1
|
Williams A. Multiomics data integration, limitations, and prospects to reveal the metabolic activity of the coral holobiont. FEMS Microbiol Ecol 2024; 100:fiae058. [PMID: 38653719 PMCID: PMC11067971 DOI: 10.1093/femsec/fiae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Since their radiation in the Middle Triassic period ∼240 million years ago, stony corals have survived past climate fluctuations and five mass extinctions. Their long-term survival underscores the inherent resilience of corals, particularly when considering the nutrient-poor marine environments in which they have thrived. However, coral bleaching has emerged as a global threat to coral survival, requiring rapid advancements in coral research to understand holobiont stress responses and allow for interventions before extensive bleaching occurs. This review encompasses the potential, as well as the limits, of multiomics data applications when applied to the coral holobiont. Synopses for how different omics tools have been applied to date and their current restrictions are discussed, in addition to ways these restrictions may be overcome, such as recruiting new technology to studies, utilizing novel bioinformatics approaches, and generally integrating omics data. Lastly, this review presents considerations for the design of holobiont multiomics studies to support lab-to-field advancements of coral stress marker monitoring systems. Although much of the bleaching mechanism has eluded investigation to date, multiomic studies have already produced key findings regarding the holobiont's stress response, and have the potential to advance the field further.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Williams
- Microbial Biology Graduate Program, Rutgers University, 76 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Rutgers University, 76 Lipman Drive, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ronglan E, Rubio AP, da Silva AO, Fan D, Gair JL, Stathatou PM, Bastidas C, Strand E, Ferrandis JDA, Gershenfeld N, Triantafyllou MS. Architected materials for artificial reefs to increase storm energy dissipation. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae101. [PMID: 38533109 PMCID: PMC10964131 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Increasing extreme weather events require a corresponding increase in coastal protection. We show that architected materials, which have macroscopic properties that differ from those of their constituent components, can increase wave energy dissipation by more than an order of magnitude over both natural and existing artificial reefs, while providing a biocompatible environment. We present a search that optimized their design through proper hydrodynamic modeling and experimental testing, validated their performance, and characterized sustainable materials for their construction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Edvard Ronglan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alfonso Parra Rubio
- Center for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Dixia Fan
- School of Engineering, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | | | - Patritsia Maria Stathatou
- Center for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Renewable Bioproducts Institute, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Carolina Bastidas
- Sea Grant College Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Erik Strand
- Center for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jose del Aguila Ferrandis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Neil Gershenfeld
- Center for Bits and Atoms, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Michael S Triantafyllou
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Sea Grant College Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Giglio VJ, Aued AW, Cordeiro CAMM, Eggertsen L, S Ferrari D, Gonçalves LR, Hanazaki N, Luiz OJ, Luza AL, Mendes TC, Pinheiro HT, Segal B, Waechter LS, Bender MG. A Global Systematic Literature Review of Ecosystem Services in Reef Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2024; 73:634-645. [PMID: 38006452 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-023-01912-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Ecosystem services (ES) embrace contributions of nature to human livelihood and well-being. Reef environments provide a range of ES with direct and indirect contributions to people. However, the health of reef environments is declining globally due to local and large-scale threats, affecting ES delivery in different ways. Mapping scientific knowledge and identifying research gaps on reefs' ES is critical to guide their management and conservation. We conducted a systematic assessment of peer-reviewed articles published between 2007 and 2022 to build an overview of ES research on reef environments. We analyzed the geographical distribution, reef types, approaches used to assess ES, and the potential drivers of change in ES delivery reported across these studies. Based on 115 articles, our results revealed that coral and oyster reefs are the most studied reef ecosystems. Cultural ES (e.g., subcategories recreation and tourism) was the most studied ES in high-income countries, while regulating and maintenance ES (e.g., subcategory life cycle maintenance) prevailed in low and middle-income countries. Research efforts on reef ES are biased toward the Global North, mainly North America and Oceania. Studies predominantly used observational approaches to assess ES, with a marked increase in the number of studies using statistical modeling during 2021 and 2022. The scale of studies was mostly local and regional, and the studies addressed mainly one or two subcategories of reefs' ES. Overexploitation, reef degradation, and pollution were the most commonly cited drivers affecting the delivery of provisioning, regulating and maintenance, and cultural ES. With increasing threats to reef environments, the growing demand for assessing the contributions to humans provided by reefs will benefit the projections on how these ES will be impacted by anthropogenic pressures. The incorporation of multiple and synergistic ecosystem mechanisms is paramount to providing a comprehensive ES assessment, and improving the understanding of functions, services, and benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinicius J Giglio
- Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, Campus Oriximiná, PA, Brazil.
| | - Anaide W Aued
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Cesar A M M Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ, Brazil
| | - Linda Eggertsen
- Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Débora S Ferrari
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Ecologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Natalia Hanazaki
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Osmar J Luiz
- Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - André L Luza
- Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Thiago C Mendes
- Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil
| | - Hudson T Pinheiro
- Centro de Biologia Marinha, Universidade de São Paulo, São Sebastião, SP, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Segal
- Departamento de Ecologia e Zoologia, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Luiza S Waechter
- Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana G Bender
- Departamento de Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ellis PW, Page AM, Wood S, Fargione J, Masuda YJ, Carrasco Denney V, Moore C, Kroeger T, Griscom B, Sanderman J, Atleo T, Cortez R, Leavitt S, Cook-Patton SC. The principles of natural climate solutions. Nat Commun 2024; 15:547. [PMID: 38263156 PMCID: PMC10805724 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44425-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural climate solutions can mitigate climate change in the near-term, during a climate-critical window. Yet, persistent misunderstandings about what constitutes a natural climate solution generate unnecessary confusion and controversy, thereby delaying critical mitigation action. Based on a review of scientific literature and best practices, we distill five foundational principles of natural climate solutions (nature-based, sustainable, climate-additional, measurable, and equitable) and fifteen operational principles for practical implementation. By adhering to these principles, practitioners can activate effective and durable natural climate solutions, enabling the rapid and wide-scale adoption necessary to meaningfully contribute to climate change mitigation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wernberg T, Thomsen MS, Baum JK, Bishop MJ, Bruno JF, Coleman MA, Filbee-Dexter K, Gagnon K, He Q, Murdiyarso D, Rogers K, Silliman BR, Smale DA, Starko S, Vanderklift MA. Impacts of Climate Change on Marine Foundation Species. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2024; 16:247-282. [PMID: 37683273 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-042023-093037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Marine foundation species are the biotic basis for many of the world's coastal ecosystems, providing structural habitat, food, and protection for myriad plants and animals as well as many ecosystem services. However, climate change poses a significant threat to foundation species and the ecosystems they support. We review the impacts of climate change on common marine foundation species, including corals, kelps, seagrasses, salt marsh plants, mangroves, and bivalves. It is evident that marine foundation species have already been severely impacted by several climate change drivers, often through interactive effects with other human stressors, such as pollution, overfishing, and coastal development. Despite considerable variation in geographical, environmental, and ecological contexts, direct and indirect effects of gradual warming and subsequent heatwaves have emerged as the most pervasive drivers of observed impact and potent threat across all marine foundation species, but effects from sea level rise, ocean acidification, and increased storminess are expected to increase. Documented impacts include changes in the genetic structures, physiology, abundance, and distribution of the foundation species themselves and changes to their interactions with other species, with flow-on effects to associated communities, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning. We discuss strategies to support marine foundation species into the Anthropocene, in order to increase their resilience and ensure the persistence of the ecosystem services they provide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Wernberg
- Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia;
- Flødevigen Research Station, Institute of Marine Research, His, Norway
| | - Mads S Thomsen
- Marine Ecology Research Group, School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Ecoscience, Aarhus University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Julia K Baum
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melanie J Bishop
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John F Bruno
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Melinda A Coleman
- National Marine Science Centre, New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Karen Filbee-Dexter
- Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia;
- Flødevigen Research Station, Institute of Marine Research, His, Norway
| | - Karine Gagnon
- Flødevigen Research Station, Institute of Marine Research, His, Norway
| | - Qiang He
- Coastal Ecology Lab, MOE Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Daniel Murdiyarso
- Center for International Forestry Research-World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Bogor, Indonesia
- Department of Geophysics and Meteorology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Kerrylee Rogers
- School of Earth, Atmospheric, and Life Sciences, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Brian R Silliman
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Dan A Smale
- Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Starko
- Oceans Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia;
| | - Mathew A Vanderklift
- Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Johnson JV, Chequer AD, Goodbody-Gringley G. Insights from the 2-year-long human confinement experiment in Grand Cayman reveal the resilience of coral reef fish communities. Sci Rep 2023; 13:21806. [PMID: 38071390 PMCID: PMC10710434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49221-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In March 2020, the world went into lockdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), with immediate impacts on wildlife across ecosystems. The strict 2-year long lockdown in Grand Cayman provided an unprecedented opportunity to assess how the 'human confinement experiment' influenced the community composition of reef fish. Using a suite of multivariate statistics, our findings revealed a stark increase in reef fish biomass during the 2 years of lockdown, especially among herbivores, including parrotfish, with drastic increases in juvenile parrotfishes identified. Additionally, when comparing baseline data of the community from 2018 to the 2 years during lockdown, over a three-fold significant increase in mean reef fish biomass was observed, with a clear shift in community composition. Our findings provide unique insights into the resilience of reef fish communities when local anthropogenic stressors are removed for an unprecedented length of time. Given the functional role of herbivores including parrotfish, our results suggest that reductions in human water-based activities have positive implications for coral reef ecosystems and should be considered in future management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jack V Johnson
- Reef Ecology and Evolution Lab, Central Caribbean Marine Institute, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands.
| | - Alex D Chequer
- Reef Ecology and Evolution Lab, Central Caribbean Marine Institute, Little Cayman, Cayman Islands
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Toimil A, Losada IJ, Álvarez-Cuesta M, Le Cozannet G. Demonstrating the value of beaches for adaptation to future coastal flood risk. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3474. [PMID: 37308502 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39168-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Cost-effective coastal flood adaptation requires a realistic valuation of losses, costs and benefits considering the uncertainty of future flood projections and limited resources for adaptation. Here we present an approach to quantify the flood protection benefits of beaches accounting for the dynamic interaction of storm erosion, long-term shoreline evolution and flooding. We apply the method in Narrabeen-Collaroy (Australia) considering uncertainty in different shared socioeconomic pathways, sea-level rise projections, and beach conditions. By 2100, results show that failing to consider erosion can underestimate flood damage by a factor of 2 and maintaining present-day beach width can avoid 785 million AUD worth assets from flood damage. By 2050, the flood protection and recreational benefits of holding the current mean shoreline could be more than 150 times the cost of nourishment. Our results give insight on the benefits of beaches for adaptation and can help accelerate financial instruments for restoration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Toimil
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, Isabel Torres 15, 39011, Santander, Spain.
- Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières "BRGM", French Geological Survey, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, CEDEX, 45060, Orléans, France.
| | - Iñigo J Losada
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, Isabel Torres 15, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Moisés Álvarez-Cuesta
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, Isabel Torres 15, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Gonéri Le Cozannet
- Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières "BRGM", French Geological Survey, 3 Avenue Claude Guillemin, CEDEX, 45060, Orléans, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Almar R, Boucharel J, Graffin M, Abessolo GO, Thoumyre G, Papa F, Ranasinghe R, Montano J, Bergsma EWJ, Baba MW, Jin FF. Influence of El Niño on the variability of global shoreline position. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3133. [PMID: 37308517 PMCID: PMC10261116 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38742-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Coastal zones are fragile and complex dynamical systems that are increasingly under threat from the combined effects of anthropogenic pressure and climate change. Using global satellite derived shoreline positions from 1993 to 2019 and a variety of reanalysis products, here we show that shorelines are under the influence of three main drivers: sea-level, ocean waves and river discharge. While sea level directly affects coastal mobility, waves affect both erosion/accretion and total water levels, and rivers affect coastal sediment budgets and salinity-induced water levels. By deriving a conceptual global model that accounts for the influence of dominant modes of climate variability on these drivers, we show that interannual shoreline changes are largely driven by different ENSO regimes and their complex inter-basin teleconnections. Our results provide a new framework for understanding and predicting climate-induced coastal hazards.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Almar
- LEGOS (Université de Toulouse/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France.
| | - Julien Boucharel
- LEGOS (Université de Toulouse/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France.
- Department of atmospheric sciences (University of Hawaii at Manoa), Honolulu, USA.
| | - Marcan Graffin
- LEGOS (Université de Toulouse/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France
| | - Gregoire Ondoa Abessolo
- Ecosystems and Fishery Resources Laboratory, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | - Fabrice Papa
- LEGOS (Université de Toulouse/CNRS/IRD/UPS), Toulouse, France
- Universidade de Brasília (UnB), IRD, Instituto de Geociencias, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Roshanka Ranasinghe
- Department of Coastal and Urban Risk & Resilience, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, P.O. Box 3015, 2610 DA, Delft, The Netherlands
- Harbour. Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Deltares, PO Box 177, 2600 MH, Delft, The Netherlands
- Water Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mohamed Wassim Baba
- Center for Remote Sensing Application (CRSA), Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Ben Guerir, 43150, Morocco
| | - Fei-Fei Jin
- Department of atmospheric sciences (University of Hawaii at Manoa), Honolulu, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Schoepf V, Baumann JH, Barshis DJ, Browne NK, Camp EF, Comeau S, Cornwall CE, Guzmán HM, Riegl B, Rodolfo-Metalpa R, Sommer B. Corals at the edge of environmental limits: A new conceptual framework to re-define marginal and extreme coral communities. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 884:163688. [PMID: 37105476 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide decline of coral reefs has renewed interest in coral communities at the edge of environmental limits because they have the potential to serve as resilience hotspots and climate change refugia, and can provide insights into how coral reefs might function in future ocean conditions. These coral communities are often referred to as marginal or extreme but few definitions exist and usage of these terms has therefore been inconsistent. This creates significant challenges for categorising these often poorly studied communities and synthesising data across locations. Furthermore, this impedes our understanding of how coral communities can persist at the edge of their environmental limits and the lessons they provide for future coral reef survival. Here, we propose that marginal and extreme coral communities are related but distinct and provide a novel conceptual framework to redefine them. Specifically, we define coral reef extremeness solely based on environmental conditions (i.e., large deviations from optimal conditions in terms of mean and/or variance) and marginality solely based on ecological criteria (i.e., altered community composition and/or ecosystem functioning). This joint but independent assessment of environmental and ecological criteria is critical to avoid common pitfalls where coral communities existing outside the presumed optimal conditions for coral reef development are automatically considered inferior to coral reefs in more traditional settings. We further evaluate the differential potential of marginal and extreme coral communities to serve as natural laboratories, resilience hotspots and climate change refugia, and discuss strategies for their conservation and management as well as priorities for future research. Our new classification framework provides an important tool to improve our understanding of how corals can persist at the edge of their environmental limits and how we can leverage this knowledge to optimise strategies for coral reef conservation, restoration and management in a rapidly changing ocean.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Verena Schoepf
- Department of Freshwater and Marine Ecology, Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Justin H Baumann
- Department of Biology, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA, USA
| | - Daniel J Barshis
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Nicola K Browne
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Emma F Camp
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Steeve Comeau
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS-INSU, Laboratoire d'Océanographie de Villefranche, Villefranche-sur-mer, France
| | - Christopher E Cornwall
- School of Biological Sciences and Coastal People: Southern Skies, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Héctor M Guzmán
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Panama, Republic of Panama
| | - Bernhard Riegl
- Department of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Dania Beach, FL, USA
| | - Riccardo Rodolfo-Metalpa
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia; Labex ICONA, International CO(2) Natural Analogues Network, Japan
| | - Brigitte Sommer
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; School of Life and Environmental Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Toth LT, Storlazzi CD, Kuffner IB, Quataert E, Reyns J, McCall R, Stathakopoulos A, Hillis-Starr Z, Holloway NH, Ewen KA, Pollock CG, Code T, Aronson RB. The potential for coral reef restoration to mitigate coastal flooding as sea levels rise. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2313. [PMID: 37085476 PMCID: PMC10121583 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37858-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of reefs to protect coastlines from storm-driven flooding hinges on their capacity to keep pace with sea-level rise. Here, we show how and whether coral restoration could achieve the often-cited goal of reversing the impacts of coral-reef degradation to preserve this essential function. We combined coral-growth measurements and carbonate-budget assessments of reef-accretion potential at Buck Island Reef, U.S. Virgin Islands, with hydrodynamic modeling to quantify future coastal flooding under various coral-restoration, sea-level rise, and storm scenarios. Our results provide guidance on how restoration of Acropora palmata, if successful, could mitigate the most extreme impacts of coastal flooding by reversing projected trajectories of reef erosion and allowing reefs to keep pace with the ~0.5 m of sea-level rise expected by 2100 with moderate carbon-emissions reductions. This highlights the potential long-term benefits of pursuing coral-reef restoration alongside climate-change mitigation to support the persistence of essential coral-reef ecosystem services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T Toth
- U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, FL, USA.
| | - Curt D Storlazzi
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Santa Cruz, CA, USA
| | - Ilsa B Kuffner
- U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, St. Petersburg, FL, USA
| | | | - Johan Reyns
- Deltares, Delft, Netherlands
- IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Delft, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Tessa Code
- National Park Service, Christiansted, VI, USA
| | - Richard B Aronson
- Florida Institute of Technology, Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences, Melbourne, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Caballero I, Stumpf RP. Confronting turbidity, the major challenge for satellite-derived coastal bathymetry. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 870:161898. [PMID: 36731561 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.161898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Monitoring the complex seafloor morphology that drives the functioning of shallow coastal ecosystems is vital for assessing marine activities. Satellite-derived bathymetry (SDB) can provide a crucial dataset for creating the bathymetry maps needed to understand hazards and impacts produced by climate change in vulnerable coastal zones. SDB is effective in clear water, but still has limitations in application to areas with some turbidity. Here, using the twin satellites Sentinel-2A/B, we integrate water quality information from the satellite with a multi-temporal compositing method to demonstrate a potential for comprehensively operational bathymetric mapping over a range of environments. The automated compositing method diminishes the turbidity impact in addition to inferring the maximum detectable depth and removing optically deep-water areas. Examining a wide range of conditions along the Caribbean and eastern coast of the U.S. shows detailed bathymetry as deep as 30 m at 10 m spatial resolution with median errors <1 m when compared to high-resolution lidar surveys. These results demonstrate that the model adopted can provide useful bathymetry in areas that do not have consistently clear water and can be extended across multiple geographic regions and optical conditions at local, regional, and national scales.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Caballero
- Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía (ICMAN), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Avenida República Saharaui, 11519 Puerto Real, Spain.
| | - Richard P Stumpf
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science, Silver Spring, MD 20910, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rodriguez-Ruano V, Toth LT, Enochs IC, Randall CJ, Aronson RB. Upwelling, climate change, and the shifting geography of coral reef development. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1770. [PMID: 36750639 PMCID: PMC9905564 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28489-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The eastern tropical Pacific is oceanographically unfavorable for coral-reef development. Nevertheless, reefs have persisted there for the last 7000 years. Rates of vertical accretion during the Holocene have been similar in the strong-upwelling Gulf of Panamá (GoP) and the adjacent, weak-upwelling Gulf of Chiriquí (GoC); however, seasonal upwelling in the GoP exacerbated a climate-driven hiatus in reef development in the late Holocene. The situation is now reversed and seasonal upwelling in the GoP currently buffers thermal stress, creating a refuge for coral growth. We developed carbonate budget models to project the capacity of reefs in both gulfs to keep up with future sea-level rise. On average, the GoP had significantly higher net carbonate production rates than the GoC. With an estimated contemporary reef-accretion potential (RAP) of 5.5 mm year-1, reefs in the GoP are projected to be able to keep up with sea-level rise if CO2 emissions are reduced, but not under current emissions trajectories. With an estimated RAP of just 0.3 mm year-1, reefs in the GoC are likely already unable to keep up with contemporary sea-level rise in Panamá (1.4 mm year-1). Whereas the GoP has the potential to support functional reefs in the near-term, our study indicates that their long-term persistence will depend on reduction of greenhouse gases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Rodriguez-Ruano
- Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA.
| | - Lauren T Toth
- U.S. Geological Survey, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, 600 4th St. South, St. Petersburg, FL, 33701, USA
| | - Ian C Enochs
- 3NOAA, Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory, Ocean Chemistry and Ecosystem Division, 4301 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, FL, 33149, USA
| | - Carly J Randall
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB No. 3, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
| | - Richard B Aronson
- Department of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, 150 West University Boulevard, Melbourne, FL, 32901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Carlot J, Vousdoukas M, Rovere A, Karambas T, Lenihan HS, Kayal M, Adjeroud M, Pérez-Rosales G, Hedouin L, Parravicini V. Coral reef structural complexity loss exposes coastlines to waves. Sci Rep 2023; 13:1683. [PMID: 36717604 PMCID: PMC9887012 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-28945-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs offer natural coastal protection by attenuating incoming waves. Here we combine unique coral disturbance-recovery observations with hydrodynamic models to quantify how structural complexity dissipates incoming wave energy. We find that if the structural complexity of healthy coral reefs conditions is halved, extreme wave run-up heights that occur once in a 100-years will become 50 times more frequent, threatening reef-backed coastal communities with increased waves, erosion, and flooding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jérémy Carlot
- PSL Université Paris, UAR 3278 CRIOBE-EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, 52 Av. Paul Alduy, 66000, Perpignan, France. .,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France. .,CESAB-FRB, Montpellier, France.
