2010-01-25
- This module looks for an improved understanding of the dynamics of coral reef ecosystems. Tropical coral reefs provide habitat for variety of living creatures. “Coral reefs and associated ecosystems are invaluable human treasures. They support the most diverse marine communities and beautiful seascape on the planet, and provide wave-resistant structures for local communities, fisheries, and tourism. However, coral reefs and associated ecosystems are now under serious threat of collapse because of over fishing, development of the coastal zone, including dredging and landfill, and terrestrial run-off. Moreover, the increase in sea surface temperatures, the decrease in carbonate levels as well as sea-level rise, caused by increasing anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere, all act synergistically to stress coral reefs, which lead to severe bleaching and extensive coral mortality. The degradation of coral reefs by local, regional, and global environmental stresses is at the very least destroying the health, function, and positive values associated with coral reefs, and at the worst leading to loss of this treasure.” (Okinawa Declaration on Conservation and Restoration of Endangered Coral Reefs of the World, 10th International Coral Reef Symposium)
- Decreasing stocks of fish caused imbalance in the coral ecosystem through lessened removal of epilithic algae and sediments. Nutrient and sediment runoff from land has increased due to cultivation, public works, etc. Another factor which is affecting corals adversely is global warming, which directly damage corals through higher sea surface temperature or indirectly through increased cases of typhoons and cyclones. Corals are becoming progressively more vulnerable owing to fishing pressure, pollution, and coral bleaching. In many parts of the world corals have undergone a rapid shift to a phase where they fail to regenerate, making a case for restoration of degraded reefs.
Posted in Coral Reef, Coral Reef Course Outline, Marine Ecosystem | Comments Closed
Source: Jos Hill and Clive Wilkinson
Posted in 1.Cross Section through a coral Reef, Coral Reef, Marine Ecosystem | Comments Closed
| Threat |
Impacts |
| Over-exploitation of marine resources |
Over-fishing Hunting e.g. turtles dugong |
| |
Destructive fishing practices |
| |
Coral mining |
| Land based impacts |
Habitat destruction: coastal development; dredging and filling; coral mining |
| |
Point source pollution: e.g. sewage, industry outfalls etc. |
| Shipping based impact |
Over-exploitation of marine resources |
| |
Groundings/wrecks |
| |
Introduced species in ballast water etc. |
| |
Navigation aids: lighthouses, etc. |
| Tourism Recreation |
Coastal development: resorts, marinas, jetties etc. |
| |
Offshore structure e.g. pontoons |
| |
Diving and snorkelling |
| Large scale disturbances |
Coral bleaching |
| |
Major storms, cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons |
| |
Population outbreaks of corallivores: COTs, Drupella etc. |
| |
Geologic activity: earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis |
Posted in 2. Ecological Monitoring, Coral Reef, Marine Ecosystem | Comments Closed
- There are two main types of monitoring:
- Ecological monitoring
- Socio-economic monitoring
- Ecological and socio-economic parameters are often closely linked; therefore ecological monitoring and socio-economic monitoring should be done in the same place at the same time.
- For example, monitoring of fish populations should be directly linked to survey of fish markets, fishermen and their catches.
- Similarly ecological parameters should describe the natural state of coral reef, which will have impacts on socio-economic factors such as income and employment.
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Posted in 2. Ecological Monitoring, Coral Reef, Marine Ecosystem | Comments Closed
- Fishery ground
- Providing for the coexistence of diverse species
- Environmental purification
- Landscape
- Disaster preventio
- Sites for education and research
- Indicator for global environment change
Source: Makoto Tsuchiya, “Landscape Diversity and Ecosystem Function in Coral Reefs”
Posted in Coral Reef, Ecosystem Function in Coral Reefs, Marine Ecosystem | Comments Closed
Turbid water in sandy beach
Posted in 3-3.Environmental Purification, Coral Reef, Marine Ecosystem | Comments Closed
Changes in landscapes after the mass coral bleaching in 1998Changes in fatty acid composition of coral tissues
Posted in 3-4. Landscape, Coral Reef, Marine Ecosystem | Comments Closed
2010-01-24
- Jos Hill and Clive Wilkinson, Methods for Ecological Monitoring of Coral Reefs, Version 1, 2004.
- Kristin L Sherwoodm ed., Global Coral Reef Portfolio, IUCN: The World Conservation Union.
- Jamie Oliver, et al., A Global Protocol for Assessment and Monitoring of Coral Bleaching, WorldFish Center and WWF Indonesia.
- L. Bunce, et al., Socioeconomic Manual for Coral Reef Management, Australian Institute of Marine Science, 2000.
- D.R. Bellwood, T.P. Hughes, C. Folke, and M. Nystoerm, “Confronting the Coral Reef Crisis”, Nature, 24 June 2004.
- O. Hoegh-Guldberg, H. Hoegh-Guldberg, D.K. Stout, H. Cesar, and A. Timmerman, Pacific in Peril, Biological, Economic and Social Impacts of Climate Change on Pacific Coral Reefs, Greenpeace.
- Jamie Oliver, Paul Marshall, Naneng Setiasih, lara Hansen, A Global Protocol for Assessment and Monitoring of Coral Bleaching, WWF Indonesia and WorldFish Center.
- International Society for Coral Reef and Japan Coral Reef Society, 10th International Coral Reef Symposium Abstracts, June 28-July2, 2004, Okinawa.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan; 10th International Coral Reef Symposium Organizing Committee, and Research Institute for Subtropics, Environment and Sustainable Development ? Coral Reef as a Case Study -, 2004.
- Makoto Tsuchiya, “Landscape Diversity and Ecosystem Function in Coral Reefs”, PPT, contribution to Advanced Seminar in International Environmental Studies: An International, Multi-Institution Pilot for the Asia Pacific Initiative, 2005.
- Research Institute for Subtropics, A Summary on the Coral Reef Study in Okinawa 2000-2002, with CD-ROM.
- Research Institute for Subtropics, A Summary of the Coral Reef Study in Okinawa (FY2000-2002), 2003.
- Research Institute for Subtropics, Social Science Study concerning Coastal Preservation and Utilization, Evaluation of Ecosystems and Views of Coral Reefs in Kerama Islands (in Japanese), 2003.
- Okinawa Prefecture Environmental Science Center, Coastal Area Survey, Islands of Okinawa and Surroundings (in Japanese), 1993.
- Okinawa Prefecture Environmental Science Center, Coastal Area Survey, Islands of Miyako, Ishigaki, and Iriomote and Surroundings (in Japanese), 1994.
- Video on Demand, Keio University Uno Lab. International Coral Reef Symposium
Posted in Coral Reef, Marine Ecosystem, References | Comments Closed
