Coral Reefs of Cuba (Coral Reefs of the World, 18)

This comprehensive volume gathers foremost experts on the coral reefs of Cuba who represent a spectrum of disciplines, including biology, conservation ecology, economics and geology. The volume is organized along general themes including the Cuban Reef biota, reefs occurring in the Mesophotic and Eutrophic zones, ecology, conservation, management and the economic importance of the coral reefs of Cuba. The combination of case studies, new and previously published research, historical overview and examples of the ways in which research has contributed to the management and conservation of Cuban coastal resources provides a unique reference for graduate students and professionals holding a wide range of interests and expertise related to coral reef systems. Foreword Preface Contents Part I: Introduction 1: Insights from Cuban Coral Reefs 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Coral Reef Types and Ecological Zonation of the Scleractinians 1.2.1 General Notes 1.2.2 Fringing Reefs 1.2.3 Barrier Reefs 1.2.4 Reefs on Muddy Bottom 1.3 General Review of the Ecology of the Scleractinians of the Cuban Archipelago 1.4 Contemporary Perspective References Part II: History 2: Research History of Corals and Coral Reefs in Cuba 2.1 First Traces of Interest in Corals and Coral Reefs 2.2 The Eighteenth Century: The ``Interesting Stones ́ ́ of Don Antonio Parra 2.3 The Nineteenth Century: Beginnings of Marine Sciences in Cuba 2.4 The Twentieth Century: Birth of the Marine Research Centers, Protected Areas, and First Collaboration Agreements 2.5 The Twenty-First Century: First Steps References Part III: Description 3: Physical-Geographic Characteristics of Cuban Reefs 3.1 Introduction 3.2 Data and Methodology 3.2.1 Datasets 3.2.2 Outline of Methods 3.2.3 Definition of Mapping Classes 3.2.4 Estimation of Metrics for Cuban Coral Reefs 3.3 Results and Discussion 3.3.1 Description of the Main Regional Coral Reef Groups in Cuba 3.3.2 Estimating the Metrics of Cuban Reefs 3.3.2.1 Accuracy Assessment 3.3.2.2 Comparison with Existing Coral Reef Maps of Cuba 3.3.2.3 Comparison with Other Countries 3.3.3 Barrier Reefs in Cuba 3.4 Hurricane Frequency by Sectors 3.5 Conclusions 3.6 Recommendations References 4: Outline of the Geology, Geomorphology, and Evolution of the Late Quaternary Shelf and Uplifted Marine Terraces of Cuba: Tec... 4.1 Introduction 4.2 General Geology 4.3 Marine and Coastal Geomorphology 4.3.1 Shelf Seaward Margins 4.3.2 The Shelf Interior 4.3.3 Acoustic Basement of the Shelf 4.3.4 Shorelines and Coastal Areas 4.3.5 Emerged Marine Terraces 4.3.6 Rates of Tectonic Uplift of Pleistocene Coral Limestone 4.4 Late Pleistocene to Holocene Evolution of Coral Reef Communities 4.4.1 Stage Correlated to MIS 7 and 6 4.4.2 Coral Reef Expansion During MIS 5 4.4.3 Coral Reef Demise During MIS 2 4.4.4 Sea-Level Rise and Initiation of Modern Reef Development 4.5 Conclusions References 5: A Remote Sensing Appraisal of the Extent and Geomorphological Diversity of the Coral Reefs of Cuba 5.1 Introduction: The Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project of Cuba ́s Reefs 5.2 Remote Sensing Image Database 5.3 Key Structural Mapping Choices 5.4 Cuba Geomorphological Representation (Level 3 and Level 5) 5.4.1 Jardines de la Reina, Ana Maria Gulf, and Guacanayabo Gulf 5.4.2 Batabano Gulf and Isla de la Juventud 5.4.3 Continental Barrier Reef in the Moa Region 5.5 Areal Coverage Statistics 5.6 Discussion 5.6.1 Geomorphological Diversity of the Coral Reefs of