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Global Vision International
2010 Report Series No. 004
GVI Mexico
Pez Maya Marine Expedition
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Quarterly Report 104
October – December 2010
Global Vision International
2010 Report Series No. 004
GVI Mexico, Pez Maya Expedition Report 104
Submitted in whole toGVI
Amigos de Sian Ka’anComisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP)
Produced by
Vicki Bush – Base managerEdward Houlcroft – Science and dive officer
Nicola Weeden – Science officerMartin Stelfox – Science and Dive officerJack Fazey – Science and Dive Officer
Sarah Davies – Science Officer
And
Henry Lancaster Volunteer Catherine Beehler VolunteerLucy Rossiter Volunteer Amanda Bergkvist VolunteerJoel Deurloo Volunteer Tommy Torrades VolunteerKatie Hewitt Volunteer Miguel Galindo NSP
Kellie Marks Volunteer Amadeo Marin NSP
Cameron Vazehgoo Volunteer Andy North Volunteer
Mark Herring Volunteer Helena Kohen Volunteer
James Fisher Volunteer Todd Palmer Volunteer
Kerry Patterson Volunteer Max Odlander Volunteer
Dylan Speight Volunteer Amy Smith Volunteer
Charnele Peat Volunteer Emily Ross Volunteer
Maria Fredriksson Volunteer Thomas Nuttall-Smith Volunteer
Caroline Smith Volunteer Katrin Thommes Volunteer
Barbie Clabots Volunteer Ivan Klein Volunteer
Edited by Vicki Bush
Stuart FultonDaniel Ponce-Taylor
GVI Mexico, Pez Maya
Email: [email protected] page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com
1. Executive Summary
The 30th ten week phase of GVI Mexico, Pez Maya expedition has now been completed.
During the phase we continued working towards our primary aims of gathering important
scientific data on the status of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef within the Sian Ka’an
Biosphere Reserve, working with our local partners and building on our relationships with
the local community by offering English and environmental education lessons. The
following projects have been run during Phase 104 (October-December 2010):
Continuation of the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Programme (SMP) for the strategic
sites within the northern Sian Ka’an Biosphere, providing regional decision makers
with up to date information on the ecological condition of the reef
Daily bird monitoring
Training of volunteers in the MBRS methodology including fish, hard coral, and algae
identification.
Incidental sightings program
Continuation of weekly beach cleans within the reserve, monitoring waste composition
and trends
Marine Turtle Monitoring Programme along the Pez Maya beach
English language and environmental education classes with the children of Punta Allen
Continuation of the National Scholarship Programme at Pez Maya, whereby GVI Pez
Maya accepts Mexican nationals on a scholarship basis into the expedition
Continuation of the recycling Project “Punta Allen Verde”
Continuation of the Mayan Farm Project, Nuevo Durango Organic farm, assisting a
local Mayan community to establish and develop a composting programme.
© GVI – 2010 iv
Table of Contents
Executive Summary........................................................................................................................... iii
List of Figures................................................................................................................................. vi
List of Tables................................................................................................................................... vi
1. Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 7
2. Synoptic Monitoring Programmes..............................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................8
2.2 Aims............................................................................................................................ 10
2.3 Methodology...............................................................................................................10
2.4 Results........................................................................................................................ 12
2.5 Discussion.................................................................................................................. 15
3. Community Programme...........................................................................................................17
3.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 17
3.2 Objectives...................................................................................................................17
3.3 Activities and achievements.......................................................................................18
3.4 Review........................................................................................................................ 19
4. Incidental Sightings Programme..............................................................................................20
4.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 20
4.2 Aims............................................................................................................................ 20
4.3 Methodology...............................................................................................................20
4.4 Results........................................................................................................................ 21
4.5 Discussion.................................................................................................................. 21
5. Marine Litter Monitoring Programme.......................................................................................24
5.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 24
5.2 Aims............................................................................................................................ 24
5.3 Methodology...............................................................................................................24
5.4 Results........................................................................................................................ 25
5.5 Discussion.................................................................................................................. 26
6. Bird Monitoring Programme.....................................................................................................27
© GVI – 2010 v
6.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 27
6.2 Aims............................................................................................................................ 27
6.3 Methodology...............................................................................................................28
6.4 Results........................................................................................................................ 28
6.5 Discussion.................................................................................................................. 29
7. References.................................................................................................................................. 31
8. Appendices................................................................................................................................. 33
Appendix I – SMP Methodology Outlines................................................................................33
Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List........................................................................37
Appendix III - Juvenile Fish Indicator Species List...................................................................38
Appendix IV – Coral Species List............................................................................................39
Appendix V - Fish Species List................................................................................................40
Appendix VI – Bird Species List...............................................................................................44
© GVI – 2010 vi
List of Figures
Figure 2-3-1 Map of the permanent monitoring sites for GVI Pez Maya (Courtesy of JuniperGIS)
Figure 2-4-1 Percentage of corals presenting different diseases, across all sites
Figure 2-4-2 Breakdown of percentage coral cover observed this phase, by site
Figure 2-4-3 Total number of individuals recorded within each family for each monitoring site
Figure 5-4-1 Total Weight Collected in phase each phase from 2003 to 2010 (Kg)
Figure 6-4-1 Bird sightings by status during 104
List of Tables
Table 2-3-1 Name, depth and GPS points of the permanent (SMP) monitoring sites for the GVI Pez
Maya programme during phases 2 and 4. GPS points recorded in WGS84
Table 2-4-1 Total number of individuals recorded for each monitoring site and the average number
of individuals recorded per transect for adult and juvenile fish.
Table 4-4-1 Number of sightings for each incidental category during phase 104
Table 5-4-1 Summary in kg of materials collected along the 300m transect for 2010.
Table 6-4-1 Total Species Composition of phase 104
© GVI – 2010 vii
1. Introduction
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) extends from Isla Contoy at the North of
the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, to the Bay Islands of Honduras through Belize and
Guatemala and is the second largest barrier reef in the world.
The GVI Marine Programme was initiated within Mexico with the setup of its first base, Pez
Maya, in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in 2003. Since then the programme has
flourished, with a sister site being set up in the south of Quintana Roo at Punta Gruesa.
The current project at GVI Pez Maya is assisting Amigos de Sian Ka’an (ASK) and
Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) to obtain baseline data for
the reefs of the north Sian Ka’an by conducting marine surveys, to ascertain areas of high
species diversity, areas of high algal mass, fish species and abundance amongst other
reef health indicators. Using this data, ASK and its partners can begin to focus on the
areas needing immediate environmental regulation, implementing management protection
plans as and when required. Surveys using the same methodology are being conducted
by a number of bodies through the entire Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, in Belize, Honduras
and Guatemala, coordinated by the MBRS project group.
With the continuing development of the Riviera Maya, effective monitoring is becoming
ever-more important. Inadvertent environmental degradation can be prevented if the
appropriate measures are taken to advocate long-term, sustainable ecotourism. Continual
assessment of Sian Ka’an’s reef health can support and develop management strategies
for the area, the work outlined in this report forming a key part of that assessment.
This report will focus primarily on diversity of both fish and coral, analysis of fish and algal
assemblages and coral health. The report also summarises the other work completed this
phase in GVI Pez Maya’s science and community projects.
© GVI – 2010 Page 8
2. Synoptic Monitoring Programmes
2.1 Introduction
The Synoptic Monitoring Programme looks to evaluate the overall health of the reef by
looking at three main areas: Benthic cover, fish populations and physical parameters.
Benthic Cover
Caribbean reefs were once dominated by hard coral, with huge Acropora palmata stands
on the reef crests and Acropora cervicornis and Montastraea annularis dominating the fore
reef. Today, many reefs in the Caribbean have been overrun by macro algae during a
‘phase shift’ which is thought to have been brought about by numerous factors including a
decrease in herbivory from fishing and other pressures, eutrophication from land-based
activities and disease (McClanahan & Muthiga, 1998).
