scholarly journals Linking Protection with the Distribution of Grouper and Habitat Quality in Seychelles

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Samantha J. Howlett ◽  
Richard Stafford ◽  
Matt Waller ◽  
Sylvanna Antha ◽  
Christophe Mason-Parker
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Significant Interaction ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Structure Type ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Coral Colony ◽  
Coral Genus ◽  
Cephalopholis Argus

Marine protected areas can be designated for a number of reasons, but exactly how they provide benefits is only recently being understood. We assessed the effect of protection on the size and distribution of six common species of grouper in a coral reef ecosystem. Data on live coral cover, coral genus diversity, and coral colony structure type were also compared to give an indication of reef quality between sites. A significant interaction was found forAethaloperca rogaaandCephalopholis nigripinnis, indicating that protected areas held greater numbers of smaller and median sized fish of these species than unprotected areas. Similar but nonsignificant trends were found forCephalopholis miniataandCephalopholis argus. ForAnyperodon leucogrammicus, MPAs held significantly more fish than unprotected sites, but as the increase was equal between size categories there was no interaction. The last speciesEpinephelus fasciatus,which was one of the smallest species, had no significant interaction, similar mean counts between protected and unprotected areas, and no obvious strong favouritism for particular sites with values indicating better reef quality, indicating intraspecies competition. The results of this study indicate that while the MPAs in this study are likely too small to benefit large groupers, the improvements to habitat quality have indirect benefits to groupers, especially at their earlier life stages.

scholarly journals Protected areas and benthic characteristics influence the distribution of the Vulnerable bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Oryx ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 564-571
Author(s):  
Vardhan Patankar ◽  
Tanmay Wagh ◽  
Aniruddha Marathe
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Marine Protected Areas ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Nicobar Island ◽  
Andaman And Nicobar Islands ◽  
Fishery Resource ◽  
Nicobar Islands ◽  
Bolbometopon Muricatum

AbstractThe Vulnerable bumphead parrotfish Bolbometopon muricatum, a highly prized fishery resource worldwide, has experienced population declines throughout its geographical range. There is limited knowledge of the distribution and abundance of, and threats to, this fish in Indian waters, particularly for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. To assess the species’ distribution and conservation status we conducted underwater surveys across 75 sites around 51 islands and interviewed 99 fishers across the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. We recorded a total of 59 individual B. muricatum across nine sites from the northernmost island in the Andamans (Landfall Island) to the southernmost island in the Nicobars (Great Nicobar Island). Interviews revealed that most fishers (100% in Nicobar, 94% in Middle Andaman, 62% in South Andaman) had seen B. muricatum, and knowledge of the species is highest amongst spearfishers. Generalized linear models indicated that presence of marine protected areas and high live coral cover influenced the abundance and distribution of B. muricatum. The species' density seems to be naturally low in the archipelago. We discuss our findings in the light of protecting rare and threatened species, and recommend strengthening the existing marine protected areas in these islands.

scholarly journals SENDEROS SUBMARINOS DEL PARQUE NACIONAL CAHUITA: DESCRIPCIÓN BIOLÓGICA

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Gerardo E. Palacios Martínez
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Coral Species ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Common Species ◽  
Biological Information ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Diadema Antillarum ◽  
The Family ◽  
On Line ◽  
Line Transects

Los recorridos en los Senderos Submarinos del Parque Nacional Cahuitapermitieron identificar los organismos marinos presentes. La descripción biológica de la flora y la fauna se basó en la metodología de línea transecto y observación directa. El Sendero Submarino Perezoso presentó un 40% de cobertura de coral vivo, entre los cuales estaba el coral estrella (Siderastrea siderea) como dominante, las especies de peces más frecuente pertenecen a la familia Pomacentridae. El erizo negro (Diadema antillarum) es el más frecuente de los invertebrados y las algas registradas son del género Dictyota y la especie Halimeda opuntia. Las especies de coral Siderastrea siderea y Agaricia agaricites son las más frecuentes en los senderos submarinos de Perezoso y Eduardo. This survey provides biological information regarding the underwater trails of Cahuita National Park, and identifies the most common species present. The biological description of the flora and fauna are based on line transects and direct observation. The Perezoso underwater trail had 40% live coral cover, of which the Lobe coral (Siderastrea siderea) was the most common; the most common species of fish belonged to the family Pomacentridae. The long spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum) was the most common among the invertebrates, and the algae recorded belonged to the genera Dictyota and Halimeda. The coral species  Siderastrea siderea and Agaricia agaricites were the most common corals of the Perezoso and Eduardo underwater trails.

