1
|
Gove JM, Williams GJ, Lecky J, Brown E, Conklin E, Counsell C, Davis G, Donovan MK, Falinski K, Kramer L, Kozar K, Li N, Maynard JA, McCutcheon A, McKenna SA, Neilson BJ, Safaie A, Teague C, Whittier R, Asner GP. Coral reefs benefit from reduced land-sea impacts under ocean warming. Nature 2023; 621:536-542. [PMID: 37558870 PMCID: PMC10511326 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06394-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Coral reef ecosystems are being fundamentally restructured by local human impacts and climate-driven marine heatwaves that trigger mass coral bleaching and mortality1. Reducing local impacts can increase reef resistance to and recovery from bleaching2. However, resource managers lack clear advice on targeted actions that best support coral reefs under climate change3 and sector-based governance means most land- and sea-based management efforts remain siloed4. Here we combine surveys of reef change with a unique 20-year time series of land-sea human impacts that encompassed an unprecedented marine heatwave in Hawai'i. Reefs with increased herbivorous fish populations and reduced land-based impacts, such as wastewater pollution and urban runoff, had positive coral cover trajectories predisturbance. These reefs also experienced a modest reduction in coral mortality following severe heat stress compared to reefs with reduced fish populations and enhanced land-based impacts. Scenario modelling indicated that simultaneously reducing land-sea human impacts results in a three- to sixfold greater probability of a reef having high reef-builder cover four years postdisturbance than if either occurred in isolation. International efforts to protect 30% of Earth's land and ocean ecosystems by 2030 are underway5. Our results reveal that integrated land-sea management could help achieve coastal ocean conservation goals and provide coral reefs with the best opportunity to persist in our changing climate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamison M Gove
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Gareth J Williams
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey, UK.
| | - Joey Lecky
- Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Eric Brown
- National Park of American Samoa, Pago Pago, American Samoa, USA
| | | | - Chelsie Counsell
- Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Research, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Gerald Davis
- Pacific Islands Regional Office, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Mary K Donovan
- Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Arizona State University, Hilo, HI, USA
- School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Kelly Kozar
- National Park Service, Pacific Island Network Inventory and Monitoring, Hawai'i National Park, HI, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Ocean and Resources Engineering, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | | | - Amanda McCutcheon
- National Park Service, Pacific Island Network Inventory and Monitoring, Hawai'i National Park, HI, USA
| | - Sheila A McKenna
- National Park Service, Pacific Island Network Inventory and Monitoring, Hawai'i National Park, HI, USA
| | | | - Aryan Safaie
- Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, USA
| | | | | | - Gregory P Asner
- Center for Global Discovery and Conservation Science, Arizona State University, Hilo, HI, USA
- School of Ocean Futures, Arizona State University, Hilo, HI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Watson SJ, Arisdakessian C, Petelo M, Keliipuleole K, Tachera DK, Okuhata BK, Dulai H, Frank KL. Geology and land use shape nitrogen and sulfur cycling groundwater microbial communities in Pacific Island aquifers. ISME COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:58. [PMID: 37286627 PMCID: PMC10247779 DOI: 10.1038/s43705-023-00261-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Resource-constrained island populations have thrived in Hawai'i for over a millennium, but now face aggressive new challenges to fundamental resources, including the security and sustainability of water resources. Characterizing the microbial community in groundwater ecosystems is a powerful approach to infer changes from human impacts due to land management in hydrogeological complex aquifers. In this study, we investigate how geology and land management influence geochemistry, microbial diversity and metabolic functions. We sampled a total of 19 wells over 2-years across the Hualālai watershed of Kona, Hawai'i analyzing geochemistry, and microbial communities by 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Geochemical analysis revealed significantly higher sulfate along the northwest volcanic rift zone, and high nitrogen (N) correlated with high on-site sewage disposal systems (OSDS) density. A total of 12,973 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASV) were identified in 220 samples, including 865 ASVs classified as putative N and sulfur (S) cyclers. The N and S cyclers were dominated by a putative S-oxidizer coupled to complete denitrification (Acinetobacter), significantly enriched up to 4-times comparatively amongst samples grouped by geochemistry. The significant presence of Acinetobacter infers the bioremediation potential of volcanic groundwater for microbial-driven coupled S-oxidation and denitrification providing an ecosystem service for island populations dependent upon groundwater aquifers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheree J Watson
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Cédric Arisdakessian
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Department of Information and Computer Sciences, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Maria Petelo
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Kekuʻiapōiula Keliipuleole
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Marine Biology Graduate Program, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Diamond K Tachera
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Department of Earth Sciences, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Brytne K Okuhata
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Department of Earth Sciences, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Henrietta Dulai
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Department of Earth Sciences, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Kiana L Frank
- University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Pacific Biosciences Research Center, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fache E, Pauwels S. The ridge-to-reef approach on Cicia Island, Fiji. AMBIO 2022; 51:2376-2388. [PMID: 35018620 PMCID: PMC8751661 DOI: 10.1007/s13280-021-01669-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Many Pacific countries and territories embrace an officially recognized 'ridge-to-reef' approach to environmental management. This is the case of Fiji, where the Lau Seascape Strategy 2018-2030, led by Conservation International, aims for integrated natural resource management across 335 895 km2. This area includes Cicia Island, which deserves particular attention since, years before the design of the Lau Seascape Strategy, its population developed its own informal ridge-to-reef scheme, involving a combination of certified organic agriculture and locally managed marine closures. Based on 1 month of ethnographic fieldwork, this paper presents this scheme and highlights local perception and conceptualization of its positive effects on both the land and the sea. These reflect the iTaukei (Indigenous Fijian) concept of vanua, which intrinsically connects the health of the land, the sea, and their (human and non-human) dwellers, while stressing the importance of addressing land-sea processes and management efforts beyond an ecological perspective, i.e. through an engagement with the iTaukei relational ontology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Fache
- SENS, IRD, CIRAD, Univ Paul Valery Montpellier 3, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Simonne Pauwels
