Reef Protection Research Articles

Rapid estimation of bathymetry from multispectral imagery without in situ bathymetry data.

Optimization-based semi-analytical methods (OSMs) and empirical methods (EMs) have been developed to derive bathymetry maps from satellite-based multispectral data of coral reefs, allowing for the management, monitoring, and protection of coral reefs. However, OSMs are often criticized due to the time-consuming requirements of iterative computations, yet they are praised for working without the need for in situ bathymetry data. EMs are praised for their time-saving characteristics and criticized for their need for in situ measurements. To estimate the water depth from multispectral data quickly without in situ bathymetry data, we provide a new EM that combines our previously developed OSM called the unmixing-based multispectral optimization process exemplar method (UMOPE) and an EM called Stumpf's ratio method (SRM). In the new method, reflectance values from a small number of sampled pixels and the corresponding water depths estimated by UMOPE are used to determine the regression parameters for SRM. Thus, SRM determines the upper limit of accuracy for the new method, and UMOPE determines the possibility of reaching the upper limit. The new method was evaluated using three types of imagery of Xisha Islands, namely, WorldView-2 imagery with three traditional visible bands (WV-2a), Landsat 8 imagery with four visible bands, and WV-2 imagery with six visible bands (WV-2b). The results show that the new method can perform as well as SRM for Landsat 8 data and WV-2b data with similar root mean square error values at different depths. The lack of a coastal band in WV-2a imagery may cause large errors for the new method in deep water regions, especially when the water-leaving reflectance is noise perturbed. We found that even though the depths estimated by UMOPE are not error free at different ranges of water depth, if the regression line between the depths estimated by UMOPE and the measured depths is near the 1:1 line, the new method can perform as well as SRM. The new method may facilitate the rapid estimation of bathymetry from free Landsat 8 data of optically shallow waters around the world without in situ bathymetry data.

Tracing Coral Reefs: A Citizen Science Approach in Mapping Coral Reefs to Enhance Marine Park Management Strategies

Effective marine park management and protection of coral reefs can only happen if managers have adequate knowledge of reef health and area. However, obtaining such information is labour intensive and difficult with limited funding and time. Reef Check Malaysia was engaged by Department of Marine Parks Malaysia to map the coral reefs surrounding Tioman Island Marine Park and document health status and site specific threats. To achieve this, we utilized the Reef Check survey method, a simple, rapid and holistic standardized reef monitoring protocol based on scientific principles. This method is suitable where funds and time are limited. A total of 95 sites surrounding Tioman Island were surveyed with the assistance of certified Reef Check EcoDiver volunteers and representatives from local stakeholders. This citizen science approach proved successful and generated a baseline map revealing a difference in the health of coral reefs between the west and east sides of Tioman Island, where the West had 50% on the East. Combined with data on indicator fish and invertebrates, as well as human and natural impacts, the results suggest that Tioman Island should be separated into three distinctive conservation priority zones to enhance management strategies of this marine park. This is an example of an innovative way to engage and involve local stakeholders in planning conservation and management strategies.

Sargassumblooms in the Caribbean alter the trophic structure of the sea urchinDiadema antillarum

