Scripps Institution of Oceanography

The Abrolhos coral reefs are home to the most productive reef fisheries on the entire Brazilian coast and attract tourists each year with their natural beauty. Yet, Brazilians have failed to respect the intrinsic functionality of this unique coral reef ecosystem. The human demand for the unlimited production of goods is leading to the decline of the most diverse coral reef ecosystem in the South Atlantic Ocean. A network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA) designed to maintain the resilience of this ecosystem is both an achievable and effective solution that can reverse the decline of the Abrolhos coral reefs. The aim of this study is to identify gaps in knowledge of the Abrolhos coral reef ecosystem and provide a framework for the collection and analysis of data essential for the design of a network of MPAs in the Abrolhos Bank. The first step towards the design of MPAs is the identification of potential threats. Unfortunately, MPAs cannot eliminate all threats to coral reefs; oil spills and terrestrial runoff will not respect MPA boundaries. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize all present threats so that the design of the MPA network is cost-effective. The second step is to identify the factors or processes likely to maintain coral reef resilience. Species diversity is one of the most important factors that help an ecosystem maintain its resilience. The main functional groups in reefs are corals and reef fish. As such, a methodology to verify biodiversity patterns of corals and reef fish was designed so that areas with the most diversity of coral and reef fish are identified and included in the network. Finally, size and distance between reserves must be calculated using dispersal distances of species as a proxy. However, dispersal distances are species-specific, and a model species must be chosen. Dispersal distances of the main coral reef building species Mussismilia braziliensis and vulnerable reef fish species will be used to determine size and distance between reserves. This study also offers recommendations on how to measure the network's success once the sites are selected. The network's aim is to increase coral cover and reef fish biomass with the ultimate goal of increasing coral reef resilience. A baseline is needed to quantify the optimal coral cover and reef fish biomass in both coastal and offshore reefs of Abrolhos. Only a study of the historical ecology of the region will provide an appropriate baseline that indicates measurable goals for restoration and management of the Abrolhos reefs. Vital to this study's success is a discussion of the obstacles to the implementation of the network of MPAs. Although the need and benefits of implementing a network of MPAs in the Abrolhos coral reef ecosystem may be clear to scientists and environmentalists, the idea of closing areas in the ocean and limiting economic activities does not sit well with many constituency groups. Therefore, the most effective way to phase in the MPA plan is by showing the economic value of coral reef functions and how much desired goods and services depend on the protection of such natural functionality.