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CLIMATE CHANGE IS COMING TOTHEBAYISLANDS
Shawn Jackson Photography
CLIMATECHANGE ANDIMPACTSON THECOMMUNITY
H ow wil l cl im ate ch an ge im pact ou r com m u n ity? Th e Bay Islan ds, lik e so m an y coast al com m u n it ies, ar e par t icu lar ly vu ln er able t o t h e im pact s of clim at e ch an ge. This stems from our physical proximity to the ocean and our direct dependence on a healthy marine environment for our livelihoods. Our vulnerability to the impacts of climate change is made worse by the levels of poverty faced by the majority of inhabitants of the Bay Islands. Since 1995, Honduras has experienced 73 extreme weather events, the most devastating of which was Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Current climate change projections for the Caribbean show that storms are likely to be less frequent, but to be stronger when they occur.
Damage to homes, resorts, agriculture, and fisheries and tourism infrastructure, plus disruptions to travel and the transportation of goods, with possible resulting shortages of supplies reaching the islands, are among the impacts that will likely be felt by communities. Increasingly problematic coastal erosion is also likely to occur, causing further damage to coastal infrastructure. Access to fresh water is already an issue faced by many islanders, and higher air temperatures will only serve to increase demand. With projected reductions in rainfall and possible saltwater intrusion into freshwater supplies resulting from rising sea levels, the current situation is likely to worsen.
COMMUNITY CONCERNS Scuba diving, snorkeling and fishing are the mainstays of our island's economy and key elements in our efforts to become self-sufficient. A loss of live coral cover due to storm damage, together with more frequent coral bleaching events, will degrade the quantity and quality of marine life. This threatens both fisheries productivity and tourism potential. Of particular concern to fishing communities, numbers of commercially important fish will decrease as reef health worsens. At the same time, impacts of climate change on lobster biology and distribution are expected to drive lobster into different areas and deeper waters, possibly increasing fishing effort and costs. Impacts from changing employment, poverty, social tensions and forced migration are possible consequences of climate change. The people of the Bay Islands could face difficult decisions. We need to learn, plan and start to adapt now.
CONTENTS
Whyshouldwecareabout climatechange? -
The Severe 7: Critical effects of climate change on the marine environment Sea level rise on Roatรกn Nature's Coast Guards and marine protected areas (MPAs)
What arewedoingabout climatechange? -
How MPAs protect the reef What does local research say? Local actions have global impact Healthy Reefs for Healthy People BICA- Action and research on Roatรกn
Whichecosystemsareat risk,whyaretheyimportant? -
Coral Reefs Mangroves Seagrasses
Reef alliesinthefight against climatechange -
Parrotfish Queen Conch Carribbean Spiny Lobster
Howcanyouhelp?
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THESEVERE7 Critical effectsof climatechangeonthemarineenvironment 1. 2.
WARMINGOCEANS
Across the globe, oceans are warming at an unprecedented rate. This is causing a cascade of negative impacts from rising sea levels to changing ocean currents, and changes in the distribution of marine species.
RISINGSEALEVELS
Sea level is projected to rise 1m in 2100 and 10m by 2300. Consequences range from coastal flooding, erosion, and loss of coastal habitats, to salt intrusion into freshwater and impacts on fisheries.
CHANGINGCURRENTS 3. 3.
Tropical waters are getting warmer, but polar and temperate seas are warming at a much faster rate. This unequal rate of warming drives changes in the earth's complex ocean currents, which are in turn forecast to have impacts on rainfall and storms in the Caribbean.
STORMSEVERITY ANDFREQUENCY
The formation of hurricanes is directly dependent on high sea surface temperatures. As tropical seas warm, hurricanes are forecast to become stronger, with increased wind velocities and rainfall intensities during storms, resulting in accelerated coastal erosion.
5.
CHANGING COMMUNITIES
The distribution of marine species is forecast to change, eg. lobster will be affected and likely move to deeper water, increasing fishing effort. Higher air temperatures will increase demand for drinking water and bring health effects from overheating.
6.
CHANGINGNUTRIENT circulation for the exchange of nutrients and gases. When this system is disrupted, habitats can be deprived of oxygen CYCLESANDHYPOXIA and overloaded or starved of nutrients, affecting all the
4.
Like the human body, the world?s oceans are dependent on
species that live in them.
7.
