A manual for monitoring coral reefs with indicator species : butterflyfishes as indicators of change on Indo-Pacific reefs.

Abstract

The development of the coral reef monitoring approach described in this manual will provide the basis for a future, more comprehensive effort to provide scientific evidence of the compatibility of amphibious exercises or highlight potential damages, and recommendations for mitigating alternatives to minimize effects of these exercises. The protocols encompassed in this approach will have applicability throughout the Indo-Pacific 5 region and will serve to not only assist United States Department of Defense (in being able to conduct military exercises while also protecting coral habitat) but will also serve to empower local populations in managing their coral ecosystems in partnership with DOD. The Butterflyfish Fish Indicator method is relatively simple and inexpensive. It does not require highly trained personnel with extensive knowledge of reef organisms. More importantly, however, it is sensitive to changing conditions on the reef and, we believe, should provide an “early warning” that change is occurring. This may provide enough time for remedial actions to be taken before entire coral reef habitats are irreversably lost.