Microbialite development patterns in the last deglacial reefs from Tahiti (French Polynesia; IODP Expedition #310): Implications on reef framework architecture

The widespread occurrence of microbialites in the last deglacial reef frameworks (16–6 Ka BP) implies that the accurate study of their development patterns is of prime importance to unravel the evolution of reef architecture through time and to reconstruct the reef response to sea-level variations and environmental changes.The present study is based on the sedimentological and chronological analysis (¹⁴C AMS dating) of drill cores obtained during the IODP Expedition #310 “Tahiti Sea Level” on the successive terraces which typify the modern reef slopes from Tahiti. It provides a comprehensive data base to investigate the microbialite growth patterns (i.e. growth rates and habitats), to analyze their roles in reef frameworks and to reconstruct the evolution of the reef framework architecture during sea-level rise.The last deglacial reefs from Tahiti are composed of two distinctive biological communities: (1) the coralgal communities including seven assemblages characterized by various growth forms (branching, robust branching, massive, tabular and encrusting) that form the initial frameworks and (2) the microbial communities developed in the primary cavities of those frameworks, a few meters (1.5 to 6 m) below the living coral reef surface, where they heavily encrusted the coralgal assemblages to form microbialite crusts. The dating results demonstrate the occurrence of two distinctive generations of microbialites: the “reefal microbialites” which developed a few hundred years after coralgal communities in shallow-water environments, whereas the “slope microbialites” grew a few thousands of years later in significantly deeper water conditions after the demise of coralgal communities.The development of microbialites was controlled by the volume and the shape of the primary cavities of the initial reef frameworks determined by the morphology and the packing of coral colonies. The most widespread microbialite development occurred in frameworks dominated by branching, thin encrusting, tabular and robust branching coral colonies which built loose and open frameworks typified by a high porosity (> 50%). In contrast, their growth was minimal in compact coral frameworks formed by massive and thick encrusting corals where primary cavities yielded a low porosity (~ 30%) and could not host a significant microbialite expansion.     

The health and future of coral reef systems

Coral reefs are among the most productive and diverse ecosystems on earth and provide a multitude of valuable ecosystem services. Moreover, the resources derived from coral reefs are essential to the food security of millions of people living within tropical coastal communities. Unfortunately, burgeoning human populations in coastal regions are placing an unsustainable burden on these resources such that degradation of coral reefs is common. In addition, during 1998, El Niño driven increases in sea temperature caused a mass bleaching event that further degraded many of the world's coral reefs. This article provides a brief review of the status of the world's coral reefs and highlights their value to society. Also, the anthropogenic and natural disturbances that threaten the future of coral reefs are discussed and finally, this article offers some potential remedies that promote sustainable use of coral reef resources thus ensuring their future survival.     

Baseline data analysis as a tool for predicting the conservation value of tropical coastal habitats in the Indo-Pacific

Coral Cay Conservation, a United Kingdom-based not-for-profit organization, operates using teams of international volunteers to conduct coral reef and tropical marine resource assessments in order to provide a baseline of data to facilitate marine resource management. This modus operandi provides the resources necessary to conduct a detailed study at minimal cost to the host country partners.This paper introduces a technique of data analysis to define the conservation value of the shallow (<30 m) tropical coastal environment. All data initially undergoes multivariate analysis to define discrete benthic habitat classes using the methods described by Mumby and Harborne [Development of a systematic classification scheme of marine habitats to facilitate regional management and mapping of Caribbean coral reefs. Biological Conservation 1999;88:155–63]. Subsequent analysis of benthic and reef fish data in terms of biodiversity and reef health indices allows spatial comparison of sites of differing conservation value and the geographic delineation of areas suitable for Marine Protected Area status.     

