seawater temperature (ST), and light levels (LL) affect the survival and growth of A. cervicornis fragments collected from three reefs in Culebra, Puerto Rico. These individuals were fragmented into three pieces of the similar sizes and placed in farms at 5, 8, and 12 m depth. The fragments, ST and LL were monitored for 11 months. Results show that fragments from shallow farms exhibit significantly higher mortalities when compared to the other two depths. Yet, growth at shallow farms was nearly 24% higher than at the other two depths. Corals grew fastest during winter, when temperature and LL were lowest, regardless of the water depth. Fragment mortality and growth origin were also influenced by reef origin. We conclude that under the current conditions, shallow farms may offer a slight advantage over deep ones provided the higher growth rate at shallow farms and the high fragment survival at all depths.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, coral farm, light levels, restauration, sea temperature},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Populations of Acropora cervicornis, one of the most important reef-building corals in the Caribbean, have been declining due to human activities and global climate change. This has prompted the development of strategies such as coral farms, aimed at improving the long-term viability of this coral across its geographical range. This study focuses on comprehending how seawater temperature (ST), and light levels (LL) affect the survival and growth of A. cervicornis fragments collected from three reefs in Culebra, Puerto Rico. These individuals were fragmented into three pieces of the similar sizes and placed in farms at 5, 8, and 12 m depth. The fragments, ST and LL were monitored for 11 months. Results show that fragments from shallow farms exhibit significantly higher mortalities when compared to the other two depths. Yet, growth at shallow farms was nearly 24% higher than at the other two depths. Corals grew fastest during winter, when temperature and LL were lowest, regardless of the water depth. Fragment mortality and growth origin were also influenced by reef origin. We conclude that under the current conditions, shallow farms may offer a slight advantage over deep ones provided the higher growth rate at shallow farms and the high fragment survival at all depths.
2021
Ramírez-Lugo, Juan S.; Toledo-Hernández, Carlos; Vélez-González, Ivonne; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P.
In: Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 1-12, 2021.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, CORAL SPECIES LISTING, Endangered Coral
@article{Ramírez-Lugo2021,
title = {CREARE: A Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience To Study the Responses of the Endangered Coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis} to a Changing Environment.},
author = {Ramírez-Lugo, Juan S. and Toledo-Hernández, Carlos and Vélez-González, Ivonne and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P.},
url = {https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8060141/
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/ramirez-lugo-et-al-2021-creare-a-course-based-undergraduate-research-experience-to-study-the-responses-of-the.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.v22i1.2253c},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-03-31},
urldate = {2021-03-31},
journal = {Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education},
volume = {22},
number = {1},
pages = {1-12},
abstract = {There is mounting evidence to support that students who participate in scientific research experiences are more likely to continue on to advanced degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To introduce more students to the benefits of research, we have drawn on an ongoing project aimed at understanding how the Caribbean staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis responds to environmental fluctuations to develop a semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), entitled CREARE (Coral Response to Environment Authentic Research Experience). The main mode of instruction in CREARE is through topic modules, and course evaluation is achieved through writing assignments. Students in CREARE perform experiments in the laboratory to measure the abundance of photo-protective proteins in coral tissue from samples collected at different depths and at different times of the year and analyze environmental data using the R programming language. CREARE participants have contributed to the progress of the research project by generating novel data and making improvements to experimental protocols. Furthermore, pre- and post-course assessment of content knowledge revealed that students perform significantly better on a written exam after participating in CREARE, while also displaying appreciable shifts in attitudes towards science in student perception surveys. In addition, through qualitative analysis of focus group interviews, we gathered evidence to suggest that mediating variables that predict students’ persistence in science are bolstered through our application of the CURE modality. Overall, CREARE can serve as a model for developing more research-based courses that successfully engage students in scientific research.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, CORAL SPECIES LISTING, Endangered Coral},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
There is mounting evidence to support that students who participate in scientific research experiences are more likely to continue on to advanced degrees and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). To introduce more students to the benefits of research, we have drawn on an ongoing project aimed at understanding how the Caribbean staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis responds to environmental fluctuations to develop a semester-long course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), entitled CREARE (Coral Response to Environment Authentic Research Experience). The main mode of instruction in CREARE is through topic modules, and course evaluation is achieved through writing assignments. Students in CREARE perform experiments in the laboratory to measure the abundance of photo-protective proteins in coral tissue from samples collected at different depths and at different times of the year and analyze environmental data using the R programming language. CREARE participants have contributed to the progress of the research project by generating novel data and making improvements to experimental protocols. Furthermore, pre- and post-course assessment of content knowledge revealed that students perform significantly better on a written exam after participating in CREARE, while also displaying appreciable shifts in attitudes towards science in student perception surveys. In addition, through qualitative analysis of focus group interviews, we gathered evidence to suggest that mediating variables that predict students’ persistence in science are bolstered through our application of the CURE modality. Overall, CREARE can serve as a model for developing more research-based courses that successfully engage students in scientific research.
