Jamaica Training Workshop & Survey

Discovery Bay, Jamaica
August 1-6, 2000

The purpose of the workshop is to train participants on the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment Rapid Assessment Protocol (AGRRA), data processing methods, and examples of how the data are applied for management and conservation purposes. The purpose of the survey is to assess the current condition of reefs along Jamaica’s north coast.

What is AGRRA?

The Atlantic and Gulf Reef Assessment (AGRRA) is an international collaboration of researchers and managers designed to evaluate reef condition throughout the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico using a rapid assessment protocol. The three core components of AGRRA are the condition of hard corals, composition of algal communities, and fish abundance and size. For more information on AGRRA please visit our web site at: http://www.agrra.org or e-mail: agrra@rsmas.miami.edu

The goals of the workshop are for participants to:

• Learn the scientific field techniques of AGRRA through hands-on exercises.

• Learn how to process and manage data collected using AGRRA.

• Learn how AGRRA data are applied for management and conservation purposes.
  

Objectives

1.       Scientific Field Techniques of AGRRA: Participants will learn to conduct the three core components of AGRRA methodology: corals, fishes, and algae through in-the-water exercises and hands-on experience.

Corals- Assess coral colonies along 10m transects and determine the amount of recent and old partial coral mortality, coral size, and potential causes of mortality such as disease, bleaching, sedimentation, and algal overgrowth.

Algae- Assess algal communities by using 25 x 25 cm quadrats to determine the relative abundance of three key functional groups (fleshy macro-, calcareous macro-, & crustose coralline algae) and estimate macroalgal height.

Fishes- Determine the status (abundance and size) of commercially significant species (e.g., groupers, snappers), important grazers (parrotfish, blue tangs), and indicator species (damselfish) along 30 m x 2m belt transects, and determine the diversity of fish populations by using the rover diver method

2.       Data Management: Participants will learn how to process and manage data collected using the AGRRA methodology.

3.       Coral Reef Management: Participants will discuss how AGRRA data can be applied for management purposes.

Jamaica North Coast Survey Goals (August 7-21, 2000)

1.       Conduct a large scale survey along Jamaica’s northern and western coasts to assess the condition of its coral reef resources;

2.       Collaborate with in-country reef specialists and other experts to synthesize existing information; and

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

© 2000 - AGRRA