El Niño Causes Massive Coral Die-Off at Costa Rica’s Isla del Caño – The Tico Times

Report on the 2023-2024 Coral Bleaching Event at Isla del Caño and its Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

The 2023-2024 El Niño event has caused severe coral bleaching and mortality in the marine protected area of Isla del Caño, Costa Rica. This ecological crisis directly threatens the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), most notably SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). The degradation of the reef ecosystem also poses significant risks to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 1 (No Poverty) by undermining local economies dependent on tourism and fishing. This report outlines the scientific findings, analyzes the socio-economic consequences, and presents a framework for targeted restoration efforts aligned with SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Ecological Degradation and Setbacks for SDG 14: Life Below Water

The coral reefs of Isla del Caño have experienced a critical decline in health, representing a major setback for the conservation targets outlined in SDG 14. Research conducted by the marine conservation organization Innoceana indicates that prolonged and intense marine heatwaves have pushed the ecosystem beyond its resilience threshold.

Key Scientific Findings

• Live Coral Cover: An average decline of 40% in live coral cover was recorded across nine survey sites, with some areas experiencing losses exceeding 50%.
• Algal Dominance: Turf algae, which competes with coral for space, increased by over 70%, signaling a fundamental shift in the ecosystem’s structure.
• Bleaching Extent: Approximately 80% of corals in the region were affected by bleaching, with key species like Pocillopora suffering the most significant mortality.

Impact on Marine Biodiversity

The degradation of coral structures directly undermines SDG 14’s objective to sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems. The loss of these habitats threatens the survival of countless fish and invertebrate species that rely on the reefs for food, shelter, and breeding grounds. This ecological shift jeopardizes the overall biodiversity and health of the Eastern Tropical Pacific.

Climate Change as a Primary Driver: The Urgency of SDG 13: Climate Action

The Isla del Caño bleaching event is a direct consequence of rising ocean temperatures, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon and amplified by global climate change. This underscores the critical importance of SDG 13, which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Temperature and Heat Stress Data

• Sea surface temperatures near the island have risen by nearly one degree Celsius over the past 40 years.
• During the 2023-2024 El Niño, heat stress levels were almost double those recorded during the severe 1998 event.
• The duration of the ocean heatwave was unprecedented in the last four decades, preventing corals from recovering.

Without global progress on SDG 13, including significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the frequency and intensity of such marine heatwaves are projected to increase, making reef recovery nearly impossible.

Socio-Economic Consequences for SDGs 1, 8, and 11

The decline of the Isla del Caño reefs extends beyond environmental damage, creating significant challenges for sustainable economic development and community well-being.

Threats to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The local economy, particularly in communities like Drake Bay, is heavily reliant on tourism centered around diving and marine life. The degradation of the primary natural asset threatens this industry, potentially leading to job losses and reduced economic activity, thereby hindering progress toward SDG 8.

Implications for SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 11: Sustainable Communities

For local fishermen, the loss of reef habitats translates to changes in fish catch, impacting their livelihoods and food security, which is linked to SDG 1. Furthermore, healthy coral reefs provide natural coastal protection against storms, a vital ecosystem service. Their degradation increases the vulnerability of coastal communities, a concern central to SDG 11.

A Framework for Intervention and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The study proposes a strategic, data-driven approach to reef restoration, emphasizing the need for collaboration as envisioned in SDG 17. The successful recovery of the reefs is contingent upon coordinated efforts between scientific organizations, government bodies, and local communities.

The Ecological Recovery Feasibility Index (ERFI)

A key tool introduced is the ERFI, which assesses recovery potential based on factors like remaining coral cover, algae presence, and species diversity. This index allows for the prioritization of restoration efforts at sites with the highest chance of success, such as Chorro and Esquina.

Recommended Restoration Actions

A tailored restoration plan is necessary to assist natural recovery processes. Key interventions include:

1. Implementing coral restoration programs, including the planting of resilient coral fragments.
2. Managing and removing invasive turf algae to create space for coral regrowth.
3. Protecting herbivorous fish populations that naturally control algae levels.
4. Enhancing tourism management practices to minimize physical damage to remaining corals.

