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Characteristics of corals, algae, and fishes from the low-tourism “control” sites (light bars) and the high-tourism “impact” sites (dark bars located inside the major snorkel tourism traffic area in north Akumal Bay) in May 2013. Reported mean (±95 % CI) percentages and algal taxa counts come from back-transformed data from relative cover estimates from quadrats replicated within transects replicated at each of three control and impact sites. Reported mean (±95 % CI) fish counts come from back-transformed data (see Table 1) from replicated visual belts over these same transects
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Ecosystem-based management efforts in coral reefs typically focus on reducing fishing pressure. However, independent of overfishing, tourism can degrade coral reefs through coastal development, as well as the physical presence of tourists within the ecosystem, the effects of which remain poorly understood. We combined a 3-year dataset on coral and...
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Citations
... Table 4.1,Fig. 4.3). For the congeneric Aplysina species, Aplysina cauliformis in Florida exhibited greater clearance rates at low water quality sites while Aplysina fulva in Bocas del Toro exhibited greater clearance rates at high quality sites, but the difference was only significant for A. fulva. ...
Sponges (Porifera) are integral members of coral reef communities and are experiencing long-term declines on Caribbean reefs under changing ocean conditions. This study combines observational and experimental data to: (1) document the assemblages of sponges on Caribbean coral reefs nearer to and further from anthropogenic influence, (2) annually quantify between-site differences in water quality based on nitrate plus nitrite, phosphate and dissolved organic carbon concentration, picoplankton abundance, temperature, and light availability, (3) correlate those water quality patterns with annual quantification of volumetric abundance of four common coral reef sponge species, (4) experimentally test the effect of proximity to anthropogenic influence and associated differences in water quality on growth and survival of the four common sponge species using reciprocal transplant experiments, and (5) explore mode and efficiency of energy acquisition as potential mechanisms underlying differences in sponge growth between high and low water quality sites. This work was conducted in the Florida Keys, Florida, USA and in Bahía Almirante, Bocas del Toro, Panama – two distinct coral reef ecosystems on opposite ends of the Caribbean Sea.
The data revealed that sponge assemblages at sites nearer to and further from anthropogenic influence in Bocas del Toro contained similar counts of individuals, volumetric abundance, and species richness of coral reef sponges. Sites in Florida also did not differ greatly in species richness, but did contain greater counts of individuals and sponge abundance by volume at sites further from anthropogenic influence. While sites generally did not differ in species richness there were a small number of species that were unique to either near or far sites within each country. This suggests that water quality and site location are potentially influencing these assemblages to a minor extent and motivates the continuation of long-term monitoring of these sponge assemblages.
As predicted, annual assessments of water quality revealed that sites nearer to anthropogenic influence had elevated standing nutrient concentrations and sites further from anthropogenic influence had higher light availability at depth in both countries. Picoplankton abundance also followed predicted patterns in Bocas del Toro with higher cell concentrations at sites nearer to anthropogenic influence however, the opposite pattern was found in Florida at the start of the reciprocal transplant experiments conducted there. Temperature increased concerningly over the course of the study and was significantly warmer at far sites in Bocas del Toro and near sites in Florida.
Four common sponge species were used in reciprocal transplantation and energy acquisition experiments. These species were selected due to their shared presence in Florida and Bocas del Toro, their broad occurrence across reefs in the Caribbean, and their representation of two major categories of sponges: high microbial abundance (HMA) species (Aplysina cauliformis and Aplysina fulva) and low microbial abundance (LMA) species (Amphimedon compressa and Iotrochota birotulata). Reciprocal transplant experiments with these species within each study location were used to test the effects of water quality on survival and growth within each species. Across species, specific growth rates for transplanted sponges were positively affected by increased picoplanktonic prey availability which, contrary to predictions, was not consistently associated with close proximity to anthropogenic influence. Sponge growth rates were negatively correlated with increased water temperature. Transplants originating from lower picoplankton, higher temperature sites exhibited superior growth across all reef sites. All transplants, regardless of collection site, exhibited greater specific growth at sites with greater picoplankton abundance and lower water temperature. However, these short-term trends in growth rate were not reflected in long-term standing volume of these species, which was greater in clear water further from anthropogenic influence regardless of temperature or food availability.