SCUBA divers above the waterline: Using participatory mapping of coral reef conditions to inform reef management

Coral reefs provide important ecological services such as biodiversity, climate regulation, and cultural benefits through recreation and tourism. However, many of the world's reefs are declining, with Caribbean reefs suffering a significant decline in living corals over the past half century. This situation emphasizes the need to assess and monitor reef conditions using a variety of methods. In this study, a new method for assessing reef conditions to inform management using participatory mapping by coral reef “experts” in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is described. Occupational SCUBA divers were recruited (n=87) to map coral reef conditions, uses, and threats (stressors) using an internet-based mapping website. The data reveal an uneven geographic distribution of reef conditions in the USVI with the most frequently mapped perceived healthy reef characteristics being: large amount of physical reef structure (n=872 markers); endangered or threatened species present (n=721); and large amount of live coral cover (n=615). The greatest perceived threats were: invasive species (n=606); water pollution (n=234); and unsustainable fishing (n=200). Areas of important reef characteristics, perceived threats to reefs, and perceived recovery potential were plotted to identify areas requiring critical management attention. The authors found that perceptions of healthy reef conditions outnumbered perceptions of reef threats for nine of the ten most familiar coral reefs; the most frequent activity type within the coral reefs was tourism diving; and for the most familiar coral reefs, the divers perceived a high recovery potential. Given the novelty of participatory mapping methods to assess coral reefs, the strengths and weaknesses of the method is evaluated. The authors further propose a management typology for categorizing reef areas to inform their future management. In the absence of primary data, or, as a supplement to underwater surveys and remotely-sensed data on reef condition, participatory mapping can provide a cost-effective means for assessing coral reef conditions while identifying place-specific reef locations requiring management attention.     

典型近岸退化珊瑚礁的成功修复案例——蜈支洲珊瑚覆盖率的恢复

在全球珊瑚礁生态系统面临退化威胁的情况下,珊瑚礁生态修复工作成为人类帮助珊瑚礁恢复健康的重要手段之一,并且在全球各个珊瑚礁区域都得到广泛应用.我国近岸珊瑚礁生态系统退化严重,本实验探讨利用珊瑚移植技术在三亚市蜈支洲岛典型的近岸珊瑚礁环境下恢复造礁石珊瑚的覆盖率,希望推动企业参与海洋生态保护并从中受益.在与当地旅游公司的...     

Mass culturing of living sands (Baculogypsina sphaerulata) to protect island coasts against sea-level rise

Coral reef islands have a self-sustaining mechanism that expands and maintains the islands through the deposition of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) by marine organisms. However, the human societies established on such low-lying coral reef islands are vulnerable to rapid sea-level rises. Enhancing the self-sustaining mechanism of coral reefs will become one of the required sustainable countermeasures against sea-level rise. We examined the feasibility of mass culturing the large benthic foraminifera Baculogypsina sphaerulata, which is known as “living sand.” We developed a rearing system with the key components of an artificial lawn as a habitat and a stirring device to create vertical water currents. Batches of B. sphaerulata in two different size groups were reared to examine size growth and reproduction under the culture conditions. All culture batches reproduced asexually following generations over 6 months in culture. The small-sized group exhibited steady growth, whereas the large-sized group underwent a reduction in mean size because large individuals (> 1.5 mm²) died off. Similar traits of size structure between the culture batches and natural populations indicate that our culturing conditions can successfully reproduce environments similar to the habitat of this species. Reproduction, consistent size growth, and size structure similar to the natural population indicate that the examined rearing system is viable for culturing Foraminifera at a large scale.     

