Mapping the global value and distribution of coral reef tourism

Spalding, Mark; Burke, Lauretta; Wood, Spencer A.; Ashpole, Joscelyne E.; Hutchison, J.B.; Ermgassen, Philine S. E. zu

doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2017.05.014

Cited by 477 publications

(323 citation statements)

References 48 publications

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“…Similarly, as coral reefs move into a new era, the tourism appeal of these aesthetically attractive ecosystems may decline, with severe implications for an industry estimated to account for a large proportion of global coastal tourism value (Spalding et al. ). To sustainably manage these novel ecosystems and ensure the continued delivery of key ecosystem services, it is essential that we improve our understanding of the likely ecological structure and function (Graham et al.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The inevitable resulting change in reef fishery catch composition could substantially alter the market available to fishers to sell their catch (Cinner et al 2013). Similarly, as coral reefs move into a new era, the tourism appeal of these aesthetically attractive ecosystems may decline, with severe implications for an industry estimated to account for a large proportion of global coastal tourism value (Spalding et al 2017). To sustainably manage these novel ecosystems and ensure the continued delivery of key ecosystem services, it is essential that we improve our understanding of the likely ecological structure and function (Graham et al 2014), and dramatically rethink coral reef fisheries management to adapt to these changes.…”

Section: Table 2 Multinomial Regression Model Coefficients and 95%mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Ecosystem regime shifts disrupt trophic structure

Hempson

Graham

MacNeil

et al. 2017

Ecological Applications

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Regime shifts between alternative stable ecosystem states are becoming commonplace due to the combined effects of local stressors and global climate change. Alternative states are characterised as substantially different in form and function to pre-disturbance states, disrupting the delivery of ecosystem services and functions. On coral reefs, regime shifts are typically characterised by a change Accepted ArticleThis article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.in the benthic composition from coral-to macroalgal-dominance. Such fundamental shifts in the benthos are anticipated to impact associated fish communities that are reliant on the reef for food andshelter, yet there is limited understanding of how regime shifts propagate through the fish community over time, relative to initial or recovery conditions. This study addresses this knowledge gap using long-term data of coral reef regime shifts and recovery on Seychelles reefs following the 1998 mass bleaching event. It shows how trophic structure of the reef fish community becomes increasingly dissimilar between alternative reef ecosystem states (regime-shifted vs recovering) with time since disturbance. Regime-shifted reefs developed a concave trophic structure, with increased biomass in base trophic levels as herbivorous species benefitted from increased algal resources. Mid trophic level species, including specialists such as corallivores, declined with loss of coral habitat, while biomass was retained in upper trophic levels by large-bodied, generalist invertivores. Recovering reefs also experienced an initial decline in mid trophic level biomass, but moved towards a bottom-heavy pyramid shape, with a wide range of feeding groups (e.g. planktivores, corallivores, omnivores) represented at mid trophic levels. Given the importance of coral reef fishes in maintaining the ecological function of coral reef ecosystems and their associated fisheries, understanding the effects of regime shifts on these communities is essential to inform decisions that enhance ecological resilience and economic sustainability.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Table 2 Multinomial Regression Model Coefficients and 95%mentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecosystem regime shifts disrupt trophic structure

Hempson

Graham

MacNeil

et al. 2017

Ecological Applications

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“…diving, snorkelling and glass bottom‐boat tours) and indirect contributions from reefs to tourism (e.g. calm waters, beaches, views, seafood and their use in advertising) (Spalding et al, )…”