2020
Rodríguez-Casariego, Javier A.; Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Garcia-Souto, Daniel; Ortiz-Rivera, Ivanna M.; Lopes, Christian; Baums, Iliana B.; Sabat, Alberto M.; Eirin-Lopez, Jose M.
In: Frontiers in Marine Science, vol. 7, 2020.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, DNA methylation, epigenetics, MSAP, seasonality, staghorn coral, stress response, temperature
@article{Rodríguez-Casariego2020,
title = {Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis reveals a conserved epigenetic response to seasonal environmental variation in the staghorn coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis}.},
author = {Rodríguez-Casariego, Javier A. and Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Garcia-Souto, Daniel and Ortiz-Rivera, Ivanna M. and Lopes, Christian and Baums, Iliana B. and Sabat, Alberto M. and Eirin-Lopez, Jose M.},
editor = {Yong Wang and Mikhail V. Matz and Alexandre Fellous and Hui Huang},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmars.2020.560424/full
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Genome-wide-DNA-methylation-analysis-reveals-a-conserved-epigenetic-response-to-seasonal-environmental-variation-in-the-staghorn-coral-Acropora-cervicornis.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.560424},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-09-30},
urldate = {2020-09-30},
journal = {Frontiers in Marine Science},
volume = {7},
abstract = {Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation have been shown to participate in plastic responses to environmental change in a wide range of organisms, including scleractinian corals. Unfortunately, the current understanding of the links between environmental signals, epigenetic modifications, and the subsequent consequences for acclimatory phenotypic changes remain obscure. Such a knowledge gap extends also to the dynamic nature of epigenetic changes, hampering our ability to ascertain the magnitude and extent of these responses under natural conditions. The present work aims to shed light on these subjects by examining temporal changes in genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation in the staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis in the island of Culebra, PR. During a 17-month period, a total of 162 polymorphic loci were identified using Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP). Among them, 83 of these restriction fragments displayed changes in DNA methylation that were significantly correlated to seasonal variation as determined mostly by changes in sea water temperature. Remarkably, the observed time-dependent variation in DNA methylation patterns is consistent across coral genets, coral source sites and site-specific conditions studied. Overall, these results are consistent with a conserved epigenetic response to seasonal environmental variation. These findings highlight the importance of including seasonal variability into experimental designs investigating the role of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation in responses to stress.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, coral reefs, DNA methylation, epigenetics, MSAP, seasonality, staghorn coral, stress response, temperature},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation have been shown to participate in plastic responses to environmental change in a wide range of organisms, including scleractinian corals. Unfortunately, the current understanding of the links between environmental signals, epigenetic modifications, and the subsequent consequences for acclimatory phenotypic changes remain obscure. Such a knowledge gap extends also to the dynamic nature of epigenetic changes, hampering our ability to ascertain the magnitude and extent of these responses under natural conditions. The present work aims to shed light on these subjects by examining temporal changes in genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation in the staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis in the island of Culebra, PR. During a 17-month period, a total of 162 polymorphic loci were identified using Methylation-Sensitive Amplified Polymorphism (MSAP). Among them, 83 of these restriction fragments displayed changes in DNA methylation that were significantly correlated to seasonal variation as determined mostly by changes in sea water temperature. Remarkably, the observed time-dependent variation in DNA methylation patterns is consistent across coral genets, coral source sites and site-specific conditions studied. Overall, these results are consistent with a conserved epigenetic response to seasonal environmental variation. These findings highlight the importance of including seasonal variability into experimental designs investigating the role of epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation in responses to stress.
2019
Nieves-González, Aniel; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P.; Toledo-Hernández, Carlos; Ramírez-Lugo, Juan S.