Benthic transects record the abundance of all benthic species as well as looking at coral
health. The presence of coral on the reef is in itself an indicator of health, not only because
of the reefs’ current state, but also for its importance to fish populations (Spalding & Jarvis,
2002). Coral health is not only impacted by increased nutrients and algal growth, but by
other factors, both naturally occurring and anthropogenically introduced. A report produced
by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre
(UNEP-WCMC) in 2004 stated that nearly 66% of Caribbean reefs are at risk from
anthropogenic activities, with over 40% of reefs at high to very high risk (UNEP-WCMC,
2006).
Through monitoring the abundances of hard corals, algae and various other key benthic
species, as well as numbers of Diadema urchin encountered, we aim to determine not only
the current health of the local reefs but also to track any shifts in phase state over time.
Fish Populations
Fish surveys are focused on specific species that play an important role in the ecology of
the reef as herbivores, carnivores, commercially important fish or those likely to be
affected by human activities (AGRRA, 2000).
© GVI – 2010 Page 9
For more in depth rationale of the importance of each of the key fish families please see
previous GVI Pez Maya reports.
All reef fish play an important role in maintaining the health and balance of a reef
community. Fishing typically removes larger predatory fish from the reef, which not only
alters the size structure of the reef fish communities, but with the reduction in predation
pressure, the abundance of fish further down the food chain is now determined through
competition for resources (AGRRA, 2000).
Although each fish is important, the removal of herbivores can have a considerable impact
on the health of the reef, particularly in an algal dominated state, which without their
presence has little chance of returning to coral dominance. Through the monitoring of
these fish and by estimating their size, the current condition of the reef at each site can be
assessed, any trends or changes can be tracked and improvements or deteriorations
determined.
The monitoring of juvenile fish concentrates on a few specific species. The presence and
number of larvae at different sites can be used as an indication of potential future
population size and diversity. Due to the extensive distribution of larvae, however,
numbers cannot be used to determine the spawning potential of a specific reef. The
removal of fish from a population as a result of fishing, however, may influence spawning
potential and affect larval recruitment on far away reefs. The removal of juvenile predators
through fishing may also alter the number of recruits surviving to spawn themselves
(AGRRA, 2000).
Together with the information collected about adult fish a balanced picture of the reef fish
communities at different sites can be obtained.
Physical Parameters
For the optimum health and growth of coral communities certain factors need to remain
relatively stable. Measurements of turbidity, water temperature, salinity, cloud cover, and
sea state are taken during survey dives. Temperature increases or decreases can
negatively influence coral health and survival. As different species have different optimum
temperature ranges, changes can also influence species richness. Corals also require
© GVI – 2010 Page 10
clear waters to allow for optimum photosynthesis. The turbidity of the water can be
influenced by weather, storms or high winds stirring up the sediment, or anthropogenic
activities such as deforestation and coastal construction. Increased turbidity reduces light
levels and can result in stress to the coral. Any increase in coral stress levels can result in
them becoming susceptible to disease or result in a bleaching event.
In the near future, GVI Pez Maya hopes to be able to use this data for analysis of temporal
and seasonal changes and try to correlate any coral health issues with sudden or
prolonged irregularities within these physical parameters.
2.2 Aims
The projects at Pez Maya and Punta Gruesa aim to identify species and their resilience to
environmental stressors. The projects also aim to ascertain areas of high species diversity,
areas of high algal mass, fish species and abundance.
2.3 Methodology
The methods employed for the underwater visual census work are those outlined in the
MBRS manual (Almada-Villela et al., 2003), but to summarize, GVI use three separate
methods for buddy pairs:
Buddy method 1: Surveys of corals, algae and other sessile organisms
Buddy method 2: Belt transect counts for coral reef fish
Buddy Method 3: Coral Rover and Fish Rover diver
The separate buddy pair systems are outlined in detail in Appendix I.
The monitoring program that takes place every expedition at Pez Maya replicates a similar
study conducted over 15 years ago (Padilla et al. 1992), concentrating monitoring efforts
on the reefs in the northern area of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere. The current project run by
GVI uses similar methods implemented during this earlier study (Almada-Villela et al.,
2003 and Woods-Ballard et al., 2005). Table 2-3-1 details the name, depth and GPS
points of the monitoring sites. Figure 2-3-1 shows the locations of the monitoring sites.
© GVI – 2010 Page 11
Figure 2-3-1. Map of the permanent monitoring sites for GVI Pez Maya (Courtesy of JuniperGIS)
© GVI – 2010 Page 12
Location Site ID Depth (m) Latitude Longitude
Paso
Campechen
PC05 6.3 20.10035º N 087.46380º W
PC10 10 20.09945º N 087.46245º W
Pedro Paila PP05 4.9 20.03995º N 087.46965º W
PP10 10.3 20.03753º N 087.46615º W
Punta San
Juan
PSJ05 4.7 19.88328º N 087.42607º W
PSJ10 10.9 19.88317º N 087.41752º W
PSJ20 21.1 19.88048º N 087.41197º W
Punta Yuyum PY20 18.9 19.97288º N 087.45280º W
San Miguel
de Ruiz
SMDR05 2 19.96697º N 087.46080º W
SMDR10 9.1 19.96670º N 087.45312º W
SMDR20 19.1 19.96825º N 087.45165º W
Table 2-3-1. Name, depth and GPS points of the permanent (SMP) monitoring sites for the GVI Pez
Maya programme during phases 2 and 4
2.4 Results
Benthic Data
A total of 332 corals were monitored for coral community studies, sighting 45 incidences of
disease. Yellow-blotch disease was the most prevalent, accounting for 68.89% of the
diseases seen; approximately 84% of the yellow-blotch recorded was found on corals of
the genus Montastraea, with M. annularis presenting most commonly. Other diseases
noted were white plague, black band, patchy necrosis, dark spot disease and hyperplasms
(Figure 2-4-1). Bleaching was recorded on 23.8% of all corals monitored; 15.19% of which
were partially bleached and 84.81% pale bleached. No corals were recorded as totally
bleached. The majority of pale bleaching (51.9%) was seen on Siderastrea siderea.
Encrusting gorgonians and sponges were the most common forms of predation recorded,
each accounting for 37.5% of coral colonies predated upon. Other forms of predation
included short coral snails, damselfish and parrotfish predation, zoanthids, Millepora sp.
predation and coralline algae overgrowth.
The point intercept data showed average hermatypic coral coverage to be 7.97% across
all the sites, fitting with the Caribbean average of 10%, with macroalgae coverage of
56.36%. The remaining 43.64% is made up of smaller and less abundant reef creatures,
such as bryozoans, corallimorphs, coralline algae, gorgonians, sponges, tunicates and
© GVI – 2010 Page 13
zoanthids. Of the 287 corals monitored along the PI transects, Agaricia agaricites was the
most commonly seen, accounting for 17.07%. The next two most abundant corals were
Siderastrea siderea and Montastrea annularis, with percentage abundances of 16.38 and
16.03, respectively. SMDR05 showed the highest percentage coral cover with 10.38%,
whereas SMDR20 had the least coral cover with just 2.5% (Figure 2-4-2).
Figure 2-4-1. Percentage of corals presenting different diseases, across all sites
Figure 2-4-2. Breakdown of percentage coral cover observed this phase, by site
Fish Populations
686 adult target fish were recorded over 48 transects at six monitoring sites. The average
number of fish recorded per transect ranged from 9.75 (SMDR10) to 22.25 (PP05) (Figure.
© GVI – 2010 Page 14
2-4-3). The most commonly record family was Acanthuridae, making up 54.2% of the total
number of adult fish recorded, followed by Haemulidae with 23.62%.
