Showing papers on "Fringing reef published in 1990"
TL;DR: A study was conducted at Cane Bay on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to quantify the suite of processes that have influenced Holocene reef development as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Geologic reefs are the end-products of not only constructive processes that produce calcium carbonate, but also of destructive processes (e.g., bioerosion and wave action) that reduce solid substrate to sediment, and of physical processes that rework the reef fabric and transport sediment. A study was conducted at Cane Bay on the island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to quantify the suite of processes that have influenced Holocene reef development. Data on carbonate production, reef accretion, bioerosion, and sediment transport were used to construct a detailed "carbonate budget" and to apply the findings of this study to the character of reefs observed in the fossil record. Total carbonate production on the reef ranged from 0 to 5.78 kg/m2 per year, with a reef-wide average of 1.21 kg/m2 per year (1.13 by corals; 0.02 by coralline algae; 0.06 by primarily molluscs, forams and echinoderms). Based on 7 cores, only 0.91 kg/m2 per year of this have been retained within the reef interior. The remaining 0.24 kg/m2 per year of sediment, along with the 0.06 kg/m2 per year contributed directly by molluscs, etc., are deposited within reef channels and are probably flushed from the reef by major storms. Of the material recovered in the cores, 58% was either loose sediment and rubble or open void space. Much of the recognizable coral material was demonstrably reworked and out of place. Accretion rates across the shelf generally increased with water depth, as a result of active slumping along the steepening reef face over the past 2,000-3,000 years. The importance of detrital material in the reef fabric and the major role played by secondary processes that constantly rework the substrate have resulted in a reef whose interior is more of a "garbage pile" than an in-place assemblage of corals cemented together into a rigid "framework." The physical similarities between the detrital fabric of the reef at Cane Bay and those found in many ancient deposits imply that the general processes operating along the Cane Bay shelf have persisted during much of the evolution of ancient reefs. It is proposed that our modern models overemphasize the importance of in-place framework as a criterion for an "ecologic reef."
257 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that the densities of some species were enhanced, and others depressed, around the reef, but that the overall effect of the artificial reef on the surrounding infauna was limited to a small area near the modules.
Abstract: Artificial reefs have been constructed throughout the world, but their effects on adjacent soft-bottom communities are largely unknown. In December 1986, we investigated the influence of Pendleton Artificial Reef (PAR) in Southern California on the abundance of infauna in the surrounding sand bottom. PAR was constructed in 1980 of quarry rock placed in eight piles, or modules. The artificial reef altered the grain-size distribution of sediments around the reef; sediments close to the modules were coarser than those 10 or 20 m away from the modules. Densities of one of the two most common species, the polychaetePrionospio pygmaeus, were lower near the reef, perhaps due to foraging by reef-associated predators or because the habitat near the reef was less suitable. We found no evidence that foraging by reef-associated fishes caused a widespread reduction in infaunal densities near the reef, and in fact the other most common taxon,Spiophanes spp., had higher densities near the reef. The most conspicuous effect of the artificial reef concerned the tube-dwelling wormDiopatra ornata, which only occurred in close association with the modules. In addition, total infaunal density and the densities of decapods, echinoderms and sipunculids were higher withinD. ornata beds than outside the beds. These results indicate that the densities of some species were enhanced, and others depressed, around the reef, but that the overall effect of the artificial reef on the surrounding infauna was limited to a small area near the modules.
164 citations
TL;DR: Overall, the results indicated great spatial variation in the availability of coral larvae, both on the scale of whole reefs and within-reef habitats, which suggests that coral larvae frequently travel between reefs.
Abstract: Over 15 000 coral recruits were counted on settlement plates from three mid-shelf reefs and six fringing reefs in the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef during two summers (1986 and 1987) and one winter (1987). The density of coral recruits on some settlement plates from a fringing reef was up to 4.88 cm−2, the highest value ever reported. Mean density of recruits was greater on fringing reefs (81.1 recruits/settlement plate) than on mid-shelf reefs (15.6 recruits/settlement plate), but there was greater spatial variation in abundance of recruits between the fringing reef sites. Other differences between the mid-shelf reefs and the fringing reefs were that different taxa were dominant, and that settlement orientation differed, with mid-shelf recruits settling preferentially on horizontally oriented surfaces and fringingreef recruits preferring vertical surfaces. Of the three midshelf reefs, Green Island reef recorded the highest recruitment rate for each of the two summers, despite having a depauperate adult coral population following predation by the asteroidAcanthaster planci. This suggests that coral larvae frequently travel between reefs. In contrast with an earlier study, there was no consistent difference in abundance of recruits between forereef and backreef locations. Overall, the results indicated great spatial variation in the availability of coral larvae, both on the scale of whole reefs and within-reef habitats.
