Status of The Reserve Report 2008

PHMR: Status of the Reserve Report 2008

Nicola L. Foster, PhD.
Senior Marine Biologist
Marine & Coastal Research and Monitoring Program

Toledo Institute for Development & Environment Tel: + 501 722 2274
P.O. Box 150 Fax: + 501 722 2655
1 Mile San Antonio Road Mob: + 501 628 2145
Punta Gorda Town Email: nfoster@tidebelize.org
Belize, C.A. Website: www.tidebelize.org

Introduction

The Toledo Institute for Development and Environment (TIDE) was founded in 1997 to meet the growing
environmental and development needs of the Toledo District. TIDE's focus is to enable community‐
based forest, marine and coastal conservation in the Maya Mountain Marine Corridor, while developing
viable economic alternatives for residents that do not rely on resource extraction. TIDE has grown from
its inception in 1997 as a local, grassroots response to manatee poaching, to a leading non‐government
organization in Belize with a budget of ~$1.7 Million US. In 2000, after six years of lobbying by TIDE and
community members, the Port Honduras Marine Reserve was declared and TIDE was granted co‐
management authority, with the Fisheries Department, by the Government of Belize. The reserve was
established to protect the physical and biological resources of Port Honduras and develop a sustainable
fishery for the buffer communities of the reserve.

The Port Honduras Marine Reserve covers an area of 160 square miles and encompasses 138 mangrove
cayes. The borders of the reserve run from south of the Rio Grande River to North of Monkey River
Town and East to the edge of the Snake Cayes (Figure 1). The reserve is divided into 3 zones; 95% is a
general use zone where commercial, subsistence and recreational fishing activities are permitted; 4% is
designated a conservation zone where “no‐take” recreational activities are permitted; and the
remaining 1% is designated a preservation zone where no activities are permitted. In addition, the use of
gill nets, long lines and beach traps is prohibited anywhere within the reserve.

Figure 1: Area covered by the three zones of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve, Belize.


Since 2003, reasonably consistent monitoring of the key habitats and species within Port Honduras
Marine Reserve has taken place and large amounts of data have been collected. Up until recently, these
data had not been thoroughly analysed or utilised. Here, we present an overview of the monitoring data
collected over the past 5 years and discuss what these results mean in terms of the effectiveness of the
reserve. Ultimately, these results will be used to develop the 2009 management plan for the Port
Honduras Marine Reserve and update the protocols used to monitor the key habitats and species within
the reserve.
Water Quality within PHMR

The water quality parameters of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen are important components
of the monitoring program. Variations in these parameters can greatly affect the health of the
ecosystem and organisms within it. For example, an increase in temperature can initiate a bleaching
response in hard and soft corals (Brown 1997, Fitt et al. 2001) and may affect the metabolism of many
fish and invertebrates, especially during their early life history (Munday et al. 2008). Changes in salinity
can affect reproduction and physiological responses in many organisms including fish and corals
(Vermeij et al. 2006, Koenig et al. 2007), and the level of dissolved oxygen in the water column
determines the numbers of organisms it can support (Dubinsky & Stambler 1996).
Water quality has been monitored across the Port Honduras Marine Reserve since 1998, albeit some
years were more consistent than others. Typically, eleven sites are surveyed once a month for
temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen content using a portable water quality meter. Unfortunately,
a full 12 month survey has not been completed, however, the data collected do show some interesting
trends.

Water Temperature
Between 1998 and 2008, water temperature varied with season and among years (Figure 2). On
average, the coldest months were observed in winter, from November through February. From March,
water temperature typically rose to a peak in July or August, after which it began to decline again. All
years show similar variations among months, however, 2000 was a particularly cold year compared to
the remaining 9 years and 2003 was a particularly warm year (Figure 2). Although the change in water
temperature between 2000 and 2003 was only approximately 2oC, such a small difference can have a
dramatic effect on the habitats and organisms subject to the change. Interestingly, 1998, a year of
extreme bleaching events worldwide, was not a notably warm year for the Port Honduras Marine
Reserve (Figure 2).


34.00
32.00
1998
Temperature (oC) 30.00 1999
2000
28.00 2001
2003
2004
26.00
2005
2006
24.00
2008
22.00
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Month

Figure 2: Average monthly water temperature recorded within Port Honduras Marine Reserve from
1998 to 2008.

