Topics presented during the meeting include habitat impact and remediation, coastal and watershed management, land-use and island planning, and the importance of education and outreach. One of the main focuses was to encourage people to act responsibly when developing and constructing. Special emphasis was also given to attempting a more aggressive approach to increase public awareness by educating young students about the effects of NSPS and getting them more involved in community activities that encourage monitoring local areas prone to NSPS. Innovative strategies for public participation in NSPS management were also proposed to better the public’s knowledge about these environmental issues and their impact. However, most admitted that, in general, bad habits are hard to break.

During the conference, we asked several experts and researchers (n=16) to answer a few questions regarding the short- and long-term studies needed to improve management of NSPS and the obstacles that are often encountered. Of the participants, 94% stated over 6 years of experience in the field and, of these, 38% possessed more than 16 years (Fig. 1). More than half of those questioned are or have been employed by the government (56%), whereas 38% are associated with a non-governmental institution (Fig. 2). Land-use and island planning was most frequently identified as a short-term research need for NSPS, with watershed management as the second most recurrent need selected (Fig. 3). Long-term research needs varied widely including the importance of linking ecosystem assessments to public health, the effects of public awareness, baseline data on physical-chemical-biological parameters of NSPS, impacts of climate change, impacts of wastewater treatment on local farms in small islands, and soil nutrient budgets. Obstacles that are commonly found include the failure to apply research information in resource management and conservation, and the lack of participation of local resource users in management processes (Fig. 4). Not enough skilled and trained personnel was also considered a major concern.

Figure 1. Percentage of participants that are or have been employed by the government.

Figure 2. Years of experience by participants in an NSPS-associated field.

Figure 3. Short-term studies needed for improving NSPS management.

Figure 4. Obstacles that hinder effective NSPS management.

More information about NSPS management:

What is nonpoint source pollution? Basic Information (EPA)

Video – What is nonpoint source pollution?

Click here to view the embedded video.

An Overview of Land Based Sources of Marine Pollution (UNEP-CEP)

“Greening” Storm Water with Rain Gardens – Virgin Islands RC&D Success Story (USDA NRCS)

Plan para el control de la contaminación  por fuentes dispersas en la zona costanera de Puerto Rico (PR DRNA)

Photo: Sea Grant Archive

On March 31, 2010, UPRSG CRA’s team met with four important members of PR-DNER directly involved in marine and coastal management (these include fisheries, coastal processes and coral reefs). Based on their expertise, we asked them the following crucial questions regarding research and information that is needed to improve conservation and management:

• What type of research or information is needed by DNER on a short (less than 5 years) or long (more than 5 years) term for effective management and conservation?

• What obstacles are presently hindering the development of research needed for the effective management and conservation?

Their responses were diverse and covered several areas regarding resource management:

• Identification and selection of species (particularly fish) that have a critical role in marine, coastal and estuarine ecosystems. Several important species were mentioned by the group; however, a special emphasis was made on the need for an assessment on the populations of these species and the socio-economic impact they may have on local communities.
• Applied sciences that help to better understand the impact of anthropogenic activities (especially sedimentation processes and coastal development) on coastal ecosystems. Non-point source pollution and sediment excavation are major concerns due to their effects along the Puerto Rican coastline.
• Identification of essential and critical habitats. No information currently exists on the habitats of important coral reef species, such as Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis, in the surrounding waters of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.
• Research that evaluates the human ecological aspect (social and economical) with regard to the status of certain species, particularly those belonging to recreational fisheries. The resilience capacity or the limit of adaptive change of communities frequently visited by tourists and fishermen also needs to be evaluated.
• Studies on improving ways of effectively and appropriately disseminating information to the general public in order to encourage conservation of our natural resources. This requires open communications among the local community and resource managers, which also entails a certain level of trust among the parties.
• Evaluations to determine effective strategies of management. Several measures taken to conserve and manage certain coastal regions should be assessed to ascertain the methods used and address those strategies that did not result in any improvement.

In general, this particular group emphasized research that incorporates an adaptive and ecosystem-based management approach. They also encouraged studies that helped characterize our ecosystems, notwithstanding the human component that directly affect these environments. Effectively disseminating information and learning from good-management skills was also considered essential for successful strategies in management and conservation.