OCEAN ACIDIFICATION
Much of the increasing volume of carbon dioxide that we are releasing into the atmosphere is being absorbed by the world?s oceans. The result is more acidic oceans, which negatively affects many marine creatures by reducing the amount of calcium that is laid down in their shells
SEALEVELRISE
HEREONROATร N While all of the Severe 7 will impact Roatรกn in various ways, sea level rise is of particular concern for us. As noted in the map depicting different sea level rise scenarios, just a 1m rise in sea level will result in significant damage. Effects will include increased coastal erosion, flooding, loss of sensitive and important coastal habitats, salt intrusion into freshwater habitats and disruption of nutrient distribution systems. Sea level is projected to rise 1m by 2100 and 10m by 2300. DeConto, R.M., Pollard, D. (2016) Contribution of Antarctica to past and future sea-level rise. Nature, 531(7596), 591-597.
TO SAVE US FROM SEA LEVEL RISE WE NEED TO PROTECT THE ECOSYSTEMS THAT PROTECT US! READ ON TO FIND OUT HOW TO HELP.
Valu es of f loodin g in m et er s
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NATURE'S COASTGUARDS Coast al ecosyst em s ar e essen t ial f or t h e exist en ce of m ar in e an d t er r est r ial w ildlif e, as w ell as cr u cial f or pr ot ect ion again st t h e m ou n t in g im pact s of clim at e ch an ge. As sea levels r ise in t h e com in g decades, er osion an d st or m su r ge w ill qu ick ly er ode aw ay u n pr ot ect ed coast lin es. Cor al r eef s, m an gr oves an d seagr asses an ch or sedim en t s in place an d bu f f er islan d com m u n it ies f r om st or m s an d h u r r ican es. As an islan d com m u n it y, w e ar e en t ir ely depen den t on m ar in e r esou r ces f or ou r livelih oods, f or f ood f or ou r f am ilies an d gu est s, an d f or pr ot ect ion f r om t h e gr ow in g h azar ds of an in cr easin gly u n pr edict able clim at e. M ost people f r om t h e Bay Islan ds k n ow t h at t h ese m ar in e r esou r ces ar e w h at also m ak e t h is r egion of t h e Hon du r an Car ibbean a globally-r ecogn ized t r opical par adise. Ever yday it is becom in g clear er t h at w e m u st pr ot ect t h ese r esou r ces if w e ar e t o su r vive t h e ch allen ges of t h e f u t u r e.
THEMAR The Bay Islands are situated along the longest coral reef system in the Western Hemisphere-- and the second largest barrier reef system in the world-- the Mesoamerican Reef (The MAR), which spans over 1000 km along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. The Bay Islands, with 60 minor islands and several larger islands, have shallow fringing crest reefs, patch reefs and shelf edge reefs. The MAR supports local economies and culturally enriches the livelihoods of nearly 2 million people. As a result, impacts of climate change are detrimental not only to the health of the coral reef, but also to the people that rely upon it.
PROTECTINGPARADISE The Roatรกn Marine Park (RMP) is a not-for -profit non-governmental organization formed in 2005 by a group of concerned dive operators and local businesses united in an effort to protect Roatรกn's fragile coral reef and local ecosystems. RMP are now co- managers of the Bay Islands National Marine Park which consists of 13 co-managers working together to manage natural resources in a responsible manner, taking action to ensure the protection of the environment and sustainable development for local communities. The co-managers of the Bay Islands National Marine Park have formed a management plan to achieve these results. Each co-manager has a role and responsibility within the management plan.
RMP facilitates the enforcement of Honduran Environmental Law and runs a wide range of programs as part of efforts to conserve and ensure the sustainable use of coral reefs. The aim of the Roatรกn Marine Park is to empower the local community to thrive sustainably alongside our ecosystems which are treasured throughout the nation, and worldwide. Our efforts are delivering clear returns and our effective management has received global acclaim from marine conservationists. But climate change is creating challenges that we cannot face alone, creating the need for as much coordinated action as possible. Please read on to learn about local threats that we are facing and how you can help us face the challenges to come.
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MARINEPROTECTEDAREAS Oceans cover over 70% of the planet and are the primary force regulating our climate. As the Healthy Reefs Report Card discussed in 2010, ?Oceans have already absorbed 25-50% of our human-created carbon dioxide (CO?) emissions and are central to maintaining the planet?s capacity to keep absorbing CO?, but the oceans absorptive capacity may have reached its limit. As a result of human-created climate change, our oceans are changing drastically - species are disappearing, diseases are more prevalent, and food web dynamics are disrupted. (Healthy Reefs for Healthy Annual Report Card, 2010)
People
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) underwater areas where fishing and other activities are regulated - are an important tool to help natural marine recovery processes around the world. Together with some 380 marine national parks established by countries across the Caribbean region, RMP aims to protect biodiversity, critical habitats and ecosystem processes, and give local communities a formal role in the management of these resources. Benefits of MPAs do accrue, albeit at the ocean?s own pace of regeneration. Achieving objectives for the marine environment requires broad-based support, ranging from international cooperation between countries, financing arrangements with donors and agreements with specialist research organizations, to cooperation between national agencies and day-to-day compliance with regulations by local community members and visitors. Your support for RMP and the marine environment has never been more vital than in the face of climate change.
