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2023
Hernandez-Delgado, Edwin A.
Climate change impacts on Caribbean coastal ecosystems Book Chapter
In: Bustos, Beatriz; Mauro, Salvatore Engel-Di; García-López, Gustavo; Milanez, Felipe; Ojeda., Diana (Ed.): Chapter 4, pp. 15, Routledge Handbook of Latin America and the Environment, London, 1st Edition, 2023, ISBN: 9780429344428.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Caribbean, Caribbean Coral Reefs, Climate change, Coastal spatial variability
@inbook{Hernández-Delgado2023b,
title = {Climate change impacts on Caribbean coastal ecosystems},
author = {Hernandez-Delgado, Edwin A. },
editor = {Beatriz Bustos and Salvatore Engel-Di Mauro and Gustavo García-López and Felipe Milanez and Diana Ojeda.},
url = {https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9780429344428/routledge-handbook-latin-america-environment-beatriz-bustos-salvatore-engel-di-mauro-gustavo-garc%C3%ADa-l%C3%B3pez-felipe-milanez-diana-ojeda?refId=2d2078f6-0cea-4106-8795-391245abd2df&context=ubx
https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9780429344428/routledge-handbook-latin-america-environment-beatriz-bustos-salvatore-engel-di-mauro-gustavo-garc%C3%ADa-l%C3%B3pez-felipe-milanez-diana-ojeda},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429344428},
isbn = {9780429344428},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-05-30},
urldate = {2023-05-30},
pages = {15},
publisher = { Routledge Handbook of Latin America and the Environment},
address = {London},
edition = {1st Edition},
chapter = {4},
abstract = {This chapter provides a review and discussion of the main ecological and environmental challenges of coastal ecosystems of the Wider Caribbean region in the context of Anthropogenic climate change. The topic was developed through an interdisciplinary ecological and socio-environmental perspective that includes the mutually influential relations of biophysical and social processes. It discusses the importance of natural disasters, threats, and risks from the lack of environmental sustainability and injustice, and land-use degradation patterns. It also addresses the question of how this combination of factors, in the context of still strong colonial policies, legacies and environmental injustice, has resulted in the increased degradation of coastal ecosystems and in increasing the vulnerability of both ecosystems and human communities to threats by climate change. Factors such as hurricane impacts, deforestation, air and water pollution, water scarcity, lack of food security and sovereignty, overfishing, and sea surface warming trends, massive coral bleaching, and mass coral mortalities are also addressed in the context of rapidly declining ecosystem and infrastructure resilience across the region. A conceptual model of potential climate change impacts is presented based on coastal ecosystems to provide a clear sense of the ecosystem trajectories, turning points, factors, and current issues confronting ecosystems and environments across the Wider Caribbean region.},
keywords = {Caribbean, Caribbean Coral Reefs, Climate change, Coastal spatial variability},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {inbook}
}
This chapter provides a review and discussion of the main ecological and environmental challenges of coastal ecosystems of the Wider Caribbean region in the context of Anthropogenic climate change. The topic was developed through an interdisciplinary ecological and socio-environmental perspective that includes the mutually influential relations of biophysical and social processes. It discusses the importance of natural disasters, threats, and risks from the lack of environmental sustainability and injustice, and land-use degradation patterns. It also addresses the question of how this combination of factors, in the context of still strong colonial policies, legacies and environmental injustice, has resulted in the increased degradation of coastal ecosystems and in increasing the vulnerability of both ecosystems and human communities to threats by climate change. Factors such as hurricane impacts, deforestation, air and water pollution, water scarcity, lack of food security and sovereignty, overfishing, and sea surface warming trends, massive coral bleaching, and mass coral mortalities are also addressed in the context of rapidly declining ecosystem and infrastructure resilience across the region. A conceptual model of potential climate change impacts is presented based on coastal ecosystems to provide a clear sense of the ecosystem trajectories, turning points, factors, and current issues confronting ecosystems and environments across the Wider Caribbean region.
2022
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Ortiz-Flores, María F.
