Download or read book Cuba s Mesophotic Coral Reefs and Associated Fish Communities written by John K. Reed and published by . This book was released on 2018 with total page 70 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Coral Reefs of Cuba written by Vassil N. Zlatarski and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2024-01-27 with total page 430 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This comprehensive volume gathers foremost experts on the coral reefs of Cuba who represent a spectrum of disciplines, including biology, conservation ecology, economics and geology. The volume is organized along general themes including the Cuban Reef biota, reefs occurring in the Mesophotic and Eutrophic zones, ecology, conservation, management and the economic importance of the coral reefs of Cuba. The combination of case studies, new and previously published research, historical overview and examples of the ways in which research has contributed to the management and conservation of Cuban coastal resources provides a unique reference for graduate students and professionals holding a wide range of interests and expertise related to coral reef systems.
Download or read book Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems written by V. Blyth-Skyrme and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page 54 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) are light-dependent communities of corals, algae, sponges, and other organisms that exist at depths between approximately 30 m to 150 m. Little known until recently and understudied relative to shallower reefs, MCEs may contain significant coral reef ecosystem resources, including both luxuriant coral reefs and diverse fish communities. Research in the Pacific Islands Region over the last few years has produced data to facilitate a better awareness of the distribution and potential significance of MCEs, but they are still relatively unknown and remain absent from most coral reef ecosystem monitoring programs and management considerations. We synthesize results of research to map the distribution of benthic habitats and communities at mesophotic depths within the region and discuss them within the context of requirement to identify and manage essential fish habitat for managed species mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act"--Abstract.
Download or read book The Remarkable Reefs Of Cuba written by David E. Guggenheim and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2022-10-01 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Since 1970, the Caribbean has lost half of its coral reefs, an ominous and accelerating phenomenon that extends around the world. Beyond the unfathomable heartbreak of the loss of such exquisite beauty from the earth, coral’s loss represents the annual loss of billions of dollars from the global economy and the end of a way of life for billions that depend on these ecosystems. Marine scientist and conservation leader Dr. David E. Guggenheim has had a front-row seat to this disaster. But when he began a new chapter of his career in Cuba, he found something completely unexpected: hope. After years and years of watching reefs deteriorate, Guggenheim was astonished to come face-to-face with Cuba's remarkably healthy coral reefs overflowing with fish and other marine life. The Remarkable Reefs of Cuba reveals the hidden potential that Cuba’s reefs may contain for the reefs of the world. While the past 60 years have seen the worst decline in ocean health in human history, Cuba’s oceans and coral reefs remain remarkably healthy, a living laboratory never-before-seen by this generation of scientists. Which begs the question: why are Cuba’s ocean waters so healthy? The answer is deeply intertwined with the country’s extraordinary and singularly unique history, from its dramatic political past to its world-class environmental protections influenced by an unlikely partner, Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau. This buoyant book tells the story of the demise of the world’s ocean ecosystems, the hard work of those desperately trying to save it, and an unexpected beacon of hope from an island full of mystery and surprises.