Conceptual hydrodynamic-thermal mapping modelling for coral reefs at south Singapore sea

Coral reefs are important ecosystems that not only provide shelter and breeding ground for many marine species, but can also control of carbon dioxide level in ocean and act as coastal protection mechanism. Reduction of coral reefs at Singapore coastal waters (SCW) region remains as an important study to identify the environmental impact from its busy industrial activities especially at the surrounding of Jurong Island in the south. This kind of study at SCW was often being related to issues such as turbidity, sedimentation, pollutant transport (from industry activities) effects in literatures, but seldom investigated from the thermal change aspect. In this paper, a computational model was constructed using the Delft3D hydrodynamic module to produce wave simulations on sea regions surrounding Singapore Island. The complicated semi-diurnal and diurnal tidal wave events experienced by SCW were simulated for 2 weeks duration and compared to the Admiralty measured data. To simulate the thermal mapping at the south Singapore coastal waters (SSCW) region, we first adapted a conversion of industrial to thermal discharge; then from the discharge affected area a thermal map was further computed to compare with the measured coral map. The outcomes show that the proposed novel thermal modelling approach has quite precisely simulated the coral map at SSCW, with the condition that the near-field thermal sources are considered (with the coverage area in the limit of 20 km × 20 km).     

珊瑚礁生态系统修复研究进展

健康的珊瑚礁生态系统具有造礁、护礁、固礁、防浪护岸、防止国土流失的功能。同时, 珊瑚礁生态系统生物多样性极高, 被称为海洋中的“热带雨林”。我国南海拥有200多个珊瑚岛、礁与沙洲, 是世界海洋珊瑚礁最丰富的区域之一。近年来, 由于全球气候变化和围填海等人类活动的影响, 珊瑚礁生态系统受到了不同程度的影响或破坏, 危及海洋生态与岛礁安全, 珊瑚礁生态系统的修复至关重要。本文对珊瑚礁生态系统的现状、修复方法及存在的问题进行了总结, 并在此基础上创新性地提出了基于系统的珊瑚礁多维生态系统修复模式并付诸实践, 以期提供更有效的珊瑚礁生态系统修复新方法。     

Development trajectories and impacts on coral reef use in Lingayen Gulf,Philippines

Management interventions to reduce pressures on coral reefs often include attracting fishers to non-extractive non-fishery supplemental livelihoods. We look at the case of coral reefs in Lingayen Gulf, Philippines to understand the impacts of local (i.e., aquaculture and tourism), regional, and national development on the artisanal fisheries sector. Using household surveys and a coral reef interaction index (CRII), we obtained relative levels of dependency and impacts of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism on coral reefs for livelihood. Results show that overall dependency on coral reefs remains high despite its decreasing quality. Socio-economic profiles reveal steep hurdles in shifting fishers to aquaculture. Both aquaculture and fisheries will continue to grow and eventually compete for space if left unmanaged further resulting in reduced reef quality. Shifts of fishers to tourism-based and other low-capital requirement mariculture (e.g., sea ranching) are more realistic than the expectation of absorbing fishers into current aquaculture businesses. Strengthening local coastal governance capacity to improve proactive responses for micro–macro development interactive synergy will also help reduce the impacts of development on reefs. Improving safety nets for coastal communities through skills enhancement and supplemental livelihood options that facilitate stewardship and reef recovery is an imperative. Transforming the lessons learned at village level actions to sustain municipal scale programs and institutional cooperation among stakeholders such as through marine protected area networks remain a challenge. Sharing forums and joint financing of coastal resource management remain to be realized through public and private partnerships and expansion of development for investments in social enterprises.     

珊瑚礁监测技术发展现状及原位在线监测建设

随着沿海地区社会和经济活动不断增加,在人类活动和全球气候变化的双重压力下,全球珊瑚礁生态健康状况日益衰退。如何有效地监测珊瑚礁生态系统,使管理部门能够及时采取保护措施防止珊瑚礁生态系统的退化,已成为拥有珊瑚礁资源的国家亟需解决的环境问题。各主要国家均在大力发展珊瑚礁监测技术与装备。文中综述了国内外在珊瑚礁生态系统监测技术方面的研究现状,基于前人提出的原位在线监测技术,在南海某岛礁海域建设了珊瑚礁生态环境原位在线监测系统,并进行了1年多的业务化运行。在业务化运行期间,原位在线监测系统成功监测到了珊瑚礁的"白化-死亡-微藻附着-珊瑚骨骼腐烂-大型藻占领"这一退化过程,表明该监测系统能够实现珊瑚礁的长期、实时、连续监测。本文研究对于进一步认识珊瑚礁生态系统的时间变化特征及其影响机制均具有重要意义。     