The Long and Winding Road of Coral Reef Recovery in the Anthropocene: A Case Study from Puerto Rico Journal Article
In: Diversity, vol. 14, iss. 804, pp. 1-25, 2022.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Assisted Recovery, Chlorophyll-a Concentration, Climate change, Coastal Urban Habitats, Community Participation, Coral Recruit Density, Coral Recruit Diversity, coral recruitment, Ecological Restoration, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Degradation, Environmental Tolerance, Fringing Reefs, Geographic Regions, Hurricane Impact, Hurricane-Decimated Reefs, Light Attenuation Kd490, Live Coral Cover, Long-term Implications, Macroalgae Abundance, Marginal Shallow Coral Reefs, Natural Recovery, NH3, Optical Brightness, PO4, Projected Climate Change, Puerto Rico, Sea Level Rise, Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies, Turbidity, Turf Algae Abundance, Water Quality Degradation
@article{Hernández-Delgado2022,
title = {The Long and Winding Road of Coral Reef Recovery in the Anthropocene: A Case Study from Puerto Rico},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Ortiz-Flores, María F.},
url = {https://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/14/10/804
https://sampr.org/hernandez-ortiz-2022-coral-recruitment-pr-final/
},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3390/d14100804},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-09-27},
urldate = {2022-09-27},
journal = {Diversity},
volume = {14},
issue = {804},
pages = {1-25},
abstract = {The persistence and resilience of marginal shallow coral reefs at their limits of environmental tolerance have declined due to chronic environmental degradation and climate change. However, the consequences for the natural recovery ability of reefs after disturbance remain poorly understood. This study considered the potential for natural recovery through coral recruitment on fringing reefs across different geographic regions under contrasting environmental conditions in Puerto Rico. Reefs in areas with significant water quality degradation and more severe physical impacts of hurricanes were expected to have lower coral recruit density and diversity, and therefore less potential for recovery.
Sixteen reefs were assessed across three geographic regions. Degraded reefs sustained a lower percentage of live coral cover and had higher macroalgae and turf algae abundance. Locations affected by high PO₄, NH₃, and optical brightness concentrations, high turbidity, and high sea surface temperature anomalies, chlorophyll-a concentration, and light attenuation Kd490 evidenced significantly lower coral recruit density and diversity. Hurricane-decimated reefs also exhibited impoverished coral recruit assemblages.
Low coral recruitment could have important long-term implications under projected climate change and sea level rise, particularly in coastal urban habitats. There is a need to implement effective environmental conservation, ecological restoration, and community participation strategies that facilitate enhanced coral recruitment success and assisted recovery processes.},
keywords = {Assisted Recovery, Chlorophyll-a Concentration, Climate change, Coastal Urban Habitats, Community Participation, Coral Recruit Density, Coral Recruit Diversity, coral recruitment, Ecological Restoration, Environmental Conservation, Environmental Degradation, Environmental Tolerance, Fringing Reefs, Geographic Regions, Hurricane Impact, Hurricane-Decimated Reefs, Light Attenuation Kd490, Live Coral Cover, Long-term Implications, Macroalgae Abundance, Marginal Shallow Coral Reefs, Natural Recovery, NH3, Optical Brightness, PO4, Projected Climate Change, Puerto Rico, Sea Level Rise, Sea Surface Temperature Anomalies, Turbidity, Turf Algae Abundance, Water Quality Degradation},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The persistence and resilience of marginal shallow coral reefs at their limits of environmental tolerance have declined due to chronic environmental degradation and climate change. However, the consequences for the natural recovery ability of reefs after disturbance remain poorly understood. This study considered the potential for natural recovery through coral recruitment on fringing reefs across different geographic regions under contrasting environmental conditions in Puerto Rico. Reefs in areas with significant water quality degradation and more severe physical impacts of hurricanes were expected to have lower coral recruit density and diversity, and therefore less potential for recovery.
Sixteen reefs were assessed across three geographic regions. Degraded reefs sustained a lower percentage of live coral cover and had higher macroalgae and turf algae abundance. Locations affected by high PO₄, NH₃, and optical brightness concentrations, high turbidity, and high sea surface temperature anomalies, chlorophyll-a concentration, and light attenuation Kd490 evidenced significantly lower coral recruit density and diversity. Hurricane-decimated reefs also exhibited impoverished coral recruit assemblages.
Low coral recruitment could have important long-term implications under projected climate change and sea level rise, particularly in coastal urban habitats. There is a need to implement effective environmental conservation, ecological restoration, and community participation strategies that facilitate enhanced coral recruitment success and assisted recovery processes.