scholarly journals Coral Recruitment Spatial Distribution in its Relation With Coral Cover and Herbivorous Fish Abundance Within Conservation Area

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Zulfikar Afandy ◽  
Ario Damar ◽  
Syamsul Bahri Agus
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Fish Abundance ◽  
Herbivorous Fish ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Coral Recruitment ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Coral Colony

The continuity of coral reef ecosystem highly depends on the new coral larvae recruitment process. Hence, the information regarding distribution, the abundance of corals, and its relation to other variables are highly important in that ecosystem management. Research was conducted at nine stations represented each zone at the conservation area of Kapoposang Marine Tourism Park (TWP Kapoposang). This research aims at seeking for spatial variations of the abundance of coral recruitment at three primary zones monitored (core zone, sustainable fishing zone and utilization zone) and we further identified its relations with spatial variation of herbivorous fishes abundance and  coral cover’s condition at those zones. The coral recruitment observation employed transect quadrat sampling method with size of 1x1 meter and 10 times repetition at a similar depth, and the coral recruitment abundance measurement in natural habitat based on the amounts of juvenile corals has been defined as coral colony with size of ≤10 cm. Overall, this research has found 534 coral juveniles consisted of 19 genera and 7 families, and the average of juvenile coral density stood at 5.34±4.45 SE.m-2. The coral reef recruitment category at TWP Kapoposang could be classified as high and its abundance spatial distribution showed no significant differences between each zone, as well as not influenced by either herbivorous fish abundance variable or the percentage of live coral cover.

scholarly journals Through the Boundaries: Environmental Factors Affecting Reef Benthic Cover in Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fleurdeliz M. Panga ◽  
Jonathan A. Anticamara ◽  
Miledel Christine C. Quibilan ◽  
Michael P. Atrigenio ◽  
Porfirio M. Aliño
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Marine Protected Areas ◽  
Multiple Stressors ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Storm Frequency ◽  
Benthic Condition

Philippine coral reefs have been on the decline since the 1970s, and this degradation has posed a risk to biodiversity, food security, and livelihood in the country. In an effort to arrest this degradation, marine protected areas (MPAs) were established across the country. MPAs are known to improve fish biomass, but their effect on live coral cover and other benthos is not yet well documented and understood. In this study, 28 MPAs across the Philippines were surveyed comparing benthic cover and indices between protected reefs and adjacent unprotected reefs. No consistent differences were found between reefs inside and outside MPAs through all the benthic categories and reef health indices considered that are indicative of protection effects or recovery within MPAs. However, there were notable site-specific differences in benthic cover across the study MPAs-suggesting that factors other than protection play important roles in influencing benthic cover inside and outside of MPAs. Storm frequency and proximity to rivers, as a proxy for siltation, were the strongest negative correlates to live coral cover. Also, high coastal population, a proxy for pollution, and occurrence of blast and poison fishing positively correlated with high dead coral cover. The lack of significant difference in benthic cover between reefs inside and outside MPAs suggests that protection does not necessarily guarantee immediate improvement in benthic condition. Correlations between benthic condition and storm frequency, siltation, and pollution suggest that it is necessary to augment MPAs with other management strategies that will address the multiple stressors that are usually indiscriminate of MPA boundaries. Supplementing long-term and systematic monitoring of benthic cover and biodiversity inside and outside of MPAs with data on other important environmental and human impact variables will help improve understanding of benthic cover and biodiversity dynamics inside and outside of MPA boundaries.

scholarly journals KOMUNITAS IKAN KARANG DI PERAIRAN TAMAN WISATA ALAM (TWA) BATUANGUS, KOTAMADYA BITUNG, PROVINSI SULAWESI UTARA

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 50
Author(s):  
Fakhrizal Setiawan
Keyword(s):  
Community Structure ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Fish Community ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Fish Community Structure ◽  
Coral Genus ◽  
North Sulawesi ◽  
Reef Fish Community ◽  
Coral Reef Ecosystems

