Marine Biology Commons^™

Assessing The Impacts Of Anthropogenic Activities On Coral Reef Health In Ushongo, Tanzania Using Coral Diversity And Parrotfish Abundance As Indicators, Thao Mai

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reefs, covering two-thirds of our oceans, are vital and diverse ecosystems, earning them the nickname of “rainforests of the sea”. Despite occupying only 1% of the ocean’s floor, they support 25% of all marine species, providing shelter, nursery ground and food, all the while also protecting the coast and providing job opportunities for local communities. Considered keystone species, coral reefs are highly sensitive to disturbances caused by pollution, climate change, but also anthropogenic activities such as coastal development, destructive fishing practices and tourism, endangering their existence and the entire marine ecosystem. Parrotfish, a crucial resident of these ecosystems, often …

Early Report Of A Microcosm Of The Fourth Major Global Bleaching Event: A Comprehensive Survey Of Coral Bleaching At Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar, Christian Boudreaux

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reefs harbor a wealth of the biodiversity present in the ocean. They provide an array of ecological and economic services that make them crucial to the function of a healthy ocean and prosperous coastal communities. Due to an array of anthropogenic stressors, including an increase in ocean temperatures as a result of climate change, reefs have been devastated worldwide. This is, in large part, due to the process of coral bleaching, the expelling of symbiont algae which the coral needs to produce energy, for an extended period until death. This study surveyed bleaching and death at a deeper and …

Assessing The Impact Of Climate Change On Harbor Seals: Haul-Out Patterns In Iceland Using Cmip6 Projections, Colin Lau

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) are known to exhibit a preference for specific environmental and weather conditions when hauling out, particularly during the pupping and molting cycles during summer. Climate change is projected to have a significant impact on the haul-out patterns and site conditions of harbor seals in Iceland, which could further diminish their dwindling population. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify and discuss the environmental variables that can affect haul-out probability. Among them, surface wind speed and air temperature are reported to have the biggest influence on harbor seal haul-out numbers between May and August. Climate projections …

Feasibility Study Of Coral Farming In Southwest Madagascar: In-Situ And Ex-Situ Approaches, Raquel Reis

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The southwest coast of Madagascar is home to hundreds of miles of coral reefs that for decades have been susceptible to intense degradation due to anthropogenic influences on marine environments. For reasons involving economic opportunity, conservation strategies, human health safeguarding and advancements to coral research, coral aquaculture in the Toliara region presents an opportunity to restore quality of life and the environment. Other countries in the west Indian ocean have seen great success in coral aquaculture; however, Madagascar, despite having ideal natural circumstances, has not deeply explored coral aquaculture. This review presents an investigation into the feasibility of coral farming, …

A Study Of Anthropogenic Impacts On Echinoderms In The Jambiani Intertidal Area, Zanzibar, Amaury O. Halley

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The coastal region of Jambiani, Unguja, hosts a rich diversity of marine life within its extensive intertidal zones. Despite its ecological significance, this area is increasingly exposed to anthropogenic disturbances due to increased human activities. This study examines the impacts of these disturbances on the biodiversity, zonation, and species abundance of echinoderms in the intertidal habitats of Jambiani. Through a comprehensive field study involving fifteen transects and detailed substrate analysis, the project evaluated the distribution and abundance of echinoderm species and assessed the influence of human activities such as seaweed farming, anchor damage, and beach trampling on these communities. The …

Community Knowledge Of Shark Ecology, Abundance, And Species Composition In Wichubwala, Nalunega, And Porvenir Communities In The Guna Yala Comarca, Panamá, Kayley Jane Porter

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Sharks play a critical role in marine ecosystems as apex predators that exert top-down control of lower trophic levels. In recent decades, global shark populations have declined to unprecedented levels, triggering a cascade effect that threatens ecosystem functioning and, therefore, coastal community livelihoods that rely on marine resources for food and income. It is known that shark populations are vulnerable and on the decline due to anthropogenic stressors such as fishing and coastal development, but shark species composition and abundance are difficult to monitor due to the evasive nature of sharks, the often remote and inaccessible location of certain shark …

The Uses And Limitations Of Citizen Science For Monitoring The Australian Grey Nurse Shark (Carcharias Taurus) Population, Leah Corckran