Figure 2-4-3. Total number of individuals recorded within each family for each monitoring site
PP05 PP10 PY20 SMDR05 SMDR10 SMDR20
Total number of adult individuals 178 97 112 114 78 107
Average number of adult fish per tran-
sect
22.25 12.13 14 14.25 9.75 13.38
Total number of juvenile individuals 56 70 53 48 40 15
Average number of juveniles per tran-
sect
7 8.75 6.63 6 5 1.88
Table 2-4-1. Total number of individuals recorded for each monitoring site and the average number of
individuals recorded per transect for adult and juvenile fish
282 juvenile fish were recorded covering four families. The most commonly recorded
juvenile family was Labridae, with the three most common species recorded being;
Thalassoma bifasciatum (Bluehead Wrasse), Halichoeres garnoti (Yellowhead Wrasse)
and Sparisoma aurofrenatum (Redband Parrotfish).
© GVI – 2010 Page 15
2.5 Discussion
Benthic Cover
Macroalgae is consistently the dominant benthic species recorded at Pez Maya. This is in
line with benthic cover in the rest of the Caribbean, since a recent phase shift from coral to
algal dominance. The variation in percentage coral cover across all sites could be
attributable to the differences in location, which will allow for variation in currents and
therefore nutrient cycling, along with variation in growth factors such as salinity,
temperature and turbidity. SMDR05 is a shallow site with a maximum depth of
approximately 5 metres, therefore the corals growing here will be exposed to greater levels
of light. This will allow zooxanthellae (algal symbionts living in coral polyps) to
photosynthesise much more readily, encouraging coral growth.
Siderastrea siderea was recorded as the second most abundant coral this phase – this
species tends to be particularly susceptible to bleaching, which could explain the high
percentage of pale bleached corals recorded. Coral bleaching can occur through an
increase in water temperature, which causes the zooxanthellae to die and be expelled by
the coral. When this happens, the coral can no longer photosynthesise, the flesh loses its
colour which is usually created by the zooxanthellae, and the colony becomes “bleached”.
Zooxanthellae are dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium, of which there are several
clades, or groups. Sampayo et al. (2008) found that each clade has fine-scale differences,
which allows some to be more thermally tolerant than others. Some coral species can
harbour more than one clade, whereas others may be restricted to only one.
Agaricia agaricites was the most commonly recorded coral. This coral grows in a number
different forms: carinata (grows in thick, bifacial plates with upright projections); purpurea
(grows in flat plates, ridges are sharp and tall with long, continuous valleys running parallel
to each other); form danai (grows in thick, bifacial blades) and agaricites (has the ability to
encrust, displays discontinuous ridges and valleys) (Humann & DeLoach, 2008). It is
therefore expected that this species was recorded most commonly, as it is able to inhabit a
wider range of areas than most other corals.
© GVI – 2010 Page 16
Yellow-blotch disease was the most prevalent disease recorded this phase. Yellow-blotch
was most frequently seen on Montastraea spp., particularly M. annularis, which are widely
known to be particularly susceptible to this disease (Cervino et al., 2004; Humann &
DeLoach, 2008). M. annularis was the third most commonly recorded coral; perhaps this
could explain the high percentage of yellow-blotch observed.
Fish Populations
Six sites were successful completed this phase. However, due to rough sea conditions the
site the greatest distances from base; Paso Campechen and Punta San Juan were not
monitored.
Acanthuridae was once again the dominant family recorded during this phase making up
over half of all adult fish sightings. The high percentage of this family can in part be
explained by the large number of individuals of Acanthurus bahianus and A.coeruleus
recorded at the PP05 (57 and 70 respectively). With the reefs around Pez Maya being
dominated by algae, food sources for this family of grazers are in high abundance.
The large differences seen in the average number of adult fish observed on the reef may
well be due to the different habitats and conditions found within these areas. PP05 showed
the largest number of fish sightings during phase 104. PP05 is a shallow 5m site; these
sites offer protection for juvenile and young fish to grow and develop before moving out on
to the deep reef and are common areas to find large numbered groups of Acanthuridae.
The average number of juvenile fish per transect (2.54) for the whole phase showed an
increase from the same phases for the previous two years (1.56, 1.6 respectively). This in
part could be due to the high number of juvenile fish recorded during phase 103. The
smaller individuals from phase 103 still being within the size range to be recorded during
this phase. 2010 has shown an increase in the number of juvenile fish being recorded. If
this trend continues throughout the following phases, this could be a promising sign of an
increase in fish biomass within the northern Sian Ka’an.
© GVI – 2010 Page 17
3. Community Programme
3.1 Introduction
Working within the local community is a key aspect of GVI’s work. GVI Pez Maya has been
collaborating closely with two local communities: Punta Allen and Nuevo Durango.
In Punta Allen, two different programmes are supported: English lessons with
environmental education and the recycling project “Punta Allen Verde” (PAVER). PAVER
is a recycling project that has several objectives: to create a solid waste separation
programme, to encourage people to participate and separate household solid waste with
which a proportion of the profits will support financially the recycling centre, and to
establish Punta Allen as an exemplary community for the region.
With the dual role as a community based inside the reserve as well as a fishing village,
educational programmes are very important to provide tools that can help the local
residents develop the area in a sustainable manner, improving and diversifying work
opportunities whilst protecting the region for the future. GVI has been supporting Punta
Allen for over 6 years with plans to continue this involvement in order to reinforce and
strengthen the lessons learned, and to continually involve young generations in
conservation and education.
In Nuevo Durango, GVI works with a Mayan community that has been developing a new
way of producing organic vegetables. Even though the Yucatan peninsula has a limestone
base, which makes it difficult to grow vegetables, the community at Nuevo Durango has
developed a composting system that makes the land fertile enough to produce a range of
organic vegetables.
3.2 Objectives
The objectives of the community programme in Pez Maya are:
1. To raise awareness about the importance of the ecosystems surrounding the com-
munities of Punta Allen and Nuevo Durango, providing local community members
with information about those ecosystems and organizing activities to reinforce the
information provided.
© GVI – 2010 Page 18
2. To provide locals with English lessons, a necessary skill in order to communicate
with the increasing number of visitors arriving to the communities.
3. To participate in the different activities that are organized by the community and
provide help when needed.
3.3 Activities and achievements
Nuevo Durango
Due to the soil composition, amount of rocks and lack of nutrients found within the thin soil
of the Yucatán Peninsula, growing crops can be a challenging business. During the weekly
visits to Nuevo Durango, staff and volunteers worked on farms collecting soil and cutting
vegetation, in preparation for setting up a compost pit; each week a different family was
helped. The compost produced is used by local families to grow a range of organic crops
that can be sold locally. In order to expose volunteers to the way of life in Nuevo Durango,
each week, the host family prepared lunch for the volunteers, allowing the group to
exchange experiences and learn about each other’s life and culture.
Pez Maya also supports the Mayan farmers by purchasing some of the weekly fruit and
vegetable supply from the host families.
Punta Allen
Volunteers visited the village once a week during this phase. English lessons for children
were carried out during school hours to ensure the maximum number of children benefit
from the curricula. Three different educational levels were targeted: Kinder garden,
Primary and Secondary school. Volunteers are in charge of preparing lesson plans,
including English language topics and fun activities, such as games, song and painting.
Often an environmental theme was included in the lessons.
Following the delivery of the classes, volunteers participate in a range of activities at the
recycling centre, for example plastic collection around town, tidying up the centre, making
containers for the recycling. The activities vary depending on what have the people in the
village needing doing.
© GVI – 2010 Page 19
3.4 Review
Punta Allen
During the weekly visits to Punta Allen, English lessons to Kindergarten, Primary and
Secondary schools were carried out successfully. Kindergarten children were introduced to
colours, shapes and human body parts through games, interactive displays, drawing and
colouring. Primary and Secondary school children were aided during English lessons,
organizing and creating fun and engaging ways to help the students learn their English
curriculum.
