scholarly journals CHARACTERIZATION OF THE CORAL COMMUNITIES AND REEFS OF TWO PREVIOUSLY UNDESCRIBED LOCATIONS IN THE UPWELLING REGION OF GULF OF PAPAGAYO (COSTA RICA)

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Jiménez ◽  
Giovanni Bassey ◽  
Álvaro Segura ◽  
Jorge Cortés
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Coral Species ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Water Discharge ◽  
Environmental Data ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
Coral Communities ◽  
Fresh Water Discharge

In the seasonal upwelling region of Gulf of Papagayo (Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica), we evaluated and described two previously poorly known coral habitats, Punta Cacique and Bahía Guacamaya. Both localities differed in the extent of the frame-building coral communities and their composition. While Bahía Guacamaya and Punta Cacique had a similar number of coral species (16), live coral cover percent was higher in the coral reefs (ca. 50% vs. 90%) and coral communities (ca. 40% vs. 50%) of the latter. At both localities, branching species (Pocillopora spp.) contributed more as a group to the live coral cover than massive and encrusting corals. Bahía Guacamaya has the largest colonies found so far of two coral species (Pocillopora eydouxi and Pocillopora meandrina) with a limited distribution in Costa Rica. Using long-term records of environmental data, we characterized the seasonality of the upwelling and the dry and rainy seasons that partially explained the low suspension sediment loads and fresh water discharge into Papagayo’s coral habitats. The results of our study are important due to the rapid development of the coastal zone of Papagayo and because only a fraction of the littoral has been systematically surveyed. Therefore, we call for more studies that aim to produce baseline data of coral habitats in the area.En la región de afloramiento estacional del Golfo de Papagayo (Costa Rica), se evaluaron dos ambientes coralinos que nunca antes habían sido estudiados: Punta Cacique y Bahía Guacamaya. En ambas localidades, la extensión y la composición de las comunidades coralinas constructoras de la estructura arrecifal fueron diferentes. En tanto que el número de especies coralinas (16) fue similar en ambas localidades, el porcentaje de cobertura de coral vivo fue mayor en los arrecifes (apróximamente 50% vs. 90%) y las comunidades (aproximadamente 40% vs. 50%) coralinas de Punta Cacique. En ambos sitios, las especies de corales ramificados (Pocillopora spp.) como grupo contribuyeron más a la cobertura de coral vivo que otras formas (masivas e incrustantes).  La Bahía Guacamaya tiene las colonias más grandes encontradas hasta el momento en Costa Rica de dos especies de distribución limitada (Pocillopora eydouxi y Pocillopora meandrina). Se utilizaron series temporales extensas de datos ambientales para caracterizar la estacionalidad del afloramiento y la estación seca y la lluviosa. Estos dos factores explican parcialmente la poca sedimentación y descarga de agua dulce en los ambientes coralinos de Papagayo. Los resultados de nuestro estudio son importantes dado que apenas una pequeña fracción de la costa de Papagayo ha sido estudiada sistemáticamente a pesar del rápido desarrollo costero que ocurre en el área. Por lo tanto, resaltamos la necesidad de realizar más estudios, con el fin de obtener datos de línea base de los ambientes coralinos del área.

Acanthaster planci impact on coral communities at permanent transect sites on Bruneian reefs, with a regional overview and a critique on outbreak causes

2011 ◽  
Vol 92 (4) ◽  
pp. 803-809 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J.W. Lane
Keyword(s):  
Coral Cover ◽  
Food Limitation ◽  
Past Century ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Sea Star ◽  
Acanthaster Planci ◽  
The Past ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
Coral Communities ◽  
High Precipitation

