SCUBA diver behavior, diver carrying capacity and its implications for sustainable reef management
Dr. Pelayo Rico Fernández and Dr. Antonella Rivera Dive into our most recent study on dive site carrying capacity. “The results of this study highlight the critical importance of assessing diver carrying capacity to protect the reef. Various factors, including certification levels and lionfish spearfishing, influence this capacity. Scaling up these analyses across the region and reassessing… Continue Reading →
Genetic Population Structure of Lane Snapper Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus, 1758) in Western Atlantic: Implications for Conservation
The article titled “Genetic Population Structure of Lane Snapper Lutjanus synagris (Linnaeus, 1758) in Western Atlantic: Implications for Conservation” examines the genetic diversity and population structure of the Lane Snapper in the Western Atlantic. The study utilizes mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite markers to analyze genetic samples from various locations. The results reveal significant genetic differentiation… Continue Reading →
Evaluating the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease in the Bay Islands, Honduras
Current ecological theory predicts that random networks with dispersal shortcuts connecting distant sites can promote persistence when there is no capacity for evolution. This paper demonstrates that incorporating evolution and environmental heterogeneity fundamentally alters theoretical predictions regarding persistence in ecological networks.
Integrated watershed management solutions for healthy coastal ecosystems and people
Tropical coastal ecosystems are declining globally due to human activities, primarily poor water quality from land-based sources. This review highlights the impact of sediments, nutrients, chemicals, and pathogens on coastal ecosystems, especially coral reefs, and on human health through disease transmission, reduced food availability, and food poisoning. Integrated watershed management (IWM) is proposed as a… Continue Reading →
Coral conservation in a warming world must harness evolutionary adaptation
To facilitate evolutionary adaptation to climate change, we must protect networks of coral reefs that span a range of environmental conditions — not just apparent ‘refugia’.… Continue Reading →
Biophysical modelling of larval dispersal and population connectivity of a stalked barnacle: implications for fishery governance
The study evaluates biophysical models predicting larval dispersal and population connectivity of the stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes in the Iberian Peninsula. Using the Regional Ocean Modelling system and various larval behavior scenarios, researchers compared model estimates to actual recruitment data over two years. Results showed significant correlations at regional levels, suggesting high connectivity within and… Continue Reading →
Exploring relationships between gender and collective action in artisanal fisher associations of Central Chile
Current ecological theory predicts that random networks with dispersal shortcuts connecting distant sites can promote persistence when there is no capacity for evolution. This paper demonstrates that incorporating evolution and environmental heterogeneity fundamentally alters theoretical predictions regarding persistence in ecological networks.
[Abstract]Participation and patrols promote sustainable fisheries in the Mesoamerican Reef Region.
Here we present a case study of Los Micos Lagoon, a coastal lagoon responsible for seeding fish biomass in sites with some of the highest live coral cover in the Mesoamerican Region, the Tela Bay (Honduras) reefs.… Continue Reading →
[Abstract] Can the Allen Coral Atlas indicate adaptive capacity of coral reefs?
We explore the extent to which habitat complexity, as detected by the Atlas, can inform adaptive capacity. Beta-diversity is a common index used to assess environmental heterogeneity within natural systems, indicating the change in species/habitat composition across a landscape.… Continue Reading →
[Abstract] A global review of coral bleaching field surveys methods
In this study, we helped address this gap by comprehensively reviewing coral bleaching field survey methods as a first step for global ground-truthing of the Allen Coral Atlas (the Atlas) satellite-based bleaching monitoring tool. To do this, we implemented both qualitative and quantitative approaches to assess the most commonly applied survey methods in published literature… Continue Reading →
Assessing the potential for demographic restoration and assisted evolution to build climate resilience in coral reefs
Interest is growing in developing conservation strategies to restore and maintain coral reef ecosystems in the face of mounting anthropogenic stressors, particularly climate warming and associated mass bleaching events…… Continue Reading →
Whitepaper: Forecasting Climate Sanctuaries for Securing the Future of Coral Reefs
We highlight the environmental and biological factors that predict the ongoing climate impactsof coral reefs, and explore the potential for adaptation, acclimation and stress tolerance of coral reefs.… Continue Reading →
Whitepaper: Managing Watersheds for Coral Reefs and Public Health
Key issues and opportunities for managing healthy watersheds that benefit both coral reefs and communities.… Continue Reading →
Whitepaper: The Role of Coral Reef Small-Scale Fisheries for Addressing Malnutrition and Avoiding Biodiversity Loss
We outlined how integrated management of coral reef foods can help address both malnutrition and biodiversity loss.… Continue Reading →
Addressing Overfishing in Tela, Honduras
Your donation allowed us and our partners to ensure that a highly coveted lagoon and popular fish breeding ground was properly patrolled against illegal fishing. This, along with our previous efforts to set boundaries around fishing rights, led to a 483% increase in fish biomass in the lagoon.… Continue Reading →
Tackling Ocean Sewage Pollution
Your donation allowed us to help launch the Ocean Sewage Alliance—a global partnership of organizations and scientists who are committed to reducing the impact of sewage and other wastewater pollution in our oceans.… Continue Reading →
Launching a New Water Quality Testing Program
With your help, we galvanized nearly 30 partners to launch a regional water quality testing program in México, Belize, and Honduras this year—the data will bring us one step closer to being able to tackle sewage pollution along the entire Mesoamerican Reef.… Continue Reading →