PAVER is a recycling project that has several objectives: to create a solid waste
separation programme, to encourage people to participate and separate household solid
waste with which a proportion of the profits will support financially the recycling centre, and
to establish Punta Allen as and exemplary community for the region. During this phase
staff and volunteers helped with the preparation of the recycling centre area, making it an
inviting area for local community members to use on a regular basis.
Nuevo Durango
From October to December, a total of eight families were helped. Compost was laid out in
areas worked by previous volunteers. The compost is also a result of the work carried out
by volunteers during previous phases. Families will now plant in their new fields and we
look forward to seeing the results in coming months. As in previous phases, GVI Pez Maya
continued to purchase as many vegetables as possible from Nuevo Durango, supporting
local business and increasing the percentage of organic products used on base.
Volunteers found this community interaction very rewarding, both from a cultural exchange
and knowing that local families were producing organic vegetables thanks to their support
and help.
© GVI – 2010 Page 20
4. Incidental Sightings Programme
4.1 Introduction
Pez Maya implemented an incidental sightings program in 2003. Species that make up the
incidental sightings list are:
Sharks and Rays
Eels
Turtles
Marine Mammals
Snakes and Crocodiles
Terrestrial Mammals
Lionfish
These species are not included in the MBRS monitoring programme that is implemented at
Pez Maya, but they are good indicators of reef health and provide early warnings of
changes, therefore it is useful to continue keeping long-term records of which species are
around.
The groups are identified to species level where possible and added to the data collected
by the Ocean Biogeographic Information Systems Spatial Ecological Analysis of
Megavertebrate Populations (OBIS-SEAMAP) database. An interactive online archive for
marine mammal, seabird and turtle data, OBIS-SEAMAP aims to improve understanding
of the distribution and ecology of marine mega fauna by quantifying global patterns of
biodiversity, undertaking comparative studies, and monitoring the status of and impacts on
threatened species.
4.2 Aims
The aim of the project is to record all megafauna sightings in the vicinity of Pez Maya and
to keep track of the population numbers and spread of lionfish.
4.3 Methodology
For each incidental sighting seen not only the species is identified, but date, time, location,
depth observed, number of individuals and their size are all recorded
Since phase 093, GVI Pez Maya has also been recording lionfish sightings. Over the past
decade the Pacific Lionfish (Pterois volitans) has established itself along the Atlantic coast
© GVI – 2010 Page 21
as a result of multiple releases (intentional or otherwise) from private aquaria. This
invasive species, lacking in natural predators, has adapted well to the warm waters of the
Caribbean, and is currently spreading its geographical range along the Mesoamerican
coastline.
4.4 Results
During Phase 104 a total of 172 incidental sightings were recorded, 90 of these being
lionfish sightings.
Category Total Number of SightingsLionfish 90
Rays 23Marine Mammals 21
Eels 17Snakes and Crocodiles 10
Turtles 9Sharks 2
Table 4-4-1. Number of sightings for each incidental category during phase 104
4.5 Discussion
Incidental sightings of large marine creatures are often good indicators of how healthy an
ecosystem is. The number of sightings and species recorded varies from phase to phase,
with few obvious trends. These species are highly mobile animals and therefore their
movements depend on a range of external factors. Phase 101 had the greatest total
number of recorded incidental sightings since the implementation of the programme.
However, variation in recorded numbers could be a reflection of the amount of diving that
occurred during the 3-month phase. Over the past two years there has been a steady
increase in the number of sightings, suggesting an increase in reef health. In 073 (August
2007), Hurricane Dean hit the coast of Mexico and greatly affected the reef and animals
that live in and around it. The number of incidental sightings recorded during phase 101
shows a return to similar numbers before the hurricane hit, suggesting reef recovery.
Turtles were one of the least recorded species with a total of 9 individual sightings (1
Green, 1 Hawksbill, 2 Loggerheads and 5 unidentified), this is a dramatic decrease when
compared to Phase 102. This was an expected result and seems to follow a predictable
pattern. Nesting season for all turtle species found in the Yucatan runs between May and
September, which coincides with the 02 phases of each year. Phase 104 would be well
© GVI – 2010 Page 22
after the season and subsequently would show reduced numbers of turtle sightings. This is
encouraging information and shows a relatively stable population of turtle species in Pez
Maya’s region.
With the exception of phase 101, phase 104 follows the trend of rays being the most
commonly sighted species with a total of 23 sightings. This could be for a number of
reasons; rays tend to lay stationary on sandy bottoms in open water and would therefore
be more easily spotted. They are also frequently seen close to the shore whilst observers
are swimming or snorkelling and this too could explain the slightly higher numbers
recorded. Since the project began, there is a clear trend that sightings of Southern
Stingrays are slowly on the rise, a thriving species could be the reason for the incline,
however this doesn’t appear to be a seasonal trend and could simply be improvements in
what is now a well-established incidental sightings program.
The lower numbers of eel and shark sightings could be due to the lifestyle of the species.
Eels hide in rocky crevices away from passing predators or prey and are therefore more
difficult to spot. Sharks are generally mobile and pelagic, and sightings would
subsequently not be as common. Previously seen species (Blacktip, Bull shark, Reef shark
and Hammerhead) were not seen this phase, the exception being the nurse shark. Nurse
sharks are reef dwellers and are able to remain in one place without having to move to
breathe; therefore they are most likely to be spotted on Pez Maya sites. On occasions
sharks have also been observed in the shallows near the lagoon mouth; however exact
numbers and species can often be mistaken.
Marine mammal sightings have been increasing in the last four phases. The majority of
mammals seen were dolphins and there was one manatee sighting. It should be noted
however that all dolphin sightings occurred during one boat trip. Marine mammals are
difficult to monitor as they generally inhabit deeper pelagic waters. In addition dolphins are
mostly observed from the surface by boat, therefore exact numbers can be difficult to
determine. Manatees generally prefer the calmer waters of the mangrove lagoons than the
ocean.
Phase 104 saw a much lower number of sightings of snakes and crocodiles than the
previous phase. Since phase 101, sightings have been steadily increasing with the
© GVI – 2010 Page 23
majority being snake sightings. Mangroves are the likely place to encounter crocodiles
which involves a walk to the bridge in the early morning or early evening. This would
suggest that in previous phases more people are actively seeking to look for crocodiles,
and results would therefore depend on the volunteers we have on base. Snakes are cold-
blooded and tend to hibernate during the winter months; this could also indicate why the
number of sightings was lower during phase 104.
It could be thought that some categories or species (e.g. snakes and land mammals) may
be under-represented, as observers tend to concentrate on known target species and
forget to record other species.
The staggering increase in lionfish sightings poses a potentially large problem for the reefs
at Pez Maya. This phase recorded almost double the previous phase (55) and the problem
will only increase unless more efforts are made to keep the population in check.
In general, sightings are on the increase, which not only indicates an improvement in the
quality of data collection and recording, but is also a good indicator of reef health in the
area.
© GVI – 2010 Page 24
5. Marine Litter Monitoring Programme
5.1 Introduction
Pez Maya’s location on the Yucatan Peninsula means that it faces the Caribbean current.
This is a circular current that, combined with the Loop and Yucatan currents, transports a
significant amount of water north-westerly through the Caribbean Sea. The main source is
from the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Due to the volume of water that is transported and both
the nature and origin of said currents, it is possible that the litter being found is from quite
far afield.
Marine litter is prevalent along the Caribbean coast and is not only unsightly but a health
hazard to marine life and humans alike. In order to collect more data on this issue a beach
clean is conducted weekly every phase on a fixed transect.
5.2 Aims
To collect data that quantifies the extent of marine litter, which will help to conserve ter-
restrial and marine fauna threatened by litter. Improve beach aesthetics and to create and
use methodology suitable for continuing in future expeditions. As well, to create a monitor-
ing programme that can be implemented in other locations within the reserve.
