Habitat degradation on coral reefs and the effects on reef fishes and fisheries
Location:
Starts: Wed, 29 Aug 2012 17:30
Ends:
Habitat degradation on coral reefs and the effects on reef fishes and fisheries
An ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies lecture by Professor Morgan Pratchett
Coral reef ecosystems are increasingly subject to severe, large-scale disturbances, such as those caused by coral-eating crown-of-thorns starfish and global climate change. These disturbances cause extensive loss of coral habitat, which has further important effects on abundance and diversity of coral reef fishes.
This seminar will explore observed and projected changes in coral reef habitats and also examine likely effects of these changes on coral reef fishes. Coral loss has the greatest and most immediate effect on small-bodied species of fishes that live or feed on live corals, and many such species maybe facing extinction.
However, live coral habitat is also very important in sustaining viable populations of harvested species, such as coral trout. Further coral loss may therefore, undermine the productivity and sustainability of reef-based fisheries.
This is especially important given that many people in tropical maritime nations directly depend on coral reef fisheries for their food and livelihoods.
Details
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Date: |
Wednesday 29 August |
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Time: |
5.30pm |
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Venue: |
The Raffles Room at the Southbank Hotel and Convention Centre, Palmer Street, South Townsville |
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RSVP: |
RSVP please by Monday, 20 August 2012 to louise.lennon@jcu.edu.au or 07 - 4781 6360 |
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