108 citations
TL;DR: The conclusion is that, with an echinoid bioerosion rate of 12.5 g m-2 d-' the reef structure is being destroyed and the observed urchn densities are high for oceanic islands of the Indo-Pacific region and the possibility of a relation between human influence on the reef and urchin densities should be considered.
Abstract: ABSTMCT: Echinoid populations can be major grazers on hard reef substrata and are consequently of importance in the bioerosion of coral reefs. There are no previous data on rates or patterns of bioerosion by the echinoid community in Indo-Pacific reefs. We surveyed densities of echinoid populations in 2 reef lagoons, the Tiahura section, northwest Moorea (Society Islands) and the central lagoon of Takapoto atoll (Tuamotu Islands), and determined echinoid erosion rate of the reef structure. Echinometra rnathaei was the most numerous urchin in Tiahura (7.4 m-2) followed by Diadema savignyl (4.8 m-2), Echinothrix diadema (0.6 m-') and Echinostrephus rnolaris (0.2 m-2). E. matbaei and E. rnolans are small urchns processing small amounts of carbonate rock and the impact of their populations as bioeroders is h i t e d at such densities, even for the numerous E. mathaei (1.0 g m-* d-'). D. savignyi and E. diaderna are large (mode test diameter 55 and 60 mm respectively) and their populations consumed 9.2 and 2.2 g m-2 d-' of hard substratum respectively. In Takapoto lagoon, the same species were present (except E. molaris), but densities of urchins were extremely low and echinoid bioerosion was only of importance close to lagoonal inlets (6.2 g d-l). In situ growth of the hard reef substratum in Moorea is predominantly through growth of massive Pontes colonies and estimated at 6 g m-2 d-l. The conclusion is that, with an echinoid bioerosion rate of 12.5 g m-2 d-' the reef structure is being destroyed. The observed urchn densities are high for oceanic islands of the Indo-Pacific region and the possibility of a relation between human influence on the reef and urchin densities should be considered.
107 citations
106 citations
TL;DR: Growth rates (skeletal linear extension) of columnar and lobate morphotypes of the reef-building coral Montastrea annularis were compared within and among seven fringing reefs along a previously described eutrophication gradient on the west coast of Barbados using X-ray radiography to indicate a general pattern of decreasing growth rates.
61 citations
TL;DR: In this article, an uplifted reef at Urvina Bay, Galapagos Islands provides an opportunity to determine how eastern Pacific reefs develop during sea-level high stands, between 18 to 65 ENSO events of the 1982-1983 magnitude may have disturbed the eastern Pacific coral reefs.
60 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Two-Mile Reef at Sodwana Bay has been used to develop a physiographic and biological zoning model for Zululand coral reefs which has been applied to other reefs in the region as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: The coral patch reefs of the northern Natal coast are unique, being some of the most southerly in the world, and relatively unspoilt. Two-Mile Reef at Sodwana Bay has been used to develop a physiographic and biological zoning model for Zululand coral reefs which has been applied to other reefs in the region. The Zululand reefs are formed by a thin veneer of Indo-Pacific type corals which have colonized a submerged, late Pleistocene sandstone outcrop. The sedimentary facies beneath the corals were formed as a regressive coastal dune and beach sequence. Two-Mile Reef is a windward reef, and the zones are parallel to the north-northeast south-southwest reef/coast trend. Eight distinct zones can be recognized and differentiated on the basis of physiographic and biological characteristics. The reef fauna is dominated by an abundance of alcyonarian (soft) corals, which constitute 60 to 70% of the total oral fauna. The Two-Mile Reef zoning model has been successfully applied to larger reefs such as Red Sands Reef, and smaller patch reefs: Four-Mile and Seven-Mile Reefs which are in the same general area. Alcyonarian corals, physiographic and biological zoning, reef-base, southwestern Indo-Pacific faunal province, thin veneer reefs, three-dimensional reef
57 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the periodic sequences of the fluorescing humics were found to be superimposed on the low-density sub-bands of the fossil corals, indicating that, during the late Quaternary reef-forming peaks, the climate was wetter than the extreme desert conditions now prevailing, with a possible summer rainfall regime.