Sixteen reefs were assessed across three geographic regions. Degraded reefs sustained a lower percentage of live coral cover and had higher macroalgae and turf algae abundance. Locations affected by high PO₄, NH₃, and optical brightness concentrations, high turbidity, and high sea surface temperature anomalies, chlorophyll-a concentration, and light attenuation Kd490 evidenced significantly lower coral recruit density and diversity. Hurricane-decimated reefs also exhibited impoverished coral recruit assemblages.
Low coral recruitment could have important long-term implications under projected climate change and sea level rise, particularly in coastal urban habitats. There is a need to implement effective environmental conservation, ecological restoration, and community participation strategies that facilitate enhanced coral recruitment success and assisted recovery processes.
Arias-Gonzalez, J. E.; Baums, I. B.; Banaszak, A. T.; Prada, C.; Rossi, S.; Hernandez-Delgado, E. A.; Rinkevich, B.
Coral Reef Restoration in a Changing World: Science-Based Solutions Journal Article
In: Frontiers in marine Science, vol. 9, 2022.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: adaptive evolution, Climate change, Coastal Resilience, husbandry, Management, modeling, monitoring, propagation, restauration
@article{Arias-González2022,
title = {Coral Reef Restoration in a Changing World: Science-Based Solutions},
author = {Arias-Gonzalez, J. E. and Baums, I. B. and Banaszak, A. T. and Prada, C. and Rossi, S. and Hernandez-Delgado, E. A. and Rinkevich, B.},
editor = {Raquel Peixoto},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/marine-science/articles/10.3389/fmars.2022.919603/full},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.919603},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-05-23},
urldate = {2022-05-23},
journal = {Frontiers in marine Science},
volume = {9},
abstract = {The collection explores diverse themes, including propagation and husbandry, improved outplanting success, microfragmentation techniques, assisted evolution, larval recruitment, species ecology, and advanced monitoring and modeling tools. Key findings highlight innovative approaches such as universal and goal-based performance metrics for assessing restoration success, the role of sea urchins and fish assemblages in reef recovery, and selective breeding for heat-tolerant corals. Studies also emphasize the importance of genetic diversity, substrate selection, and regional environmental gradients to enhance restoration outcomes. Advanced technologies, like 3D scanning and imaging spectroscopy, alongside data management tools such as the Coral Sample Registry, are showcased as critical for improving restoration scalability and effectiveness. This comprehensive effort underscores the rapid evolution of coral reef restoration as a vital field to preserve ecosystem functionality amidst climate change challenges, offering both general and region-specific solutions to foster resilient reefs worldwide.},
keywords = {adaptive evolution, Climate change, Coastal Resilience, husbandry, Management, modeling, monitoring, propagation, restauration},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The collection explores diverse themes, including propagation and husbandry, improved outplanting success, microfragmentation techniques, assisted evolution, larval recruitment, species ecology, and advanced monitoring and modeling tools. Key findings highlight innovative approaches such as universal and goal-based performance metrics for assessing restoration success, the role of sea urchins and fish assemblages in reef recovery, and selective breeding for heat-tolerant corals. Studies also emphasize the importance of genetic diversity, substrate selection, and regional environmental gradients to enhance restoration outcomes. Advanced technologies, like 3D scanning and imaging spectroscopy, alongside data management tools such as the Coral Sample Registry, are showcased as critical for improving restoration scalability and effectiveness. This comprehensive effort underscores the rapid evolution of coral reef restoration as a vital field to preserve ecosystem functionality amidst climate change challenges, offering both general and region-specific solutions to foster resilient reefs worldwide.
2018
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.
2017
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Rosado-Matías, Bernard J.
