Coral reefs host exceptionally diverse and abundant marine life. Connecting coasts and sheltered lagoons to the open ocean, reef passages are important yet poorly studied components of these ecosystems. Abiotic and biotic elements ‘pass’ through these reef passages, supporting critical ecological processes (e.g. fish spawning). Reef passages provide multiple social and ecological benefits for islands and their peoples, but are so far neither characterized nor recognized for their multifaceted significance. This study investigated 113 reef passages across nine Pacific islands (Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu). GIS-based visual interpretations of satellite imagery were used to develop criteria to define three distinct types, mainly based on distance to coastline and presence/absence of an enclosed water body. The discussion identifies ways to refine and augment this preliminary typology as part of a research agenda for reef passages. With these next steps, this typology will be extendable to other regions to better document reef passages and their various roles, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
Breckwoldt A., Nozik A., Moosdorf N., Bierwirth J., Fache E., Ferse S., Ford A., Mangubhai S., Pelletier D. and Piovano S. (2022) A Typology for Reef Passages. Frontiers in Marine Science 9. 10.3389/fmars.2022.786125
@article{Breckwoldt2022,
Title = {A Typology for Reef Passages},
Author = {Breckwoldt, Annette and Nozik, Alexandra and Moosdorf, Nils and Bierwirth, Jan and Fache, Elodie and Ferse, Sebastian and Ford, Amanda and Mangubhai, Sangeeta and Pelletier, Dominique and Piovano, Susanna},
Editor = {},
Journal = {Frontiers in Marine Science},
Year = {2022},
Volume = {9},
Doi = {10.3389/fmars.2022.786125},
Abstract = {Coral reefs host exceptionally diverse and abundant marine life. Connecting coasts and sheltered lagoons to the open ocean, reef passages are important yet poorly studied components of these ecosystems. Abiotic and biotic elements ‘pass’ through these reef passages, supporting critical ecological processes (e.g. fish spawning). Reef passages provide multiple social and ecological benefits for islands and their peoples, but are so far neither characterized nor recognized for their multifaceted significance. This study investigated 113 reef passages across nine Pacific islands (Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu). GIS-based visual interpretations of satellite imagery were used to develop criteria to define three distinct types, mainly based on distance to coastline and presence/absence of an enclosed water body. The discussion identifies ways to refine and augment this preliminary typology as part of a research agenda for reef passages. With these next steps, this typology will be extendable to other regions to better document reef passages and their various roles, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management.},
}
TY - JOUR
AU - Breckwoldt, Annette
AU - Nozik, Alexandra
AU - Moosdorf, Nils
AU - Bierwirth, Jan
AU - Fache, Elodie
AU - Ferse, Sebastian
AU - Ford, Amanda
AU - Mangubhai, Sangeeta
AU - Pelletier, Dominique
AU - Piovano, Susanna
TI - A Typology for Reef Passages
T2 - Frontiers in Marine Science
PY - 2022
VL - 9
DO - 10.3389/fmars.2022.786125
AB - Coral reefs host exceptionally diverse and abundant marine life. Connecting coasts and sheltered lagoons to the open ocean, reef passages are important yet poorly studied components of these ecosystems. Abiotic and biotic elements ‘pass’ through these reef passages, supporting critical ecological processes (e.g. fish spawning). Reef passages provide multiple social and ecological benefits for islands and their peoples, but are so far neither characterized nor recognized for their multifaceted significance. This study investigated 113 reef passages across nine Pacific islands (Fiji, New Caledonia, Vanuatu). GIS-based visual interpretations of satellite imagery were used to develop criteria to define three distinct types, mainly based on distance to coastline and presence/absence of an enclosed water body. The discussion identifies ways to refine and augment this preliminary typology as part of a research agenda for reef passages. With these next steps, this typology will be extendable to other regions to better document reef passages and their various roles, supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable fisheries management.
ER -
