SCMR MONITORING PLAN

Transcription

1 SCMR MONITORING PLAN

2 Table of Contents Table of Contents... i Introduction... 2 Sea Turtles... 2 Caye Bird Species... 3 Commercial Fish Species... 5 Conch... 5 Lobster... 6 Finfish Species... 8 Commercial Fish Creel Survey... 9 Ecosystem Monitoring Coral Reef Sea grass Diseases and Other Natural Phenomena Water Quality Meteorological Data Recreational Activities Data Sheets Monitoring Plan i

3 Introduction This document was developed to establish a permanent biological monitoring strategy for the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve (SCMR). This document contains guidelines and strategies for the basic monitoring to be carried out within the SCMR. The SCMR Monitoring Plan was developed using the goals and objectives for monitoring and research as described in the Management Plan. The main purpose for this monitoring plan is to identify monitoring protocols and responsibilities. This plan should encourage ownership and collaboration between staff and partners. Methods and monitoring procedures were chosen based on their relevance to management priorities in the SCMR and their use throughout the Caribbean. Many of the methodologies described below have been developed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), the Belize Fisheries Department and other researchers and organizations working in Belize and the region. The goal of this document is to incorporate and standardize these methodologies to improve the monitoring efforts in the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. This document is supplemented by both the data sheets used for monitoring and a monitoring calendar. These data sheets are to be used for all monitoring activities and are complemented by a database which will be housed at the TASTE-SCMR office, with all data being shared with the Fisheries Department and all other local and regional partners. Sea Turtles Why sea turtles should be monitored Under the Belizean Fisheries Law all marine turtles are protected. The Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve is home to Loggerhead turtle (Carretta carretta), Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochyles imbricata), which are all generally threatened worldwide. Hawksbill turtles are most frequently sighted using the sand beaches of the Cayes in the SCMR for nesting grounds. The extent to which Loggerhead and Green turtles use the SCMR for nesting grounds is unknown at present. Abundance, location of nests and nesting success: Sea turtles, especially hawksbill turtles, are frequently seen within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. In addition, Hawksbill, and to an unknown extent Green and Loggerhead turtles are known to use the beaches of Franks, Nicholas, Lime and Hunting for nesting during the months of June to September. Further information about the status of sea turtle populations, the location and density of nesting sites and the hatching success will enable managers to better manage these endangered populations. Equipment -GPS -Flagging Tape & Stakes -Data Sheet 2

4 Locations: Lime Caye Hunting Caye Nicholas Caye Franks Caye Method: If possible during turtle season from 1st June to 1st October observers will be stationed at each nesting beach during the evening to watch for turtles in the process of laying. It is important that during these stakeouts care should be taken not to disturb or scare turtles. All lights should be covered with red plastic and turtles should not be approached until they have begun to lay. Once the turtles have started to lay the minimum straight shell length, measured from the anterior to posterior notches, and maximum straight shell width should be noted. A GPS marking should be taken at each nesting site. As much of the data sheet should be filled out with the remainder being filled in the following morning. Patrols will be conducted every morning from 1st June to November 1st on turtle beaches to identify and ground truth possible crawls and hatches. It may be possible to involve other caye residents in turtle monitoring. If it is determined that a turtle has laid the data sheet will be filled in with the appropriate information and a GPS reading taken. In addition all identified nests will be marked with flagging tape and an identification number. In order to determine nesting success nests will be monitored throughout the season. Nests hatch approximately 60 days after they are laid. All efforts will be made to monitor nests so as to be present for hatching. Once nestlings have emerged nests will be excavated to determine nestling success. Excavation should occur at least 72 hours after the first hatchling is observed or 80 days after the nest was laid. Excavation should be done by carefully digging up the depression left by the hatched nest. The contents of the nest should be removed and carefully sorted into the following categories: (1) Live hatchlings (LH); (2) Dead hatchlings (DH); (3) Pipped eggs with dead hatchlings (PE); (4) Whole unhatched eggs (UE); (5) Whole eggshells (ES) (>50% of the whole shell); (6) Small eggshell pieces (< 50% of the whole shell). Using these categories it will be possible to calculate the total clutch size using the following formula: TCS = (PE+UE+ES). It will also be possible to calculate hatchling success by using the formula: Hatchling Success = TCS (DH + PE + UE). These measurements should be recorded on the data sheet. After measurements have been made are finished, unhatched eggs, dead hatchlings, and eggshells should be placed back in the nest and covered. Caye Bird Species Why caye birds should be monitored The Sapodilla Cayes is home to a wide range of migratory birds, but most of the resident species have been extirpated in recent years due to unregulated use of the Cayes as fish camps, and more recently, development of the Cayes for various purposes. At least two Cayes, Seal and Tom Owens, had nesting Bridled Tern, Roseate Tern, and Laughing Gull colonies as recently as 1998, but these tiny Cayes ultimately could not continue to support both nesting seabirds and the fisher families (who by then had set up permanent fishing camps) and their pets. The Sapodilla Cayes have also lost at least one resident land bird in recent years, the 3

