Woodley, Jeremy D.; De Meyer, K.; Bush, P.G.; Ebanks-Petrie, G; Garzon-Ferreira, J.; Klein, E.; Pors, L.; Wilson, C.
Author Affiliation, Ana.
Centre for Marine Sciences
Status of coral reefs in the south-central Caribbean
Status of coral reefs of the world
Place of Publication
Australian Institute of Marine Sciences
Date of Publication
Series Editor Role
Series Volume Identification
Series Issue Identification
Caribbean corals have suffered from bleaching, diseases, and Diadema die-off. Reefs on narrow shelves adjacent to large human populations with many fishers (Columbia, Curacao, Jamaica, Venezuela) suffer from runoff of sediment and pollutants, over-fishing, and now show signs of degradation (fewer fish, more algae, less coral cover). Where shelves or banks are wide, or far from human populations, reefs are less disturbed. Islands with fewer people and little fishing pressure (Bonaire, Cayman) have good reefs. Here, diving tourism is economically important, and there is greater awareness of reef conservation. Cayman has the best-developed national coastal area management plan, while most other countries have marine protected areas. These are stimulating improved coastal management, aided by increasing numbers of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).....