Marine

Detecting patterns of spatial genetic structure (SGS) can help identify intrinsic and extrinsic barriers to gene flow within metapopulations. For marine organisms such as coral reef fishes, identifying these barriers is critical to predicting evolutionary dynam- ics and demarcating evolutionarily significant units for conservation. In this study, we adopted an alternative hypothesis-testing framework to identify the patterns and pre- dictors of SGS in the Caribbean reef fish Elacatinus lori. First, genetic structure was estimated using nuclear microsatellites and mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences. Next, clustering and network analyses were applied to visualize patterns of SGS. Finally, logistic regressions and linear mixed models were used to identify the predic- tors of SGS. Both sets of markers revealed low global structure: mitochondrial ΦST = 0.12, microsatellite FST = 0.0056. However, there was high variability among pairwise estimates, ranging from no differentiation between sites on contiguous reef (ΦST = 0) to strong differentiation between sites separated by ocean expanses ≥ 20 km (maximum ΦST = 0.65). Genetic clustering and statistical analyses provided additional support for the hypothesis that seascape discontinuity, represented by oceanic breaks between patches of reef habitat, is a key predictor of SGS in E. lori. Notably, the esti- mated patterns and predictors of SGS were consistent between both sets of markers. Combined with previous studies of dispersal in E. lori, these results suggest that the interaction between seascape continuity and the dispersal kernel plays an important role in determining genetic connectivity within metapopulations. 

Marine park map of St.Maarten

The island of Bonaire in the lesser Antillean islands is economically dependent on the tourism industry. A majority of tourists who visit the island are scuba divers, drawn by Bonaire‘s coral reefs. Increased development, tourism, fishing, and pollution threaten Bonaire‘s marine resources. Survey questionnaires and oral interviews were conducted to determine the interactions between the inhabitants of Bonaire and marine resources, specifically the coral reefs. Four sub-cultures (fishermen, divers, researchers, and others) were identified through their use of marine resources. These subcultures were asked to identify major threats to the reefs and changes in the reefs over the past decade. Overall, 81% of Bonairean residents were able to identify changes to the reef over the past decade, and 77% of residents were able to identify at least one threat to the reef. The freelisted responses were analyzed to determine how sub-cultures interact with marine resources, and although the nature of interactions varied between sub-cultures, the threats listed were similar, identifying a shared communal knowledge of reef ecological importance. Through the advent of the Bonaire Marine Park and the increased access to scuba technology, the Bonairean culture has adapted to include the reefs as part of the cultural identity. Residents on Bonaire have a vested interest in the preservation of Bonaire‘s marine resources. Public education and increased access to research conducted on the island is suggested to promote community engagement with marine resource management.

This student research was retrieved from Physis: Journal of Marine Science XIII (Spring 2013)19: 23-32 from CIEE Bonaire.

Mutualisms and symbiotic relationships are common in the marine environment. Relationships between cleaner species, their hosts, and their client species are prime examples of these types of relationships. Cleaner shrimp, which are typically found in association with sea anemones, exhibit mutualistic behavior through the removal and consumption of parasites, injured tissue and various other particles from their client fish. The shrimp may inhabit their host anemone alone, or in groups ranging up to more than ten individuals. This study focused on the cleaner shrimp species Ancylomenes pedersoni and examined the relationship between the number of shrimp present at cleaning stations and the number of client fish visiting that station. The relationship between the number of shrimp present and the size of the host anemone was also investigated; the data collected did not support any significant relationships between the variables tested. All data was collected through observational studies and video analysis of specimens in the field. Because cleaner species are crucial to the heath of their clients and therefore to the overall heath of the reef, enhanced understanding of the behavior of A. pedersoni will contribute to better conservation of the species and consequently their client fish.

This student research was retrieved from Physis: Journal of Marine Science XV (Spring 2014)19: 1-8 from CIEE Bonaire.

Baseline data on anthropogenic seafloor debris contamination in the year 2000 is provided for 24 submersible video transects at depths of 80-900 m, off the Dutch ABC-islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), in the southeastern Caribbean Sea. In total, 202 objects were documented from a combined 21,184 m of transect, ranging from sandy lower island-slope to rocky upper island-slope habitat. Debris densities differed significantly with depth. Highest debris accumulation (0.459 items 100 m(-2) or 4590 items per km(2)) occurred at depths of 300-600 m on more shallow-sloping (20-30°) sand and silt bottoms. The overall average debris density was 0.27 objects per 100 m(2) (or 2700 items per km(2)), which is an order of magnitude higher than most other deepwater debris studies. What we describe may be representative for other small, populated, steep volcanic Caribbean islands. Food and beverage-related items were the single largest usage category identified (44% of objects; mostly glass beverage bottles).

Marine habitat map of Saba (GIS)
 

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Map (GIS) showing the economic values of marine ecosystems on Saba for:

• Carbon sequestration
• Cultural and local recreational value
• Tourism

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For illustration, the excerpt below shows the carbon sequestration:

Vulnerable marine areas of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (GIS). Based on RAMSAR sites, important Bird Areas and Marine Park boundaries.

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Marine habitat map of St. Eustatius (GIS)

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Map (GIS) showing the economic values of marine ecosystems on St.Eustatius for:

• Carbon sequestration
• Cultural and local recreational value
• Fisheries
• Tourism

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For illustration, the excerpt below shows the total economic value: