The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere. It contains over 60 perent of the coral reef area in the Mesoamerican Reef system that extends approximately 900 kilometers (560 miles) from Cancun to the Bay Islands of Honduras.
The Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System reef was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1996 because of its importance for marine biodiversity.
We conduct research and Science-to-Action activities designed to enhance management and protection of the Belize Barrier Reef. We incorporate the findings into our global initiative to identify successful marine conservation practices.
SCIENCE-TO-ACTION TOOLS
Seafood Guide for Belize (PDF, 1.5 MB) Fish catches in Belize have
declined in recent decades, and most of the large fishes are gone. This
pamphlet enables consumers in Belize to support sustainable fisheries by making educated choices about
seafood at restaurants and on fishing trips.
Marine Integrated Decision Analysis System (MIDAS) MIDAS is a software tool that was developed to enable managers and stakeholders to (1) understand the critical factors that influence the outcomes of marine managed areas (MMAs), (2) estimate likely MMA outcomes based on the ecological, socioeconomic and governance conditions, and (3) develop management plans to optimize the outcomes. MIDAS User Guide (PDF, 2.2 MB)
Someday is NOW! The Mesoamerican Reef is Belize's crown jewel and a major economic engine for the country. As the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere, it provides this Central American nation with thriving lobster, conch and reef fish fisheries, a strong cultural icon, and a magnet for hundreds of thousands of tourists who come each year to enjoy its outstanding diving, snorkeling and fishing opportunities. This incredible resource is in peril. Unplanned development of coastal areas, including dredging and filling of critical mangrove forests, contamination, and overfishing, all threaten the reef and Belizean livelihoods. In Someday is NOW!, the people of Belize speak out, demanding a coastal zone management plan and a responsible path for development.
Real Men Use Their Hands This poster was created in support of a newly enacted ban on spearfishing in marine reserves. The poster features the message that traditional fishing methods, such as hand lines and fishing rods, help to sustain healthy reefs.
RESEARCH Scientists are investigating ecological and genetic connections among populations and habitats; economic and cultural importance of marine resources; and ecological, socioeconomic, governance, and cultural outcomes of marine managed areas (MMAs).
Key findings:
Ecological monitoring measured no significant increase in fish biomass or live coral cover/reduced macroalgal cover inside the MMAs versus outside the MMAs. When strict no-take zones versus outside MMAs boundaries were compared, the findings were the same. This finding indicates that more effective enforcement is needed and increasing the size and representativeness of fully protected zones will help achieve target improvements in fish biomass and reef health.
Socioeconomic and governance monitoring found that, while those engaged in tourism-related activities reported a mostly positive economic effect from the establishment of marine managed areas, they are also likely to engage in unsustainable marine resource use practices in order to maximize their income. Sustainable resource use practices are, therefore, not a matter of values or lack of information, but related to economic survival, which must be considered a priority within the larger development framework for Belize.
Impacts from well-managed dive ecotourism on spawning aggregations of dog and cubera snappers, Nassau groupers and whale sharks are very limited, particularly when compared to the potentially negative impact of unregulated extractive fishing. Management measures imposed by the Southern Environmental Association (SEA) at the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve provide an excellent example of precautionary adaptive management of dive ecotourism at a spawning site.
The economic valuation study suggests that further investment in MMAs, such as the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes (GSSC) Marine Reserve, are likely to have an attractive return. In the GSSC, management expenditures of US$315,000 for 2007 helped to secure net annual benefits of at least US$4 million. The average family in the village nearest to the GSSC enjoys $373 in annual benefits, equal to around 2 percent of average annual income. Increases in reserve entrance fees could be considered to bolster funding for the MPA’s management.