<p><strong><em>REEF FISH COMMUNITY IN THE BATUANGUS NATURE PARK, MUNICIPALITY OF BITUNG, NORTH SULAWESI PROVINCE</em></strong></p><p><em>Research was conducted at 4 point dive sites in TWA Batuangus and 1 tourist sites as a comparison site to see the condition of coral reef ecosystems that include coral cover and reef fish communities’ information. Live coral cover obtained generally show in moderate category (25 to 49.9%). Coral genus recorded in 33 transects genus were 27 genera of hard corals and 6 genus of soft corals. Reef fish recorded consists of 195 species of reef fish and 37 families. Locations in the TWA Batuangus which have relatively good conditions, is Batu Beach location where had higher abundance and biomass compared to other locations. Magic Rock seen better than that of TWA Batuangus, based from the condition of coral and targeted fish. This is most likely because the location of TWA Batuangus is the fishing area for the surrounding communities while Magic Rock is became one of the important diving spot in the Lembeh Strait. Reef fish community structure based on ecological indices are in unstable condition (H' were in low to moderate, E were depressed until labile and C were low). The similarity of reef fish species grouping Hall Batuangus separated with other sites because of the characteristics of the location in the form of semi-enclosed bays where the circulation of currents which do not enter into the bay which makes limiting the distribution of coral and fish.</em></p><p><strong>Keywords</strong>: <em>abundance, biomass, Batuangus, reef fish community structure, wildlife nature.</em><strong><em></em></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><br /></strong></p><p align="center"><strong>ABSTRAK</strong></p><p><em>Penelitian sebanyak 4 titik penyelaman di TWA Batuangus dan 1 lokasi wisata sebagai pembanding dilakukan untuk melihat kondisi ekosistem terumbu karang yang meliputi informasi tutupan karang dan komunitas ikan karang. Tutupan karang hidup </em><em>yang didapatkan menunjukkan umumnya berada pada kategori sedang (25–49,9 %). </em><em>Genus karang yang tercatat masuk di dalam transek sebanyak 33 genus yang terdiri dari 27 genus karang keras dan 6 genus karang lunak. Ikan karang yang dicatat/ditemukan dalam survei derah dangkal ini terdiri dari 195 species ikan karang yang termasuk dalam 37 famili. Lokasi di dalam TWA Batuangus yang memiliki kondisi relatif baik yaitu di lokasi Pantai Batu dimana memiliki kelimpahan dan biomassa terbaik dibanding lokasi lainnya. Lokasi pembanding Magic Rock sedikit lebih baik daripada TWA Batuangus, jika dilihat dari kondisi karang serta ikan target. Hal ini kemungkinan karena lokasi TWA Batuangus menjadi daerah penangkapan ikan bagi masyarakat sekitar, sedangkan Magic Rock yang menjadi salah satu spot penyelaman penting di Selat Lembeh. Struktur komunitas ikan karang berdasarkan indeks ekologinya berada dalam kondisi labil (H’ masuk rendah hingga sedang, E tertekan hingga labil dan C yang rendah). Kesamaan species ikan karang mengelompokkan site Hall Batuangus terpisah dengan site lainnya karena karakteristik lokasi yang berupa teluk semi tertutup dimana sirkulasi arus yang tidak masuk kedalam teluk yang menjadikan pembatas distribusi karang dan ikan yang ada di dalamnya.  </em></p><strong>Kata kunci</strong>: <em>biomassa, Batuangus, kelimpahan, struktur komunitas ikan karang, Taman Wisata Alam.</em>

scholarly journals Cross shelf gradients of scleractinian corals in the Spermonde Islands, South Sulawesi, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
SYAFYUDIN YUSUF ◽  
MARIA BEGER ◽  
Asmi Citra Malina A.R. Tassakka ◽  
MAARTEN DE BRAUWER ◽  
AMANDA PRICELLA ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Outer Shelf ◽  
Shelf Zone ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Hard Coral ◽  
Coral Colony ◽  
South Sulawesi ◽  
Coral Communities