A mathematical model of the interactions between Acropora cervicornis and its environment Journal Article
In: Ecological Modelling, vol. 406, pp. 7-22, 2019.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean Coral Reefs, coral reefs, dynamical system, Lyapunov stability
@article{P.Ruiz-Diaz2019,
title = {A mathematical model of the interactions between \textit{Acropora cervicornis} and its environment},
author = {Nieves-González, Aniel and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P. and Toledo-Hernández, Carlos and Ramírez-Lugo, Juan S.},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304380019301413?via%3Dihub
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2019.04.004},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-08-24},
urldate = {2019-08-24},
journal = {Ecological Modelling},
volume = {406},
pages = {7-22},
abstract = {Environmental factors associated with climate change such as increasing sea surface temperature (SST) and solar radiation (SR) have negatively impacted corals throughout their geographic ranges. One such coral, which has been seriously impacted by these stressors, is the staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis. To reduce the effects of such stressors, this coral utilizes fluorescent proteins (FPs) and melanin (M). These constitutive immune components quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during thermal stress and absorb or reflect potentially damaging light. The synthesis of these components are, nonetheless, energetically costly. Hence, production of these protective compounds may be traded-off against other vital functions such as growth. In this study we develop a mathematical model, viz., a system of ordinary differential equations that simulates the growth of A. cervicornis branches under different regimes and combinations of SST and SR. The model assumes that polyps are the functional unit of the coral and that the concentration of FPs and M are inversely proportional to SST and SR intensity. To develop the model we use empirical (birth and mortality rate of polyps and the maximum number of polyps per unit area) and theoretical parameters (concentration of FPs, M produced, and trade-offs with growth). The model simulates how changes in FPs and M due to environmental changes affect the growth capacity of A. cervicornis. The model as well as its stability analysis show that polyp growth is affected by SR and SST. Hence, the model will help in understanding how corals will respond to future changes in climate.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean Coral Reefs, coral reefs, dynamical system, Lyapunov stability},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Environmental factors associated with climate change such as increasing sea surface temperature (SST) and solar radiation (SR) have negatively impacted corals throughout their geographic ranges. One such coral, which has been seriously impacted by these stressors, is the staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis. To reduce the effects of such stressors, this coral utilizes fluorescent proteins (FPs) and melanin (M). These constitutive immune components quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced during thermal stress and absorb or reflect potentially damaging light. The synthesis of these components are, nonetheless, energetically costly. Hence, production of these protective compounds may be traded-off against other vital functions such as growth. In this study we develop a mathematical model, viz., a system of ordinary differential equations that simulates the growth of A. cervicornis branches under different regimes and combinations of SST and SR. The model assumes that polyps are the functional unit of the coral and that the concentration of FPs and M are inversely proportional to SST and SR intensity. To develop the model we use empirical (birth and mortality rate of polyps and the maximum number of polyps per unit area) and theoretical parameters (concentration of FPs, M produced, and trade-offs with growth). The model simulates how changes in FPs and M due to environmental changes affect the growth capacity of A. cervicornis. The model as well as its stability analysis show that polyp growth is affected by SR and SST. Hence, the model will help in understanding how corals will respond to future changes in climate.
2018
Toledo-Hernández, Carlos; Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P.; Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.