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, EHESS - CREDO UMR 7308, Labex Corail, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Shamaskin AC, Correa SB, Street GM, Linhoss AC, Evans KO. Considering the influence of land use/land cover on estuarine biotic richness with Bayesian hierarchical models. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 32:e2675. [PMID: 35581947 PMCID: PMC9786285 DOI: 10.1002/eap.2675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The composition of land use/land cover (LULC) in coastal watersheds has many implications for estuarine system ecological function. Land use/land cover can influence allochthonous inputs and can enhance or degrade the physical characteristics of estuaries, which in turn affects estuaries' ability to support local biota. However, these implications for estuaries are often poorly considered when assessing the value of lands for conservation. The focus of research regarding terrestrial and estuarine interfaces often evaluates how LULC may stress estuarine ecosystems, but in this study we sought to understand how LULC may both positively and negatively affect estuaries using measures of observed biotic richness as proxies for estuarine function. We investigated the influence of LULC on estuarine biotic richness with Bayesian hierarchical models using multiple geospatial data sets from 33 estuaries and their associated watersheds along the Gulf of Mexico coastal region of the United States. We designed the hierarchical models with observed species richness of three functional groups (FGs) (i.e., pelagic fishes, forage fishes, and shrimp) from fishery-independent trawl surveys as response variables. We then set salinity and water temperature as trawl-specific covariates and measures of influence from six LULC classes as estuary-specific covariates and allowed the models to vary by estuary, trawl program, salinity, and temperature. The model results indicated that the observed richness of each FG was both positively and negatively associated with different LULC classes, with estuarine wetlands and forested lands demonstrating the strongest positive influences on each FG. The results are generally consistent with past studies, and the modeling framework provides a promising way to systematically quantify LULC linkages with the biotic health of estuaries for the purposes of potentially valuing the estuarine implications of land conservation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Challen Shamaskin
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and AquacultureMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| | - Sandra B. Correa
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and AquacultureMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| | - Garrett M. Street
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and AquacultureMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| | - Anna C. Linhoss
- Department of Agricultural and Biological EngineeringMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| | - Kristine O. Evans
- Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and AquacultureMississippi State UniversityMississippi StateMississippiUSA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wilmot E, Wong J, Tsang Y, Lynch AJ, Infante D, Oleson K, Strauch A, Clilverd H. Characterizing mauka-to-makai connections for aquatic ecosystem conservation on Maui, Hawaiʻi. ECOL INFORM 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
|
6
|
Friedlander AM, Ballesteros E, Breedy O, Naranjo-Elizondo B, Hernández N, Salinas-de-León P, Sala E, Cortés J. Nearshore marine biodiversity of Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica: Where the ocean meets the rainforest. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271731. [PMID: 35901124 PMCID: PMC9333237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Osa Peninsula in remote southwest Costa Rica harbors 2.5% of global terrestrial biodiversity in only 1,200 km2 and has the largest remaining tract of Pacific lowland wet forest in Mesoamerica. However, little is known about the marine ecosystems of this diverse region. Much of the coastline consists of soft sediment exposed to strong wave action. Three major hard bottom habitat types define this region, including: 1) coral reefs around Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, a no-take marine protected area (MPA) of 52 km2, 2) coastal rocky reefs and islets along the peninsula, including Corcovado National Park, and 3) submerged pinnacles just outside the Isla del Caño MPA. Average coral cover at Isla del Caño was 21%, composed primarily of Porites lobata and Pocillopora elegans. In contrast, coastal rocky reefs were dominated by turf algae (39.8%) and macroalgae (20.7%) with low coral cover (1.1%). Submerged pinnacles were dominated by crustose coralline algae (33.3%) and erect coralline algae (25.7%). Fish assemblage characteristics (species richness, abundance, biomass) were significantly higher at the pinnacles compared to the other habitats and was dominated by schooling species such as Haemulon steindachneri, and the herbivores Kyphosus ocyurus, and Acanthurus xanthopterus. Top predators, primarily Triaenodon obesus, Caranx sexfasciatus, and Lutjanus argentimaculatus, were also most abundant at these pinnacles and accounted for the largest differences in fish trophic structure among habitats. Despite Isla del Caño being fully protected from fishing, biomass was similar to fished areas along the coast and lower than the adjacent submerged pinnacles outside the reserve. Similarly, Corcovado National Park includes 20.3 km2 of no-take MPAs; however, there is limited enforcement, and we noted several instances of fishing within the park. The unique configuration of healthy offshore coral reefs and pinnacles connected to coastal habitats provides corridors for many species including large predators such as sharks and other marine megafauna, which warrants additional protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan M. Friedlander
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
- Hawaiʿi Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaiʿi, Kāneʻohe, Hawaiʿi, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Odalisca Breedy
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Beatriz Naranjo-Elizondo
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| | - Noelia Hernández
- Asociación Conservación Osa, Puerto Jiménez, Golfito, Costa Rica
| | - Pelayo Salinas-de-León
- Charles Darwin Research Station, Charles Darwin Foundation, Puerto Ayora, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
| | - Enric Sala
- Pristine Seas, National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jorge Cortés
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad de Costa Rica, San José, Costa Rica
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Barnett J, Jarillo S, Swearer SE, Lovelock CE, Pomeroy A, Konlechner T, Waters E, Morris RL, Lowe R. Nature-based solutions for atoll habitability. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210124. [PMID: 35574851 PMCID: PMC9108937 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Atoll societies have adapted their environments and social systems for thousands of years, but the rapid pace of climate change may bring conditions that exceed their adaptive capacities. There is growing interest in the use of ‘nature-based solutions' to facilitate the continuation of dignified and meaningful lives on atolls through a changing climate. However, there remains insufficient evidence to conclude that these can make a significant contribution to adaptation on atolls, let alone to develop standards and guidelines for their implementation. A sustained programme of research to clarify the potential of nature-based solutions to support the habitability of atolls is therefore vital. In this paper, we provide a prospectus to guide this research programme: we explain the challenge climate change poses to atoll societies, discuss past and potential future applications of nature-based solutions and outline an agenda for transdisciplinary research to advance knowledge of the efficacy and feasibility of nature-based solutions to sustain the habitability of atolls. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Nurturing resilient marine ecosystems’.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jon Barnett
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Sergio Jarillo