To test if mode or efficiency of energy acquisition are mechanisms underlying the superior growth response of the stress-tolerant populations (those sponges from sites with low picoplankton availability and higher water temperatures), incubation experiments were conducted with sponges in ambient seawater at each site to assess heterotrophic filter feeding and the direct flux of inorganic nutrients through the sponge. To assess the potential for autotrophy in each sponge species, chlorophyll a content was measured in whole tissue samples as proxy for the potential for autotrophy. The results of these final experiments were species-specific, with two species (Iotrochota birotulata and Aplysina cauliformis) providing support for and two species (Amphimedon compressa and Aplysina fulva) providing evidence against mode (heterotrophy or autotrophy) and efficiency of energy acquisition as mechanisms underlying the superior growth response of stress-tolerant coral reef sponge populations across all sites. The culmination of this work highlights the species-specific idiosyncrasies of coral reef sponges and the context-dependent nature of their ecological interactions, while also providing support for bottom-up control of sponge growth. These data motivate the individualized study of the ecology and conservation of each of the beautifully colored, elegantly simple, and functionally important Poriferans inhabiting coral reefs.
... The direct introduction of sunscreen chemical compounds into marine ecosystems, often through recreational activities or sewage discharges, necessitates a comprehensive monitoring and regulatory framework to protect vulnerable coral species [13]. Intense tourism of a coastal area is associated with sunscreen pollution and rapidly declining natural resources, especially coral reef and seagrass habitats [14][15][16][17]. Responding to the emerging evidence that sunscreen pollution poses ecological threats to coastal habitats, over a dozen jurisdictions have implemented bans on sunscreens containing harmful UV filters [13,18]. ...
The decline of natural coral reefs has spurred interest in artificial reef construction and reef rehabilitation efforts. However, many restoration programs are failing because of poor water quality and localized pollution factors. This paper examines one etiology of coral restoration failure, highlighting the need for careful site selection based on hydrodynamic, biological, and pollution criteria. Using Kish Island as a case study, we outline a procedure for determining placement of artificial reefs to minimize external pollution impacts, which could be applied to any reef site worldwide. Our integration of computational modeling and geographic information systems enables the tracking of pollution dispersion and increases the power of restoration efforts. The RQ Plume modeling, used alongside compound pollutant modeling, can identify hotspots with the highest potential to degrade marine environments, particularly reefs. Conservation efforts should prioritize pollution mitigation, as seen in the case of sunscreen pollutants at Kish Island, where regulatory action and public education can contribute to reef protection. This comprehensive approach underscores the critical role of water quality in successful reef restoration and conservation strategies.
... It is important to consider more factors in future studies, despite the potential complexity involved. Failing to consider suitable management strategies and environmental carrying capacity, and focusing solely on maximizing profits, can have long-lasting and irreversible repercussions, as demonstrated by Gil et al. (2015). ...
... The turtle populations in the Mexican Caribbean have gradually declined and been under constant threat of direct capture, egg looting, increase in prevalence of diseases, increased tourism, habitat degradation by pollutants, and coastal development in the main nesting and foraging areas (Wallace et al. 2011;Gil et al. 2015;Vázquez-Sosa et al. 2015;Labrada-Martagón et al. 2017;Muñoz et al. 2022). The northern and central coasts of Quintana Roo (Isla Mujeres, Benito Juarez, Cozumel, Solidaridad municipalities) have undergone more tourism development than the southern coast (Othón P. Blanco municipality) (Thomassiny and Chan 2011). ...
This study provides, for the first time, reference intervals of sex steroids and thyroxine concentrations from free-living green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) inhabiting the coast of Quintana Roo, Mexico, determined in serum samples (n = 150) collected during 2013–2019 and characterized by endogenous (sex, size, and reproductive stages) and exogenous (foraging site) factors. A new demographic classification is proposed based on sea turtle size and habit preferences. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to quantify serum estradiol, testosterone, and free thyroxine concentrations of green sea turtles captured in 7 foraging localities along the coast. The mean curved carapace length (CCL) of individuals (n = 150) was 66.60 ± 21.26 cm (range: 26.2–116.4 cm); immature turtles of undetermined sex were the most frequent age class (79.3%). The mean steroid values were 0.33 ± 0.416 ng ml−1 (0.001–2.85 ng ml−1) for estradiol, 1.41 ± 1.83 ng ml−1 (0.015–9.21 ng ml−1) for testosterone, and 2.62 ± 1.89 µg 100 ml−1 (0.001–9.22 µg 100 ml−1) for thyroxine. The sex ratio estimated for adults (n = 31) was 1:3 (M:F) in deep near-shore habitats in the northern region. A bimodal distribution in the frequency of sea turtles grouped by size classes (CCL) was found, based on which a new theoretical size class classification is proposed for the Mexican Caribbean population. The 2 size classes were resident green turtles (26.2–80 cm CCL) and transient individuals (66.5–116.4 cm CCL), which also differed significantly in testosterone concentration, residents 1.6 ± 1.9 ng/ml (0.01–9.2 ng/ml) and transients 1.0 ± 1.3 ng/ml (0.08–5.1 ng/ml) (Mann-Whitney U-test = 1970, p = 0.04). Resident green turtles found along the central region of the Quintana Roo coast presented higher concentrations of testosterone than transients from the northern region (Kruskal–Wallis H-test = 6.8, p = 0.03). With the exception of testosterone, differences in steroid hormone levels between life-history stages, reproductive state, or sex were not found. Sex steroid concentrations did not differ significantly from reports worldwide, and thyroxine levels suggest an optimal nutritional condition of the individuals. Data presented in this work could be used as the basis for future health monitoring programs and demographic studies required to conserve this sea turtle stock.