In: Annals of Marine Biology and Research, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1-17, 2017.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Beach erosion, Beach renourishment, Climate change, Coastal Erosion, Coastal Resilience, Conservation Biology, Coral, Coral Reef Ecology, Coral Reef Ecosystems, coral reefs, Environmental Sustainability, Wave Energy
@article{Hernández-Delgado2017b,
title = {Long-Lasting Impacts of Beach Renourishment on nearshore Urban Coral Reefs: a Glimpse of Future Impacts of Shoreline Erosion, Climate Change and Sea Level Rise},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Rosado-Matías, Bernard J.},
url = {https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Long_Lasting_Impacts_of_Beach_Renourishm.pdf
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318316763_Long-Lasting_Impacts_of_Beach_Renourishment_on_Near_shore_Urban_Coral_Reefs_a_Glimpse_of_Future_Impacts_of_Shoreline_Erosion_Climate_Change_and_Sea_Level_Rise
},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-05-05},
urldate = {2017-05-05},
journal = {Annals of Marine Biology and Research},
volume = {4},
number = {1},
pages = {1-17},
abstract = {Urban shoreline erosion mitigation through beach renourishment has often been dismissed as environmentally insignificant. Given predicted impacts of sea level rise (SLR) and increased shoreline erosion, such activities might become a common practice in the future. But its long-term impacts on adjacent coral reefs have remained poorly documented. Benthic community trajectories were addressed during a period of twelve years across a spatial gradient of sediment burial impacts by beach renourishment on a high-energy urban coral reef at La Marginal Beach, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Impacts associated to beach renourishment, followed by long-term, slowly-evolving impacts associated to sediment bedload, increased turbidity, increased Arecibo River streamflow, urban polluted runoff discharges, high particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration, and coral mortality following massive coral bleaching in 2005 were
addressed through long-term monitoring. There was an initial catastrophic loss in coral species richness, diversity index and percent living coral cover, and a rapid regime shift favoring dominance by macroalgae and other non-reef building taxa. Long-term chronic impacts arrested high impact sites to an early successional stage, and drove moderate and low impact sites to a similar stage of very low species diversity, colony abundance and reef growth. Such chronic changes in community trajectories represent a glimpse into potential future impacts of shoreline erosion, sediment bedload, increasing turbidity and coastal water quality decline associated to SLR. The combination of chronic coral reef decline resulting from beach renourishment, coastal pollution, turbidity, and sediment bedload may have critical long-term ecological implications for urban coral reef resilience, functions and benefits.},
keywords = {Beach erosion, Beach renourishment, Climate change, Coastal Erosion, Coastal Resilience, Conservation Biology, Coral, Coral Reef Ecology, Coral Reef Ecosystems, coral reefs, Environmental Sustainability, Wave Energy},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Urban shoreline erosion mitigation through beach renourishment has often been dismissed as environmentally insignificant. Given predicted impacts of sea level rise (SLR) and increased shoreline erosion, such activities might become a common practice in the future. But its long-term impacts on adjacent coral reefs have remained poorly documented. Benthic community trajectories were addressed during a period of twelve years across a spatial gradient of sediment burial impacts by beach renourishment on a high-energy urban coral reef at La Marginal Beach, Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Impacts associated to beach renourishment, followed by long-term, slowly-evolving impacts associated to sediment bedload, increased turbidity, increased Arecibo River streamflow, urban polluted runoff discharges, high particulate organic carbon (POC) concentration, and coral mortality following massive coral bleaching in 2005 were
addressed through long-term monitoring. There was an initial catastrophic loss in coral species richness, diversity index and percent living coral cover, and a rapid regime shift favoring dominance by macroalgae and other non-reef building taxa. Long-term chronic impacts arrested high impact sites to an early successional stage, and drove moderate and low impact sites to a similar stage of very low species diversity, colony abundance and reef growth. Such chronic changes in community trajectories represent a glimpse into potential future impacts of shoreline erosion, sediment bedload, increasing turbidity and coastal water quality decline associated to SLR. The combination of chronic coral reef decline resulting from beach renourishment, coastal pollution, turbidity, and sediment bedload may have critical long-term ecological implications for urban coral reef resilience, functions and benefits.
addressed through long-term monitoring. There was an initial catastrophic loss in coral species richness, diversity index and percent living coral cover, and a rapid regime shift favoring dominance by macroalgae and other non-reef building taxa. Long-term chronic impacts arrested high impact sites to an early successional stage, and drove moderate and low impact sites to a similar stage of very low species diversity, colony abundance and reef growth. Such chronic changes in community trajectories represent a glimpse into potential future impacts of shoreline erosion, sediment bedload, increasing turbidity and coastal water quality decline associated to SLR. The combination of chronic coral reef decline resulting from beach renourishment, coastal pollution, turbidity, and sediment bedload may have critical long-term ecological implications for urban coral reef resilience, functions and benefits.
2015
Hernandez-Delgado, Edwin A.
