scholarly journals Switching between standard coral reef benthic monitoring protocols is complicated: proof of concept

PeerJ ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. e8167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henri Vallès ◽  
Hazel A. Oxenford ◽  
Alex Henderson
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Complex Pattern ◽  
Coralline Algae ◽  
Reef Type ◽  
Monitoring Protocols ◽  
Reef Monitoring

Monitoring the state of coral reefs is necessary to identify drivers of change and assess effectiveness of management actions. There are several widely-used survey methods, each of which is likely to exhibit different biases that should be quantified if the purpose is to combine datasets obtained via different survey methods. The latter is a particularly important consideration when switching methodologies in long-term monitoring programs and is highly relevant to the Caribbean today. This is because of the continuing need for regionally comparable coral reef monitoring datasets and the fact that the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)-Caribbean node is now recommending a photoquadrat (PQ) method over the chain intercept transect method widely adopted by the members of the first truly regional monitoring network, Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity Program (CARICOMP), in the early-1990s. Barbados, a member of the CARICOMP network, has been using a variation of the chain intercept method in its long-term coral reef monitoring program for more than two decades. Now a member of GCRMN-Caribbean, Barbados is considering switching to the PQ method in conformity with other regional members. Since we expect differences between methods, this study seeks to quantify the nature of those differences to inform Barbados and others considering switching methods. In 2017, both methods were concurrently implemented at 21 permanent monitoring plots across three major reef types in Barbados. Differences in % cover estimates for the six major benthic components, that is, hard corals, sponges, gorgonians, macroalgae, turf algae and crustose coralline algae, were examined within and among reef types. Overall, we found a complex pattern of differences between methods that depended on the benthic component, its relative abundance, and the reef type. We conclude that most benthic components would require a different conversion procedure depending on the reef type, and we provide an example of these procedures for Barbados. The factors that likely contribute to the complex pattern of between-method differences are discussed. Overall, our findings highlight that switching methods will be complicated, but not impossible. Finally, our study fills an important gap by underscoring a promising analytical framework to guide the comparison of ecological survey methods on coral reefs.

scholarly journals Improving long-term coral reef monitoring in the Wider Caribbean region: Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network - Caribbean accomplishments

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Labbouz ◽  
Maria Pena
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Dynamic Network ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Steering Committee ◽  
Human Dimensions ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Integrated Monitoring ◽  
Reef Monitoring

Long-term, robust coral reef monitoring coupled with strategic reporting are essential drivers for ecosystem-based management and regional policy processes. Since the restructuring of the Caribbean component of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) in August 2014, the GCRMN-Caribbean has been bolstering its presence and regional acknowledgement as a dynamic network. An expert steering committee and members-at-large have enabled the network to achieve substantial progress. GCRMN-Caribbean bio-physical guidelines have been improved and tested at several sites; communication and experience sharing have increased considerably; capacity building actions have been implemented for coral reef practitioners with a special focus on MPA managers; and there has been collaboration with major Caribbean programmes. This paper reports on the progress of the GCRMN-Caribbean in 2017: the development of socio-economic guidelines for an integrated monitoring approach, the implementation of building capacity projects “for coral reef and human dimensions monitoring within the Wider Caribbean", within a workshop-based training program to increase regional capacity for integrated bio-physical and socio-economic monitoring. Besides its achievements for the year, this paper also reports on GCRMN-Caribbean network challenges and next steps, including development of a standardized data analysis and reporting in 2018 and participation in the International Year of the Reef.

scholarly journals What can two years of monitoring tell us about Venezuelan coral reefs? The Southern Tropical America node of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (STA-GCRMN)

2015 ◽  
Vol 58 (1) ◽  
pp. 51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aldo Cróquer ◽  
Denise Debrot ◽  
Eduardo Klein ◽  
Martina Kurten ◽  
Sebastian Rodríguez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Tropical America ◽  
Reef Monitoring

