Damage to Cauliflower Coral by Monofilament Fishing Lines in Hawaii

Abstract:  Many fishing methods and gear types used in coral reefs cause physical damage to the reef substratum. Only recently have monofilament fishing lines been recognized as a cause of coral damage and death. We assessed the extent of damage caused by monofilament fishing lines to the cauliflower coral (  Pocillopora meandrina ) colonies in fished and adjacent unfished zones at seven sites in the main Hawaiian islands. We examined coral colonies for the presence or absence of fishing line and for the degree of damage (dead, no live coral surface; damaged, some dead coral surface; or intact, no dead coral surface) in nine 25-m² grids. The mean proportion of colonies entangled with fishing lines in fished zones ranged from 0.18 to 0.44. The mean proportion of dead or damaged colonies was higher in fished than adjacent unfished zones, and there was a positive linear relationship between the proportion of colonies entangled with fishing lines and the proportion of dead or damaged colonies. These results indicate that monofilament fishing lines have a negative impact on the health and survival of P. meandrina colonies. Because tourism and related recreational fishing activities are expanding rapidly in many tropical states and nations, we recommend that the degrading effects of fishing lines on corals be considered in the design and management of tourism development.     

毛乌素沙地臭柏群落地下水位的变化

为了探讨毛乌素沙地臭柏群落地下水位的变化规律,在臭柏固定、半固定沙地的丘间低地设置地下水位自动记录仪,1h记录1次,连续观测1年多。结果表明:①根据地下水位的变化,把1年分成地下水缓慢上升期(A)、地下水快速变化期(B)、地下水缓慢变化期(C)3个时期;②地下水位在B期出现有规律的日变化,地下水位早晨最高,然后逐渐下降,到晚上达到最低值后,又开始上升,直到次日早晨达到最高值,完成1日的循环周期。在臭柏的非生长季节(A期、C期),地下水位的日变化规律不明显;③地下水位的日变化规律出现时的临界日平均气温为10.8℃,据此,可预测臭柏生理活动的开始与休眠,进而可指导臭柏造林实践。此外,还讨论了气温、降水及臭柏灌丛变化与地下水位的关系。