In: Marine Pollution Bulletin, vol. 101, no. 1, pp. 5-28, 2015.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Climate change, coral reefs
@article{Hernández-Delgado2015,
title = {The emerging threats of climate change on tropical coastal ecosystem services, public health, local economies and livelihood sustainability of small islands: Cumulative impacts and synergies},
author = {Hernandez-Delgado, Edwin A.},
url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X15300357},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.09.018},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-12-31},
urldate = {2015-12-31},
journal = {Marine Pollution Bulletin},
volume = {101},
number = {1},
pages = {5-28},
abstract = {Climate change has significantly impacted tropical ecosystems critical for sustaining local economies and community livelihoods at global scales. Coastal ecosystems have largely declined, threatening the principal source of protein, building materials, tourism-based revenue, and the first line of defense against storm swells and sea level rise (SLR) for small tropical islands. Climate change has also impacted public health (i.e., altered distribution and increased prevalence of allergies, water-borne, and vector-borne diseases). Rapid human population growth has exacerbated pressure over coupled social–ecological systems, with concomitant non-sustainable impacts on natural resources, water availability, food security and sovereignty, public health, and quality of life, which should increase vulnerability and erode adaptation and mitigation capacity. This paper examines cumulative and synergistic impacts of climate change in the challenging context of highly vulnerable small tropical islands. Multiple adaptive strategies of coupled social–ecological ecosystems are discussed. Multi-level, multi-sectorial responses are necessary for adaptation to be successful.},
keywords = {Climate change, coral reefs},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Climate change has significantly impacted tropical ecosystems critical for sustaining local economies and community livelihoods at global scales. Coastal ecosystems have largely declined, threatening the principal source of protein, building materials, tourism-based revenue, and the first line of defense against storm swells and sea level rise (SLR) for small tropical islands. Climate change has also impacted public health (i.e., altered distribution and increased prevalence of allergies, water-borne, and vector-borne diseases). Rapid human population growth has exacerbated pressure over coupled social–ecological systems, with concomitant non-sustainable impacts on natural resources, water availability, food security and sovereignty, public health, and quality of life, which should increase vulnerability and erode adaptation and mitigation capacity. This paper examines cumulative and synergistic impacts of climate change in the challenging context of highly vulnerable small tropical islands. Multiple adaptive strategies of coupled social–ecological ecosystems are discussed. Multi-level, multi-sectorial responses are necessary for adaptation to be successful.
2014
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; González-Ramos, Carmen M.; Alejandro-Camis, Pedro J.
In: Revista Biologia Tropical, vol. Vol. 62, no. Supl.3, pp. 49-64, 2014, ISSN: 0034-7744.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Climate change, community trajectory, coral decline, coral recruitment, Mona Island, Puerto Rico, transitional state
@article{Hernández-Delgado2014f,
title = {Large-scale coral recruitment patterns on Mona Island, Puerto Rico: evidence of a transitional community trajectory after massive coral bleaching and mortality},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and González-Ramos, Carmen M. and Alejandro-Camis, Pedro J.},
url = {https://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-77442014000700012
https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rbt/article/view/15901
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Large-scale-coral-recruitment-patterns-on-Mona-Island-Puerto-Rico-evidence-of-a-transitional-community-trajectory-after-massive-coral-bleaching-and-mortality.pdf},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.15517/rbt.v62i0.15901},
issn = {0034-7744},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-09-01},
urldate = {2014-09-01},
journal = {Revista Biologia Tropical},
volume = {Vol. 62},
number = {Supl.3},
pages = {49-64},
abstract = {Coral reefs have largely declined across the northeastern Caribbean following the 2005 massive bleaching event. Climate change-related sea surface warming and coral disease outbreaks of a white plague-like syndrome and of yellow band disease (YBD) have caused significant coral decline affecting massive reef building species (i.e., Orbicella annularis species complex) which show no apparent signs of recovery through larval sexual recruitment. We addressed coral recruit densities across three spur and groove reef locations along the western shelf of remote Mona Island, Puerto Rico: Punta Capitán (PCA), Pasa de Las Carmelitas (PLC), and Las Carmelitas-South (LCS). Data were collected during November 2012 along 93 haphazard transects across three depth zones (<5m, 5-10m, 10-15m). A total of 32 coral species (9 octocorals, 1 hydrocoral, 22 scleractinians) were documented among the recruit community. Communities had low densities and dominance by short-lived brooder species seven years after the 2005 event. Mean coral recruit density ranged from 1.2 to 10.5/m2 at PCA, 6.3 to 7.2/m2 at LCS, 4.5 to 9.5/m2 at PLC. Differences in coral recruit community structure can be attributed to slight variation in percent macroalgal cover and composition as study sites had nearly similar benthic spatial heterogeneity. Dominance by ephemeral coral species was widespread. Recovery of largely declining massive reef-building species such as the O. annularis species complex was limited or non-existent. The lack of recovery could be the combined result of several mechanisms involving climate change, YBD disease, macroalgae, fishing, urchins and Mona Island’s reefs limited connectivity to other reef systems. There is also for rehabilitation of fish trophic structure, with emphasis in recovering herbivore guilds and depleted populations of D. antillarum. Failing to recognize the importance of ecosystem-based management and resilience rehabilitation may deem remote coral reefs recovery unlikely.},
