Here you can get quick access to various reports on coral reefs status, health and threats on global, regional and national levels. Select geographic area of interest or search by source/organization.
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1. coral and reefs
Search for records which contain words coral and reefs
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3. coral or reefs
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4. "coral reefs"
Search for records which contain exact phrase "coral reefs".
5. coral and not acropora
Search for records which contain words coral and not acropora.
Search Result: 15 records
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1.
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Feingold, J.S.,
1999
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Abaco Island, Bahamas.
Summary results of an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRRA online docement
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Author
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Feingold, J.S.
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Year
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1999
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Title
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Abaco Island, Bahamas.
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Source
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Summary results of an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRRA online docement
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Keywords
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coral reef monitoring, status, health
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Caption
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Abstract
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From 10-17 August 1999 a team trained in the Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) protocol surveyed reefs near Hopetown, Elbow Key, Abaco, Bahamas. Thirteen sites were visited, ranging in depth from 1-16 meters. Site locations ranged from reefs offshore of Lynyard Cay to the south up to Fowl Cay to the north. Four of the sites were located in marine preserves (Sandy Cay and Fowl Cay). Locations were chosen along a north-south geographical gradient within small boat operating distance of Hopetown, focussing on areas with the most reef development and live coral cover. Locations without good reef development, such as the southern end of Elbow Cay, were not surveyed. Aerial photographs and discussions with local residents allowed us to focus efforts effectively.
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Online Documents
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2.
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Peckol, P., H.A. Curran and B. Greenstein,
1999
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San Salvador Island, Bahamas.
Summary results of an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1998 survey. AGRAA online document
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Author
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Peckol, P., H.A. Curran and B. Greenstein
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Year
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1999
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Title
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San Salvador Island, Bahamas.
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Source
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Summary results of an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1998 survey. AGRAA online document
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Keywords
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Great Bahama Bank, monitorting, management
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Caption
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Abstract
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San Salvador Island is located about 600 km ESE of Miami, FL, on an isolated carbonate platform well east of the Great Bahama Bank. Contemporary anthropogenic impacts include sport diving, subsistence and sport fishing, and increased tourism and development in the 1990s, particularly along the island's west coast. During June 1998 we surveyed 11 sites, including Acropora palmata-dominated bank-barrier reefs off the northern and southern coasts of the island and several patch reefs on the leeward western shelf. Macroalgal abundance was relatively low at most sites, with turf algae dominating (~40% cover); a seasonal bloom of Microdictyon marinum was conspicuous (up to 70% cover) at one patch reef site. Overall, the reef is in very good condition, and we found very low incidence of coral disease (< 1% of over 1800 coral colonies censused).
Because our survey occurred prior to the 1998 coral bleaching event, we observed negligible levels of bleaching. Standing (long) dead A. palmata reached 75% at some sites (overall mean = 45%), but we documented recruitment and some recovery of this species at several sites. Overall mean old mortality of all coral colonies ranged from 15-35%. Recent coral mortality was < 1-2% at most sites, but was more than 2X greater at sites frequented by sport divers, suggesting increasing negative human impact. Commercially important fish species like snapper and grouper were scarce at all sites, and an overall small size of snapper (< 30 cm) reflects some fishing pressure. Herbivorous fishes (Acanthuridae, Scaridae and Pomacentridae) represented 20-45% of total fish stocks. The recent passage of Hurricane Floyd very close to San Salvador Island during September 1999 likely had a strong impact on this reef system; we plan a follow-up survey to assess the damage from this natural disturbance.
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Online Documents
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3.
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Kramer, P., P. Kramer and R. Ginsburg.,
1998
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Field Report: Andros Reef Complex, Bahamas.
Summary results of Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1997 and 1998 surveys.
AGRAA online document
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Author
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Kramer, P., P. Kramer and R. Ginsburg.
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Year
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1998
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Title
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Field Report: Andros Reef Complex, Bahamas.
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Source
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Summary results of Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1997 and 1998 surveys.
AGRAA online document
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Keywords
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status, monitoring, management
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Caption
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Abstract
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The first comprehensive study using AGRRA was conducted along Andros Island, Bahamas. The Andros Reef Complex is one of the longest reef systems in the Western Atlantic with few anthropogenic impacts because of its remoteness and low population. The purpose was to determine the condition of this Reef Complex with a one-time assessment. A team of six scientists surveyed 70 reef sites along the 150-km reef tract during four weeks of fieldwork during 1997 and 1998. Over 7000 individual reef building corals and 2500 algal quadrats were examined and 400 fish belt transects were conducted.