5.3 Methodology
The beach clean takes place weekly along the same 300 metre stretch of beach. The
beach transect is cleaned one week prior to the beginning of data collection so that only
the weekly accumulation of marine debris is recorded. Marine debris is collected from the
tidemark to the vegetation line to eliminate waste created by inland sources. The waste is
sorted into categories and then weighed and recorded by category. The litter is
categorised as follows:
o Fabrics o Natural materials
o Glass o Medical waste
o Plastics o Rubber
o Polystyrene o Rope
o Metals o Other
© GVI – 2010 Page 25
5.4 Results
A total of 106.65kg of marine litter was collected this phase. Plastic accounted for 44.7%
of the total weight collected. Even though polystyrene was one of the smallest categories
in terms of weight, in volume it was one of the most numerous and in reality accounts for a
large proportion of litter on the transect.
PHASE
101 102 103 104
Fabric 0.00 0.00 0.00 0
Glass 5.08 6.45 5.50 14.65
Medical waste 0.09 0.05 1.70 0.05
Metal 0.31 0.07 8.15 0.5
Natural Material 11.40 0.25 3.10 1
Other 9.94 11.45 26.10 38.6
Plastic 65.31 56.10 61.68 47.7
Polystyrene 2.80 3.90 4.91 3.95
Rope 4.59 7.95 19.60 0.2
Rubber 0.00 2.20 0.00 0
Total 99.24 88.42 130.74 106.65
Table 5-4-1. Summary in kg of materials collected along the 300m transect for 2010
© GVI – 2010 Page 26
Figure 5-4-1. Total Weight Collected in phase each phase from 2003 to 2010 (Kg)
5.5 Discussion
As has been the case for the majority of the phases, plastics have again constituted the
largest volume of all the categories this phase. This could be due to its light weight making
it easy to transport and its robustness against degradation. The fact that the level of plastic
found is consistently high from phase to phase is a worrying trend. When plastics such as
Polythene, found in plastic bags, breaks down it forms smaller plastic particles that can
contaminate the food web and be passed on through the trophic levels. Plastic debris can
act like a sponge soaking up toxic chemical compounds. Once these are ingested into the
food chain the high concentrations will be spread from organism to organism until the
levels become fatal.
Even though the data shows a large volume of rubbish being collected from a relatively
small section of beach, the results do not do justice to the actual problem at hand.
Plastic bottles collected may not necessarily be washed up by the sea, but could be
deposited on land by visitors. In addition, heavier materials such as metals and water
logged fabrics are likely to sink to the sea bed. Subsequently they would not get washed
up on our shorelines and as such would not be included in the monitoring transects.
© GVI – 2010 Page 27
6. Bird Monitoring Programme
6.1 Introduction
The bird survey programme continues to study the diversity of species present around Pez
Maya. The survey also highlights the importance of the area as a corridor for migrating
species and those that overwinter in the Yucatan.
The Yucatan Peninsula lies on the Atlantic slope and is geographically very different from
the rest of Mexico: It is a low-level limestone shelf on the east coast extending north into
the Caribbean. The vegetation ranges from rainforest in the south to arid scrub
environments in the north. The coastlines are predominantly sandy beaches but also
include extensive networks of mangroves and lagoons, providing a wide variety of habitats
capable of supporting large resident populations of birds.
Due to the location of the Yucatan peninsula, its population of resident breeders is
significantly enlarged by seasonal migrants. There are four different types of migratory
birds: winter visitors migrate south from North America during the winter (August to May),
summer residents live and breed in Mexico but migrate to South America for the winter
months, transient migrants are birds that breed in North America and migrate to South
America in the winter but stop or pass through Mexico, and Pelagic visitors are birds that
live offshore but stop or pass through the region.
6.2 Aims
The aims of the bird monitoring programme are to develop a species list for the area in or-
der to gain an idea of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-term bird data
gathered over a sustained period could highlight trends not noticeable to short-term sur-
veys. It also aims to educate the volunteers in bird identification techniques, expanding on
their general identification skills. The birding project also provides a good opportunity to
obtain a better understanding of area diversity and the ecosystem as a whole.
© GVI – 2010 Page 28
6.3 Methodology
A member of staff accompanied by volunteers monitor the transects daily between 6 and
8am. There are five transects - Beach, Bridge, Road, Base and Mangrove. These
transects were selected to cover a range of habitats, including coastline, mangroves,
secondary growth and scrub. The transects are completed in approximately 30 minutes to
allow for consistency of data. To reduce duplication of data, recordings are taken in one
direction only which also helps to avoid double-counting where individuals are very active
or numerous. Birds are identified using binoculars, cameras and a range of identification
books. Identification of calls is also possible for a limited number of species by
experienced observers. If the individual species cannot be identified then birds are
recorded to family level.
Each survey records the following information; location, date, start time, end time, name of
recorders and number of each species seen. Wind and cloud cover have also been
recorded to allow consideration of physical parameters.
6.4 Results
40 transects were carried out this phase, 8 at each of the transect areas – Base, Beach,
Bridge, Mangrove and Road sites. A total of 1224 individuals were recorded, 1055 of which
were identified to species level and 169 to genus level.
Figure 6-4-1 Bird sightings by status during 104
© GVI – 2010 Page 29
Figure 6-4-1 indicates the percentage of birds sited during the phase grouped by their
status. The majority of the birds around Pez Maya make up a population of Resident
Breeders, with 53% of sightings being birds of this status during phase 103. Phase 104
has also seen the non-breeding winter visitors arrive, making up 30%.
Table 6-4-1 indicates identified species that contribute more than 1% of sightings. The
Great Tailed Grackle was seen the most this phase with almost twice as many sightings as
Ruddy Turnstone which came in third. The Magnificent Frigatebird was the second most
common in terms of number of individuals sighted.
Common name Species Totals PercentageGreat-tailed grackle Quiscalus mexicanus 193 18.3Magnificent frigatebird Fregata magnificens 117 11.1Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres 104 9.9Royal tern Sterna m. maxima 84 8.0Tropical mockingbird Mimus gilvus 70 6.6Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 64 6.1Sanderling Calidris alba 53 5.0Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia 45 4.3Osprey Pandion haliaetus 41 3.9Black catbird Dumetella glabrirostris 39 3.7White Ibis Eudocimus albus 38 3.6Turkey vulture Cathartes aura 34 3.2Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus 21 2.0Snowy egret Egretta thula 20 1.9Bananaquit Coereba flaveola 15 1.4Golden-fronted Woodpecker Centurus aurifrons 14 1.3Great blue heron Ardea herodias 13 1.2Yellow-throated warbler Dendroica dominica 12 1.1
Table 6-4-1 Total Species Composition of phase 104
6.5 Discussion
The 104 phase has been interesting from a birding perspective as many species arrive in
the area to over-winter and were never recorded during the summer phase of 103. A
comparison of each phase during the year will be provided in the end of year science
report.
The most commonly sighted bird in phase 104, the Great-tailed Grackle, is likely to be a
small resident population in the area. A number of Grackles have established themselves
around base as the winter has progressed. These can be seen throughout the day and
cross all transect areas which would explain the high numbers. As always, Magnificent
© GVI – 2010 Page 30
Frigate birds have been sighted frequently, and are seen on all transects due to their
behaviour of flying above the treelines along the coastline for extended periods. This
means they are easily identifiable from any transect area.
© GVI – 2010 Page 31
7. References
Almada-Villela P.C., Sale P.F., Gold-Bouchot G., Kjerfve B. 2003. Manual of Methods for
the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring System: Selected Methods for Monitoring Physical and
Biological Parameters for Use in the Mesoamerican Region. Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Systems Project (MBRS). http://www.mbrs.org.bz.