HONDURAS Hon du r as is r espon sible f or som e 160 k m ² of cor al r eef . Of t h is, over 60% of t h e m ar in e t er r it or y is con sider ed pr ot ect ed, an d w h ile t h er e is m u ch w or k t o do, alm ost 50% of t h e M PAs sh ow good m an agem en t an d en f or cem en t . It is also w or t h h igh ligh t in g t h at 10% of Hon du r an r eef s ar e u n der f u ll pr ot ect ion .
ROATANMARINEPARK Th e RM P r u n s a br oad r an ge of con ser vat ion act ivit ies t o pr ot ect Roat án's n at u r al r esou r ces, in clu din g: -
Pat r ols Edu cat ion M ar in e in f r ast r u ct u r e Aw ar en ess r aisin g Alt er n at ive livelih oods Com m u n it y developm en t In vasive species con t r ol Alt er n at ives t o sin gle u se plast ic
Fin d ou t m or e by visit in g w w w.Roat án m ar in epar k .n et
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WHAT DOES LOCAL RESEARCH SAY?
ROATÁNHASTHE HEALTHIESTRHI OFALL3ISLANDS 3.8OUTOF5.
4Reef HealthIndicators(RHI): -
Livecoral cover, Fleshymacroalgal cover Keyherbivorousfish Keycommercial fish
HONDURASHASAHRIOF3.3OUTOF5.
HealthyReefsfor HealthyPeopleReport Card2015
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LOCALACTIONSHAVE GLOBALIMPACT
HEALTHYREEFSFORHEALTHYPEOPLE Effective management requires sound scientific research to measure success according to key performance indicators. Local actions have a global impact and we know the only way to achieve effective management is through joint conservation partnerships.
With more than 60 partners, the Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI) is working to improve the health and management of this diverse ecosystem by publishing an annual Report Card and Eco-Audit for the Mesoamerican Reef region.
Data were collected using the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment Protocol (AGRRA) for 248 reef sites throughout Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Honduras.
A Reef Health Index (RHI) was created based on four criteria (live coral cover, fleshy macroalgal cover, key herbivorous fish and key commercial fish) measured on a scale of 1-5. Of the four countries surveyed, Honduras has the best RHI with a ?Fair ? score of 3.3.
This ?Fair ? score represents a mix of findings: a high level of live coral cover and abundant/large herbivorous fish, combined with a rather abundant amount of fleshy macroalgal coverage of the reef.
Over the past five years, live coral cover and recovery has been steadily increasing, along with herbivorous fish biomass. Surveys have also shown that fully protected areas contain 10 times more snapper and grouper biomass than unprotected areas, and that the fish present in these areas are larger.
Despite being the biggest tourist destination of the three islands, Roatรกn has the healthiest RHI of all three, 3.8, with no areas scored as ?Poor.? This result reflects the positive impact of RMP on the conservation and sustainable use of the marine resources of the largest of the Bay Islands. Efforts to build compliance with regulations, control invasive species and educate youth and visitors. are bringing dividends. Currently, there are efforts underway to replicate the RMP model on other nearby islands.
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HEALTHY REEFS FOR HEALTHY PEOPLE
Dat a f r om HRI's cor al m on it or in g r esu lt s ar e sh ow n h er e in t h e m aps of Roat รกn . Resu lt s ar e m easu r ed again st t h e r egion al r ef er en ce valu es an d ar e t h eir scor e is dem on st r at ed by colou r .
2008: The year Healthy Reefs initiated their data collection, there was good coral health across the island, however tourism was just reaching its peak. The number of people visiting Roatรกn each year rose from about 900 in 1970 to 100,000 in 2000.
2008
2009: brought about a global coral bleaching event and lowered Roatรกn's coral reef health to critical and poor in 2010, with only a few sites retaining a 'Fair ' status. By 2010, more than 1 million people were visiting Roatรกn each year. Much of this growth was fueled by the cruise ship industry, which has more than quadrupled the number of ships arriving at Roatรกn ports since 2000.
2010
HEALTHY REEFS FOR HEALTHY PEOPLE
Water quality is also essential for reef health, and we anticipate benefits for Roatan?s reefs from the West End Treatment Facility which was built in 2012. This is helping to reduce nutrient pollution that is associated with human development.