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Stephen E Swearer
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Catherine E Lovelock
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Andrew Pomeroy
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Teresa Konlechner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia.,Wildlife Consultants Ltd, 7A Vulcan Place, Middleton, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
| | - Elissa Waters
- Geography, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Rebecca L Morris
- National Centre for Coasts and Climate, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3010, Australia
| | - Ryan Lowe
- Oceans Graduate School, and School of Earth Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Delevaux JMS, Stamoulis KA. Prioritizing forest management actions to benefit marine habitats in data-poor regions. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2022; 36:e13792. [PMID: 34115408 PMCID: PMC9293477 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.13792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Land-use change is considered one of the greatest human threats to marine ecosystems globally. Given limited resources for conservation, we adapted and scaled up a spatially explicit, linked land-sea decision support tool using open access global geospatial data sets and software to inform the prioritization of future forest management interventions that can have the greatest benefit on marine conservation in Vanuatu. We leveraged and compared outputs from two global marine habitat maps to prioritize land areas for forest conservation and restoration that can maximize sediment retention, water quality, and healthy coastal/marine ecosystems. By combining the outputs obtained from both marine habitat maps, we incorporated elements unique to each and provided higher confidence in our prioritization results. Regardless of marine habitat data source, prioritized areas were mostly located in watersheds on the windward side of the large high islands, exposed to higher tropical rainfall, upstream from large sections of coral reef and seagrass habitats, and thus vulnerable to human-driven land use change. Forest protection and restoration in these areas will serve to maintain clean water and healthy, productive habitats through sediment retention, supporting the wellbeing of neighboring communities. The nationwide application of this linked land-sea tool can help managers prioritize watershed-based management actions based on quantitative synergies and trade-offs across terrestrial and marine ecosystems in data-poor regions. The framework developed here will guide the implementation of ridge-to-reef management across the Pacific region and beyond.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade M. S. Delevaux
- Seascape Solutions LLCPrincevilleHawaiiUSA
- The Natural Capital Project, Woods Institute of the EnvironmentStanford UniversityStanfordCaliforniaUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Panelo J, Wiegner TN, Colbert SL, Goldberg S, Abaya LM, Conklin E, Couch C, Falinski K, Gove J, Watson L, Wiggins C. Spatial distribution and sources of nutrients at two coastal developments in South Kohala, Hawai'i. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113143. [PMID: 34971985 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113143] [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: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Nutrient sources to coastal waters with coral reefs are not well-characterized. This study documented spatial distributions of nutrients within coastal waters along two developments with coral reefs, and identified nutrient sources through nutrient mixing plots, δ15N measurements in macroalgal tissue, and NO3- stable isotope mixing models. Nutrients decreased from fresh groundwaters to offshore waters, with some surface waters higher in concentrations than benthic ones. Conservative and non-conservative mixing between fresh and ocean waters occurred, the latter suggestive of local nutrient sources and biological removal. δ15N in macroalgal tissue and NO3- concurred that fresh groundwater, ocean water, and fertilizers were dominant nutrient sources. Benthic salinity and NO3- + NO2- concentrations illustrated that submarine groundwater discharge delivered nutrients to reefs in pulses ranging from minutes to days. Information generated from this study is imperative for developing management actions to improve water quality and make coral reefs more resilient to stressors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jazmine Panelo
- Tropical Conservation and Environmental Science Graduate Program, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St., Hilo, HI 96720, United States of America
| | - Tracy N Wiegner
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720, United States of America.
| | - Steven L Colbert
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720, United States of America
| | - Stuart Goldberg
- Habitat Conservation Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Inouye Regional Office, 1845 Wasp Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States of America
| | - Leilani M Abaya
- Marine Science Department, University of Hawai'i at Hilo, 200 W. Kawili St, Hilo, HI 96720, United States of America
| | - Eric Conklin
- The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i, 923 Nu'uanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States of America
| | - Courtney Couch
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 46-007 Lilipuna Road, Kāne'ohe, HI 96744, United States of America
| | - Kimberly Falinski
- The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i, 923 Nu'uanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States of America
| | - Jamison Gove
- Ecosystem Sciences Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 1845 Wasp Blvd., Honolulu, HI 96818, United States of America
| | - Lani Watson
- Habitat Conservation Division, Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Inouye Regional Office, 1845 Wasp Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96818, United States of America
| | - Chad Wiggins
- The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i, 923 Nu'uanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96817, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Metherall N, Holland E, Beavis S, Vinaka AMD. Characterisation of pH variations along the Ba River in Fiji utilising the GEF R2R framework during the 2019 sugarcane season. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2021; 193:828. [PMID: 34796405 PMCID: PMC8602151 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-021-09423-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Within Pacific Small Island Developing States (Pacific SIDS), the ridge-to-reef (R2R) approach has emerged as a framework for monitoring river connectivity between terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The study measured water quality, including pH, over 88.40 km of the Ba River in Fiji. The sampling design focused on measuring spatio-temporal variability in pH throughout the sugarcane season with three rapid sampling periods (RSP1, 2 & 3) along the Ba River, together with continuous measurement of temperature and pH using stationary data loggers at two locations upstream and downstream of the sugar mill. Spatial variability in pH and water quality was characterised before (RSP1 and RSP2) and during (RSP3) the sugarcane season. Mean pH measured before the sugarcane crushing season for RSP1 and RSP2 were 8.16 (± 0.49) and 8.20 (± 0.61) respectively. During the sugarcane crushing season (RSP3), mean pH declined by 3.06 units to 6.94 within 42 m downstream of the sugar mill (P ≤ 0.001). The 3.06 unit decline in pH for RSP3 exceeded both the mean diurnal variation in pH of 0.39 and mean seasonal variation in pH of 2.01. This decline in pH could be a potential source of acidification to downstream coastal ecosystems with implications for coral reefs, biodiversity and fishery livelihoods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Metherall
- Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, University of the South Pacific, Suva, Central Division, Fiji.