Cervino, J. M., Hayes, R. L., Polson, S. W., Polson, S. C., Goreau, T.J., Martinez, R. J. &
Smith, G. W. 2004. Relationship of the Vibrio species infection and elevated temperatures
to yellow blotch/band disease in Caribbean corals. Applied and Environmental
Microbiology. 70(11): 6855-6864.
Global Visions International Annual Report, 2006. www.gvimexico.blogspot.com
McClanahan, T.R., Muthiga, N.A. (1998) An ecological shift in a remote coral atoll of Belize
over 25 years. Environmental Conservation 25: 122-130.
Padilla C., Gutierrez D. Lara M., Garcia C. 1992. Coral Reefs of the Biosphere Reserve of
Sian Ka’an, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Proceedings of the International Coral Reef
Symposium, Guam. 2, 986-992.
Sampayo, E. M., Ridgeway, T., Bongaerts, P. & Hoegh-Goldberg, O. 2008. Bleaching
susceptibility and mortality of corals are determined by fine-scale differences in symbiont
tipe. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. 105: 1044-10449
© GVI – 2010 Page 32
Spalding, M.D., Jarvis, G.E. (2002). The impact of the 1998 coral mortality on reef fish
communities in the Seychelles. Marine Pollution Bulletin 44: 309-321.
UNEP-WCMC (2006). In the front line: shoreline protection and other ecosystem services
from mangroves and coral reefs. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK.
Woods-Ballard A.J., Rix C.E., Gwenin S.R. (Eds). 2005. Global Vision International, Pez
Maya, Annual Report. In Collaboration with Amigos de Sian Ka'an and Comisión Nacional
de Areas Naturales Protegidas. Global Vision International, Mexico Report Series No. 002
ISSN 1748-9369.
© GVI – 2010 Page 33
8. Appendices
Appendix I – SMP Methodology Outlines
Buddy method 1: Surveys of corals, algae and other sessile organisms
At each monitoring site five replicate 30m transect lines are deployed randomly within
100m of the GPS point. The transect line is laid across the reef surface at a constant
depth, either perpendicular to the reef edge or along coral spurs.
The first diver of this monitoring buddy pair collects data on the characterisation of the
coral community under the transect line. Swimming along the transect line the diver
identifies, to species level, each hermatypic coral directly underneath the transect that is at
least 10cm at its widest point and in the original growth position. If a colony has been
knocked or has fallen over, it is only recorded if it has become reattached to the
substratum. In addition to identifying the coral to species level, the diver also records the
water depth at the top of the corals, at the beginning and end of each transect. In cases
where bottom topography is very irregular, or the size of the individual corals is very
variable, water depth is recorded at the top of each coral beneath the transect line at any
major change in depth (greater than 1m).
The diver then identifies the colony boundaries based on verifiable connective or common
skeleton. Using a measuring pole, the colonies projected diameter (live plus dead areas)
in plan view and maximum height (live plus dead areas) from the base of the colonies
substratum are measured.
From plane view perspective, the percentage of coral that is not healthy (separated into
old dead and recent dead) is also estimated.
The first diver also notes any cause of mortality including diseases and/or predation and
any bleached tissue present. The diseases are characterised using the following ten
categories:
Black band disease Red band disease
© GVI – 2010 Page 34
White band disease Hyperplasm and Neoplasm (irregular growths)
White plague Predation and type
Yellow blotch disease Bleaching and type
Dark spot disease Unknown
Furthermore, bleaching is characterised as a percentage and any other features of note
are also recorded. Areas of mortality (old and recent), disease, predation and bleaching
are summed to provide an estimate of unhealthy coral. This final value will be used with
GIS software and future reporting.
The second diver measures the percentage cover of sessile organisms and substrate
along the 30m transect, recording the nature of the substrate or organism directly every
25cm along the transect. Organisms are classified into the following groups:
Coralline algae - crusts or finely branched algae that are hard (calcareous) and extend no
more than 2cm above the substratum
Turf algae - may look fleshy and/or filamentous but do not rise more than 1cm above the
substrate
Macroalgae - include fleshy and calcareous algae whose fronds are projected more than
1cm above the substrate. Three of these are further classified into additional groups which
include Halimeda, Dictyota, and Lobophora
Gorgonians
Hermatypic corals - to species level, where possible
Bare rock, sand and rubble
Any other sessile organisms e.g. sponges, tunicates, zoanthids, hydroids and crinoids.
Where possible, these are recorded to order or family.
Buddy method 2: Belt transect counts for coral reef fish
At each monitoring site 8 replicate 30m transects lines are deployed randomly within 100m
of the GPS point. The transect line is laid just above the reef surface at a constant depth,
usually perpendicular to the reef slope. The first diver is responsible for swimming slowly
along the transect line identifying, counting and estimating the sizes of specific indicator
© GVI – 2010 Page 35
fish species in their adult phase. The diver visually estimates a two metre by two metre
‘corridor’ and carries a one meter T-bar divided into 10cm graduations to aid the accuracy
of the size estimation of the fish identified. The fish are assigned to the following size
categories:
0-5cm 20-30cm
5-10cm 30-40cm
10-20cm >40cm (with size specified)
The buddy pair then waits for three minutes at a short distance from the end of the
transect line before proceeding. This allows juvenile fish to return to their original positions
before they were potentially scared off by the divers during the adult transect. The second
diver swims slowly back along the transect surveying a one metre by one metre ‘corridor’
and identifying and counting the presence of newly settled fish of the target species. In
addition, it is also this diver’s responsibility to identify and count the Banded Shrimp,
Stenopus hispidus. This is a collaborative effort with UNAM to track this species as their
population is slowly dwindling due to their direct removal for the aquarium trade. The
juvenile diver also counts any Diadema antillarum individuals found on their transects.
This is aimed at tracking the slow come back of these urchins.
Buddy Method 3: Coral & Fish Rover divers
At each monitoring site the third buddy pair completes a thirty minute survey of the site in
an expanding square pattern, with one diver recording all adult fish species observed. The
approximate density of each fish species is categorised using the following numerations:
Single (1 fish)
Few (2-10 fish)
Many (11-100 fish)
Abundant (>100 fish)
The second diver swims alongside the Fish Rover diver and records, to species level, all
coral communities observed, regardless of size. The approximate density of each coral
species is then categorised using similar ranges to those for fish:
© GVI – 2010 Page 36
Single (1 community)
Few (2-10 communities)
Many (11-50 communities)
Abundant (>50 communities).
Analyzing the rover data gives us a broader view of additional organisms that may
constitute the reef site but that may not be represented from the randomly placed transect
lies. In the case of fish data, the rover data aids in collecting population size information of
target species that may keep away from a transect line due to the intimidating and possibly
invasive nature of unnatural objects and divers on the reef.