| | - Michalis Vousdoukas
- Department of Marine Sciences, University of the Aegean, University Hill, 81100, Mytilene, Greece
| | - Alessio Rovere
- Centre for Marine Environmental Sciences (MARUM), Bremen, Germany.,Dipartimento di Scienze AmbientaliInformatica e Statistica (DAIS), Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Theofanis Karambas
- Department of Civil Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Hunter S Lenihan
- Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA
| | - Mohsen Kayal
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France.,9ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, IFREMER, Université de la Nouvelle-Calédonie, Nouméa, New Caledonia
| | - Mehdi Adjeroud
- ENTROPIE, IRD, Université de la Réunion, CNRS, Perpignan, France
| | - Gonzalo Pérez-Rosales
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France.,PSL Université - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, French Polynesia
| | - Laetitia Hedouin
- Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France.,PSL Université - EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, UAR 3278 CRIOBE, Papetoai, French Polynesia
| | - Valeriano Parravicini
- PSL Université Paris, UAR 3278 CRIOBE-EPHE-UPVD-CNRS, 52 Av. Paul Alduy, 66000, Perpignan, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence "CORAIL", Paris, France.,CESAB-FRB, Montpellier, France
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Harrell C, Lirman D. Dictyota defense: Developing effective chemical protection against intense fish predation for outplanted massive corals. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14995. [PMID: 36915655 PMCID: PMC10007969 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The incorporation of coral species with massive (e.g., boulder, brain) morphologies into reef restoration is critical to sustain biodiversity and increase coral cover on degraded reef ecosystems. However, fragments and colonies of massive corals outplanted in Miami-Dade County, Florida, US, can experience intense predation by fish within the first week of outplanting, resulting in >70% mortality. Here, we tested for the first time the potential benefit of feeding corals powdered Dictyota, a brown reef alga that is chemically defended against grazing, to determine if exposure to Dictyota can confer chemical protection to coral fragments and reduce the impacts of fish predation after outplanting. We found that feeding corals every 2 to 3 days for 2 months with dried and powdered Dictyota prior to outplanting significantly reduced predation levels on Orbicella faveolata and Montastraea cavernosa fragments (with less than 20% of the fragments experiencing predation up to 1-month post-outplanting). We also found that a single exposure to Dictyota at a high concentration 1 to 2 days prior to outplanting significantly reduced predation for six coral species within the first 24 h following outplanting. Thus, feeding corals dry Dictyota ex situ prior to outplanting appears to confer protection from fish predation during the critical first days to weeks after outplanting when predation impacts are commonly high. This simple and cheap method can be easily scaled up for corals kept ex situ prior to outplanting, resulting in an increase in restoration efficiency for massive corals in areas with high fish predation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cailin Harrell
- Department of Marine Biology & Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Diego Lirman
- Department of Marine Biology & Ecology, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Szafarczyk A, Toś C. The Use of Green Laser in LiDAR Bathymetry: State of the Art and Recent Advancements. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 23:s23010292. [PMID: 36616890 PMCID: PMC9824562 DOI: 10.3390/s23010292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Bathymetric LiDAR technology is a technology used for simultaneous data acquisition regarding the morphology of the bottom of water reservoirs and the surrounding coastal zone, realized from the air, e.g., by plane or drone. Contrary to the air topographic LiDAR, which uses an infrared wavelength of 1064 nm, bathymetric LiDAR systems additionally use a green wavelength of 532 nm. The green laser can penetrate the water, which makes it possible to measure the depth of shallow water reservoirs, rivers, and coastal sea waters within three Secchi depths. This article presents the theoretical basis for the construction of a green laser. Against the background of other methods of measuring the bottom of water reservoirs, the technology using waves from the visible light range is presented in detail in the assessment of the bottom morphology of shallow water reservoirs. The possibilities of using green laser in lidar bathymetry implemented in particular in non-navigable regions are shown. The results of the researchers' work on river processes (erosion, sedimentation), design of stream restoration, determination of morphometric parameters of the riverbed, as well as assessment of the topography of the marine coastal bottom zones are summarized. The development direction of lidar bathymetry is discussed.
Collapse
|
16
|
Sing Wong A, Vrontos S, Taylor ML. An assessment of people living by coral reefs over space and time. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:7139-7153. [PMID: 36168958 PMCID: PMC9827914 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Human populations near ecosystems are used as both a proxy for dependency on ecosystems, and conversely to estimate threats. Consequently, the number of people living near coral reefs is often used in regional coral reef management, evaluation of risk at regional and global scales, and even considerations of funding needs. Human populations and their statistics, are ever-changing and data relating to coral reefs have not been updated regularly. Here, we present an up-to-date analysis of the abundance, and density of people living within 5-100 km of coral reef ecosystems along with population proportion, using freely available data sets and replicable methods. We present trends of changes in human populations living near coral reefs over a 20-year time period (2000-2020), divided by region and country, along with socio-economic denominations such as country income category and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). We find that across 117 coral reef countries there are currently close to a billion people living within 100 km of a coral reef (~13% of the global population) compared with 762 million people in 2000. Population growth by coral reefs is higher than global averages. The Indian Ocean saw a 33% increase in populations within 100 km of a coral reef and 71% at 5 km. There are 60 countries with 100% of their population within 100 km of coral reefs. In SIDS, the proportion of the total population within 100 km of a coral reef is extremely high: 94% in 2020. Population density 5-10 km from coral reefs is 4× the global average. From 5 to 100 km, more people from lower-middle-income countries live by coral reefs than any other income category. Our findings provide the most up-to-date and extensive statistics on the regional and nation-level differences in population trends that play a large role in coral reef health and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy Sing Wong
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
| | - Spyridon Vrontos
- Department of Mathematical SciencesUniversity of EssexColchesterUK
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Toth LT, Courtney TA, Colella MA, Kupfner Johnson SA, Ruzicka RR. The past, present, and future of coral reef growth in the Florida Keys. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2022; 28:5294-5309. [PMID: 35789026 PMCID: PMC9542952 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.16295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Coral-reef degradation is driving global-scale reductions in reef-building capacity and the ecological, geological, and socioeconomic functions it supports. The persistence of those essential functions will depend on whether coral-reef management is able to rebalance the competing processes of reef accretion and erosion. Here, we reconstructed census-based carbonate budgets of 46 reefs throughout the Florida Keys from 1996 to 2019. We evaluated the environmental and ecological drivers of changing budget states and compared historical trends in reef-accretion potential to millennial-scale baselines of accretion from reef cores and future projections with coral restoration. We found that historically, most reefs had positive carbonate budgets, and many had reef-accretion potential comparable to the ~3 mm year-1 average accretion rate during the peak of regional reef building ~7000 years ago; however, declines in reef-building Acropora palmata and Orbicella spp. corals following a series of thermal stress events and coral disease outbreaks resulted in a shift from positive to negative budgets for most reefs in the region. By 2019, only ~15% of reefs had positive net carbonate production. Most of those reefs were in inshore, Lower Keys patch-reef habitats with low water clarity, supporting the hypothesis that environments with naturally low irradiance may provide a refugia from thermal stress. We caution that our estimated carbonate budgets are likely overly optimistic; comparison of reef-accretion potential to measured accretion from reef cores suggests that, by not accounting for the role of nonbiological physical and chemical erosion, census-based carbonate budgets may underestimate total erosion by ~1 mm year-1 (-1.15 kg CaCO3 m-2 year-1 ). Although the present state of Florida's reefs is dire, we demonstrate that the restoration of reef-building corals has the potential to help mitigate declines in reef accretion in some locations, which could allow some key ecosystem functions to be maintained until the threat of global climate change is addressed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren T. Toth
- U.S. Geological SurveySt. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science CenterSt. PetersburgFloridaUSA
| | - Travis A. Courtney
- Scripps Institution of OceanographyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- Department of Marine SciencesUniversity of Puerto Rico MayagüezMayagüezPuerto Rico
| | - Michael A. Colella
- Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation CommissionSt. PetersburgFloridaUSA
| | | | - Robert R. Ruzicka
- Fish & Wildlife Research Institute, Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation CommissionSt. PetersburgFloridaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Minton D, Burdick D, Brown V. Changes in coral reef community structure along a sediment gradient in Fouha Bay, Guam. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 181:113816. [PMID: 35717876 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
High sedimentation rates have well-documented, deleterious impacts on coral reefs. However, few previous studies have attempted to quantitatively describe a coral reef community across a large continuous sediment gradient. In this study distinct benthic assemblages in Fouha Bay, Guam, were identified using a Moving Window Analysis conducted along a two-order of magnitude sediment gradient, with transition boundaries that were generally consistent with sediment thresholds identified in the literature. Coral richness dropped exponentially with increasing sedimentation rate. Richness was nearly three times greater in assemblages with sedimentation rates <10 mg cm-2 d-1 compared to assemblages experiencing rates between 10 and 50 mg cm-2 d-1, and nearly 30 times greater than assemblages experiencing rates between 50 and 100 mg cm-2 d-1. No corals were found in assemblages with sedimentation rates >110 mg cm-2 d-1. Reducing sedimentation in this area could result in a shift of more diverse and abundant coral assemblages toward the head of the bay.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dwayne Minton
- Dwayne Minton Consulting, B-2521 Perrier Ln., Nelson, B.C. V1L 7C3, Canada.
| | - David Burdick
- University of Guam Marine Laboratory, 303 University Dr., UOG Station, Mangilao 96913, Guam
| | - Valerie Brown
- NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office, Guam Field Office, 770 East Sunset Blvd., Suite 170, Tiyan 96913, Guam
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Magnan AK, Oppenheimer M, Garschagen M, Buchanan MK, Duvat VKE, Forbes DL, Ford JD, Lambert E, Petzold J, Renaud FG, Sebesvari Z, van de Wal RSW, Hinkel J, Pörtner HO. Sea level rise risks and societal adaptation benefits in low-lying coastal areas. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10677. [PMID: 35739282 PMCID: PMC9226159 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-14303-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sea level rise (SLR) will increase adaptation needs along low-lying coasts worldwide. Despite centuries of experience with coastal risk, knowledge about the effectiveness and feasibility of societal adaptation on the scale required in a warmer world remains limited. This paper contrasts end-century SLR risks under two warming and two adaptation scenarios, for four coastal settlement archetypes (Urban Atoll Islands, Arctic Communities, Large Tropical Agricultural Deltas, Resource-Rich Cities). We show that adaptation will be substantially beneficial to the continued habitability of most low-lying settlements over this century, at least until the RCP8.5 median SLR level is reached. However, diverse locations worldwide will experience adaptation limits over the course of this century, indicating situations where even ambitious adaptation cannot sufficiently offset a failure to effectively mitigate greenhouse-gas emissions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre K Magnan
- Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations (IDDRI-Sciences Po), Paris, France. .,LIENSs Laboratory UMR7266, CNRS & University of La Rochelle, La Rochelle, France.
