Challenges in rendering Coral Triangle habitat richness in remotely sensed habitat maps: The case of Bunaken Island (Indonesia)
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Marine habitats
Abstract The relentless increase in both human activities and exploitation of marine resources is a threat to marine habitats and species. For marine systems, several protection initiatives have been outlined over the past decade to significantly reduce the current rate of biodiversity loss at global, regional, and national levels, and to establish representative networks of marine protected areas with the aim of protecting 10–30% of marine habitats. Reliable estimates of the total area occupied by each habitat are crucial to set adequate protection initiatives. Habitat mapping requires a sound habitat classification. Many classification schemes have been developed in different areas of the world, sometimes based on questionable criteria. A critical analysis of the most recent marine habitat classification list produced for the Mediterranean Sea from the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA) showed that (i) 39% of habitats and associated species considered in the list are scarcely covered by scientific knowledge from Web‐based resources; (ii) 62% of the species/genera included in the list are primary producers; (iii) quantitative information about the geographical distribution of selected habitats and associated species is scant; and (iv) when available, information is largely unbalanced and biased towards the shallow western Mediterranean Sea. Improved inventories of marine habitats are needed to support accurate and consistent mapping activities. The combination of large‐scale mapping and sound habitat classifications will allow better estimates of biodiversity distribution, to reverse regional/global habitat loss rates through the achievement of conservation targets and deadlines that, for the moment, are systematically not met. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Marine habitats
Marine conservation
Marine protected area
Marine Biodiversity
Critical habitat
Habitat conservation
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ABSTRACT Habitat‐forming bryozoans are here defined as extant, heavily‐calcified species which regularly attain sizes over 50 mm in three‐dimensions and which contribute significantly to benthic habitat structure as living colonies. Records of habitat‐forming bryozoans were collated and mapped, together with information about the location, environment, habitat‐forming species, the nature and size of the habitat formed, any associated fauna, and relevant threats and/or conservation measures. Records collated here indicated that habitat‐forming bryozoans occurred from ~59°N to 77°S, but that they did not occur frequently in the tropics, being found most commonly in temperate continental shelf environments, on stable substrata in places where water movement was relatively fast and consistent. Habitat‐forming bryozoans are particularly abundant and diverse in New Zealand, where 27 species, a quarter of which are cyclostomes, provide habitat over hundreds of square kilometres of sea floor. Other areas where they are particularly rich and/or abundant include Antarctica (Weddell, Lazarev and Ross Seas), the North Pacific around Japan, the northern Mediterranean and Adriatic, and along the southern edge of the North Sea, through the English Channel and around the United Kingdom. Large bryozoans provide habitat for diverse associated assemblages, particularly for other bryozoans, molluscs, annelids, arthropods, cnidarians, sponges, echinoderms and macroalgae. Protected areas which include habitat‐forming bryozoans occur throughout the distribution of this frequently unrecognized habitat type, but despite this they are prone to damage by anthropogenic impacts including pollution and bottom fishing. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bryozoa
Marine habitats
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This thesis presents a study of the marine habitats of Bahrain together with details of some of the
physical factors which may effect the distribution of those habitat types. Satellite remote sensing
techniques were employed together with aerial photography and in-field 'ground-truthing' to
locate 8 distinct habitat type. A comparison between the satellite-predicted habitat types and the
actual habitats present reveals an accuracy of greater than 87%. Over 250 intertidal and subtidal
study sites were surveyed for community type, key species, water quality measurements and
seasonal variation. A final map of 12 habitat types was produced by expanding on the satellite
characterisation using results from the detailed field surveys and the aerial reconnaissance. A set
of sensitivity maps was drawn up to identify areas of commercial and scientific importance and
to allocate areas in need of conservation, protection and management. The importance of each
habitat type and its role in the overall ecosystem is discussed. The findings of this survey
constitute the foundations for an effective national marine conservation strategy.
Seagrass beds are identified as one of the most important habitat types around Bahrain and the
effects of temperature, depth and salinity on the distribution and biomass of the three native
species of seagrass are investigated. These three factors are identified as being the most variable
physical factors likely to constrain seagrass growth and distribution. 14 sites were surveyed at
different seasonal periods to collect data on the biomass, leaf length and leaf number of the
different species of seagrass along with temperature, depth and salinity data. The leaf
measurements and biomass data from the 3 species of seagrass show a clear relationship to
physical factors. Temperature effects the growth of all 3 species to a varying extent. Water depth
influences the distribution and growth patterns of Halodule uninervis and Halophila stipulacea.
Salinity has no apparent effect on biomass or distribution. The possibility that salinity influences
growth pattern and leaf morphology, particularly in Halophila ovalis, is inconclusive and would
require further investigation.
Marine habitats
Blue carbon
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