Status of coral reefs in the northern areas of the Wider Caribbean

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Most of the reefs in the northern area of the wider Caribbean (NAWC) are in fair to relatively good condition, with few examples of marked reef degradation. Reef growth in some areas is naturally limited by temperature extremes (especially cold snaps), the influence of the North American continent, and/or upwelling. Hurricanes often have a major impact on exposed reefs. White-band disease (affecting Acropora spp.) has reduced live coral cover on many reefs during the last several decades. Stony corals have been degraded or lost on a few reefs near large cities in Cuba and Hispaniola, near Veracruz (Mexico) and in the Florida Keys. Many reefs in less densely populated areas are relatively undisturbed by human activities, apart from fishing, and would be vulnerable to increased tourism and any regional or global climate changes. Stocks of reef fish are stable or increasing in a few areas where fishing effort has declined (Bermuda, parts of the USA). Elsewhere, depletion of reef fish stocks range from relatively small (parts of the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands), to severe (Haiti, Veracruz). Populations of the important, algal-grazing urchin, Diadema antillarum, remain small throughout the NAWC, and where there is severe nutrient pollution and/or intensive fishing, fleshy algae are abundant. Citizens in all NAWC nations are becoming aware of the ecological value and socioeconomic benefits of intact coastal ecosystems. Efforts to conserve and sustainably manage coral reefs are on the increase throughout the NAWC. eng