Abstract: SKELETAL bands of alternating high and low density in massive coral species have been used to record their growth history1,2. In the Red Sea, living colonies of the genus Porites deposit low-density skeletal bands during summer and high-density bands during winter3. Additionally, yellow-green fluorescence can sometimes be seen in these massive corals, imparted to them by the incorporation of humic material carried by coastal runoff4. Annual banding of fluorescent sequences in living scleractinian corals has proved to be useful in the study of terrestrial runoff in the near-shore environment5,6. Here we report the finding of similar yellow-green fluorescent bands in fossil Porites from late Quaternary reef terraces in southern Sinai, which are absent from living Porites in the nearby fringing reefs. The periodic sequences of the fluorescing humics were found to be superimposed on the low-density sub-bands of the fossil corals. We interpret our observations as evidence that, during the late Quaternary reef-forming peaks, the climate was wetter than the extreme desert conditions now prevailing, with a possible summer rainfall regime.
53 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the simultaneous effects of sea level change, island subsidence, reef growth, subaerial erosion, marine backwearing, and fluvial erosion (from central highlands) on reef development.
Abstract: Glacioeustatic sea level fluctuations continually cover and expose reefs, alternately allowing growth or erosion to operate. In a simulation model we examine the simultaneous effects of sea level change, island subsidence, reef growth, subaerial erosion, marine backwearing, and fluvial erosion (from central highlands) on reef development. Using values obtained from the literature, we vary the rates of these processes and compare the reefs produced. Our results indicate that subaerial erosion, subsidence and growth are of comparable importance in determining reef morphology. Fore reef terraces, as developed by the model, are primarily drowned growth features; marine backwearing is of little importance in their development. Reef terraces form readily at depths that never had a stable sea stand, their depth is influenced by growth, subaerial erosion, and subsidence rates. Thus reef terraces often do not indicate former sea stands. We examine the causes of reef drowning and attribute it primarily to rapid subsidence and subaerial erosion, not to truncation through marine backwearing. We propose that reefs deeply submerged today are not necessarily “drowned out”, but may be vertically stable through many sea level cycles. Fluvial erosion is likely an important agent of lagoon formation on high islands in areas with high erosion rates.
TL;DR: A survey of Kenya's shallow water coral reef-associated prosobranch fauna was undertaken to determine patterns of distribution, density, diversity and species richness, and the possible role of other reef fauna and human utilization on these patterns, variation within reefs suggests similarities in diversity between reef lagoons, flats and edges, but lagoONS had lower densities than reef flat or edge sites.
Abstract: A survey of Kenya's shallow water (<2 m) coral reef-associated prosobranch fauna was undertaken to determine patterns of distribution, density, diversity and species richness, and the possible role of other reef fauna and human utilization on these patterns. The sample assemblage of 135 species from 25 families is similar to other Indian Ocean regions with no apparent endemism or subregional faunal affinities. Species richness, determined by species-individual relationships, has been reduced by approximately 45% since the Pleistocene. Northern Kenya, typified by small coral islands experiencing river and estuarine discharges had low densities and species richness and high species variability. This is attributable to the interrelated factors of river discharge, small reefs and reduced predator refuge. Southern Kenya's more expansive fringing reef has a denser and richer fauna but appears less species rich than Tanzania. Variation within reefs suggests similarities in diversity between reef lagoons, flats and edges, but lagoons had lower densities than reef flat or edge sites. This is attributable to greater predation rates within lagoons. Species composition between reef locations was variable but differed for comparisons between reef lagoons and reef flats. The population densities of thirty commercially collected species were compared between shelled and unshelled reefs. Only two commercial strombids, Lambis truncata and L. chiragra, had lower densities within shelled compared to unshelled reefs. Within six southern Kenvan reef lagoons, total gastropod densities were negatively correlated with the Balistidae (triggerfish) and total fish densities and positively with sea urchin densities. The removal of balistids through fishing appears to lead to co-occurring population increases in gastropod and sea urchin populations which, in most instances, appears to negate the effect of shell collecting.
TL;DR: In this paper, the water circulation around and over Bowden Reef, a 5-km long kidney-shaped coral reef lagoon system in the Great Barrier Reef, was studied and sensitivity tests demonstrate the importance of including this shear in the specification of open boundary conditions of numerical models of the hydrodynamics around reefs.