5 Yucatan Vireo, which formerly reached its southernmost limit on the Sapodilla Cayes. An important resident species that remains on the Sapodilla s is the Caribbean subspecies of Osprey (Pandion haliaetus ridgwayi). Because of the subspecies limited worldwide distribution, it should be closely monitored. Apart from the resident and former resident bird species, the Sapodilla Cayes are an important stopover point for migrants as they move south in autumn and north in spring between North American breeding grounds and Central and South American wintering grounds. Literally thousands of migrant songbirds, notably wood warblers, tanagers, thrushes, and tyrant flycatchers, pass through the outer Cayes, including also Lighthouse Reef and Glovers Reef, each spring and fall. These Cayes provide critical forage and shelter for these hordes of migrants as they pass through on their long semi-annual journeys. Along with the songbirds come the predators, chiefly Peregrine Falcons and Merlins, which support themselves on these same migrating songbirds as they too migrate between the higher latitudes where they nest and their wintering grounds in the tropics. In fact, these two species migrate almost exclusively through the Belize and Honduras Cayes, for the most part avoiding the mainland, in order to take advantage of this abundant prey resource. The Peregrine Falcon, until recently, was on the United States endangered species list. Abundance, location of nests and nesting success: Bird species such as the Osprey, Bridled Tern, Roseate Tern, and Laughing Gull are know to lay (or to have laid in the past) within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. Ragged Caye has been specifically designated as a bird sanctuary to protect the species that nest there. It will be important to monitor these species and gather information about the status of these populations, the location of nesting sites and nesting success. Species Abundance and Diversity: The SCMR serves as an important stop on migratory bird routes. It is important to have a good understanding of the abundance and diversity of the different bird types using the Sapodilla Cayes as part of their annual migrations. Equipment -Data Sheets -Binoculars -Bird Book Locations: Ragged Caye and Sandbore (Nesting Birds) All Cayes (Bird Census) Methods Nesting Ospreys and terns should all be monitored during the appropriate season. If terns return to nest on Ragged Caye, the number of pairs present and the number of nest scrapes established, eggs laid, young hatched, and young fledged per nest scrape, should be recorded each season, along with the dates of observations and the names of all observers. Specially designed data sheets are used for recording these data. Copies of all field notes and data 4

6 sheets should be housed in a specified place where they are protected from the elements, and where they can be made readily available to future researchers. In order to determine species abundance and diversity twice a year a complete census should be taken of the resident and visiting bird populations on the cayes. This should include taking a complete species list of birds and documenting individual numbers. Commercial Fish Species Conch Why queen conch should be monitored Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) is a major export for Belize. In addition to Queen Conch, the SCMR is also home for the Milk Conch (Strombus costatus), which is not a commonly commercial product. The SCMR has traditionally been a productive conch fishery. However, pressures from fishermen in Guatemala and Honduras as well as over exploitation by Belizean Fishermen have led to the decline in conch abundance. Abundance: The abundance of conch is a key indicator of the success of management within the SCMR. Differences in abundance between the different zones within the SCMR directly relates to management effectiveness within the reserve. Density: Given the fact that reproductive success in conch appears to be density dependent it is important to understand more about the density of conch at key grazing and mating grounds. Information about conch density can help managers better protect key sites to ensure sustainability within the conch population. Size Structure: Physical, visual counts will be combined with creel surveys to quantify conch catch and size. This data will give managers information about life history and allow for evaluation about possible changes to size or catch limits. Locations TO BE DETERMINED Equipment -Calipers -Writing slates -Data sheets -Snorkel gear (SCUBA if possible) -GPS Methods A quarterly survey will be conducted for both queen and milk conchs in sand-algal flats and sea grass beds, as well as near shallow patch reef habitat. Density surveys are conducted along straight-line belt transects that are 4m wide by 30m long. At least 4 transects will be run per site. A 30m-measurement tape is laid along the substrate, and conchs are counted and 5