By 2012, reef health on Roatรกn improved across the island with only one critical site remaining. From the map, the positive impact generated by the Roatรกn Marine Park is clear. Where there was increased protection and enforcement of the National Marine Park of the Bay Islands' rules and regulations, sites returned to a Good rating for coral reef health. The east end of the island, where enforcement is more irregular, only obtained Fair scores.
2012
By 2015, ?Survey results suggest that proper management of the MPA generates increased fish biomass, high coral cover provides the structure to support more fish, but increased protection is needed; and by following fisheries rules and regulations, reefs and fishermen have more fish.?
2015
BICA
BAYISLANDSCONSERVATIONASSOCIATION
CLIMATECHANGECAMPAIGN BICA began a Climate Change Campaign in 2014. The main focus of this campaign is to engage residents, formally and informally, in initiatives and actions to combat the effects of climate change. Such programs include the Green Classroom (Aula Verde), which is dedicated to environmental education; a collection center for plastics where kids can contribute to recycling; and a restoration program for red mangroves across the island. These efforts are all complemented by accompanying educational talks. These projects not only make children and young people more aware of the effects and consequences of climate change in the Bay Islands, but also provide hands-on experiences that enable us all to understand that we can be agents of change at homes, in our communities, and schools. These activities also enhance the ecosystem services provided by our marine resources. BICA provides guided visits to the MPAs, and runs practical activities for visitors.
Through the Climate Change Campaign, BICA visited 90% of the schools in the municipalities of RoatĂĄn and JosĂŠ Santos Guardiola, reaching 12,592 elementary and high school students. Program messaging included, "what is climate change", "greenhouse gases", "the effects and consequences on the planet", and focused on adaptive measures such as the restoration of mangrove sites for CO2 capture. Four nurseries were constructed for red mangroves at strategic points on the island. These nurseries contain over 2000 propagules, and 1500 seedlings of red mangrove. The nurseries facilitate restoration work on the island, and augment the 1,400 mangrove trees that have already been planted. In addition, target groups such as teachers, national police, firefighters and women's community groups have been engaged in the program, in workshops on climate change, and through hands-on activities in the MPA.
M O NIT ITO O R ING G M O N R IN :: TEMPERATURE WATER Climate change is forecast to impact water resources on Roatán through likely decreases in rainfall and increases in the intensity of storms. Associated impacts on salinity in the marine environment are possible. Following the collection of baseline water monitoring data in 1999, BICA began to assess the marine water quality of Roatán?s special marine protection zone (Mud Hole-Sandy Bay-West End-West Bay-Key Hole) in 2013. The study consists of monthly analyses of bacteriological parameters and quarterly analyses of physical and chemical parameters using the same methodology utilized by the Bay Islands National Marine Park. The table above shows the key values of water quality in relation to coral reef ecosystems for the Bay Islands
One of the physical parameters measured by BICA is water temperature. Over the past century, sea surface temperatures globally have been increasing, and climate models predict this trend to continue. BICA has recorded temperatures above 30 °C at several Sandy Bay-West End monitoring sites, especially in the July to October period. Such temperatures are associated with increased potential for coral bleaching. Temperatures in the November to February period are generally lower. The 2014 data indicated that the water temperatures for that year were consistently hotter than in 2013 and 2015. Coral reef managers on Roatán also monitor sea surface temperatures and alerts for coral bleaching provided by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Coral Reef Watch Program, see www.coralreefwatch.noaa.gov
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CORALISALIVE, IT'SNOTAROCK
W AG TR IS M AHN OC VO ERSAL? Mangroves trap organic matter in tightly Coral reefs are highly diverse living .packed anaerobic layers of discarded leaves, organismsandcomposed of colonies and of branches stems, sequestering innumerable called polyps, storing carbon tiny from creatures the atmosphere. similar in appearance to sea anemones, When these systems are disturbed, that growing on a calcareous skeleton. Corals carbon returns to the atmosphere. harvest their energy from their symbiotic Approximately 17% of all global greenhouse partnership with microscopic algae-- which gas emissions come from the destruction of are also responsible for the reef ?s tropical forests. Mangroves comprise a tiny astounding coloration-- and thrive in the fraction of these forests, but are up to 6 clean transparent waters of the Caribbean times more effective at capturing carbon Sea. After hundreds and thousands of per hectare than undisturbed rainforests. years, corals become home to a wide Currently, arefrom calling for to dramatic variety ofscientists organisms algae sharks and steps they to are reduce and immediate turtles. Globally, homeCO? to emissions to ofenhance s more than aand quarter all marine nature? species, absorptive capacity. algae, The reptiles, ecologically including crustaceans, fungi, significant maximum targetspecies of 350 pp CO? bacteria and over 4000 of of fishes, (equivalent to the 1.5ยบC warming) must be earning them name "the rainforests of achieved the sea".if the oceans and reef are going to survive. Maintaining and replanting Apart from their beauty and productivity mangroves are a valuable climate mitigation for fisheries, coral reefs provide protection strategy, and one that being included in storm surges and hurricanes for a carbon sequestration trading schemes, staggering 150,000 km (>93,000 miles) of which enable tropical countries to receive coastline worldwide, a distance equal to 3.7 carbon credit payments for conserving times the circumference of the earth. these ecosystems. Roatรกn is not alone in its dependence on Despite their ecological and people social coral reefs - close to two billion importance, the world? s mangroves from nearly20% 100ofcountries and territories have disappeared in the last 20yet years, a depend on reefs for survival, 75%with of the staggering annual forest-cover loss rate of world's coral reefs are considered to be 1-2%. This rampant destruction of habitat threatened, while nearly a quarter have exceeds that of other already been lost (World threatened Resources ecosystems, Institute). such as tropical rainforests and coral reefs.
Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to The mangrove ecology of species coral reefs complex and the thatis are unable to corals, algae, herbivores and predators grow in fully saturated soils. exist in balance. When we change one of As sea levels rapidly rise, the slow-growing these elements, the system as a whole mangroves of the upper tidal zone and suffers. landward region of the forest will become In Roatรกn and overtheir the roots last will two drown decades, inundated, and unsustainable and illegal fishing, urban and rot. While red mangroves may adapt to the tourism water development, pollution shifting line, a great amountand of sediments, and introduced species have biodiversity will be lost. degraded our coral reefs. Higher sea Like all forests, mangroves are also sensitive temperatures, rising sea levels, more to rising temperatures and depend on intense storms and changes in rainfall will regular precipitation for dilution of salts. only tip the scales further off balance. Moreover, mangroves are threatened Some coral more resilient and globally by reefs touristareand fishing projects can will clear withstand theand impacts desiring beaches docks.of climate change better than others, namely those On Roatรกn, this is the greatest threat to with: their survival. Annual numbers of tourists Good are coralconstantly cover, highincreasing, coral diversity, on - Roatรกn from mixed size classes of coral, 100,000 in 2000 to an astounding 1.2 million abundance of herbivorous in 2011. This is due in large part fish; to the rise Dominance of boulder and of luxury tourism, leading to the brain rapid corals; development of beach-front resorts, docks Close to deep water and upwelling; and- beaches. - Reefs known to have recovered from These tourism projects have resulted in a past bleaching; significant reduction in mangrove forest - Reefs in naturally more turbid water. cover on the island. The extent of the Research however, into the health of our reefs helpsa damage, is unknown-reflecting ensure effective management and guides lack of consideration for these forests. RMP in taking action where required. Help us protect mangroves. Report any mangrove dredging you see, do not support the businesses that cut mangroves.
caribbeanreeflife.com
When water temperatures increase 1-1.5? above the seasonal maximum for more than 4-6 weeks, the symbiotic algae on which corals rely are purged from the coral polyps and the colony loses its color, appearing white as the underlying skeleton becomes visible. Although they look dead, bleached colonies are still capable of recovering if water temperatures drop to normal before the corals starve. Though some coral species are more resilient to this type of stress than others, most reefs emerge from extended bleaching events with significant loss of biodiversity and habitat complexity. Recovery from bleaching events becomes much more difficult when additional stressors such as physical damage (from storms, destructive fishing practices, ships), sewage, and watershed-based pollution are present.
WHATIS STRESSEDCORAL?
During a bleached period, coral defence mechanisms are weakened, making them more susceptible to disease, more vulnerable to predators, and less capable of defending themselves from other reef inhabitants (tunicates, sponges and macroalgae) competing for the same space.
Photography by Mickey Charteris
Healt h y Reef s Repor t Car d 2010: In the Mesoamerican Reef, corals bleached in the 1995, 1998, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2009 and 2010 recorded events. "The most devastating mass coral bleaching occurred in 1998 and affected the entire MAR region to a different degree. MAY 2016 WATER TEMP: 82F
AUGUST 2016 WATER TEMP: 82F
To determine the extent of the impact and amount of recovery, scientists examined x-rays of coral core samples to determine the coral?s annual growth rate records since 1950, including the time before and after the 1998 bleaching event. Mountainous star corals, on more healthy reefs in Honduras and Belize were able to recover and grow normally within 2-3 years after the major bleaching event, while those corals living with greater local impacts, such as pollution and runoff from land were not able to fully recover after 8 years. Corals that are ?stressed out? by pollution and overfishing are less likely to recover from coral bleaching events and may be more susceptible to other disturbances.