Salinity
Salinity within PHMR also showed variation between seasons and years (Figure 3). The lowest salinity
was frequently recorded at the height of the rainy season in July and August when increased freshwater
from rivers enters the bay. At the peak of the dry season in March and April, salinity levels are typically
at their highest (Figure 3). In some years, there was a difference of 10 ppt in salinity between March and
July. If freshwater input through rainfall is expected to have the greatest influence on salinity within
PHMR, then 2005 was one of the driest years since 1998, and 2006 was one of the wettest. Large
fluctuations observed in salinity over any 12 month period demonstrate the substantial influence that
the surrounding watershed has on the Port Honduras area and the habitats and organisms within it.


40.00
38.00
36.00
34.00 1998
1999
Salinity (ppt)
32.00
2000
30.00
2001
28.00 2003
2004
26.00
2005
24.00 2006
22.00 2008
20.00
Month

Figure 3: Average salinity recorded within Port Honduras Marine Reserve from 1998 to 2008.
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen levels within PHMR varied between years and between months (Figure 4). Typically,
the highest levels of dissolved oxygen are observed between December and March and the lowest levels
are observed from April to August. However, there are some notable exceptions to this pattern. In 2005,
the lowest dissolved oxygen levels were recorded between February and March and the highest were
recorded between September and November. 2005 was also one of the driest (Figure 3) and warmest
(Figure 2) years of the monitoring period which may have had some influence on dissolved oxygen
levels. Another exception to the general pattern is the year 2008, which has shown a steep decline in
dissolved oxygen levels between August and November. These are the lowest dissolved oxygen levels
recorded within PHMR in 10 years of data collection and require further investigation to elucidate what
is occurring.


10.00
9.00
8.00
7.00 1998
Dissolved Oxygen (mg/l)
1999
6.00
2000
5.00 2001
4.00 2003
2004
3.00
2005
2.00 2006
1.00 2008
0.00
Month

Figure 4: Average dissolved oxygen levels within Port Honduras Marine Reserve from 1998 to 2008.
Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are an essential component of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve and the health of coral
reef habitats has a significant influence on the vertebrate and invertebrate populations that inhabit
them. Most importantly, healthy coral reefs, in conjunction with seagrass and mangrove habitats,
support larger populations of species compared to unhealthy reefs. To determine reef health, a variety
of aspects have been monitored since 2003, including benthic composition, coral diversity, coral
mortality and coral disease. Coral reefs at eight sites within the Port Honduras Marine Reserve have
been assessed annually, unfortunately, consistent data regarding coral disease and mortality is absent.
Benthic cover is assessed using the AGGRA survey method of liner point intercept transects whereby the
type of benthic cover is recorded every 25cm along six 30 metre transects at each site.
The average benthic composition within PHMR varied between 2003 and 2008 (Figure 5). Live coral
cover has increased from an average of 8% in 2003 to 17% in 2008. In contrast, the cover of turf algae
has decreased from an average of 14% in 2003 to 8% in 2008. Macroalgal cover has fluctuated over the
5 year period from 22% in 2003 to 12% in 2008. Dead coral has been largely absent over the 5 years and
coralline algal cover has remained relatively constant at approximately 3%.


100%
90% Other
80% Bare Substrate
Percent cover of benthic component
Sand
70%
Coralline Algae
60% Turf Algae
50% Macroalgae
Sponge
40%
Zoanthid
30%
Gorgonian
20% Dead Coral
Live Coral
10%
0%
2003 2004 2005 2006 2008
Year

Figure 5: Average benthic composition within Port Honduras Marine Reserve from 2003 to 2008.
Looking specifically at live coral and macroalgal cover at each of the sites over the 5 year period shows a
more detailed pattern (Figure 6). From 2003 to 2008 there is a gradual decrease in macroalgal cover and
a simultaneous increase in coral cover across the majority of sites. Such changes in benthic cover can be
an indication of increased reef health which may be associated with the protection provided through
the marine reserve. However, Frenchman Caye (FMC) and Wilson Caye (WC) continue to be dominated
by macroalgae into 2008. Frenchman Caye and Wilson Caye are closer inshore than the other sites and
thus are more exposed to freshwater and sediment input from the watersheds surrounding Port
Honduras. Increased sedimentation can limit recruitment of coral species, restrict growth rates of
individual corals and increase coral mortality through smothering (Rogers 1990, Birrell et al. 2005).
Furthermore, East Snake Caye (ESC), South Snake Caye (SSC), West Snake Caye (WSC) and Middle Snake
Caye (MSC) are located within the conservation and preservation zones of the marine reserve.
Commercial and recreational activities are restricted in these areas and as such a larger population of
fishes may be present on these reefs compared to Frenchman Caye and Wilson Caye. Herbivorous fish
species in particular help to control the growth of macroalgae through grazing and thus promote coral
recruitment and survival (Mumby et al. 2006, Mumby et al. 2007). Nevertheless, while the decrease in
macroalgal cover over the 5 year period is a good indication of increasing reef health, coral cover is still
relatively low.