| | - Michael Oppenheimer
- Department of Geosciences and the School of Public and International Affairs, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Matthias Garschagen
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | | | - Virginie K E Duvat
- LIENSs Laboratory UMR7266, CNRS & University of La Rochelle, La Rochelle, France
| | - Donald L Forbes
- Natural Resources Canada, Bedford Institute of Oceanography, Dartmouth, Canada
| | - James D Ford
- Priestley International Centre for Climate, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Erwin Lambert
- Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Royal Netherland Meteorological Institute (KNMI), De Bilt, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Petzold
- Department of Geography, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany.,Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN), University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Fabrice G Renaud
- School of Interdisciplinary Studies, University of Glasgow, Dumfries, UK
| | - Zita Sebesvari
- Institute for Environment and Human Security, United Nations University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Roderik S W van de Wal
- Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Physical Geography, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jochen Hinkel
- Global Climate Forum, Berlin, Germany.,Albrecht Daniel Thaer-Institute and Berlin Workshop in Institutional Analysis of Social-Ecological Systems (WINS), Humboldt-University, Berlin, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mueller JS, Bill N, Reinach MS, Lasut MT, Freund H, Schupp PJ. A comprehensive approach to assess marine macro litter pollution and its impacts on corals in the Bangka Strait, North Sulawesi, Indonesia. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 175:113369. [PMID: 35144214 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This is a comprehensive study showing the marine anthropogenic litter pollution within North Sulawesi, Indonesia. From an area of 2972 m2 that encompassed five sparsely populated locations, a total of 9421 litter items weighing 137 kg were collected. One location (Talisei North) contributed 50% of all collected litter items. Plastic litter always dominated with 96-99%. Litter was unevenly distributed across investigated areas reaching from the upper beach (3.6-30.1 items/m2) to the reef slope (0-0.03 items/m2). Litter composition and daily accumulation showed spatial-temporal dynamics, with upper beach areas displaying the overall highest accumulation rates. Reef micro-habitats were differently affected, with the reef moat and reef flat showing the highest litter concentrations, although litter amounts were much lower compared to the corresponding beaches. Branching corals, especially Porites cylindrica, were most affected by litter entanglement. Field experiments with P. cylindrica showed that attached plastic induced bleaching, necrosis, and algal overgrowth within five months.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin S Mueller
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Nicolas Bill
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Marco S Reinach
- Coral Eye Resort and Research Outpost, 95375 Bangka Island, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Markus T Lasut
- Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Science at the Sam Ratulangi University (UNSRAT), Jalan Kampus Unsrat Bahu, 95115 Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
| | - Holger Freund
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany
| | - Peter J Schupp
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment (ICBM) at the University of Oldenburg, Schleusenstraße 1, 26382 Wilhelmshaven, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity (HIFMB) at the University of Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstrasse 231, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Amores A, Marcos M, Le Cozannet G, Hinkel J. Coastal flooding and mean sea-level rise allowances in atoll island. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1281. [PMID: 35075237 PMCID: PMC8786857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05329-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Atoll islands are among the places most vulnerable to climate change due to their low elevation above mean sea level. Even today, some of these islands suffer from severe flooding generated by wind-waves, that will be exacerbated with mean sea-level rise. Wave-induced flooding is a complex physical process that requires computationally-expensive numerical models to be reliably estimated, thus limiting its application to single island case studies. Here we present a new model-based parameterisation for wave setup and a set of numerical simulations for the wave-induced flooding in coral reef islands as a function of their morphology, the Manning friction coefficient, wave characteristics and projected mean sea level that can be used for rapid, broad scale (e.g. entire atoll island nations) flood risk assessments. We apply this new approach to the Maldives to compute the increase in wave hazard due to mean sea-level rise, as well as the change in island elevation or coastal protection required to keep wave-induced flooding constant. While future flooding in the Maldives is projected to increase drastically due to sea-level rise, we show that similar impacts in nearby islands can occur decades apart depending on the exposure to waves and the topobathymetry of each island. Such assessment can be useful to determine on which islands adaptation is most urgently needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Amores
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (UIB-CSIC), Esporles, Spain.
| | - Marta Marcos
- Instituto Mediterráneo de Estudios Avanzados (UIB-CSIC), Esporles, Spain.,Departament de Física (UIB), Palma, Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Changes in the functional feeding groups of macrobenthos following artificial reef construction in Daya Bay, China. Glob Ecol Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
|
23
|
Regional High-Resolution Benthic Habitat Data from Planet Dove Imagery for Conservation Decision-Making and Marine Planning. REMOTE SENSING 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/rs13214215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
High-resolution benthic habitat data fill an important knowledge gap for many areas of the world and are essential for strategic marine conservation planning and implementing effective resource management. Many countries lack the resources and capacity to create these products, which has hindered the development of accurate ecological baselines for assessing protection needs for coastal and marine habitats and monitoring change to guide adaptive management actions. The PlanetScope (PS) Dove Classic SmallSat constellation delivers high-resolution imagery (4 m) and near-daily global coverage that facilitates the compilation of a cloud-free and optimal water column image composite of the Caribbean’s nearshore environment. These data were used to develop a first-of-its-kind regional thirteen-class benthic habitat map to 30 m water depth using an object-based image analysis (OBIA) approach. A total of 203,676 km2 of shallow benthic habitat across the Insular Caribbean was mapped, representing 5% coral reef, 43% seagrass, 15% hardbottom, and 37% other habitats. Results from a combined major class accuracy assessment yielded an overall accuracy of 80% with a standard error of less than 1% yielding a confidence interval of 78–82%. Of the total area mapped, 15% of these habitats (31,311.7 km2) are within a marine protected or managed area. This information provides a baseline of ecological data for developing and executing more strategic conservation actions, including implementing more effective marine spatial plans, prioritizing and improving marine protected area design, monitoring condition and change for post-storm damage assessments, and providing more accurate habitat data for ecosystem service models.
Collapse
|
24
|
Considering socio-political framings when analyzing coastal climate change effects can prevent maldevelopment on small islands. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5882. [PMID: 34620859 PMCID: PMC8497557 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26082-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Adapting to climate change and sea level rise is challenging on small islands. False adaptation can lead to adverse impacts on natural and societal dynamics. Therefore, an interdisciplinary perspective on the interaction of natural dynamics, societal demands, and political decisions is crucial. In this sense, this study scrutinizes coastal processes and socio-political dimensions of erosion on the reef island Fuvahmulah, the Maldives. The national government and Fuvahmulah’s population have an opposed perception and attribution of the drivers and processes behind Fuvahmulah’s most pressing coastal issue – coastal erosion. To review these perceptions, natural dynamics are recreated with process-based methods and discussed regarding present and projected marine pressures. Population surveys and interviews with actors in coastal development complement the physical insights into erosion on Fuvahmulah and describe the socio-political dimension of climate change adaptation on small islands. This interdisciplinary approach demonstrates how small-islands’ adaptive capacities are typically impaired and disclose the potential of local knowledge to overcome maldevelopment. Climate change adaptation and sea level rise pose challenges for both natural and societal dynamics. Here the authors analyse coastal processes and socio-political dimensions of erosion, leading to maldevelopment on Fuvahmulah in the Maldives.
Collapse
|
25
|
Kumar P, Debele SE, Sahani J, Rawat N, Marti-Cardona B, Alfieri SM, Basu B, Basu AS, Bowyer P, Charizopoulos N, Gallotti G, Jaakko J, Leo LS, Loupis M, Menenti M, Mickovski SB, Mun SJ, Gonzalez-Ollauri A, Pfeiffer J, Pilla F, Pröll J, Rutzinger M, Santo MA, Sannigrahi S, Spyrou C, Tuomenvirta H, Zieher T. Nature-based solutions efficiency evaluation against natural hazards: Modelling methods, advantages and limitations. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 784:147058. [PMID: 34088074 PMCID: PMC8192688 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NBS) for hydro-meteorological risks (HMRs) reduction and management are becoming increasingly popular, but challenges such as the lack of well-recognised standard methodologies to evaluate their performance and upscale their implementation remain. We systematically evaluate the current state-of-the art on the models and tools that are utilised for the optimum allocation, design and efficiency evaluation of NBS for five HMRs (flooding, droughts, heatwaves, landslides, and storm surges and coastal erosion). We found that methods to assess the complex issue of NBS efficiency and cost-benefits analysis are still in the development stage and they have only been implemented through the methodologies developed for other purposes such as fluid dynamics models in micro and catchment scale contexts. Of the reviewed numerical models and tools MIKE-SHE, SWMM (for floods), ParFlow-TREES, ACRU, SIMGRO (for droughts), WRF, ENVI-met (for heatwaves), FUNWAVE-TVD, BROOK90 (for landslides), TELEMAC and ADCIRC (for storm surges) are more flexible to evaluate the performance and effectiveness of specific NBS such as wetlands, ponds, trees, parks, grass, green roof/walls, tree roots, vegetations, coral reefs, mangroves, sea grasses, oyster reefs, sea salt marshes, sandy beaches and dunes. We conclude that the models and tools that are capable of assessing the multiple benefits, particularly the performance and cost-effectiveness of NBS for HMR reduction and management are not readily available. Thus, our synthesis of modelling methods can facilitate their selection that can maximise opportunities and refute the current political hesitation of NBS deployment compared with grey solutions for HMR management but also for the provision of a wide range of social and economic co-benefits. However, there is still a need for bespoke modelling tools that can holistically assess the various components of NBS from an HMR reduction and management perspective. Such tools can facilitate impact assessment modelling under different NBS scenarios to build a solid evidence base for upscaling and replicating the implementation of NBS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kumar
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom; Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Sisay E Debele
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Jeetendra Sahani
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Nidhi Rawat
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Belen Marti-Cardona
- Global Centre for Clean Air Research (GCARE), Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Silvia Maria Alfieri
- Department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands
| | - Bidroha Basu
- Department of Civil, Structural & Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland; School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Arunima Sarkar Basu
- School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Paul Bowyer
- Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Nikos Charizopoulos
- Agricultural University of Athens, Laboratory of Mineralogy-Geology, Iera Odos 75, 118 55 Athens, Greece; Region of Sterea Ellada, Kalivion 2, 351 32 Lamia, Greece
| | - Glauco Gallotti
- Department of Physics and Astronomy (DIFA), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Juvonen Jaakko
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palménin Aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura S Leo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy (DIFA), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michael Loupis
