Evidence that nutrient enrichment,

Evidence that nutrient enrichment, increased siltation and excess turbidity can lead to the local degradation of coral reefs is unequivocal (Smith, 1981; Hunter and Evans, 1995; Grigg, 1995; Stimson and Larned, 2000; Stimson et al., 2001; Loya et al., 2004; review in Fabricius, in press). Field studies suggest that areas downstream of well-defined point sources are characterized by (a) low or locally reduced coral biodiversity, (b) low (or failed) coral recruitment, (c) high rates of partial mortality, (d) reduced skeletal density, (e) reduced depth