Variation in size frequency distribution of coral populations under different fishing pressures in two contrasting locations in the Indian Ocean

Grimsditch, G., Pisapia, C., Huck, M., Karisa, J., Obura, D., and Sweet, M. (2017) Variation in size frequency distribution of coral populations under different fishing pressures in two contrasting locations in the Indian Ocean. Marine Environmental Research, 131. pp. 146-155.

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Abstract

This study aimed to assess how the size-frequency distributions of coral genera varied between reefs under different fishing pressures in two contrasting Indian Ocean locations (the Maldives and East Africa). Using generalized linear mixed models, we were able to demonstrate that complex interactions occurred between coral genera, coral size class and fishing pressure. In both locations, we found Acropora coral species to be more abundant in non-fished compared to fished sites (a pattern which was consistent for nearly all the assessed size classes). Coral genera classified as 'stress tolerant' showed a contrasting pattern i.e. were higher in abundance in fished compared to non-fished sites. Site specific variations were also observed. For example, Maldivian reefs exhibited a significantly higher abundance in all size classes of 'competitive' corals compared to East Africa. This possibly indicates that East African reefs have already been subjected to higher levels of stress and are therefore less suitable environments for 'competitive' corals. This study also highlights the potential structure and composition of reefs under future degradation scenarios, for example with a loss of Acropora corals and an increase in dominance of 'stress tolerant' and 'generalist' coral genera.

Item ID: 51942
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1879-0291
Keywords: coral reefs, fisheries, ecosystem management, coastal waters, effects-population
Funders: USAID, McArthur Foundation, Project Regenerate, CORDIO East Africa, International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Kenya Wildlife Service, Maldives Marine Research Centre, Maldives Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture, Zanzibar Marine Conservation Unit
Date Deposited: 10 Jan 2018 07:40
FoR Codes: 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring @ 100%
SEO Codes: 96 ENVIRONMENT > 9606 Environmental and Natural Resource Evaluation > 960604 Environmental Management Systems @ 100%
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