Abstract. Yusuf S, Beger M, Tassakka ACMAR, Brauwer MD, Pricella A, Rahmi, Umar W, Limmon GV, Moore AM, Jompa J. 2021. Cross shelf gradients of scleractinian corals in the Spermonde Islands, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 1415-1423. Coral reef ecosystems around the world have suffered extensive degradation, including the reefs of the Wallacea region within the Coral Triangle global biodiversity hotspot. Anthropogenic and natural threats can reduce the level of coral reef biodiversity differentially across environmental or impact gradients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in hard coral (Scleractinia) diversity and community structure across an inshore-offshore zonation gradient in the Spermonde Islands, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Data on coral colony species and abundance as well as live coral cover were collected from 10 m2 belt transects at a depth of 6 to 8 m. A total of 72 transects were placed around the 12 island stations in three zones: the inner mid-shelf zone, outer mid-shelf zone and outer shelf zone. Data were analyzed to determine the species richness, and three ecological indices for the hard coral communities were calculated: the Shannon Diversity Index (H'), Similarity Index (E), and Dominance Index (C). A total of 310 hard coral species belonging to 62 genera were recorded. The coral communities were dominated by the genera Fungia, Montipora and Porites, and coral cover was in the 'moderate' category. The number of species was directly proportional to the number of colonies within each zone. Live coral cover was higher in the inner mid-shelf zone and outer shelf zone than the outer mid-shelf zone; conversely, the species richness and coral colony abundance were higher in the outer mid-shelf zone. However, the differences were not statistically significant. The indices H’, C, and E did not differ significantly between the zones. However, Tambakulu Island in Zone 4 had the lowest values of E and H’ and the highest value of C. Findings suggest that most-hard coral communities in the cross-shelf zones of the Spermonde Islands are stable communities characterized by relatively high diversity and low dominance indices.

SHALLOW WATER HABITAT MAPPING AND REEF FISH STOCK ESTIMATION USING HIGH RESOLUTION SATELLITE DATA

2013 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincentius P. Siregar ◽  
Sam Wouthuyzen ◽  
Andriani Sunuddin ◽  
Ari Anggoro ◽  
Ade Ayu Mustika
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Satellite Imagery ◽  
Field Survey ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Fish Density ◽  
Fish Stock ◽  
Benthic Habitat ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Stock Estimation

Shallow marine waters comprise diverse benthic types forming habitats for reef fish community, which important for the livelihood of coastal and small island inhabitants. Satellite imagery provide synoptic map of benthic habitat and further utilized to estimate reef fish stock. The objective of this research was to estimate reef fish stock in complex coral reef of Pulau Pari, by utilizing high resolution satellite imagery of the WorldView-2 in combination with field data such as visual census of reef fish. Field survey was conducted between May-August 2013 with 160 sampling points representing four sites (north, south, west, and east). The image was analy-zed and grouped into five classes of benthic habitats i.e., live coral (LC), dead coral (DC), sand (Sa), seagrass (Sg), and mix (Mx) (combination seagrass+coral and seagrass+sand). The overall accuracy of benthic habitat map was 78%. Field survey revealed that the highest live coral cover (58%) was found at the north site with fish density 3.69 and 1.50 ind/m2at 3 and 10 m depth, respectively. Meanwhile, the lowest live coral cover (18%) was found at the south site with fish density 2.79 and 2.18  ind/m2 at 3 and 10 m depth, respectively. Interpolation on fish density data in each habitat class resulted in standing stock reef fish estimation:  LC (5,340,698 ind), DC (56,254,356 ind), Sa (13,370,154 ind), Sg (1,776,195 ind) and Mx (14,557,680 ind). Keywords: mapping, satellite imagery, benthic habitat, reef fish, stock estimation

Coral reef condition in several dive points around Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi

2014 ◽  
pp. 44
Author(s):  
Robert Towoliu
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Core Zone ◽  
Integrated Management System ◽  
North Sulawesi ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
Reef Condition