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

iNaturalist is a citizen science photographic database, which is an underutilized resource in photographic identification research studies. Grey nurse sharks are critically endangered and there is a lack of knowledge regarding the estimated population size, longevity, and interactions with fisheries of this species off the coasts of Australia. To determine how photos submitted to iNaturalist can be used in Carcharias taurus conservation, the photographs were evaluated on a number of criteria including: location, date, visibility of spot patterns, visible sex characteristics, and visible injuries. In total, 814 photographs of grey nurse sharks were obtained from the iNaturalist database. Only 23.2% …

On The Rocks, Below The Rocks: A Study Of Intertidal Life In The Low, Middle And High Zones Of The Puerto Cabuyal – Punta San Clemente Marine Reserve During An El Niño Event, Juliana M. Ferrer

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The rocky intertidal zone is one of the most difficult environments for organisms to survive in due to its harsh biotic and abiotic conditions. As such, it is also one of the best indicators of climate change and an important barrier to beach erosion. This study looked at the rocky intertidal zone of the Puerto Cabuyal-Punta San Clemente Marine Reserve in the Manabí province of Ecuador, with a focus on observing and identifying the organisms found in the area. Data was collected along 30 m transects at varying elevations along the shore using quadrants of two sizes: 50x50 cm for …

Reef Fish Wariness Behavior: Fish Flight Initiation Distance Mediated By Territoriality And Body Size In Three Reef Sites Off The Western Coast Of Isla Colón, Bocas Del Toro, Panamá, Alina G. Irvine

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reefs are highly productive and diverse underwater ecosystems, providing a variety of environmental services including sand generation, nutrient processing, fish supply, and tourism. However, coral reefs have been increasingly impacted by natural and anthropogenic disturbances, which has negatively affected fish security within their environment. A significant observation is the reduction in evasive behaviors among reef fish in marine reserves compared to those exposed to anthropogenic threats. The present research aims to investigate the factors mediating fish wariness behavior through an exploration of the roles of territoriality and body size on fish flight initiation distance (FID). FID is the distance …

Við Pollurinn: The Effects Of Human-Caused Stimuli On Harbor Seals (Phoca Vitulina) In Ísafjörður, Ella Jorgensen

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Harbor seals are important for the health of Iceland’s marine ecosystems. They are normally seen hauled-out onto land to rest. There are many factors that affect the haul-out patterns of harbor seals including location, season, time of day, tide height, weather, and human-caused stimuli. The presence of human-caused stimuli can also have a negative impact on haul-out patterns and behaviors. The Icelandic harbor seal population is threatened as it has been declining since 1980. Climate change and the rise of tourism in Iceland may be a factor contributing to this decline; and there is a gap in knowledge on the …

Flujos De Servicios Ecosistémicos En Un Área Marina Protegida Del Atlántico Sur: Perspectivas Desde El Análisis De La Teoría De Redes, Mitch Porter

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

En cuestiones de gestión de áreas protegidas, los servicios ecosistémicos se tienen cada vez más en cuenta junto con la conservación de la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, las decisiones que se toman sobre la conservación de los servicios ecosistémicos no suelen incluir los posibles efectos en cascada de la pérdida de biodiversidad sobre la provisión de servicios. Los conocimientos de la teoría de redes y los estudios de robustez pueden proporcionar una metodología para evaluar la vulnerabilidad de estos servicios frente la estructura trófica de los ecosistemas que los proveen. A través de una serie de simulaciones de extinción para la …

Organism Communities On Giant Clam Shells As Compared To The Surrounding Substrate In Reefs Around Lizard Island, Queensland, Gayatri Singla

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reef ecosystems are facing destruction at the hands of anthropogenic climate change. Therefore, it is essential that we move to better understand the ecosystem functions of the organisms present in reefs. One such family whose ecosystem function we are unfamiliar with are the giant clams (family Cardiidae). As unique and abundant macrofauna, they have the potential to play an important role in their environment. The goal of our study was to determine how giant clams function as settlement substrata. We conducted 151 observational surveys of epibionts residing on living giant clam shells and of the organism communities in the …

Rocky Intertidal Community Structure Along An Upwelling Gradient Between Playa Venao And Nueva Gorgona On Panama’S Pacific Coast, Claire Brady