7 measured 2m on either side of the tape. The time that surveys take should also be recorded for calculation of CPUE. It should be noted that smaller conch tend to bury themselves during the day and transects should be conducted with care to avoid missing them. Surveys must be carried out two weeks before season open in late September and two weeks after season closes in June. Additional conch surveys will be conducted quarterly with surveys occurring in November and February. CONCH, LOBSTER AND FINFISH SURVEYS WILL BE CONDUCTED CONCURRENTLY! Both Queen and Milk conch are measured for size and checked for egg-laying activity. -To measure size: Shell length is measured in cm from the tip of the spire to the notch opening. Mature conch stop increasing in shell length, but the shell lip starts to widen. Therefore, the lip thickness must be measured to estimate age or weight in mature conch. -To check for egg-laying activity: Mature females may be observed laying an egg mass, which is kidney-shaped mass consisting of small tubules with eggs. Egg-laying activity or the presence of egg masses nearby should be recorded. This methodology is based on the Long-term Atoll Monitoring Program (LAMP) developed by Dr. Charles Acosta for Glover s Reef. In addition to the quarterly survey Belize conducts a national conch survey once per year before the opening of conch season in October. The back reef portion of this survey consists of 500m x 4m belt transects run approximately every 1k perpendicular to the main reef. This survey is carried out in appropriate habitat up to a depth of 40 feet. In addition survey is carried out in the fore reef using the 30m x 4m belt transects described above. In addition to this visual survey a variety of morphometric data is collected. Detailed instructions and descriptions of this methodology are available from the Belize Fisheries Capture Unit. Lobster Why lobster should be monitored Like Queen Conch, lobster is a very important commercial species in Belize. The major commercial products are Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus) and Spotted Lobster (Panulirus guttatus). Lobster surveys are done to determine mean size of locally harvested lobster, to estimate total abundance and density of lobster population, to estimate the distribution of population by habitat type and water depth, to estimate population structure by size category and collection of morphological parameters and to estimate sex ratio. These species are heavily fished within the reserve. Most lobster fishermen in Belize use hook sticks to remove lobster however there has been a growing use of lobster shades. Over the past ten years fishermen have noticed a decline in lobster populations within the reserve. Abundance: The abundance of lobster is a key indicator of the success of management within the SCMR. Differences in abundance between the different zones within the SCMR directly relates to management effectiveness within the reserve. 6

8 Density: Density for lobster will be measured on general site basis, but may be able to provide insights if compared over a significant time series. Timed effort: The methodology to assess and monitor lobster relies upon a time swim allowing managers to estimate CPUE for different sites. This data can then be compared over a time and with CPUE data collected from local fishermen. Size Structure: Physical, visual counts will be combined with creel surveys to quantify lobster catch and size. This data will give managers information about life history and allow for evaluation about possible changes to size or catch limits. Locations TO BE DETERMINED Equipment -Tickle sticks marked every cm -Writing slates -Watch -Data sheets -Snorkel gear (SCUBA if possible) -GPS Methods A quarterly survey will be conducted for the two major commercial lobster species, spotted and spiny at each lagoon patch reef and fore reef site. Measurements include 1) carapace length (head length estimated using the tickle sticks), 2) sex (of adults using external dimorphic characters), and 3) presence of egg masses (on adult females). All crevices should be visually searched for large sub-adults and adults, and all algal clumps should be inspected for small juveniles. Measurements and observations can be taken if the animals are approached slowly. Each transect will be 15 minutes long with at least 4 transects carried out per site. At the end of each transect researchers should do their best to estimate the size of the area covered in order to allow for density calculations. Fore reef sites are surveyed by two persons; swimming parallel to each other 5m apart; starting at the reef wall edge, swim into the current for 30 minutes, turn & move 10m up on the fore reef slope, then swim back with the current for 30 minutes. Calculate catch-per-unit effort (CPUE) as number of animals per man hour of searching. Patch reefs are searched by each swimmer covering a 5m transect across the widest area of the reef structure. Survey must be conducted two weeks before season opens in June and two weeks after season close in late February. Additional surveys will be conducted quarterly in September and November. CONCH, LOBSTER AND FINFISH SURVEYS WILL BE CONDUCTED CONCURRENTLY! -To determine the sex of adults: Adult males are distinguished by having the third pair of walking legs that are much longer than all other legs. Adult females have swimmerets with frilly tips under the abdomen ( tail ). If it is adult female, the ventral side of the abdomen is checked visually to determine if it is carrying an egg mass, attached to the swimmerets. 7

