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At least 1,603 records · Page 89Linked to original sources
USGS2000

Protection of fish spawning habitat for the conservation of warm temperate reef fish fisheries of shelf-edge reefs of Florida

We mapped and briefly describe the surficial geology of selected examples of shelf-edge reefs (50–120 m deep) of the southeastern United States, which are apparently derived from ancient Pleistocene shorelines and are intermittently distributed throughout the region. These reefs are ecologically significant because they support a diverse array of fish and invertebrate species, and they are the only aggregation spawning sites of gag ( Mycteroperca microlepis ), scamp ( M. phenax ), and other economically important reef fish. Our studies on the east Florida shelf in the Experimental Oculina Research Reserve show that extensive damage to the habitat-structuring coral Oculina varicosa has occurred in the past, apparently from trawling and dredging activities of the 1970s and later. On damaged or destroyed Oculina habitat, reef-fish abundance and diversity are low, whereas on intact habitat, reef-fish diversity is relatively high compared to historical diversity on the same site. The abundance and biomass of the economically important reef fish was much higher in the past than it is now, and spawning aggregations of gag and scamp have been lost or greatly reduced in size. On the west Florida shelf, fishers have concentrated on shelf-edge habitats for over 100 yrs, but fishing intensity increased dramatically in the 1980s. Those reefs are characterized by low abundance of economically important species. The degree and extent of habitat damage there is unknown. We recommend marine fishery reserves to protect habitat and for use in experimentally examining the potential production of unfished communities.

Florida↗
USGS2020

Sea turtle conservation: 10 ways you can help

Five species of sea turtle rely on Florida’s coastal and nearshore habitats for nesting during the summer months and foraging throughout the year (Figure 1). - Loggerhead turtles, named for their large, block-shaped heads with strong jaw muscles for crushing benthic invertebrates, are the most common sea turtle species on Florida’s nesting beaches. They nest on beaches throughout much of the state. - Green turtles are unique among sea turtles in that they are largely vegetarian, and can be spotted foraging in seagrass meadows. - Leatherbacks, the largest species of sea turtle, are different from other turtles in that they are covered with a somewhat flexible “leathery” shell, rather than a hard shell. Leatherbacks can be seen in Florida’s coastal waters, but nest much less frequently in the state than loggerheads and green turtles. - Kemp’s ridley turtles are the smallest and most endangered marine turtle. They can be seen foraging in nearshore areas, but rarely nest on Florida’s beaches. - Lastly, hawksbill turtles are named for their pointed beak. They are mostly tropical but occasionally appear in the southernmost waters of Florida and very rarely nest in the state.

Florida↗
USGS2020

Sea turtle conservation: Priorities for environmental education efforts

All five species of sea turtle that occur in Florida are in danger of extinction. Many of the reasons these turtles are declining are a result of people’s actions on beaches and in shallow waters. Environmental education is needed to increase awareness and appreciation for sea turtles, and to teach about the potential harmful impacts human behaviors can have on these animals. This document describes topics that are frequently misunderstood and discusses common human actions that are harmful to sea turtles, providing insight on which topics could be addressed during environmental education efforts.

Florida↗
USGS2022

Migration of first-year steppe eagles (Aquila nipalensis) from northern Kazakhstan and implications for conservation

Extensive anthropogenic alteration of steppe ecosystems throughout Eurasia leaves central Asia with some of the world’s last remaining large expanses of grassland habitat. Steppe eagles (Aquila nipalensis) are globally endangered breed primarily in these steppe ecosystems. We evaluated migratory movements of first year steppe eagles hatched in northern Kazakhstan, to understand their migration and the extent to which their movements expose them to threats that may impact population viability. Most steppe eagles we monitored migrated to the east of the Caspian Sea to wintering grounds on the Arabian Peninsula or northeastern Africa, although a few migrated to the west of the Caspian Sea, one wintered in southcentral Iran, and one in southern Pakistan. Northbound migration routes largely mirrored southbound routes. Straight-line distance between summering and wintering grounds averaged 3,582 km (fall) and 3,700 km (spring), and actual distance traveled averaged 7,183 km (fall) and 9,433 km (spring). Routes of travel of these steppe eagles expose them to potential electrocution, shooting, and wildlife trade across the extent of their migratory and wintering areas.

Aktobe, Kostanay↗