The submerged coral reefs of Brunei, little-impacted by human activity and characterized by high live coral cover, have no recorded history in recent decades of the presence of the crown-of-thorns (COT), Acanthaster planci. This sea star, first recorded on Brunei reefs in 2008, attained outbreak densities in 2010. At Littledale Shoal its impact on corals at permanent transect sites has been quantified; mean live coral cover reduced by half from 2006 to 2010 due predominantly to predation. Line intersect transect data confirm a predisposition for tabular Acropora species, a prominent feature at this site, although other scleractinian taxa were also predated. Other regional outbreaks are reviewed, including episodes, and their timing, within the neighbouring Coral Triangle (CT). Mounting evidence implicates nutrient-enhanced increases in primary production as a primary cause of COT outbreaks. However, this stands in contrast with a report of global oceanic phytoplankton decline in the past century, and there is little evidence of such a link in the CT, even though this region is characterized by high precipitation, erosional plumes and seasonal upwelling-associated phytoplankton blooms. Furthermore, until survivorship and competency for a wider spectrum of mass-spawned invertebrate planktotrophs in relation to elevated phytoplankton densities is better understood, such evidence, suggesting release from food limitation as the principal cause of enhanced COT recruitment, should be interpreted with caution.

scholarly journals Cuando la conservación no puede seguir el ritmo del desarrollo: Estado de salud de los ecosistemas coralinos del Pacífico Norte de Costa Rica

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (1-1) ◽  
pp. 280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan José Alvarado ◽  
Andrés Beita-Jiménez ◽  
Sebastián Mena ◽  
Cindy Fernández ◽  
Jorge Cortés ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
North Pacific ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Actual State ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
The North ◽  
Invasive Seaweed ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
The North Pacific

Abstract: When conservation can keep up with development´s pace: Health status of coral ecosystems in the North Pacific of Costa Rica. Coral reefs are diverse and productive ecosystems, despite this, they are being threatened by human activities that enhance the detrimental impact of the natural phenomenon’s like Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB). The north Pacific of Costa Rica has been characterized as one of the best regions for the coral reefs development in the country. However, many of these ecosystems are being lost as a result of eutrophication, overfishing, invasive species and others impacts that affect the region. In the present study, live coral cover in the north Pacific was 5.0 ± 10.4(s.d.) %, with a domination in the ecosystems by turf algae. Twenty-six invertebrate taxa were registered in the region with the predominance of the sea urchin Diadema mexicanum. Ninety-four species of reef fish were identified. Snappers and some planktivores species were the groups with the highest frequency and abundance. The localities previously studied in the 1990 decade, presented a mean live coral cover between 40-50 %, whereby the actual state of the reef reflect a significant deterioration. This decline in coral cover is due to natural events like the El Niño, as well as the decrease in water quality in the region. In recent years, proliferations of the invasive seaweed Caulerpa sertularioides and high densities of bioerosive sea urchins have been reported, mainly associated with HAB events. Likewise, fish communities have low biomass, especially in the vicinity of fishing villages. The state of the reefs in the North Pacific is worrying and requires actions for its recovery and conservation, for which there must be better planning of the development of projects and activities on the coast. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(Suppl. 1): S280-S308. Epub 2018 April 01. 

Distribution, diversity, and conservation of coral reefs and coral communities in the largest marine protected area of Pacific Panama (Coiba Island)

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 111-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
HECTOR M. GUZMAN ◽  
CARLOS A. GUEVARA ◽  
ODALISCA BREEDY
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Protected Area ◽  
Marine Protected Area ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Scleractinian Corals ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Marine Habitats ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
Coral Communities

Sampling scale and lack of attention to taxa other than scleractinian corals have limited the capacity to protect coral reefs and coral communities in Pacific Panama. The distribution of coral habitats (live coral cover) and their species richness in the largest marine protected area of Panama, the Coiba National Park (270 125 ha), is described using quadrat transects and manta tows. The species richness of scleractinian corals and octocorals was lower in coral reefs than in coral communities, and a close relationship between richness and live coral cover was observed only in coral communities. The distribution of high live coral cover in coral communities overlapped with areas of high coral species richness. Average live coral cover in communities was 64%, compared to 28% in reefs, whereas algae cover was 30% and 49%, respectively. Twenty-two coral and 34 octocoral species were observed, many only now detected in Panama as endemic or new species. Analysis of satellite imagery showed 80% of terrestrial habitats were mostly primary forest, and coral reefs and coral communities covered 1700 ha, about 2% of marine habitats. Shallow marine environments (< 20 m) had up to 60% calcareous red algae cover (rhodolite beds). Based on the distribution of live coral cover and species richness, three conservation units were identified as priority, with the southern and northernmost sides of the marine protected area as the most significant. These three areas encompass most of the rare and endemic species or populations, as well as species previously regarded as endangered.