Devastation of 15-year old Community-based Coral Farming and Reef-restoration Sites in Puerto Rico by Major Hurricanes Irma and María Journal Article
In: Caribbean Naturalist, no. 53, pp. 1-6, 2018, ISBN: 2326-7119.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, community-based ecological rehabilitation, Coral Reef Decline, Coral Reef Ecology, coral reefs, coral reefs restauration, Coral survival, Corals
@article{Toledo-Hernández2018,
title = {Devastation of 15-year old Community-based Coral Farming and Reef-restoration Sites in Puerto Rico by Major Hurricanes Irma and María},
author = {Toledo-Hernández, Carlos and Ruiz-Diaz, Claudia P. and Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Suleimán-Ramos, Samuel E.},
editor = {James D. Ackerman and Alfonso Aguilar-Perera and Wayne J. Arendt and Rüdiger Bieler},
url = {https://www.eaglehill.us/CANAonline/CANA-access-pages/CANA-regular/CANA-053-Toledo-Hernandez.shtml
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Devastation-of-15-year-old-Community-based-Coral-Farming-and-Reef-restoration-Sites-in-Puerto-Rico-by-Major-Hurricanes-Irma-and-Maria2018.pdf},
isbn = {2326-7119},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-12-12},
urldate = {2018-12-12},
journal = {Caribbean Naturalist},
number = {53},
pages = {1-6},
abstract = {Category-5 hurricanes Irma and María impacted the northeastern Caribbean in September 2017 with waves in excess of 10 m. Herein we provide the frst assessment of hurricane damage to community-based coral farming and reef restoration at several locations from Culebra Island, Puerto Rico. Hurricanes destroyed 75 coral farms, killing 11,074 Acropora cervicornis (Staghorn Coral) fragments. Likewise, over 9000 recently out-planted colonies as well as most of the coral species adjacent to the outplants perished when they were buried by sand and rubble or were dislodged as a result of hurricane-generated waves. Liagora spp. (marine red algae) and other red algae rapidly colonized coral rubble and openreef substrates, threatening surviving corals of multiple species at least for several weeks after hurricane impacts.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, community-based ecological rehabilitation, Coral Reef Decline, Coral Reef Ecology, coral reefs, coral reefs restauration, Coral survival, Corals},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Category-5 hurricanes Irma and María impacted the northeastern Caribbean in September 2017 with waves in excess of 10 m. Herein we provide the frst assessment of hurricane damage to community-based coral farming and reef restoration at several locations from Culebra Island, Puerto Rico. Hurricanes destroyed 75 coral farms, killing 11,074 Acropora cervicornis (Staghorn Coral) fragments. Likewise, over 9000 recently out-planted colonies as well as most of the coral species adjacent to the outplants perished when they were buried by sand and rubble or were dislodged as a result of hurricane-generated waves. Liagora spp. (marine red algae) and other red algae rapidly colonized coral rubble and openreef substrates, threatening surviving corals of multiple species at least for several weeks after hurricane impacts.
Mercado-Molina, Alex E.; Rivera-Irizarry, Fabiola; Fonseca-Miranda, Jaime; Bruno-Laureano, Yesenia
In: Marine Biology Research, vol. 14, iss. 1, pp. 41 - 51, 2018.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean, Climate change, Coral Reef Decline, coral reefs, Corals, Land-Based Source Pollution, Marine Protected Areas, Puerto Rico, Reef Restoration
@article{Mercado-Molina2018,
title = {Growth facilitation by the octocoral \textit{Gorgonia ventalina} explains spatial difference in the population size structure of the common demosponge \textit{Ircinia felix}},
author = {Mercado-Molina, Alex E. and Rivera-Irizarry, Fabiola and Fonseca-Miranda, Jaime and Bruno-Laureano, Yesenia},
editor = {Paco Cárdenas},
url = {https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17451000.2017.1367098},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1080/17451000.2017.1367098},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-11-07},
urldate = {2018-11-07},
journal = {Marine Biology Research},
volume = {14},
issue = {1},
pages = {41 - 51},
abstract = {In this study, the demography of the common demosponge Ircinia felix was examined at Tamarindo, a coral reef located in the island municipality of Culebra, Puerto Rico. A preliminary study comparing the size structure of two subpopulations within the reef, Tamarindo Norte (TN) and Tamarindo Sur (TS), indicated that sponges at TN are significantly larger than sponges at TS. This result served as a baseline for the present comparative study in which we aimed to determine whether the spatial differences in population size structure can be explained either by a difference in rates of survival, growth, or recruitment, or a combination of these. To accomplish our goal, we followed the growth, survival and recruitment of I. felix at the two localities for one year. Growth was the only demographic parameter that differed significantly between localities. Because the most obvious distinction between the study sites was the absence of the octocoral Gorgonia ventalina at TS, we hypothesized that the faster overall growth rate of sponges at TN was related to the presence of the octocoral. To test this hypothesis, we compared growth rates between sponges associated with the octocoral and those individuals not associated. We found that sponges growing near G. ventalina grew significantly faster than non-associated sponges. This result suggests that the octocoral facilitates the growth of I. felix and therefore may account, at least in part, for the spatial differences in population size structure.},
keywords = {Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean, Climate change, Coral Reef Decline, coral reefs, Corals, Land-Based Source Pollution, Marine Protected Areas, Puerto Rico, Reef Restoration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In this study, the demography of the common demosponge Ircinia felix was examined at Tamarindo, a coral reef located in the island municipality of Culebra, Puerto Rico. A preliminary study comparing the size structure of two subpopulations within the reef, Tamarindo Norte (TN) and Tamarindo Sur (TS), indicated that sponges at TN are significantly larger than sponges at TS. This result served as a baseline for the present comparative study in which we aimed to determine whether the spatial differences in population size structure can be explained either by a difference in rates of survival, growth, or recruitment, or a combination of these. To accomplish our goal, we followed the growth, survival and recruitment of I. felix at the two localities for one year. Growth was the only demographic parameter that differed significantly between localities. Because the most obvious distinction between the study sites was the absence of the octocoral Gorgonia ventalina at TS, we hypothesized that the faster overall growth rate of sponges at TN was related to the presence of the octocoral. To test this hypothesis, we compared growth rates between sponges associated with the octocoral and those individuals not associated. We found that sponges growing near G. ventalina grew significantly faster than non-associated sponges. This result suggests that the octocoral facilitates the growth of I. felix and therefore may account, at least in part, for the spatial differences in population size structure.