The arrival of large masses of drifting Sargassum since 2011 has caused changes in the natural dynamics of Caribbean coastal ecosystems. In the summer of 2015, unprecedented and massive mats of S. fluitans and S. natans have been observed throughout the Mexican Caribbean including exceptional accumulations ashore. This study uses stable isotopes to assess the impact of Sargassum blooms on the trophic dynamics of the Diadema antillarum sea urchin, a keystone herbivore on many Caribbean reefs. Bayesian models were used to estimate the variations in the relative proportions of carbon and nitrogen of assimilated algal resources. At three lagoon reef sites, the niche breadth of D. antillarum was analysed and compared under massive influx of drifting Sargassum spp. vs. no influx of Sargassum blooms. The effects of the leachates generated by the decomposition of Sargassum led to hypoxic conditions on these reefs and reduced the taxonomic diversity of macroalgal food sources available to D. antillarum. Our trophic data support the hypothesis that processes of assimilation of carbon and nitrogen were modified under Sargassum effect. Isotopic signatures of macroalgae associated with the reef sites exhibited significantly lower values of δ15N altering the natural herbivory of D. antillarum. The Stable Isotopes Analysis in R (SIAR) indicated that, under the influence of Sargassum blooms, certain algal resources (Dictyota, Halimeda and Udotea) were more assimilated due to a reduction in available algal resources. Despite being an abundant available resource, pelagic Sargassum was a negligible contributor to sea urchin diet. The Stable Isotope Bayesian Ellipses in R (SIBER) analysis displayed differences between sites, and suggests a reduction in trophic niche breadth, particularly in a protected reef lagoon. Our findings reveal that Sargassum blooms caused changes in trophic characteristics of D. antillarum with a negative impact by hypoxic conditions. These dynamics, coupled with the increase in organic matter in an oligotrophic system could lead to reduce coral reef ecosystem function.

Willingness to pay to protect cold water corals.

There is increasing pressure to use currently untapped resources in the deep sea, raising questions regarding ecosystem service trade-offs in these often unknown areas. We assessed the trade-offs between protection of cold-water coral reefs and economic activities, such as fisheries and petroleum extraction, through a survey of a representative sample of the populations of Norway and Ireland. Choice-experiment surveys were conducted in workshop settings and through the internet. Both survey approaches provided some similar results, such as preferences for protection. Our cross-country comparison showed the general public in Norway and Ireland was willing, despite possible conflict with extractive and consumptive economic activities in the deep sea, to protect cold-water corals as habitat for fish. On average, people were willing to pay NKr 341 and NKr 424 for a small and large increase in protected areas respectively, and NKr 880 if the area is important habitat for fish, all else held equal. However, there was large variation across individuals and countries. Norwegian respondents valued pure existence of cold-water corals more than the Irish respondents, and the latter were less willing to trade off industrial activities than the former. Nonetheless, the findings support conservation of cold-water corals and more generally of ocean environments that provide habitat for fish, which the current deep sea governance systems are not adequately designed or sufficiently well-structured to secure.

The ecology of infrastructure decommissioning in the North Sea: what we need to know and how to achieve it

AbstractAs decommissioning of oil and gas (O&G) installations intensifies in the North Sea, and worldwide, debate rages regarding the fate of these novel habitats and their associated biota—a debate that has important implications for future decommissioning of offshore wind farms (OWFs). Calls to relax complete removal requirements in some circumstances and allow part of an O&G installation to be left in the marine environment are increasing. Yet knowledge regarding the biological communities that develop on these structures and their ecological role in the North Sea is currently insufficient to inform such decommissioning decisions. To focus debate regarding decommissioning policy and guide ecological research, we review environmental policy objectives in the region, summarize existing knowledge regarding ecological aspects of decommissioning for both O&G and OWF installations, and identify approaches to address knowledge gaps through science–industry collaboration. We find that in some cases complete removal will conflict with other policies regarding protection and restoration of reefs, as well as the conservation of species within the region. Key ecological considerations that are rarely considered during decommissioning decisions are: (i) provision of reef habitat, (ii) productivity of offshore ecosystems, (iii) enhancement of biodiversity, (iv) protection of the seabed from trawling, and (v) enhancement of connectivity. Knowledge gaps within these areas will best be addressed using industry infrastructure and vessels for scientific investigations, re-analysis of historical data held by industry, scientific training of industry personnel, joint research funding opportunities, and trial decommissioning projects.

