title: The effects of coastal development on sponge abundance, diversity, and community composition on Jamaican coral reefs.
abstract: Over the past decade, development along the northern coast of Jamaica has accelerated, resulting in elevated levels of sedimentation on adjacent reefs. To understand the effects of this development on sponge community dynamics, we conducted surveys at three locations with varying degrees of adjacent coastal development to quantify species richness, abundance and diversity at two depths (8-10 m and 15-18 m). Sediment accumulation rate, total suspended solids and other water quality parameters were also quantified. The sponge community at the location with the least coastal development and anthropogenic influence was often significantly different from the other two locations, and exhibited higher sponge abundance, richness, and diversity. Sponge community composition and size distribution were statistically different among locations. This study provides correlative evidence that coastal development affects aspects of sponge community ecology, although the precise mechanisms are still unclear.
authors.affiliation: Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, 239 Montauk Highway, Southampton, NY 11968, United States. Electronic address: amber.stubler@stonybrook.edu.
authors.forename: Amber D
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Stubler
authors.affiliation: Australia Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), PMB 3 Townsville MC, Townsville 4810, Queensland, Australia. Electronic address: a.duckworth@aims.gov.au.
authors.forename: Alan R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Duckworth
authors.affiliation: Stony Brook University, School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, 239 Montauk Highway, Southampton, NY 11968, United States. Electronic address: bradley.peterson@stonybrook.edu.
authors.forename: Bradley J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Peterson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D037421:Anthozoa / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development*; D044822:Biodiversity; D057894:Coral Reefs; D007563:Jamaica; D011161:Porifera / Q000145:classification / Q000254:growth & development*
keywords: Coastal development; Sedimentation; Sponge community ecology