Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Shipwrecks on coral reefs harbor unwanted species

Shipwrecks on coral reefs harbor unwanted species

August 20, 2008

Shipwrecks on coral reefs may increase invasion of unwanted species, according to a recent U.S. Geological Survey study. These unwanted species can completely overtake the reef and eliminate all the native coral, dramatically decreasing the diversity of marine organisms on the reef. This study documents for the first time that a rapid change in the dominant biota on a coral reef is unambiguously associated with man-made structures.

The findings of the study, published in the open-access journal PLoS ONE, suggest that removal of these structures sooner rather than later is key to keeping reefs healthy.




In many areas of the world, coral reef health is declining, but identifying the exact cause of the problem is difficult. Overgrowth of coral reefs by other species, such as algae, are usually attributed to environmental degradation, but bleaching, disease, damage by typhoons, overfishing, coastal development, pollution, and tourism can cause problems as well.

The study was conducted at Palmyra Atoll National Wildlife Refuge in the central Pacific, a relatively remote, comparatively pristine area where little human activity has occurred since WWII. In 1991, a 100-foot vessel shipwrecked on the atoll. Scientists first surveyed the area in 2004 and found a species called Rhodactis howesii -an organism related to sea anemones and corals-in low abundance around the wreck. In subsequent years, however, populations of this organism increased exponentially. Scientists documented extremely high densities of R. howesii that progressively decreased with distance from the ship, whereas R. howesii were rare to absent in other parts of the atoll. They also confirmed high densities of R. howesii around several buoys.

Whether this phenomenon occurs on other coral atolls is unknown; however, in the case of Palmyra, the R. howesii infestation is beginning to reach catastrophic proportions, according to Dr. Thierry Work, the lead author of the study and a scientist at the USGS National Wildlife Health Center, Honolulu Field Station. Within a few years, R. howesii spread to where it now occupies nearly 1 square mile.

"Why this phenomenon is occurring remains a mystery," said Work. One possibility, he said, is that iron leaching from the ship and mooring buoy chains, accompanied with other environmental factors particular to Palmyra atoll, are somehow promoting the growth of Rhodactis.

"Given the ability of Rhodactis sp. to rapidly reproduce and completely smother reefs, managers are now facing the possibility that even with removal of the ship, sheer reproductive capacity of R. howesii may continue to fuel its spread along the western reef shelf of Palmyra," Work said.

Understanding what constitutes a healthy underwater ecosystem, as well as what does not, is crucial to preventing further losses in species and habitat. This research illustrates a little-known problem that, unlike global warming and pollution, could be prevented by removing man-made debris such as shipwrecks from coral reefs before organisms like Rhodactis howesii can overtake healthy coral reefs.

Public Library of Science



Related Coral Reefs Current Events and Coral Reefs News Articles Coral Reefs Current Events and Coral Reefs News RSS Coral Reefs Current Events and Coral Reefs News RSS
Local social dynamics key to success of tropical marine conservation areas
As biologists and ecologists propose ever-larger conservation areas in the tropics, ones that encompass multiple countries, social scientists say it's local people banding together with their community leaders who ultimately determine the success or failure of such efforts in many parts of the world.

Will coral reefs disappear?
This is the title of an upcoming symposium at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual conference in San Diego, California. And it's a topic that should not be taken lightly.

Research challenges models of sea level change during ice-age cycles
Theories about the rates of ice accumulation and melting during the Quaternary Period -- the time interval ranging from 2.6 million years ago to the present -- may need to be revised, thanks to research findings published by a University of Iowa researcher and his colleagues in the Feb. 12 issue of the journal Science.

UCLA chemists create synthetic 'gene-like' crystals for carbon dioxide capture
UCLA chemists report creating a synthetic "gene" that could capture heat-trapping carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to global warming, rising sea levels and the increased acidity of oceans.

Understanding past and future climate
The notion that scientists understand how changes in Earth's orbit affect climate well enough for estimating long-term natural climate trends that underlie any anthropogenic climate change is challenged by findings published this week.