Deciphering the inner structure of Cycloseris vaughani

Reef-building corals are the primary component of coral reefs and are significant for marine ecosystems. However, currently coral reefs are declining globally due to El Niño, ocean acidification and overexploitation. To maintain coral populations and reduce the impact of ecological threats, it is crucial to understand the structures and formation processes of coral reefs. Large-scale microtomography can reveal the structures of entire coral reefs at the resolution of micrometres, providing an effective and innovative way to study the formation of coral reefs. Here, we use this technique to capture the entire structure of a reef-building coral in the Fungiidae from the South China Sea, Cycloseris vaughani, a reef-building coral of high ecological and economic value. In this study, we investigate its distinctive skeletal structure and growth rings. Reconstructed results exhibit microporous tunnels in the central mouth area and radiant rib-shaped skeletons surrounding the mouth. Our work promotes an in-depth understanding of coral structure while also providing a novel research approach for the protection of coral reefs. It also shows that large-scale microtomography is an effective method in tracking the growth process of reef-building corals, facilitating the understanding of coral biological characteristics, and filling the gaps in current coral research.

Biological Status Assessment of Coral Reefs in Southern Puerto Rico: Supporting Coral Reef Protection Under the U.S. Clean Water Act

States and other jurisdictions may protect coral reefs using biological water quality standards outlined by the United States Clean Water Act (CWA). Such protection will require long-term, regional monitoring of the resource using biological indicators and a probability-based sampling design. A 60-station survey targeting nearshore linear coral reef was conducted across southern Puerto Rico in December 2011 to document the status of reef inhabitants using a probabilistic, regional sampling design. The quantity, type and condition of stony corals, fish, gorgonians, and sponges were documented from each station, providing a robust representation of linear reef status and composition across the region. Fish represented 106 unique taxa and stony corals 32 unique taxa. Benthic organisms (stony corals, sponges, and gorgonians) averaged nearly 12 colonies per square meter, more than half of which were gorgonians. Assessment results can be used as a baseline to compare with future regional surveys to quantify change in reef condition over time (trend). Both temporal and spatial changes can be expected after large-scale disturbances like hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017. The indicators and probabilistic sampling design support the long-term regional monitoring envisioned by the Environmental Protection Agency to implement CWA protections in Puerto Rico and elsewhere.

Object-Based Mapping of Coral Reef Habitats Using Planet Dove Satellites

High spatial resolution benthic habitat information is essential for coral reef protection and coastal environmental management. Satellite-based shallow benthic composition mapping offers a more efficient approach than traditional field measurements, especially given the advancements in high spatial and temporal resolution satellite imagery. The Planet Dove satellite constellation now has more than 150 instruments in orbit that offer daily coverage at high spatial resolution (3.7 m). The Dove constellation provides regularly updated imagery that can minimize cloud in tropical oceans where dense cloud cover persists. Daily image acquisition also provides an opportunity to detect time-sensitive changes in shallow benthic habitats following coral bleaching events, storms, and other disturbances. We developed an object-based coral reef habitat mapping approach for Dove and similar multispectral satellites that provides bathymetry estimation, bottom reflectance retrieval, and object-based classification to identify different benthic compositions in shallow coastal environments. We tested our approach in three study sites in the Dominican Republic using 18 Dove images. Benthic composition classification results were validated by field measurements (overall accuracy = 82%). Bathymetry and bottom reflectance significantly contributed to identifying benthic habitat classes with similar surface reflectance. This new object-based approach can be effectively applied to map and manage coral reef habitats.

Does Protection of Marine Areas Safeguard Coral Reefs From Human-Source Pollution?

Abstract Marine biodiversity is under increasing threat as the area covered by corals diminishes under pressure from climate change and human activities, most of which lead to marine pollution. In Kenya, marine protected areas (MPAs) are the key strategy used to protect coral reefs and biodiversity. However, MPAs’ effectiveness to prevent pollution of the reefs has not been specifically assessed. We determined if the levels of surrogates of human-source pollution, i.e. E. coli and nutrient concentrations on Kenyan coral reefs, varied with increasing levels of marine protection at the Kilifi creek (least protection), Malindi Reserve (moderate protection) and Kuruwitu Conservancy (strictest protection). The most probable number (MPN) of E. coli was estimated by serial dilution while nitrate and orthophosphate concentrations were determined spectrophotometrically. As protection increased from “least”, to “moderate” and “strictest”, E. coli concentrations (MPN/100 mL) decreased from 29, to 16 and undetectable, while mean orthophosphate concentrations increased from 0.326, to 0.422, and 0.524 mg/L, respectively. Mean nitrate concentrations, on the other hand, showed no trend with protection. These results suggest the potential of marine protection to mitigate coral reef pollution, especially from microbes. They also point to the possibility that multiple sources of pollution exist on which marine protection may have little or no effect. Significantly, this pilot study points to the need for improved study design to definitively determine role MPAs may play in protecting against pollution.