Missing the boat: Critical threats to coral reefs are neglected at global scale

Coral reefs have experienced a global decline due to overfishing, pollution, and warming oceans that are becoming increasingly acidic. To help halt and reverse this decline, interventions should be aimed at those threats reef experts and managers identify as most severe. The survey included responses from 170 managers, representing organizations from 50 countries and territories, and found that respondents generally agreed on the two major threats: overfishing and coastal development. However, resource allocation did not match this consensus on major threats. In particular, while overfishing receives much attention, coastal development and its attendant pollution are largely neglected and underfunded. These results call for a re-examination of how resources are allocated in coral reef conservation, with more attention given to aligning how money is spent with what are perceived to be the primary threats.     

Spatial and temporal variations in sediment accumulation and their impacts on coral communities in the Sanya Coral Reef Reserve,Hainan, China

This study investigated the spatial and temporal variations of sediment accumulation and their impacts on coral communities in four sites at two or three depths (3 m, 6 m and 9 m) at the Sanya Coral Reef Reserve by deploying sediment traps on the sea floor during 2007–2009. Rainfall and typhoon events, which appeared to control sediment accumulation in the sea floor of the coral reef, were positively correlated with total sediment and sand-sized (i.e. 63–2000 µm) sediment accumulation. Sediment accumulation rate significantly decreased with the distance far away from the coast in Sanya. The mean sediment accumulation rates in Ximaozhou, Luhuitou and Xiaodonghai during 2007 to 2009 were close to 20 mg cm⁻² d⁻¹, and they were significantly higher than that in Yalongwan, probably as a result of terrestrial soil erosion caused by strong coast human activities (e.g. coastal construction, dredging and hillside clearing). Correlation analysis revealed that silt-clay-sized sediment accumulation rate was highly negatively correlated with total live coral cover and coral cover in some taxa, such as Montipora and branching Porites. whereas, Diploastrea heliopora was positively correlated with silt-clay-sized sediment accumulation. Correlation analysis also suggested that silt-clay-sized sediment accumulation had a higher efficiency in predicting the spatial variation of total live coral cover in Sanya than did the total sediment accumulation. Based on this investigation, we conclude that high rates of sediment accumulation pose a severe threat to the Sanya Coral Reef Reserve, highlighting the importance of integrated watershed management practices in the Sanya Coral Reef Reserve.     

Climate change and coral reef bleaching: An ecological assessment of long-term impacts,recovery trends and future outlook

