CORDIO Status Report 1999.pdf

at present. At best, the established reef assemblages have
been severely disrupted.
4. Sea levels
The possibility of increased erosion must be considered
in conjunction with a possible rise in sea level, which
multiplies its effects. Without coral growth, erosion will
become increasingly evident.
5. Fishing pressure
Over the next few years, fishing pressure from artisanal
fisheries will increase in the Indian Ocean. As human
populations increase and coastal fish stocks decline, the
pressure is likely to increase substantially. Although it
may be true that reef fish have declined, Chagos may
retain its relative attraction to Indian Ocean fishermen.
Various dead corals in Chagos, 1999. A: A massive Favia coral (with inset of live example taken elsewhere). B: A massive Favia coral with part of
base still living. Dead part has eroded about 1 cm. C: Close up of Stylophora pistillata with part of base still living, but mostly covered with
calcareous red algae. D: Large expanse of Acropora table corals, probably a mix of A. clathrata and A. cytherea, all dead (inset is example of a living
coral of this species). Photos: C. Sheppard.
A
B
C
D
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