Underwater Coase: Can Diving Save the Coral Reefs?

The absence of well-defined property rights in an ocean setting can lead to the over-exploitation of its resources. This paper examines one case, the Gili Islands, in Indonesia, where the weak enforcement of legally defined State rights led to the formalisation of local rules that protect coral reefs through a process of bargaining between dive schools and fishermen, who each utilise the surrounding coral reefs for their livelihoods. This article discusses whether it is possible, under these institutional arrangements, to increase the area of coral reef protection and whether these institutional arrangements can be introduced where similar threats to coral reefs exist.

Impact of Coral Reef Mining Pits on Nearshore Hydrodynamics and Wave Runup During Extreme Wave Events

AbstractSmall island developing states are among the most vulnerable areas to the impact of natural hazards and climate change. Flooding due to storm surges and extreme waves, coastal erosion, and salinization of freshwater lenses are already a serious threat and could lead to irreversible consequences in the coming decades. Reef flat mining is one of the most common practices to source the required material for the implementation of coastal protection measures, but concerns remain that partial removal of the protective reef could increase wave loading on the islands. However, the available data and knowledge on the effects of these mining pits are currently very limited. This study provides new insights on the effects that pits may have on nearshore hydrodynamics and wave runup. Results are based on a large numerical data set of fringing reefs, derived using the validated XBeach nonhydrostatic+ process‐based model. Model results indicate that excavation pits cause a decrease in infragravity wave energy around the fundamental mode of the reef, which is partly caused by reduced wave transmission. Additionally, changes in sea and swell wave energy are attributed to reduced transmission, a decrease in wave dissipation, and (triad) wave–wave interaction. Furthermore, in 13% of all modeled cases, an increase in wave runup is observed, mainly due to more sea and swell wave energy reaching the shoreline. This probability is lowest for narrow pits relative to the reef flat width or pits located further from shore.

Status of coral reefs conservation using coral morphological classification in Wakatobi National Park

Coral reef ecosystems are one of the most productive natural resources of biodiversity in coastal areas. Estimates of the value of coral reef conservation can be used to select which areas are most suitable for protection within zones or zones of marine protection. This study aims to look at the protection status of coral reefs based on the coral morphology classification approach in Wakatobi National Park (WNP). Implementation of research in September 2016 to November 2017 in WNP, Southeast Sulawesi. This research method is built with a conservation classification based on three angles diagrams namely r (ruderals), K (Competitors), and S (Stress-Tolerators). The results of diagram analysis for 29 observation stations showed that the location was categorized into 11 locations for ruderal, 6 locations for competitors and 12 locations for mixed categories. The strategy for managing coral reefs in conservation areas can be done by looking at locations that are prioritized for protection, therefore morphology-based classification approaches can be applied in assessing the health conditions of coral reefs. For policy makers it is very helpful in determining the direction of area management, especially in the protection of coral reefs.