- Australian National University - Fenner School of Environment and Society, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
| | | | - Sara Beavis
- Australian National University - Fenner School of Environment and Society, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Loiseau C, Thiault L, Devillers R, Claudet J. Cumulative impact assessments highlight the benefits of integrating land-based management with marine spatial planning. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 787:147339. [PMID: 34000542 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.147339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cumulative impact assessments can inform ecosystem-based management by mapping human pressures and assessing their intensity on ecosystem components. However, its use to inform local management is scarce, largely due to the need for fine-grained spatial data representing ecosystem threats that can assess impacts at a local scale. Here, we applied the cumulative impact assessment framework to Moorea's coral reef, French Polynesia to inform the ongoing revision of the island-wide marine spatial management plan. We combined high spatial resolution data on 11 local anthropogenic pressures and four ecological components with expert vulnerability assessments. Results revealed that the entire reef is impacted by at least four pressures: coral reef fisheries, agriculture, land use change and urbanization. These activities together contribute to 87% of the overall cumulative impact. Most importantly, land-based activities contribute to more than half (52%) of the overall impact. Other high-impact activities, such as reef-based tourism, remain very localized and contribute little to the overall human impact. These findings show that by focusing solely on reef-based activities, the current management plan misses critical sources of impact. Not considering land-based activities in the management may lead to decisions that could fail to significantly lower cumulative human impact on the reef. This study demonstrates how operationalizing the cumulative human impact framework at a local scale can help managers identify key leverage points likely to yield improved ecological outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Loiseau
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison des Océans, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France; Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, Moorea, French Polynesia.
| | - Lauric Thiault
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison des Océans, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France; Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, Moorea, French Polynesia; Moana Ecologic, Rocbaron, France
| | - Rodolphe Devillers
- ESPACE-DEV, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD), Univ Antilles, Univ Guyane, Univ Montpellier, Univ Réunion, Montpellier, France
| | - Joachim Claudet
- National Center for Scientific Research, PSL Université Paris, CRIOBE, USR 3278 CNRS-EPHE-UPVD, Maison des Océans, 195 rue Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris, France; Laboratoire d'Excellence CORAIL, Moorea, French Polynesia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wada CA, Burnett KM, Okuhata BK, Delevaux JMS, Dulai H, El-Kadi AI, Gibson V, Smith C, Bremer LL. Identifying wastewater management tradeoffs: Costs, nearshore water quality, and implications for marine coastal ecosystems in Kona, Hawai'i. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0257125. [PMID: 34495989 PMCID: PMC8425575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Untreated and minimally treated wastewater discharged into the environment have the potential to adversely affect groundwater dependent ecosystems and nearshore marine health. Addressing this issue requires a systems approach that links land use and wastewater management decisions to potential impacts on the nearshore marine environment via changes in water quality and quantity. To that end, a framework was developed to assess decisions that have cascading effects across multiple elements of the ridge-to-reef system. In an application to Kona (Hawai'i, USA), eight land use and wastewater management scenarios were evaluated in terms of wastewater system upgrade costs and wastewater related nutrient loads in groundwater, which eventually discharge to nearshore waters, resulting in potential impacts to marine habitat quality. Without any upgrades of cesspools or the existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), discharges of nutrients are expected to increase substantially with permitted development, with potential detrimental impacts to the marine environment. Results suggest that converting all of the existing cesspools to aerobic treatment units (ATU) and upgrading the existing WWTP to R-1 quality provide the highest protection to nearshore marine habitat at a cost of $569 million in present value terms. Other wastewater management options were less effective but also less costly. For example, targeted cesspool conversion (a combination of septic and ATU installation) in conjunction with the WWTP upgrade still provided a substantial reduction in nutrients and potential impacts to marine habitat quality relative to the present situation at a price point roughly $100 million less than the entirely ATU option. Of note, results were more sensitive to the inclusion of the WWTP upgrade option than they were to assumptions regarding the efficiency of the cesspool conversion technologies. The model outputs also suggest that the spatial distribution of potential impacts should be carefully considered when comparing different wastewater management scenarios. When evaluated separately, the WWTP option reduced total nutrients by more than the targeted cesspool conversion option at a fraction of the cost. However, potential improvements in marine habitat quality only occurred in the immediate vicinity of the WWTP, whereas the benefits under targeted cesspool conversion were more evenly distributed along the coast.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A. Wada
- University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
| | - Kimberly M. Burnett
- University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Brytne K. Okuhata
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
| | - Jade M. S. Delevaux
- The Natural Capital Project, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Henrietta Dulai
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
| | - Aly I. El-Kadi
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
| | - Veronica Gibson
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
| | - Celia Smith
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
| | - Leah L. Bremer
- University of Hawai‘i Economic Research Organization, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
- Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai‘i, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Comeros-Raynal MT, Brodie J, Bainbridge Z, Choat JH, Curtis M, Lewis S, Stevens T, Shuler CK, Sudek M, Hoey AS. Catchment to sea connection: Impacts of terrestrial run-off on benthic ecosystems in American Samoa. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 169:112530. [PMID: 34087665 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Variation in water quality can directly affect the composition of benthic assemblages on coral reefs. Yet, few studies have directly quantified nutrient and suspended particulate matter (SPM) to examine their potential impacts on benthic community structure, especially around high oceanic islands. We assessed the spatio-temporal variation of nutrients and SPM across six sites in American Samoa over a 12-month period and used exploratory path analysis to relate dissolved inorganic nutrients, land use, and natural and anthropogenic drivers to benthic assemblages on adjacent shallow reefs. Multivariate analyses showed clear gradients in nutrient concentrations, sediment accumulation and composition, and benthic structure across watersheds. Instream nutrients and land uses positively influenced reef flat nutrient concentrations, while benthic assemblages were best predicted by wave exposure, runoff, stream phosphate and dissolved inorganic nitrogen loads. Identifying locality-specific drivers of water quality and benthic condition can support targeted management in American Samoa and in other high islands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia T Comeros-Raynal
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia.