Their response was the following:

• Need more information regarding the age of maturity for fishes, particularly female, in order to effectively manage catches.
• Provide mandatory educational courses for local fishermen (e.g., needed for licence renewal) to obligate their participation in workshops regarding about overfishing. Use the media (signs, stickers, etc.) to get local fishermen to cooperate in better fisheries management.
• Consistent monitoring of water quality. Surfrider measured water quality for several months; however, they are currently looking for extra funds to continue this project due to frequent visitors to TPMR. Presently, there is no data from the USGS for this particular area.
• Studies on the flux of visitors (PR residents and tourists) in order to determine socio-economic impacts (e.g., surf and scuba economics) and carrying capacity of the area. This information would help to establish a baseline of the amount of people visiting TPMR and how many visitors the area is able to accommodate.
• Studies on the impacts of climate change and how this will affect TPMR. Encourage local communities to take an active role in recycling activities.
• Develop mechanisms to better enforce laws that protect public beach access.

You can check out the latest activities on the local chapter’s blog at http://rinconsurfrider.blogspot.com/

More information about Tres Palmas, Rincón:

Salva Tres Palmas – The Film (from Vimeo)

Salvemos a Tres Palmas (YouTube)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Photo courtesy: Surfrider – Rincón Chapter

On February 24, 2010, we carried out a discussion session with the staff of JBNERR (http://jbnerr.org/english). This activity took place at the Visitors Center with six participants that specialize in coastal research/monitoring and outreach/education. During this session, we asked questions regarding the research and information needs specific for improving the management and conservation of the reserve:

• What type of research or information is needed on a short (less than 5 years) or long (more than 5 years) term for effective management and conservation of the JBNERR?
• What obstacles are presently hindering the development of research needed for the effective management and conservation of the JBNERR?

With regard to research needed on a short or long-term, one of their main concerns is developing a large-scale management program that includes the harmful effects caused by the use of adjacent lands and coasts. A strategic plan for better management was also recommended, but requires the development of accurate models with critical areas identified. To date, there is no critical analysis on the status of JBNERR. Studies on the connectivity among adjacent areas were heavily emphasized, including the condition and management of adjacent bays, particularly on the eastern side of the Reserve. Hydrologic studies, specifically water budget, are needed to determine the water flow from the north to the bay. Little importance has been given to the impact of nearby lands, bays and coral reefs associated with the area. Information on the carrying capacity of the area and the influence of tourism is also absent and should be evaluated due to the flow of visitors and local resource users (e.g., fishermen). Studies on the socio-economic benefit of the Estuarine and the socio-economic impact of the local resource users are needed to complement the development of accurate models of JBNERR.

Visitor’s Center at the National Estuarine Research Reserve (JBNERR) in Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico.

Outreach and education is an important component of the JBNERR, which receives frequent on-site visits and inquiries from local schools and communities about the estuaries’ ecosystem. These visitors are shown the importance of managing and conserving the bay and how they can contribute to its conservation. However, studies on the benefits of resource management within JBNERR that may provide a socio-economic value to the area have not been made. Another major concern is community resilience to climate change, which is presently lacking in preparation to deal with the impacts.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Video clip about JBNERR - Aventureros del Mar (Sea Grant Puerto Rico) (Spanish audio with English subtitles)

Obstacles that are impeding the development of research included the lack of communication between users and managers in layman’s terms, limited skilled and trained personnel resulting in insufficient time to work on research projects, the lack of application of research to resource management and how it would benefit managers, the lack of a multidisciplinary approach in management regarding planning and development, the lack of teaching students about management and conservation in local universities, and the lack of easy-to-read, user-friendly maps and tools.

Each participant was also encouraged to recommend three (3) research projects that they considered urgent and that would improve management and conservation of the Bay. These included:

• Prepare local communities surrounding JBNERR to understand the impacts of climate change on an economic, social and environmental level. In other words, evaluate community resilience.
• Studies on health effects brought about consumption of contaminated fish and the possible association with local industries (active and non-operating such as thermoelectric, sugar cane and coal plants).
• The effect of recreational activities on the coral reefs of JBNERR. How can user’s attitudes about resource conservation be changed (such as inappropriate use of boats and the destruction of seagrasses, mangroves and corals)?
• Environmental education tools and resources to encourage changes in user’s attitudes towards coastal resources.
• Determine socio-economic impacts on the local community based on the co-management of the Reserve and adjacent ecosystems.
• Determine the level of knowledge regarding aquaculture and pesticides, particularly their impacts on the Reserve.
• Integrated hydrologic management plan that identifies land use and changes, different water sources, water discharge zones, and possible contaminant agents that reach the Reserve.
• Studies about fisheries using heuristic information and the actual status of the fisheries industry, which includes contemplating alternatives such as species restoration and/or mariculture as a sustainable source. Possible re-introduction of keystone species.
• Monitoring studies on seagrasses and their restoration, including an educational aspect dedicated to minimizing the impact of recreational activities, while identifying areas for this particular use and protecting more sensitive areas. Controlling the amount of invasive and/or exotic species. Long-term monitoring of temperature, acidification, migratory species, water quality and socio-economic impacts.
• Habitat restoration and reforestation including seagrasses, wetlands, hydrographic basins, maritime and terrestrial zone.
• Co-management and dissemination of information among the major reserves in PR. Promoting projects that encourage communication among the local communities and managers.