© GVI – 2010 Page 37
Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List
Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name
Acanthurus coeruleus, Blue Tang Scarus guacamaia Rainbow Parrotfish
Acanthurus bahianus, Ocean Surgeonfish Scarus vetula Queen Parrotfish
Acanthurus chirurgus, Doctorfish Sparisoma viride Stoplight Parrotfish
Chaetodon striatus, Banded Butterflyfish Scarus taeniopterus Princess Parrotfish
Chaetodon capistratus, Four Eye Butterflyfish Scarus iserti Striped Parrotfish
Chaetodon ocellatus, Spotfin Butterflyfish Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband Parrotfish
Chaetodon aculeatus, Longsnout Butterflyfish Sparisoma chrysopterum Redtail Parrotfish
Haemulon flavolineatum French Grunt Sparisoma rubripinne Yellowtail Parrotfish
Haemulon striatum Striped Grunt Sparisoma atomarium Greenblotch Parrotfish
Haemulon plumierii White Grunt Sparisoma radians Bucktooth Parrotfish
Haemulon sciurus Bluestriped Grunt Epinephelus itajara Goliath Grouper
Haemulon carbonarium Caesar Grunt Epinephelus striatus Nassau Grouper
Haemulon chrysargyreum Smallmouth Grunt Mycteroperca venenosa Yellowfin Grouper
Haemulon aurolineatum Tomtate Mycteroperca bonaci Black Grouper
Haemulon melanurum Cottonwick Mycteroperca tigris Tiger Grouper
Haemulon macrostomum Spanish Grunt Mycteroperca interstitialis Yellowmouth Grouper
Haemulon parra Sailor’s Choice Epinephelus guttatus Red Hind
Haemulon album White Margate Epinephelus adscensionis Rock Hind
Anisotremus virginicus Porkfish Cephalopholis cruentatus Graysby
Anisotremus surinamensis Black Margate Cephalopholis fulvus Coney
Lutjanus analis Mutton Snapper Balistes vetula Queen Triggerfish
Lutjanus griseus Gray Snapper Balistes capriscus Gray Triggerfish
Lutjanus cyanopterus Cubera Snapper Canthidermis sufflamen Ocean Triggerfish
Lutjanus jocu Dog Snapper Xanithichthys ringens Sargassum Triggerfish
Lutjanus mahogoni Mahaogany Snapper Melichthys niger Black Durgon
Lutjanus apodus Schoolmaster Aluterus scriptus Scrawled Filefish
Lutjanus synagris Lane Snapper Cantherhines pullus Orangespotted Filefish
Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail Snapper Cantherhines macrocerus Whitespotted Filefish
Holacanthus ciliaris Queen Angelfish Bodianus rufus Spanish Hogfish
Pomacanthus paru French Angelfish Lachnolaimus maximus Hogfish
Pomacanthus arcuatus Grey Angelfish Caranx rubber Bar Jack
Holacanthus tricolour Rock Beauty Microspathodon chrysurus Yellowtail Damselfish
Scarus coeruleus Blue Parrotfish Sphyraena barracuda Great Barracuda
Scarus coelestinus Midnight Parrotfish
© GVI – 2010 Page 38
The following list includes only the adult fish species that are surveyed during monitoring
dives.
Appendix III - Juvenile Fish Indicator Species List
The subsequent list specifies the juvenile fish species and their maximum target length
that are recorded during monitoring dives
Scientific Name Common Name Max. target length (cm)
Acanthurus bahianus Ocean surgeonfish 5Acanthurus coeruleus Blue tang 5Chaetodon capistratus Foureye butterflyfish 2Chaetodon striatus Banded butterflyfish 2Gramma loreto Fairy basslet 3Bodianus rufus Spanish hogfish 3.5Halichoeres bivittatus Slipperydick 3Halichoeres garnoti Yellowhead wrasse 3Halichoeres maculipinna Clown wrasse 3Thalassoma bifasciatum Bluehead wrasse 3Halichoeres pictus Rainbow wrasse 3Chromis cyanea Blue chromis 3.5Stegastes adustus Dusky damselfish 2.5Stegastes diencaeus Longfin damselfish 2.5Stegastes leucostictus Beaugregory 2.5Stegastes partitus Bicolour damselfish 2.5Stegastes planifrons Threespot damselfish 2.5Stegastes variabilis Cocoa damselfish 2.5Scarus iserti Striped parrotfish 3.5Scarus taeniopterus Princess parrotfish 3.5Sparisoma atomarium Greenblotch parrotfish 3.5Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish 3.5Sparisoma viride Stoplight parrotfish 3.5
© GVI – 2010 Page 39
Appendix IV – Coral Species List
Family Genus Species Family Genus Species
Acroporidae Acropora cervicornis Meandrinidae Dendrogyra cylindrusAcroporidae Acropora palmata Meandrinidae Dichocoenia stokesii
Acroporidae Acropora prolifera Meandrinidae Meandrina meandrites
Agariciidae Agaricia agaricites Milliporidae Millepora alcicornis
Agariciidae Agaricia fragilis Milliporidae Millepora complanata
Agariciidae Agaricia grahamae Mussidae Isophyllastrea rigida
Agariciidae Agaricia lamarcki Mussidae Isophyllia sinuosa
Agariciidae Agaricia tenuifolia Mussidae Mussa angulosa
Agariciidae Agaricia undata Mussidae Mycetophyllia aliciae
Agariciidae Helioceris cucullata Mussidae Mycetophyllia ferox
Antipatharia Cirrhipathes leutkeni Mussidae Mycetophyllia lamarckiana
Astrocoeniidae Stephanocoenia intersepts Mussidae Mycetophyllia reesi
Caryophylliidae Eusmilia fastigiana Mussidae Scolymia sp.
Faviidae Colpophyllia natans Pocilloporidae Madracis decactis
Faviidae Diploria clivosa Pocilloporidae Madracis formosa
Faviidae Diploria labrynthiformis Pocilloporidae Madracis mirabilis
Faviidae Diploria strigosa Pocilloporidae Madracis pharensis
Faviidae Favia fragum Poritidae Porites astreoides
Faviidae Manicina areolata Poritidae Porites divaricata
Faviidae Montastraea annularis Poritidae Porites furcata
Faviidae Montastraea cavernosa Poritidae Porites porites
Faviidae Montastraea faveolata Siderastridae Siderastrea radians
Faviidae Montastraea franksi Siderastridae Siderastrea sidereal
Faviidae Solenastrea bournoni Stylasteridae Stylaster roseus
Faviidae Solenastrea hyades
© GVI – 2010 Page 40
Appendix V - Fish Species List
This list was begun for Pez Maya in 2003. This list is compiled from the Adult and Rover
diver surveys.
Family Genus Species Common Names
Acanthuridae Acanthurus Bahianus Ocean surgeonfish
Acanthuridae Acanthurus Chirurgus Doctorfish
Acanthuridae Acanthurus Coeruleus Blue tang
Atherinidae, Clupeidae, Engraulididae Silversides, Herrings, Anchovies
Aulostomidae Aulostomus Maculates Trumpetfish
Balistidae Balistes Capriscus Gray triggerfish
Balistidae Balistes Vetula Queen triggerfish
Balistidae Canthidermis Sufflamen Ocean triggerfish
Balistidae Melichthys Niger Black durgon
Balistidae Xanithichthys Ringens Sargassum triggerfish
Bothidae Bothus Lunatus Peacock flounder
Carangidae Caranx Bartholomaei Yellow jack
Carangidae Caranx Crysos Blue runner
Carangidae Caranx Ruber Bar jack
Carangidae Trachinotus Falcatus Permit
Centropomidae Centropomus Undecimalis Common snook
Chaenopsidae Lucayablennius Zingaro Arrow blenny
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Aculeatus Longsnout butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Capistratus Foureye butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Ocellatus Spotfin butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Sedentarius Reef butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Striatus Banded butterflyfish
Cirrhitidae Amblycirrhitus Pinos Red spotted hawkfish
Congridae Heteroconger Longissimus Brown garden eel
Dasyatidae Dasyatis Americana Southern stingray
Diodontidae Diodon Holocanthus Balloonfish
Elopidae Megalops Atlanticus Tarpon
Gobiidae Coryphopterus Eidolon Palid Goby
Gobiidae Coryphopterus Glaucofraenum Bridled goby
Gobiidae Coryphopterus Lipernes Peppermint goby
Gobiidae Coryphopterus personatus/hyalinus Masked/glass goby
Gobiidae Gnatholepis Thompsoni Goldspot goby
Gobiidae Gobiosoma Oceanops Neon goby.