- Innovative Technologies Center S.A., Alketou Str. 25, 11633 Athens, Greece; National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Psachna 34400, Greece
| | - Massimo Menenti
- Department of Geoscience and Remote Sensing, Delft University of Technology, Delft, the Netherlands; Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Slobodan B Mickovski
- The Built Environment Asset Management Research Centre, Glasgow Caledonian University, G4 0BA Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Seung-Jae Mun
- Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alejandro Gonzalez-Ollauri
- The Built Environment Asset Management Research Centre, Glasgow Caledonian University, G4 0BA Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Pfeiffer
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Francesco Pilla
- School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julius Pröll
- Climate Service Center Germany (GERICS), Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Rutzinger
- Institute of Geography, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Marco Antonio Santo
- Department of Physics and Astronomy (DIFA), Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Srikanta Sannigrahi
- School of Architecture, Planning and Environmental Policy, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christos Spyrou
- Innovative Technologies Center S.A., Alketou Str. 25, 11633 Athens, Greece; Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS), National Observatory of Athens, 15236 Athens, Greece
| | - Heikki Tuomenvirta
- Finnish Meteorological Institute, Erik Palménin Aukio 1, 00560 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas Zieher
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Santavy DL, Horstmann CL, Sharpe LM, Yee SH, Ringold P. What is it about coral reefs? Translation of ecosystem goods and services relevant to people and their well-being. Ecosphere 2021; 12:1-27. [PMID: 34938591 PMCID: PMC8686212 DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an astonishing diversity of ways in which people benefit from coral reefs. They provide recreation, resource extraction, inspirational, and educational opportunities, among many others as well as being valued just for their existence. As the condition of coral reef ecosystems decline, so do their ability to provide these benefits. Prudent management of coral reefs and the benefits they provide are important as some predict most coral reefs globally will be lost by the mid-21st century. Meanwhile, coral reef managers have limited tools and relevant data to design and implement effective environmental management practices that will enable coral reefs to provide benefits demanded by society. We demonstrate an approach to identify and measure environmental components of coral reefs that directly benefit human well-being. The approach views ecosystems through the lens of a specific set of beneficiaries and the biophysical features directly relevant to each. We call these biophysical features Final Ecosystem Goods and Services (FEGS). In our demonstration, we (1) identify a range of beneficiaries of coral reefs; (2) identify metrics of FEGS for those beneficiaries; and (3) describe how data quantifying those biophysical metrics might be used to facilitate greater economic and social understanding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L Santavy
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division (GEMMD), Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561 USA
| | - Christina L Horstmann
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science Education Participant, CEMM, GEMMD, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561 USA
| | - Leah M Sharpe
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division (GEMMD), Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561 USA
| | - Susan H Yee
- Center for Environmental Measurement and Modeling (CEMM), Gulf Ecosystem Measurement and Modeling Division (GEMMD), Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561 USA
| | - Paul Ringold
- Pacific Ecological Systems Division, Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, Oregon 97333 USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
The Earth’s climate is changing; ice sheets and glaciers are melting and coastal hazards and sea level are rising in response. With a total population of over 300 million people situated on coasts, including 20 of the planet’s 33 megacities (over 10 million people), low-lying coastal areas represent one of the most vulnerable areas to the impacts of climate change. Many of the largest cities along the Atlantic coast of the U.S. are already experiencing frequent high tide flooding, and these events will increase in frequency, depth, duration and extent as sea levels continue to rise at an accelerating rate throughout the 21st century and beyond. Cities in southeast Asia and islands in the Indo-Pacific and Caribbean are also suffering the effects of extreme weather events combined with other factors that increase coastal risk. While short-term extreme events such as hurricanes, El Niños and severe storms come and go and will be more damaging in the short term, sea-level rise is a long-term permanent change of state. However, the effects of sea-level rise are compounded with other hazards, such as increased wave action or a loss of ecosystems. As sea-level rise could lead to the displacement of hundreds of millions of people, this may be one of the greatest challenges that human civilization has ever faced, with associated inundation of major cities, loss of coastal infrastructure, increased saltwater intrusion and damage to coastal aquifers among many other global impacts, as well as geopolitical and legal implications. While there are several short-term responses or adaptation options, we need to begin to think longer term for both public infrastructure and private development. This article provides an overview of the status on adaptation to climate change in coastal zones.
Collapse
|
28
|
Alemu I JB, Mallela J. Recent dynamics on turbid-water corals reefs following the 2010 mass bleaching event in Tobago. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 170:105411. [PMID: 34298264 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2021.105411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
We detail the benthic compositon of the turbid-water coral reefs of Tobago in 2016 and examine the influence of mass coral bleaching and hydro-geomorphic setting (sheltereted vs. wave-exposed) on benthic community dynamics against the 2007 baseline. In the current assessment mean hard coral cover was 14.83% ± 0.85, which ranged from 2% to 37% with few sites exceeding 20%. Mean macroalgal cover was low (6.04% ± 0.61) with most sites experiencing less than 8% macroalgal cover. Differences in benthic cover between sheltered and wave-exposed settings were mainly driven by contrasts in proportions of sponge, macroalgae and Orbicella faveolata corals. Linear mixed-effects modelling suggests stability in hard coral cover and decline in macroalgal cover across sites against the 2007 baseline. Significant spatio-temporal interactions were observed for soft coral and CTB (crustose coralline algae, turf algae and bare substrate). Overall, hard coral cover appears to have declined at some sites and macroalgal cover to have increased at other, but there is no evidence of widespread regime shift. While the hydro-geomorphic setting had a significant but weak effect (R > 0.3) on observed spatial and temporal patterns, our findings suggest that sheltered settings were less predisposed to macroalgal overgrowth compared to wave-exposed areas. In the era of climate change, targeted management should focus on strategies that mitigate macroalgal overgrowth, promote hard coral stability (or resilience) while preventing further loss.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jahson Berhane Alemu I
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, 117570, Singapore; Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | - Jennie Mallela
- Research School of Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 261, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hinkel J, Feyen L, Hemer M, Le Cozannet G, Lincke D, Marcos M, Mentaschi L, Merkens JL, de Moel H, Muis S, Nicholls RJ, Vafeidis AT, van de Wal RSW, Vousdoukas MI, Wahl T, Ward PJ, Wolff C. Uncertainty and Bias in Global to Regional Scale Assessments of Current and Future Coastal Flood Risk. EARTH'S FUTURE 2021; 9:e2020EF001882. [PMID: 34435072 PMCID: PMC8365640 DOI: 10.1029/2020ef001882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study provides a literature-based comparative assessment of uncertainties and biases in global to world-regional scale assessments of current and future coastal flood risks, considering mean and extreme sea-level hazards, the propagation of these into the floodplain, people and coastal assets exposed, and their vulnerability. Globally, by far the largest bias is introduced by not considering human adaptation, which can lead to an overestimation of coastal flood risk in 2100 by up to factor 1300. But even when considering adaptation, uncertainties in how coastal societies will adapt to sea-level rise dominate with a factor of up to 27 all other uncertainties. Other large uncertainties that have been quantified globally are associated with socio-economic development (factors 2.3-5.8), digital elevation data (factors 1.2-3.8), ice sheet models (factor 1.6-3.8) and greenhouse gas emissions (factors 1.6-2.1). Local uncertainties that stand out but have not been quantified globally, relate to depth-damage functions, defense failure mechanisms, surge and wave heights in areas affected by tropical cyclones (in particular for large return periods), as well as nearshore interactions between mean sea-levels, storm surges, tides and waves. Advancing the state-of-the-art requires analyzing and reporting more comprehensively on underlying uncertainties, including those in data, methods and adaptation scenarios. Epistemic uncertainties in digital elevation, coastal protection levels and depth-damage functions would be best reduced through open community-based efforts, in which many scholars work together in collecting and validating these data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J. Hinkel
- Global Climate Forum (GCF)BerlinGermany
- Division of Resource EconomicsAlbrecht Daniel Thaer‐Institute and Berlin Workshop in Institutional Analysis of Social‐Ecological Systems (WINS)Humboldt‐UniversityBerlinGermany
| | - L. Feyen
- European CommissionJoint Research Centre (JRC)IspraItaly
| | - M. Hemer
- CSIRO Oceans and AtmosphereHobart TASAustralia
| | | | - D. Lincke
- Global Climate Forum (GCF)BerlinGermany
| | - M. Marcos
- Mediterranean Institute for Advanced Studies (IMEDEA)PalmaSpain
- Department of PhysicsUniversity of the Balearic IslandsPalmaSpain
| | - L. Mentaschi
- European CommissionJoint Research Centre (JRC)IspraItaly
- Department of Physics and Astronomy Augusto RighiUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - J. L. Merkens
- Institute of GeographyChristian‐Albrechts University KielKielGermany
| | - H. de Moel
- Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - S. Muis
- Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
- DeltaresDelftNetherlands
| | - R. J. Nicholls
- Tyndall Centre for Climate Change ResearchUniversity of East AngliaNorwichUK
| | - A. T. Vafeidis
- Institute of GeographyChristian‐Albrechts University KielKielGermany
| | - R. S. W. van de Wal
- Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research Utrecht and Department of Physical GeographyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | | | - T. Wahl
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction EngineeringNational Center for Integrated Coastal ResearchUniversity of Central FloridaOrlandoFLUSA
| | - P. J. Ward
- Institute for Environmental Studies (IVM)Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - C. Wolff
- Institute of GeographyChristian‐Albrechts University KielKielGermany
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Almar R, Ranasinghe R, Bergsma EWJ, Diaz H, Melet A, Papa F, Vousdoukas M, Athanasiou P, Dada O, Almeida LP, Kestenare E. A global analysis of extreme coastal water levels with implications for potential coastal overtopping. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3775. [PMID: 34145274 PMCID: PMC8213734 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24008-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Climate change and anthropogenic pressures are widely expected to exacerbate coastal hazards such as episodic coastal flooding. This study presents global-scale potential coastal overtopping estimates, which account for not only the effects of sea level rise and storm surge, but also for wave runup at exposed open coasts. Here we find that the globally aggregated annual overtopping hours have increased by almost 50% over the last two decades. A first-pass future assessment indicates that globally aggregated annual overtopping hours will accelerate faster than the global mean sea-level rise itself, with a clearly discernible increase occurring around mid-century regardless of climate scenario. Under RCP 8.5, the globally aggregated annual overtopping hours by the end of the 21st-century is projected to be up to 50 times larger compared to present-day. As sea level continues to rise, more regions around the world are projected to become exposed to coastal overtopping. As sea levels rise, coasts are being increasingly threatened by overtopping caused by the combination of sea level rise, storm surge and wave runup. Here the authors find that global coastal overtopping has increased by over 50% in the last two decades, and under a RCP 8.5 scenario this could increase up to 50 times by 2100 compared to today.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Almar
- LEGOS (CNRS/IRD/CNES/Toulouse University), Toulouse, France.
