COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS OF SOUTHERN QUINTANA ROO, MÉXICO: WHAT WE KNOW MAY BE USE FOR RESPONSE SCENARIOS TO SEA LEVEL RISE?
Abstract
Based on research information gathered since 2004 it is proposed to approach sea level rise scenarios on coastal ecosystems of the Mexican Caribbean by looking simultaneously processes and structural components of mangroves, estuarine coastal lagoons and coral reefs systems. We have studied, particularly, the southern area of the Mexican Caribbean that includes protected areas of strategic relevance both nationally and regionally. At present we have information on the estuarine coastal lagoon related to structural patterns on benthic infauna, seagrass density and biomass in response to local hydrological patterns and short temporal variation. We also have studied changes in structural patterns induced by human influence between the estuarine coastal lagoon and reef lagoon, which has facilitated the colonization of reef biota under certain conditions within the estuarine lagoon. We have found that several reef biota species can dwell under stressing environmental conditions. More recently we have establish a monitoring program for mangrove productivity, variations in underground water table and soil formation and loss. We considered that this information may be use as a starting point of long term monitoring of relevant processes for modeling, at least conceptually, scenarios of ecosystem response to rapid sea level rise in the Caribbean. We proposed to monitor hydrological changes that may lead to profound ecological changes within the three systems. We considered this approach a suitable one for an area where these three systems are tightly coupled within a region vulnerable to the effects of climate change, particularly sea level rise.