Cuba 5.6.2 Potential for Coral Reef Management Applications 5.6.3 Future Coral Reef Mapping Efforts References Part IV: Biota 6: Macrophytes Associated with Cuban Coral Reefs 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Species Richness and Distribution 6.3 Abundance of Macroalgae on Coral Reefs 6.4 Future Issues for Research Appendix References 7: Sponges: Conspicuous Inhabitants of the Cuban Coral Reefs and Their Potential as Bioindicators of Contamination 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Biodiversity 7.3 Ecology 7.3.1 Species Composition 7.3.2 Density 7.4 Sponges as Bioindicators of Contamination 7.5 Final Considerations 7.5.1 Deep Revision of Total Cuban Sponge Species Listed 7.5.2 Assessment of Less and Unexplored Cuban Coral Reef 7.5.3 Incorporation of Sponges as Key Benthos Component in Coral Reef Monitoring 7.5.4 Incorporation of Sponge Biodiversity and Ecology on Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Management Plan 7.5.5 Continue Biomedical Explorations Based on Cuban Marine Sponges 7.5.6 Increase the Number of Researchers Dedicated to Study of Cuban Marine Sponges References 8: Species List of Cuban Stony Corals: Class Anthozoa, Order Scleractinia; Class Hydrozoa, Suborders Capitata and Filifera 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Materials and Methods 8.3 Revised List 8.4 References for the Identification of Hermatypic Stony Corals of Cuba 8.5 Discussion References 9: Octocoral Forests: Distribution, Abundance, and Species Richness in Cuban Coral Reefs 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Reports of Octocorals in Cuba 9.3 Richness and Diversity of Octocorals 9.4 Octocoral Density (Colonies/m2) 9.5 Composition of Octocoral Communities 9.6 Conclusions References 10: Current State of Knowledge of Reef Mollusks in Cuba 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Cuban Reef Malacofauna 10.3 Reef Mollusks, Between Day and Night References 11: Herbivory on Cuban Coral Reefs 11.1 Introduction 11.2 What ́s Known About Coral Reef Herbivorous Invertebrates in Cuba 11.3 Herbivorous Fishes of Cuban Coral Reefs 11.4 Macroalgal Communities of Cuban Coral Reefs and Herbivory 11.5 Case Studies 11.6 Knowledge Gaps and Future Directions in Research References 12: Chronology of the Lionfish Invasion in Cuba and Evaluation of Impacts on Native Reef Fishes 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Methods 12.2.1 Visual Censuses and Study Sites 12.2.2 Lionfish Impact Evaluations in Cuba 12.3 Results 12.3.1 Database of Lionfish Sightings in Cuba 12.3.2 Lionfish Impact Evaluation in Cuba 12.4 Discussion 12.4.1 Database of Lionfish Sightings in Cuba 12.4.2 Lionfish Impact Evaluation in Cuba 12.4.3 Other Cuban Locations and Habitats Involved on Lionfish Study and Management References 13: Sharks and Rays in Cuban Coral Reefs: Ecology, Fisheries, and Conservation 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Materials and Methods 13.2.1 Study Areas 13.2.2 Data Collection 13.2.3 Data Analysis 13.3 Results and Discussion 13.3.1 Studies on Sharks and Rays in Cuba 13.3.2 Species Richness, Relation to Coral Reefs, Economical Importance, and Conservation Status of Cuban Reef Sharks and Rays 13.3.3 Biology of Cuban Reef Sharks and Rays 13.3.3.1 Fisheries-Independent Ecological Information 13.3.3.2 Fisheries-Dependent Ecological Information 13.3.4 Movement Ecology and Critical Habitats for Cuban Reef Sharks 13.3.5 Fisheries That Impact Reef Sharks and Rays in Cuba 13.3.6 MPAs and Cuban Reef Sharks and Rays 13.4 Conclusions and