Photos courtesy of: JBNERR Photo Gallery

The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with NOAA and with support from MacArthur Foundation, is offering a new virtual training program on Reef Resilience to provide coral reef managers, trainers, and policymakers guidance on building resilience to climate change into the design of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and daily management activities.

The course incorporates the new science, lessons learned, case studies, and practices that have been included in the on-line Reef Resilience toolkit and is designed to accelerate the knowledge and facilitate access to essential information and tools needed to incorporate resilience principles into management strategies.

While the focus of this course is on the problem of coral bleaching and actions that managers can take to address this problem, specifically in the context of Marine Protected Areas, the recommendations and tools can be applied to most threats that coral reefs face today. The program includes key aspects such as:

• An introduction to mass coral bleaching and the ecological and social impacts

• Description of the four main principles of resilience and how to identify factors of resilience

• Recommendations on the design and management of resilient MPAs

This course is free and open to anyone interested in learning about Reef Resilience.

How to enroll in the course:

This free online course is available for you to work through at your own pace. Here are the steps to begin the training:

1. Navigate to www.conservationtraining.org <http://home.tnc/workingattnc/learningattnc/development/www.conservationtraining.org>
2. If you have not already done so, create an account on ConservationTraining <http://www.conservationtraining.org/> by clicking the ‘Create new account’ link
3. Once your account is created and confirmed, log into ConservationTraining <http://www.conservationtraining.org/> and click ‘Reef Resilience – Self-paced’ course
4. Enter the course and begin by reading the course description and syllabus

If you’d like more information about Reef Resilience and/or the online course, please email resilience@tnc.org.

CRA’s Comment:

As part of the CRA project, we encourage reef managers in the Caribbean to use this free resource to improve their knowledge and skills in the management of coral reef ecosystems.

Using this meeting as an opportunity for networking and given that several fishery experts were present, we conducted a brief survey consisting of three questions about research and information needs for fisheries management (click here to view our questionnaire). Of these questions, we asked participants about the type of research that is presently required on short (<5 years) and long (5-10 years) terms in order to deal with fisheries management effectively. We also inquired about the obstacles that are presently hindering research/assessments that can help improve fisheries management. More than 50% of the attendees (n=20) participated in our survey. Results showed that 80% of those that answered our questions have more than 16 years of experience in fisheries and 58% presently work for a government agency/institution. Establishing baselines and development of fisheries management policy tools were most frequently chosen as the short-term research presently needed. Critical information that is needed for long-term research varied, but the most frequently mentioned was better data collection of species-specific catches and ages. Lack of funding was the obstacle most frequently selected among our participants along with insufficiently trained and skilled personnel.

Sea Grant Puerto Rico would like to thank the CFMC members and attendees for participating in our survey and we will be disseminating this information to National Sea Grant and NOAA. We expect that some of our sponsored research projects will help address these issues of main concern among the fisheries community.

Contributed by J. Seda

Suggested reading:

Barnes, C. and K. W. McFadden. “Marine ecosystem approaches to management: challenges and lessons in the United States.” Marine Policy 32.3 (2008): 387-92. (Free full text in our database)

Dhoray, Shanta and Sonja Sabita Teelucksingh. “The implications of ecosystem dynamics for fisheries management: A case study of selected fisheries in the Gulf of Paria, Trinidad.” Journal of Environmental Management 85.2 (2007): 415-28. (Free full text in our database)

Videos:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Sea Grant Puerto Rico – Efforts for orientating local fishermen about the EEZ (Elusive Economic Zone) in the US Caribbean . (Audio in Spanish only).

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Endless Voyage: Introduction to Oceanography – Focus on fisheries management, mostly on overfishing and maintaining a sustainable use of our marine resources.



