Mitigating Impacts of Natural Hazards on Fishery Ecosystems

<em>Abstract</em>.—The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami left a vast amount of destruction in its wake on land and in the sea. About 60% of coral reefs in the affected areas of Thailand were damaged, at least in the shallowest 10–20-m (33–66-ft) depth zones. Many damaged reef, beach, and mangrove areas in Thailand and Sri Lanka were high value tourist attractions or provided other important ecosystem goods and services. We were part of a fortuitous partnership of people with experience in reef restoration, coral reef science, marine debris removal, construction, professional scuba diving, business, marketing, and environmental nongovernmental organizations. We helped organize and fund multiple restoration and cleanup projects that restored damaged and detached sea fans in Similan Islands Marine National Park, restored hard corals, removed more than 453.59 metric tons of marine debris, and provided sustainable management advice to local stakeholders and decision makers. We later became involved in advising emergency management agencies on disaster preparedness and response. We use our reef-dominated experiences as a case study to suggest broader lessons learned for natural scientists to be involved in, and for emergency managers to consider, for mitigating and planning for future natural disaster impacts on fishery ecosystems. We also provide some coral-reef specific lessons regarding reattachment of large sea fans, triaging and organizing large-scale volunteer marine debris recovery, and other coral ecosystem restoration efforts. We argue that “natural” disasters can cause significant damage to reefs and other ecosystems and that much damage results from human sources that are not natural and can be mitigated or prevented (such as siting and land-use decisions that lead to debris affecting reefs). Thus, we disagree with those who say natural events like hurricanes or tsunamis “are not appropriate for reef restoration” (Precht 2006; Symons et al. 2006). Further, governments need to recognize the economic and inherent values of ecosystem goods and services in natural disaster response legislation and policies (e.g., The Stafford Act in the United States) to improve outcomes for society. We also argue that ecosystem advocates need to adopt the language of emergency management.

Mitigating Impacts of Natural Hazards on Fishery Ecosystems

<em>Abstract</em>—The North Fork Toutle River drains the northwest face of Mount St. Helens to the Cowlitz River, a major tributary of the Columbia River in southwestern Washington. In response to the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a sediment retention structure (SRS) in the North Fork Toutle River watershed to reduce the transport of fine sediment to the lower Cowlitz and Columbia River systems. The SRS was built without fish passage facilities and currently presents a significant barrier to migrating adult salmonids. To facilitate passage of coho salmon <em>Oncorhynchus kisutch </em>and steelhead <em>O. mykiss </em>to the upper watershed, a fish collection facility (FCF) was constructed 1.5 km downstream of the SRS, where fish are currently captured and transported to tributaries upstream of the SRS. We used radio telemetry to evaluate the movement of adult coho salmon and steelhead in the North Fork Toutle River in 2005 and 2006. A total of 40 coho and 42 steelhead were released from four different release sites in varied proportions. Release sites included the FCF, the SRS, and Alder Creek and Hoffstadt Creek, both North Fork Toutle River tributaries upstream of the SRS. Results from this research effort suggest that (1) unlike adult coho, adult steelhead are able to ascend the SRS spillway; (2) upstream adult coho and steelhead passage through the sediment plain is possible but may be flow-dependent; (3) adult coho and steelhead released in Alder Creek and Hoffstadt Creek tend to remain within their respective release tributary; and (4) postspawn steelhead emigration is limited. Future research is required to adequately address factors that influence movement of adult coho and steelhead in the upper North Fork Toutle River. The information resulting from this collaborative effort is enabling natural resource managers to determine whether the SRS spillway is a barrier to anadromous fish, to refine existing trap and haul operations, or, if appropriate, to consider modifying the spillway to enable volitional passage by upstream-migrating fish.

Mitigating Impacts of Natural Hazards on Fishery Ecosystems

<em>Abstract</em>.—Hurricanes Katrina and Rita critically impacted the northern Gulf Coast. Shrimping and other commercial fishing industries saw large scale destruction of vessels and shore based facilities in addition to a deposition of large amounts of debris on fishing grounds from Alabama to Louisiana. In 2006, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA’s) Office of Coast Survey and Office of Response and Restoration started the implementation of a large scale hazards survey program to map the coastal waters of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. The first phase of the effort involved surveying more than 600 square nautical miles of coastal bays and nearshore waters with sidescan and single beam acoustic sonar. Survey findings are posted each week on a NOAA public Web site displaying the location of each hazard and debris found. The survey work is also updating the NOAA navigation charts for coastal areas that are used heavily by fishing vessels, the navigation industry, and recreational boaters. Survey planning and implementation is conducted cooperatively with the marine fisheries agencies of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.