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Ecological research on rocky intertidal ecosystems has increasingly focused on the regional oceanographic processes that shape community structure over functional group interactions. Intertidal communities’ dependence on onshore and offshore transport of intertidal species larvae, dissolved inorganic nutrients, and phytoplankton signal that upwelling and nearshore currents can have an influential role in determining the growth and composition of intertidal systems. The community structure of rocky intertidal areas was compared between two locations along an upwelling gradient in the Gulf of Panama: Nueva Gorgona, with intermittent seasonal upwelling, and Playa Venao, with fringe seasonal upwelling. The surface cover of algae, barnacles, and …

Treatments Of Cyanobacteria On Mariculture Sponges In Jambiani, Tanzania, Sally Thornton-White

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Since 2009, Marine Cultures, an NGO, has explored sponge farming in Jambiani to develop secure and sustainable livelihoods for the community. While sponge farming provides economic opportunity for an industry that functions within ecological boundaries, it faces unique issues that threaten its success. As climate change increases global water temperatures, cyanobacteria are causing increased death rates among mariculture sponges. Mitigating these negative effects with sustainable and reliable solutions can help Marine Cultures grow their positive impact. Alternative methods for mitigating cyanobacteria growth were tested during three study phases. Phase 1 tested how sponge health and algae growth responds to being …

Trace Metals And The Environment: Studying The Behaviour Of Iceland’S Glacially Sourced Trace Metals, Owen Bailey

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Trace metal contamination in marine ecosystems is a problem for every trophic level, from zooplankton up to humans. The mobility and uptake availability of these metals depend on such environmental parameters as salinity, temperature, and pH, among others. To explore the effects of varying parameters on dissolved metal behaviour, I studied the Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, into which the Breidamerkurjökull glacier deposits trace metals from volcanic ash through glacial melt. In this study I develop and follow a sampling procedure to analyze trace metal concentrations in the lagoon, while additionally discussing the behaviour and impact of trace metals, focusing on cadmium, …

Innovative Protection And Conservation Of Coral Reefs In Madagascar, Meghan Parker

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Madagascar is home to approximately 3,450 kilometers of coral reefs, including some of the most biodiverse and valuable marine ecosystems in the Indian Ocean (Webster 2002). This online research project investigates the status of Madagascar’s coral reefs separated by region, threats that are facing the reefs and community-based solutions to protect and conserve the reefs. Conclusions of this online research suggest that most coral reefs in Madagascar are in relatively good health, although looming threats exist from overfishing, increased coastal populations, tourism, and warming waters. Community-based solutions are abundant and have proven effective, and can be implemented nation-wide, personalized to …

The Influence Of Location, Positioning, And Seasonality On Feeding Behavior Of The Sydney Oyster (Saccostrea Glomerata) In New South Wales, Australia, Nathaniel Hess

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Oysters are hard shelled bivalves that aggregate over time to create structures in estuarine systems, known as oyster reefs. These reefs are important for the promotion of estuarine biodiversity by supporting many species of fish, invertebrates, and plants. They also act as a key contributor to water health by using active suspension feeding mechanisms and selective feeding to remove nutrients and water borne pollutants from estuarine systems. They have been touted as possible bio-remediators. They also effect rates of sedimentation in estuaries.

Oyster reefs have historically been threatened by anthropogenic influences such as overharvesting, destructive fishing practices, water pollution, CO2 …

Beach Composition Preferences For Nesting Populations Of Leatherback Sea Turtles (Dermochelys Coriacea), Armila Beach, Guna Yala Comarca, Scott Campbell

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Sea turtles play a critical role in marine ecosystems all over the world, including the Caribbean Sea. However, many sea turtle species are under threat due to anthropogenic impacts, such as habitat destruction and fisheries bycatch. This has caused significant declines in sea turtle populations around the world, which in turn has impacted marine ecosystems where sea turtles play critical roles in proper ecosystem functioning. A crucial part of the sea turtle life cycle that has been threatened by anthropogenic factors is nesting. Sea turtles rely on unspoiled beaches with particular physical characteristics for laying their eggs. One of the …

The House Of The Fish: Collaborative Coral Reef Awareness Project On Nosy Be, Meghan Hurley