keywords = {Climate change, community trajectory, coral decline, coral recruitment, Mona Island, Puerto Rico, transitional state},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Coral reefs have largely declined across the northeastern Caribbean following the 2005 massive bleaching event. Climate change-related sea surface warming and coral disease outbreaks of a white plague-like syndrome and of yellow band disease (YBD) have caused significant coral decline affecting massive reef building species (i.e., Orbicella annularis species complex) which show no apparent signs of recovery through larval sexual recruitment. We addressed coral recruit densities across three spur and groove reef locations along the western shelf of remote Mona Island, Puerto Rico: Punta Capitán (PCA), Pasa de Las Carmelitas (PLC), and Las Carmelitas-South (LCS). Data were collected during November 2012 along 93 haphazard transects across three depth zones (<5m, 5-10m, 10-15m). A total of 32 coral species (9 octocorals, 1 hydrocoral, 22 scleractinians) were documented among the recruit community. Communities had low densities and dominance by short-lived brooder species seven years after the 2005 event. Mean coral recruit density ranged from 1.2 to 10.5/m2 at PCA, 6.3 to 7.2/m2 at LCS, 4.5 to 9.5/m2 at PLC. Differences in coral recruit community structure can be attributed to slight variation in percent macroalgal cover and composition as study sites had nearly similar benthic spatial heterogeneity. Dominance by ephemeral coral species was widespread. Recovery of largely declining massive reef-building species such as the O. annularis species complex was limited or non-existent. The lack of recovery could be the combined result of several mechanisms involving climate change, YBD disease, macroalgae, fishing, urchins and Mona Island’s reefs limited connectivity to other reef systems. There is also for rehabilitation of fish trophic structure, with emphasis in recovering herbivore guilds and depleted populations of D. antillarum. Failing to recognize the importance of ecosystem-based management and resilience rehabilitation may deem remote coral reefs recovery unlikely.
Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A.; Shivlani, Manoj; Sabat, Alberto M.
Ecosystem-Based and Community-Based Model Integration to Designate Coral Reef No-Take Marine Protected Areas: A Case Study from Puerto Rico Journal Article
In: Natural Resources, vol. 5, pp. 538-560, 2014.
Abstract | Links | BibTeX | Tags: Climate change, Community-Based Management, Fish Communities, Marine Protected Areas
@article{Hernández-Delgado2014e,
title = {Ecosystem-Based and Community-Based Model Integration to Designate Coral Reef No-Take Marine Protected Areas: A Case Study from Puerto Rico},
author = {Hernández-Delgado, Edwin A. and Shivlani, Manoj and Sabat, Alberto M.},
url = {https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=48445
https://sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Ecosystem-Based-and-Community-Based-Model-Integration-to-Designate-Coral-Reef-No-Take-Marine-Protected-Areas-A-Case-Study-from-Puerto-Rico.pdf
},
doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/nr.2014.510049},
year = {2014},
date = {2014-07-12},
urldate = {2014-07-12},
journal = {Natural Resources},
volume = {5},
pages = {538-560},
abstract = {Ecosystem-based management and community-based participation in governance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been identified as key elements to improve management success, local stakeholder support, and compliance with regulations. However, both are often rarely achieved, resulting in poor MPA governance, support and success. A quantitative assessment of the spatiotemporal change (1997-2012) of coral reef fish communities within Arrecifes La Cordillera Natural Reserve in northeastern Puerto Rico was carried out. We also identified community expectations of and support for the designation of a network of small no-take MPAs within the reserve’s boundaries. A holistic approach employing biophysical and socioeconomic methods was used as part of a participatory model to identify priorities for the designation of candidate no-take MPAs. Populations of the most important fishery-targeted species showed a significant temporal decline, particularly in areas subjected to intense recreational activities and spearfishing. Most groupers (Serranidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), barracudas (Sphyraenidae), and some parrotfishes (Scaridae) were nearly absent at most sites. Most individuals belonged to smaller size categories. Herbivores represented the majority of the total fish biomass, suggesting strong fishing impacts on apex predators. Fish declines also occurred after two massive coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2005 that were followed by mass coral mortalities, suggesting combined negative impacts of fishing and climate change. A no-take MPA designation was supported by 80% of the artisanal fishermen, 73% of the concessionaires (i.e., SCUBA diving, charter boats), and 52% of registered vessel operators.