9 -To measure size: Its carapace ( head ) length is estimated by laying a marked stick over the dorsal side. The carapace is measured to the nearest cm, from the posterior end of the carapace to the space between the eyes. Finfish Species Why finfish should be monitored Although not commonly exported finfish plays an important part of the local economy. In the Sapodilla Cayes, commonly harvested species include: snapper, grouper, barracuda, jack, mackerel, grunt and others. Fishermen from Belize, Guatemala and Honduras harvest fish for market in the three respective countries. A large number of these fish are harvested during spawning aggregation, especially mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis) and prior to the new regulations Nassau Grouper (Epinephelus striatus). The SCMR is home to at least three known aggregation sites for Nassau Grouper and at least two known sites for Mutton Snapper. Given the predictability of these spawning aggregations, which typically occur 3-5 days after the full moon in Jan-March for Nassau Grouper and from April-May for Mutton Snapper, these species are threatened by over-fishing. Although regulations have been put in place to limit fishing at known Nassau spawning sites during the spawning season, recent visual surveys have shown low populations. In addition, the spawning activities of these fish are thought to be one of the major attractions for Whale Sharks (Rhincodon typus) which are known to frequent the reserve. Key species size, distribution and density: A number of commercial species are commonly fished within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve. In accordance with the Long-term Atoll Monitoring Program (LAMP) the size, distribution and density will be calculated for the following fish species: Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), Black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), Mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) and Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula). The average size and density of fish observed will give mangers and understanding about the effectiveness of zonation as well as the health of key fish species populations. Spawning Aggregation Density, Species Size and Composition: The majority of focus on spawning aggregations within the Sapodilla Cayes has focused on Nassau Grouper and at least three spawning sites for this species have been identified. Monitoring of these sights has been sporadic and more data is needed to improve understanding about the density, size distribution and composition of the species using these sites. Equipment -SCUBA Gear -Data Sheet -Wind Gauge -Underwater slates -GPS -Underwater Camera (if available) Locations TO BE DETERMINED 8

10 Methods Key Species: At each site divers will conduct timed transect surveys looking for Nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus), Black grouper (Mycteroperca bonaci), Mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) and Queen Triggerfish (Balistes vetula), recording fork length for each fish. Each transect will be 15 minutes long with at least 4 transects carried out per site. At the end of each transect researchers should do their best to estimate the size of the area covered in order to allow for density calculations. Spawning Aggregation: Monitoring of Spawning Aggregation will follow the MBRS Reef Fish Aggregation Protocol, a synopsis of which is presented here. At each site dives will commence three days after the full moon. Two dives will be made each day at each site, one around midday and one towards sunset. During each dive divers will record: species of fish every fish snapper/grouper complex and other species that display aggregation behavior, size, and behavior. The surface team will fill out all other necessary data on the data sheet. Commercial Fish Creel Survey Why creel surveys should be carried out Given the diversity and importance of the commercial fish species found within the Sapodilla Cayes Marine Reserve it is important to gauge fishing activities taking place within the reserve. This data also serves as an important indicator of management effectiveness. Creel surveys, based on data provided by fishermen, are an important source of information for managers about population size, commercial value, the effectiveness of catch and size limits, and determining characteristics about the commercial species populations. In a dynamic fishing zone, such as the SCMR and southern Belize, creel surveys can give managers an idea about the type and quantity of product being taken from the reserve. In addition, by combining creel data with other monitoring measures the SCMR will be able to make management decisions in order to ensure the sustainability and sound management of the commercial fisheries. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE): Catch Per Unit Effort data is used to give an indication of fisher s effort in comparison to their return product. This measurement should remain stable if populations are sustaining. Increases in CPUE indicate that the fishery may be declining. This information gives managers a better understanding about the amount of fishing pressure put on fisheries stocks. Catch abundance: This data will be compared for all commercially important species including conch, lobster and finfish. Data about catch abundance collected over a progressive time period will allow managers to monitor species-specific trends, especially when compared with other monitoring techniques. This should give managers the information necessary to make decisions about the effectiveness of zonation and size and catch limits. 9

11 Size and Sex Composition: Data will be collected about the size and sex composition of the major commercial species. This data will allow managers to determine the sustainability of the harvest and to make any necessary changes to size limits. Equipment -Data Sheet Locations At fisherman s camps Methods The collection of creel data will involve cooperation between local fishers and the Belize Fisheries Department. At least seven (7) days of data should be collected per month and data should be collected daily during mutton snapper spawning, as well as the opening of both conch and lobster season. This data will be collected by the patrolling rangers and should include: vessel, # of fishermen, area fished, soak- time, species, size/weight, sex and status of product. This data is crucial to effective management of the fisheries and will require careful consultation between staff and commercial fisherman. Consistency in this data collection is imperative. Ecosystem Monitoring Coral Reef Why the coral reef ecosystem should be monitored The Sapodilla Cayes form the southernmost portion of the Belize Barrier Reef. As such it represents a unique ecosystem within the reef complex. The coral reef ecosystem supports a wide range of marine life, provides key habitat for many important commercial species and contributes to the economy through tourism. Despite increasing fishing and tourism pressures the reef contained within the SCMR continues to remain in a fairly healthy state. It will be critical to monitor the effects of threats such as tourism, over fishing, river run off and pollution. Monitoring of the coral ecosystem will be carried out following the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System Synoptic Monitoring Program (MBRS-SMP). Benthic Cover: Benthic cover gives researchers and managers an idea bout the composition of the reef benthic community. Comparison of sites over an extended period allows managers to track changes in cover and hopefully develop strategies to maintain healthy environments. Coral Diversity: A diverse make up of coral species indicates a healthy ecosystem and is individual to each site and reef type. Biannual comparisons between sites should allow managers to evaluate the health of the reef ecosystem. Coral Recruitment: Coral recruitment is key to a stable reef ecosystem. New recruits indicate a healthy and growing reef environment. 10

