Mesoamerican Reef

June 28th 2011.By: Dylan Sartor.

Mesoamerican Reef

• The Mesoamerican reef is the largest coral reef within the Atlantic Ocean.

• Stretches for over 450 miles (724 KM) along the east coast of Central America.

Mesoamerican Reef

• The reef is home to many different species. 60 species of coral, 500 species of fish, and 350 species of mollusks.

• The reef also has three underwater islands absolutely covered in coral.

Threats: Fishing.

• Not only is the coral bleaching effecting the fishes habitat and decreasing the fish population, but also the over fishing in the area.

• The reef is being over fished by commercial and recreational uses. The population of Lobsters, conch and finfish are decreasing rapidly.

Protective Measures: Over fishing.

• Belize has many laws and regulations against fishing. (ie) The use of nets along reefs. Use of traps outside of reefs, and fishing outside closed seasons.

• Despite these laws, Belize needs more enforcement to monitor the entire area of the reef.

Threats: Climate Change.

Due to climate change the warming water, is causing the coral to experience a loss of algae. Algae is a source of food for the coral therefore without it ‘Coral bleaching’ occurs.

This as well is causing the fishes habitat to change.

Protective Measures

• WWF is an active member in helping the reef to adapt to climate change.

• The WWF is using three main measures:

• (1) science-based monitoring of climate, change impacts on biological and social, systems (reefs and mangroves)

Protective Measures

• (2) field level implementation of adaptation strategies (including better management practices).

(3) an advocacy strategy to raise awareness of climate change and to lobby for climate change issues at local and national policy levels.

Sources http://www.nationalgeographic.com/wildworld/reef/

http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/mesoamericanreef/threats.html

http://www.law.ufl.edu/conservation/international/pdf/belize.pdf

http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/mesoamericanreef/WWFBinaryitem14670.pdf