In order to know the coral reef conditions at several diving points around Bunaken Island, three dive locations (Ron’s point, Lekuan, and Tawara) were chosen as representative locations receiving pressures from snorkeling and SCUBA diving activities, while  core zone was representative of location for  no diving and fishing activities.  Results showed that location with diving activities had live coral cover  ranging from 16.89% to 45.78% at 3 and 10m depths, with condition range of bad to moderate, while the location for no diving and fishing activities (core zone) had live coral cover of 55.03% at 3m and 58.15% at 10m, respectively,  with good condition category.  The present study indicated that the diving activities have affected the coral reef condition, so that a sustainable integrated management system is needed to use the marine ecotourism potency without degrading the coral reef condition in Bunaken Island. Untuk mengetahui kondisi terumbu karang di beberapa lokasi penyelaman di Pulau Bunaken, tiga lokasi penyelaman(Ron’s point, Lekuan, dan Tawara) dipilih mewakili lokasi dengan tekanan aktivitas penyelaman snorkeling maupun SCUBA, sedangkan satu lokasi lainnya yaitu zona inti dipilih mewakili lokasi tanpa aktivitas penyelaman maupun aktivitas penangkapan ikan.  Hasil penelitian ini memperlihatkan bahwa lokasi dengan tekanan aktivitas penyelaman memiliki prosentase tutupan karang batu/hidup berkisar antara 16,89% - 45,78% pada kedalaman 3 dan 10m, dengan kategori kondisi terumbu karang buruk sampai cukup, sedangkan pada lokasi yang tidak memiliki aktivitas penyelaman memiliki prosentase tutupan karang batu/hidup sebesar 53,03% pada 3m dan 58,15% pada 10m dengan kategori kondisi terumbu karang adalah baik.  Hasil penelitian ini mengindikasikan bahwa aktivitas penyelaman snorkeling maupun SCUBA berdampak pada kondisi terumbu karang di Pulau Bunaken, sehingga sangat diperlukan system pengelolaan yang terpadu dan berkesinambungan dalam memanfaatkan secara maksimal potensi ekowisata bahari tanpa merusak ekosistem terumbu karang di Pulau Bunaken.

scholarly journals Spatial Assessment of the Potential Impact of Infrastructure Development on Biodiversity Conservation in Lowland Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 365 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roshan Sharma ◽  
Bhagawat Rimal ◽  
Nigel Stork ◽  
Himlal Baral ◽  
Maheshwar Dhakal
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Habitat Quality ◽  
Infrastructure Development ◽  
Remotely Sensed Data ◽  
Buffer Zones ◽  
Ecological Sites ◽  
Key Species ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Anthropogenic Threats ◽  
The Impact

Biodiversity is declining at an unprecedented rate with infrastructure development being one of the leading causes. New infrastructure, such as roads, provides new access and results in increased land clearing and wildlife hunting. A number of large infrastructure projects, including new roads and rail, are being planned in Nepal. We show the application of readily available remotely sensed data and geospatial tools to assess the potential impact of these future developments on habitat quality under three protection-level scenarios. Our findings reveal that there is currently large spatial heterogeneity in habitat quality across the landscape as a result of current anthropogenic threats, and that three areas in particular could have up to 40% reduction in habitat quality as a result of the planned infrastructure. Further research is required to determine more precisely the impact on key species. Strengthening protected areas and buffer zones will contribute to mitigating degradation to some degree, however, large areas of biologically significant areas outside protected areas will be affected without new controls. Our geographic information systems (GIS) based methodology could be used to conduct studies in data poor developing countries, where rapid infrastructure development across ecological sites are ongoing, in order to make society, policy makers, and development planners aware.

scholarly journals Apparent stability of a low-density Diadema antillarum regime for Puerto Rican coral reefs

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (6) ◽  
pp. 2193-2201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruber Rodríguez-Barreras ◽  
Alfredo Montañez-Acuña ◽  
Abimarie Otaño-Cruz ◽  
Scott D Ling
Keyword(s):  
Puerto Rico ◽  
Sea Urchin ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Low Density ◽  
Limited Evidence ◽  
Diadema Antillarum ◽  
Benthic Habitats ◽  
Stable Regime ◽  
Apparent Stability

Abstract Caribbean reefs have suffered decline in coral cover in recent decades due to recurrent anthropogenic and natural stressors. The regional collapse of the sea urchin Diadema antillarum, combined with overfishing, has contributed to a phase-shift of coral reef communities towards fleshy macroalgal dominance. Here, we examine the population dynamics of D. antillarum at five sites in Puerto Rico from 2011 to 2016 and determine trends between the sea urchin and local benthic habitats. The sea urchin population exhibited low but stable densities (with slight, but non-significant trend of increase), yet showed variability between sites. Large urchins (&gt;60 mm test diam.) were the most abundant across sites and through time, followed by medium urchins (41–60 mm test diam.), whereas small individuals (&lt;40 mm) were rare, indicating recruitment-limitation. Spatial and temporal differences in benthic habitats were not related to local D. antillarum abundances. Macroalgae cover declined at all sites over the 6 years, ranging 5–86%, whereas live coral cover also decreased across all sites (ranging 4–38%). Diadema antillarum populations in Puerto Rico appear stable with limited evidence for recovery trends back to pre-mass mortality densities. Full population recovery may take longer than expected; however, evidence indicates that the contemporary low-density D. antillarum population represents a novel stable regime.

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