12 Coral Bleaching: There has been growing concern in recent years that bleaching events may become more prevalent due to increasing ocean temperatures. Although bleaching is a natural occurrence, frequent bleaching events can have serious effects on reef health and structure. It is important to understand the frequency and severity of these events and to monitor key sites to detect any bleaching effects. Coral Disease: Disease outbreaks can occur, even in healthy reef ecosystems. Bleaching and other environmental stresses can increase the outbreak of disease. It is important to monitor disease within the coral population so as to manage any potential disease outbreaks. Long Spine Sea Urchin Population: Throughout the Caribbean there has been a major die-off of Long Spin Sea Urchin (Diadema antillarium). Although populations are coming back this species is a key herbivore in the reef environment and should be monitored closely. Reef Fish Species Abundance for Defined Species List: The structure of the reef fish community has a significant impact on ecosystem health. Disturbances in the food chain can have profound effects on the functioning of the ecosystem. By carefully monitoring the prevalence and composition of reef fish populations it will be possible for managers to determine management effectiveness and ecosystem health. Juvenile Reef Fish Recruitment for Defined Species List: Recruitment is key to maintaining healthy fish populations. By monitoring the recruitment of a defined species list it will be possible to track fish recruitment and make management adjustments as necessary. Reef Fish Species Diversity: A healthy ecosystem is made up of diverse number of different fish species. By monitoring the abundance and composition of reef fish at a given site it will be possible to draw conclusions about ecosystem health and management effectiveness. Equipment -SCUBA/Snorkel Gear -Data Sheets -30m tape marked every 25cm -1m T-bar -Underwater slates -Ruler Locations: Seal Caye N W White Reef N W Vigilance Shoal N W Two additional fore reef sites should be added Methods The description here is taken from the MBRS Manual of Methods for the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Program. The methodology includes a number of different surveys including: benthic point intercept, characterization of coral community, belt transect counts adult and juvenile fish, Diadema urchins, and rover diver. A brief description of each methodology follows. 11

13 Benthic point intercept: This methodology allows for the calculation of percent cover. The diver lays down a 30m tape for the transect line and then records the substrate under the tape every 25cm. Coral species should be recorded to the genera if possible. At the end of every 30m transect 120 points should be noted. This survey should be completed at least 5 times per site. Characterization of coral community: After completing the point intercept swim diver should swim back along the 30m transect and stop at all coral colonies over 10cm in diameter. For each coral encountered the following data should be collected: species, height and diameter of colony, % dead, any bleaching or disease. At least 50 coral colonies should be recorded per site. Diadema urchins: In an effort to gauge the presence of Diadema urchins a count of the total number of urchins should be made along the transect. Divers should take care to investigate all crevices. This survey should be completed at least 5 times per site. Adult Fish: The diver should lay a 30m transect and count and record both fish and size for all species on the specified list. Only fish that pass within the 2m wide belt should be counted. This survey should be completed at least 5 times per site. Juvenile Fish: Using the same 30m transect the diver should swim the transect again this time looking for juvenile fish of the species and under the maximum size listed on the data sheet. This method accounts for new recruits. This survey should be completed at least 5 times per site. Rover Diver: The rover diver census should be carried out in the same general area as the other transects but only needs to be completed once per site. During the rover diver the researcher should record all fish species observed on the data sheet. The goal is to get a feeling for the diversity and density of species in the area. Sea grass Why sea grass should be monitored Sea grass meadows are a very important ecosystem within tropical marine systems. Composed for the most part of turtle grass Thalassia sp., these meadows have a number of important functions. The underground stems of sea grasses, called rhizomes, help to stabilize the sandy seafloor. In the SCMR sea grasses are also an important habitat for a wide range of marine life including fish, invertebrates and sea turtles. Sea grasses are often at risk from pollution and other human activities. Community Composition and Percentage: Seagrass communities are often comprised a variety of sea grass species, corals (soft and hard), algae, etc. The percentage of each category should be calculated, to get a community picture, which will likely be unique to each site. Initial observations will be compared to future to look for community changes. A decrease in sea grass percentage will greatly impact juvenile animals that depend on the sea grass community for feeding and refuge. 12