Pérez-Pagán, Birla Sofía; Mercado-Molina, Alex E.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of 3D-printed corals to attract coral reef fish at Tamarindo Reef, Culebra, Puerto Rico. Journal Article
In: Conservation Evidence, vol. 15, pp. 43-47, 2018, ISSN: 1758-2067.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: 3D-printed corals, Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean, Caribbean Coral Reefs, Caribbean Sea, Coastal Resilience, Conservation Biology, Coral, Coral Reef Ecology, Coral Reef Ecosystems, coral reefs
@article{Pérez-Pagán2018,
title = {Evaluation of the effectiveness of 3D-printed corals to attract coral reef fish at Tamarindo Reef, Culebra, Puerto Rico.},
author = {Pérez-Pagán, Birla Sofía and Mercado-Molina, Alex E.},
url = {https://www.conservationevidence.com/individual-study/6858
},
issn = {1758-2067},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-06-11},
urldate = {2018-06-11},
journal = {Conservation Evidence},
volume = {15},
pages = {43-47},
abstract = {The development of artificial corals using 3D-printing technology has been proposed as an alternative to aid the recovery of fish populations in degraded reefs. However, no study has empirically evaluated the potential of such artificial corals to attract fish to reef patches. We conducted an experiment to determine whether the number of fish associated with natural and 3D-printed corals differs significantly. The 3D-printed artificial corals mimicked the morphology of staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis, whose branches serve as habitat for many fish species. There is evidence indicating that fish abundance increases with habitat complexity, but no specific evidence relating to A. cervicornis. Therefore, we also investigated whether the structural complexity of both natural and artificial corals affected their effectiveness to attract fish. We found that the number of fish associated with artificial and natural corals was not significantly different. However, irrespective of coral type, fish were more abundant in corals with the highest levels of complexity. Our findings suggest that 3D-printed corals can serve as a complementary tool to improve the ecosystem function of degraded coral reefs.},
keywords = {3D-printed corals, Acropora cervicornis, Caribbean, Caribbean Coral Reefs, Caribbean Sea, Coastal Resilience, Conservation Biology, Coral, Coral Reef Ecology, Coral Reef Ecosystems, coral reefs},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The development of artificial corals using 3D-printing technology has been proposed as an alternative to aid the recovery of fish populations in degraded reefs. However, no study has empirically evaluated the potential of such artificial corals to attract fish to reef patches. We conducted an experiment to determine whether the number of fish associated with natural and 3D-printed corals differs significantly. The 3D-printed artificial corals mimicked the morphology of staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis, whose branches serve as habitat for many fish species. There is evidence indicating that fish abundance increases with habitat complexity, but no specific evidence relating to A. cervicornis. Therefore, we also investigated whether the structural complexity of both natural and artificial corals affected their effectiveness to attract fish. We found that the number of fish associated with artificial and natural corals was not significantly different. However, irrespective of coral type, fish were more abundant in corals with the highest levels of complexity. Our findings suggest that 3D-printed corals can serve as a complementary tool to improve the ecosystem function of degraded coral reefs.
2017
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.
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.
2015
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.; 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.
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.
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.
