Showing papers by "John M. Kovacs published in 2000"

Perceptions of environmental change in a tropical coastal wetland

Abstract: To assess whether local knowledge can contribute to the identification and evaluation of natural and anthropogenic disturbances in a mangrove forest, interviews were conducted with local fisherman of the Teacapan-Agua Brava lagoon–estuarine system of Mexico. The results indicate that an increase in water salinity, following the opening of an artificial canal, has resulted in a major disturbance in the mangroves of this region. Observations of changes in the fauna of the mangroves also coincide with this modification. The responses of the fishermen further suggest that the degree of impact from the salinity on the mangroves varies by species (e.g. Laguncularia racemosa is less tolerant than Rhizophora mangle). Other factors identified as inciting disturbances, but not previously reported for this system, include a hurricane and an infestation by caterpillars. According to the fishermen, the continued modification of the water salinity and hurricanes are the two greatest threats to the remaining mangroves. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.