| | - Roshanka Ranasinghe
- Department of Coastal and Urban Risk & Resilience, IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Delft, The Netherlands.,Harbour, Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Deltares, Delft, The Netherlands.,Water Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | - Erwin W J Bergsma
- LEGOS (CNRS/IRD/CNES/Toulouse University), Toulouse, France.,EOLab, French Space Agency (CNES - Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales), Toulouse, France
| | - Harold Diaz
- LEGOS (CNRS/IRD/CNES/Toulouse University), Toulouse, France
| | | | - Fabrice Papa
- LEGOS (CNRS/IRD/CNES/Toulouse University), Toulouse, France.,Universidade de Brasília (UnB), IRD, Instituto de Geociências, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | - Panagiotis Athanasiou
- Harbour, Coastal and Offshore Engineering, Deltares, Delft, The Netherlands.,Water Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering Technology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Luis Pedro Almeida
- Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande, Brazil.,+ATLANTIC, Edifício LACS Estrada da Malveira da Serra, Cascais, Portugal
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Laffoley D, Baxter J, Amon D, Claudet J, Hall‐Spencer J, Grorud‐Colvert K, Levin L, Reid P, Rogers A, Taylor M, Woodall L, Andersen N. Evolving the narrative for protecting a rapidly changing ocean, post-COVID-19. AQUATIC CONSERVATION : MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS 2021; 31:1512-1534. [PMID: 33362396 PMCID: PMC7753556 DOI: 10.1002/aqc.3512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The ocean is the linchpin supporting life on Earth, but it is in declining health due to an increasing footprint of human use and climate change. Despite notable successes in helping to protect the ocean, the scale of actions is simply not now meeting the overriding scale and nature of the ocean's problems that confront us.Moving into a post-COVID-19 world, new policy decisions will need to be made. Some, especially those developed prior to the pandemic, will require changes to their trajectories; others will emerge as a response to this global event. Reconnecting with nature, and specifically with the ocean, will take more than good intent and wishful thinking. Words, and how we express our connection to the ocean, clearly matter now more than ever before.The evolution of the ocean narrative, aimed at preserving and expanding options and opportunities for future generations and a healthier planet, is articulated around six themes: (1) all life is dependent on the ocean; (2) by harming the ocean, we harm ourselves; (3) by protecting the ocean, we protect ourselves; (4) humans, the ocean, biodiversity, and climate are inextricably linked; (5) ocean and climate action must be undertaken together; and (6) reversing ocean change needs action now.This narrative adopts a 'One Health' approach to protecting the ocean, addressing the whole Earth ocean system for better and more equitable social, cultural, economic, and environmental outcomes at its core. Speaking with one voice through a narrative that captures the latest science, concerns, and linkages to humanity is a precondition to action, by elevating humankind's understanding of our relationship with 'planet Ocean' and why it needs to become a central theme to everyone's lives. We have only one ocean, we must protect it, now. There is no 'Ocean B'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Laffoley
- IUCN World Commission on Protected AreasIUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature)GlandSwitzerland
| | - J.M. Baxter
- Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland, School of Biology, East SandsUniversity of St AndrewsSt AndrewsUK
| | - D.J. Amon
- Department of Life SciencesNatural History MuseumLondonUK
| | - J. Claudet
- National Centre for Scientific ResearchPSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS‐EPHE‐UPVDParisFrance
| | - J.M. Hall‐Spencer
- School of Marine and Biological SciencesUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- Shimoda Marine Research CenterUniversity of TsukubaShimodaJapan
| | - K. Grorud‐Colvert
- Department of Integrative BiologyOregon State UniversityCorvallisUSA
| | - L.A. Levin
- Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of OceanographyUniversity of California San DiegoLa JollaUSA
| | - P.C. Reid
- School of Marine and Biological SciencesUniversity of PlymouthPlymouthUK
- The LaboratoryThe Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey, Marine Biological AssociationCitadel HillPlymouthUK
| | - A.D. Rogers
- Somerville CollegeUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- REV OceanLysakerNorway
| | | | - L.C. Woodall
- Department of ZoologyUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - N.F. Andersen
- Department of Environment and GeographyUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- Centre for Ecology and ConservationUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ballesteros C, Esteves LS. Integrated Assessment of Coastal Exposure and Social Vulnerability to Coastal Hazards in East Africa. ESTUARIES AND COASTS : JOURNAL OF THE ESTUARINE RESEARCH FEDERATION 2021; 44:2056-2072. [PMID: 34007256 PMCID: PMC8118621 DOI: 10.1007/s12237-021-00930-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED An index of vulnerability to coastal change, integrating indices of social vulnerability and exposure to coastal hazards, was created for East Africa to identify 'areas of priority concern' for risk reduction. Currently, 22% of East Africa's coastline and 3.5 million people are at higher levels of exposure to coastal hazards, which would increase, respectively, to 39% and 6.9 million people if mangroves, coral reefs and seagrasses are lost. Madagascar and Mozambique show the largest proportion of the coastline at higher exposure, while Kenya and Tanzania benefit the most from natural coastal protection. Coral reefs protect 2.5 million people from higher exposure, mostly in Mombasa, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. Considering Mozambique, Kenya and Tanzania, the latter is the least, and the former is the most vulnerable. Under current conditions, 17 (out of 86) coastal districts are considered 'areas of priority concern'; four of these are critically exposed as over 90% of their shoreline length are at higher exposure (Zavala, Inharrime, Manhiça and Mandlakaze, all in southern Mozambique). These locations are of critical concern for any present or future coastal development due to the high level of exposure posed to both vulnerable people and investments. Habitat loss would increase the number of 'priority concern' districts to 24; some would show great increase in the population exposed (e.g. Pemba and Mossuril in Mozambique). Applying this knowledge to identify where ecosystem-based management should be prioritised to promote social and environmental resilience is timely and urgent in East Africa. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12237-021-00930-5.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caridad Ballesteros
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB UK
| | - Luciana S. Esteves
- Department of Life & Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science & Technology, Bournemouth University, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB UK
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
D’Alelio D, Russo L, Hay Mele B, Pomati F. Intersecting Ecosystem Services Across the Aquatic Continuum: From Global Change Impacts to Local, and Biologically Driven, Synergies and Trade-Offs. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.628658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of ecosystem services requires the integration of different observational points. This is particularly true in Water, as this element continuously cycles, increasing chances of interaction among services originating in different ecosystems. However, aquatic scientists historically approached the study of inland/freshwater and open/marine waters in different ways and this cultural division potentially hampers integrative approaches. Herein, we explored the literature pertaining to ecosystem services across the last 23 years, analysing 4,590 aquatic papers. By aggregating and intersecting topics included in this papers’ collection using text-mining and topical network approaches, we saw that the study of local environmental conditions (e.g., river estuary management) and synergies and trade-offs between services (e.g., carbon sequestration and water purification) can display several potential conceptual links between freshwater and marine sciences. Our analyses suggest that to intersect ecosystem services across the aquatic continuum, the conceptual integration between marine and freshwater science must be reinforced, especially at the interface between different “salinity realms.” Such integration should adopt a “system thinking” perspective, in which the focus is on multiple socio-ecological processes giving rise to interactions that are (i) biologically mediated, (ii) potentially conflicting, and (iii) entangled within networks.
Collapse
|
34
|
Seddon N, Smith A, Smith P, Key I, Chausson A, Girardin C, House J, Srivastava S, Turner B. Getting the message right on nature-based solutions to climate change. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2021; 27:1518-1546. [PMID: 33522071 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS)-solutions to societal challenges that involve working with nature-have recently gained popularity as an integrated approach that can address climate change and biodiversity loss, while supporting sustainable development. Although well-designed NbS can deliver multiple benefits for people and nature, much of the recent limelight has been on tree planting for carbon sequestration. There are serious concerns that this is distracting from the need to rapidly phase out use of fossil fuels and protect existing intact ecosystems. There are also concerns that the expansion of forestry framed as a climate change mitigation solution is coming at the cost of carbon rich and biodiverse native ecosystems and local resource rights. Here, we discuss the promise and pitfalls of the NbS framing and its current political traction, and we present recommendations on how to get the message right. We urge policymakers, practitioners and researchers to consider the synergies and trade-offs associated with NbS and to follow four guiding principles to enable NbS to provide sustainable benefits to society: (1) NbS are not a substitute for the rapid phase out of fossil fuels; (2) NbS involve a wide range of ecosystems on land and in the sea, not just forests; (3) NbS are implemented with the full engagement and consent of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in a way that respects their cultural and ecological rights; and (4) NbS should be explicitly designed to provide measurable benefits for biodiversity. Only by following these guidelines will we design robust and resilient NbS that address the urgent challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, sustaining nature and people together, now and into the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Seddon
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alison Smith
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Pete Smith
- Institute of Biological and Environmental Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Isabel Key
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexandre Chausson
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cécile Girardin
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jo House
- Cabot Institute for the Environment, School of Geographical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Beth Turner
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Centre d'Étude de la Forêt, Département Des Sciences Biologiques, Université Du Québec à Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Shoreline Solutions: Guiding Efficient Data Selection for Coastal Risk Modeling and the Design of Adaptation Interventions. WATER 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/w13060875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The Caribbean is affected by climate change due to an increase in the variability, frequency, and intensity of extreme weather events. When coupled with sea level rise (SLR), poor urban development design, and loss of habitats, severe flooding often impacts the coastal zone. In order to protect citizens and adapt to a changing climate, national and local governments need to investigate their coastal vulnerability and climate change risks. To assess flood and inundation risk, some of the critical data are topography, bathymetry, and socio-economic. We review the datasets available for these parameters in Jamaica (and specifically Old Harbour Bay) and assess their pros and cons in terms of resolution and costs. We then examine how their use can affect the evaluation of the number of people and the value of infrastructure flooded in a typical sea level rise/flooding assessment. We find that there can be more than a three-fold difference in the estimate of people and property flooded under 3m SLR. We present an inventory of available environmental and economic datasets for modeling storm surge/SLR impacts and ecosystem-based coastal protection benefits at varying scales. We emphasize the importance of the careful selection of the appropriately scaled data for use in models that will inform climate adaptation planning, especially when considering sea level rise, in the coastal zone. Without a proper understanding of data needs and limitations, project developers and decision-makers overvalue investments in adaptation science which do not necessarily translate into effective adaptation implementation. Applying these datasets to estimate sea level rise and storm surge in an adaptation project in Jamaica, we found that less costly and lower resolution data and models provide up to three times lower coastal risk estimates than more expensive data and models, indicating that investments in better resolution digital elevation mapping (DEM) data are needed for targeted local-level decisions. However, we also identify that, with this general rule of thumb in mind, cost-effective, national data can be used by planners in the absence of high-resolution data to support adaptation action planning, possibly saving critical climate adaptation budgets for project implementation.
Collapse
|
36
|
Loeffler CR, Tartaglione L, Friedemann M, Spielmeyer A, Kappenstein O, Bodi D. Ciguatera Mini Review: 21st Century Environmental Challenges and the Interdisciplinary Research Efforts Rising to Meet Them. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3027. [PMID: 33804281 PMCID: PMC7999458 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18063027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Globally, the livelihoods of over a billion people are affected by changes to marine ecosystems, both structurally and systematically. Resources and ecosystem services, provided by the marine environment, contribute nutrition, income, and health benefits for communities. One threat to these securities is ciguatera poisoning; worldwide, the most commonly reported non-bacterial seafood-related illness. Ciguatera is caused by the consumption of (primarily) finfish contaminated with ciguatoxins, potent neurotoxins produced by benthic single-cell microalgae. When consumed, ciguatoxins are biotransformed and can bioaccumulate throughout the food-web via complex pathways. Ciguatera-derived food insecurity is particularly extreme for small island-nations, where fear of intoxication can lead to fishing restrictions by region, species, or size. Exacerbating these complexities are anthropogenic or natural changes occurring in global marine habitats, e.g., climate change, greenhouse-gas induced physical oceanic changes, overfishing, invasive species, and even the international seafood trade. Here we provide an overview of the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century regarding the many facets of ciguatera, including the complex nature of this illness, the biological/environmental factors affecting the causative organisms, their toxins, vectors, detection methods, human-health oriented responses, and ultimately an outlook towards the future. Ciguatera research efforts face many social and environmental challenges this century. However, several future-oriented goals are within reach, including digital solutions for seafood supply chains, identifying novel compounds and methods with the potential for advanced diagnostics, treatments, and prediction capabilities. The advances described herein provide confidence that the tools are now available to answer many of the remaining questions surrounding ciguatera and therefore protection measures can become more accurate and routine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher R. Loeffler
- National Reference Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.); (O.K.); (D.B.)
