Conservation actions and ecological context: optimizing coral reef local management in the Dominican Republic

Sustainability status of Karang Jeruk reef ecosystem assessed by RAPFISH

Karang Jeruk, a coral reef ecosystem located in a marine protected area in Central Java Province, Indonesia, has undergone multiple rehabilitation efforts in the past. Yet, the result has not been comprehensive so far. It is therefore necessary to sustain the reef which requires a planned and synergistic effort by considering several dimensions. This study aims to analyze the level of sensitivity and level of sustainability of the reef using RAPFISH 2013 using R software, a multidimensional scaling approach. The results showed that in general, the dynamics of the sustainability status of Karang Jeruk coral reef management in each dimension seen from the year period analyzed do not show major differences. As for multidimensional, the sustainability status of Karang Jeruk ecosystem management varies in each dimension measured. The sustainability index with the highest order was the ecological dimensions (80.08) with the attribute of coralfish diversity being the most influential (3.88%). The second order is the technological dimensions (59.42) with the attribute of fishing gear as an attribute that must be considered (9.92%). The third place is the social dimensions (44.83) with the attribute of the number of fishery households (RTP) as the most influential (8.00%). The fourth place is the institutional dimensions (29.41) with the attribute that has the most influence being the private role attribute (6.13%). Finally, fifth is the economic dimensions (25.23) with the attribute alternative livelihood being the most influential (61.6%). Hence, constructive priorities are needed for dimensions with low sustainability index values to achieve equilibrium on all dimensions.

Understanding the pain experience of lionfish envenomation

Introduction

Stings from the lionfish (Pterois volitans) constitute one of the most painful wounds in the ocean. This species has invaded the Atlantic coast of the United States, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and Mediterranean Sea. In addition to its ecological impact on local fish populations, stings from the lionfish pose a medical problem because of the debilitating nature of the pain they produce. However, there are no studies examining the human pain experience of lionfish stings.

Objective

To characterize the various aspects of the pain experience following a lionfish sting.

Methods

We developed a pain questionnaire that includes validated scales used with patients having acute or chronic pain to understand the pain variability, as well as the use of health care resources and treatments.

Results

We provide the first study of the pain experience from lionfish stings. Here, we show that the pain is intense from the start and peaks approximately 1 hour later, resolving itself in 7 days for most victims. Furthermore, pain intensity can be influenced by several factors, including (1) age of the victim, where older victims experience significantly higher pain intensities, (2) the number of spines involved, (3) and whether infection occurred at the injury site. However, pain intensity was not different between male and female participants.

Conclusion

These findings will inform the medical community on the pain experience and can be used by local authorities to better appreciate the impact of lionfish envenomations to develop programs aimed at curtailing the expansion of the lionfish.