Thinking and managing outside the box: coalescing connectivity networks to build region-wide resilience in coral reef ecosystems |
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Authors: | R S Steneck C B Paris S N Arnold M C Ablan-Lagman A C Alcala M J Butler L J McCook G R Russ P F Sale |
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Institution: | (1) School of Marine Sciences, University of Maine, Darling Marine Center, 193 Clark’s Cove Rd, Walpole, ME 04573, USA;(2) Applied Marine Physics, Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, 4600, Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149, USA;(3) De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, 1004 Manila, Philippines;(4) Silliman University Angelo King Center for Research and Environmental Management, Silliman University, Dumaguete City, 6200, Philippines;(5) Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA;(6) Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, 4810, Australia;(7) School of Marine Biology and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4811, Australia;(8) International Network on Water, Environment and Health, United Nations University, 175 Longwood Road South Suite 204, Hamilton, ON, L8P OA1, Canada |
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Abstract: | As the science of connectivity evolves, so too must the management of coral reefs. It is now clear that the spatial scale
of disturbances to coral reef ecosystems is larger and the scale of larval connectivity is smaller than previously thought.
This poses a challenge to the current focus of coral reef management, which often centers on the establishment of no-take
reserves (NTRs) that in practice are often too small, scattered, or have low stakeholder compliance. Fished species are generally
larger and more abundant in protected reserves, where their reproductive potential is often greater, yet documented demographic
benefits of these reproductive gains outside reserves are modest at best. Small reproductive populations and limited dispersal
of larvae play a role, as does the diminished receptivity to settling larvae of degraded habitats that can limit recruitment
by more than 50%. For “demographic connectivity” to contribute to the resilience of coral reefs, it must function beyond the
box of no-take reserves. Specifically, it must improve nursery habitats on or near reefs and enhance the reproductive output
of ecologically important species throughout coral reef ecosystems. Special protection of ecologically important species (e.g.,
some herbivores in the Caribbean) and size-regulated fisheries that capitalize on the benefits of NTRs and maintain critical
ecological functions are examples of measures that coalesce marine reserve effects and improve the resilience of coral reef
ecosystems. Important too is the necessity of local involvement in the management process so that social costs and benefits
are properly assessed, compliance increased and success stories accrued. |
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Keywords: | Connectivity Coral reefs Ecosystems Landscapes Management No-take reserves Recruitment Seascape |
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