<span>En este estudio se describe la condición de las comunidades bentónicas e ictícolas en cuatro arrecifes que fueron monitorizados durante 2003 y 2004 en Venezuela: Dos Mosquises Sur y Madrizquí en el Parque Nacional Archpiélago Los Roques y Caimán y Cayo Norte en el Parque Nacional Morrocoy. Para ello, empleamos los protocolos de CARICOMP y AGRRA para describir la comunidad bentónica e ictícola, respectivamente. La cobertura de los cinco principales grupos bentónicos difirió entre arrecifes (ANOVA anidado, p &lt; 0.05) más no entre parques. A pesar de pertenecer a diferentes parques la estructura de la comunidad bentónica entre Dos Mosquises Sur y Cayo Norte mostró un índice de similitud (Bray-Curtis) de 76%, mientras que Caiman difirió entre 57 y 68% con respecto a todos los arrecifes. Como se esperaba, la cobertura coralina, algas esponjas y octocorales no cambió entre 2003 y 2004. De forma similar, la comunidad de peces tampoco cambió en el tiempo y estuvo dominada por especies de herbívoros (Pomacentridae, Scaridae and Labridae). Sin embargo, en Los Roques los carnívoros de importancia comercial (e.g. lutjanidos y serranidos) fueron más abundantes que en Morrocoy. Aunque se esperaba encontrar diferencias en la comunidad bentónica e ictícola de Los Roques y Morrocoy, solo la de peces reflejó las diferencias, encontrándose en mejor estado de salud en Los Roques, mientras que CNOR, localizado en Morrocoy, presentó una cobertura similar o ligeramente mayor que los arrecifes localizados en Los Roques. Por lo tanto, los resultados de este estudio muestran que los arrecifes oceánicos no necesariamente se encuentran en mejor estado que los costeros. La inclusión de 3 nuevos sitios y la reincorporación de Caimán ha expandido y mejorado las capacidades de monitoreo de Venezuela y representa el primer paso hacia la creación de un sistema de monitoreo de arrecifes en el país.</span>

scholarly journals Comparing Coral Colony Surveys From In-Water Observations and Structure-From-Motion Imagery Shows Low Methodological Bias

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney S. Couch ◽  
Thomas A. Oliver ◽  
Rhonda Suka ◽  
Mia Lamirand ◽  
Mollie Asbury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Structure From Motion ◽  
Survey Methods ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Monitoring Program ◽  
Partial Mortality ◽  
Method Error ◽  
Coral Colony ◽  
Reef Monitoring

As the threats to coral reefs mount, scientists and managers are looking for innovative ways to increase the scope, scale, and efficiency of coral reef monitoring. Monitoring changes in coral communities and demographic features provides key information about ecosystem function and resilience of reefs. While most monitoring programs continue to rely on in-water visual survey methods, scientists are exploring 3D imaging technologies such as photogrammetry, also known as Structure-from-Motion (SfM), to enhance precision of monitoring, increase logistical efficiency in the field, and generate a permanent record of the reef. Here, we quantitatively compare data generated from in-water surveys to SfM-derived metrics for assessing coral demography, bleaching, and diversity in the main Hawaiian Islands as part of NOAA’s National Coral Reef Monitoring Program. Our objectives were to compare between-method error to within-method error, test for bias between methods, and identify strengths and weaknesses of both methods. Colony density, average colony diameter, average partial mortality, prevalence of bleaching, species richness, and species diversity were recorded using both methods within the same survey areas. For all metrics, the magnitude of between-method error was comparable to the within-method error for the in-water method and between method error was significantly higher than within-method error for SfM for one of the seven metrics. Our results also reveal that a majority of the metrics do not vary significantly between methods, nor did we observe a significant interaction between method and habitat type or method and depth. Exceptions include estimates of partial mortality, bleaching prevalence, and Porites juvenile density–though differences between methods are generally small. Our study also highlights that SfM offers a unique opportunity to more rigorously quantify and mitigate inter-observer error by providing observers unlimited “bottom time” and the opportunity to work together to resolve difficult annotations. However, the necessary investment in equipment and expertise does present substantial up-front costs, and the time associated with curating imagery, photogrammetric modeling, and manual image annotation can reduce the timeliness of data reporting. SfM provides a powerful tool to reimagine how we study and manage coral reefs, and this study provides the first quantified methodological comparison to validate the transition from standard in-water methods to SfM survey methods for estimates of coral colony-level surveys.

scholarly journals Improving long-term coral reef monitoring in the Wider Caribbean region: Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network - Caribbean accomplishments

