Browsing by Author "Harris, Jean M"

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
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    Biodiversity survey towards conservation of subtidal reef habitats in KwaZulu Natal : biogeography and depth patterns
    (2005) Lawrence, Cloverley; Harris, Jean M; Branch, George M
    Subtidal reef communities in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa are poorly known. This lack of knowledge is problematic as the biodiversity of these reefs may be severely impacted and inadequately conserved. This study documents and describes subtidal benthic communities occurring on reefs at four depth categories along the whole length of the coast. A distinct difference between northern reefs from those in the south and central parts of the province emerged with substantiating evidence of a discrete biogeographic separation at Cape St Lucia. Pairwise ANOSIM tests found no significant differences in community composition of reefs along a depth range of 10 m to 30 m at nine localities in KZN. However, differences among localities were significant at both regional (R = 0.607, P = 0.1%) and local (R = (1.792, P = 0.1%) scales. In the north, trends in species assemblages and functional groupings revealed a higher percentage cover of fauna (mainly corals) at shallower depths and a greater coverage of algae on deeper reefs. In the southern localities algae dominated shallower reefs while filter-feeding epifauna were more prevalent at deeper depths. Species richness, evenness and diversity were highest at 10m in the northern coral-dominated region while in the central/south region diversity peaked in the intermediate depth zone (15 - 25 m). Appropriate measures to conserve representative habitats in each biogeographic zone are necessary. Further research to assess biodiversity at a finer scale, as well as the establishment oflong-term monitoring to quantify natural variability and human effects, are required.
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    A hierarchical analysis of abiotic determinants and harvesting impacts in the rocky intertidal communities of KwaZulu-Natal
    (2001) Sink, Kerry J; Branch, George M; Harris, Jean M
    This thesis was undertaken to provide quantitative scientific information for decision-making and conservation planning for the previously scarcely studied rocky intertidal habitats in KwaZulu-Natal on the east coast of South Africa. Biogeographic patterns were resolved and abiotic determinants and harvesting impacts were identified at three different scales. A biotope classifiadion system was developed as a new tool for assessing the conservation status of intertidal communities, evaluating conservation priorities and monitoring change in intertidal habitats. The implications of the findings of this thesis for management and conservation planning were examined.
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    Recruitment patterns and processes and the connectivity of rocky shores in southern Africa
    (2006) Reaugh, Kathleen E; Harris, Jean M; Hough, Gavin; Branch, George M
    This thesis addresses the recruitment patterns of barnacles and mussels at a range of spatial and temporal scales and attempts to relate them to larval and adult abundance, as well as to local productivity and oceanographic conditions that would influence larval transport and the connectivity of adult populations.