Since the early 1980s, episodes of coral reef bleaching and mortality, due primarily to climate-induced ocean warming, have occurred almost annually in one or more of the world's tropical or subtropical seas. Bleaching is episodic, with the most severe events typically accompanying coupled ocean–atmosphere phenomena, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which result in sustained regional elevations of ocean temperature. Using this extended dataset (25+ years), we review the short- and long-term ecological impacts of coral bleaching on reef ecosystems, and quantitatively synthesize recovery data worldwide. Bleaching episodes have resulted in catastrophic loss of coral cover in some locations, and have changed coral community structure in many others, with a potentially critical influence on the maintenance of biodiversity in the marine tropics. Bleaching has also set the stage for other declines in reef health, such as increases in coral diseases, the breakdown of reef framework by bioeroders, and the loss of critical habitat for associated reef fishes and other biota. Secondary ecological effects, such as the concentration of predators on remnant surviving coral populations, have also accelerated the pace of decline in some areas. Although bleaching severity and recovery have been variable across all spatial scales, some reefs have experienced relatively rapid recovery from severe bleaching impacts. There has been a significant overall recovery of coral cover in the Indian Ocean, where many reefs were devastated by a single large bleaching event in 1998. In contrast, coral cover on western Atlantic reefs has generally continued to decline in response to multiple smaller bleaching events and a diverse set of chronic secondary stressors. No clear trends are apparent in the eastern Pacific, the central-southern-western Pacific or the Arabian Gulf, where some reefs are recovering and others are not. The majority of survivors and new recruits on regenerating and recovering coral reefs have originated from broadcast spawning taxa with a potential for asexual growth, relatively long distance dispersal, successful settlement, rapid growth and a capacity for framework construction. Whether or not affected reefs can continue to function as before will depend on: (1) how much coral cover is lost, and which species are locally extirpated; (2) the ability of remnant and recovering coral communities to adapt or acclimatize to higher temperatures and other climatic factors such as reductions in aragonite saturation state; (3) the changing balance between reef accumulation and bioerosion; and (4) our ability to maintain ecosystem resilience by restoring healthy levels of herbivory, macroalgal cover, and coral recruitment. Bleaching disturbances are likely to become a chronic stress in many reef areas in the coming decades, and coral communities, if they cannot recover quickly enough, are likely to be reduced to their most hardy or adaptable constituents. Some degraded reefs may already be approaching this ecological asymptote, although to date there have not been any global extinctions of individual coral species as a result of bleaching events. Since human populations inhabiting tropical coastal areas derive great value from coral reefs, the degradation of these ecosystems as a result of coral bleaching and its associated impacts is of considerable societal, as well as biological concern. Coral reef conservation strategies now recognize climate change as a principal threat, and are engaged in efforts to allocate conservation activity according to geographic-, taxonomic-, and habitat-specific priorities to maximize coral reef survival. Efforts to forecast and monitor bleaching, involving both remote sensed observations and coupled ocean–atmosphere climate models, are also underway. In addition to these efforts, attempts to minimize and mitigate bleaching impacts on reefs are immediately required. If significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions can be achieved within the next two to three decades, maximizing coral survivorship during this time may be critical to ensuring healthy reefs can recover in the long term.     

Biodiversity and community composition of sediment macrofauna associated with deep-sea Lophelia pertusa habitats in the Gulf of Mexico

Scleractinian corals create three-dimensional reefs that provide sheltered refuges, facilitate sediment accumulation, and enhance colonization of encrusting fauna. While heterogeneous coral habitats can harbor high levels of biodiversity, their effect on the community composition within nearby sediments remains unclear, particularly in the deep sea. Sediment macrofauna from deep-sea coral habitats (Lophelia pertusa) and non-coral, background sediments were examined at three sites in the northern Gulf of Mexico (VK826, VK906, MC751, 350–500 m depth) to determine whether macrofaunal abundance, diversity, and community composition near corals differed from background soft-sediments. Macrofaunal densities ranged from 26 to 125 individuals 32 cm⁻² and were significantly greater near coral versus background sediments only at VK826. Of the 86 benthic invertebrate taxa identified, 16 were exclusive to near-coral habitats, while 14 were found only in background sediments. Diversity (Fisher’s α) and evenness were significantly higher within near-coral sediments only at MC751 while taxon richness was similar among all habitats. Community composition was significantly different both between near-coral and background sediments and among the three primary sites. Polychaetes numerically dominated all samples, accounting for up to 70% of the total individuals near coral, whereas peracarid crustaceans were proportionally more abundant in background sediments (18%) than in those near coral (10%). The reef effect differed among sites, with community patterns potentially influenced by the size of reef habitat. Taxon turnover occurred with distance from the reef, suggesting that reef extent may represent an important factor in structuring sediment communities near L. pertusa. Polychaete communities in both habitats differed from other Gulf of Mexico (GOM) soft sediments based on data from previous studies, and we hypothesize that local environmental conditions found near L. pertusa may influence the macrofaunal community structure beyond the edges of the reef. This study represents the first assessment of L. pertusa-associated sediment communities in the GOM and provides baseline data that can help define the role of transition zones, from deep reefs to soft sediments, in shaping macrofaunal community structure and maintaining biodiversity; this information can help guide future conservation and management activities.     