Recommendations for Research and Management of Reef Sharks and Rays in Cuba References 14: Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems of Cuba 14.1 Research History of Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems in Cuba 14.2 Geomorphology and Distribution of MCEs in Cuba 14.3 Oceanography 14.4 MCE Depth Biozonation 14.5 Biodiversity of Cuba ́s MCE 14.6 Ecology 14.7 Coral Connectivity 14.8 Biodiversity of Cuba MCES Versus Other Caribbean MCEs 14.9 Changes over Time 14.10 Conservation/Threats 14.11 Future References Part V: Ecology, Conservation and Management 15: Status of Cuban Coral Reefs 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Cuban Coral Reefs: Overview 15.3 Coral Reef Studies in Cuba Regarding Anthropogenic and Environmental Factors and Ecological Relationships 15.3.1 Temporal Trends of Cuban Coral Reefs 15.3.2 Effects of Environmental Factors in Cuban Coral Reefs 15.3.3 Effects of Anthropogenic Factors in Cuban Coral Reefs 15.3.4 Ecological Relationships in Cuban Coral Reefs 15.4 Materials and Methods 15.5 Results and Discussion 15.5.1 Cuban Coral Reefs Trends 15.5.1.1 Temporal Trends of Ecological Indicators 15.5.1.2 Temporal Trends of Environmental Factors 15.5.1.3 Temporal Trends of Anthropogenic Factors 15.5.2 Environmental and Anthropogenic Factors Related to the Status of Cuban Coral Reefs 15.5.2.1 Environmental Factors Related to the Status of Cuban Coral Reefs 15.5.2.2 Anthropogenic Factors Related to the Status of Cuban Coral Reefs 15.5.3 Potential Ecological Relationships on Cuban Coral Reefs 15.5.3.1 Potential Ecological Relationships of D. antillarum 15.5.3.2 Potential Ecological Relationships of Corals 15.5.3.3 Potential Ecological Relationships of Fish 15.6 Integration of Results 15.7 Recommendations for Management and Research References 16: Population Genetics of Cuba ́s Scleractinian Corals 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Genetic Diversity 16.3 Genetic Differentiation and Connectivity 16.4 Information Gaps and Future Avenues of Research 16.5 Conclusion References 17: Multiple Cumulative Effects on Coral Reefs of the Northwestern Cuban Region 17.1 Introduction 17.2 Coral Reefs in the Northwestern Cuban Region 17.2.1 Environmental Gradient in Northwestern Region 17.2.2 Multiple Stressors in Northwestern Region 17.2.2.1 Anthropogenic 17.2.2.2 Natural 17.3 Coral Reefs Studies from a Multiple Cumulative Effects ́ Perspective 17.3.1 Selected Ecological Indicators 17.3.1.1 Community Level 17.3.1.2 Population Level 17.3.1.3 Statistical Analyses 17.4 Responses of Reefs Communities to the Cumulative Effect of Multiple Stressors 17.4.1 Responses of Benthic Communities 17.4.2 Responses of Fish Assemblages 17.4.3 Fish and Coral Interactions 17.4.4 Coral Disease, Bleaching, and Mortality 17.4.5 Impacts of Meteorological Events 17.5 Final Conclusions 17.6 Future References 18: Guanahacabibes National Park: Research, Monitoring, and Management for the Conservation of Coral Reefs 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Coastline and Fringing Coral Reefs of Guanahacabibes 18.3 Marine Diversity in Guanahacabibes National Park 18.4 Coral Communities 18.5 Bleaching Events 18.6 Coral Transplanting (Acropora cervicornis) 18.7 Fish Communities 18.8 Lionfish and Native Fish Communities 18.9 International Lionfish Fishing Tournaments 18.10 Tools, Strategies, and Regulations Aimed at Tourism Activities Developed in Coral Reefs 18.11 Guanahacabibes National Park Management Effectiveness 18.12 Final Considerations References 19: Ciénaga