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The purpose of this project was to initiate a place-based coral reef education project, with the ultimate goal of improved localized conservation efforts in the face of growing global threats. Three principal groups that interact with coral reefs on Nosy Be were interviewed: fishers, tourist guides, and conservationists. Research was conducted on the biology of coral reefs, and on the most prominent threats facing coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and around Nosy Be. Information and direct quotes from interviews, and the results of research, were incorporated into a photographic journal entitled "In the House of the Fish" or "An-tragno …

The Influence Of Habitat Preference On Longitudinal Population Composition And Distribution Of Groupers (Serranidae) In Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar Tanzania, Caroline Daley

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

A survey of six common grouper (Serranidae) species was conducted on both the western protected and eastern unprotected reefs around Chumbe Island. Species, estimated maturity, and fundamental niche and general habitat preference was extrapolated based on observed realized niche and qualified according to substrate, depth, slope position, and general reef region. Abundance, biomass density, and biodiversity of Serranid populations were compared among locations on the reef with habitat preference in mind in order to best assess how habitat influences population composition, distribution, and health. The results of this study provide depth to previous research on the protected reef and indicate …

Fish Diversity And Distribution In The Seagrass-Coral Reef Continuum At Two Sites Off The Western Coast Of Isla Bastimentos, Bocas Del Toro, Panama, Kathy Liu

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reefs are the most diverse marine ecosystem and the largest biogenic structure on Earth. They serve as shelter for many reef fishes and are a food source for resident and visiting fish species. In the tropics, coral reefs are often in close proximity to seagrass beds and the two contiguous marine habitats are not only highly interconnected but also highly understudied. The seagrass-coral reef continuum offers a wide array of services to human society as well as to various life stages of reef fishes resulting in diel, temporal, or yearly migrations of fish between the two habitats. Tropical reef …

Mortality Rate Trends Of Australian Fur Seal Pups, Arctocephalus Pusillus Doriferus, And Possible Factors Affecting Pup Mortality In The Bass Strait Of Australia, Theresa Waters

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Australian fur seals (AFS), Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus, are upper trophic predators endemic to the Bass Strait of south-eastern Australia. Their populations have been monitored since the mid-1900s to assess ecosystem health and the continual recovery of the species from extensive hunting in the early 19th century. The best way to track the environmental conditions and recovery of AFS populations is by monitoring the pups that are confined to the breeding colonies. This study looked particularly at the mortality rates of AFS pups because mortality of the young is a good indicator of population dynamics. The aim of this study was …

Barriers To The Elimination Of Plastic In Single Use Beverage Containers In Byron Bay, Nsw, Katherine Senechal

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Plastic debris is a global threat to the natural environment. The accumulation of plastic debris has resulted in the destruction of marine habitat as well as a threat to marine wildlife. Single use plastics, including plastics associated with single use food and beverage containers are contributing to a considerable amount of debris and other litter in the world’s oceans. As awareness of this issue spreads, both large corporations and small businesses are beginning to transition to plastic alternatives for their single use beverage containers. In Byron Bay, Australia, an area of increasing environmental awareness, businesses are beginning to reduce single …

Takataka Talk: Waste Presence And Management In Ushongo, Kristen Jones

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Increasingly high levels of waste are being generated each year, resulting in millions of tonnes of plastic and other debris ending up in marine and coastal environments. The impacts of the debris on these environments are wide ranging, affecting both environmental health and human wellbeing. Still though, there is a lack of information concerning the presence and effect of garbage in many coastal and marine ecosystems around the globe. This project studied the presence and management of coastal waste along a small portion of the coast of Tanzania, near the village of Ushongo. General distribution, level, and type of garbage …

Coral Species Distribution And Percent Cover Of Sessile Organisms On Protected And Non-Protected Coral Reefs In Digir, Buga, Dubbir, And Kanir Kinnidup, Guna Yala, Panama, Sarah Paulson