scholarly journals Status and conservation of coral reefs in Costa Rica

2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorge Cortés ◽  
Carlos E Jiménez ◽  
Ana C Fonseca ◽  
Juan José Alvarado
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Caribbean Coast ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Coral Communities ◽  
Algal Ridge ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
The Government

<span>Costa Rica has coral communities and reefs on the Caribbean coast and on the Pacific along the coast and off-shore islands. The Southern section of the Caribbean coast has fringing and patch reefs, carbonate banks, and an incipient algal ridge. The Pacific coast has coral communities, reefs and isolated coral colonies. Coral reefs have been seriously impacted in the last 30 years, mainly by sediments (Caribbean coast and some Pacific reefs) and by El Niño warming events (both coasts). Monitoring is being carried out at three sites on each coast. Both coasts suffered significant reductions in live coral cover in the 1980’s, but coral cover is now increasing in most sites. The government of Costa Rica is aware of the importance of coral reefs and marine environments in general, and in recent years decrees have been implemented (or are in the process of approval) to protect them, but limited resources endanger their proper management and conservation, including proper outreach to reef users and the general public.</span>

scholarly journals CONDICIÓN DE ARRECIFES DE CORAL SOMETIDOS A PRESIONES NATURALES RECIENTES: BAJOS DE SANCHO PARDO, CUBA

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Hansel Caballero ◽  
Pedro M. Alcolado
Keyword(s):  
Coral Species ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Coral Disease ◽  
Disease Outbreaks ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Maximum Diameter ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Coral Communities ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Different Levels

Se evaluó la condición de la barrera de coral de los Bajos de Sancho Pardo (NW Cuba), área alejada de acciones antrópicas (excepto sobrepesca), pero que ha sufrido un período de frecuencia de huracanes, brotes de enfermedades y eventos de blanqueamiento de corales. En agosto del 2010 se aplicó la metodología de muestreo AGRRA en comunidades de corales de tres estaciones en las crestas, tres en las zonas traseras y 15 en el frente de arrecifes. Se identificaron 32 especies de corales, considerando solo colonias mayores de 10 cm de diámetro máximo. Los indicadores biológicos analizados sugieren cierta heterogeneidad en lascondiciones medioambientales y diferentes grados de resiliencia de los corales ante los disturbios naturales. El cubrimiento vivo medio de coral fue de 23% en las crestas, 27% en las zonas traseras y 9% en los arrecifes frontales. La densidad media lineal de corales fue de 8 colonias/10 m en las crestas, 11 colonias/10 m en las zonas traseras y 5 colonias/10 m en los arrecifes frontales. Se observó mortalidad reciente por enfermedades activas. La mortalidad antigua fue mayor en las zonas traseras y en las crestas, a causa aparentementede la mayor influencia de los huracanes por la menor profundidad. Los arrecifes estuvieron perturbados por cubrimiento importante de algas carnosas supuestamente por un insuficiente nivel de herbivorismo. ABSTRACT The condition of the barrier reef in Bajos de Sancho Pardo (NW Cuba) was assessed. This area is located far from anthropogenic disturbances (except overfishing) and has suffered a period of frequent hurricanes, coral disease outbreaks, and coral bleaching events. In August 2010, the AGRRA sampling methodology was applied to 21 coral communities;three crest stations, three rear zones, and 15 fore reef stations. Thirty-two coral species were identified, considering only colonies larger than 10 cm maximum diameter. The biological indicators analyzed suggest some degree of heterogeneity of environmental conditions and different levels of coral resiliency to natural disturbances. Average live coral cover was 23% on reef crests, 27% on back reefs and 9% on fore reefs. Average coral linear density was 8 colonies/10 m on reef crests, 11 colonies/10 m on back reefs and 5 colonies/10 m on fore reefs. Recent mortality was observed resulting from active diseases. Old mortality was higher in back reefs and reef crests, apparently due to the higher influence of hurricanes due to their shallow depths. Reefs were disturbed by a significant fleshy algae cover provably due to low levels of herbivory.