| | - Jon Brodie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Zoe Bainbridge
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - John Howard Choat
- College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Meagan Curtis
- American Samoa Community College, Pago Pago, AS 96799, USA
| | - Stephen Lewis
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Thomas Stevens
- Catchment to Reef Research Group, TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - Christopher K Shuler
- Division of Earth Sciences, Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI 96822, USA
| | | | - Andrew S Hoey
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Abstract
Well-managed rangelands provide important economic, environmental, and cultural benefits. Yet, many rangelands worldwide are experiencing pressures of land-use change, overgrazing, fire, and drought, causing rapid degradation. These pressures are especially acute in the Hawaiian Islands, which we explore as a microcosm with some broadly relevant lessons. Absent stewardship, land in Hawaiʻi is typically subject to degradation through the spread and impacts of noxious invasive plant species; feral pigs, goats, deer, sheep, and cattle; and heightened fire risk. We first provide a framework, and then review the science demonstrating the benefits of well-managed rangelands, for production of food; livelihoods; watershed services; climate security; soil health; fire risk reduction; biodiversity; and a wide array of cultural values. Findings suggest that rangelands, as part of a landscape mosaic, contribute to social and ecological health and well-being in Hawaiʻi. We conclude by identifying important knowledge gaps around rangeland ecosystem services and highlight the need to recognize rangelands and their stewards as critical partners in achieving key sustainability goals, and in bridging the long-standing production-conservation divide.
Collapse
|
15
|
Shuler CK, Comeros-Raynal M. Ridge to Reef Management Implications for the Development of an Open-Source Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen-Loading Model in American Samoa. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 66:498-515. [PMID: 32556387 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-020-01314-4] [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: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Excessive nutrient discharge to tropical island coastlines drives eutrophication and algal blooms with significant implications for reef ecosystem condition and provision of ecosystem services. Management actions to address nutrient pollution in coastal ecosystems include setting water-quality standards for surface waters discharging to the coast. However, these standards do not account for the effects of groundwater discharge, variability in flow, or dilution, all of which may influence the assessment of true nutrient impacts on nearshore reef habitats. We developed a method to estimate dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) loads to coastal zones by integrating commonly available datasets within a geospatial modeling framework for Tutuila, American Samoa. The DIN-loading model integrated an open-source water budget model, water-sampling results, and publicly available streamflow data to predict watershed-scale DIN loading to the island's entire coastline. Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) was found to deliver more terrigenous DIN to the coastal zone than surface water pathways, supporting findings from other tropical islands. On-site wastewater disposal systems were also found to be the primary anthropogenic sources of DIN to coastal waters. Our island-wide DIN-loading model provides a simple and robust metric to define spatially explicit sources and delivery mechanisms of nutrient pollution to nearshore reef habitats. Understanding the sources and primary transport modes of inorganic nitrogen to nearshore reef ecosystems can help coastal resource managers target the most impactful human activities in the most vulnerable locations, thereby increasing the adaptive capacity of unique island ecosystems to environmental variation and disturbances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher K Shuler
- Department of Earth Sciences, Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 1680 East West Road, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.
| | - Mia Comeros-Raynal
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, 4810, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Modelling Hydrological Processes and Identifying Soil Erosion Sources in a Tropical Catchment of the Great Barrier Reef Using SWAT. WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12082179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Study region: North Johnstone catchment, located in the north east of Australia. The catchment has wet tropical climate conditions and is one of the major sediment contributors to the Great Barrier Reef. Study focus: The purpose of this paper was to identify soil erosion hotspots through simulating hydrological processes, soil erosion and sediment transport using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). In particular, we focused on predictive uncertainty in the model evaluations and presentations—a major knowledge gap for hydrology and soil erosion modelling in the context of Great Barrier Reef catchments. We carried out calibration and validation along with uncertainty analysis for streamflow and sediment at catchment and sub-catchment scales and investigated details of water balance components, the impact of slope steepness and spatio-temporal variations on soil erosion. The model performance in simulating actual evapotranspiration was compared with those of the Australian Landscape Water Balance (AWRA-L) model to increase our confidence in simulating water balance components. New hydrological insights for the region: The spatial locations of soil erosion hotspots were identified and their responses to different climatic conditions were quantified. Furthermore, a set of land use scenarios were designed to evaluate the effect of reforestation on sediment transport. We anticipate that protecting high steep slopes areas, which cover a relatively small proportion of the catchment (4–9%), can annually reduce 15–26% sediment loads to the Great Barrier Reef.
Collapse
|
17
|
Jacob C, Bochove J, Livingstone S, White T, Pilgrim J, Bennun L. Marine biodiversity offsets: Pragmatic approaches toward better conservation outcomes. Conserv Lett 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/conl.12711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Céline Jacob
- Laboratoire d'Economie Ecologique, Institut des sciences de la forêt tempéréeUniversité du Québec en Outaouais Gatineau Quebec Canada
| | | | | | | | | | - Leon Bennun
- The Biodiversity Consultancy Cambridge UK
- Conservation Science Group, Department of ZoologyUniversity of Cambridge Downing Street Cambridge CB2 3EJ UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Amato DW, Whittier RB, Dulai H, Smith CM. Algal bioassays detect modeled loading of wastewater-derived nitrogen in coastal waters of O'AHU, HAWAI'I. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2020; 150:110668. [PMID: 31796237 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.110668] [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: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies indicate coastlines are at risk of wastewater contamination from injection wells, cesspools, and septic systems. In this study, common marine algae were used to ground-truth modeled loading of wastewater-derived N to coastlines of O'ahu, Hawai'i. Macroalgae were collected and/or deployed at 118 sites and analyzed for tissue δ15N and N %. Wastewater source locations were used to estimate wastewater-derived N in groundwater with the modeling software MT3DMS/MODFLOW. Algal bioassays identified six coastal regions subjected to elevated wastewater-derived N loading. In a case study, submarine groundwater discharge (estimated by 222Rn mass balance) was related to wastewater loading from onsite sewage disposal systems (OSDS) and municipal wastewater injection wells in Waimānalo. The highest 222Rn-derived SGD rate and N flux were 21.4 m3/m/d and 62.6 g/m/d, respectively. The results of this study suggest that OSDS and injection wells discharge substantial volumes of wastewater and N across broad regions of coastal O'ahu.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel W Amato
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, Hawai'i, 96822, USA.