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reefs are the most productive, biodiverse ecosystems in the ocean despite covering only <.5% of the ocean floor. In today’s changing climate, coral reefs face a multitude of threats including ocean warming, coral bleaching, ocean acidification, overfishing, increasing human population, and coral mining, among others. One way to protect coral reefs is to establish a marine protected area to limit damage and contamination. This study aimed to examine coral species distribution as well as percent cover of sessile organisms and substrates including coral, fire coral, algae, and sponges on protected and non-protected reefs in order to attempt to analyze the effect of protection on coral reefs in Guna Yala, Panama. Based on the data collected, protected areas had higher algae cover (P<.01, df=107), lower coral cover (P<.0001, df=138), and a higher relative abundance of corals with a “weedy” life history such as Porites astreoides (P<.05, df=80). The data also showed that uninhabited islands tended to have significantly higher average coral cover (P<.0001, df=146) and lower average algae cover (P<.0001, df=161), as well as lower relative abundance of P. astreoides (P<.01, df=134). When the protected site sampled was compared to an unprotected site that was around the same island, the protected area was found to have higher coral cover (P<.01, df=71) and lower algae cover (P<.05, df=72) than the unprotected area. Ultimately, lack of human population and protected status were found to be positive factors for coral reef health, and future study should be done to further examine the relationship between these two factors.

Counting Crabs: Assessment Of Mangrove Crab Diversity And Density Among Three Sites In Ushongo, Tanzania, Clarasophia Gust

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

This study assessed the density and diversity of crabs across three mangrove forest zones in Ushongo, Tanzania. The aim was to understand variance in the composition and distribution of mangrove crabs in relation to mangrove tree composition gradients in the area. Sites were measured using a 200m line transect and 40-plot method. Data was also collected from a sand beach habitat to compare to the diversity and distribution of mangrove habitats. Diversity was analyzed using Simpson’s Index of Diversity and an ANOVA test on the average number of species found per plot in each site. Density was analyzed using an …

Prey Naïveté And Predator-Prey Interactions Between Pterois Volitans, Pomacentridae, And Tetraodontidae In Two Reefs In The Guna Yala Archipelago, Panama, Jesse Garrett-Larsen

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The invasion of Pterois volitans along the Atlantic coast of the Americas is one of the top marine conservation issues of the century. Prey naïveté has been suggested as a mechanism for the success of P. volitans, but conclusive field observations have not been completed. This study tested for prey naïveté in situ by comparing time spent by Pomacentridae and Tetraodontidae in close proximity to P. volitans and a native predator, Cephalopholis cruentata. Difference in time spent by Pomacentridae and Tetraodontidae in the presence of the two predators was observed. The predators P. volitans and C. cruentata were sequentially observed …

Small-Scale Farming Of Sandfish (Holothuria Scabra) At Unguja Ukuu, Zanzibar, Claire Hacker

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

The biological and social components of sandfish farming were studied at Unguja Ukuu, Zanzibar. Measurement of temperature and depth, along with quadrat sampling of substrate and sea cucumbers, led to recommendations for future management of depth, biomass per area, disease and crabs, and substrate. Interviews revealed the role and potential benefits of sea cucumber farming for communities. Several barriers to, and complications with, the expansion of sea cucumber farming were also identified. This study provided information for improvement of this farm and hoped to spread knowledge of sandfish farming to Zanzibaris, who may benefit economically from the practice.

Coral Bleaching And The Effect Of Disturbances On The Damselfish Community On Lizard Island, Australia, Alejandra Munoz

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral reefs are characterized by their dynamic ecological processes that supports a high diversity through the recruitment of marine species and temporal disturbances that can have positive effects on the system. In the face of global climate change however, coral reefs face intense coral bleaching and increased degradation as they may begin to have less time to recover between bleaching events in the near future. Little is known on the long term effects of coral bleaching and habitat degradation on reef fish communities and much less is known about the mechanisms that bring about changes to reef fish assemblages.

This …

Coral Disease In Chumbe Island Coral Park: A Baseline Survey Of The Prevalence Of Coral Disease And Other Afflictions Within Chumbe Marine Protected Area, Hannah Turley

Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection

Coral mortality from disease and other afflictions is a rising concern for reefs around the world. The aim of this study was to provide to a baseline for the prevalence of coral disease and other afflictions, which indicate compromised coral health, in Chumbe Island Coral Park, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Chumbe's reef experienced a widespread bleaching event earlier this year and this baseline study will provide a starting point to see how the bleaching event affected the prevalence of disease and other afflictions within the reef. A baseline study will also allow the park to investigate if their current monitoring procedures are …