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Luciana Tartaglione
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Napoli Federico II, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Napoli, Italy;
- CoNISMa—National Inter-University Consortium for Marine Sciences, Piazzale Flaminio 9, 00196 Rome, Italy
| | - Miriam Friedemann
- Department Exposure, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Astrid Spielmeyer
- National Reference Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.); (O.K.); (D.B.)
| | - Oliver Kappenstein
- National Reference Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.); (O.K.); (D.B.)
| | - Dorina Bodi
- National Reference Laboratory of Marine Biotoxins, Department Safety in the Food Chain, German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, Max-Dohrn-Str. 8-10, 10589 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.); (O.K.); (D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Santiago L, Barreto M, Montañez-Acuña A, Flecha T, Cabrera N, Bonano V, Marrero LB, Díaz E. A Coastal Vulnerability Framework to Guide Natural Infrastructure Funds Allocation in Compressed Time. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 67:67-80. [PMID: 33275171 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01397-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Hurricane Maria, a category 4 tropical cyclone, hit the US non-incorporated territory of Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017. Widespread physical and natural infrastructure damage was observed, especially in already vulnerable coastal communities. As public sector funding availability for natural infrastructure (ex. coastal ecosystems) increases, mechanisms for its efficient and equitable allocation are lacking. An accessible and replicable coastal vulnerability indicator framework is presented to assist state and federal policy makers in the allocation of funding for coastal natural infrastructure recovery. To assess funding priorization gaps and test the applicability of the proposed framework, spatial patterns in the estimated funding need identified in state-led post-Hurricane Maria assessments for natural infrastructure rehabilitation efforts were compared to physical and social coastal vulnerability estimations. Three main challenges that emerge during the implementation of a vulnerability indicator framework were considered for its design: (1) the compressed time frame in which decisions are made after an extreme weather event, (2) the availability of data to calculate indicators in a reduced time frame, and (3) the accessibility of results to a broad variety of stakeholders. We propose a vulnerability indicator framework that can become operational in a relatively short period of time, attempts to simplify data gathering efforts, and uses methods that aim to be more transparent and understandable to a broad group of stakeholders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis Santiago
- School of Public Administration, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
| | - Maritza Barreto
- Graduate School of Planning, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Thomas Flecha
- Graduate School of Law, Interamerican University, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Nahir Cabrera
- Department of History, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Valeria Bonano
- Graduate School of Planning, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Elizabeth Díaz
- Coastal Research and Planning Institute of Puerto Rico, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Airoldi L, Beck MW, Firth LB, Bugnot AB, Steinberg PD, Dafforn KA. Emerging Solutions to Return Nature to the Urban Ocean. ANNUAL REVIEW OF MARINE SCIENCE 2021; 13:445-477. [PMID: 32867567 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-marine-032020-020015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Urban and periurban ocean developments impact 1.5% of the global exclusive economic zones, and the demand for ocean space and resources is increasing. As we strive for a more sustainable future, it is imperative that we better design, manage, and conserve urban ocean spaces for both humans and nature. We identify three key objectives for more sustainable urban oceans: reduction of urban pressures, protection and restoration of ocean ecosystems, and support of critical ecosystem services. We describe an array of emerging evidence-based approaches, including greening grayinfrastructure, restoring habitats, and developing biotechnologies. We then explore new economic instruments and incentives for supporting these new approaches and evaluate their feasibility in delivering these objectives. Several of these tools have the potential to help bring nature back to the urban ocean while also addressing some of the critical needs of urban societies, such as climate adaptation, seafood production, clean water, and recreation, providing both human and environmental benefits in some of our most impacted ocean spaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Airoldi
- Department of Biology, Chioggia Hydrobiological Station Umberto D'Ancona, University of Padova, 30015 Chioggia, Italy;
- Department of Biological, Geological, and Environmental Sciences and Interdepartmental Research Center for Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, UO CoNISMa, 48123 Ravenna, Italy
| | - Michael W Beck
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz, California 95060, USA;
| | - Louise B Firth
- School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom;
| | - Ana B Bugnot
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2006, Australia;
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
| | - Peter D Steinberg
- Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Mosman, New South Wales 2088, Australia
- Centre for Marine Science and Innovation and School of Biological, Earth, and Environmental Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales 2052, Australia;
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637551
| | - Katherine A Dafforn
- Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, New South Wales 2109, Australia;
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hughes AR, Edwards P, Grabowski JH, Scyphers S, Williams SL. Differential incorporation of scientific advances affects coastal habitat restoration practice. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. Randall Hughes
- Marine Science Center Northeastern University Nahant Massachusetts USA
| | - Peter Edwards
- Pew Charitable Trusts Washington District of Columbia USA
- Lynker Technologies Leesburg Virginia USA
| | | | - Steven Scyphers
- Marine Science Center Northeastern University Nahant Massachusetts USA
| | - Susan L. Williams
- Bodega Marine Laboratory University of California Davis Bodega Bay California USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Twomey AJ, O'Brien KR, Callaghan DP, Saunders MI. Synthesising wave attenuation for seagrass: Drag coefficient as a unifying indicator. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 160:111661. [PMID: 33181938 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
An estimated 100 million people inhabit coastal areas at risk from flooding and erosion due to climate change. Seagrass meadows, like other coastal ecosystems, attenuate waves. Due to inconsistencies in how wave attenuation is measured results cannot be directly compared. We synthesised data from laboratory and field experiments of seagrass-wave attenuation by converting measurements to drag coefficients (CD). Drag coefficients varied from 0.02-5.12 with CD¯ = 0.74 for studies conducted in turbulent flow in non-storm conditions. A statistical model suggested that seagrass species affects CD although the exact mechanism remains unclear. A wave model using the estimated CD¯ as an input parameter demonstrated that wave attenuation increased with meadow length, shoot density, shoot width and canopy height. Findings can be used to estimate wave attenuation by seagrass, in any given set of conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice J Twomey
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
| | - Katherine R O'Brien
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - David P Callaghan
- School of Civil Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Megan I Saunders
- School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia; Oceans and Atmosphere, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, St Lucia, Queensland 4067, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chausson A, Turner B, Seddon D, Chabaneix N, Girardin CAJ, Kapos V, Key I, Roe D, Smith A, Woroniecki S, Seddon N. Mapping the effectiveness of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:6134-6155. [PMID: 32906226 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Nature-based solutions (NbS) to climate change currently have considerable political traction. However, national intentions to deploy NbS have yet to be fully translated into evidence-based targets and action on the ground. To enable NbS policy and practice to be better informed by science, we produced the first global systematic map of evidence on the effectiveness of nature-based interventions for addressing the impacts of climate change and hydrometeorological hazards on people. Most of the interventions in natural or semi-natural ecosystems were reported to have ameliorated adverse climate impacts. Conversely, interventions involving created ecosystems (e.g., afforestation) were associated with trade-offs; such studies primarily reported reduced soil erosion or increased vegetation cover but lower water availability, although this evidence was geographically restricted. Overall, studies reported more synergies than trade-offs between reduced climate impacts and broader ecological, social, and climate change mitigation outcomes. In addition, nature-based interventions were most often shown to be as effective or more so than alternative interventions for addressing climate impacts. However, there were substantial gaps in the evidence base. Notably, there were few studies of the cost-effectiveness of interventions compared to alternatives and few integrated assessments considering broader social and ecological outcomes. There was also a bias in evidence toward the Global North, despite communities in the Global South being generally more vulnerable to climate impacts. To build resilience to climate change worldwide, it is imperative that we protect and harness the benefits that nature can provide, which can only be done effectively if informed by a strengthened evidence base.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Chausson
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Beth Turner
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dan Seddon
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicole Chabaneix
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Cécile A J Girardin
- Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Valerie Kapos
- United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC), Cambridge, UK
| | - Isabel Key
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Dilys Roe
- International Institute for Environment and Development, London, UK
| | - Alison Smith
- Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Stephen Woroniecki
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Thematic Studies, Environmental Change Unit, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nathalie Seddon
- Nature-based Solutions Initiative, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Stange M, Barrett RDH, Hendry AP. The importance of genomic variation for biodiversity, ecosystems and people. Nat Rev Genet 2020; 22:89-105. [PMID: 33067582 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-020-00288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The 2019 United Nations Global assessment report on biodiversity and ecosystem services estimated that approximately 1 million species are at risk of extinction. This primarily human-driven loss of biodiversity has unprecedented negative consequences for ecosystems and people. Classic and emerging approaches in genetics and genomics have the potential to dramatically improve these outcomes. In particular, the study of interactions among genetic loci within and between species will play a critical role in understanding the adaptive potential of species and communities, and hence their direct and indirect effects on biodiversity, ecosystems and people. We explore these population and community genomic contexts in the hope of finding solutions for maintaining and improving ecosystem services and nature's contributions to people.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madlen Stange
- Redpath Museum, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Guan Y, Hohn S, Wild C, Merico A. Vulnerability of global coral reef habitat suitability to ocean warming, acidification and eutrophication. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:5646-5660. [PMID: 32713061 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.15293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Coral reefs are threatened by global and local stressors. Yet, reefs appear to respond differently to different environmental stressors. Using a global dataset of coral reef occurrence as a proxy for the long-term adaptation of corals to environmental conditions in combination with global environmental data, we show here how global (warming: sea surface temperature; acidification: aragonite saturation state, Ωarag ) and local (eutrophication: nitrate concentration, and phosphate concentration) stressors influence coral reef habitat suitability. We analyse the relative distance of coral communities to their regional environmental optima. In addition, we calculate the expected change of coral reef habitat suitability across the tropics in relation to an increase of 0.1°C in temperature, an increase of 0.02 μmol/L in nitrate, an increase of 0.01 μmol/L in phosphate and a decrease of 0.04 in Ωarag . Our findings reveal that only 6% of the reefs worldwide will be unaffected by local and global stressors and can thus act as temporary refugia. Local stressors, driven by nutrient increase, will affect 22% of the reefs worldwide, whereas global stressors will affect 11% of these reefs. The remaining 61% of the reefs will be simultaneously affected by local and global stressors. Appropriate wastewater treatments can mitigate local eutrophication and could increase areas of temporary refugia to 28%, allowing us to 'buy time', while international agreements are found to abate global stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Guan
- Systems Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sönke Hohn
- Systems Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
| | - Christian Wild
- Department Marine Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Chemistry (FB 2), University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Agostino Merico
- Systems Ecology Group, Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research, Bremen, Germany
- Department of Physics & Earth Sciences, Jacobs University, Bremen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Coral reef restoration efforts in Latin American countries and territories. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0228477. [PMID: 32756569 PMCID: PMC7406059 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Coral reefs worldwide are degrading due to climate change, overfishing, pollution, coastal development, coral bleaching, and diseases. In areas where the natural recovery of an ecosystem is negligible or protection through management interventions insufficient, active restoration becomes critical. The Reef Futures symposium in 2018 brought together over 400 reef restoration experts, businesses, and civil organizations, and galvanized them to save coral reefs through restoration or identify alternative solutions. The symposium highlighted that solutions and discoveries from long-term and ongoing coral reef restoration projects in Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean and Eastern Tropical Pacific were not well known internationally. Therefore, a meeting of scientists and practitioners working in these locations was held to compile the data on the extent of coral reef restoration efforts, advances and challenges. Here, we present unpublished data from 12 coral reef restoration case studies from five Latin American countries, describe their motivations and techniques used, and provide estimates on total annual project cost per unit area of reef intervened, spatial extent as well as project duration. We found that most projects used direct transplantation, the coral gardening method, micro-fragmentation or larval propagation, and aimed to optimize or scale-up restoration approaches (51%) or provide alternative, sustainable livelihood opportunities (15%) followed by promoting coral reef conservation stewardship and re-establishing a self-sustaining, functioning reef ecosystems (both 13%). Reasons for restoring coral reefs were mainly biotic and experimental (both 42%), followed by idealistic and pragmatic motivations (both 8%). The median annual total cost from all projects was $93,000 USD (range: $10,000 USD-$331,802 USD) (2018 dollars) and intervened a median spatial area of 1 ha (range: 0.06 ha-8.39 ha). The median project duration was 3 years; however, projects have lasted up to 17 years. Project feasibility was high with a median of 0.7 (range: 0.5-0.8). This study closes the knowledge gap between academia and practitioners and overcomes the language barrier by providing the first comprehensive compilation of data from ongoing coral reef restoration efforts in Latin America.