涠洲岛珊瑚礁近千年的发育过程及其对气候变化的响应*

高纬度珊瑚栖息地能否成为气候变暖背景下热带珊瑚物种的“避难所”仍不明确, 南海北部的相关研究更是稀少。本文以取自涠洲岛的2根珊瑚礁沉积岩心为研究对象, 通过U-Th定年、沉积组分分析以及珊瑚种属鉴定等方法, 探讨近千年以来珊瑚礁的发育过程及其对气候变化的响应。研究结果发现, Core1(石螺口)岩心沉积的3个快速堆积阶段分别与罗马暖期、中世纪暖期和现代暖期大致对应; 而2个缓慢堆积阶段则分别与黑暗时代冷期和小冰期大致对应, 证实了温暖的气候对珊瑚礁发育有促进作用, 而寒冷的气候则不利于珊瑚礁的发育; 此外, 现代强烈的人为干扰可能也导致了涠洲岛珊瑚礁的迅速退化。Core2(南湾)中陆源沉积含量高, 珊瑚年龄主要集中在800AD—950AD和现代这两个时间段内, 其原因可能与环境变化、风暴作用及湾内现代珊瑚分布特征有关。通过对比这两个站位的珊瑚礁沉积特征, 本文进一步提出“完全避难所”和“非完全避难所”的概念, 揭示涠洲岛珊瑚可能同时具有低纬度热带珊瑚礁和高纬度珊瑚群落这两种发育特征和趋势。     

Analysis and evaluation of coral reef integrity based on borehole camera technology

At present, very few drilling surveys have been conducted on coral reefs, and comprehensive geological info on coral reefs is difficult to obtain. However, research on coral reefs is of great importance to development and exploitation of maritime resources. In the survey of Chenhang Island in Paracel (Xisha) Islands, we applied the digital borehole camera technology the first time in China, which resulted in a large amount of first-hand geological data. We utilized the rock mass integrity index (RMDI) method in our analysis of coral reef integrity, and the value of coefficient α in the RMDI was determined to evaluate the size effect of cavities on coral reefs. We then developed the correlation between RMDI values and coral reef integrity with references to the rock mass classification standard, which enabled the engineering evaluation of coral reef integrity. By statistical analysis of camera data gathered along the CK2 borehole for approximately 1-km length, we performed an integrity evaluation of the entire borehole length using the RMDI classification and created a coral reef stratum development diagram that was consistent with the actual cores. The results indicated: (1) the RMDI is a feasible approach for the analysis of coral reef integrity, (2) the classification system based on RMDI is feasible in the integrity evaluation of coral reefs, (3) the values of coral reef integrity obtained using the RMDI method are accurate, and (4) borehole camera survey and statistical analysis are important in the study of coral reefs.     

Isotopic and elemental indicators of nutrient sources and status of coastal habitats in the Caribbean Sea,Yucatan Peninsula,Mexico