The Role of Partnerships

Achieving these goals requires strong partnerships. Collaboration between Innoceana and Costa Rica’s Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC) is crucial. Engaging local tourism operators and fishing communities will ensure that restoration efforts are sustainable and provide shared benefits, embodying the spirit of SDG 17.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 14: Life Below Water: This is the primary SDG addressed, as the article focuses entirely on the health of marine ecosystems, specifically the coral reefs at Isla del Caño. It details the damage caused by warming ocean temperatures, the loss of biodiversity, and the need for conservation and restoration.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: The article directly links the coral bleaching to climate-related phenomena. It identifies the “2023-2024 El Niño event,” “warming ocean temperatures,” and “human-driven warming” as the root causes of the reef degradation, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change to protect marine life.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The article connects the environmental crisis to local economies. It states that the damage to the reefs affects jobs in “tourism and fishing” because Isla del Caño is a destination for divers and tourists, and the reefs provide essential habitats for fish species that local fishermen rely on.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: The article illustrates the importance of collaboration. It mentions the research conducted by the conservation organization “Innoceana” and the government’s acknowledgment of the findings through the “Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservación (SINAC),” which has “expressed interest in collaborating.” This highlights a multi-stakeholder partnership to address the conservation challenge.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.”
   • The article directly addresses this by describing the severe damage to the coral reef ecosystem (“widespread bleaching and a sharp drop in live coral”) and explicitly calling for a “tailored restoration plan that includes planting new corals, removing invasive algae, and protecting herbivores.”
2. Target 14.5: “By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.”
   • The article focuses on “Isla del Caño, one of Costa Rica’s key marine protected areas” and part of the “Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño.” The entire discussion is centered on the effectiveness and vulnerability of this conserved marine area, making the target highly relevant.
3. Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.”
   • The coral bleaching event is presented as a direct consequence of a climate-related hazard (“warming ocean temperatures” and “El Niño”). The article discusses the reefs’ loss of resilience and the need for interventions to help them recover and adapt to future warming events.
4. Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.”
   • The article highlights the economic impact on tourism, stating that “Reduced coral health could mean fewer visitors, affecting jobs in tourism.” It also proposes a policy intervention related to sustainable tourism: “Tourism management plays a role too—limiting visitor numbers or guiding dive practices to reduce physical damage.”
5. Target 17.16: “Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources…”
   • The article provides a clear example of this target in action through the collaboration between the NGO “Innoceana,” which conducted the scientific study, and the government agency “SINAC,” which “oversees the reserve” and is considering action based on the research.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Percentage of live coral cover: The article explicitly uses this as a key metric of ecosystem health, noting a “40% average decline in live coral cover.” Monitoring this percentage over time would directly measure progress towards restoring the reef (Target 14.2).
• Percentage of algae cover: The article states that turf algae “surged by more than 70%.” A reduction in this percentage would be an indicator of successful reef restoration and improved ecosystem health (Target 14.2).
• Ecological Recovery Feasibility Index (ERFI): The study introduces this practical tool to evaluate sites based on factors like “remaining coral, algae presence, and diversity.” This index is a direct indicator designed to measure the potential for recovery and guide restoration efforts (Target 14.2).
• Incidence and severity of coral bleaching: The article reports that bleaching affected “about 80% of corals in the region.” Tracking the frequency and extent of future bleaching events serves as an indicator of the ecosystem’s vulnerability to climate-related hazards (Target 13.1).
• Number of jobs in tourism and fishing: The article implies this is a key economic indicator by stating that damage to the reefs is “affecting jobs in tourism and fishing.” Tracking employment in these sectors in communities like Drake Bay would measure the socio-economic impact of reef health (Target 8.9).
• Number of collaborative conservation projects: The partnership between Innoceana and SINAC is presented as a model. The existence and implementation of such joint projects can serve as an indicator of progress towards multi-stakeholder partnerships (Target 17.16).

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: ticotimes.net