Download or read book Vertical Connectivity in Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems written by Daniel M Holstein and published by . This book was released on 2013 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) are defined as phototrophic coral habitats found deeper than 30 m. Despite being aware of these ecosystems for over 200 years, surprisingly little information is available on their ecology and biology. Recently, MCE have received renewed interest, as it appears that depth and distance from shore have the potential to buffer coral organisms from the detrimental effects of coastal development and climate change. The "deep reef refugia hypothesis" (DRRH) is an umbrella term for a collection of hypotheses concerning the role of MCE in the uncertain future of coral reefs, yet our predictions are limited by shortcomings in our understanding of some very basic effects of depth on corals and associated communities. In order to investigate the effects of depth on coral reproductive biology, sampling of Montastraea faveolata and Porites astreoides coral tissues was conducted along a depth gradient from 5 to 40 m during coral reproductive seasons in the Northern United States Virgin Islands (USVI), and observations of coral spawning and planulation were made. Samples were histologically analyzed for gamete development, reproductive activity and fecundity. Mesophotic populations of both M. faveolata and P. astreoides were reproductively active in MCE with similar gametogenic cycles to nearby shallow coral populations. There was evidence of M. faveolata split spawning in August and September at all depths, and oocyte development was delayed but more rapid in mesophotic corals. M. faveolata fecundities were significantly higher in MCE (35-40 m) than in shallow (5-10 m) sites, but the differences were not significant between mid-depth (15-22 m) and either shallow or mesophotic sites. There was no difference found in P. astreoides fecundity between mesophotic, mid-depth and shallow sites, however planulation appeared to be delayed in mesophotic colonies by 1-2 weeks. Differences in fecundity per area and coral cover between depths determine the number of propagules a unit reef will produce at different depths. In the case of M. faveolata, ova production is likely an order of magnitude greater at 35 m than at 10 m. The Connectivity Modeling System, an individual-based stochastic biophysical model of larval dispersal, parameterized with depth-specific productivity estimates and species-specific reproductive seasons and larval traits, was used to evaluate the vertical connectivity of M. faveolata and P. astreoides larvae between MCE and shallow coral habitats in the Northern USVI. Sensitivity analyses were performed to test the sensitivity of mesophotic larval subsidy into shallow habitats to depth-specific productivity, pelagic larval mortality, depth-specific fertilization rates and depth-specific post-settlement survivorship. Simulated mesophotic subsidies to shallow recruitment were found to be considerably robust, and mesophotic subsidy to shallow recruitment accounted for a greater proportion of total recruitment as shallow productivity was reduced. Even when modeled mesophotic fertilization rates and larval post-settlement survivorship were dramatically reduced, the model predicted what would likely be demographically significant mesophotic larval subsidy into shallow habitat. Mesophotic M. faveolata skeletal density, extension and calcification were estimated using micro-computed tomography. Results suggest that rates of linear extension of M. faveolata in USVI MCE may be quite fast compared to other Caribbean MCE, and that total calcification in MCE may rival shallow coral calcification. Lastly, consistencies and inconsistencies in the population connectivity of two coral and three fish constituent species in Caribbean coral reef assemblages were investigated using a nested biophysical model. Connectivity networks of coral species were more fragmented than fish, and the networks of corals and fish showed different patterns of betweenness centrality. This suggests that populations of corals and fish will likely be affected by habitat fragmentation in different ways, and that they require specific management consideration. This dissertation suggests that MCE are integral to the population connectivity of corals in the USVI and likely to wider Caribbean metapopulation connectivity as well. Further study of these highly productive ecosystems is necessary to better understand the DRRH and the role of MCE in the past, present and future of coral reefs.
Download or read book Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean written by Lauretta Marie Burke and published by . This book was released on 2004 with total page 84 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many coastal communities in Latin America and the Caribbean depend on the resources provided by reefs for their livelihoods. The Reefs at Risk in the Caribbean project is a response to an information need. The primary goal is to raise awareness and improve management by improving the knowledge base on the status of and threats to coral reefs.
Download or read book Gulf of Mexico Reefs Past Present and Future written by Adrienne M. S. Correa and published by Frontiers Media SA. This book was released on 2021-09-28 with total page 171 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Characterizing Mesophotic Reef Fish Communities at Five South Texas Relic Coral algal Banks written by Linda Marie Jordan and published by . This book was released on 2016 with total page 106 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Reef Libre written by Robert Wintner and published by Rowman & Littlefield. This book was released on 2015-02-01 with total page 273 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Decades of isolation from tourism and development have left Cuba’s coral reefs among the most pristine in the world, an “exceptionalism” that stands in stark contrast to the island nation’s poverty and political situation. Famed diver/photographer Robert “Snorkel Bob” Wintner showcases these magnificent reefs with his astounding underwater images, while also capturing terrestrial life in the cities and villages of the island nation. Reef Libre is not a travelogue, but asks the big questions after a lifetime of isolation—can Cuba’s reefs still thrive? Nearly 400 stills, a compelling narrative, and a DVD capture this delicate time in reef history. Reef Libre: The Movie is a mini-documentary which encompasses this pivotal moment—from the streets to the reefs. To watch the trailer for Reef Libre: The Movie, click here!
