Sedimentation and Puerto Rican Coral Reefs
Velazco-Dominguez A, Webb R, Cintron G, Martinez R. 1985. Sedimentation and Puerto Rican Coral Reefs. Department of Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Excerpt of Executive Summary: The coral reef inventory of Goenaga and Cintron (1979) found sedimentation problems to be the most serious stress affecting Puerto Rican coastal waters and its coralline resources. This document will provide part of the necessary information and recommendations for the preparation of both an Environmental Impact Statement and a Management Plan. Loya (1976) summarized the detrimental effects of sedimentation on corals as: “a) causing the death of corals when they are heavily coated or buried by sediments; b) reducing coral growth potential directly, by abrasion and smothering and indirectly by blocking light; c) inhibiting coral planulae settlement and development; and d) modifying : 'I growth of corals sometimes towards forms more resistant to sedimentation."
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Velazco-Dominguez, Aileen; Webb, Richard; Cintron, Gilberto; Martinez, Ramon
- Date of Issue
- 1985-05
- Publisher
- Department of Natural Resources, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
- Units
- SFCN
- Keywords
- arroyo, Causes of, deforestation, Dredging, Human Impact, Maunabo, North Shelf, Ponce Jobos, Stressors, Terrigenous Systems, Water Quality