| | - Robert B Whittier
- Hawai'i Department of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch, Uluakupu Bldg. 4, 2385 Waimano Home Road, Suite 110, Pearl City, Hi, 96782-1400, USA.
| | - Henrietta Dulai
- Department of Earth Sciences, 1680 East-West Rd, School of Ocean Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawai'i, 96822, USA.
| | - Celia M Smith
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, 3190 Maile Way, Honolulu, Hawai'i, 96822, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Suggett DJ, Smith DJ. Coral bleaching patterns are the outcome of complex biological and environmental networking. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2020; 26:68-79. [PMID: 31618499 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.14871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Continued declines in coral reef health over the past three decades have been punctuated by severe mass coral bleaching-induced mortality events that have grown in intensity and frequency under climate change. Intensive global research efforts have therefore persistently focused on bleaching phenomena to understand where corals bleach, when and why-resulting in a large-yet still somewhat patchy-knowledge base. Particularly catastrophic bleaching-induced coral mortality events in the past 5 years have catalyzed calls for a more diverse set of reef management tools, extending far beyond climate mitigation and reef protection, to also include more aggressive interventions. However, the effectiveness of these various tools now rests on rapidly assimilating our knowledge base of coral bleaching into more integrated frameworks. Here, we consider how the past three decades of intensive coral bleaching research has established the basis for complex biological and environmental networks, which together regulate outcomes of bleaching severity. We discuss how we now have enough scaffold for conceptual biological and environmental frameworks underpinning bleaching susceptibility, but that new tools are urgently required to translate this to an operational system informing-and testing-bleaching outcomes. Specifically, adopting network models that can fully describe and predict metabolic functioning of coral holobionts, and how this functioning is regulated by complex doses and interactions among environmental factors. Identifying knowledge gaps limiting operation of such models is the logical step to immediately guide and prioritize future experiments and observations. We are at a time-critical point where we can implement new capacity to resolve how coral bleaching patterns emerge from complex biological-environmental networks, and so more effectively inform rapidly evolving ecological management and social adaptation frameworks aimed at securing the future of coral reefs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Suggett
- Climate Change Cluster, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - David J Smith
- Coral Reef Research Unit, School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Barnes MD, Goodell W, Whittier R, Falinski KA, Callender T, Htun H, LeViol C, Slay H, Oleson KLL. Decision analysis to support wastewater management in coral reef priority area. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2019; 148:16-29. [PMID: 31422299 PMCID: PMC7282871 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A cocktail of land-based sources of pollution threatens coral reef ecosystems, and addressing these has become a key management and policy challenge in the State of Hawai'i, other US territories, and globally. In West Maui, Hawai'i, nearly one quarter of all living corals were lost between 1995 and 2008. Onsite disposal systems (OSDS) for sewage leak contaminants into drinking water sources and nearshore waters. In recognition of this risk, the Hawai'i State Department of Health (DOH) is prioritizing areas for cesspool upgrades. Independently, we applied a decision analysis process to identify priority areas to address sewage pollution from OSDS in West Maui, with the objective of reducing nearshore coral reef exposure to pollution. The decision science approach is relevant to a broader context of coastal areas both statewide and worldwide which are struggling with identifying pollution mitigation actions on limited budgets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Megan D Barnes
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America.
| | - Whitney Goodell
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America; Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States of America
| | - Robert Whittier
- Hawai'i State Dept. of Health, Safe Drinking Water Branch, 2385 Waimano Home Road, Suite 110, Uluakupu Building 4, Pearl City, HI 96782-1400, United States of America. 'i.gov
| | - Kim A Falinski
- The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i Marine Program, Honolulu, HI, 923 Nu'uanu Ave, 96817, United States of America
| | - Tova Callender
- West Maui Ridge to Reef Initiative, c/o DLNR DAR, 130 Mahalani St, Wailuku, HI 96793, United States of America
| | - Hla Htun
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America
| | - Cecilia LeViol
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America
| | - Hudson Slay
- United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 9, Pacific Islands Contact Office, P.O. Box 50003, Honolulu, HI 96850, United States of America.
| | - Kirsten L L Oleson
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, NREM, 1902 East West Way, Honolulu, HI 96816, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Tsang YP, Tingley RW, Hsiao J, Infante DM. Identifying high value areas for conservation: Accounting for connections among terrestrial, freshwater, and marine habitats in a tropical island system. J Nat Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2019.125711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
22
|
Delevaux JMS, Stamoulis KA, Whittier R, Jupiter SD, Bremer LL, Friedlander A, Kurashima N, Giddens J, Winter KB, Blaich-Vaughan M, Burnett KM, Geslani C, Ticktin T. Place-based management can reduce human impacts on coral reefs in a changing climate. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 29:e01891. [PMID: 31021497 DOI: 10.1002/eap.1891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Declining natural resources have contributed to a cultural renaissance across the Pacific that seeks to revive customary ridge-to-reef management approaches to protect freshwater and restore abundant coral reef fisheries. We applied a linked land-sea modeling framework based on remote sensing and empirical data, which couples groundwater nutrient export and coral reef models at fine spatial resolution. This spatially explicit (60 × 60 m) framework simultaneously tracks changes in multiple benthic and fish indicators as a function of community-led marine closures, land-use and climate change scenarios. We applied this framework in Hā'ena and Ka'ūpūlehu, located at opposite ends of the Hawaiian Archipelago to investigate the effects of coastal development and marine closures on coral reefs in the face of climate change. Our results indicated that projected coastal development and bleaching can result in a significant decrease in benthic habitat quality and community-led marine closures can result in a significant increase in fish biomass. In general, Ka'ūpūlehu is more vulnerable to land-based nutrients and coral bleaching than Hā'ena due to high coral cover and limited dilution and mixing from low rainfall and wave power, except for the shallow and wave-sheltered back-reef areas of Hā'ena, which support high coral cover and act as nursery habitat for fishes. By coupling spatially explicit land-sea models with scenario planning, we identified priority areas on land where upgrading cesspools can reduce human impacts on coral reefs in the face of projected climate change impacts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jade M S Delevaux
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
| | - Kostantinos A Stamoulis
- Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
- Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia, 6102, Australia
| | - Robert Whittier
- Hawai'i Department of Health, 1250 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96813, USA
| | - Stacy D Jupiter
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Melanesia Program, 11 Ma'afu Street, Suva, Fiji
| | - Leah L Bremer
- University of Hawai'i Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
- University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
| | - Alan Friedlander
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
- Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
- National Geographic Society, 1145 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20090, USA