Core Ecological Monitoring Principal Investigators: Les Kaufman and Burton Shank (Boston University) We used standardized protocols to track ecological changes inside and outside marine managed areas. We used the data to monitor ecosystem health and biodiversity, and we contributed the information to adaptive management processes. Science Report (PDF, 2.9 MB)
Core Socioeconomic Monitoring Principal Investigators: Adele Catzim and Diane Haylock (Belize ISIS Enterprises) In conjunction with Core Ecological Monitoring, we used standardized methods to track socioeconomic changes associated with MMAs. Science Report (PDF, 5.2 MB)
Assessing Visitor Impact on Reef Health Principal Investigators: Coordinated by Melanie McField (Healthy Reefs Initiative) and implemented by Armeid Thompson (HRI) and Valentine Rosado (Coral Reef Alliance) In collaboration with the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) and the Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI), we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of voluntary environmental operating practices in the marine recreation sector. The study focused on three main tourism zones (for cruise and overnight visitors) and compared among tour operators and management zones. Science Report (PDF, 811 KB)
Nursery Habitats for Reef Fish Principal Investigators: Leandra Cho-Ricketts and Eli Romero (both of University of Belize) and Les Kaufman (Boston University) Many reef fish are believed to spend their early lives in shallow, coastal habitats such as marshes and seagrass meadows that are heavily affected by human impacts. We conducted research to understand where the young fish are most abundant and how they move among habitats. The findings will enable resource managers, policy makers, and local people to protect the habitats most critical for survival of young fish. Science Report (PDF, 684 KB)
Mapping the Habitat Mosaic Principal Investigator: Phil Lobel (Boston University) The Belize Barrier Reef ecosystem is a mosaic with mangroves, seagrass beds, and soft-bottom habitats interspersed among the reef areas. Many reef fish and invertebrates use the non-reef habitats, but little has been known about the ecological roles of non-reef habitats or even where they are located. We mapped the habitat mosaic using side-scan sonar, aerial surveys, and satellite imagery to facilitate an ecosystem approach to management. Science Report (PDF, 475 KB)
Connectivity of Conch Populations Principal Investigators: Richard Kliman and John Cigliano (Cedar Crest College) We investigated connections among populations of queen conch (Strombus gigas) in different places along the Belize Barrier Reef. Preliminary genetic analysis suggests that the populations are well connected through dispersal of young conch, which could enable populations in local areas to recover relatively quickly if overfished or harmed by other human impacts. Science Report (PDF, 127 KB)
Belize Barrier Reef Cross-Shelf Connectivity The cross-shelf connectivity project investigated the hypothesis that back-reef habitats in the Belize barrier reef and atoll lagoons are essential as nursery areas for the production of commercially important members of the snapper, grunt, and grouper fish families. Mangroves and seagrass habitats in lagoons are under increasing threat from real estate development. Science Report (PDF, 1.5 MB)
Modeling Larval Dispersal at Spawning Aggregation Sites Principal
Investigators: Claire Paris and Laurent Cherubin This study used fine-scale hydrodynamic modeling to investigate water circulation patterns around Glover's Reef, which is an important fish spawning site. The findings suggest that fish larvae may be retained locally by the currents. Science Report (PDF, 1.6 MB)
Economic Valuation of Natural Resources Principal Investigators: John Reid (Conservation Strategy Fund) and Venetia Hargreaves-Allen (Imperial College, London) We assessed the monetary value of natural resources associated with the Gladden Spit and Silk Cayes marine reserve. With two Belizean assistants and support from the Fisheries Department of Belize, our scientific team compiled data on fish landings and fish buying, and we conducted interviews and focus groups with tourists, fishermen, tour operators, and other local people. Preliminary results show that whale-shark tourism is a valuable feature of Gladden Spit and that people visiting Belize would be willing to pay higher fees to raise money for marine managed areas. The findings enable resource managers, educators, and conservationists to build support for marine conservation and to prioritize among management options. Science Report (1.3 MB)
Cultural Roles Principal Investigators: Noella Gray, Chantalle Clarke, and Michael Orbach (Duke University) and independent consultant Joseph Palacio To learn about the cultural context of marine conservation in Belize, we observed fishing practices, tourism activities, and local meetings. We conducted more than 120 interviews with fishermen, tourism businesses, government officials, and other stakeholders in three villages near two marine managed areas. We presented our findings to the local communities to help them improve management strategies for the MMAs. Science Report (PDF, 1.6 MB)
Ecotourism Impacts on Fish Spawning Principal Investigators: Will Heyman (Texas A&M University) and Phil Lobel (Boston University) Each spring, groupers gather to spawn at sites along the Belize Barrier Reef. Many tourists travel to Belize specifically to see these spectacular events, supporting a tourism industry that offers local people a viable alternative to fishing. We examined the effects of divers and ecotourism boats on the groupers’ behavior. Information from the study will help resource managers to ensure the persistence of the economically and ecologically important spawning events. Science Report (PDF, 98 KB)
Enforcement Chain Analysis within the Belize Barrier Reef System Principal Investigator: Daniel Suman (University of Miami) This project studied the enforcement chain in Belizean MPAs and the effectiveness of its different links. It considered the enforcement chain to include public outreach and education of resource users about their obligations, the capability to detect of infractions, the ability to intercept and arrest violators, and ultimately the success of the judicial process that leads to sentencing and fines. This research examined the enforcement chain from the initial point of contact with the users to the point of sentencing in the event that an offense was committed. Science Report (PDF, 1.2 MB)
PARTNERS IN BELIZE Partnerships are integral to Science-to-Action efforts. We collaborate with community groups, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations to carry out research and Science-to-Action initiatives.
Belize Government: Department of Fisheries, Department of Forestry, National Protected Area Commission
University of Belize
Belize Tourist Board
Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute
Belize ISIS Enterprises
Southern Environmental Association
Toledo Institute for Development and Environment
Wildlife Conservation Society
Association of Protected Areas Management Organizations
Belize Audubon Society
Healthy Reefs Initiative
Cedar Crest College
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
University of Miami
Boston University
CAVU
SCIENCE-TO-ACTION IN BELIZE
Our scientists provided technical support to the film Some Day is Now!, which is designed to build public support for completing and implementing a national coastal zone management plan. The film, which was produced by CAVU, calls for completing this plan to protect not only the ecosystem but the way of life that Belizeans cherish.
