Local stress from sedimentation refers to the amount of sediments entering coral reef systems and the associated amount of suspended particles at any given time (Rogers, 1990). Increased sedimentation results from coastal development and watershed land-use change. Specifically, near shore dredging activities for beach nourishment, port construction or urban land reclamation can increase the amount of suspended particles in the water and real estate development along the shore destroys natural sediment traps like mangroves and wetlands (Rogers, 1990). Further inland and upland, deforestation greatly increases erosion and sediment influx to the watershed (Burke et al., 2011).

Sediment Runoff

Rogers (1990) lists two main impacts to coral reefs from an increase in sedimentation:

Sediments in suspension decrease sunlight and therefore available energy from photosynthesis

• Decreased reef growth rate

• Increased susceptibility to other stressors

Sediments settle on reef make it difficult for coral larvae to affix themselves to it

• Decreased productivity

• Increased susceptibility to other stressors