Coral reef biodiversity abstract
Coral Health and Monitoring Program
coral at coral.AOML.ERL.GOV
Sat Jul 29 19:40:52 EDT 1995
As part of our continuing effort to distribute information regarding
coral health and monitoring, we are circulating the following
abstract:
Sebens, K.P. 1994. Biodiversity of coral reefs: What are we
losing and why? Am. Zool. 34(1): 115-133.
Coral reefs are threatened by numerous anthropogenic impacts,
some of which have already had major effects worldwide. These
unique tropical environments harbor a high diversity of corals,
reef invertebrates, fish and other animals and plants. In most
taxa, the species diversity of reef-associated organisms is
poorly understood because many of the species have yet to be
collected and described. High coral mortality has been associated
with natural events such as hurricanes, predator outbreaks and
periods of high temperature, but has also resulted from excess
nutrients in sewage and from specific pollutants. Reef corals and
associated organisms are also threatened by the possibility of
global warming which will result in rising sea levels and periods
of increased temperature stress, and which may also bring
increased storm frequency and intensity. Although the recent
extensive episodes of coral bleaching in the Caribbean and
eastern Pacific cannot be causally related to global warming at
this time, the close link between bleaching and temperature
suggests that global warming will result in severe changes in
coral assemblages. Major reef destruction has followed outbreaks
of the predatory seastar Acanthaster planci in the Pacific.
Although this is considered part of a natural disturbance cycle,
there are indications that altered land use patterns and
reduction of predators on this seastar by human activities may
have increased the severity of outbreaks. Recreational and
commercial use of reefs has also increased, and has caused
extensive damage, especially near areas of high population
density. One of the most obvious and widespread losses to reef
biota is the reduction in fish populations from intense
overfishing in most reef areas of the world. Coasts without
adequately managed reefs have suffered intense overfishing for
both local and export purposes, to the point where the positive
effects of fish on those reefs have been compromised. The
combination of these destructive factors has altered reefs in all
localities, and many that were once considered protected by
distance and low population density are now being exploited as
well. On the positive side, improved understanding of ecological
processes on reefs combined with concerted conservation efforts
have managed to protect some extensive areas of reef for the
future.
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