The surveys revealed low to moderate partial coral mortality with patchy occurrences of recent mortality caused by coral disease outbreaks and bleaching during 1998. Of particular interest are the extensive thickets of the elkhorn coral, Acropora palmata, found to be in good condition and localized areas of luxuriant fore reef carpets with high coral cover. Macroalgal cover was low to moderate and the abundance of herbivorous fish and commercially significant fish (e.g., grouper) was high. Overall, this assessment revealed the Andros Reef Complex is in good condition and has few signs of degradation or significant overfishing.
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
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4.
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AGGRA,
2000
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Belize Barrier, Turneffe Island, and Glover's Reef Atoll - 2000 survey.
Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA)
Online document
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Author
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AGGRA
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Year
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2000
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Title
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Belize Barrier, Turneffe Island, and Glover's Reef Atoll - 2000 survey.
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Source
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Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA)
Online document
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Keywords
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coral reef resources, management, coastal resources
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Caption
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Summary results of the Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 2000 survey.
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Abstract
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Belize has the second longest barrier reef in the world, extending 250km and consisting of a unique assemblage of lagoon patch reefs, fringing reefs, and offshore atolls. There are three distinctive reef areas, northern, central, and southern barrier reefs. Northern reefs are well developed and continuous from the Mexican border to Caye Chapel, while discontinuous and less developed south to St. Georges Caye. Central Reefs are continuous and are considered to be the best developed. Southern reefs are discontinuous and less well developed. Located 7-45 km off the barrier reef, the three atolls (Lighthouse, Turneffe, and Glovers) have very different reefs on the leeward versus windward sides. Lighthouse and Glovers atolls are structurally similar having deep lagoons with numerous patch reefs, whereas the protected Turneffe Island has extensive mangroves in its shallow lagoon.
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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5.
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Peckol, P., H.A. Curran and B. Greenstein,
1999
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South Central Belize, Central America .
Summary results of an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1998 survey. AGRAA online document
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Author
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Peckol, P., H.A. Curran and B. Greenstein
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Year
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1999
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Title
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South Central Belize, Central America .
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Source
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Summary results of an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1998 survey. AGRAA online document
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Keywords
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bleaching, Belizean Barrier-Reef Complex, monitoring
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Caption
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Abstract
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Extending for a distance of 250 km, the Belizean Barrier-Reef Complex is the largest continuous reef system in the western Atlantic. We initiated our study of the south-central province of the barrier reef and nearby backreef patches in January 1999 with a survey of 6 sites. We returned in May 1999 to re-census the same sites and extend our assessment to include 9 sites in the south-central region and 4 sites in the northern province off Ambergris Caye (over 5000 coral colonies were surveyed).
A combination of increasing fishing pressure; two recent coral bleaching events (1995 and 1998); mass die-off of a dominant space occupier, Acropora cervicornis, from white-band disease; and the effects of Hurricane Mitch in late October 1998 have taken a dramatic toll on the Belize reef complex. Snapper and grouper abundances were extremely low except within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve off Ambergris Caye. Very little living A. palmata was observed except in the forereef region; at backreef sites, heavy growth of macroalgae covered standing dead A. palmata colonies. Overall, macroalgal (fleshy) cover ranged from 10-40%; turf algae predominated at all sites. Agaricia tenuifolia, the major species colonizing the A. cervicornis rubble on the steep flanks of distinctive shoals of south-central Belize, experienced nearly 100% mortality associated with the recent bleaching event. The coral rubble on these steep flanks is now becoming covered by sponges. The mound and boulder corals were also strongly affected by the warming event; nearly all Montastrea annularis and Diploria spp. colonies were severely bleached (averaging >80% of the living coral colony). By May 1999, the majority of Diploria spp. and Siderastrea siderea had recovered; however, M. annularis still showed widespread bleaching, with nearly 50% of the colonies censused still bleached 9 months after the warming event. During the same time interval, the percentage of coral colonies showing signs of disease tripled, particularly among the mound species, likely related to the stress of bleaching.
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
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6.
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Manfrino, C., B. Riegl, C. Pattengill-Semmens, Jerome Hall and scientific party,
1999
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Cayman Islands.