Gobiidae Gobiosoma Prochilos Broadstripe goby
Grammatidae Gramma Loreto Fairy basslet
© GVI – 2010 Page 41
Family Genus Species Common Names
Grammatidae Gymnothorax Funebris Green moray
Grammatidae Gymnothorax Moringa Spotted moray
Haemulidae Anisotremus Virginicus Porkfish
Haemulidae Haemulon Album White margate
Haemulidae Haemulon Aurolineatum Tomtate
Haemulidae Haemulon Carbonarium Ceaser Grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Flavolineatum French grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Macrostomum Spanish grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Plumierii White grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Sciurus Bluestriped grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Striatum Striped grunt
Haemulidae Anisotremus Surinamensis Black margate
Haemulidae Haemulon Parra Sailor’s choice
Holocentridae Holocentrus Adscensionis Squirrelfish
Holocentridae Holocentrus Rufus Longspine squirrelfish
Holocentridae Myripristis Jacobus Blackbar soldierfish
Holocentridae Neoniphon Marianus Longjaw squirrelfish
Holocentridae Sargocentron Bullisi Deepwater squirrelfish
Holocentridae Sargocentron Coruscum Reef squirrelfish
Holocentridae Sargocentron Vexillarium Dusky squirrelfish
Kyphosidae Kyphosus sectatrix/incisor Chub
Labridae Bodianus Rufus Spanish hogfish
Labridae Clepticus Parrae Creole wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres Bivittatus Slipperydick
Labridae Halichoeres Garnoti Yellowhead wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres Pictus Rainbow wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres Poeyi Blackear wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres Radiatus Puddingwife wrasse
Labridae Lachnolaimus Maximus Hogfish
Labridae Thalassoma Bifasciatum Bluehead wrasse
Labridae Xyrichtys Martinicensis Rosy razorfish
Labridae Xyrichtys Novacula Pearly razorfish
Labrisomidae Malacoctenus Triangulatus Saddled blenny
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Analis Mutton snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Apodus Schoolmaster snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Cyanopterus Cubera snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Griseus Grey snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Jocu Dog snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Mahogoni Maghogony snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Synagris Lane snapper
© GVI – 2010 Page 42
Family Genus Species Common Names
Lutjanidae Ocyurus Chrysurus Yellowtailed snapper
Malacanthidae Malacanthus Plumieri Sand tilefish
Syngnathidae Micrognathus ensenadae Harlequin pipefish
Monacanthidae Aluterus Scriptus Scrawled filefish
Monacanthidae Cantherhines Macrocerus White spotted filefish
Monacanthidae Cantherhines Pullus Orange spotted filefish
Mullidae Mulloidichthys Martinicus Yellow goatfish
Mullidae Pseudupeneus Maculates Spotted goatfish
Myliobatidae Aetobatus Narinari Spotted eagle ray
Opistognathidae Opistognathus Aurifrons Yellowhead jawfish
Ostraciidae Acanthostracion Quadricornis Scrawled cowfish
Ostraciidae Lactophrys Bicaudalis Spotted trunkfish
Ostraciidae Lactophrys Triqueter Smooth trunkfish
Pempheridae Pempheris Schomburgki Glassy sweeper
Pomacanthidae Holacanthus Ciliaris Queen angelfish
Pomacanthidae Holacanthus Tricolour Rockbeauty
Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus Arcuatus Grey angelfish
Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus Paru French angelfish
Pomacentridae Abudefduf Saxatilis Seargant major
Pomacentridae Chromis Cyanea Blue chromis
Pomacentridae Chromis Enchrysurus Yellowtail reef fish
Pomacentridae Chromis Insolata Sunshinefish
Pomacentridae Chromis Multilineata Brown chromis
Pomacentridae Microspathodon Chrysurus Yellowtailed damsel fish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Adustus Dusky damselfish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Diencaeus Longfin damselfish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Leucostictus Beaugregory
Pomacentridae Stegastes Partitus Bicolour damselfish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Planifrons Threespot damselfish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Variabilis Cocoa damselfish
Scaridae Scarus Coelestinus Midnight parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Coeruleus Blue parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Guacamaia Rainbow parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Iserti Striped parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Taeniopterus Princess parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Vetula Queen parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Atomarium Greenblotch parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Chrysopterum Redtail parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Radians Bucktooth parrotfish
© GVI – 2010 Page 43
Family Genus Species Common Names
Scaridae Sparisoma Rubripinne Yellowtail parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Viride Stoplight parrotfish
Sciaenidae Equetus Lanceolatus Jackknife fish
Sciaenidae Equetus Punctatus Spotted drum
Sciaenidae Pareques Acuminatus Highhat
Scombridae Scomberomorus Maculates Spanish mackerel
Scombridae Scomberomorus Regalis Cero
Scorpaenidae Scorpaena Plumieri Spotted scorpionfish
Serranidae Cephalopholis Cruentatus Graysby
Serranidae Cephalopholis Fulvus Coney
Serranidae Epinephelus Adscensionis Rockhind
Serranidae Epinephelus Itajara Goliath grouper
Serranidae Epinephelus Striatus Nassau grouper
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Aberrans Yellowbelly hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Chlorurus Yellowtail hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Guttavarius Shy hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Indigo Indigo hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Nigricans Black hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Puella Barred hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Unicolor Butter hamlet
Serranidae Liopropoma Rubre Peppermint basslet
Serranidae Mycteroperca Bonaci Black grouper
Serranidae Mycteroperca Interstitialis Yellowmouth grouper
Serranidae Mycteroperca Tigris Tiger grouper
Serranidae Mycteroperca Venenosa Yellowfin grouper
Serranidae Paranthias Furcifer Creolefish
Serranidae Rypticus Saponaceus Greater soapfish
Serranidae Serranus Tabacarius Tobaccofish
Serranidae Serranus Tigrinus Harlequin bass
Serranidae Serranus Tortugarum Chalk bass
Sparidae Calamus Calamos Saucereyed porgy
Sphyraenidae Sphyraena Barracuda Great barracuda
Synodontidae Synodus Intermedius Sand diver
Tetraodontidae Canthigaster Rostrata Sharpnosed puffer
Tetraodontidae Sphoeroides Splengleri Bandtail puffer
Torpedinidae Narcine Brasiliensis Lesser electric ray
Urolophidae Urolophus Jamaicensis Yellowstingray
© GVI – 2010 Page 44
Appendix VI – Bird Species List
Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name
Fregata magnificens Swallow sp (not mangrove) Coragyps atratus Great Kiskadee
Eudocimus albus Magnificent frigatebird Kingfisher sp.
Dives dives White Ibis Coereba flaveola Black vulture
Mimus gilvus Melodious blackbird Dumetella glabrirostris Dove sp.
Quiscalus mexicanus Tropical mockingbird Calidris alba Bananaquit
Pelecanus occidentalis Great-tailed grackle Egretta tricolor Black catbird
Brown pelican Vireo m. magister Sanderling
Cathartes aura Tyrranus Kingbird sp. Tricolored heron
Arenaria interpres Turkey vulture Cathartes b. burrovianus Yucatan Vireo
Ruddy turnstone Egretta caerulea Woodpecker sp.
Pandion haliaetus Nighthawk sp. Lesser Yellow-headed
Vulture
Ardea herodias Osprey Little Blue Heron
Sterna m. maxima Great blue heron Butorides virescens Oriole sp
Royal tern Ortalis vetula Warbler sp.
Sterna antillarum Vulture sp Columbina talpacoti Green heron
Icterus cucullatus Least tern* Egretta thula Plain Chachalaca
Hooded Oriole Dendroica erithachorides Ruddy ground-dove
Larus atricilla Flycatcher sp. Egretta rufescens Snowy egret
Zenaida asiatica Laughing gull Sterna sandvicensis Mangrove warbler
White-winged dove Sporophila torqueola Reddish Egret
Egretta alba egretta Heron sp. Nycticorax violaceus Sandwich tern
Tigrisoma mexicanum Great Egret Centurus pygmaeus White-collared Seedeater
Buteogallus anthracinus Bare-throated Tiger heron Yellow-crowned Night-Heron
Pitangus sulphuratus Common black-hawk Yucatan Woodpecker
Tern sp
© GVI – 2010 Page 45