Download or read book Latin American Coral Reefs written by J. Cortés and published by Elsevier. This book was released on 2003-04-25 with total page 509 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Approx.508 pages
Download or read book Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems written by Yossi Loya and published by Springer. This book was released on 2019-05-22 with total page 1003 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book summarizes what is known about mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCEs) geographically and by major taxa. MCEs are characterized by light-dependent corals and associated communities typically found at depths ranging from 30-40 m. and extending to over 150 m. in tropical and subtropical ecosystems. They are populated with organisms typically associated with shallow coral reefs, such as macroalgae, corals, sponges, and fishes, as well as specialist species unique to mesophotic depths. During the past decade, there has been an increasing scientific and management interest in MCEs expressed by the exponential increase in the number of publications studying this unique environment. Despite their close proximity to well-studied shallow reefs, and the growing evidence of their importance, our scientific knowledge of MCEs is still in its early stages. The topics covered in the book include: regional variation in MCEs; similarities and differences between mesophotic and shallow reef taxa, biotic and abiotic conditions, biodiversity, ecology, geomorphology, and geology; potential connectivity between MCEs and shallow reefs; MCE disturbances, conservation, and management challenges; and new technologies, key research questions/knowledge gaps, priorities, and future directions in MCE research.
Download or read book Marine Animal Forests written by Sergio Rossi and published by Springer. This book was released on 2017-08-15 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: During the last decades there has been an increasing evidence of drastic changes in marine ecosystems due to human-induced impacts, especially on benthic ecosystems. The so called “animal forests” are currently showing a dramatic loss of biomass and biodiversity all over the world. These communities are dominated by sessile suspension feeder organisms (such as sponges, corals, gorgonians, bivalves, etc.) that generate three-dimensional structures, similar to the trees in the terrestrial forest. The animal forest provide several ecosystem services such as food, protection and nursery to the associated fauna, playing an important role in the local hydrodynamic and biogeochemical cycles near the sea floor and acting also as carbon sinks. The present book focus its attention on these three dimensional animal structures including, for the first time, all the different types of animal forests of the world in a single volume.
Download or read book Relationships Between Reef Fish Communities Water and Habitat Quality on Coral Reefs written by Ivonne Bejarano Rodríguez and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 61 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Rapid urban and industrial development is causing water quality deterioration in coastal marine environments. Sediment and nutrient inputs increase water turbidity, limiting light availability and reducing the photosynthetic capacity of the reef. Turbidity can also lead to organism stress, suffocation or death. Consequently, many coral reefs are declining, resulting in a loss of biodiversity and economic yield. This study investigates the relationship between water turbidity, measured as vertical attenuation of PAR (Kd), and coral and fish communities. At 35 reef sites in southwest Puerto Rico spanning a range of water turbidity, Kd was measured, and fish and coral communities were characterized. Coral and fish parameters varied with turbidity, showing higher diversities and abundances in clearer waters. Reef fishes responded to a combination of habitat characteristics. Turbidity, reef rugosity and percentage of live coral were significant variables affecting the reef fish community, and therefore are useful predictors of reef community health.
Download or read book Biodiversity in Enclosed Seas and Artificial Marine Habitats written by G. Relini and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2007-06-10 with total page 265 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The main themes of the Symposium were biodiversity in enclosed and semi-enclosed seas and artificial habitats, and the restoration of degraded systems. These themes are highly relevant today. The papers dealing with the first theme represent current research and concerns about marine biodiversity in enclosed seas. The papers in the second theme represent a synthesis of up-to-date knowledge on artificial habitats.