Preliminary status report from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRAA online ducument
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Author
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Manfrino, C., B. Riegl, C. Pattengill-Semmens, Jerome Hall and scientific party
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Year
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1999
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Title
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Cayman Islands.
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Source
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Preliminary status report from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRAA online ducument
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Keywords
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monitoring, status coral reef, management
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Caption
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Abstract
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An international team of 11 scientists (and graduate assistants) completed an AGRRA survey of 33 sites in the Cayman Islands from June 1 - 25. As with many of the reefs in the Caribbean, the reefs in the Caymans have been under continuous natural stresses caused by bleaching (in 1998 nearly 80% of the corals on the wall were bleached), and major storms and hurricanes (Hurricane Gilbert passed just north of the Caymans in 1988). With increased human use (fishing, coastal development and mangrove destruction, diving, etc.) concern about the survival of this important resource has been growing.
The Cayman Islands are one of the most popular dive and tourist destinations in the northern Caribbean because of the luxurious reefs and spectacular walls. Eleven scientists surveyed 19 study sites on Little Cayman and 14 study sites on Grand Cayman Island. A total of 4521 corals in 330 transects, 1807 algal quadrats, and 341 fish transects were measured during the month of June, 1999. Sites were distributed on all sides of the islands, but on Little Cayman, there was a higher concentration of sites in the heavily dived areas such as Bloody Bay and Jackson Point. Reefs were assessed in all of the different oceanographic settings of the two islands (protected windward northern side, more exposed windward southern and eastern side, and the lower energy leeward western side). Many of the reefs in the Caymans are regulated by marine conservation laws so the study included sites in both managed and non-managed reef areas. Important comparisons between the more populous Grand Cayman and the still relatively pristine Little Cayman Island will be made in the final analysis.
The coral reefs of the two Cayman Islands appear to be in similar good condition. Preliminary findings indicate that a major coral mortality occurred some 10 years ago. However, strong, but patchy recovery suggests that reefs are still capable of regeneration. Coral recruitment is present but mostly at low levels and there are still many big massive coral colonies (diameter over 2 m) though with partial mortality occur. No old Acropora palmata stands occur, however, low density patchy new growth of A. palmata occurs frequently. Fish diversity was moderate to high in comparison to the tropical western Atlantic region. Algal competition does not appear to be a problem for corals at most sites. However, in some sites, algal encroachment and overgrowth with resultant coral mortality was observed. Diseases were predominantly white syndromes but disease occurrence was very low. Virtually no bleaching was recorded (< 1%). It appears that most corals recovered from last years catastrophic bleaching event in 1998 when nearly 80% of the corals on the wall were bleached.
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
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7.
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Alcolado, P.M., R. Claro-Madruga, B. Martinez-Daranas, K. Cantelar, G. Menéndez-Macía, M. Hernandez, T. García, J. Espinosa and R. del Valle.,
1998
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Cuba, southwest coast.
Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA)
Online document
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Author
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Alcolado, P.M., R. Claro-Madruga, B. Martinez-Daranas, K. Cantelar, G. Menéndez-Macía, M. Hernandez, T. García, J. Espinosa and R. del Valle.
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Year
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1998
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Title
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Cuba, southwest coast.
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Source
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Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA)
Online document
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Keywords
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coral reef resources, management, coastal resources
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Caption
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Short summary from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1998 survey.
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Abstract
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Reefs were dominated by Montastraea spp. with low to moderate live coral cover (15-23%). Old mortality was moderate (24-34%). Recent mortality was low to moderate (3-10.5%) attributed mainly to damselfish predation and diseases. Macroalgal abundance was moderate to high and Diadema densities were low. Finfish species richness and population density was moderate, although biomass was low. Herbivore and predator fish density and biomass were low. Overall, the reefs appear to be in relatively good condition, although they are at risk due to unregulated fishing.
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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8.
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Garcia, C.,
1999
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Honduras - Cayos Cochinos Biological Reserve.
Summary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRRA online document
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Author
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Garcia, C.
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Year
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1999
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Title
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Honduras - Cayos Cochinos Biological Reserve.