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucie Labbouz ◽  
Maria Pena
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Dynamic Network ◽  
Monitoring Network ◽  
Steering Committee ◽  
Human Dimensions ◽  
Caribbean Region ◽  
Special Focus ◽  
Integrated Monitoring ◽  
Reef Monitoring

Long-term, robust coral reef monitoring coupled with strategic reporting are essential drivers for ecosystem-based management and regional policy processes. Since the restructuring of the Caribbean component of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) in August 2014, the GCRMN-Caribbean has been bolstering its presence and regional acknowledgement as a dynamic network. An expert steering committee and members-at-large have enabled the network to achieve substantial progress. GCRMN-Caribbean bio-physical guidelines have been improved and tested at several sites; communication and experience sharing have increased considerably; capacity building actions have been implemented for coral reef practitioners with a special focus on MPA managers; and there has been collaboration with major Caribbean programmes. This paper reports on the progress of the GCRMN-Caribbean in 2017: the development of socio-economic guidelines for an integrated monitoring approach, the implementation of building capacity projects “for coral reef and human dimensions monitoring within the Wider Caribbean", within a workshop-based training program to increase regional capacity for integrated bio-physical and socio-economic monitoring. Besides its achievements for the year, this paper also reports on GCRMN-Caribbean network challenges and next steps, including development of a standardized data analysis and reporting in 2018 and participation in the International Year of the Reef.

scholarly journals Can we measure beauty? Computational evaluation of coral reef aesthetics

PeerJ ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. e1390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas F. Haas ◽  
Marine Guibert ◽  
Anja Foerschner ◽  
Tim Co ◽  
Sandi Calhoun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Machine Learning Algorithms ◽  
Monitoring Tool ◽  
Photographic Images ◽  
Aesthetic Appearance ◽  
The Aesthetic ◽  
Monitoring Protocols ◽  
Aesthetic Values

The natural beauty of coral reefs attracts millions of tourists worldwide resulting in substantial revenues for the adjoining economies. Although their visual appearance is a pivotal factor attracting humans to coral reefs current monitoring protocols exclusively target biogeochemical parameters, neglecting changes in their aesthetic appearance. Here we introduce a standardized computational approach to assess coral reef environments based on 109 visual features designed to evaluate the aesthetic appearance of art. The main feature groups include color intensity and diversity of the image, relative size, color, and distribution of discernable objects within the image, and texture. Specific coral reef aesthetic values combining all 109 features were calibrated against an established biogeochemical assessment (NCEAS) using machine learning algorithms. These values were generated for ∼2,100 random photographic images collected from 9 coral reef locations exposed to varying levels of anthropogenic influence across 2 ocean systems. Aesthetic values proved accurate predictors of the NCEAS scores (root mean square error < 5 forN≥ 3) and significantly correlated to microbial abundance at each site. This shows that mathematical approaches designed to assess the aesthetic appearance of photographic images can be used as an inexpensive monitoring tool for coral reef ecosystems. It further suggests that human perception of aesthetics is not purely subjective but influenced by inherent reactions towards measurable visual cues. By quantifying aesthetic features of coral reef systems this method provides a cost efficient monitoring tool that targets one of the most important socioeconomic values of coral reefs directly tied to revenue for its local population.

scholarly journals Measuring Sound at a Cold-Water Coral Reef to Assess the Impact of COVID-19 on Noise Pollution

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurence H. De Clippele ◽  
Denise Risch
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Sea Level ◽  
Cold Water ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Ecosystem Functions ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Level Height ◽  
Water Coral

