<<  <  >  >>

 

DRIVERS

CHANGE

OF

G  L O B A L C  L I M AT E C  H A N G E

Conservation Objective

Promote the ability of coral reefs to withstand the effects of global climate change by identifying

and protecting (within MPA networks) areas of high resilience or resistance to coral bleaching, and

developing strategies to minimize human disturbances in these areas, particularly during times of stress

(e.g., elevated temperatures and ultraviolet radiation). A longer-term goal is to maintain or restore coral

abundance to levels sufficient to maintain reef accretion (or net accumulation of calcium carbonate).

Threats

The main ecological threats associated with global climate change (GCC) are potential increases in

the frequency and severity of coral bleaching events, hurricanes, coral disease outbreaks, increased

ultraviolet radiation, sea-level rise, and a decrease in coral growth and reef accretion (related to

increased acidification due to increased CO2). Of particular concern is the synergistic effect of these

threats occurring at the same time. Global climate change may also affect human well-being by causing

weather extremes (e.g., more hurricanes or droughts), increasing the transmission of infectious diseases,

and affecting food productivity and water availability.

Management Actions

· Develop an early-warning network for coral bleaching events in the MAR (e.g., like the BleachWatch

Program in the Florida Keys) and a regional program to respond with rapid monitoring to measure

the extent of bleaching (and non-bleaching) and any resultant mortality.

· Identify reefs that are most resilient and resistant to the main global climate change impacts.

· Implement protection and management strategies in at least 50% of resilient and resistant reef

areas.

· Restrict access to reef areas during coral bleaching events to reduce human impacts.

· Re-evaluate MPA design to ensure resiliency is incorporated into planning.

· Implement environmentally-sound agricultural and land use practices to reduce sediment and

pollution runoff to the marine environment.

· Increase awareness of GCC impacts and educate the public through school programs and

outreach activities on ways to reduce activities that contribute to GCC.

· Invest in alternative energy and high-efficiency technologies, including solar and wind power

generation, four-stroke boat engines and high-efficiency vehicles.

· Galvanize and encourage large regional industries (e.g., hotel chains, cruise lines) to adopt

"green" energy practices.

Perhaps the most widespread driver of change in the

The possibility of more frequent and intense coral

MAR is associated with global climate change. Many

bleaching events are of particular concern for the

scientists have expressed concern that the recent

Mesoamerican Reef. Computer models that predict

large increase in atmospheric CO2 is contributing

sea surface temperature suggest that the recent

to rapid warming of the Earth and acidification of

warming trends will continue and that bleaching

its oceans47,48. Global warming is expected to have

events will become more frequent and more extreme

broad environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

in magnitude during the next 100 years47.

112