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Fact Sheet 2012–3016

Prepared in cooperation with the University of Florida and Arkansas State University

Connectivity of Tropical Marine Ecosystems: An Overview of Interdisciplinary Research to Understand Biodiversity and Trophic Relationships in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico

By Jennifer P. McClain-Counts and Amanda W.J. Demopoulos

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The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico contain marine reserves and protected areas that encompass a variety of tropical ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds. Reserves and protected areas are established for a variety of reasons, such as preserving nursery habitats and biodiversity, or reducing anthropogenic effects associated with pollution and land use. Questions remain regarding the effectiveness of these designated areas in preserving and protecting spatially connected habitats and associated fishes and invertebrates. Scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), University of Florida, and Arkansas State University are collaborating on interdisciplinary research in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to examine the biodiversity and trophic dynamics of fishes and invertebrates residing in connected mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs to discern the effectiveness of current marine reserves and protected areas for conserving reef resources.

First posted February 27, 2012

For additional information contact:
Amanda Demopoulos
USGS Southeast Ecological Science Center
7920 NW 71st Street
Gainesville, FL 32653
(352) 264–3490

Southeast Ecological Science Center

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Suggested citation:

McClain-Counts, J.P., and Demopoulos, A.W.J., 2012, Connectivity of tropical marine ecosystems—An overview of interdisciplinary research to understand biodiversity and trophic relationships in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 2012–3016, 2 p.



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