Explorations, Vol. 4, No. 1

Articles include: Cover: Old Yarmouth Light, 1960, Cape Forchu, Nova Scotia. By and from the collection of Edgar McKay. The Borderlands Concept: a new look at U.S.-Canada relations, by Victor Konrad and Lauren McKensey Fundy Tidal Power Project, by Gregory White Canadian Poet: Ken Norris Native American Life and Art: a celebration, November, 1986, by Lee-Ann Konrad The Montreal Canadiens: a cultural institution, by James J. Herlan U.S. and Canadian Executives: uses of formal and informal plans in top executive decision-making, by Kent Carter Our Cover Artist: bits and pieces of one man\u27s Nova Scotia, by Edgar McKay The Canadian-American Center and the Canadian Collection of the Fogler Library, by Alice Stewart Capitalist Development in the New England-Atlantic Provinces Region, by Robert H. Babcock Atlantic Canadian Members of Parliament as Representatives, by Howard Cody The Rower and the Pyramid: a tribute to Joe Walsh, by Edward D. Ives The Canadian-American Center: exercise in excellence, by Rand Erb Canadian and Maine Potatoes: a bushel of questions, by George K. Griner, Alan S. Kezis, and James D. Leiby After 20: the Future of the Canadian-American Center, by Victor Konra

Le FORUM, Vol. 35 No. 2

https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/francoamericain_forum/1030/thumbnail.jp

Effects of herbivores, wave exposure and depth on benthic coral communities of the Easter Island ecoregion

The Easter Island ecoregion includes Rapa Nui (Easter Island; RN), with a human population of ~5600, and the uninhabited Salas y Gómez (SyG). Although the culture and terrestrial ecology of RN have been well studied, we know little about the marine environment of these islands, particularly the interplay among herbivores, algae, and corals, and how coral reef communities differ between islands, by wave energy exposure, and between depths. To address the potential roles of herbivores, wave-energy exposure, and depth on the sessile benthic communities, we examined herbivorous fish biomass, sea urchin (Diadema savignyi) density, and algal and coral cover to identify patterns and relationships among these groups. We found significant differences between islands. For example, turf and macroalgae were nearly absent from SyG, whereas D. savignyi density and Kyphosus sandwicensis biomass were ~28- and ~3-fold greater respectively at SyG. Benthic cover of coral and algae and density of D. savignyi significantly differed among levels of wave exposure, especially between wave-protected stations and semi-exposed and exposed stations. Likewise, community structure significantly differed at protected stations. Concordant patterns between herbivores and algae were observed. Therefore, herbivores and wave energy likely play important roles in structuring these benthic communities, especially for algal groups

Now you see me: first records of the greater amberjack Seriola dumerili at Rapa Nui (Easter Island), the result of range extension or increased scientific effort?

We report new records of the fisheries-harvested subtropical greater amberjack Seriola dumerili for the south-east Pacific Ocean. Previously, only one species of Seriola (the yellowtail amberjack Seriola lalandi) was scientifically recorded for Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) despite local fishers\u27 asserting that three Seriola morphotypes are found in the region. Here we present the first \u27scientific record\u27 of what could be a pre-existing (albeit transient) species of the Rapa Nui ecoregion. Establishing the existing range limits of commercially and ecologically valuable species is key for observing climate-driven distribution shifts, and the inclusion of traditional ecological knowledge is likely to be particularly important in areas with relatively fewer scientific surveys

Coral Reef Conservation in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

This chapter reviews and evaluates coral reef conservation strategies along the eastern tropical Pacific (ETP), a narrow biogeographic region on the Pacific American coast that extends from southern Baja California, Mexico to northern Peru, including several oceanic islands. The ETP is a natural laboratory, a model for understanding the development of coral biotopes in a changing environment. We evaluate conservation strategies in seven countries in the ETP region (Peru was not included for apparent lack of coral habitats). A survey of current Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) highlights great variation in the number, scale and management approaches. Generally, MPAs with no-take areas are relatively uncommon, with multi-purpose areas favored. The Cabo Pulmo MPA in Baja California, Mexico demonstrates that when a local community is involved in the creation and enforcement measures of an MPA, conservation success can be achieved. Despite such apparent successes, inadequate and confusing legal practices have generally forestalled effective protection of coral ecosystems in the ETP. However, in several instances nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have assisted with planning, negotiation and stakeholder engagement. Nonetheless these findings underscore how the establishment of an MPA does not guarantee that conservation goals will be achieved. This calls for a new approach that incorporates contributions from ecological studies along with a high investment in capacity development and training to ensure that the goals of MPAs better complement effective fisheries and ecosystem management within and outside their borders.UCR::Vicerrectoría de Investigación::Unidades de Investigación::Ciencias Básicas::Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología (CIMAR