14 Biomass: The basic indicator to be used for sea grass will be biomass. Average standing crop and total biomass will be calculated for each site. Any changes in biomass will have an associated impact on the varied animals the use sea grass beds. Biomass measurements give managers an indication of the total productivity of sea grass beds. Equipment -SCUBA equipment -30 M Transect tape -Clipboard and underwater paper -Waterproof camera -Corer- a PVC pipe (beveled and notched) 80 cm long and cm diameter with a plug, approx cm diameter and a 45 cm long handle -A 50cm x 50cm quadrat -4 ea: Plastic buckets -1 ea: Sieve box; 2 mm mesh Or -4 ea: Fine mesh (2-4mm) bags (i.e. diving bag) -1 ea: Deep tray -2 ea: Plastic kitchen strainers; 6-8" (15-20 cm) diameter -10 ea: Plastic basins (for sorting different biomass fractions into) -Aluminum foil -Flagging tape -Ziploc plastic freezer bags; quart and gallon size -Hydrochloric or phosphoric acid (10% v/v; 10% concentrated acid + 90% water) -Drying oven (45, 60, or 90 C) -Analytical balance -GPS and site coordinates Locations TO BE DETERMINED Methods Sea grass monitoring should be conducted twice a year in June and December. The methodology described below is derived from the MBRS Manual of Methods for Synoptic Monitoring. Permanent transects should be established at each site. Community Composition: The belt transect method will be completed to gather the percent coverage of the designated categories. The 30m transect should be run along the major community axis, preferably parallel to the coast, and ten quadrats should be placed randomly along each cross transect. For each of the quadrats total percent cover, percentage cover per species, canopy height and evidence of grazing should be recorded and entered on the data sheet. Divers will be using 50cm X 50cm quadrats and visual estimations will be performed every 5m down both sides for each transect. The percentage of each category and any hard coral species present should be noted. A digital camera is useful to ensure accuracy. The percentage coverage of the following categories should be estimated: - Macroalgae - Soft Coral - Turf Algae - Hard Coral - Thalassia Testudinum Seagrass - Sand 13

15 - Syringodium filiforme Seagrass - Mud - Other Sea grass - Rubble Biomass Samples: The best way to obtain biomass samples in sea grass beds is by the use of corers. -Force corer in to sediment to at least cm to obtain over 90% of Thalassia rhizomes and roots. It must be rotated rapidly, to cut its way into the sediments as it is pushed. Core samples can be placed in individual buckets or as cores are taken underwater, they can be immediately extruded in to fine (2-4 mm), pre-labeled mesh bags (e.g. diving bags, laundry bags.) There should be a zone at the bottom of the core of 5-10 cm with no roots. This will serve as a guide in the future to just how deep the later cores must be taken. -Clean the samples completely of sediment * *, and separate them first into species of sea grasses, fleshy macroalgae and green macroalgae of the order Caulerpales that grow from the sediment. Separation of macroalgae into species is desirable but not required. If the samples are in mesh bags, they can be shaken and massaged while still underwater to remove most of the sediment. If these bags are not available, coarse sorting can be done on a sieve box with a mesh of about 2 mm. Size is not critical but a box about 60 by 40 cm, with sides about 8-10 cm (made of standard 1x3 or 1x4 lumber) is quite satisfactory. The screen must retain small pieces of plant matter and all coarse shell material and fragments must be removed by hand. -After coarse sorting, fine sorting can be done on the screen, but is often more conveniently done in a tray of water about 10 cm deep. This greatly aids in sorting the fine fragments. While not a perfect guide, live roots and rhizomes tend to float, while dead ones tend to sink. Live roots are white or very light gray and crisp when squeezed or broken, while dead roots are dark and more flaccid. Short shoots and rhizomes can have both live and dead roots intermixed. Likewise live rhizomes have a whiter, crisp interior, while dead rhizomes are darker, both inside and out, and are less crisp when broken **. -Divide all Thalassia plants into the following 5 separate fractions for biomass measurements 1) green leaves, 2) non-green leaves and short shoots, 3) live rhizomes, 4) live roots, and 5) dead below ground material. Lab Procedures -After separating plants into their various biomass fractions, make sure that any soak all biomass fractions thoroughly in freshwater (using the second kitchen remaining sediment is removed from the sea grass rhizome and root biomass fractions by scrubbing with a soft * The resulting sample must be all organic matter with no contaminating carbonate fragments. ** Uncleaned samples can be held without disintegration for a day in shade submerged or several days if running seawater is provided over the sample. Cleaned samples can be held likewise, or, are best held chilled. 14