Tilapia feed on Fiji's native fish
The poster child for sustainable fish farming-the tilapia-is actually a problematic invasive species for the native fish of the islands of Fiji, according to a new study by the Wildlife Conservation Society and other groups.

Coral can recover from climate change damage
A study by the University of Exeter provides the first evidence that coral reefs can recover from the devastating effects of climate change.

Study: Earth's polar ice sheets vulnerable to even moderate global warming
A new analysis of the geological record of the Earth's sea level, carried out by scientists at Princeton and Harvard universities and published in the Dec. 16 issue of Nature, employs a novel statistical approach that reveals the planet's polar ice sheets are vulnerable to large-scale melting even under moderate global warming scenarios.

UF researchers take part in DNA sequencing for entire Pacific island
University of Florida researchers are collecting marine invertebrates on the French Polynesian island of Moorea as part of a massive effort to inventory the DNA sequence of every living species there.

TEEB report released on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity for policy makers
Policy makers who factor the planet's multi-trillion dollar ecosystem services into their national and international investment strategies are likely to see far higher rates of return and stronger economic growth in the 21st century.
More Coral Reefs Current Events and Coral Reefs News Articles
Coral Reefs (World Life Library)

Coral Reefs (World Life Library)
by Charles Sheppard (Author)

"Coral Reefs" is a must-have for nature enthusiasts, environmentalists and ocean lovers. This book is an excellent general introduction to coral reefs and is full of fascinating facts and fabulous four-color photographs. It presents scientific insights and information in a way that is not only readable but highly enjoyable to a popular audience.

This book explores the major regions where coral reefs live, which include the Bahamas Bank in the greater Caribbean region, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Great Barrier Reef, the largest reef structure in the world. Readers will become familiar with the interlocking web of life that the reefs support, as well as how the reefs form and grow.

About one third of the world's reefs have been killed or nearly so by abuse and...

IMAX Coral Reef Adventure

IMAX Coral Reef Adventure
Starring: Liam Neeson, Howard Hall, Michele Hall, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Rusi Vulakoro
Directed By: Greg MacGillivray

Take a once in a lifetime journey across the South Pacific for a spectacular IMAX adventure. Joy; ecstasy; a spiritual high: these words describe the exhilaration of diving a pristine coral reef, and ocean explorers Howard and Michele Hall bring their love of the ocean into action. With Jean-Michael Cousteau, deep reef scientist Richard Pyle and Fijian diver Rusi Vulakoro, they explore and capture on film the dazzling underwater world of coral reefs, magical places here on Earth. This tropical excursion through the South Pacific will surprise and delight you as you fall in love with the reefs, and your heart will ache at the tragic, irretrievable loss of these fragile worlds.

The Biology of Coral Reefs (Biology of Habitats)

The Biology of Coral Reefs (Biology of Habitats)
by Charles R.C. Sheppard (Author), Simon K. Davy (Author), Graham M. Pilling (Author)

Coral reefs represent the most spectacular and diverse marine ecosystem on the planet as well as a critical source of income for millions of people. However, the combined effects of human activity have led to a rapid decline in the health of reefs worldwide, with many now facing complete destruction.

This timely book provides an integrated overview of the function, physiology, ecology, and behaviour of coral reef organisms. Each chapter is enriched with a selection of 'boxes' on specific aspects written by internationally recognised experts. As with other books in the Biology of Habitats Series, the emphasis in this book is on the organisms that dominate this marine environment although pollution, conservation, climate change, and experimental aspects are also included. ...

Life on a Coral Reef (Undersea Encounters)

Life on a Coral Reef (Undersea Encounters)
by Mary Jo Rhodes (Author), David Hall (Author)

"UNDERSEA ENCOUNTERS, a series of 10 age-appropriate books about the underwater world, teaches through motivation and delight. The young elementary school reader (grades 2-4) will be grabbed 'hook, line, and sinker' by the colorful cover photograph on each book. Inside, the text and abundance of pictures support readers with features like bolded vocabulary defined in the glossary. There is a section of additional resources, which includes lists of books and websites, and an index with both text and picture pages.