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Source
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Summary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRRA online document
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Keywords
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coral reef monitoring, status, health
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Caption
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Abstract
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The Cayos Cochinos Biological Reserve, located approximately 35 kilometers south of Roatan, has an area of 500 square kilometers encompassing two small islands and 12 sand keys. Since 1995 only artisanal fishing has been permitted within the reserve. The area experienced extensive bleaching during September-October, 1998 followed by the passage of hurricane Mitch in late October. The AGRRA protocol was carried out to determine the condition of the reefs following these impacts and to form a baseline for zoning and management plans. During September, 1999 a team surveyed 9 fringing reefs at three depths (1-3 m, 8-12 m, and 15-20 m) around the main islands. Surveys revealed that many of the shallow sites contained substantial quantities of old standing dead Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis. Intermediate-depth sites were dominated by large colonies of Montastraea annularis and Diploria spp. displaying low to moderate pale bleaching and a prevalence of diseases (BB and WP). Recent partial mortality was moderate to high for these species. Significant quantities of macro algae were found at many of the sites and is believed to result from continued input of sediment/nutrient loads following heavy rains from mainland rivers heavily eroded by Mitch. Reef fish populations and individual sizes are moderate to large due to the protected status of the area. Overall, the reefs around Cayos Cochinos are have experienced moderate disturbance and will be closely monitored to document their recovery.
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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9.
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Vierros, M.,
2000
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Background information on Jamaica's reefs.
Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) Report. On line document
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Author
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Vierros, M.
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Year
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2000
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Title
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Background information on Jamaica's reefs.
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Source
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Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) Report. On line document
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Keywords
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Caption
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Abstract
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Jamaica’s coral reefs are among the best studied in the world. They may also be the longest directly observed submarine ecosystems, with data available since the 1950s, when T.F. Goreau and his associates initiated their studies (Goreau, 1992). Subsequent observations by researchers at the Discovery Bay Marine Laboratory of the University of West Indies, as well as other scientists, have added to the wealth of information that is now available about Jamaica’s marine ecosystems.
According to Wells and Lang (1973) Jamaica is located at the center of coral diversity in the Atlantic Ocean. Over 60 species of reef building corals grow here, with fringing reefs occurring on a narrow, 1-2 km shelf along most of the north coast of Jamaica. Reefs also grow sporadically on the south coast on a much broader shelf that is over 20 km wide (Hughes, 1994). In addition, reefs and corals can be found on the neighbouring banks of the Pedro Cays, 70 km to the south, and the Morant Cays, 50 km to the southwest (Woodley et al. 1998).
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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10.
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Steneck , R. and J. Lang.,
1999
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Akumal and Xcalak, Mexico.
Summary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRAA online document
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Author
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Steneck , R. and J. Lang.
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Year
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1999
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Title
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Akumal and Xcalak, Mexico.
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Source
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Summary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRAA online document
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Keywords
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minitoring, coral reef, macroalgae, mass bleaching
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Caption
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Abstract
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The AGRRA protocols for corals, algae and fishes were applied at 6 fore reef habitats (averaging about 13m), in each of two regions 200 km apart in the eastern Yucatan coast. The Akumal region has a higher population density and higher degree of tourism than does Xcalak which is a small fishing community. Rapid assessments conducted March 1997 and 1999 compared the condition of the reefs in these two regions relative to each other and before and after the recent mass bleaching event and hurricane Mitch (both of which occurred in October 1998). In 1999 a total of 170 transects, 865 coral colonies and 798 algal quadrats were quantified.
Overall there was no regional differences between Akumal and Xcalak in the percent live coral (17.3, 16.3% respectively), percent old-dead (28.2, 28.4%), percent recently dead (4.0, 4.7%). However these reefs had already changed significantly by the time of the surveys. Although the dominant live coral species in the fore reefs in 1999 were Montastrea annularis and M. faviolata (comprising more than 50% of the total live coral cover), it was obvious that Acropora palmata, now ranked third in skeletal abundance, had once dominated this zone throughout the Yucatan coast. In 1999 there was little living A. palmata ( 62% of all A. palmata surveyed was standing dead skeletons and only about 3% of which was determined to have died recently).
Coral mortality and macroalgal abundance both increased recently in Akumal relative to Xcalak. Macroalgal abundances were high in both regions (43.8, 21.3% in Akumal and Xcalak, respectively). The significantly higher percent macroalgal cover in Akumal (p < 0.05 T-test) was mirrored by its higher canopy height (22.8, 15.8 cm) and thus algal biomass was much higher in Akumal than in Xcalak. The macroalgal cover between the two regions in 1997 was similar (28, 24%) so the recent increase is limited to Akumal. This observation is consistent with the increasing trends in coral mortality in Akumal. The percent of both old and recently dead coral increased in Akumal between 1997 and 1999 (27, 38% old, 3, 4% new).
