Ecological assessment of the marine ecosystems of Barbuda, West Indies: Using rapid scientific assessment to inform ocean zoning and fisheries management.

摘要: To inform a community-based ocean zoning initiative, we conducted an intensive ecological assessment of the marine ecosystems Barbuda, West Indies. We 116 fish and 108 benthic surveys around island, measured abundance size structure lobsters conch at 52 35 sites, respectively. found that both coral cover biomass were similar to or lower than levels observed across greater Caribbean; live fishery target species, such as large snappers groupers, was generally low. However, Barbuda lacks many high-relief forereef areas where work has been in other Caribbean locations. The distribution patchy, making it difficult quantify density island scale. maximum larger locations reported 40 years ago. While lobster population clearly heavily exploited, our data suggest is not overexploited much rest Caribbean. Surveys Barbuda's Codrington Lagoon revealed juvenile lobsters, but none legal (95 mm carapace length), suggesting lagoon functions primarily nursery habitat. Conch on islands. Our regional threats islands are present some resources-particularly conch-may be less Local management potential provide sustainability for least island's resources. show rapid, thorough can reveal clear conservation opportunities facilitate rapid action by providing foundation community-driven policymaking process