@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 = {Edwin A. Hernández-Delgado and Alex E. Mercado-Molina and Pedro J. Alejandro-Camis and Frances Candelas-Sánchez and Jaime S. Fonseca-Miranda and Carmen M. González-Ramos and Roger Guzmán-Rodríguez and Pascal Mège and Alfredo A. Montañez-Acuña and Iván Olivo Maldonado and Abimarie Otaño-Cruz and Samuel E. Suleimán-Ramos},

url = {https://www.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.},

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tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Hernández-Delgado2014b,

title = {Bomb-cratered coral reefs in Puerto Rico, the untold story about a novel habitat: from reef destruction to community-based ecological rehabilitation},

author = {Edwin A. Hernández-Delgado and Alfredo Montañez-Acuña and Abimarie Otaño-Cruz and Samuel

E. Suleimán-Ramos},

url = {https://www.scielo.sa.cr/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0034-77442014000700019

https://www.sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Bomb-cratered-coral-reefs-in-Puerto-Rico-the-untold-story-about-a-novel-habitat-from-reef-destruction-to-community-based-ecological-rehabilitation.pdf},

issn = {0034-7744},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-09-29},

urldate = {2014-09-29},

journal = {Revista Biologia Tropical},

volume = {Vol. 62},

number = {Suppl. 3},

pages = {183-200},

abstract = {Ecological impacts of military bombing activities in Puerto Rico have often been described as minimal, with recurrent allegations of confounding effects by hurricanes, coral diseases and local anthropogenic stressors. Reef craters, though isolated, are associated with major colony fragmentation and frameworkpulverization, with a net permanent loss of reef bio-construction. In contrast, adjacent non-bombarded reef sections have significantly higher benthic spatial relief and biodiversity. We compared benthic communitieson 35-50 year-old bomb-cratered coral reefs at Culebra and Vieques Islands, with adjacent non-impacted sites; 2) coral recruit density and fish community structure within and outside craters; and 3) early effects of a rehabilitation effort using low-tech Staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis farming. Reef craters ranged in size from approximately 50 to 400m2 and were largely dominated by heavily fragmented, flattened benthos, with coral cover usually below 2% and dominance by non-reef building taxa (i.e., filamentous algal turfs, macroalgae). Benthic spatial heterogeneity was lower within craters which also resulted in a lowered functional value as fish nursery ground. Fish species richness, abundance and biomass, and coral recruit density were lower within craters. Low-tech, community-based approaches to culture, harvest and transplant A. cervicornis into formerly bombarded grounds have proved successful in increasing percent coral cover, benthic spatial heterogeneity, and helping rehabilitate nursery ground functions. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 3): 183-200. Epub 2014 September 01.},

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pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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 = {Edwin A. Hernández-Delgado and Carmen M. González-Ramos and Pedro J. Alejandro-Camis},

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://www.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 = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Mercado-Molina2014b,

title = {Survival, growth, and branch production of unattached fragments of the threatened hermatypic coral \textit{Acropora cervicornis}},

author = {Claudia Patricia Ruiz-Diaz and Alex E. Mercado-Molina and Alberto M. Sabat},

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 = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@article{Díaz-Ortega2014,

title = {Unsustainable Land-Based Source Pollution in a Climate of Change: A Roadblock to the Conservation and Recovery of Elkhorn Coral \textit{Acropora palmata} (Lamarck 1816)},

author = {Geraldine Díaz-Ortega and Edwin A. Hernández-Delgado},

url = {https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=48446

https://www.sampr.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Unsustainable-Land-Based-Source-Pollution-in-a-Climate-of-Change-A-Roadblock-to-the-Conservation-and-Recovery-of-Elkhorn-Coral-Acropora-palmataLamarck-1816.pdf},

doi = {http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/nr.2014.510050},

year  = {2014},

date = {2014-07-18},

urldate = {2014-07-18},

journal = {Natural Resources},

volume = {5},

pages = {561-581},

abstract = {Chronic eutrophication and turbidity are critical detrimental factors impacting coral reef ecosystems, adversely affecting their ecological functions, services, benefits, and resilience across multiple spatial scales and over prolonged periods of time. Inadequate land use practices and lack of appropriate sewage treatment can adversely contribute to increase land-based source pollution (LBSP) impacts in coastal waters and to magnify impacts by sea surface warming trends associated to climate change. Fringing coral reefs off Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, support extensive remnant patches of Elkhorn coral Acropora palmata (Lamarck 1816), which was listed in 2006 as a threatened species under the US Endangered Species Act. Chronic impacts by LBSP have significantly affected local downstream fringing reefs. We characterized the spatial extent of a water quality stress gradient across 12 reefs along the Vega Baja coast through monthly measurements of multiple physico-chemical parameters. Most parameters, particularly PO4, , chlorophyll-a, and the concentration of optical brighteners (OABs), showed a statistically significant increase (PERMANOVA, p < 0.05) in waters close to the main pollution sources, but also in waters adjacent to Cibuco River effluents. Dissolved oxygen also declined and turbidity increased on polluted sites. PO4, , and chlorophyll-a, exceeded recommended concentrations for coral reef ecosystems by factors of 7 - 50 times, 600 - 1240 times, and 17 - 83 times, respectively, depending on the source of the effluents and the distance from sewage pollution sources. Also, water turbidity exceeded 4 - 10 times the recommended value for pristine coral reefs. Coral reefs showed significant decline in close proximity to the polluted zone, showing a significantly different benthic community structure (PERMANOVA, p < 0.0001) dominated by non-reef building taxa (i.e., macroalgae, algal turf) and bare substrate. Percent coral cover and abundance of A. palmata, showed a significant increase with distance. Coral species richness, species diversity index, and the variance in taxonomic distinctness were very low on reef patches adjacent to the polluted zone, increased at a moderate distance with increasing coral cover and co-existence of multiple species, and declined far from the pollution source due to dominance exerted by A. palmata. This study suggests that chronic LBSP resulted in a major decline of one of the largest and most dense remnant stands of A. palmata across the northeastern Caribbean and that nutrient and chlorophyll-a concentrations were unsustainable for coral reefs. This situation requires immediate solution to prevent further damage to these unprecedented resources. It further suggests that chronic LBSP may synergistically magnify sea-surface warming impacts driving corals to an increased state of risk in face of forecasted climate change impacts. Actions to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts on coral reefs must require a priori controls of LBSP to be effective.},

keywords = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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 = {Edwin A. Hernández-Delgado and Manoj Shivlani and Alberto M. Sabat},

url = {https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=48445

https://www.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 = {},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {article}

}

@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 = {Edwin A. Hernández-Delgado and Samuel E. Suleimán-Ramos},

url = {https://www.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).},

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}