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Tracking Human Disturbance in Mangroves: Estimating Harvest Rates on a Micronesian Island

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Abstract

Disturbance is an integral component in mangrove forest dynamics, influencing forest structure, composition, and function. The impacts of human disturbance, however, threaten mangrove forests throughout the world. Small-scale wood harvesting on the small Pacific island of Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia, provided an instructive scenario for exploring the dynamics of human disturbance. Natural disturbances on the island are rare, but the growing island population harvests mangrove trees for firewood and construction materials, placing pressure on the forest. In order to determine recent harvest rates, we estimated gap ages by developing a time scale for mangrove wood decomposition and by quantifying growth rates for Rhizophora apiculata and Bruguiera gymnorhiza seedlings. Stump and log decomposition patterns were useful in aging gaps, although some patterns were more reliable than others. Seedlings of both species added approximately 5 nodes/year depending on light conditions. The island-wide harvest rate was 10% over the last 10 years, but the rates varied widely among different parts of the island. Rhizophora apiculata has been harvested preferentially, and a dearth of young trees where harvesting has been heaviest portends a decline of this highly desired species in the forest. Socio-economic data substantiated some but not all of the trends we observed. Even on a small island, local differences in both natural and anthropogenic factors are important to understanding forest dynamics.

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Author notes

  1. Robert D. Hauff

    Present address: Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, 1151 Punchbowl Street, Rm. 325, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA

  2. Katherine C. Ewel

    Present address: Katherine C. Ewel, 2126 NW 7th Lane, Gainesville, FL, 32603, USA

Authors and Affiliations

  1. U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Research Station, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, P.O. Box 4370, Hilo, HI, 96720, USA

    Robert D. Hauff & Katherine C. Ewel

  2. Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Kosrae Island Resource Management Authority, P.O. Box DRC, Kosrae State, 96944, Federated States of Micronesia

    Jason Jack

Authors
  1. Robert D. Hauff
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  2. Katherine C. Ewel
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  3. Jason Jack
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Correspondence to Robert D. Hauff.

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Hauff, R.D., Ewel, K.C. & Jack, J. Tracking Human Disturbance in Mangroves: Estimating Harvest Rates on a Micronesian Island. Wetlands Ecol Manage 14, 95–105 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-005-2567-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11273-005-2567-y

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