scholarly journals CONDICIÓN DE LOS ARRECIFES DE CORAL FRENTE A COSTAS CON ASENTAMIENTOS HUMANOS Y APORTES TERRÍGENOS: EL CASO DEL LITORAL HABANERO, CUBA

2009 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hansel Caballero ◽  
Pedro M. Alcolado ◽  
Aloyma Semidey
Keyword(s):  
Coral Cover ◽  
Good Condition ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Maximum Diameter ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Diadema Antillarum ◽  
Density Maximum ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
Coral Communities ◽  
Evenness Indices

Se evaluó la condición de los arrecifes de coral del norte de las provincias habaneras (NW Cuba), área con influencia variable de asentamientos humanos y de aporte  terrígeno, con la aplicación de indicadores biológicos del bentos de la metodología AGRRA: cubrimiento vivo de coral; densidad, diámetro máximo, mortalidad reciente y antigua, y reclutamiento  de corales duros; densidad de erizos Diadema antillarum; y cubrimiento por macroalgas. Se muestrearon las comunidades de corales de 11 sitios de crestas arrecifales y 22 de arrecifes frontales durante el año 2004. Se calcularon los índices de heterogeneidad de Shannon y de equitatividad de Pielou. Se identificaron 33 especies de corales (mayores de 10). Hubo diferencias significativas entre sitios en los indicadores biológicos analizados que sugieren una marcada heterogeneidad en las condiciones medioambientales a lo largo de la zona de estudio. El cubrimiento medio de coral vivo en las crestas fue de 28% y en los arrecifes frontales, de 21%. La densidad media en las crestas fue de 9 colonias/10 m, mientras que en los arrecifes más profundos, 12 colonias/10 m. Se observaron poca mortalidad reciente y bajos porcentajes de corales enfermos. La mortalidad antigua se debe aparentemente a la acumulación histórica de afectaciones, tanto naturales como antrópicas. Los arrecifes estuvieron perturbados además por cubrimientos significativos de macroalgas carnosas aparentemente causados por una combinación de exceso de nutrientes e insuficiente herbivorismo. Se encontraron arrecifes en buenas condiciones posiblemente dado por cierto nivel de heterotrofía favorecido por enriquecimiento de materia orgánica particulada proveniente de  tierra.Coral reef condition north of the Havanan provinces (NW Cuba), an area with variable influence from human settlements and runoff, was assessed using the AGRRA methodology’s benthic biological indicators: live coral cover, coral density, maximum colony diameter, old and recent coral mortality, coral recruitment, Diadema antillarum density, and macroalgae cover. Coral communities at 11 reef crest and 22 forereef sites were sampled during 2004. The Shannon heterogenety and Pielou evenness indices were calculated. A total of 33 species of coral, larger than 10 cm in maximum diameter, were identified. The biological indicators analyzed showed significant differences among sites, which suggest a marked heterogeneity in environmental conditions along the study area. The average live coral cover was 28% on crests, and 21% on forereefs. The average densities were 9 colonies/10 m in crests, and 12 colonies/10 m in the deeper sites. Little recent mortality and low diseased coral percentages were observed. Old mortality is apparently due to the historical accumulation of both natural and anthropogenic effects. Reefs were also perturbed by considerable fleshy macroalgal cover, apparently a consequence of both excess of nutrients and insufficient herbivory. Reefs in good condition were found possibly due to some level of heterotophy from organic matter enrichment derived from land sources. 

scholarly journals Assessing the Resilience Potential of Inshore and Offshore Coral Communities in the Western Gulf of Thailand

