Debora M. De Freitas

Adaptive management of the Great Barrier Reef: A globally significant demonstration of the benefits of networks of marine reserves

The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) provides a globally significant demonstration of the effectiveness of large-scale networks of marine reserves in contributing to integrated, adaptive management. Comprehensive review of available evidence shows major, rapid benefits of no-take areas for targeted fish and sharks, in both reef and nonreef habitats, with potential benefits for fisheries as well as biodiversity conservation. Large, mobile species like sharks benefit less than smaller, site-attached fish. Critically, reserves also appear to benefit overall ecosystem health and resilience: outbreaks of coral-eating, crown-of-thorns starfish appear less frequent on no-take reefs, which consequently have higher abundance of coral, the very foundation of reef ecosystems. Effective marine reserves require regular review of compliance: fish abundances in no-entry zones suggest that even no-take zones may be significantly depleted due to poaching. Spatial analyses comparing zoning with seabed biodiversity or dugong distributions illustrate significant benefits from application of best-practice conservation principles in data-poor situations. Increases in the marine reserve network in 2004 affected fishers, but preliminary economic analysis suggests considerable net benefits, in terms of protecting environmental and tourism values. Relative to the revenue generated by reef tourism, current expenditure on protection is minor. Recent implementation of an Outlook Report provides regular, formal review of environmental condition and management and links to policy responses, key aspects of adaptive management. Given the major threat posed by climate change, the expanded network of marine reserves provides a critical and cost-effective contribution to enhancing the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

Ichthyoplankton distribution and abundance off southeastern and southern Brazil

This study describes the distribution of fish eggs and larvae along the southeastern and southern Brazilian coast. Plankton samples were collected at 85 stations using a Bongo net, and water salinity and temperature were profiled with a CTD. Results showed that fish eggs and larvae, and zooplankton biovolume were distributed in coastal waters with mean temperature of 23 0 C and salinity between 33 and 34. The largest egg abundance occurred along Iguape (24 0 36’S) with a partial overlap with zooplankton biovolume and fish larvae were most abundant near shore close to Santos (24 0 S). These protected coastal waters presented a surface layer with lower salinity and higher temperatures, while the bottom layer had cooler water. Ichthyoplankton abundance was low off Cabo Frio (22 0 30’S), while a maximum in fish eggs occurred around Cabo Santa Marta Grande (28 0 S).

Linking science and management in the adoption of sensor network technology in the Great Barrier Reef coast, Australia

Coastal and reef policy decisions and management programs require research to address current and emerging issues, to detect trends in key environmental variables and to help evaluate the effectiveness of management strategies. The technology and infrastructure components are now well developed and understood, but the useful application of sensor network data and efficient delivery of real-time information still needs improvement to better incorporate management needs and priorities. This paper aims to contribute to the current understanding of the adoption of wireless technology in research and practice, by identifying the main drivers and barriers to the adaptive deployment of an environmental sensor network along the Great Barrier Reef coast. Specifically, it addresses the extent to which the deployment of sensor networks and the delivery of real-time data can best suit managers’ and decision makers’ needs by providing timely and useful spatial data. Study findings indicate that, although researchers and managers ask significantly different questions requiring real-time spatial data, there is great potential and interest from both science and management for continuous automatic monitoring of environmental parameters. Some of the key research and management needs that the sensor network technology should address include measuring water (marine) quality at biological monitoring sites, water circulation patterns and flood plume water quality, gathering long-term data on turbidity, photosynthetically active radiation and chlorophyll a, and developing uniform standards for the provision of data to networks.

Fits and misfits of linked public participation and spatial information in water quality management on the Great Barrier Reef coast (Australia)

Public participation is experiencing increasing recognition as an indispensable component of effective communication and engagement between resource users and managers in natural resource planning and management. To bridge a gap between communication, information and participation, natural resource management agencies have increasingly used the visual capability of spatial decision support tools, such as geographic information systems. Nevertheless, both participation and the use of spatial technologies have been promoted without much consideration of how particular stakeholder groups participate and use existing decision support tools. This paper analyses the current state of public participation and the extent to which spatial data and geographic information tools are used by stakeholder groups to facilitate access to information and to support communication in water quality management on the Great Barrier Reef coast. Data were collected via document analysis, participant observation at stakeholders’ meeting, face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Qualitative data were coded for themes using coding analysis processes, whereas quantitative data from the surveys were analysed using standard exploratory and descriptive statistical techniques. Results reveal that reliance on the natural resource management officer, established networks and personal relationships, and provision of property-scale spatial information are important aspects of a meaningful public participation process.

Spatial Planning of Shrimp Farming in the Patos Lagoon Estuary (Southern Brazil): An Integrated Coastal Management Approach

Abstract In recent years, aquaculture has been growing all over the world. In the estuarine region of Patos Lagoon (southern Brazil), small pilot shrimp farms are being developed by the Mariculture Laboratory at the FURG. Despite its current growth, environmental information on the appropriate places for its development and expansion is lacking, making it a high-risk activity. In this study, GIS tools are used to identify the most appropriate aquatic sites for small shrimp farms and present a methodological approach for the spatial planning of aquaculture in the Patos Lagoon Estuary. The main criteria taken into account are accessibility, proximity of fishing villages, distance from pollution sources, salinity, bathymetry and legal constraints. An integrated analysis of these parameters using spatial analysis techniques is carried out. This powerful method brings together a variety of data for decision-making in aquaculture. The result is a continuous surface ranging from the least suitable to the most suitable places for shrimp farming. This information will be useful in the decision-making process for guiding aquaculture planning and informing stakeholders in order to appropriately develop and manage the coast in this area.

Conflicting Uses in Mangueira Bay: A Prospective Analysis

Abstract Developing countries in the technological transition period seek fast economic growth and give environmental issues lower priority. This is one of the causes of environmental degradation in coastal zones. The Patos Lagoon Estuary, located along the southern coast of Brazil, has accumulated environmental liabilities over the last 30 years due to socioeconomic activities in the city of Rio Grande. These liabilities are particularly conspicuous in the shallow estuarine embayments, which are considered vital habitats due to their high productivity and significance as nurseries (shelter and feeding) for the local biota. Since the 1970s, these habitats have suffered various stressors from uncontrolled urban and industrial expansion, which are responsible for landfills at the estuary shores and the enrichment of the water with nutrients and metals from the disposal of effluents. In the medium to long term, these problems tend to be aggravated by existing projects and policies of industrial and port expansion. One of the most productive environments in this estuary is Mangueira Bay, an oval semi-enclosed bay located south of the city with an area of 23 km2 and a depth mostly below 1.5 m. This embayment is currently a focus of land/water use conflicts involving several social actors, including fishermen, socially excluded people, high-class housing users, public institutions, industries and the general population. In this context, finding a solution that is appropriate and compatible with all social demands on the environmental goods and services provided by the estuary is a difficult task. The process must begin with a technical diagnosis that is extensive and detailed enough to include social, economic and environmental issues. This paper describes the use conflicts of Mangueira Bay and suggests guidelines for a collective management plan.