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Coral Reefs
Overview
The Challenge
Coral reef ecosystems host a myriad of fish, plankton and benthic species, with incredible biodiversity. This diversity of species provides economic resources for coastal communities and supports fisheries worldwide. The structure itself also provides a buffer from currents and waves, permitting other habitats such as seagrasses and mangroves to form in calmer waters.
Today, coral reefs face unparalleled stress from human activities and changing climatic conditions. Worldwide, an estimated 20% of coral reefs have been already lost and others face declines in biodiversity. Physical changes in water temperature, salinity, and clarity of water can threaten corals while other anthropogenic activities such as development, boating and over-fishing can directly destroy reefs and reduce diversity if left unchecked. While coral reefs have evolved over time with changing climatic conditions, scientists worry that the rate of change, exacerbated by human stresses is too fast for corals to adapt.
Many organizations and governments have invested in conservation programs. However, a solution is difficult. Resources are limited for local agencies to manage reserves, study the system, and address threats, such as coastal development which are beyond the boundaries of reserves.
GoMRC’s Contribution
As part of a demonstration project in Mexico, scientists in Veracruz and Campeche are collaborating with US scientists to understand ways that the best management techniques can be enhanced through the use of GoMRC & COAST tools. Specific steps within an adaptive management framework for coastal management can be enhanced through the use of NASA based tools.
PNSAV is located off the coast of Veracruz and adjoins the growing urban area of Veracruz. Development, land use practices, discharge of waste, tourism and fisheries threaten the health of PNSAV.
Through a series of workshops and other training, PNSAV officials have met with local stakeholders and are in the process of utilizing the Conceptual Model Explorer as a community participatory management tool for the national park. This process has permitted PNSAV managers to dynamically create a conceptual model for management.
PNSAV officials were also trained in COAST, a software package which permits local users to look at spatial and temporal information for some parameters of interest, such as sea surface temperature.
References
Hughes TP, Baird AH, Bellwood DR, Card M, Connolly SR, Folke C, Grosberg R,Hoegh-Guldberg O, Jackson JBC, Kleypas J, Lough JM, Marshall P, Nystrom M,Palumbi SR, Pandolfi JM, Rosen B, Roughgarden J. 2003. Climate change, human impacts, and the resilience of coral reefs. Science 301: 929-933.
Moberg F and Folke C. 1999. Ecological goods and services of coral reef ecosystems. Ecological Economics 29: 215-233.
Mora C. 2008. A clear human footprint in the coral reefs of the Caribbean. Proc R Soc B 275: 767-773.
Wilkinson C (Ed.): 2004. Status of coral reefs of the World: 2004 . Townsville: Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and Australian Institute of Marine Science. p. 558.
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