| | - Natalie Kurashima
- Kamehameha Schools Natural and Cultural Resources, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, 96740, USA
| | - Jonatha Giddens
- Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
- National Geographic Society, 1145 17th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20090, USA
| | - Kawika B Winter
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kaneohe, Hawaii, 96744, USA
- Limahuli Garden and Preserve, National Tropical Botanical Garden, Hā'ena, Hawaii, 96714, USA
| | - Mehana Blaich-Vaughan
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
- Sea Grant College Program & Hui 'Āina Momona, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
| | - Kimberly M Burnett
- University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
| | - Cheryl Geslani
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
| | - Tamara Ticktin
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96822, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Moody KN, Wren JLK, Kobayashi DR, Blum MJ, Ptacek MB, Blob RW, Toonen RJ, Schoenfuss HL, Childress MJ. Evidence of local adaptation in a waterfall-climbing Hawaiian goby fish derived from coupled biophysical modeling of larval dispersal and post-settlement selection. BMC Evol Biol 2019; 19:88. [PMID: 30975077 PMCID: PMC6458715 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-019-1413-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Local adaptation of marine and diadromous species is thought to be a product of larval dispersal, settlement mortality, and differential reproductive success, particularly in heterogeneous post-settlement habitats. We evaluated this premise with an oceanographic passive larval dispersal model coupled with individual-based models of post-settlement selection and reproduction to infer conditions that underlie local adaptation in Sicyopterus stimpsoni, an amphidromous Hawaiian goby known for its ability to climb waterfalls. Results Our model results demonstrated that larval dispersal is spatio-temporally asymmetric, with more larvae dispersed from the southeast (the Big Island) to northwest (Kaua‘i) along the archipelago, reflecting prevailing conditions such as El Niño/La Niña oscillations. Yet connectivity is nonetheless sufficient to result in homogenous populations across the archipelago. We also found, however, that ontogenetic shifts in habitat can give rise to adaptive morphological divergence when the strength of predation-driven post-settlement selection crosses a critical threshold. Notably, our simulations showed that larval dispersal is not the only factor determining the likelihood of morphological divergence. We found adaptive potential and evolutionary trajectories of S. stimpsoni were greater on islands with stronger environmental gradients and greater variance in larval cohort morphology due to fluctuating immigration. Conclusions Contrary to expectation, these findings indicate that immigration can act in concert with selection to favor local adaptation and divergence in species with marine larval dispersal. Further development of model simulations, parameterized to reflect additional empirical estimates of abiotic and biotic factors, will help advance our understanding of the proximate and ultimate mechanisms driving adaptive evolution, population resilience, and speciation in marine-associated species. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12862-019-1413-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristine N Moody
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA. .,The ByWater Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA.
| | - Johanna L K Wren
- Department of Oceanography, School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology (SOEST), University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.,Joint Institute of Marine and Atmospheric Research, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, 96822, USA.,Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA/NMFS, NOAA IRC, Honolulu, HI, 96818, USA
| | - Donald R Kobayashi
- Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center, NOAA/NMFS, NOAA IRC, Honolulu, HI, 96818, USA
| | - Michael J Blum
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, 37996, USA.,The ByWater Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, 70118, USA
| | - Margaret B Ptacek
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Richard W Blob
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| | - Robert J Toonen
- Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Kāne'ohe, HI, 96744, USA
| | - Heiko L Schoenfuss
- Aquatic Toxicology Laboratory, St. Cloud State University, St Cloud, MN, 56301, USA
| | - Michael J Childress
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Brown CJ, Jupiter SD, Albert S, Anthony KRN, Hamilton RJ, Fredston‐Hermann A, Halpern BS, Lin H, Maina J, Mangubhai S, Mumby PJ, Possingham HP, Saunders MI, Tulloch VJD, Wenger A, Klein CJ. A guide to modelling priorities for managing land‐based impacts on coastal ecosystems. J Appl Ecol 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Simon Albert
- School of Civil Engineering The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Kenneth R. N. Anthony
- Australian Institute of Marine Science Townsville Qld Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Richard J. Hamilton
- The Nature Conservancy Asia Pacific Resource Centre South Brisbane Qld Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies James Cook University Townsville Qld Australia
| | - Alexa Fredston‐Hermann
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara California
| | - Benjamin S. Halpern
- Bren School of Environmental Science & Management University of California Santa Barbara Santa Barbara California
- Imperial College London Ascot UK
- National Center for Ecological Analysis & Synthesis University of California Santa Barbara California
| | - Hsien‐Yung Lin
- Quantitative Fisheries Center Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan
| | - Joseph Maina
- Department of Environmental Sciences Macquarie University Sydney NSW Australia
| | | | - Peter J. Mumby
- Marine Spatial Ecology Laboratory School of Biological Sciences The University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Hugh P. Possingham
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
- The Nature Conservancy Asia Pacific Resource Centre South Brisbane Qld Australia
- Imperial College London Ascot UK
| | - Megan I. Saunders
- School of Chemical Engineering University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
| | - Vivitskaia J. D. Tulloch
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science School of Biological Sciences University of Queensland St. Lucia Qld Australia
- Marine Predator Research Group Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Amelia Wenger
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
| | - Carissa J. Klein
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences The University of Queensland Brisbane Qld Australia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The Moku System: Managing Biocultural Resources for Abundance within Social-Ecological Regions in Hawaiʻi. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10103554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Through research, restoration of agro-ecological sites, and a renaissance of cultural awareness in Hawaiʻi, there has been a growing recognition of the ingenuity of the Hawaiian biocultural resource management system. The contemporary term for this system, “the ahupuaʻa system”, does not accurately convey the nuances of system function, and it inhibits an understanding about the complexity of the system’s management. We examined six aspects of the Hawaiian biocultural resource management system to understand its framework for systematic management. Based on a more holistic understanding of this system’s structure and function, we introduce the term, “the moku system”, to describe the Hawaiian biocultural resource management system, which divided large islands into social-ecological regions and further into interrelated social-ecological communities. This system had several social-ecological zones running horizontally across each region, which divided individual communities vertically while connecting them to adjacent communities horizontally; and, thus, created a mosaic that contained forested landscapes, cultural landscapes, and seascapes, which synergistically harnessed a diversity of ecosystem services to facilitate an abundance of biocultural resources. “The moku system”, is a term that is more conducive to large-scale biocultural restoration in the contemporary period, while being inclusive of the smaller-scale divisions that allowed for a highly functional system.