Biodiversity of benthic filamentous cyanobacteria in tropical marine environments of Bahia State, Northeastern Brazil

This study aimed to better understand the biodiversity and ecological aspects of benthic filamentous cyanobacteria along the coast of an extensive Brazilian tropical region with underestimated biodiversity. We collected samples between 2010 and 2012 in 24 areas along the coast of the State of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil. We analyzed biodiversity, life form, and spatial distribution of filamentous cyanobacteria on various marine substrata. The intertidal area was divided into three microhabitats according to hydrodynamics: tidal pools, protected reef region, and front reef region. Thirty-two taxa were identified and Oscillatoriales showed the highest biodiversity (16 taxa), followed by Nostocales (9), Synechoccocales (5) and Spirulinales (2). We reported 22 new references to Bahia State. Twenty-two taxa occurred only in one beach, and Symploca cf. hydnoides Gomont was the only widely distributed along the coast of Bahia. Epilithic (21 taxa) and epiphytic (15) showed the greatest species richness. Only two species presented epizoic life form. We observed the highest species richness in the protected reef region (17 taxa). We found eleven and eight taxa in the tidal pool and supralittoral zone, respectively. No cyanobacteria were found in the front reef region, an area with high hydrodynamics. This research presented many taxa in common with previous studies on cyanobacterial diversity developed in other tropical regions around the globe. The great biodiversity and new records reported in this study highlight the need of further surveys in tropical coastal environments, areas still underexplored in terms of biodiversity of cyanobacteria.

Human activities and persistent coral reef degradation in Gaspar Strait, Bangka Belitung Islands, Indonesia

Background: The aim of the study was to describe the coral reef condition in Bangka Belitung Islands, particularly from Gaspar Strait. This research location is well known for its underwater archaeological discovery and shipwreck sites. Recent increases in mining, fishing and tourism activities in the surrounding islands might have affected the condition of the coral reef. Methods: Nine islands inside the strait were visited (i.e. Langer, Kembung, Piling, Aur, Salma, Pongok, Celagen, Kelapan, and Lepar Island), and a line transect was used to observed coral reef conditions. Results: Coral cover was found to be predominantly in fair conditions (25-50%). Coral mortality index also tended to be high, which indicated that the coral reef ecosystem was in threatened conditions. Previous and recent reports also reported the same condition as found by this study. Conclusion: Degradation of the coral community in Bangka Belitung Islands is likely caused by human activities. This suggests that increasing human activities significantly affects the coral reef condition. Protection of coral reefs with sustainable management for mining activity, tourism and fishing practices are needed.

Sunscreen bans: Coral reefs and skin cancer.

Hawaii will ban two major ingredients of sunscreens. This article reviews the reasons and future directions. Hawaii recently enacted legislation that will ban the use of two major ingredients of the majority of commonly used sunscreens. The reason for the ban is the ingredients' putative deleterious impact on marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs. But sunscreens also save lives by decreasing the risk of UV-induced skin cancers. We review both sides of the issue and potential implications for the healthcare system. Coral reefs consist of organisms in delicate equilibria that are susceptible to small changes in their surroundings. Recent natural and man-made disruptions, direct or indirect, such as changes in ocean temperature and chemistry, ingress of invasive species, pathogens, pollution and deleterious fishing practices, have been blamed for the poor health, or even the outright destruction, of some coral reefs. The most popular sunscreen products contain two ingredients-oxybenzone and octinoxate-that have also been implicated in coral toxicity and will be banned. This creates a healthcare dilemma: Will the protection of coral reefs result in an increase in human skin cancers? Concentration estimates and mechanism studies support an association-direct or indirect (via promotion of viral infection)-of sunscreens with bleaching of coral reefs. A ban on the two most common sunscreen ingredients goes into effect in Hawaii on January 1, 2021. Proponents suggest that this is a trend, just the first of many such bans worldwide; opponents warn of a dire increase in human skin cancers. As a result, alternative sunscreen compounds are being sought.

An Informational Guide to Common Stony Corals of Florida

The following information is meant to be a guide to Scleractinian (stony) corals of Florida. All corals presented in this paper are in a protected status under Florida’s Coral Reef Protection Act and several of these species are federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. In their natural environment, these corals should never be handled or touched in any form.

