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How will the predicted ocean temperatures of 2100, impact larval development of Lobatus (Strombus) gigas in the Caribbean region?
Title
How will the predicted ocean temperatures of 2100, impact larval development of Lobatus (Strombus) gigas in the Caribbean region?.
Name/Creator
Pollard, Madison Jane
Abstract/Description
In the Caribbean region, calcareous shelled organisms are at risk of inhibited larval development (e.g., shell growth and mortality) at high ocean temperatures. Given predicted sea-surface temperatures due to global climate change for the year 2100 (by the IPCC and NOAA) researchers are predicting at what temperatures these changes could affect larval development of Queen conch, Lobatus (Strombus) gigas. Carbon emissions from human activities (e.g., burning of fossil fuels) are affecting...
Show moreIn the Caribbean region, calcareous shelled organisms are at risk of inhibited larval development (e.g., shell growth and mortality) at high ocean temperatures. Given predicted sea-surface temperatures due to global climate change for the year 2100 (by the IPCC and NOAA) researchers are predicting at what temperatures these changes could affect larval development of Queen conch, Lobatus (Strombus) gigas. Carbon emissions from human activities (e.g., burning of fossil fuels) are affecting marine organisms at multiple trophic levels due to ocean warming and acidification. L. gigas was abundant in their geographic range of the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and around Bermuda, now with a combination of overharvesting and global climate change, conchs are candidates for the Endangered Species Act. As CO2 increases in the ocean, carbonate for calcium carbonate production decreases. L. gigas will use more energy to produce their shells (stunting growth rates) or opt for weaker shells. Researchers (Aranda and Manzano) reared L.gigas eggs from hatchling to settlement under five temperatures (28, 28.5, 29, 29.5, 30℃) to assess growth and development. At 30 ℃ larvae experienced faster growth rates, but survival was low (23%). While at 28 ℃ larvae had the highest survival (35%). Temperature seemed to have more of a direct impact on earlier stages of larvae of L. gigas than those closest to settlement. Queen conchs are economically important for their commercial value, being the second largest fishery in the Caribbean. Ocean warming and acidification would cause a decrease in harvest, changing prices for consumers. Urgent action against reducing greenhouse gas emissions must be taken. The Caribbean can mitigate contribution to greenhouse gases by renewable energy since it is an area that has great potential for hydro-electric, geothermal, wind and solar energy. This in turn could reduce the impacts to L. gigas larval development.
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Date Issued
2021-04-21
Identifier
BC3356
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC3356
AGRRA protocols and coral reef health in the Caribbean
Title
AGRRA protocols and coral reef health in the Caribbean.
Name/Creator
Quintana, Arely
Abstract/Description
The objective of The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) coral monitoring is to assess the size and overall condition of corals ≥ 4 cm to help evaluate important structural and functional attributes of tropical western Atlantic coral reefs. Data collected can provide information representative of large areas, like shelves, islands, countries or ecoregions. The coral monitoring surveys can be performed by snorkeling (
Show moreThe objective of The Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) coral monitoring is to assess the size and overall condition of corals ≥ 4 cm to help evaluate important structural and functional attributes of tropical western Atlantic coral reefs. Data collected can provide information representative of large areas, like shelves, islands, countries or ecoregions. The coral monitoring surveys can be performed by snorkeling (< 1.5 m), but SCUBA is now recommended for most assessments with diver expertise ranging from novice to highly trained. Survey sites should be chosen randomly within a geomorphic zone of a reef on an insular or continental shelf within one of twelve marine shelf ecoregions of the Tropical Northwestern province of the Tropical Atlantic biogeographic realm. The spatial extent of a site is about 200 m x 200 m and zones of maximum reef development are highly recommended. Recording of exact location using GPS is critical for data quality and consistency. Surveys are completed to assess coral health, recruitments, size, and species. Although single metrics are insufficient to measure whole coral system health due to the highly dynamic nature of reefs, the information collected can indirectly measure environmental quality of the reef and assist in understanding the effects of local and regional stressors. The use of trained volunteer divers whether amateur or professional provides a wealth of information in a cost friendly manner and the data collected from over 3,000 surveys is available in an open-access public database. Information collected from monitoring surveys has become a key source of scientific data used in other research programs, reef policies, legislation, management and conservation.
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Date Issued
2021-04-21
Identifier
BC3355
Format
Document (PDF)
PURL
http://purl.flvc.org/broward/fd/BC3355