LIFE ON A CORAL REEF describes an entire ecosystem that shelters thousands of organisms, protects coastlines, and provides food for people. The skeletons of the coral animals are the most beautiful homes in the world; millions of designers cooperate. Day or night, coral...

World Atlas of Coral Reefs

World Atlas of Coral Reefs
by Mark D. Spalding (Author), Edmund P. Green (Author), Corinna Ravilious (Author)

Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse habitats in the world, host to an extraordinary variety of marine plants and animals. They are also one of the world's most fragile and endangered ecosystems. The growth of mass tourism, combined with the boom in popularity of scuba diving, has brought these spectacular ecosystems to public attention across the planet. Coral reefs provide essential fish habitat, support endangered and threatened species, and harbor protected marine mammals and turtles. They are a significant source of food, provide income and employment through tourism and marine recreation, and offer countless other benefits to humans, including supplying compounds for pharmaceuticals. Yet coral reefs around the world are rapidly being degraded by a...

Coral Reef Adventure (IMAX) [Blu-ray]

Coral Reef Adventure (IMAX) [Blu-ray]
Starring: Liam Neeson, Howard Hall, Michele Hall, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Rusi Vulakoro
Directed By: Greg MacGillivray

Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey across the South Pacific for a spectacular IMAX adventure. Joy, ecstasy, a spiritual high: these words describe the exhilaration of diving a pristine coral reef, and ocean explorers Howard and Michele Hall bring their love of the ocean into action. With Jean-Michael Cousteau, deep reef scientist Richard Pyle and Fijian diver Rusi Vulakoro, they explore and capture on film the dazzling underwater world of coral reefs, magical places here on Earth. This tropical excursion through the South Pacific will surprise and delight you as you fall in love with the reefs, and your heart will ache at the tragic, irretrievable loss of these fragile worlds.

High Power WHITE + BLUE LED Aquarium Reef corals grow light. 2512W+B

High Power WHITE + BLUE LED Aquarium Reef corals grow light. 2512W+B
by LED Wholesalers

Solid State, Cooler Running, High Efficiency, Dual Color Blended Full Spectrum LED plant lighting, This panel has no ballasts to burn out like other aquarium or plant lights. It runs at a warm temperature rather than very hot which is common with most other inefficient plant lights. This more controlled running temperature reduces water evaporation and keeps rooms with tanks and plants from getting uncomfortably hot in the summer months requiring additional air conditioning. They save electricity dual fold. This state of the art BLUE + WHITE LED panel tank and plant light is extremely energy efficient paying for itself many times over each year in electricity savings. It saves 50% to 90% in energy consumption compared to incandescent bulbs or fluorescent tubes. Wide angle projection...

Coral Reefs

Coral Reefs
by Gail Gibbons (Author)

Marine biologists believe coral reefs existed 400 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Today this active environment is home to about 20,000 kinds of brilliantly coloured corals, plants, and animals-more sea creatures than are found anywhere else in the world. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is so large that astronauts can see it from outer space! But what is life like in a coral reef? What do corals eat? Why are corals more colourful at nighttime? Children will enjoy Gibbon's informative text and clear, detailed illustrations on this journey into the unique lives of coral reefs.

A Field Guide to Coral Reefs: Caribbean and Florida (Peterson Field Guide)

A Field Guide to Coral Reefs: Caribbean and Florida (Peterson Field Guide)
by Eugene H. Kaplan (Author), Roger Tory Peterson (Editor), Susan L. Kaplan (Editor)

With more than 500 species described and more than 400 illustrations, this guide provides quick and easy visual identification of fishes, mollusks, sponges, shrimps, lobsters, crabs, and much more of the fauna found on the coral reefs of the Caribbean and Florida.

The Reef Set: Reef Fish, Reef Creature and Reef Coral (3 Volumes)

The Reef Set: Reef Fish, Reef Creature and Reef Coral (3 Volumes)
by Paul Humann (Author), Ned DeLoach (Author)

Reef Fish3rd Edition, Reef Creature 2nd Edition and Reef Coral 2nd Edition Identification books packaged in a beautifully printed Shelf Case.

© 2010 BrightSurf.com