Collapse
|
26
|
Bainbridge Z, Lewis S, Bartley R, Fabricius K, Collier C, Waterhouse J, Garzon-Garcia A, Robson B, Burton J, Wenger A, Brodie J. Fine sediment and particulate organic matter: A review and case study on ridge-to-reef transport, transformations, fates, and impacts on marine ecosystems. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:1205-1220. [PMID: 30301020 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Studies documenting the effects of land-derived suspended particulate matter (SPM, i.e., particulate organic matter and mineral sediment) on marine ecosystems are typically disconnected from terrestrial studies that determine their origin, transport and fate. This study reviews sources, transport, transformations, fate and effects of SPM along the 'ridge-to-reef' continuum. We show that some of the SPM can be transported over long distances and transformed into large and easily resuspendible organic-rich sediment flocs. These flocs may lead to prolonged reductions in water clarity, impacting upon coral reef, seagrass and fish communities. Using the Great Barrier Reef (NE Australia) as a case study, we identify the latest research tools to determine thresholds of SPM exposure, allowing for an improved appreciation of marine risk. These tools are used to determine ecologically-relevant end-of-basin load targets and reliable marine water quality guidelines, thereby enabling enhanced prioritisation and management of SPM export from ridge-to-reef.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Z Bainbridge
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia.
| | - S Lewis
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - R Bartley
- CSIRO, Brisbane, Queensland 4068, Australia
| | - K Fabricius
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - C Collier
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - J Waterhouse
- TropWATER, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| | - A Garzon-Garcia
- Department of Environment and Science, GPO Box 5078, Brisbane 4001, Australia
| | - B Robson
- Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3, Townsville MC, QLD 4810, Australia
| | - J Burton
- Department of Environment and Science, GPO Box 5078, Brisbane 4001, Australia
| | - A Wenger
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - J Brodie
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, James Cook University, Townsville 4811, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Linking Land and Sea through Collaborative Research to Inform Contemporary applications of Traditional Resource Management in Hawai‘i. SUSTAINABILITY 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/su10093147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Across the Pacific Islands, declining natural resources have contributed to a cultural renaissance of customary ridge-to-reef management approaches. These indigenous and community conserved areas (ICCA) are initiated by local communities to protect natural resources through customary laws. To support these efforts, managers require scientific tools that track land-sea linkages and evaluate how local management scenarios affect coral reefs. We established an interdisciplinary process and modeling framework to inform ridge-to-reef management in Hawai‘i, given increasing coastal development, fishing and climate change related impacts. We applied our framework at opposite ends of the Hawaiian Archipelago, in Hā‘ena and Ka‘ūpūlehu, where local communities have implemented customary resource management approaches through government-recognized processes to perpetuate traditional food systems and cultural practices. We identified coral reefs vulnerable to groundwater-based nutrients and linked them to areas on land, where appropriate management of human-derived nutrients could prevent increases in benthic algae and promote coral recovery from bleaching. Our results demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary collaborations among researchers, managers and community members. We discuss the lessons learned from our culturally-grounded, inclusive research process and highlight critical aspects of collaboration necessary to develop tools that can inform placed-based solutions to local environmental threats and foster coral reef resilience.
Collapse
|
28
|
Delevaux JMS, Jupiter SD, Stamoulis KA, Bremer LL, Wenger AS, Dacks R, Garrod P, Falinski KA, Ticktin T. Scenario planning with linked land-sea models inform where forest conservation actions will promote coral reef resilience. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12465. [PMID: 30127469 PMCID: PMC6102229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-29951-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We developed a linked land-sea modeling framework based on remote sensing and empirical data, which couples sediment export and coral reef models at fine spatial resolution. This spatially-explicit (60 × 60 m) framework simultaneously tracks changes in multiple benthic and fish indicators as a function of land-use and climate change scenarios. We applied this framework in Kubulau District, Fiji, to investigate the effects of logging, agriculture expansion, and restoration on coral reef resilience. Under the deforestation scenario, models projected a 4.5-fold sediment increase (>7,000 t. yr-1) coupled with a significant decrease in benthic habitat quality across 1,940 ha and a reef fish biomass loss of 60.6 t. Under the restoration scenario, models projected a small (<30 t. yr-1) decrease in exported sediments, resulting in a significant increase in benthic habitat quality across 577 ha and a fish biomass gain of 5.7 t. The decrease in benthic habitat quality and loss of fish biomass were greater when combining climate change and deforestation scenarios. We evaluated where land-use change and bleaching scenarios would impact sediment runoff and downstream coral reefs to identify priority areas on land, where conservation or restoration could promote coral reef resilience in the face of climate change.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J M S Delevaux
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA.
- School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - S D Jupiter
- Wildlife Conservation Society, Melanesia Program, 11 Ma'afu Street, Suva, Fiji
| | - K A Stamoulis
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Fisheries Ecology Research Lab, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - L L Bremer
- University of Hawai'i Economic Research Organization, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
- University of Hawai'i Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - A S Wenger
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - R Dacks
- Department of Biology, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - P Garrod
- Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - K A Falinski
- The Nature Conservancy, Hawai'i Marine Program, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - T Ticktin
- Department of Botany, University of Hawai'i, Honolulu, HI, USA
| |
Collapse
|