... For example, in forest trails, visitors' trampling leads to soil compaction and root exposure (Matulewski et al., 2021;Yüksek, 2009). Other natural and cultural tourism resources, such as coral reefs (Gil et al., 2015), heritage sites (Adie et al., 2020;Hugo, 2020;Vecco and Caust, 2019), and local or indigenous community spaces (Damnjanović, 2021;Ghaderi et al., 2022) can be damaged by visitors. In addition, the overloading of visitors beyond the capacity of the facilities and personnel reduces the quantity and quality of services, such as the lack of rooms and maintenance in parking lots, restrooms, and rest areas. ...
... There are many studies in the literature that point to a number of environmental costs generated by tourism. These include carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions and climate change (Azam et al., 2018;G€ ossling et al., 2010), damage to ecosystems, waste and sanitation problems, unplanned development, soil and coastal erosion, clean water problems, habitat loss, depletion of flora and fauna, deforestation (Hillery et al., 2001;Kavallinis and Pizam, 1994;Klein et al., 1995;Puczk o and R atz, 2000;Sun and Walsh, 1998;Zhong et al., 2011) and damage to coral reefs (Eastwood et al., 2017;Gil et al., 2015;Lachs et al., 2019). ...
Purpose
Tourists' environmentally responsible behaviour (ERB) is very important for the environmental sustainability of popular tourist destinations. The main purpose of this research paper is to explore the relationship between environmental citizenship behaviour (ECB) and trust in local government with ERB.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical model was proposed and tested. Data were collected from domestic tourists (n = 555) visiting Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.
Findings
The results show that all dimensions of ECB (helping, engagement and initiatives) have a positive effect on the formation of ERB among domestic tourists. The results also show that trust in the local government of the destination has a moderating effect on the relationship between the two dimensions of ECB (engagement and initiatives) and ERB. The helping dimension of ECB has the highest positive impact factor on ERB. The results provide a comprehensive framework for further research. The proposed model is strongly supported by the findings.
Practical implications
Local policy makers can focus on how to increase the environmental motivation of domestic tourists. Environmentally friendly projects can be developed to attract their attention. This will ensure that they take more responsibility for the environment at the destination.
Originality/value
Understanding the potential impact of local government on tourist behaviour is crucial for sustainability. However, there are few studies that directly examine the moderating effect of trust in local government on the relationship between ECB and ERB. This study addresses this gap and makes novel contributions to the relevant literature.
