ABSTRACT
Parrotfishes have an important role in the functioning of Caribbean coral reefs, particularly through the removal of macroalgae that is detrimental to coral populations. By removing these algae, abundant parrotfish on a reef can significantly aid the recovery of a reef after disturbances, such as a hurricane or coral bleaching event. Although this role of parrotfishes is intuitively obvious, it encompasses many subtleties relating to the dynamics of reef communities, the controls of macroalgal growth, and the effects of fishing and conservation initiatives. These nuances have led to some confusion among researchers, managers, and the public about how parrotfish affect reef resilience, and how resilience is affected by overfishing. This chapter aims to address this confusion. The chapter is structured by considering 17 frequently asked questions related to the biology, functional role, and management of parrotfishes. Each question is then answered by reviewing the literature and providing guidance to readers on where there is consensus, why some studies appear to conflict, and where the major gaps in knowledge remain. Management of parrotfishes is a critical conservation issue in the Caribbean, and the chapter aims to address what such management can and can't achieve, and how it might be most effective.
