Author : Evelyn I. Otto
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 56 pages
File Size : 44,8 Mb
Release : 2015
Category : Coral reefs and islands
ISBN : OCLC:1111614117
Impact of Snorkelers on Shallow Coral Reef Communities in Palau by Evelyn I. Otto Pdf
"With the increasing numbers of visitors arriving in Palau, most of whom come to dive and snorkel on the reefs, there are concerns about the impact of the increased number of visitors on the shallow coral reef communities. Because of the importance of our coral reefs to both the people of Palau and the visitors that come to enjoy them, it is important to determine if the increased usage of these resources is negatively affecting them. In this study, we examined the effects of the high number of snorkelers on five popular snorkeling sites. The crowded snorkeling sites were compared to reference sites, which were similar in exposure to wind and currents, and benthic communities, but had little or no tourist activity. At each site, benthic and fish surveys were conducted, as well as observations of snorkelers’ behavior. Our findings demonstrate that the snorkeling sites had significantly higher rubble cover and coral fragments. In contrast to corals, fish sizes were significantly larger at the snorkeling sites compared to the reference sites."--Page 2.