NOVEMBER 2016 WATER TEMP: 81F
JANUARY 2017 WATER TEMP: 79F
The reduction of localized stressors like sediments, nutrient pollution and overfishing that comes from poor coastal and fisheries management can help buy time for reefs, while efforts to reduce global stressors eventuate. The design and location of marine reserves can be focused on protecting coral reef areas that are naturally more resilient to coral bleaching.?
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MANGROVES key par tner s in the battle against climate change
MANGROVES Mangroves trap organic matter in tightly packed anaerobic layers of discarded leaves, branches and stems, sequestering and storing carbon from the atmosphere. When these systems are disturbed, that carbon returns to the atmosphere. Approximately 17% of all global greenhouse gas emissions come from the destruction of tropical forests. Mangroves comprise a tiny fraction of these forests, but are up to six times more effective at capturing carbon per hectare than undisturbed rainforests. Currently, scientists are calling for dramatic and immediate steps to reduce CO? emissions and to enhance nature?s absorptive capacity. The ecologically significant maximum target of 350 ppm of CO? (equivalent to 1.5ยบC warming) must be achieved if the oceans and reefs are going to survive. Maintaining and replanting mangroves are valuable climate mitigation strategies which are being included in carbon sequestration trading schemes, enabling tropical countries to receive carbon credit payments for conserving these ecosystems.
Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to the mangrove species that are unable to grow in fully saturated soils. While red mangroves may adapt to the shifting water line, climate change poses a threat to the biodiversity associated with Roatรกn's mangroves. Like all forests, mangroves are sensitive to rising temperatures and they also depend on regular precipitation for dilution of salts. Mangroves are threatened globally by tourist and fishing projects involving clear beaches and docks. On Roatรกn, clearing of mangroves is the greatest threat to their survival. Annual numbers of tourists on Roatรกn are constantly increasing, from 100,000 in 2000 to an astounding 1.2 million in 2011, which has brought with it the rapid development of beach-front resorts, docks and beaches. Tourism projects have contributed to a significant reduction in mangrove forest cover on the island. The exact extent of the damage, however, is unknown-- reflecting a general lack of consideration for these forests.
MANGROVES
Despite their ecological and social importance, 20% of the world?s mangroves have disappeared in the last 20 years, with a staggering annual forest-cover loss rate of 1-2%. This rampant destruction of habitat exceeds that of other threatened ecosystems, such as tropical rainforests and coral reefs.
Given their importance as nursery habitat for local fisheries and the mitigation of impacts of climate change, the mangroves of Roatรกn deserve our support. Report any mangrove cutting directly to our patrols. Support reforestation projects and protect our mangroves for the future.
key par tner s in the battle against climate change
Shawn Jackson Photography
SEAGRASSES The expansive seagrass meadows straddling the space between Roatรกn?s shores and the coral reef are arguably some of the island?s most valuable marine habitats. Many visitors and residents of the Bay Islands regard seagrasses with little interest since they are typically filled with less-charismatic species such as, seaweed, jellyfish, scorpion-fish and stingrays. Yet these often neglected habitats are vitally important to the health of the reef and climate stability world-wide.
SEAGRASSES Seagrasses are very similar to terrestrial grasses, in both appearance and function. They reproduce quickly asexually, by way of clonal growth, developing flowers that usually pollinate underwater. By forming dense mats, or meadows, seagrasses provide complex habitats that can provide shelter for small invertebrates and young fishes, as well as food for turtles, birds, manatees, herbivorous fish, crabs and urchins. The leaves of seagrasses slow down water currents and create microhabitats that are ideal nurseries for developing fish, which are important elements in the marine food web. Like mangroves, seagrasses are another important partner in reducing the impacts of climate change in coastal regions across the world. Their rhizomes and roots help to absorb wave energy associated with storms (expected to increase in intensity due to global warming) thereby preventing coastal erosion. They also trap sediments, keeping reefs clear of material that can blanket corals and starve them of sunlight. Seagrasses also absorb carbon dioxide, release massive amounts of oxygen into the coastal marine system, and neutralizing the impacts of ocean acidification. Due to their productive annual growth, seagrasses are a massive carbon sink that help to sequester carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere, that is subsequently stored for many years in their anoxic sediments. It?s estimated that they account for 10% of the earth?s carbon storage and absorb twice as much carbon dioxide per hectare than rainforests. In fact, the global value of seagrasses in terms of the services that they provide is over three times higher than that of coral reefs. www.oceanhealthindex.org Climate change, eutrophication, drag-net fishing, reckless anchoring, dredging and toxic runoff all negatively impact seagrass health and growth. Increasing sea temperatures and nutrient enrichment from untreated sewage and agricultural runoff causes algae to form thick mats on top of seagrass meadows, killing the plants below. Over-exploitation of predatory fish causes an increase in the abundance of gastropods, molluscs, crustaceans and fish that graze on seagrasses, severely limiting their growth. Given the importance of this habitat, it is crucial that we protect its welfare at every opportunity. The Roatรกn Marine Park works hard to limit destruction of seagrasses by marking safe places to anchor and immediately halting any illegal dredging reported anywhere on the island.