Abstract: Field and numerical studies were undertaken in 1986 and 1987 of the water circulation around and over Bowden Reef, a 5-km long kidney-shaped coral reef lagoon system in the Great Barrier Reef. In windy conditions, the flushing of the lagoon was primarily due to the intrusion into the lagoon of topographically induced tidal eddies generated offshore. In calm weather, such eddies did not prevail and lagoon flushing was much slower. The observed currents at sites a few kilometres apart in inter-reefal waters, have a significant horizontal shear apparently due to the complex circulation in the reef matrix. Under such conditions, sensitivity tests demonstrate the importance of including this shear in the specification of open boundary conditions of numerical models of the hydrodynamics around reefs. Contrary to established practice, the water circulation around a coral reef should not be modelled by assuming reefs are hydrodynamically isolated from surrounding ones. Little improvement appears likely in the reliability of reef-scale numerical models until the inter-reefal shear can be reliably incorporated in such models.
TL;DR: The coastal ecosystems of Mauritius island (1850 km2, 20° S and 57° E, Indian Ocean) consist of lagoons, reefs, estuaries, mangroves, salt water wetlands, and sheltered bays.
Abstract: The coastal ecosystems of Mauritius island (1850 km2, 20° S and 57° E, Indian Ocean) consist of lagoons, reefs, estuaries, mangroves, salt water wetlands, and sheltered bays. Fringing reefs almost completely surround the volcanic island, enclosing a series of lagoons of variable depths (1–4 m). Tides are not important but wave heights can reach 3 m. The zonation of lagoons in a transect from the beach towards the open sea is given, together with the zonal distribution of the flora and fauna, the types of corals and sediments, the detrital sediment composition, the different hydrodynamic processes acting on the benthic sediments, as well as the geochemical (redox) processes. Commercial exploitation of the lagoonal fisheries and other anthropogenic factors have contributed to reef stress and degradation. A rich algal biomass is present which shows seasonal variation. Two species of mangroves, Rhizophora mucronata and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza exist. Fish and shellfish culture is practised in enclosed ponds (barachois).
TL;DR: Echosounding and sidescan sonar data from the western continental shelf between Vengurla and Vijaydurg have revealed the presence of submerged reef systems oriented nearly parallel to the shoreline at water depths of 60-100 m as discussed by the authors.
TL;DR: In this study planktonic larvae of S. giganteus from the Barbados fringing reef were examined for preferences for six coral species not previously tested and showed a preference for Porites astreoides Lamarck and Millepora complanata Lamarck.
TL;DR: In the absence of a fringing reef the Pacific Harbour coast of southern Viti Levu has evolved primarily under the influence of waves generated by the prevailing southeasterly trade winds as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: In the absence of a fringing reef the Pacific Harbour coast of southern Viti Levu has evolved primarily under the influence of waves generated by the prevailing southeasterly trade winds. By c. 3800 yr B.P., a coastal embayment had been partially enclosed by the formation of a gravel storm beach ridge. Subsequent barrier progradation followed only when longshore sediment was transported into the area from the developing Navua/Deuba Delta to the east, resulting in the accretion of a sandy beach ridge sequence. The estuary/lagoon system enclosed by the barrier was converted into a freshwater swamp in which up to 4 m of peat accumulated. Evidence indicates that Holocene sea levels in the area are unlikely to have exceeded c. 0.6 m above the present level, which is consistent with most evidence from elsewhere in Viti Levu. However, hydro-isostatic processes may explain the apparent inconsistency between the attainment of modern sea level at c. 4000 yr B.P. in the Pacific Harbour and Labau areas of so...
TL;DR: Results indicate that the structure of the two-species guild may be determined by both competitive and noncompetitive mechanisms.
TL;DR: The asymmetric nature of these controls has meant that for decades the upper elevational limits of corals and by extension the upper surfaces of reefs have been recognized as more sensitive indicators of sea level than, for example, beaches, deltas or mangrove as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: As Darwin and other early workers perceived, hermatypic corals grow over a narrow vertical range, limited in depth by the penetration of light to support photosynthesis by their symbiotic algae, and limited upwards by the interface between sea and atmosphere. The asymmetric nature of these controls has meant that for decades the upper elevational limits of corals (e.g., Lighty et al. 1982) and by extension the upper surfaces of reefs have been recognized as more sensitive indicators of sea level than, for example, beaches, deltas or mangrove
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors show that a drastic shift in the δ18O from heavier values towards lighter values is observed in the sedimentary succession of deep forereef carbonates, but this shift is seen over a sediment thickness of only a few centimetres.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Three species of Tethya (Porifera, Demospongiae) were found living under dead coral fragments inside the lagoon behind the fringing reef of Pioneer Bay, Orpheus Island.