... 。珊瑚礁生態系是重要 的觀光景點，亦是許多珊瑚礁臨海地區居民的重要經濟來源 (Bax et al., 2022;Cinner, 2014;Lew, 2013)。但是在許多的調查中，珊瑚礁正在快速的消失，逐 漸影響海洋生態系以及人們的生存權益。研究顯示，過漁、汙染及氣候變遷是 最 主 要 影 響 珊 瑚 礁 減 少 的 因 素 (Brown, 1997;Gardner, Côté, Gill, Grant, & Watkinson, 2003;Hughes et al., 2003;Hughes et al., 2018;Mumby, Hastings, & Edwards, 2007)，而人類觀光活動的增加也對珊瑚礁生態系的減少帶來相當的 威脅 (Bellwood et al., 2004;Gil, Renfro, Figueroa-Zavala, Penié, & Dunton, 2015)。 在過去，相較於其他在珊瑚礁的遊憩活動，或是對於珊瑚礁的漁業活動而 言，「休閒水肺潛水活動」被認為是對珊瑚礁生態系較為環境友善的旅遊行為 (Salvat, 1987;Talge, 1992;Tongson & Dygico, 2004 (Hawkins & Roberts, 1992Lamb, True, Piromvaragorn, & Willis, 2014;Zakai & Chadwick-Furman, 2002)。對於海洋生態破壞之不適當的海洋遊憩行為 有許多，例如浮潛及休閒水肺潛水之前的準備作業會於淺礁上行走、水上摩托 車、為了遊憩於海岸開發相關設施、對珊瑚礁會產生直接觸碰、揚起海底沈積 物覆蓋珊瑚、增加珊瑚的疾病發生機率，或是海岸遊憩人們所製造的汙染物， 皆會造成珊瑚礁環境的負面衝擊 (Bellwood et al., 2004;Hawkins & Roberts, 1993;Lamb et al., 2014;Neil, 1990;Rogers, 1990;Sumanapala, Dimmock, & Wolf, 2022)。 在 20 世紀末，密集潛水的區域如加勒比海地區、紅海、泰國和澳大利亞、以 色列等地，已經有多項研究指出潛水者會造成珊瑚礁的碎裂與死亡，而且潛水 者連續的接觸與磨損更會造成珊瑚礁的破壞 (Fishelson, 1995;Hasler & Ott, 2008;Hawkins et al., 1999;Luna, Saayman, & van der Merwe, 2009;McClanahan & Muthiga, 1997;Riegl & Velimirov, 1991;Tratalos & Austin, 2001;Worachananant, Carter, Hockings, & Reopanichkul, 2008;Zakai & Chadwick-Furman, 2002 (Brown, 1961;De Young, 1985;Gopalan, Bakar, Zulkifli, Alwi, & Mat, 2017;Harlen & Deakin Crick, 2003 (Fitzsimmons, 2008;Meisel-Lusby & Cottrell, 2008;Todd et al., 2002) 0.81 (Davidson & Freudenburg, 1996;Greenbaum, 1995 ...
The coral reef is a critical ecosystem that provides mitigation of natural disasters, food sources, and tourism resources for the people living adjacent to the sea. Recreational scuba diving was considered a relatively eco-friendly tourism activity before. However, more and more research has revealed that scuba diving without proper management can have a severe impact on the coral reef ecosystem. Thus, understanding the participation motivations, willingness to pay attitude, and price preferences of environmental management should be the first priority for scuba diving management. This study was conducted at Longdong in north-western Taiwan, and we used questionnaires as survey instruments, collecting 346 valid samples. Our study indicated that the primary motivations of divers were social networking and leisure, followed by ocean appreciation and skill training motivation. Interestingly, we found that the skill training motivation of exploratory divers was significantly higher than that of divemasters. Divers with less than 100 dives had a higher skill-training motivation compared to those with more than 100 dives. The number of diving years and the extent of skill training showed a significantly negative linear regression. In terms of the willingness-to-pay attitude, we found that females were significantly more willing to pay than males. Through multivariate linear regression, we discovered that leisure motivation significantly influences perceptions of the industry. The willing-to-pay price survey revealed that the subjects were willing to pay 50 NT for dive briefing and 140 NT for marine management. The results of this study can serve as a basis for the management policies of future diving activities. For example, it can help in designing corresponding diving courses for different motivations, devising reasonable pricing strategies for diving packages, or implementing management fees for divers. By incorporating these findings, Taiwan's diving activities can move towards a more environmentally sustainable tourism industry.
... In marine systems, fishes often perceive humans as predators and avoid them, so the resulting alterations in fish distribution are non-consumptive effects [12], in contrast to the consumptive effect of fishing. In prior studies, fish diversity and biomass declined temporarily in the presence of snorkelers [13], and the long-term disturbance effects of ongoing human presence [12,[14][15][16] caused habitat shifts at the cost of reduced access to resources [17]. Fish community structure was altered at intensive tourism sites [14,15] and increased when human activities were reduced [18]. ...
... In prior studies, fish diversity and biomass declined temporarily in the presence of snorkelers [13], and the long-term disturbance effects of ongoing human presence [12,[14][15][16] caused habitat shifts at the cost of reduced access to resources [17]. Fish community structure was altered at intensive tourism sites [14,15] and increased when human activities were reduced [18]. ...
Humans alter ecosystems through both consumptive and non-consumptive effects. Consumptive effects occur through hunting, fishing and collecting, while non-consumptive effects occur due to the responses of wildlife to human presence. While marine conservation efforts have focused on reducing consumptive effects, managing human presence is also necessary to maintain and restore healthy ecosystems. Area closures and the tourism freeze related to the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique natural experiment to measure the effects of decreased tourism on fish behavior in a high use no-take marine protected area (MPA) in Hawai`i. We found that when tourism shut down due to COVID restrictions in 2020, fish biomass increased and predatory species increased usage of shallow habitats, where tourists typically concentrate. When tourism resumed, fish biomass and habitat use returned to pre-pandemic levels. These displacement effects change fish community composition and biomass, which could affect key processes such as spawning, foraging and resting, and have knock-on effects that compromise ecosystem function and resilience. Managing non-consumptive uses, especially in heavily-visited MPAs, should be considered for sustainability of these ecosystems.
... This bay is an important nesting and forage zone for immature turtles from the species C. mydas, C. caretta, E. imbricata, and D. coriacea [34,71]. However, it is one of the most perturbed areas of the Peninsula because of touristic activities such as guided tours, snorkeling, and swimming with turtles in shallow waters [26,68]. These activities result in perturbation to sea turtle behavior [68] and marine contamination by sunblock lotions and solid wastes [16]. ...
... Furthermore, individuals in this bay have the highest prevalence of fibropapillomatosis in the state of Quintana Roo Quintana Roo and this prevalence has increased in the last ten years [45]. These results are not a complete surprise, the Riviera Maya where Akumal bay is found, is the zone that has experimented one of the fastest touristic development growths in the past ten years [26], and thus there are a series of damages to these ecosystems. Higher nutrient concentrations related to wastewater discharges and touristic activities have been reported in Riviera Maya (Camacho-Cruz et al., 2020), there is a loss of seagrasses [44], discharges of sewers and hence the presence of fecal coliforms [5], and eutrophication (higher nitrogen input and isotopic signals) in Akumal bay [3,51] related to sewage and annual tourist population [2]. ...
Contamination in marine ecosystems is of the most critical threats to marine turtles. The identification of useful biomarkers to detect and monitor the physiological and clinical effects of pollutants on these populations will allow early detection of alterations (e.g., mutagenic damages) that could risk their viability or favor the development of diseases, thus threatening the biodiversity of these ecosystems and human population. This study is aimed at describing and quantifying nuclear anomalies in peripheral blood erythrocytes of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) from three distinct foraging areas in Mexico (Akumal, Xcalak, and Punta Herrero). We developed a novel morphological index that could be used as a biomarker to identify abnormal nuclei in peripheral blood erythrocytes. Here we describe for the first time in C. mydas, with a species-specific staining protocol, distinct nuclear abnormalities such as blebbed, lobed, notched, eight shape nuclei, and binucleated cells. These nuclear abnormalities were present in > 90 % of the subjects (n = 30). Moreover, 50 % of the organisms presented erythrocytes with micronuclei. The number of nuclear abnormalities did not correlate with size of the green turtles or differ between sites, or health status. We found a higher frequency of green turtles with nuclear abnormalities in the southern region (Punta Herrero and Xcalak) with the highest frequency of micronucleus and buds. The former could be associated to the constant exposure to chemical pollutants of oceanographic origin in the southern coast of Quintana Roo. Furthermore, the increasing anthropogenic pollution in Akumal could also explain the highest variability in the number of nuclear abnormalities presented in resident individuals. We propose that a long-term monitoring programs of green turtle populations in the Mexican Caribbean that include a micronucleus test could be a useful to determine possible mutagenic damage in these animals.
... Despite the well-recognized importance and value of coral reefs, they are exposed to multiple threats ranging from local, regional to global scales (Barlow et al., 2018;Johnson et al., 2022). Anthropogenic disturbances at local scale through, for example, unsustainable overfishing, intensive tourism, coastal construction, urbanization, pollution and habitat destruction, as well as their interaction with natural stressors (e. g. global climate change and predators like crown-of-thorns starfishes) are cited as factors leading to reef degradation in many regions where they occur (Gil et al., 2015;França et al., 2020;Johnson et al., 2022). However, the rate of coral reefs degradation and loss varies geographically, and their driven threats are context-specific (Wear, 2016;Obura et al., 2022), with Southeast Asia, Australia, the Pacific, and East Asia being the regions with the most threatened reefs in the world (Kimura et al., 2022). ...
