Protection of marine benthic habitats in the Pacific islands. A case study of Guam

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• 作者：Gawel ; Michael J.
• 关键词：reef ; protection ; benthic ; environment ; Guam ; ré ; cif ; protection ; benthique ; environnement ; Guam
• 刊名：Oceanologica Acta
• 出版年：1999
• 出版时间：November - December, 1999
• 年：1999
• 卷：22
• 期：6
• 页码：721-726
• 全文大小：364 K

文摘

Guam consists of a single main island surrounded by shallow fringing coral reefs. The marine species and ecology of Guam's coral reefs have been studied extensively, especially through programs of the University of Guam's Marine Laboratory. In addition to overfishing and destructive fishing practices, the marine benthic communities of Guam have been damaged by major storm waves; loss of corals to crown of thorns starfish predation; damage by recreational swimmers, divers and watercraft operators; grounding of ships and pollutant discharges of sewage and of stormwater. But the most serious damage is due to accelerated siltation, sedimentation and turbidity due to erosion related to land use practices. Steps are being taken to protect Guam's coral reefs and coastal waters through legislation, regulations, permit systems and policies. Environmental impact assessments, Guam's Coral Reef Initiative and controls by the Guam Seashore Protection Commission help greatly in the protection of Guam's marine benthic environment, while new legislation and research to protect Guam's coral reefs is underway.