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The Biological Condition Gradient, a Tool used for Describing the Condition of US Coral Reef Ecosystems
Citation:
Santavy, Debbie, P. Bradley, J. Gerritsen, AND L. Oliver. The Biological Condition Gradient, a Tool used for Describing the Condition of US Coral Reef Ecosystems. In Proceedings, Proceedings of 13th International Coral Reef Symposium, Honolulu, HI, June 19 - 24, 2016. International Coral Reef Society, Waco, TX, 548-559, (2016).
Impact/Purpose:
Understanding the effects of human activity on coral reef ecosystems requires knowing what characteristics constitute a high quality coral reef and identifying measurable criteria. The Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) is a conceptual model that describes how biological attributes of coral reefs change along a gradient of anthropogenic stress. The BCG provides a framework using qualitative and quantitative reef attributes to determine current coral reef conditions. Reef managers and decision makers can use the BCG model to assess current biological conditions relative to high quality coral reefs, track changes in condition as responses to management actions, and communicate environmental condition and outcomes to the public.
Description:
Understanding the effects of human activity on coral reef ecosystems requires knowing what characteristics constitute a high quality coral reef and identifying measurable criteria. The Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) is a conceptual model that describes how biological attributes of coral reefs change along a gradient of anthropogenic stress. The BCG provides a framework using qualitative and quantitative reef attributes to determine current coral reef conditions. Experts in coral reef assemblages (coral, fish, sponge, gorgonian, and algae) have defined a BCG model for Puerto Rico. The model describes the full range of biological conditions resulting from human disturbance, including community structure, organism condition, ecosystem function and connectivity. Each condition level is defined in terms of biological integrity, which is the biological condition comparable to undisturbed or minimally disturbed conditions caused by human influence. Each level contains a detailed narrative and decision rules for translating the narrative into specific metric scores. Reference condition is anatural fully-functioning coral reef that serves as a non-shifting baseline that is established through expert consensus. Managers can use the BCG model to assess current conditions relative to high quality coral reefs, track changes in condition as responses to management actions, and communicate environmental condition and outcomes to the public. BCG levels can be aligned with designated aquatic life uses specified in water quality standards and used for protection and potential restoration of coral reefs. The BCG model will be broadly applicable to Caribbean reefs, and the process is transferable to other oceanic regions.