An exploration of the mesophotic benthos of Saba in relation to temporal and geographical water quality variability

Y.F. Bats, G. Dogruer (Contributor), H.W.G. Meesters (Contributor)

Research output: Book/ReportReportProfessional

Abstract

Caribbean coral reef ecosystems have been experiencing degradation since the 1970s. As shallow coral reefs experience the most stressful conditions, it has been proposed mesophotic coral ecosystems (below 30m depth) provide a more stable habitat for various organisms, providing refuge from surface stressors, including storms and pollution from surface run-off. Eutrophication, the
enrichment of nutrients, is a significant factor driving interspecific competition between corals and their spatial competitors. When nutrients are enriched in a naturally oligotrophic coral reef ecosystem, turf- and macroalgae can outcompete corals, resulting in algae-dominated lowbiodiversity phase shifts. These low-biodiversity states greatly impact the ecosystem services coral
reef ecosystems can provide. In response to these challenges, the Restoration of resilience of nature and society in the Caribbean Netherlands project was initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality in collaboration with Wageningen Marine Research (WMR). This project aims to assess water quality and its effects on coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean Netherlands islands, including Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. Water quality monitoring focuses, among other parameters, on chlorophyll-a as an indicator of eutrophication and turbidity as a measure of erosion and sediment resuspension, as both factors can negatively impact benthic communities of coral reefs.
Original languageEnglish
PublisherWageningen Marine Research
Number of pages42
Publication statusPublished - 2023

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