This study compares the noise levels at the cold-water coral Tisler reef, before and after the closure of the border between Norway and Sweden, which occurred as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Tisler reef is a marine protected area located under a ferry “highway” that connects Norway and Sweden. Cold-water coral reefs are recognised as being important hotspots of both biodiversity and biomass, they function as breeding and nursing grounds for commercially important fish and are essential in providing ecosystem functions. Whilst studies have shown that fishery, ocean warming, and acidification threaten them, the effects of noise pollution on cold-water coral reefs remains unstudied. To study the severity of noise pollution at the Tisler reef, a long-term acoustic recorder was deployed from 29 January 2020 until 26 May 2020. From 15 March COVID-19 lockdown measures stopped passenger vessel traffic between Norway and Sweden. This study found that the overall noise levels were significantly lower after border closure, due to reduced ferry traffic, wind speeds, and sea level height. When comparing the median hourly noise levels of before vs. after border closure, this study measured a significant reduction in the 63–125 Hz 1/3 octave band noise levels of 8.94 ± 0.88 (MAD) dB during the day (07:00:00–19:59:59) and 1.94 ± 0.11 (MAD) dB during the night (20:00:00–06:59:59). Since there was no ferry traffic during the night, the drop in noise levels at night was likely driven by seasonal changes, i.e., the reduction in wind speed and sea level height when transitioning from winter to spring. Taking into account this seasonal effect, it can be deduced that the COVID-19 border closure reduced the noise levels in the 63–125 Hz 1/3 octave bands at the Tisler reef by 7.0 ± 0.99 (MAD) dB during the day. While the contribution of, and changes in biological, weather-related and geophysical sound sources remain to be assessed in more detail, understanding the extent of anthropogenic noise pollution at the Tisler cold-water coral reef is critical to guide effective management to ensure the long-term health and conservation of its ecosystem functions.

scholarly journals Experimental reef communities persist under future ocean acidification and warming

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher Jury ◽  
Keisha Bahr ◽  
Evan Barba ◽  
Russell Brainard ◽  
Annick Cros ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Ocean Acidification ◽  
Community Composition ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Reef Communities ◽  
Paris Climate Agreement

Abstract Coral reefs are among the most sensitive ecosystems affected by ocean acidification and warming, and are predicted to shift from net accreting calcifier-dominated systems to net eroding algal-dominated systems over the coming decades. Here we present a long-term experimental study examining the responses of entire mesocosm coral reef communities to acidification (-0.2 pH units), warming (+ 2°C), and combined future ocean (-0.2 pH, + 2°C) treatments. We show that under future ocean conditions, net calcification rates declined yet remained positive, corals showed reduced abundance yet were not extirpated, and community composition shifted while species richness was maintained. Our results suggest that under Paris Climate Agreement targets, coral reefs could persist in an altered functional state rather than collapse.

Coral reef-associated bryozoans of Jamaica

Zootaxa ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4988 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-218
Author(s):  
JUDITH E. WINSTON ◽  
JEREMY B.C. JACKSON
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Rare Species ◽  
Ecological Study ◽  
Microscopy Study

As part of a long-term ecological study of the cryptic comunity of Jamaican coral reefs carried out by Jeremy B.C. Jackson and associates during the 1970s and early 1980s, collections were made of reef bryozoans found at 14 sites around the island. Space occupied by bryozoans on undercoral surfaces is dominated by relatively few species. However, during scanning electrone microscopy study and monograph preparation a diverse assortment of relatively rare species was discovered. Of the 132 species found, 56%, 74 species (70 cheilostomes and 4 cyclostomes) are new, as are one family (Inversiscaphidae) and 5 genera (Planospinella, Caribaria, Spirocoleopora, Gemellitheca, and Palliocella).  

Coral reef gastropods - a sustainable resource?

1995 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann L. Poulsen
Keyword(s):  
Coral Reef ◽  
Coral Reefs ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Local Extinction ◽  
Pacific Region ◽  
Vulnerable Species ◽  
Important Species ◽  
Commercially Important ◽  
Ornamental Species

Large, colourful coral reef gastropods including the Giant Triton Charonia tritonis,helmet shells (Cassidae), cowries (Cypraeidae) and volutes (Volutidae) are exploited in an unregulated and unsustainable way throughout much of the Indo-Pacific region. The consequences for their populations, for the populations of their prey or for the ecology of their habitats are rarely considered. Serious decline in stocks of edible coral reef molluscs through unregulated harvesting demonstrates the need for controls on the collection and trade of commercially important species. Continued, unrestricted collecting will eventually lead to the local extinction of vulnerable species on substantial numbers of reefs. Research on the biology and ecology of ornamental species is urgently needed to facilitate the implementation of appropriate management strategies for long-term utilization. A co-operative effort to monitor and regulate trade will also contribute toward the maintenance of sustainable gastropod populations on coral reefs.

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