Belize Barrier, Turneffe Island, and Glover's Reef Atoll - 2000 survey

Overview

During July 8-July 21, 2000, a team of 6-7 scientists conducted AGRRA surveys at 35 sites (16 shallow, 19 deep) concentrating on the central barrier, Turneffe Island and Glover’s Reef Atoll (Map 1). Sites were chosen in a randomized fashion based on the distribution of reef habitats from GIS benthic habitat maps and from sites previously surveyed in 1999. Surveys focused on two major reef areas: shallow reef crest (1-3m depth) and deep fore reefs (10-18 m depth). This survey compliments two other AGRRA surveys conducted in Belize (Lighthouse Atoll by Robinson and South Central conducted by Peckol et al.) :

View map of survey sites

The goals of this survey were to:

1.   Conduct a large scale AGRRA survey to assess the condition of Belize’s coral reef resources   (particularly in areas not yet surveyed by previous AGRRA surveys);

2.   Examine reef condition after two major catastrophic disturbance events that occurred in 1998;

3.   Identify hot spots or priority areas for future assessments and conservation based on the results of the survey.

Description of survey area

Belize has the second longest barrier reef in the world, extending 250km and consisting of a unique assemblage of lagoon patch reefs, fringing reefs, and offshore atolls. There are three distinctive reef areas, northern, central, and southern barrier reefs. Northern reefs are well developed and continuous from the Mexican border to Caye Chapel, while discontinuous and less developed south to St. Georges Caye. Central Reefs are continuous and are considered to be the best developed. Southern reefs are discontinuous and less well developed. Located 7-45 km off the barrier reef, the three atolls (Lighthouse, Turneffe, and Glovers) have very different reefs on the leeward versus windward sides. Lighthouse and Glovers atolls are structurally similar having deep lagoons with numerous patch reefs, whereas the protected Turneffe Island has extensive mangroves in its shallow lagoon.

Preliminary findings of this survey:  

• Coral cover was low at both shallow (8% average) and deep (13% average) reefs.  

• Coral mortality was higher on shallow reefs (averaging 50% old and 5% recent). Deep reefs had 25% old and 6% recent coral mortality.

• Coral bleaching was not observed at any shallow sites, but corals with pale tissue were found at several fore reef sites.

• Coral diseases were low on shallow reef crests, but black band disease was abundant on shallow back reefs surveyed, particularly on Montastraea annularis spp.

• Diadema densities were generally less than 0.5 individuals per m², with higher densities observed on shallow than deep fore reefs.

• Fleshy macroalgae was highest on deep reefs (35% abundance), while crustose corallines dominated shallow reefs (43%).

• Overall fish density was higher on shallow reefs than fore reefs. Overall densities averaged 41 individuals/100m².

• Herbivore communities were dominated by surgeonfish on shallow reefs, while parrotfish dominated fore reefs.

Survey team:

Patricia Richards Kramer, Taylor Carlise, Clay Harris, Chad McNutt, Nadia Bood, and James Byrne.

Sponsors:

Bacardi Foundation, Belize Coastal Zone Management Authority, Glover’s Reef Research Station, and Wildlife Conservation Society. Francis Huesner and Sea Sport, Glover’s Reef/WCS, and CZMA provided boat use. Melanie McField provided additional logistical support. 

© 2000 - AGRRA