Our scientific results were used in development of the 2010 Mesoamerican Reef Report Card, which guides conservation and management efforts for the reef.
Science-to-Action studies uncovered five new species of reef fish and demonstrated the high degree of larval fish retention within Belize’s inner reef system. Based in part on these findings, the Fisheries Department decided to create a new conservation (no-take) zone in Pelican Cayes within the South Water Caye Marine Reserve.
The Fisheries Department, assisted by MMAS S2A Coordinator Melanie McField and supported by results of the Science-to-Action ecological monitoring and the enforcement chain analysis, held an enforcement training workshop in July 2010 covering all aspects of enforcement from public relations to prosecutions. The training is one of many steps the Department is taking to professionalize and standardize the ranks of enforcement officers.
Science-to-Action partners are working to improve compliance with fishing regulations by producing and disseminating three S2A products: (1) A Guide to Fisheries Regulations, a laminated card for fishing vessels, (2) The Seafood Pocket Guide, a small card for restaurants and consumers to raise awareness of closed seasons and size limits for the seafood they consume, which is being distributed to local tour operators, restaurants, and hotels, (3) a Real Men Use Their Hands poster promoting the importance of not spear-fishing, and (4) a poster highlighting the rules and boundaries of marine managed areas. Recently, several large poaching busts have been featured on the news, and the word on the streets is now “don’t break the rules.”
Based on field research results and workshops, we developed the Marine Intergrated Decision Analysis System (MIDAS), a predictive decision-support tool to be used by the Belizean government and other stakeholders in informing the management decision-making process. MIDAS has been a particularly useful tool in light of the growing concern regarding oil spills due to the Gulf of Mexico BP oil spill and the potential for offshore oil drilling and exploration in Belize. MIDAS oil-spill scenarios were featured on national television, reaching a countrywide audience and generating public support for a ban on offshore oil development. These efforts helped support the Belize Coalition to Save Our Natural Heritage, which is now calling for a referendum on the issue. MPA managers are also using MIDAS for a variety of management purposes, including facilitating stakeholder discussions regarding coastal issues, and the Glovers Reef reserve has requested to be included in the model
The Ecological Monitoring Study helped to foster the Scrap the Traps campaign, which resulted in the production of a video and t-shirts for distribution to local fisherman through the Belize Fisheries Cooperative Association. The video is being aired on national television, essentially reaching the entire country. Fishers are growing increasingly supportive, given the declining health of the reef and fish stocks.
In 2010, 35 stakeholders and scientists met to discuss key messages from the 8 MMAS studies conducted in Belize to date. As next steps, the participants are developing a paper to Cabinet urging them to approve enhanced mangrove regulations, and they are engaging with the Belize Tourism Board to develop codes of conduct for tourists to prevent damage to coral reefs and fish spawning sites.
The Belize Minister of Fisheries, Minister of Tourism, National Protected Area Council Coordinator, and Association of Protected Area Managers and Organizations Coordinator committed to helping implement the MMAS Program’s research and to putting the scientific information into action through policy changes and improved regulations.
Our Socioeconomic Monitoring Program contributed data to the Belize National Protected Area Policy and System Plan, including the socioeconomic and governance monitoring program.
The Belize Association of Protected Area Managers and Organizations adopted our Science-to-Action approach as a component of its research.
Based on Science-to-Action findings, six news articles in the nation’s leading newspaper, The Amandala, highlighted the importance of marine managed areas and marine conservation issues. With online and print dissemination to essentially the entire country, the importance of protecting and advocating for marine reserves reached Belizeans nationwide and the global community.
"Reef fact stints” were aired weekly on the national radio station KREM. These one-and-a-half minute blurbs highlighted key messages from Science-to-Action studies. For three months the KREM stints focused on the economic importance of Gladden Spit marine reserve, proper reef etiquette to reduce visitor impacts, and the reasons for adhering to regulations that prohibit the use of certain outboard engines, which disturb whale sharks and spawning aggregations.
BUILDING SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
We trained 15 biologists from the University of Belize in ecological monitoring techniques, and they participated in fieldwork with MMAS scientists.
We trained two Belizeans in social science research methods, and they helped collect survey data for the economic valuation study.
We contributed two computers and software to the Belize Fisheries Department for their use in fisheries data analysis and sharing.
The MMAS Science-to-Action Coordinators in Belize and Fiji fostered exchange of information and ideas between the Belize Association of Protected Area Managers and Organizations (APAMO) and the Fiji Locally Managed Marine Area Network (FLMMA). Following the discussions with FLMMA, APAMO is considering adopting a similar approach to research and conservation.
CONTACT For information about the MMAS Program's initiatives in Belize, contact our Science-to-Action Coordinators.
Lindsay Garbutt,
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501-610-5840
Melanie McField,
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Healthy Reefs Initiative 501-670-3953