16 toothbrush. Epiphytes on the green leaves must be removed in 10% hydrochloric acid. The leaves should be placed in the kitchen strainer and lowered into the acid until bubbling stops. -Rinse and strain to remove salt and acid. This is greatly helped if the fine sorting is done in a bath of fresh water. -Then place each fraction on pre-weighed and marked, heavy-duty aluminum foil tares and dry them at C to constant weight (no more than 60 C if chemical analysis is planned). Some below ground fractions may take several days to dry completely. Until one is familiar with the drying time necessary, it is best to periodically weigh several of the heaviest fractions until they show a constant weight for 12 hours. At this point, all the smaller samples should be thoroughly dry. At this time the samples should be placed in a desiccator to cool before weighing. If no desiccator is available, allow the oven and samples to cool to about 45 C before weighing. -When through weighing store the dried samples in a plastic bag for at least 6 month in case any errors have been made and reweighing is necessary. -Divide calcareous macroalgae into above and belowground tissue if desired. Remove all sediment and then decalcify in 20% glacial acetic acid. This may take several days. Fleshy macroalgae need to be rinsed in freshwater, dried, and weighed. Separation into species is generally not required, unless there is a clear dominant macroalgal species in the community Diseases and Other Natural Phenomena Why diseases and other natural phenomena should be monitored The marine habitats and species that make up the southern portion of the Belize Barrier Reef are susceptible to disease as well as natural disturbance such as hurricane and El Nino events. In other marine reserves along the Belize Barrier Reef the incidence of white band disease has been closely monitored. In the SCMR there is no monitoring data on this disease. In 1998/99 a major bleaching event was recorded along the Belize Barrier Reef. Although, there has been significant recovery from this event there is concern that these types of bleaching events may become more common in the future. In addition to corals the coconut palms on the vast majority of the cayes have suffered from lethal yellowing. In 2001 it was estimated that Hunting and Nicholas Cayes had approximately 50% of palms affected, Franks and Lime 35%, Northeast 25% and the remaining cayes less than 10%. Some resistant plants have been planted. In addition to lethal yellowing a Rhinoceros Beetle has now started to infest the palms causing them to die. This beetle bores into the heart of the palm and the larvae then feed off of the heart causing the palm to die. It is important to monitor the habitats and species within the SCMR for the effects caused by disease as well as natural disturbance. Coral Disease: Coral Bleaching: Coconut Palm Health: 15

17 Basic Disease Monitoring: Coral Disease Monitoring: This monitoring will be covered by the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Program which is discussed in detail in the Coral section. Coral Bleaching Monitoring: In the case of a bleaching event all corals should be monitored using the AGRRA method. Coconut Palm Monitoring: Currently all infected trees are being cut down the hearts removed and burned in an attempt to kill all larvae. Water Quality Why water quality should be monitored Water quality is important to ecosystem health. The SCMR is located in the center of the Gulf of Honduras and is thus subject to pollution from a large number of rivers in Belize, Guatemala and Honduras. These rivers flush sediment, nutrients, chemicals and other pollutants in the SCMR area. In addition almost all of the Cayes possess a freshwater lens, which local fishermen have traditionally used for water. On the majority of the Cayes this freshwater lens has been polluted through poorly developed and maintained wastewater disposal systems. Due to the vital importance good water quality careful monitoring is crucial. Nitrates and Phosphates: Increases in nitrates and phosphates can be an indicator of pollution. Given the location of the SCMR and the multiple watersheds and rivers which carry water out to the cayes, it is important to monitor any changes in nitrate and phosphate levels. High nitrate and phosphate concentration can lead to algal blooms and other events, which can negatively affect ecosystem health. Dissolved Oxygen: Dissolved oxygen is the amount of oxygen dissolved in the water, measured in milligrams per liter (mg/l). This component is critical to the survival of various aquatic lives in water, such as fish and invertebrates. Reduced DO in water causes less oxygen to be available for aquatic organisms. Adequate dissolved oxygen is necessary for good water quality. Conductivity: Conductivity determines how well water can conduct an electrical current. This property is measured in milli siemens per centimeters. Conductivity in water is affected by the presence of inorganic dissolved solids such as chloride, nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate anions or sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and aluminum cations. Conductivity is also affected by temperature: the warmer the water, the higher the conductivity. Temperature: Water temperature is a measure of heat in the water; how cool or how warm the water is, expressed in degrees Celsius (C). Temperature is a critical water quality parameter, since it directly influences the amount of dissolved oxygen that is available to aquatic organisms. ph: ph or the potential of hydrogen, is a measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. This parameter is important because it affects the solubility and availability of nutrients, and how aquatic organisms can utilize them. 16

