Some Implications of High Biodiversity for Management of Tropical Marine Ecosystems—An Australian Perspective

摘要: While high biodiversity has been widely reported from the tropics, we suggest that in reality there is a considerable underestimate of total biodiversity. We have concentrated on tropical regions Australia and Coral Triangle. The best known groups are corals, fish, commercially important invertebrates. In considering whether this true, diversity benthic communities water column which poorly known. Yet at bottom food chain these highly dynamic susceptible to anthropogenic changes occurring with rapid development populated region. Tropical under increasing stress synergistic combination climate, oceanographic regimes, coastal development, overfishing, poor quality, resulting bleaching corals loss habitat associated fauna. These reefs received substantial research attention; comparison, limited data inter-reefal areas understanding ecological interconnectivity all habitats. region growing marine protected area coverage, major focus coral other habitats based surrogacy little if any ground-truthing. Within region, capacity or inclination rectify lack knowledge structure ecology broader non-commercial pelagic communities. expertise may be widespread throughout tropics compromises our ability understand predict impacts ecosystems.