caribbean region

Abstract: The recent rise in ocean temperatures, accompanied by other environmental changes, has notably
increased the occurrence and spread of diseases in Octocorallia, of which many species are integral to shallow
tropical and subtropical coral reef ecosystems. This study focuses on the understanding of these diseases, which
has been largely limited to symptomatic descriptions, with clear etiological factors identified in only a fraction
of cases. A key example is the multifocal purple spots syndrome (MPSS) affecting the common Caribbean
octocoral sea fan Gorgonia ventalina, linked to the gall-forming copepods of the genus Sphaerippe, a member of
the widespread family Lamippidae. The specialized nature of these copepods as endoparasites in octocorals
suggests the potential for the discovery of similar diseases across this host spectrum. Our investigation
employed four molecular markers to study disease hotspots in Saint Eustatius, Curaçao, northwest and
southwest Cuba, and Bonaire. This led to the discovery of a group of copepod species in these varied Caribbean
locations. Importantly, these species are morphologically indistinguishable through traditional methods,
challenging established taxonomic approaches. The observed diversity of symbionts, despite the host species'
genetic uniformity, is likely due to variations in larval dispersal mechanisms. Our phylogenetic analyses
confirmed that the Lamippidae copepods belong to the order Poecilostomatoida (Copepoda) and revealed their
sister group relationship with the Anchimolgidae, Rhynchomolgidae, and Xarifiidae clades, known for their
symbiotic relationships with scleractinian corals. These results add to our understanding of the evolutionary
and ecological interactions of copepods and their hosts, and the diseases they cause, important data in a
changing climate.

Abstract The vegetation database CACTUS (registered in GIVD under SA-00-004) aims to bring together all plot-based relevés from the Dutch Caribbean Islands that are available from literature, unpublished resources, and recent field surveys. The database currently contains 2,701 vegetation descriptions. The database is used for vegetation classification, to investigate vegetation change over time, to assist in the planning of vegetation surveys, as a source for plant species distribution maps, and to inform nature conservation and policy.

The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and  Beneath the Waves (BTW) have launched the Caribbean Shark Coalition (CSC), an innovative, new platform to bring key stakeholders, researchers, governments and funders together to better collaborate and scale the impacts of science and policy within the entire Greater Caribbean region.

© Sami Kattan/Beneath the Waves

Represented are over 45 new members from NGOs, governments, and local businesses from 24 countries, which have formally joined the CSC to build capacity around research, policy, and education efforts for these threatened species in the region.

The Caribbean plays a key role in advancing the global target of protecting 30% of the worlds’ ocean by 2030. Under this vision, the CSC has three primary goals, which will be carried out through collaborative work and CSC-member projects. Firstly, the CSC will foster collaboration in shark and ray research, policy, and capacity building for conservation among stakeholders, and provide opportunities for knowledge transfer and data synthesis. The CSC will also seek to explore ways in which transboundary protections can be made to better safeguard the long-term health of shark and ray populations. Finally, the CSC aims to promote a sustainable future for these species as well as the human livelihoods who depend on them, by engaging local businesses, stakeholders, and private sector corporations.

“This is a historic moment for marine conservation efforts in the Caribbean,” says Tadzio Bervoets, Director of DNCA and a founding team member at the CSC. “We have been calling for transboundary marine protections in these waters, as we know that these apex predators are connecting ecosystems, reefs, fisheries, and nutrients across Exclusive Economic Zones. The CSC will help us to find and address critical knowledge gaps around sharks and rays in the region, and support collaborative research projects.”

Dr. Austin Gallagher, Chief Scientist of Beneath the Waves, shares, “Over the years we’ve had so many stakeholders from throughout the region express their interest in getting engaged in basic research or education around sharks, but a lack of resources or technical or operational expertise limited them from taking action.

He adds, “We hope The Coalition can play a role in creating that friendly, open, and supportive community those voices have been looking for.”

CSC members represent a collection of experts from NGOs, local communities, intergovernmental organizations and governments, academia, and policy institutes, and local businesses, working together to advance the study and conservation of sharks and rays found in the waters of the Greater Caribbean. The CSC will provide cross-disciplinary training, region-wide assessments, and will issue grants to CSC-member projects. The CSC will represent the interests and goals of members and, more broadly, sharks and ray species of the Caribbean at the UN (UNEP-CEP and the Regional Activity Center for the SPAW Protocols of the Cartagena Convention), IUCN-Caribbean, CITES, CMS, CBD, and other international gatherings.

For information visit www.caribbeansharks.co

Published in BioNews 43