Observational and forecast needs most frequently solicited by users include data on coastal winds, waves, currents, inundation, water quality, bathymetry, temperature, salinity, and benthic habitats. Several implementation strategies were presented by Prof. Julio Morell, principal investigator, including the minimization of infrastructure deployment and maintenance (i.e., sparse network of real-time sensors complemented by higher spatial resolution), installing observing assets (e.g., buoys, radars, remote sensing) located in critical representative areas, and developing numerical model assets.

During the assembly, most of the members/participants expressed their concern about installing cameras in specific areas (e.g., beaches) for improving vigilance and safety, installing buoys and developing models for USVI and increasing the resolution of the data provided by the system. A major interest by users is the development of tutorials on how to use and interpret the data provided by the system, which may be directed towards helping specific users (e.g., divers, shipping companies, surfers, coastal managers). UPRSG is currently integrated in the Outreach & Education subcommittee headed by Dr. Yasmín Detrés and will be participating in efforts to educate CaRA users on how to efficiently utilize the online products and services.

The first CariCOOS coastal data buoy, weighing approximately 6,000 pounds, for the US Caribbean region was deployed on June 9, 2009 on the south coast of the Puerto Rico insular shelf break off Caja Muertos Island. The buoy was anchored at a depth of 55 feet. Measurements of wind, air temperature, atmospheric pressure, waves, near-surface water temperature, salinity and ocean currents  throughout the water column are obtained in real-time. Buoys similar to this one will be deployed in the northern coast of Puerto Rico during March 2010 and in a region between St. Croix and St. Thomas sometime during this year.

Photo: CariCOOS coastal data buoy, http://cara.uprm.edu

Contributed by J. Seda

Jackson and Hobbs argue on the importance of the historical perspective on ecosystems and the need for paleoecological and paleoenvironmental studies in understanding “existing and historical ecosystems, determining the circumstances under which they arose, gauging the range of environmental variability they have experienced, and identifying different levels of intervention” (2009:568). These authors are cautious, but firm in their view of the need for a historical analysis of ecosystems, prior to a deliberation on how to restore them.  Their model and recommendations are straightforward; however, they fail to mention the human component. In many cases, historical ecosystems and paleoenvironments show evidence of the human footprint in varying degrees.  Namely, restoration must also consider archaeological and paleoecological factors (which are often worked in tandem) in order to create a more precise view of past ecosystems.

Palmer and Filoso provide a short and precise discussion on ecosystem services and environmental markets, and their role in restoration.  The authors warn the reader on the many interpretations of restoration that are not ecologically sound.  If restoration is defined, in its purest form, as “returning an ecosystem to an undisturbed or historic state”, then one must be cautious with projects that propose the “creation” of a stream or a wetland in an area where there was none in the past. Furthermore, many projects are based on the structural characteristics of the ecosystem (e.g., developing a salt flat or a wooded area), but ecological processes are disregarded.  In addition, the difference between a service and a process are underscored: the former should be based on the scientific analysis of how is the ecosystem performing, while the latter delivers a service, such as “clean water to humans” (2009:575).

Rebuilding Global Fisheries (Worm et al. 2009) provides a worldwide panorama of the status of the stocks and starts, based on many scientific papers and data, with overfishing as the main culprit for its decline.  The article also reviews the status of fisheries science and the assessment of stocks on a global scale. Information on single species predominates, mostly in temperate regions and continental areas, where industrial fishing fleets operate with the most advanced technologies.  The authors acknowledge that, the “information … for small-scale artisanal and recreational fisheries is scarcer, less accessible, and more difficult to interpret. This is because small-scale fisheries are harder to track… ” (2009:581). The lack of enforcement and poor reporting make management difficult for small-scale fisheries, and thus, rebuilding (restoration) continues to be a major challenge. While this study offers important recommendations for the science of restoration and the rebuilding of stocks (“still a poorly understood process”), a poor understanding and treatment of the human factor remains, except for a handful of broad remarks on the socioeconomic factors shaping small-scale and industrial fisheries. Nevertheless, the overall analysis is top-notch and those interested in ecosystem restoration and stock rebuilding should further explore by reading this article.

Contribued by M. Valdés Pizzini

Sea Grant and CIEL

NOAA Restoration Center – http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/

Society for Ecological Restoration International – http://www.ser.org

Global Restoration Network – http://www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/ecosystems/coastal/