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 408 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makamas Sutthacheep ◽  
Charernmee Chamchoy ◽  
Sittiporn Pengsakun ◽  
Wanlaya Klinthong ◽  
Thamasak Yeemin
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Coral Bleaching ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Gulf Of Thailand ◽  
Juvenile Corals ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
Coral Communities ◽  
Study Sites ◽  
Offshore Reef

Coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand have experienced severe coral bleaching events and anthropogenic disturbances during the last two decades. This study assessed the resilience potential of coral communities at Ko Losin offshore reef sites and Mu Ko Chumphon nearshore coral reefs, in the south of Thailand, by conducting field surveys on the live coral cover, hard substratum composition and diversity and density of juvenile corals. Most study sites had higher percentages of live coral cover compared to dead coral cover. Some inshore and offshore reef sites showed low resilience to coral bleaching events. The total densities of juvenile corals at the study sites were in the range of 0.89–3.73 colonies/m2. The density of the juvenile corals at most reef sites was not dependent on the live coral cover of adult colonies in a reef, particularly for the Acropora communities. We suggest that Ko Losin should be established as a marine protected area, and Mu Ko Chumphon National Park should implement its management plans properly to enhance coral recovery and promote marine ecotourism. Other measures, such as shading, should be also applied at some coral reefs during bleaching periods.

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 Status of Coral Reefs in the Water of Spermonde, Makassar, South Sulawesi

2021 ◽  
Vol 324 ◽  
pp. 03007
Author(s):  
Ni Wayan Purnama Sari ◽  
Rikoh Manogar Siringoringo ◽  
Muhammad Abrar ◽  
Risandi Dwirama Putra ◽  
Raden Sutiadi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Health Index ◽  
Point Count ◽  
Live Coral Cover ◽  
Reef Health ◽  
Index Value

Observations of the condition of coral reefs have been carried out in Spermonde waters from 2015 to 2018. The method used in this observation uses Underwater Photo Transect (UPT), and the data obtained is analyzed using CPCe (Coral Point Count with Excel Extensions) software. The results show that the percentage of coral cover has increased from year to year. The percentage of live coral cover in 2015 was 19.64%, 23.60 in 2016, 23.72% in 2017, and 27.83% in 2018. The increase in live coral cover from year to year is thought to occur due to the availability of nutrients. or increasing public awareness, considering this location is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Makassar. Coral reef health index values can be used to classify coral reef health. Through the analysis of the coral reef health index, an index value of 4 was obtained, which means that the condition of the coral reefs is in the “moderate” category.

scholarly journals Keanekaragaman dan Biomassa Ikan Karang serta Keterkaitannya dengan Tutupan Karang Hidup di Perairan Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 164
Author(s):  
I Made Raditya Putra ◽  
I Gusti Ngurah Putra Dirgayusa ◽  
Elok Faiqoh
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Reef Fish ◽  
Coral Reef Fish ◽  
Coral Cover ◽  
Total Biomass ◽  
Live Coral ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Living Coral ◽  
Positive Correlation ◽  
Live Coral Cover

The existence of coral reef fish is closely related to the availability of coral reef resource as a habitat. Coral reef fish is a biota that has a fascination with a variety of color patterns and fascinating. Differences in coral cover conditions will affect the abundance of coral reef fish, especially those with strong linkages to living corals. This research was conducted in June - August 2017 by using line intercept transect (LIT) method for coral cover percentage and visual census method for biodiversity and biomass of coral reef fish with 3 research stations in Manggis waters, Karangasem. From the research results, it shows that the diversity index ranged between 2.54 - 2.70 which means the diversity of coral reef fish in the medium category and the stability of the community is in the medium. Furthermore, total biomass of coral reef fish ranged between 186,17 - 1692,08 kg / ha. The results stated that the percentage of live coral cover in Manggis waters ranged from 3.83% to 12.44% which means that live coral cover is categorized as bad. A very strong positive correlation between living coral conditions and coral reef fish biomass was 92.42%. Meanwhile, the relationship between living coral conditions and the diversity of coral reef fish had a strong positive correlation of 65.4%. The diversity of coral reef fish in waters is not only caused by live coral cover; however, it is caused by coral reef ecosystems that are associated in the bottom of the waters.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document