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REEFALLIES In the fight against climate change ge
Th e M esoam er ican Reef ecosyst em depen ds on a ser ies of in t r icat e r elat ion sh ips bet w een t h e var iou s or gan ism s t h at in h abit it . Reef h er bivor es ar e som e of t h e m ost valu able allies in m ain t ain in g t h e h ealt h of ou r cor als as t h ey w eat h er t h e im pact s of clim at e ch an ge. Par r ot f ish gr aze t h e r eef an d h elp pr even t m acr oalgae f r om over -t ak in g r eef s w h ich can ot h er w ise r edu ce cor al gr ow t h . Pr eser vin g a h ealt h y abu n dan ce of h er bivor es h elps m ain t ain t h e ecological balan ce on cor al-dom in at ed r eef s. Hon du r as is on t h e r igh t t r ack w it h r espect t o h er bivor es. Accor din g t o Healt h y Reef s f or Healt h y People, Hon du r as boast s t h e gr eat est abu n dan ce of h er bivor ou s f ish in t h e M esoam er ican Reef r egion . Th e Bay Islan ds, Cayos Coch in os an d Sw an Islan ds w er e t h e on ly su br egion s t o h ave a ?ver y good?scor e in t h e en t ir e M AR. Th an k s t o ef f ect ive M PA m an agem en t w it h in cr eased pat r ols an d aw ar en ess r aisin g ef f or t s, t h er e h as been a vast im pr ovem en t in t h e abu n dan ce an d size of h er bivor ou s f ish w h ich play a k ey r ole in pr ot ect in g t h e r eef an d en su r in g it s r esilien ce in ligh t of clim at e ch an ge. Con ch an d lobst er ar e also k ey allies on t h e r eef an d ar e im por t an t f or f ish er ies livelih oods in t h e Bay Islan ds. Even bef or e con sider in g t h e possible im pact s of clim at e ch an ge, qu een con ch is a globally en dan ger ed species an d lobst er f ace pr essu r e f r om illegal an d u n su st ain able cat ch .
Shawn Jackson Photography
PARROT FISH
LAWNMOWERSOFTHESEA Parrotfish play a vital role in ensuring coral reef health. Similar to lawn mowers who keep the grass under control, parrotfish graze on algae, ensuring that coral reefs are now overgrown and can flourish. The abundance of parrotfish is an accurate indicator of the overall health of a coral reef. In fact, so important are parrotfish to coral reef health that in Belize their capture was banned in 2009 and in Guatemala their capture was banned in 2015. Efforts to protect parrotfish are particularly important as populations of other commercially important species decline and parrotfish are increasingly being targeted by fishers.
In Honduras there is currently no similar legislation, but enhanced protection of parrotfish is being considered in the drafting of new biodiversity protection laws. The Bay Islands National Marine Park protects parrotfish through enforcement of the ban on spearguns and spearfishing throughout the area. These measures have resulted in Honduras ranking first in the region for the highest herbivorous fish biomass (HRI?s 2015 Report Card). Nearly every survey site in the Bay Islands had large parrotfish present, with many more found in MPAs, which bodes well for the resilience of well-protected sites in the face of climate change.
Shawn Jackson Photography
QUEENCONCH
Long treasured for their edible meat and beautiful shells, the queen conch is a commercially and culturally important species. This endangered marine mollusk inhabits seagrass meadows and sand flats in the greater Caribbean and is endemic to the region. As sea temperatures rise, the growth of various forms of algae also increases (macroalgae, algal mats and encrusting algae), as does the accumulation of detritus and bacterial growth. The presence of conch helps keep this algal overgrowth in check, making the queen conch one of the most ecologically valuable species of herbivores in the Mesoamerican Reef. Like the majority of reef allies, this species will struggle to face the impacts of climate change.