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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11.
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Horta-Puga, G. and G. Barba-Santos.,
1999
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Veracruz Reef System, Gulf of Mexico.
Summary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRRA online document
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Author
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Horta-Puga, G. and G. Barba-Santos.
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Year
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1999
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Title
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Veracruz Reef System, Gulf of Mexico.
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Source
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Summary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRRA online document
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Keywords
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status coral reef, monitoring, management
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Caption
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Abstract
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The Veracruz Reef System (VRS) situated in front off the Port of Veracruz in the Gulf of Mexico was sampled in July 1999. Although the system is composed of 22 well developed reefs, only three reefs were studied applying the AGRRA protocols for corals and algae. The reefs chosen are part of the North Group: Galleguilla, Isla de Sacrificios and Isla Verde. The Galleguilla (G) reef was chosen because is a highly threatened reef, located off the outlet of the sewage water treatment plant of the City of Veracruz. The moderately threatened Isla de Sacrificios (IS), also was chosen because it was highly impacted by tourism activities up to 1982, when it was closed and protected from any human activity by the Mexican local authorities. Isla Verde (IV) was chosen because it is representative of a low to moderately threatened reef. Two sampling stations were selected in the zone of maximum reef development, the fore-reef zone (windward or East slope) at two depths: 3-6 m the Acropora biotope, and 9-12 m in the area of highest coverage. A total of 723 live stony coral colonies, 138 transects and 662 algal quadrats were sampled.
Fifteen coral taxa were recorded Acropora cervicornis, A. palmata, Agaricia agaricites, Colpophyllia natans, Diploria spp., Montastraea annularis, M. cavernosa, M. faveolata, M. franksii, Madracis decactis, Millepora alcicornis, Oculina diffusa, Porites spp., Siderastrea spp. and Stephanocoenia intersepta. The number of coral taxa recorded per reef is: 7 (G), 14 (IS) and 11 (IV) and, by depth, 14 at 3 m and 13 at 9 m. Some other species were seen in the transects, but as they measured <25 cm, were not recorded.
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Online Documents
|
- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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12.
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Klomp, K.,
1999
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Netherlands Antilles – Windward Islands Saba, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, Saba Bank Preliminary Report.
Preliminary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey.
AGRAA online document
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Author
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Klomp, K.
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Year
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1999
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Title
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Netherlands Antilles – Windward Islands Saba, St. Maarten, St. Eustatius, Saba Bank Preliminary Report.
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Source
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Preliminary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey.
AGRAA online document
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Keywords
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coral reef, threat, management
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Caption
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Abstract
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A team of six researchers, in cooperation with marine park managers and fisheries officials from St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius, conducted an AGRRA assessment of the reefs of the windward Dutch Antilles in November/December, 1999. The assessment encompassed a region of the leeward Lesser Antilles that included reefs of Dutch St. Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, and the Saba Bank. These islands (including Saba Bank) represent distinctly different areas in terms of geophysical aspects and degree of human impact.
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Online Documents
|
- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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13.
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Deschamps, A. and A. Desrochers.,
1999
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St.Vincent Grenadines Horseshoe Reef, Tobago Cays Marine Park.
Preliminary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRRA on line document
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Author
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Deschamps, A. and A. Desrochers.
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Year
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1999
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Title
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St.Vincent Grenadines Horseshoe Reef, Tobago Cays Marine Park.
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Source
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Preliminary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRRA on line document
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Keywords
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status coral reef, monitoring, marine protected area, MPA
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Caption
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Abstract
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The Horseshoe Reef is one of the longest bank-barrier reef of the St.Vincent Grenadine region. It is located away from direct anthropogenic stress with the closest inhabited island (Mayreau with a population of 250) located at 3km. Very little information is available on the Reefs of the Tobago Cays Marine Park; these reefs were previously studied by Lewis in 1972. A team of 3 scientists surveyed 5 reef sites along the 4km bank-barrier reef during two weeks of field work in June of 1999. A total of 60 coral line transects, 268 algae quadrats, 10 fish rover dives and 50 fish belt transects were conducted at two shallow sites and three deeper sites on the reef.
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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14.
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Manfrino, C. and B. Riegl,
1999
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Turks & Caicos Islands.
