#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

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Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2002 Mainstream Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC), has recently started, and Belize will be a full participant. The 50% reduction in live coral cover that occurred between 1997 and 1999 (mainly attributed to hurricane Mitch and the coral bleaching event) has remained relatively unchanged in 2001. The disease infection rate was the lowest in the region although some sites, particularly near Ambergris Caye, had up to 12% colonies infected. The density of juveniles (7.6 per m 2 ) for Belize sites was comparable to results in 1999. The coral cover and species richness were about average for the ecoregion, and the site with the highest species richness, Goffs Caye, is found in the central zone of the reef. Guatemala There have been no surveys of the distribution and condition of coral communities. The reefs were probably heavily impacted by Hurricane Mitch, especially from storm run-off and the 1998-bleaching event. Hurricane Iris in 2001 caused major flooding and sedimentation in the Rio Motagua area. Honduras The reefs of the Bay Islands and Cayos Cochinos had the highest coral species richness in the ecoregion, although the coral cover and juvenile density were lower than other areas of the MBRS. In addition, the coral disease infection rate ranged from 2.1%-8% with the highest mean for the region (4.4%). It appears that the impacts of Hurricane Iris in 2001 on the reefs north of Honduras were not as severe as those in Belize. Apparently no major direct damage was suffered by the reefs in the Bay Islands, however, there was major damage in the river areas of the Rios Chamelecon and Ulua by increased flooding and sediment release. The full effects of Iris on the reefs and coastal areas need to be evaluated. Nicaragua The Caribbean coastline is not highly developed nor studied in depth, however there has been considerable deforestation inland which has resulted in increased sediment loads that have degraded coastal reefs. There are also problems with excessive and damaging fishing and pollution from untreated sewage. Coral cover is generally low, around 25%, with 5% soft corals. Little is reported on the status of the more extensive reef of Pearl Cays, or the extent of damage from Hurricane Mitch. Damage, however, is likely to have been substantial as the hurricane passed over the Bay Islands and caused considerable flooding on land. El Salvador No new information has been received on the Los Cobanos coral reefs. STATUS OF CORAL REEF FISHES AND FISHERIES Coral reefs in Mesoamerica provide important animal protein foods for subsistence populations. Fishing pressures have intensified with increasing demand and better fishing gear. Spawning aggregations in the entire Mesoamerican region are particularly at risk since their location depends intimately on recognisable features of cayes and reefs. Fishing pressure has been particularly high on some of the spawning aggregations e.g. the Nassau Grouper, which is currently on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. 310
Status of Coral Reefs of Mesoamerica Over-fishing, illegal fishing, destructive fishing and lack of enforcement of fisheries legislation have remained a problem in the region, although there are several initiatives to address this situation. Most of the reef fisheries rely on healthy reefs, however, coastal development has continued in the region, particularly on the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Anthropogenic impacts to the coral reefs and associated ecosystems in the Mesoamerican Region are being monitored within the MBRS Project, and complemented by international and local NGOs, and universities researching in the region. Mexico There are 346 reef-associated fishes in Mexico, of which at least 245 reef fish are found on the Atlantic coast of Mexico: 68% of these in the Gulf of Mexico; and 92% along the Yucatan Peninsula. Herbivores are dominant on the Gulf of Mexico reefs, carnivores are more abundant in the Caribbean, and important families include Scaridae, Pomacentridae, Labridae, Acanthuridae, Lutjanidae, Haemulidae and Serranidae. Belize The highest fish diversity in the region occurs in Belize with more than 317 reef fish species with large numbers of surgeonfish and parrotfish. There is a small but expanding commercial fishery in Belize as well as considerable subsistence fishing. The Fisheries sector ranks third as a foreign exchange earner and earned over US$35 million in 2000. Farmed shrimp were the most valuable component (US$23million), but lobster exports ($9.5 million) and conch ($2.5 million) have both increased from 1999 to 2000, and have been relatively stable over the last two decades. The impacts of Hurricane Keith on the fishing industry were substantial, with the loss of revenue greater than US$6 million. Hurricane Iris further added to the stress in southern Belize. There is a good legislative basis for effective marine fisheries management, in particular the prohibition of fishing with scuba gear, or using nets along the reef or traps outside the reef, or breaking closed seasons and size limits for conch and lobster. The challenge is to enforce such regulations, reduce illegal fishing and maintain the infrastructure required to patrol the large reef area. A coalition of local and international NGOs has recently spearheaded an effort to enact legislation in Belize to protect the Nassau grouper spawning sites and declare a closed season or even protect the species. The government of Belize is expected to make the final decision before the 2002-2003 spawning season. The year-round closure of these spawning sites will help conserve a range of species, which use the spawning sites. This legislation will set an important precedent in the region and efforts will be made to replicate the strategy in other countries. Guatemala There are 218 reef fish species in Guatemala, and there is a minor commercial fishing sector. There are small-scale fisheries for fishes, sharks, rays and skates, and the yellowleg and Penaeus shrimps on the Pacific side. On the Caribbean side the main fish include manjua, shrimp, red snapper, mutton snapper, billfish, jack, tarpon, and snook. Little is reported on the fish resources and fishing levels, but there are indications of overexploitation. 311
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Status of Coral Reefs of the World:
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FOREWORD Our two governments have r
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CONTENTS Countries, States and Terr
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COUNTRIES, STATES AND TERRITORIES A
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Countries, States and Territories S
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INTRODUCTION We are pleased to endo
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Introduction Some of the larger fou
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Introduction Coral reefs are coming
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CLIVE WILKINSON A
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Executive Summary This report, howe
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Executive Summary GLOBAL AND REGION
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Executive Summary There is clear ev
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Executive Summary Key sites chosen
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Executive Summary • Europa and Sc
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Executive Summary CORAL REEF TARGET
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Executive Summary ICRI OPERATING UN
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Executive Summary COLLAPSE OF CORAL
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Executive Summary Prognosis for the
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Executive Summary concern is an out
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Executive Summary Southern Tropical
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Executive Summary Achievements in E
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7. STATUS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA CORAL R
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Status of Southeast Asia Coral Reef
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8. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN EAST AN
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Status of Coral Reefs in East and N
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9. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS OF AUSTRAL
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Status of Coral Reefs of Australasi
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10. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE SO
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Status of Coral Reefs in the Southw
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12. STATUS OF THE CORAL REEFS IN MI
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Status of the Coral Reefs in Micron
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13. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE HA
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Status of Coral Reefs in the Hawaii
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14. STATUS OF CORAL REEFS IN THE U.
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Status of Coral Reefs in the US Car
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19. SPONSORING ORGANISATIONS, CORAL
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Sponsoring Organisations, Coral Ree
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#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

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