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Coral Research in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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The Galapagos Marine Reserve

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the scientific knowledge of scleractinian corals in the Galápagos Archipelago. A general introduction to coral biology is followed by a brief history of coral research in the islands. Subsequent sections discuss responses of corals to broad-scale impacts, anthropogenic stress on Galápagos corals, and recommendations for management of this important resource. Following an initial period (1835–1960s) of cataloging the species present in the Galápagos Islands, research on coral ecology was initiated by Wellington in the 1970s. Glynn and Wellington more thoroughly examined the surprising abundance and distribution of corals and reef frameworks in the 1980s. Glynn and other workers then documented mass mortalities of corals due to the 1982–1983 ENSO disturbance. Subsequent research focused upon this natural phenomenon and its effect on coral distribution, ecology, and physiology. Most recently, resilience and recovery of coral populations were reported. Compared to most other regions, there is little anthropogenic impact to corals in the Galápagos Islands. However, climate change and ocean acidification have effects, and there is evidence of impacts associated with fisheries and tourism. Recommendations for management decisions conclude this chapter.

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Acknowledgments

Permission to conduct research and logistical support were provided by the Galápagos National Park Service and the Charles Darwin Research Station.

Research funding was provided by the National Science Foundation (PWG grant # OCE-0526361 and earlier awards), Nova Southeastern University, Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, and private donors.

Andrew Bruckner, Brian Beck, and Philip Renaud provided logistical and field support during the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation research cruise.

Appreciation is extended to Kayla Caldwell, Mary Crider, Francesca Fourney, and Kelly Larkin who processed and analyzed coral population data and to Nicole Paul who prepared Fig. 1.7.

Two reviewers, Cleve Hickman and Robin Sherman, improved the quality of this submission.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Math, Science and Technology, Nova Southeastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33314-7796, USA

    Joshua S. Feingold

  2. Department of Math, Science and Technology, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

    Peter W. Glynn

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  1. Joshua S. Feingold
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Correspondence to Joshua S. Feingold .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador

    Judith Denkinger

  2. Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador

    Luis Vinueza

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Feingold, J.S., Glynn, P.W. (2014). Coral Research in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. In: Denkinger, J., Vinueza, L. (eds) The Galapagos Marine Reserve. Social and Ecological Interactions in the Galapagos Islands. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-02769-2_1

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