Coral reefs of the world are facing widespread devastation: Can we prevent this through sustainable management practices?
Wilkinson CR. 1992. Coral reefs of the world are facing widespread devastation: Can we prevent this through sustainable management practices?. Proceedings of the Seventh International Coral Reef Symposium, Guam. 1:11-21
Coral reefs of the world are declining so rapidly that localised exterminations are probable. The major threats to reefs are from the anthropogenic stresses of organic and inorganic pollution, sedimentation and over-exponential; all of which are increasing with the exponential growth of human populations. The greastest population and extermination threats conincide with the centre of reef biodiversity: the archipelagos of Indonesia dn the Philippines; and the Atlantic centre in the Caribbean. Reefs are resilient and robust to intermittent to severe natural disturbances, however, they are vulnerable or fragile to chronic stress such as pollution. It is predicted that: 10 percent of the coral reefs of the world have already been degraded beyond recognition; 30 percent are in a critical state such that they wil be lost in the next 10 to 20 years; another 30 percent (threatened category) will disappear in 20 to 40 years; which leaves about 30 percent (stable category) which will remain for hundreds to thousands of years. These predictions are based on sparse data and measures of population pressure and exploitation. Reefs in the stable category may act as the reservoirs for coral reef larvae and adults to rehabilitate damaged reefs, however, the threat of global climate change poses a distinct threat to the existence of these reefs. Different management strategies will be required for reefs in the three categories: immediate action is required for critical reefs user because government legislation is not readily enforceable; whereas deliberate action can be planned for stable reefs as either population pressures are low or current management is adequate. Coral reef scientists should be prepared to provide rapid assessments for reef managers, who together should set the priorities for reef research to ensure the survival of representative examples of the coral reefs of the world for the future. Abstract provided by author.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Wilkinson, Clive
- Units
- BUIS
- Keywords
- Classification, Coral Reefs, Critical Habitat, Devastation, Ecology, Ecosystems, Human Impacts, Management, Pollution, Population, Preservation, Sedimentation, Threatened Species