Change detection in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) over three decades on Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean

AbstractThe island of Bonaire is a long-established Marine Protected Area (MPA), the reefs of which were extensively mapped in the early 1980s. Satellite remote sensing techniques were used to construct reef maps for 2008–2009. Metrics describing the spatial structure of coral habitat at the landscape scale – including coral cover, fragmentation, patch size and connectivity between patches – were calculated and compared between these two time periods. Changes were evaluated in and out of the MPAs and in areas exposed and sheltered from storm damage. Overall, coral cover has declined during the past three decades, being replaced by sand, but the decline has not been as drastic as elsewhere in the Caribbean. Fragmentation of the reef habitat has occurred, resulting in smaller and more disparate patches, but these changes were not associated with exposure along the coastline. However, total coral cover was maintained in sheltered areas, whereas it declined along exposed shorelines. Human protection of reefs by marine reserves had variable effects on coral cover and fragmentation. One of two no-diving marine reserves showed increases in coral cover accompanied by decreases in the number of patches of coral and an increase in the size of individual patches over the time period, while the second reserve exhibited the opposite trend. Advances in satellite remote sensing techniques allow for a more rapid assessment of changes in reefs at the landscape level, which can be used to identify spatial changes in the reef environment, including areas of coral decline.

News Briefs

Corporate Philanthropy ReportVolume 33, Issue 9 p. 2-3 News Briefs News Briefs First published: 16 August 2018 https://doi.org/10.1002/cprt.30223Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Abstract Exelon Foundation launches STEM Innovation Leadership Academy. YouTube pledges $25 million for quality journalism initiatives. UPS Foundation awards over $10 million for diversity and inclusion efforts. ExxonMobil Foundation commits $10 million for sustainable development in Guyana. Blackbaud throws support behind Center for the Digital Nonprofit. JPMorgan Chase invests $4 million to support minority entrepreneurs. Walmart awards $2 million for internship opportunities for youth. Tiffany & Co. Foundation commits $1 million for reef protection programs. Volume33, Issue9September 2018Pages 2-3 RelatedInformation

Boat noise prevents soundscape-based habitat selection by coral planulae

Understanding the relationship between coral reef condition and recruitment potential is vital for the development of effective management strategies that maintain coral cover and biodiversity. Coral larvae (planulae) have been shown to use certain sensory cues to orient towards settlement habitats (e.g. the odour of live crustose coralline algae - CCA). However, the influence of auditory cues on coral recruitment, and any effect of anthropogenic noise on this process, remain largely unknown. Here, we determined the effect of protected reef (MPA), exploited reef (non-MPA) soundscapes, and a source of anthropogenic noise (boat) on the habitat preference for live CCA over dead CCA in the planula of two common Indo-Pacific coral species (Pocillopora damicornis and Acropora cytherea). Soundscapes from protected reefs significantly increased the phonotaxis of planulae of both species towards live CCA, especially when compared to boat noise. Boat noise playback prevented this preferential selection of live CCA as a settlement substrate. These results suggest that sources of anthropogenic noise such as motor boat can disrupt the settlement behaviours of coral planulae. Acoustic cues should be accounted for when developing management strategies aimed at maximizing larval recruitment to coral reefs.

Non-binding Restrictions, Cooperation, and Coral Reef Protection: Experimental Evidence from Indonesian Fishing Communities

We conduct a framed field experiment in Indonesian fishing communities, with an eye toward evaluating alternative decision-making processes for setting extraction restrictions to preserve coral reef fisheries in the absence of stringent monitoring and enforcement. We explore whether the individual extraction decision varies according to three non-binding recommended extraction levels originating from (1) a democratic process, (2) a group leader or (3) an external source. For the sample as a whole, we find a strong effect of the external treatment, with a weaker effect of the democratic treatment and no effect of the leadership treatment. Closer inspection reveals that the results are driven by one of the three sites where the experiment was conducted – that having the highest levels of ethnic and religious diversity. There we find that democratic decision-making as well as information originating from outside the community reduces the extraction level, a result that is robust to regressions controlling for individual and community attributes. The absence of effects in two of the three sites suggests that a non-binding recommendation may often be insufficient in promoting the cooperative behavior that underpins contemporary approaches to managing coral reefs.