18 Salinity: Salinity is a measure of the dissolved inorganic solids in seawater; it is expressed as parts per thousand (ppt, or 0/00). This is an especially interesting parameter at the SCMR due to the influence of freshwater from nearby rivers Turbidity: is a measure of the cloudiness in the water and is the result of suspended materials in the water. The turbidity of the water is very important to life in the waterway because it is an indication as to how much life can penetrate in the water. High turbidity can interfere with disinfection and provide a medium for microbial growth. Equipment -Secchi Disc -HACH portable LDO Meter w/15m cable -SensION5 portable TDS & Salinity Meter w/3m cable -Pocket ph meter IQ125 -Environmental Water Quality Lab HACH model CEL 850 -Data Sheet -Sample jars -GPS Locations Water Quality monitoring is currently on-going at five sites. Confirmation of the GPS coordinates is necessary from Mr. Godwin Humes. Methods This monitoring will be carried out weekly at identified sites. The following parameters will be evaluated: dissolved oxygen, ph, salinity/conductivity, turbidity, temperature, nitrates and phosphates. At each site the appropriate measurements will be made. Meteorological Data Why meteorological data should be collected Meteorological data can be an important resource for management of the reserve. At one time an automated weather station was located on Hunting Caye. This weather station can provide information about rainfall and temperature which can have an impact on the ecology and environment in the SCMR. Rainfall: Rainfall activity at the SCMR can give managers an idea about changes in weather and caye vegetation. Tides: Although there are not significant tidal events in the SCMR, tidal information can be useful to managers and can be combined with other data collected. Temperature: Average temperatures will allow managers to monitor changes in the environment that may have an adverse effect on the ecosystem. Equipment -To be provided by Belize Meteorological Office 17

19 Methods Information will be collected from the Belize Meteorological Office pertaining to rainfall, tides and temperature. Recreational Activities Why recreational activities should be monitored The Sapodilla Cayes are considered some of the most beautiful cayes in Belize. They are an important tourist destination for tourists from Guatemala and Honduras as well as Belize. In 2004 the SCMR received about 9,000 visitors; these visitors have a definite impact on the reserve. Tourism activities that do and can take place in the reserve include; snorkeling, diving, sports fishing, kayaking, sailing, and others. This impact although visible has not been extensively studied. Locations Hunting Caye at time of ticket sale Visitation data: Information will be collected about all visitors to the reserve. This will include a log of the vessel, country of origin, nationality, and major activities of each tourist group using the SCMR. This data will allow managers to evaluate impacts that tourists may have on the diverse ecosystems contained within the SCMR. Methods Due to the new fee structure implemented in January of 2005 monitoring of all visitors to the reserve is required. A log will be kept which details visitor information including; name of vessel, country of origin, nationality, number of visitors, visitor activities and zones used. Data Sheets Attached are the appropriate data sheets for each of the monitoring programs. The data sheets here are for reference only, all necessary data sheets are saved in an excel file for easy printing. These data sheets were developed in accordance with the Belize Fisheries Department and other partners working in the region. The data sheets for the MBRS protocols and Spawning Aggregation are not included here but are also on file. Monitoring Plan The attached calendar is meant to by a guide for implementation of the activities listed in the monitoring plan. Implementation of the calendar will be the responsibility of TASTE-SCMR and the SCMR biologist. It is expected that the calendar will be revised yearly and will be followed as closely as possible. TASTE-SCMR is dedicated to ensuring that data collection occurs in a timely fashion according to the monitoring plan. Once developed and approved any changes to the monitoring calendar must be negotiated and approved by both TASTE-SCMR and the Belize Fisheries Department. 18

20 References Mesoamerican Barrier Reef Systems Project (2003). Manual of Methods for the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Program. P.C. Almada-Villela, P.F. Sale, G. Gold-Bouchot and B. Kjerfve. CARICOMP Caribbean Coastal and Marine Productivity (CARICOMP). A Cooperative Research and Monitoring Network of Marine Laboratories, Parks and Reserves. CARICOMP Methods Manual, Levels 1 and 2 Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FMRI AGRRA Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA). The AGRRA Rapid Assessment Protocol. Acosta, C.A Field protocol for monitoring coral reef fisheries resources in Belize. Wildlife Conservation Society, Belize. Hill, J. & Wilkinson, C Methods for Ecological Monitoring of Coral Reefs (Version 1). Australian Institute of Marine Science. National Park Service Coral Reef Monitoring Manual for the Caribbean and Western Atlantic. Virgin Islands National Park. 19