Abstract: Three species of Tethya (Porifera, Demospongiae) were found living under dead coral fragments inside the lagoon behind the fringing reef of Pioneer Bay, Orpheus Island (Queensland, Australia). Two new species, T. microstella and T. orphei, are described and additional data on T. robusta (Bowerbank) are provided.
01 Jun 1990
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggested the general guidelines for the placement of artificial reefs are suggested and a drastic reduction in the landing from the reef environment could be noted during the subsequent year, i.e., 1988-'89, with a total of 24.2 tonnes.
Abstract: Reefs were constructed mostly in the sandy region at a depth varying from 5 to 27m. Granite stones of varying sizes were put first on the site selected for the reef construction so as to form a circular or rectangular ridge. Eventhough fishing was done throughout the year in the neighbouring areas, in the reef environment, it is done only during the calm season between November and April. Tthe landing during 1987-'88 from the reef environment was only 59.0 tonnes. A drastic reduction in the landing from the reef environment could be noted during the subsequent year, ie., 1988-'89, with a total of 24.2 tonnes. The percentage contribution of fishes from the artificial reef environment dwindled to 3.6 from 8.5. Fishes like Decapterus dayi, Carangoides plagiotaenia, Priacanthus hamrur, Sphyraena sp. Rastrelliger kanagurta and Nemipterus spp. dominated the catch of the reef region. From the present study the general
guidelines for the placement of artificial reefs are suggested.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The majority of Miocene reefs are found in three main areas: (1) Southeast Asia and the western Pacific, (2) the Mediterranean-Middle East, and (3) Middle America and the Caribbean as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Miocene reefs lived approximately within the latitudes of 27{degree}S to 48{degree}N compared with 25{degree}S and 32{degree}N for Holocene reefs. This expansion of reef-growing environments was the result of warm Miocene climates, aided by a eustatic sea level rise and tectonic styles that provided numerous foundations for reef development. The majority of Miocene reefs are found in three main areas: (1) Southeast Asia and the western Pacific, (2) the Mediterranean-Middle East, and (3) Middle America and the Caribbean. These regions, with their distinctive suites of coral and foramineral species, formed three biological provinces; respectively, they are the Indo-Pacific, Tethyan, and Western Atlantic provinces. Miocene reefs in Southeast Asia occur in several foreland basins as patch reef complexes on paleohighs and as barrier reefs in back-arc basins. Those reefs in the Mediterranean occur as fringing reefs, middle-shelf patch reefs, or as barrier reefs on the edges of tectonic blocks associated with Alpine thrust belts. Most reefs in the Caribbean grew on isolated open-ocean highs of volcanic origin. Miocene reefs display a diversity of framework types: (1) coral-encrusting, red algal boundstones with diverse coral faunas, (2) branching coral-encrusting, red algal boundstones with a limited Poritid fauna, (3) encrusting red algal boundstones. Barrier reefmore » systems are especially rich in encrusting red algae and robust corals; grainstones are common as interbedded sediment. Patch reef complexes, however, display muddy carbonate textures, may have less diverse coral faunas, and commonly have larger foraminifera. The global distribution of Miocene reefs is important because (1) it provides insight into a paleoclimatic view of the earth during a major greenhouse stage and (2) Miocene buildups, such as the Arun (EUR of 14 tcf) and Bima fields (EUR of about 100 MMBO), are exploration targets.« less
TL;DR: Two sympatric crinoid species of the genus Oligometra are abundant on fringing reefs surrounding Lizard Island and Variation in behaviour between these two species includes differences in feeding periods and orientation of arms during daylight hours.
Abstract: Two sympatric crinoid species of the genus Oligometra are abundant on fringing reefs surrounding Lizard Island. Both species were present over all depths investigated. O. serripinna was most abundant in shallow water (6-19 m), and O. carpenteri in deeper water (22-25 m). Variation in behaviour between these two species includes differences in feeding periods and orientation of arms during daylight hours.
Journal Article•
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the formation of the Beaverhill Lake Group and its relationship with the Elk Point Group barrier reef complex in the Province of British Columbia, Canada, and the province of Alberta, Canada.
