Application of a SWAT Model for Supporting a Ridge-to-Reef Framework in the Pago Watershed in Guam

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The paper presents results of application of the SWAT model in the Pago River watershed to support a ridge-to-reef management associated with the coral-reef conservation programs in Guam. In my opinion, while the topic is important, the results are of a local character, and show findings specific to the selected study area without a clear generalization. Besides, the applied methodology lacks originality and novelty. Therefore, the research does not meet the requirements for articles published in the journal. I would encourage the Authors to find a more suitable journal for publishing their research results.

I would also recommend some improvements in the current version of the paper:

1. Figure 1: the geographical position of Guam in the Pacific Ocean should be shown on a separate map.
2. Table 1: rain gages and meteorological station listed in the table should be also shown in Figure 1.
3. Page 2: “The watershed elevation ranges from 0 m to 316 m (Figure 1).” Elevations should be described in meters above sea level (m a.s.l.). DEM values in Figure 1 should also be supplemented with that unit.
4. Table 2 has a confusing structure and it is recommended to split in into two separate tables (land use and soils, respectively).
5. Figure 3: the scale bar needs to be added to the map.
6. Figures 10 and 11: legends are too mall and unreadable; they need to be enlarged.

Author Response

Sincere thanks to your comments. I completely agree with your comments. When planning my project, it was the top priority to supplement the weak-point of the previous/existent ridge-to-reef and to propose the alternative. Based on your suggestion, I re-write the introduction section to describe that the proposed method can be available for supporting the existent ridge-to-reef approaches.

1. Figure 1: the geographical position of Guam in the Pacific Ocean should be shown on a separate map. ⇒ updated.
2. Table 1: rain gages and meteorological station listed in the table should be also shown in Figure 1. ⇒ updated.
3. Page 2: “The watershed elevation ranges from 0 m to 316 m (Figure 1).” Elevations should be described in meters above sea level (m a.s.l.). DEM values in Figure 1 should also be supplemented with that unit. ⇒ updated.
4. Table 2 has a confusing structure and it is recommended to split in into two separate tables (land use and soils, respectively). ⇒ Table 2 is split into Table 2 and Table 3.
5. Figure 3: the scale bar needs to be added to the map. ⇒ added.
6. Figures 10 and 11: legends are too mall and unreadable; they need to be enlarged. ⇒ updated.

 

 

Reviewer 2 Report

In general, the paper is well written and presented.  I have the following comments:

• Few typing errors
• Include also comparison between observed and simulated water quality variables "turbidity and IDN"
• Figures 10 and 11: some values in the legend are vague and not clear

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Sincere thanks for your review and comments.

• Few typing errors ⇒ revised
• Include also comparison between observed and simulated water quality variables "turbidity and IDN" ⇒ Figure 10 is added for the observed/estimated water quality variables.
• Figures 10 and 11: some values in the legend are vague and not clear ⇒ updated.

Round 2

Reviewer 1 Report

The Authors have made some corrections in the paper, however, it is still necessary to improve:

1. Table 1: please add units to "Latitude" (°N), "Longitude" (°E) and "Elevation" (m a.s.l.).
2. References: please arrange in accordance with "Instructions for Authors".

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

I would like to express my sincere thanks to you for your comments and suggestions. With your comments, I could improve the manuscript!

 

Here is the response to your comments;

1. Table 1: please add units to "Latitude" (°N), "Longitude" (°E) and "Elevation" (m a.s.l.). ⇒ updated
2. References: please arrange in accordance with "Instructions for Authors". ⇒ updated