Home Institution
Colgate University
Publication Date
Spring 2024
Abstract
Coral reefs, covering two-thirds of our oceans, are vital and diverse ecosystems, earning them the nickname of “rainforests of the sea”. Despite occupying only 1% of the ocean’s floor, they support 25% of all marine species, providing shelter, nursery ground and food, all the while also protecting the coast and providing job opportunities for local communities. Considered keystone species, coral reefs are highly sensitive to disturbances caused by pollution, climate change, but also anthropogenic activities such as coastal development, destructive fishing practices and tourism, endangering their existence and the entire marine ecosystem. Parrotfish, a crucial resident of these ecosystems, often indicate reef health as they maintain ecological balance through their diet and bioerosion activities. However, in Tanzania, a nation highly dependent on fisheries, increased anthropogenic activities have intensified pressure of coral reefs, making it imperative to evaluate these ecosystems’ health to facilitate conservation efforts. Using rotational quadrants and line transects, coral diversity and parrotfish abundance were assessed in three sites of various anthropogenic impacts: Ushongo Reef (high impact), Fungu Zinga Reef (medium impact), and Maziwe Reef (low impact). The findings demonstrate the highest parrotfish abundance in Maziwe Reef with 128 individuals out of 154 and the highest coral diversity with a value of 2.225. However, when compared to their H-max, Fungu Zinga demonstrated the highest diversity in of itself (H = 2.176, H-max = 2.890), making it the most diverse reef out of the three. Overall, it can be concluded that anthropogenic activities do have significant impacts on coral reefs in Tanzania by decreasing their overall health. However, a mild level of disturbance can also aid with species diversity as they allow space for corals of various characteristics to thrive.
Disciplines
Biodiversity | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Marine Biology | Natural Resources and Conservation | Oceanography | Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology
Recommended Citation
Mai, Thao, "Assessing the impacts of anthropogenic activities on coral reef health in Ushongo, Tanzania using coral diversity and parrotfish abundance as indicators" (2024). Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection. 3781.
https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/isp_collection/3781
Included in
Biodiversity Commons, Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons, Marine Biology Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Oceanography Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons
Program Name
Tanzania: Wildlife Conservation and Political Ecology