Uncovering Diadema Sea Urchin Settlement Secrets Around Saba?
(BIO) NEWS research edition. Every edition we highlight 1 article with the latest? nature news from the six Dutch Caribbean Islands focused on research and monitoring.? As always you can find our complete list of articles HERE. As well as an overview of recent publications, current research and monitoring activities and needs at the end of this newsletter.??
A recent study by Van Hall Larenstein University Applied Science and Wageningen University & Research explored the settlement patterns of the long-spined black sea urchin, Diadema antillarum, around the island of Saba. This research is vital for understanding how to restore coral reefs in the region, which have been significantly affected by environmental changes and a historical die-off event of this keystone species.
To better understand Diadema sea urchin settlement, the RAAK PRO Diadema project deployed artificial turf settlement collectors at nine locations around Saba, monitoring them between June 2019 to July 2020. The goal was to identify when and where sea urchin larvae settled most frequently. Key findings included identifying seasonal settlement peaks, documenting highest settlement of Diadema antillarum larvae in June and July.? In addition, they found an interesting spatial distribution, with most larvae settling on the leeward (western) side of the island, where waters are calmer, compared to the windward (eastern) side, which is more exposed to rough conditions. Finally, the study highlighted the importance of hydrodynamics, noting that the calmer, sheltered waters on the leeward side likely facilitate settlement, while the turbulent conditions on the windward side inhibit it.
Why Is This Important?
Diadema antillarum plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of Caribbean coral reefs by grazing on algae that can otherwise outcompete coral. The mass mortality event of these sea urchins in the 1980s contributed to the dramatic decline in coral health across the Caribbean, as algae grew unchecked. Only a small percentage of Diadema antillarum populations have recovered in the decades since, prompting the need for active restoration of the species. Understanding the settlement patterns of these sea urchins is important for effective restoration efforts. By identifying when and where larvae are most likely to settle, conservationists can target these areas for protection and restoration. Settlers collected can also be grown in nurseries for later restocking.
?
?
?
Implications for the Dutch Caribbean
The findings from Saba provide a blueprint for similar efforts across the Dutch Caribbean. The identification of high settlement areas on the leeward side of Saba suggests that other islands with similar hydrodynamic conditions might also have optimal areas for Diadema sea urchin settlement. This knowledge can help in:
Restoration Planning: By focusing restoration efforts on leeward sides of islands where larvae settle more frequently, conservationists can enhance the recovery of Diadema antillarum populations.
Coral Reef Health: Increased populations of Diadema antillarum can improve coral health by controlling algae growth, promoting better conditions for coral larvae to settle and grow.
Sustainable Practices: The study's methods can be replicated in other parts of the Caribbean to monitor and support sea urchin populations, aiding in the broader goal of reef restoration.
Continued research and monitoring, especially in light of recent die-offs in 2022, are vital. These efforts not only help in understanding the dynamics of sea urchin populations but also in ensuring that restoration activities are timely and effective, ultimately contributing to the resilience and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems in the Dutch Caribbean and beyond.
领英推荐
Learn more by reading the full report here: https://www.dcbd.nl/resource/3745
Publications??Check out recent reports and publications on biodiversity related subjects in the Dutch Caribbean HERE??
?
Research & Monitoring Projects ?? Stay up to date with projects in the Dutch Caribbean via our project overview HERE.???
??
Guidelines for Design & Conduct of Research & Monitoring Projects See our recommendations HERE.?
?
The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) supports (science) communication and outreach in the Dutch Caribbean region by making nature related (scientific) information more widely available through amongst others the Dutch Caribbean Biodiversity Database, DCNA’s news platform BioNews and through the press. This article contains the results from several (scientific) studies but the studies themselves are not DCNA studies. No rights can be derived from the content. DCNA is not liable for the content and the in(direct) impacts resulting from publishing this article.?
BioNews is funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality (LNV). DCNA’s activities are generously supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery.?
?
Thanks to local conservation efforts, nature on our islands is protected.?We want you and your loved ones to be able to enjoy it for many years to come. Want to help? Donate here: https://dcnanature.org/donate/?
?
Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF) Carmabi STINAPA Bonaire Saba Conservation Foundation Nature Foundation Sint Maarten St. Eustatius National Parks (STENAPA) Ministerie van Landbouw, Visserij, Voedselzekerheid en Natuur Nationale Postcode Loterij
?