Review of research relevant to the conservation of shallow tropical marine ecosystems
Hatcher, B.G.; Johannes, R.E.; Robertson, A.I. (1989). Review of research relevant to the conservation of shallow tropical marine ecosystems, in: Barnes, H.B. et al. Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 27. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 27: pp. 337-414 In: Barnes, H.B. et al. (1989). Oceanogr. Mar. Biol. Ann. Rev. 27. Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review, 27. Aberdeen University Press: Aberdeen. ISBN 0-08-0363970-0. 468 pp., more In: Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review. Aberdeen University Press/Allen & Unwin: London. ISSN 0078-3218; e-ISSN 2154-9125, more |  |
| Keywords | Environmental factors > Anthropogenic factors
Environments > Tropical environment
Literature reviews
Man-induced effects
Water > Shallow water
Marine/Coastal |
| Authors | | Top | - Hatcher, B.G.
- Johannes, R.E.
- Robertson, A.I.
| | |
| Abstract | The recent literature dealing with the assessment, interpretation, and management of anthropogenic impacts on shallow tropical marine ecosystems is introduced. A definitive treatment in 1975 is used as the starting point for a review of subsequent extensive research conducted into these topics. A table of comparisons between tropical and temperate ecosystems is updated and discussed in terms of its implications for tropical conservation practice. The major ecosystems of the shallow marine tropics are treated separately. Coral reefs receive the most attention; more a reflection of their attractiveness to scientists perhaps, than of the extent of their degradation relative to mangrove or seagrass ecosystems. Documentation of the degradation of these ecosystems has improved greatly over the past decade. Understanding of the mechanisms of impact and interactions between effects, ecosystems and their components is increasing incrementally. Research into the prediction and control of man's interaction with the marine environments of the tropics has, however, done little to slow the seemingly inexorable acceleration of their degradation. |
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