Section: Ecosystem Services From Topical Coral Reefsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Coral reef ecosystem services in the Anthropocene

et al. 2019

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Coral reefs underpin a range of ecosystem goods and services that contribute to the well‐being of millions of people. However, tropical coral reefs in the Anthropocene are likely to be functionally different from reefs in the past. In this perspective piece, we ask, what does the Anthropocene mean for the provision of ecosystem services from coral reefs? First, we provide examples of the provisioning, regulating, cultural and supporting services underpinned by coral reef ecosystems. We conclude that coral reef ecosystem service research has lagged behind multidisciplinary advances in broader ecosystem services science, such as an explicit recognition that interactions between social and ecological systems underpin ecosystem services. Second, drawing on tools from functional ecology, we outline how these social–ecological relationships can be incorporated into a mechanistic understanding of service provision and how this might be used to anticipate future changes in coral reef ecosystem services. Finally, we explore the emergence of novel reef ecosystem services, for example from tropicalized coastlines, or through changing technological connections to coral reefs. Indeed, when services are conceived as coming from social–ecological system dynamics, novelty in services can emerge from elements of the interactions between people and the ecosystem. This synthesis of the coral reef ecosystem services literature suggests the field is poorly prepared to understand the changing service provision anticipated in the Anthropocene. A new research agenda is needed that better connects reef functional ecology to ecosystem service provision. This research agenda should embrace more holistic approaches to ecosystem service research, recognizing them as co‐produced by ecosystems and society. Importantly, the likelihood of novel ecosystem service configurations requires further conceptualization and empirical assessment. As with current ecosystem services, the loss or gain of services will not affect all people equally and must be understood in the context in which they occur. With the uncertainty surrounding the future of coral reefs in the Anthropocene, research exploring how the benefits to people change will be of great importance. A http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.13318/suppinfo is available for this article.

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“…Coral reefs are sensitive biological communities with high biodiversity and productivity (Ainsworth, Thurber, & Gates, ; Richmond, ) that play a critical role in the trophic interactions and connectivity of marine ecosystems (Säwström et al, ). They also have high economic value for local communities, for instance through fishing and tourism (Spalding et al, ). Despite their ecological and economical importance, coral reefs are experiencing serious declines and impacts caused by different factors, including anthropogenic stressors, such climate change, sedimentation, and pollution (Hughes et al, ; Leite et al, ; Liu, Meng, Liu, Wang, & Leu, ; Nepote, Bianchi, Chiantore, Morri, & Montefalcone, ; Nyström, Folke, & Moberg, ; Reichelt‐Brushett & Harrison, ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adaptable mesocosm facility to study oil spill impacts on corals

Silva

Duarte

Villela

et al. 2019

Ecology and Evolution

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Although numerous studies have been carried out on the impacts of oil spills on coral physiology, most have relied on laboratory assays. This scarcity is partly explained by the difficulty of reproducing realistic conditions in a laboratory setting or of performing experiments with toxic compounds in the field. Mesocosm systems provide the opportunity to carry out such studies with safe handling of contaminants while reproducing natural conditions required by living organisms. The mesocosm design is crucial and can lead to the development of innovative technologies to mitigate environmental impacts. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a mesocosm system for studies simulating oil spills with several key advantages, including true replication and the use of gravity to control flow‐through that reduces reliance on pumps that can clog thereby decreasing errors and costs. This adaptable system can be configured to (a) have continuous flow‐through; (b) operate as an open or closed system; (c) be fed by gravity; (d) have separate mesocosm sections that can be used for individual and simultaneous experiments; and (e) simulate the migration of oil from ocean oil spills to the nearby reefs. The mesocosm performance was assessed with two experiments using the hydrocoral Millepora alcicornis and different configurations to simulate two magnitudes of oil spills. With few exceptions, physical and chemical parameters remained stable within replicates and within treatments throughout the experiments. Physical and chemical parameters that expressed change during the experiment were still within the range of natural conditions observed in Brazilian marine environments. The photosynthetic potential ( F v /F m ) of the algae associated with M. alcicornis decreased in response to an 1% crude‐oil contamination, suggesting a successful delivery of the toxic contaminant to the targeted replicates. This mesocosm is customizable and adjustable for several types of experiments and proved to be effective for studies of oil spills.

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Mapping the global value and distribution of coral reef tourism

Cited by 477 publications

References 48 publications

Ecosystem regime shifts disrupt trophic structure

Ecosystem regime shifts disrupt trophic structure

Coral reef ecosystem services in the Anthropocene

Adaptable mesocosm facility to study oil spill impacts on corals

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