de Zapata Biosphere Reserve: Integrating Science with the Management of Coral Reefs 19.1 Introduction 19.2 Coral Reefs Under Different Management Categories 19.3 Main Uses, Impacts and Management Measures on Coral Reefs in the RBCZ 19.3.1 Fishing 19.3.2 Diving 19.3.3 Coral Bleaching Events 19.3.4 Climate Impacts 19.3.5 Water Dynamics and Fringing Reefs in the RBCZ 19.4 Local Context for Integrated Management of Coral Reefs in the RBCZ 19.5 General Considerations References 20: Coral Reefs in Cuban Marine-Protected Areas 20.1 Introduction 20.2 Representativeness of Coral Reefs in Cuban MPAs 20.3 Plans, Programs and Projects That Have Contributed to the Conservation of Coral Reefs in Cuban MPAs 20.4 Coral Reef Monitoring Efforts in the Cuban MPAs 20.5 Main Uses, Impacts and Challenges Faced by Coral Reefs in Cuban MPAs 20.6 Conclusions References Part VI: Economic Valuation 21: Economic Valuation of the Coral Reefs of Jardines de la Reina and Punta Francés National Parks, Cuba 21.1 Introduction 21.1.1 Ecosystem Services of Coral Reefs and Their Benefits to Coastal Communities 21.1.2 Economic Valuation of Environmental Goods and Services of Coral Reefs 21.1.3 Valuation Methods 21.2 Total Economic Value of Coral Reefs 21.2.1 Study Area 21.3 Total Economic Value of the Coral Reefs of Punta Francés and Jardines de la Reina National Parks 21.3.1 Direct Use Value of Jardines de la Reina National Park ́s Coral Reefs 21.3.2 Indirect Use Value of Jardines de la Reina National Park ́s Coral Reefs 21.3.3 Option Value of the Jardines de la Reina National Park ́s Coral Reefs 21.3.4 Existence Value of the Jardines de la Reina National Park ́s Coral Reefs 21.3.5 Integration of Environmental Goods and Services of the Jardines de la Reina National Park ́s Coral Reefs 21.3.6 Direct Use Value of Punta Francés National Park ́s Coral Reef 21.3.7 Indirect Use Value of Punta Francés National Park ́s Coral Reef 21.3.8 Option Value of Punta Francés National Park ́s Coral Reef 21.3.9 Integration of Environmental Goods and Services of Punta Frances National Park ́s Coral Reefs 21.4 Discussion 21.4.1 Limitations on Case Studies 21.4.2 Value of Cuban Coral Reefs 21.5 Implications for Conservation and Management References 22: The Economic Value of Coral Reefs in the Context of Marine-Protected Areas: Experiences of the South Cuban Archipelago Pro... 22.1 Introduction 22.2 Description of Economic Evaluation Case Studies 22.2.1 Criteria for the Selection of Study Sites and Methodology 22.2.2 Site Description 22.2.3 Conservation Status, Uses and Threats of Coral Reefs in Guanahacabibes NP and Desembarco del Granma NP 22.2.4 Economic Valuation Framework 22.2.5 Data Collection 22.3 Outcomes of Economic Evaluation Case Studies 22.3.1 Economic Valuation of Ecosystem Goods and Services 22.3.2 Guanahacabibes NP 22.3.2.1 Tourism and Recreation 22.3.2.2 Habitat of Key Species 22.3.2.3 Scientific Educational Value 22.3.3 Desembarco del Granma NP 22.3.3.1 Coastal Protection 22.3.3.2 Habitat for Species 22.3.3.3 Nature Tourism 22.3.3.4 Proposal of Alternative Sustainable Economic Activities for Coastal Communities 22.4 Evaluation of Studies and Lessons Learned 22.5 Conclusions References 23: Fish Can Be more Valuable Alive than Dead 23.1 Introduction 23.2 Recreational Fisheries for Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit: International Examples 23.3 SCUBA Diving and Snorkeling with Sharks, Rays, Large Fishes and Marine Turtles: International Examples 23.4 Materials and Methods 23.5 Results 23.6 Discussion and Conclusions References