#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2002
U.S. Virgin Islands
Some of the longest data sets on coral reefs in the Caribbean come from a diverse array of
ongoing monitoring activities. However, intensive, long-term monitoring has only been
conducted at a few sites around St. Croix and St. John, with less information for St. Thomas.
Coral reef monitoring needs to be extended to include a wider variety of coral habitats and
more sites to provide managers with critical information to enable further protection and
preservation of key reef areas. Very little is known of the deeper reefs around the USVI
especially in the critical grouper and snapper spawning aggregation sites along the shelf edge.
Some of these reefs have exceptionally high coral cover. Little is known about the
interactions among reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds and how the losses of mangroves and
seagrass beds contributes to the degradation of coral reefs. All agencies involved in coral reef
monitoring suffer from a shortage of staff, and enforcement of regulations has been limited.
Navassa
There is no monitoring program nor planned for Navassa reefs, nor to assess the artisinal
fisheries. This presents an important chance to assess the impacts of artisanal reef
fisheries in the absence of other anthropogenic effects.
CONCLUSIONS
Florida
Advances in research and monitoring over the last 2 years reinforce the conclusion that
immediate action is needed to curtail declines in coral reef condition throughout Florida.
Local communities that are culturally and economically supported by coral reefs must
employ management strategies that alleviate controllable human impacts. For example, in
Southeastern Florida, the environmental impacts of fisheries, dredging, vessel
anchorages, freshwater management, and nutrient input should receive attention to
maximise protection to these reefs. Solutions to the wastewater and stormwater problems,
habitat degradation, and over-fishing must be pursued in the Florida Keys. Elected
officials and policy-makers at the regional level, should work to conserve and protect
watersheds, reduce emissions, and decrease energy use. Citizens, elected officials, and
MPA managers must work together to improve water quality, minimise physical impacts
to corals and seagrasses, employ sustainable fishing practices, reduce pollution and save
energy. Strict air pollution standards must be adopted, carbon dioxide emissions reduced,
and renewable energy technologies employed to curb global warming trends.
International policies on global climate change should be adopted and implemented.
Comprehensive coral reef protection will ultimately require both proactive local steps and
engaging leaders regionally and globally on climate change issues.
Texas and Flower Garden Banks
Recent data indicate that the Flower Garden Banks may be an important spawning area
for several species of grouper. This highlights the importance of implementing no-take
reserves to protect the biodiversity of this area.
Puerto Rico
Human pressures on Puerto Rican coral reefs are among the most extreme in the
Caribbean. Many of Puerto Rico’s near-shore reefs are degraded as a result of decades of
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