Abstract: Sediments of the Beaverhill Lake Group were deposited following a relative sea level rise during the Late Givetian. An extensive carbonate platform known as the Slave Point Formation developed, upon which grew the cyclic platform reefs of the Swan Hills Formation in west-central Alberta. Several backstepping reef margins flanked the emergent Peace River Arch. A barrier reef development approximately coincided with the underlying Givetian Elk Point Group barrier reef complex, forming the "Presqu'ile Barrier" of northeast British Columbia, northwest Alberta and the southwest part of the Northwest Territories. The basin was subsequently infilled by argillaceous carbonates of the Waterways Formation, which depositionally onlap pre-existing reef margins. This formation is subdivided into five members, which are regionally correlatable throughout Alberta, and are equivalent to the restricted marine carbonates and evaporites of the Souris River Formation in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Beaverhill Lake Group reefs host prolific hydrocarbon reservoirs, such as Swan Hills, Peace River Arch fringing reefs, and the barrier trend of northeast British Columbia. The recent Caroline discovery demonstrates the potential for finding additional reserves. Regional stratigraphic cross-sections illustrate the difficulty of utilizing lithostratigraphic information for chronostratigraphic correlations. Our well file databases should be modified to better accommodate stratigraphic principles defined by time rather than "tops". End_of_Record - Last_Page 174-------
TL;DR: The Las Negras and Rodalquilar areas contain excellent exposures of middle to upper Miocene carbonate and volcaniclastic deposits that fringe earlier formed Neogene volcanic substrates in an archipelago setting as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: The Las Negras and Rodalquilar areas contain excellent exposures of middle to upper Miocene carbonate and volcaniclastic deposits that fringe earlier formed Neogene volcanic substrates in an archipelago setting. The Miocene sedimentary sequence consists of three depositional sequences composed of reworked volcanic rocks and reef crest to distal slope strata that display 100-200 m of relief over 0.5-2.0 km. The entire sequence is truncated by a regional subaerial unconformity. The lower two depositional sequences are composed predominantly of shallow-dipping, normal marine, distal to proximal slope wackestones and packstones. The two sequences are separated by a megabreccia composed of Tarbellastreaea and Porites blocks and volcaniclastic sandstones and conglomerates. The reef blocks likely developed as upslope patch reefs, and, with the volcaniclastics, were eroded and transported via mass movements and tractive currents to a distal slope position. The upper (third) depositional sequence consists predominantly of foreslope strata of a Porites-dominated fringing reef complex. The base of this sequence is characterized by a megabreccia of Porites reef blocks, shallow-marine packstones, or volcaniclastic conglomerates. Five volcaniclastic wedges, interpreted as fan delta deposits, alternate with prograding carbonate foreslope deposits likely as a response to high frequency relative sea level fluctuations during a new sea levelmore » fall. The apparent correlatability of similar deposition sequences throughout the region indicates the importance of sequence development from allogenic processes, including glacio-eustatic sea level fluctuations and tectonism associated with the isolation of the Mediterranean Sea during the latest Miocene.« less
01 Jan 1990
TL;DR: The Fringing Reef Monitoring Program has been established to provide objective scientific information on human impacts to the reefs of the Whitsunday Islands National and Marine Parks for use by district administrators in management.
Abstract: The Whitsunday Islands are the largest group of continental islands inside the Great Barrier Reef, with highly diverse fringing coral reefs. Their biology is still poorly understood. The reefs are heavily utilised by commercial tourism, yachts, fishermen and divers. Paradoxically, the desire to present the prettiest coral reefs to visiting divers focuses anchor damage onto the richest reefs. This chronic stress may inhibit the recovery of the reef from severe natural disturbances, and result in lowered biological diversity. This is cause for concern by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The Fringing Reef Monitoring Program has been established to provide objective scientific information on human impacts to the reefs of the Whitsunday Islands National and Marine Parks for use by district administrators in management. Sampling with photographic quadrats allows efficient use of ulw field time, and creates a permanent record which can be analysed to quantify cover of benthic species, etc. Comparisons between intact and affected reef areas will determine whether biological changes to these communities have occurred. Preliminary reconnassiance suggests that some species are very susceptible to anchor damage, while others may be favoured. Ongoing monitoring of impacted areas will allow administrators to gauge the effectiveness of management techniques such as moorings, area closures, etc.