Threats and stressors to U.S. coral reef ecosystems
Bruckner A, Buja K, Fairey L, Gleason K, Harmon M, Heron S, Hourigan T, Jeffrey C, Kellner J, Kelty R, Leeworthy B, Liu G, Pittman S, Shapiro A, Strong A, Waddell J, Wiley P. Threats and stressors to U.S. coral reef ecosystems. Pages 12-44
The occurrence of multiple sequential stressors and the synergistic interaction between stressors can be especially detrimental to coral reef ecosystems. Generally, the effects of multiple stressors are poorly understood, making it difficult or even inappropriate to assign a single cause to local or regional widespread decline. The challenge now is to understand the complex interactions among stressors by refining existing techniques and developing new multidisciplinary approaches aimed at detailing mechanisms and predicting effects at multiple spatial and temporal scales. Determining how humans utilize coral reef ecosystems and estimating the social and economic costs and benefits of those uses are key steps for resource managers. Techniques such as causal chain analysis (e.g., in Belausteguigoitia, 2004) may provide a useful approach for modeling and communicating the many significant cause-effect linkages between human systems and coral reef ecosystems.
- Type
- Book Chapter
- Authors
- Bruckner, Andy; Buja, Ken; Fairey, Liz; Gleason, Kelly; Harmon, Michelle; Heron, Scott; Hourigan, Tom; Jeffrey, Chris; Kellner, Julie; Kelty, Ruth; Leeworthy, Bob; Liu, Gang; Pittman, Simon; Shapiro, Aurelie; Strong, Al; Waddell, Jenny; Wiley, Peter
- Units
- PACN
- Keywords
- aquatic invasive species, boat groundings, cables, Climate Change, coastal development, coastal runoff, Coral Bleaching, coral reef ecosystems, crown of thorns starfish (Acanthaster planci), curio trade, Disease, earthquakes volcanoes, Fishing gear, Hurricanes, jewelry, marine aquarium trade, Marine Debris, overfishing, Pollution, Recreation, security training activities, ship groundings, Tourism, tropical storms