Stakeholders agreed that coral reef conditions in the reserve had declined over time, as well as water quality which affected reef health and fisheries. Stakeholders did not recognize climate change and sea surface warming as threats to coral reefs and fisheries. Nonetheless, stakeholder perceptions of candidate no-take MPA sites remarkably matched those identified through fish counts. This study also highlighted the pervasive views held by many stake-holders concerning MPA management and enforcement, and recommended that any no-take MPA designation process considers improving stakeholder participation, understanding of management objectives, actions, and accomplishments, and building stakeholders trust. The integration of ecosystem-based and community-based participatory models may be critical to foster improved support of no-take MPAs and foster a long-term community-based integration to develop and implement mitigation strategies for climate change impacts in novel future scenarios.},
keywords = {Climate change, Community-Based Management, Fish Communities, Marine Protected Areas},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Ecosystem-based management and community-based participation in governance of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been identified as key elements to improve management success, local stakeholder support, and compliance with regulations. However, both are often rarely achieved, resulting in poor MPA governance, support and success. A quantitative assessment of the spatiotemporal change (1997-2012) of coral reef fish communities within Arrecifes La Cordillera Natural Reserve in northeastern Puerto Rico was carried out. We also identified community expectations of and support for the designation of a network of small no-take MPAs within the reserve’s boundaries. A holistic approach employing biophysical and socioeconomic methods was used as part of a participatory model to identify priorities for the designation of candidate no-take MPAs. Populations of the most important fishery-targeted species showed a significant temporal decline, particularly in areas subjected to intense recreational activities and spearfishing. Most groupers (Serranidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), barracudas (Sphyraenidae), and some parrotfishes (Scaridae) were nearly absent at most sites. Most individuals belonged to smaller size categories. Herbivores represented the majority of the total fish biomass, suggesting strong fishing impacts on apex predators. Fish declines also occurred after two massive coral bleaching events in 1998 and 2005 that were followed by mass coral mortalities, suggesting combined negative impacts of fishing and climate change. A no-take MPA designation was supported by 80% of the artisanal fishermen, 73% of the concessionaires (i.e., SCUBA diving, charter boats), and 52% of registered vessel operators.
Stakeholders agreed that coral reef conditions in the reserve had declined over time, as well as water quality which affected reef health and fisheries. Stakeholders did not recognize climate change and sea surface warming as threats to coral reefs and fisheries. Nonetheless, stakeholder perceptions of candidate no-take MPA sites remarkably matched those identified through fish counts. This study also highlighted the pervasive views held by many stake-holders concerning MPA management and enforcement, and recommended that any no-take MPA designation process considers improving stakeholder participation, understanding of management objectives, actions, and accomplishments, and building stakeholders trust. The integration of ecosystem-based and community-based participatory models may be critical to foster improved support of no-take MPAs and foster a long-term community-based integration to develop and implement mitigation strategies for climate change impacts in novel future scenarios.
Stakeholders agreed that coral reef conditions in the reserve had declined over time, as well as water quality which affected reef health and fisheries. Stakeholders did not recognize climate change and sea surface warming as threats to coral reefs and fisheries. Nonetheless, stakeholder perceptions of candidate no-take MPA sites remarkably matched those identified through fish counts. This study also highlighted the pervasive views held by many stake-holders concerning MPA management and enforcement, and recommended that any no-take MPA designation process considers improving stakeholder participation, understanding of management objectives, actions, and accomplishments, and building stakeholders trust. The integration of ecosystem-based and community-based participatory models may be critical to foster improved support of no-take MPAs and foster a long-term community-based integration to develop and implement mitigation strategies for climate change impacts in novel future scenarios.