Download or read book The Invasive Lionfish written by Harris A. Sullivan and published by Nova Science Publishers. This book was released on 2013 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Venomous Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois miles and P volitans) are now established along the Southeast U.S.A. and parts of the Caribbean and pose a serious threat to reef fish communities of these regions. Lionfish are likely to invade the Gulf of Mexico and potentially South America in the near future. Introductions of lionfish were noted since the 1980s along south Florida and by 2000 lionfish were established off the coast of North Carolina. Lionfish are now one of the more numerous predatory reef fishes at some locations off the Southeast U.S.A. and Caribbean. Lionfish are largely piscivores that feed occasionally on economically important reef fishes. The trophic impacts of lionfish could alter the structure of native reef fish communities and potentially hamper stock rebuilding efforts of the Snapper-Grouper Complex. Additional effects of the lionfish invasion are far-reaching and could increase coral reef ecosystem stress, threaten human health, and ultimately impact the marine aquarium industry. Control strategies for lionfish are needed to mitigate impacts, especially in protected areas. This book provides a general overview of the biology and ecology of lionfish including genetics, taxonomy, reproductive biology, early life history and dispersal, venom defence and predation, and feeding ecology. In addition, alternative management actions for mitigating the negative impacts of lionfish, approaches for reducing the risk of future invasions, and directions for future research are provided.
Download or read book Human Impacts on Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystems written by Marah Justine Hardt and published by . This book was released on 2007 with total page 191 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Fishing is one of the oldest anthropogenic disturbances in the ocean, differing from other impacts in its direct removal of biomass from the ecosystem. Despite the centuries of fishing activities, there is much we still do not understand regarding the effects of fish removal on the benthic community. I use an interdisciplinary approach to investigate the affect of human disturbance, primarily the alteration of fish communities, on major functional groups of coral reefs, over extended temporal and spatial scales. In Chapter 2 , historical analyses reveal that relatively small human populations and simple fishing technologies can negatively impact reef fish communities. Significant declines are evident in Pre Columbian times and by the mid 19 th C. Declines were exacerbated by simple innovations of gear, such as chicken wire, and government subsidies, which expanded degradation to offshore and deeper reefs. In Chapter 3, I identify six major ecological guilds of common Caribbean coral species and show that changes in the abundance of these guilds from the Pleistocene to the present day can be understood in terms of recent human disturbance events. Formerly advantageous life history strategies no longer apply. Instead, guilds with the ability to withstand physical disturbance from storms, sedimentation, and pollution remain present on reefs, while strategies for high recruitment and rapid space colonization increase the relative abundance of another guild. Overall, no guild successfully competes with macroalgae for space and all corals have declined. In Chapter 4, I show that benthic and fish communities across the northwestern Caribbean are largely homogenized as a result of human disturbance. The exception is fish communities in large, no-take marine reserves, which resemble relatively healthy communities of low-impacted reefs in the Pacific. A negative correlation between fish and algal biomass indicate that reserves may facilitate coral recovery, although corals have not yet increased. Chapter 5 describes a novel method for calculating the wet and dry animal tissue mass per unit area of corals. Chapter 6 integrates these findings and demonstrates the importance of increased temporal, spatial, and ecosystem scale in effective research and management of degraded Caribbean coral reefs.
Download or read book The Ecology of Fishes on Coral Reefs written by Peter F. Sale and published by Gulf Professional Publishing. This book was released on 1991 with total page 780 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of the ecology of coral reef fishes presented by top researchers from North America and Australia. Immense strides have been made over the past twenty years in our understanding of ecological systems in general and of reef fish ecology in particular. Many of the methodologies that reef fish ecologists use in their studies will be useful to a wider audience of ecologists for the design of their ecological studies. Significant among the impacts of the research on reef fish ecology are the development of nonequilibrium models of community organization, more emphasis on the role of recruitment variability in structuring local assemblages, the development and testing of evolutionary models of social organization and reproductive biology, and new insights into predator-prey and plant-herbivore interactions.
