Nutrient and sediment inputs of the Beausejour river: and the impacts it may have on the adjacent coral reef system in the Moliniere Beausejour Marine Protected Area

Nutrient and sediment inputs of the Beausejour river: and the impacts it may have on the adjacent coral reef system in the Moliniere Beausejour Marine Protected Area

Published Jan 2013

Authors

S. Nimrod, C. Franco, C. Andrews

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A major problem facing coral reefs in the Moliniere Beausejour Marine Protected Area (MBMPA) of Grenada is macroalgae overgrowth and their deleterious effects on corals.

Reduced herbivory from overfishing and excess nutrients associated with pollution from land runoff have been implicated as factors causing significant increases in macroalgae cover on coral reefs.

This study sought to assess the impact that discharge coming from the Beausejour and other nearby rivers might be having on adjacent coral reefs. Chemical analyses were conducted on marine and river samples to assess nutrient levels, while sediment traps were deployed to assess sedimentation rates on adjacent coral reefs.

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