Nutrient inputs associated with coastal population growth threaten the integrity of coastal ecosystems around the globe. In order to assess the threat posed by rapid growth in tourism, we analyzed the nutrient concentrations as well as the δ¹⁵N of NO₃⁻ and macrophytes to detect wastewater nitrogen (N) at 6 locations along a groundwater-dominated coastal seagrass bed on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. We predicted that locations with greater coastal development would have higher concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and phosphorus (P), as well as δ¹⁵N of NO₃⁻, reflecting wastewater sources of N. However, concentrations of NO₃⁻ were not significantly different between developed (3.3 ± 5.3 μM NO₃⁻) and undeveloped (1.1 ± 0.7 μM) marine embayments. The most important control on DIN concentration appeared to be mixing of fresh and salt water, with DIN concentrations negatively correlated with salinity. The δ¹⁵N of NO₃⁻ was elevated at an inland pond (7.0 ± 0.42‰) and a hydrologically-connected tide pool (7.6 ± 0.57‰) approximately 1 km downstream of the pond. The elevated δ¹⁵N of NO₃⁻ at the pond was paralleled by high δ¹⁵N values of Cladophora sp., a ubiquitous green alga (10 ± 1‰). We hypothesize that inputs of nitrogen rich (NO₃⁻ > 30 μM) groundwater, characterized by ¹⁵N enriched signatures, flow through localized submarine groundwater discharges (SGD) and contribute to the elevated δ¹⁵N signatures observed in many benthic macrophytes. However, changes in nitrogen concentrations and isotope values over the salinity gradient suggest that other processes (e.g. denitrification) could also be contributing to the ¹⁵N enrichments observed in primary producers. More measurements are needed to determine the relative importance of nitrogen transformation processes as a source of ¹⁵N to groundwaters; however, it is clear that continued inputs of anthropogenic N via SGD have the potential to severely impact ecologically and economically valuable seagrass meadows and coral reefs along the Caribbean coast of Mexico.     

The economic contribution of the muck dive industry to tourism in Southeast Asia

Scuba diving tourism has the potential to be a sustainable source of income for developing countries. Around the world, tourists pay significant amounts of money to see coral reefs or iconic, large animals such as sharks and manta rays. Scuba diving tourism is broadening and becoming increasingly popular, a novel type of scuba diving which little is known about, is muck diving. Muck diving focuses on finding rare, cryptic species that are seldom seen on coral reefs. This study investigates the value of muck diving, its participant and employee demographics and potential threats to the industry. Results indicate that muck dive tourism is worth more than USD$ 150 million annually in Indonesia and the Philippines combined. It employs over 2200 people and attracts more than 100,000 divers per year. Divers participating in muck dive tourism are experienced, well-educated, have high incomes, and are willing to pay for the protection of species crucial to the industry. Overcrowding of dive sites, pollution and conflicts with fishermen are reported as potential threats to the industry, but limited knowledge on these impacts warrants further research. This study shows that muck dive tourism is a sustainable form of nature based tourism in developing countries, particularly in areas where little or no potential for traditional coral reef scuba diving exists.     

Coral reef education in schools of Quintana Roo, Mexico

Coral reefs are vital to the livelihood of coastal communities in Quintana Roo, México and the preservation of these ecosystems relies on the establishment of protected areas. Education should be one of the most important management tools in coral reef preservation. Surveys were made among primary and secondary school students of Quintana Roo to determine the level of education regarding coral reefs and their importance. Students had little awareness about reefs. Coverage of coral reef issues is insufficient in school curricula and information media. Many students will leave school and become users of the reef with little understanding of it and of the consequences of exploitation of the reef. Creation of marine parks has not increased education and public awareness. There is an immediate need to establish appropriate and continuously available educational programs in order to preserve coral reefs. Education should encourage codes of behavior and community support to management issues.     

Situation of integrated coastal zone management in Central America: Experiences of the IUCN wetlands and coastal zone conservation program

Central American coastal zones possess extensive scenic and geographical wealth as well as great biological diversity. These coasts maintain 21.6% of the region’s population and produce at least US$ 750 million alone in fishing activities that provide work and sustenance for more than 450 000 persons in the region. Eight percent of the world’s mangroves are located in Central America, as well as the second largest corral reef barrier on the planet. A good representation of the region’s natural heritage is conserved in approximately 110 protected areas. Due to these special conditions, at least 50% of Central America’s coastal zones is devoted to tourism, one of the three primary economic activities in four of the region’s countries. Integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) in this region has been limited by information gaps, restricted technical and financial capacity, and strong sectoralism. Some recent projects, both governmental and supported by NGOs, offer new experience and lessons on regional ICZM. These initiatives have been backed at the ministerial and presidential level by a large number of political agreements within the framework of the ‘alliance for sustainable development’ (ALIDES).