Mitigating Impacts of Natural Hazards on Fishery Ecosystems

<em>Abstract</em>.—Extensive fish kills, primarily from dissolved oxygen depletion, were reported in rivers and associated backwaters throughout southern Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina. Of particular concern were fisheries associated with the Pascagoula River, the last physically unmodified large river system in the contiguous United States. Posthurricane stock assessments were conducted in 2006 to ascertain appropriate fisheries restoration actions for this internationally recognized natural resource. Emphasis focused on fishes that traditionally supported recreational, artisanal, and subsistence fisheries, primarily sunfish (Centrarchidae) and catfish (Ictaluridae). These fisheries were considered some of the more productive inland fisheries in the state prior to the storm.

Mitigating Impacts of Natural Hazards on Fishery Ecosystems

<em>Abstract</em>.—Between 2004 and 2005, eight major hurricanes hit the Gulf of Mexico coast. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama while six hurricanes over this period impacted Florida. In the aftermath of these storms, it was discovered that assessments of, and assistance to, the marine and fishing communities were not being met. Steps were taken to bring more aid to these communities in the future. In January 2006, a training workshop was developed and held for Sea Grant personnel in the Gulf of Mexico to develop the specialized marine action assessment response team (SMART) concept. SMART is an ad hoc group of trained Sea Grant professionals dedicated to assisting the marine industries in preparation and recovery efforts related to emergencies and disasters. A primary objective for SMART is to assist the marine community in coping with the impacts of hurricanes and other storm events. A second purpose is to conduct cause-and-effect research on storm-related damage to marine facilities, boats, and waterfront areas. Such research can be used for future education efforts within the industry and for the public.

Mitigating Impacts of Natural Hazards on Fishery Ecosystems

<em>Abstract.</em>—Hurricane Katrina (landfall 29 August 2005) and Hurricane Rita (landfall 24 September 2005) devastated large portions of Louisiana and Mississippi and caused significant impacts to Alabama, Florida, and Texas. Immediately following these storms, the American Fisheries Society (AFS) established the AFS Hurricane Relief Task Force (HRTF). The HRTF was composed of AFS chapter officers from Louisiana and Mississippi as well as state and government agency personnel and university faculty and staff from the impacted region. Because essential members of the HRTF were dealing with personal, professional, and agency needs in the months immediately following these storms, a meeting of the HRTF could not be scheduled until 13 January 2006. This 1-d meeting, held on the campus of Louisiana State University, resulted in the drafting of the AFS Hurricane Relief Initiative Action Plan. During January–February 2006, the HRTF worked primarily through the organizational structure and leadership of the Louisiana and Mississippi chapters and coordinated these activities with the southern division of AFS (SDAFS), and the parent society’s officers, governing board, and executive director. The AFS Hurricane Relief Initiative Action Plan was approved and renamed the AFS Disaster Relief Program by the governing board during its midyear meeting in March 2006. In accordance with the approved program, administration and programmatic responsibility for the initiative were transferred from the HRTF to the SDAFS in June 2006, and funds to support the program were made available to the chapters through the SDAFS.

Mitigating Impacts of Natural Hazards on Fishery Ecosystems

<em>Poster Abstract</em>.—Puget Sound, Washington, with more than 3,790 km of shoreline and a watershed of 42,800 km2, is the second largest estuary in the United States. Although Puget Sound supports a wide variety of marine species and economic industries, its health is deteriorating due to ecological stresses caused by fishing, climate change, habitat loss, water pollution, and excess nutrient input.

Mitigating Impacts of Natural Hazards on Fishery Ecosystems

Abstract.—On 29 August 2005, Hurricane Katrina came ashore devastating coastal communities in the northern Gulf of Mexico. This paper examines the impacts of Hurricane Katrina on two fishing communities in Louisiana: Grand Isle and the Empire- Venice area. Both of these areas were heavily involved in the commercial fishing industry before the hurricane hit. Empire-Venice is one of the top commercial fishing ports by volume of landings in the country. As the storm crossed the wetlands south of New Orleans, boats were sunk, houses and businesses were destroyed, and lives were changed, in some cases, perhaps, forever.