Ocean acidification resulting from climate change is forecast to reduce shell growth in conch, making shells thinner and the conch more vulnerable to predators and parasites. Their habitat is stressed further by coral bleaching and coral degradation -- effectively meaning loss of habitat and food supply for conch. On the other end of the food chain, conch stocks have been so over-exploited by humans that now fewer large, reproductive adults remain in Roatรกn. Responding to a potential population collapse, members of several fishing cooperatives hope to restore conch numbers by changing their fishing practices. Meanwhile, the Roatรกn Marine Park patrols also monitor fishing activities to ensure that no conch are taken illegally.
HELP RESTORE THE CONCH POPULATION Do n ot t ak e con ch f r om t h e w at er , an d alt h ou gh pr et t y, avoid bu yin g sh ells as sou ven ir s - it 's n ot per m it t ed t o t ak e en dan ger ed species acr oss in t er n at ion al bor der s w it h ou t a per m it so you w on?t be able t o leave t h e cou n t r y w it h t h e sh ell. Cu lt u r ally, con ch ar e h igh ly t r easu r ed f or local cu isin e, h ow ever , cu r r en t st ock s can n ot k eep u p w it h dem an d. In or der t o h elp r est or e t h eir popu lat ion , w e m u st abst ain f r om eat in g or bu yin g qu een con ch . Un f or t u n at ely, on ce con ch is in a sou p it ?s h ar d t o k n ow w h ich con ch species it is an d h en ce is?t best t o avoid all con ch sou p.
5.5''
Caribbeanreeflife.com
CARIBBEAN SPINYLOBSTER
COASTALCARETAKERS Similar to the queen conch, lobster are caretakers of our coastal habitats. Healthy lobster populations depend on healthy coastal habitats including mangroves, seagrass and reefs. The effects of climate change on lobster are multifaceted and are expected to impact their biology, ecology and distribution. Recent research in Mexico (Glazer, 2016) suggests that sea level rise could positively impact lobsters as new shallow habitat becomes available, at least in the short term. However, the same study also shows that increases in sea surface temperature could have a profoundly negative effect on lobster. It is generally accepted that the thermal threshold for lobster is 31° C (Kearney et al., 2014, in Glazer, 2016) and that exposure to prolonged temperatures above this will impact critical functions including reproduction and respiration. Higher sea temperatures will also likely result in loss of more baby lobsters which live in shallow-water habitats. Decreases in rainfall may increase salinity which could exceed lobster ?s limits and affect reproduction. This could have the net effect of reducing the coastal areas that are suitable for lobster. An increase in storm intensity could lead to rapid decreases in salinity and kill lobsters, or force them into deeper waters. These temperature and salinity changes will likely cause adult lobster populations to relocate from shallow-water reef habitats to deeper water, and shallower-water
populations will decline. Ocean acidification will likely impact the calcium in lobster shells, negatively affecting their growth. Like grouper, the number and quality of eggs released by female lobsters increase nearly exponentially with age, so large lobsters are substantially more valuable in maintaining populations. So while the minimum size limit for lobster is a valuable fisheries management tool, the protection of lobsters in undisturbed areas such as the marine national park is vital to protecting the greater reproductive potential of large lobsters. Considering the numerous and complex negative impacts of climate change on RoatĂĄn?s lobsters, as well as their economic and cultural importance, it?s vital to respect the no-take provisions for lobster within The Bay Islands National Marine Park in order to sustain them for future generations.
When purchasing lobster, confirm that they meet the legal size requirements (tail length greater than 14.5 cm or 5.5 inches), were caught within the fishing season (July 1 - February 28) and ensure that the merchant carries a permit for sale. If you witness the illegal harvest or sale of lobsters notify the DIGIPESCA immediately.
HOW CAN YOU HELP? Together
w e'r e bet t er -
Help us protect our seagrass, mangroves and coral reefs Report any cutting, dredging or damage directly to the RMP Protect our reef allies in the struggle against Climate Change Report any poaching and illegal fishing activities
st eps t o su ccess: -
Redu ce, r eu se, r ecycle Ride a bik e, w alk or u se pu blic t r an spor t Plan t t r ees an d ot h er veget at ion Save en er gy, discon n ect you r applian ces Use alt er n at ive en er gy, solar pan els or w in d gen er at or s Ch an ge you r n or m al ligh t bu lbs f or low en er gy m odels
Protecting
PARADISE www.roatanmarinepark.net
w h ile in Roat รกn : -
Alw ays f ollow t h e r u les an d r egu lat ion s of t h e Bay Islan ds Nat ion al M ar in e Par k Su ppor t t h e Roat รกn M ar in e Par k 's con ser vat ion ef f or t s. Su ppor t t h e bu sin esses t h at su ppor t u s Visit ou r w ebsit e t o f in d ou t h ow you can h elp.
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