Collapse
|
45
|
Impact of Climate Change on Nearshore Waves at a Beach Protected by a Barrier Reef. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12061681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Barrier reefs dissipate most incoming wind-generated waves and, as a consequence, regulate the morphodynamics of its inbounded shorelines. The coastal protective capacity of reefs may nevertheless be compromised by climate change effects, such as reef degradation and sea-level rise. To assess the magnitude of these climate change effects, an analysis of the waves propagating across the barrier reef is carried out in Flic-en-Flac beach, Mauritius, based on scenarios of future sea levels and predicted coral reef condition. In the study, both the mean wave climate and extreme event conditions are considered. The results show that lower coral structure complexity jointly with higher water levels allow for higher waves to pass over the reef and, therefore, to reach the shoreline. In addition, modeling for cyclonic conditions showed that nearshore waves would also increase in height, which could lead to major coastal morphodynamic changes. Measures aimed at preserving the coral reef may allow the system to accommodate for the gradual climatic changes forecasted while keeping its coastal protective function.
Collapse
|
46
|
Jones HP, Nickel B, Srebotnjak T, Turner W, Gonzalez-Roglich M, Zavaleta E, Hole DG. Global hotspots for coastal ecosystem-based adaptation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233005. [PMID: 32469978 PMCID: PMC7259744 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Helping the world's coastal communities adapt to climate change impacts requires evaluating the vulnerability of coastal communities and assessing adaptation options. This includes understanding the potential for 'natural' infrastructure (ecosystems and the biodiversity that underpins them) to reduce communities' vulnerability, alongside more traditional 'hard' infrastructure approaches. Here we present a spatially explicit global evaluation of the vulnerability of coastal-dwelling human populations to key climate change exposures and explore the potential for coastal ecosystems to help people adapt to climate change (ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA)). We find that mangroves and coral reefs are particularly well situated to help people cope with current weather extremes, a function that will only increase in importance as people adapt to climate change now and in coming decades. We find that around 30.9 million people living within 2km of the coast are highly vulnerable to tropical storms and sea-level rise (SLR). Mangroves and coral reefs overlap these threats to at least 5.3 and 3.4 million people, respectively, with substantial potential to dissipate storm surges and improve resilience against SLR effects. Significant co-benefits from mangroves also accrue, with 896 million metric tons of carbon stored in their soils and above- and below-ground biomass. Our framework offers a tool for prioritizing 'hotspots' of coastal EbA potential for further, national and local analyses to quantify risk reduction and, thereby, guide investment in coastal ecosystems to help people adapt to climate change. In doing so, it underscores the global role that conserving and restoring ecosystems can play in protecting human lives and livelihoods, as well as biodiversity, in the face of climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly P. Jones
- Department of Biological Sciences and Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Barry Nickel
- Environmental Studies Department, Center for Integrated Spatial Research, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - Tanja Srebotnjak
- Hixon Center for Sustainable Environmental Design, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA, United States of America
| | - Will Turner
- Global Strategy Division, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Mariano Gonzalez-Roglich
- Betty and Gordon Moore Center for Science, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Erika Zavaleta
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, United States of America
| | - David G. Hole
- Betty and Gordon Moore Center for Science, Conservation International, Arlington, Virginia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Worthington TA, Andradi-Brown DA, Bhargava R, Buelow C, Bunting P, Duncan C, Fatoyinbo L, Friess DA, Goldberg L, Hilarides L, Lagomasino D, Landis E, Longley-Wood K, Lovelock CE, Murray NJ, Narayan S, Rosenqvist A, Sievers M, Simard M, Thomas N, van Eijk P, Zganjar C, Spalding M. Harnessing Big Data to Support the Conservation and Rehabilitation of Mangrove Forests Globally. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.oneear.2020.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
48
|
McManus LC, Vasconcelos VV, Levin SA, Thompson DM, Kleypas JA, Castruccio FS, Curchitser EN, Watson JR. Extreme temperature events will drive coral decline in the Coral Triangle. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:2120-2133. [PMID: 31883173 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
In light of rapid environmental change, quantifying the contribution of regional- and local-scale drivers of coral persistence is necessary to characterize fully the resilience of coral reef systems. To assess multiscale responses to thermal perturbation of corals in the Coral Triangle (CT), we developed a spatially explicit metacommunity model with coral-algal competition, including seasonal larval dispersal and external spatiotemporal forcing. We tested coral sensitivity in 2,083 reefs across the CT region and surrounding areas under potential future temperature regimes, with and without interannual climate variability, exploring a range of 0.5-2.0°C overall increase in temperature in the system by 2054. We found that among future projections, reef survival probability and mean percent coral cover over time were largely determined by the presence or absence of interannual sea surface temperature (SST) extremes as well as absolute temperature increase. Overall, reefs that experienced SST time series that were filtered to remove interannual variability had approximately double the chance of survival than reefs subjected to unfiltered SST. By the end of the forecast period, the inclusion of thermal anomalies was equivalent to an increase of at least 0.5°C in SST projections without anomalies. Change in percent coral cover varied widely across the region within temperature scenarios, with some reefs experiencing local extinction while others remaining relatively unchanged. Sink strength and current thermal stress threshold were found to be significant drivers of these patterns, highlighting the importance of processes that underlie larval connectivity and bleaching sensitivity in coral networks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C McManus
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Vítor V Vasconcelos
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Simon A Levin
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Diane M Thompson
- Department of Geoscience, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Joan A Kleypas
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO, USA
| | | | - Enrique N Curchitser
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - James R Watson
- College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
França FM, Benkwitt CE, Peralta G, Robinson JPW, Graham NAJ, Tylianakis JM, Berenguer E, Lees AC, Ferreira J, Louzada J, Barlow J. Climatic and local stressor interactions threaten tropical forests and coral reefs. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190116. [PMID: 31983328 PMCID: PMC7017775 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tropical forests and coral reefs host a disproportionately large share of global biodiversity and provide ecosystem functions and services used by millions of people. Yet, ongoing climate change is leading to an increase in frequency and magnitude of extreme climatic events in the tropics, which, in combination with other local human disturbances, is leading to unprecedented negative ecological consequences for tropical forests and coral reefs. Here, we provide an overview of how and where climate extremes are affecting the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth and summarize how interactions between global, regional and local stressors are affecting tropical forest and coral reef systems through impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. We also discuss some key challenges and opportunities to promote mitigation and adaptation to a changing climate at local and global scales. This article is part of the theme issue 'Climate change and ecosystems: threats, opportunities and solutions'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filipe M. França
- Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Trav. Dr. Enéas Pinheiro, s/n, CP 48, 66095-100 Belém, PA, Brazil
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
| | | | - Guadalupe Peralta
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | | | | | - Jason M. Tylianakis
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Erika Berenguer
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
- Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QY, UK
| | - Alexander C. Lees
- School of Science and the Environment, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Joice Ferreira
- Embrapa Amazônia Oriental, Trav. Dr. Enéas Pinheiro, s/n, CP 48, 66095-100 Belém, PA, Brazil
- Instituto de Geociências, Universidade Federal do Pará, 66075-110 Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Júlio Louzada
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, MG, Brazil
| | - Jos Barlow
- Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YQ, UK
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras 37200-000, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Menéndez P, Losada IJ, Torres-Ortega S, Narayan S, Beck MW. The Global Flood Protection Benefits of Mangroves. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4404. [PMID: 32157114 PMCID: PMC7064529 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61136-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Coastal flood risks are rising rapidly. We provide high resolution estimates of the economic value of mangroves forests for flood risk reduction every 20 km worldwide. We develop a probabilistic, process-based valuation of the effects of mangroves on averting damages to people and property. We couple spatially-explicit 2-D hydrodynamic analyses with economic models, and find that mangroves provide flood protection benefits exceeding $US 65 billion per year. If mangroves were lost, 15 million more people would be flooded annually across the world. Some of the nations that receive the greatest economic benefits include the USA, China, India and Mexico. Vietnam, India and Bangladesh receive the greatest benefits in terms of people protected. Many (>45) 20-km coastal stretches particularly those near cities receive more than $US 250 million annually in flood protection benefits from mangroves. These results demonstrate the value of mangroves as natural coastal defenses at global, national and local scales, which can inform incentives for mangrove conservation and restoration in development, climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and insurance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pelayo Menéndez
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain.
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, USA.
| | - Iñigo J Losada
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Saul Torres-Ortega
- IHCantabria - Instituto de Hidráulica Ambiental de la Universidad de Cantabria, 39011, Santander, Spain
| | - Siddharth Narayan
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, USA
- Department of Coastal Studies, East Carolina University, 850-NC 345, Wanchese, NC, 27959, USA
| | - Michael W Beck
- Institute of Marine Sciences, University California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, USA
- The Nature Conservancy, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, USA
| |
Collapse
|