Preliminary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRAA online document
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Author
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Manfrino, C. and B. Riegl
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Year
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1999
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Title
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Turks & Caicos Islands.
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Source
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Preliminary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRAA online document
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Keywords
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monitoring, status coral reef, management
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Caption
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Abstract
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An international team of 7 scientists and graduate assistants evaluated the status of Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) reefs using the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) method this past August. Twenty-eight study sites and over 200km of reef around the Turks, Caicos, and Mouchoir Banks were surveyed. The reefs in the TCI have a reputation for their health and beauty and few negative impacts have so far been reported. Fishing pressures, however, have been substantial in certain regions of the TCI, in particular in the South Caicos region, and the recent increase in development to support tourism in the Providenciales area has raised some local concern about the sustainability of this important economic resource. The open ocean and fairly remote setting, and extensive development of reefs on all sides of the Turks and Caicos Banks made this study especially interesting. This study is the first-ever regional assessment of the reefs of TCI.
Coral reefs of the Turks, Caicos and Mouchoir Banks, surveyed using the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) Protocol, provided an exceptional example of an end member 'healthy' reef ecosystem in the Caribbean. The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) are at the far southern extent of the Bahamas Archipelago and may be an important source of larvae for fish and shellfish and other reef dwellers and builders as ocean currents drift up from the south to the northern reaches of the Bahamas. The open-ocean setting with reefs developed on most sides of the banks, and still overall low diver and tourism impact all provided an opportunity to explore a broad regional, relatively pristine reef system.
The Turks, Caicos and Mouchoir expedition focused on the reefs of both remote and more popular areas, and reefs in marine protected and unprotected areas. Twenty-eight study sites on the rims of the banks, along more than 200 km of reef, were surveyed. A total of 3276 corals in 289 transects, 1421 algal quadrats and 279 fish transects were measured from August 16 - 29, 1999. Coral and fish populations are healthy in TCI and populations within sites are more diverse and abundant than in most other Caribbean reefs. The three banks seem to have different coral community structures (an amplified version of the AGRRA was incorporated to include both stony and soft corals). Overall, coral mortality is low (< 1%), recruitment is present at low levels, diversity is high (37 scleractinian species), and though highly variable, coral cover was as high as 30 % at several locations. Acropora palmata stands (elkhorn coral) occurred mainly on the eastern facing areas of the bank, but standing dead coral were far more abundant than live A. palmata. Acropora cervicornis was rare at all but one location. Throughout the region, almost no macroalgae was found except on Mouchoir Bank, Ambergris Cay and in the shallow A. palmata reef zone. Additionally, few organisms were found encrusting over corals (like Palythoa.)
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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15.
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Villimizar, E. and J. Posada,
1999
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Venezuela - Los Roques National Park.
Summary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRAA online document
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Author
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Villimizar, E. and J. Posada
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Year
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1999
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Title
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Venezuela - Los Roques National Park.
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Source
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Summary results from an Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) 1999 survey. AGRAA online document
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Keywords
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monitoring, marine park, MPA
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Caption
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Abstract
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Los Roques National Park is a complex reef situated 150 km north of the central coast of Venezuela. It is the main coral reef area of Venezuela and one of the most important in the southern Caribbean. Environmental stability, water clarity and remoteness from land contribute to make the archipelago of Los Roques an excellent place for a diverse and abundant fauna. The area sustains important fish and shellfish fisheries (i.e., ~ 90% of the national lobster production came from the archipelago) and tourist activities have increased in the last ten years.
Coral reef studies at the archipelago have been limited. In October 1999, a team of 6 scientists conducted AGRRA surveys at 12 sites along the two main barriers: the east and the southwest.
Preliminary results suggest the intermediate depths had complex reef development, high (>50%) coral cover, low recent mortality (<5%) and low to moderate old mortality (<25%). Incidence of disease or bleaching was very low. Most of the shallow East barrier reef contained extensive development of standing dead A. palmata. Turf and coralline algae dominated all reefs with low amounts of macroalgae (<5%). Fish populations varied between sites, but in general had a moderate to high abundance of herbivores and a moderate abundance of commercially significant fish. Overall, these reefs appear to be in extremely good condition with large coral colonies, low macroalgal abundance, and diverse and abundant fish populations.
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Online Documents
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- Copies of papers downloaded from ReefBase may be used and reproduced for non-commercial purpose only.
- If you encounter any problem viewing the PDF files, please use the latest version of Adobe Reader.
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