60.00
Macroalgae Live Coral
50.00
Cover (%) 40.00
30.00
20.00
10.00
0.00
ESC
MSC
FMC
WC
FMC
MSC
FMC
WC
MSC
FMC
WC
B2
B3
ESC
B3
ESC
ESC
MSC
FMC
WC
B2
ESC
B2
B3
WSC
SSC
WSC
WSC
SSC
WSC
SSC
WSC
SSC
2003 2004 2005 2006 2008
Site and Year

Figure 6: Cover of coral and macroalgae at sites within Port Honduras Marine Reserve from 2003 to
2008.
More detailed surveys conducted in 2008 show the coral diversity at each of the sites monitored within
Port Honduras Marine Reserve (Figure 7). A total of 29 species were observed across the eight sites and
the composition of coral species differs between sites. The two deeper sites, Bank 2 (B2) and Bank 3
(B3), are dominated by Agaricia tenuifolia (Lettuce coral), whereas the other sites have a higher
proportion of the reef building corals, Montastraea spp. Interestingly, all sites have a high proportion of
the fire coral, Millepora alcicornis. Wilson Caye is the least diverse of all the sites and has the lowest
coral cover which, as mentioned previously, may be due to increased sedimentation at this site. Further
investigation of sedimentation rates across PHMR in 2009 will help to determine which sites receive the
most sedimentation and how this affects the habitats at those sites.
Interestingly, total coral cover does not denote the number of coral species observed. For example,
Bank 3 (B3) has the highest percent coral cover, yet only 11 coral species were observed along the
transects. In contrast, Frenchman Caye (FMC) has one of the lowest percent covers, yet a total of 12
coral species were observed along the transects.


25
11
16 Ssid Srad
20 15 Sint Scub
Ppor Past
11
19 Mmea Mlam
Mfra Mfav
15 10
Mdec Mdan
Cover (%)
Mcav Mann
12 Mali Malc
5
10 Isin Efas
Dstr Dsto
Dlab Dcli
Cnat Aten
5 Apal Alam
Afra Acer
Aaga
0
ESC WSC SSC MSC FMC WC B2 B3
Site
Figure 7: Coral species composition and diversity at each site surveyed within the Port Honduras Marine
Reserve in 2008. Numbers above bars denote total number of species observed.
Reef Fish

In conjunction with the coral surveys conducted within PHMR, reef fish surveys were also carried out
between 2003 and 2008. At 6 of the sites used for the coral reef monitoring, a minimum of six 30 metre
by 2 metre transects were surveyed and the size and number of all reef fish encountered were recorded.
Figure 8 shows the density of reef fish at each of the sites over the 5 year period. Reef fish density was
highest at all sites in 2003 and has decreased significantly since then; in some cases by more than 50%.
In 2003, density varied between sites, however, in 2006 and 2008, density was similar across the 6 sites.
These results demonstrate a significant decline in reef fish numbers, possibly through over fishing and /
or loss of habitat within PHMR. Unfortunately data for 2004 and 2005 is largely absent and it is
impossible to tell if the low densities observed at the few sites surveyed is due to incomplete data
collection or a response to an incident within PHMR.


140
120
Fish Density (Numbers/100 m2)
100
WSC
80 ESC
MSC
60 SSC
FMC
40 WC
20
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2008
Year

Figure 8: Density of reef fish at 6 sites within the Port Honduras Marine Reserve between 2003 and
2008.
Conch

Strombus gigas (Queen Conch) is one of the major commercial fisheries species harvested from within
the general use zone of PHMR and populations have been monitored since 2004. One role of the no‐
take zones (conservation and preservation zones) within the reserve is to provide a refuge for species
from fishing, including queen conch. These areas enable populations to reproduce and reach maturity
without the threat of being caught. Eventually population numbers within no‐take zones become large
enough that spill‐over into the surrounding general use zone is inevitable and fisheries are
supplemented.
Queen conch populations were monitored at 12 sites strategically placed throughout PHMR from 2004
to 2008. At each site, a minimum of four 50 metre transects were surveyed and all queen conch
individuals encountered were recorded. Measurements of shell length and lip thickness were also taken.
Numbers of queen conch encountered within PHMR has gradually declined from 2004 to 2008 despite
the protection offered by the no‐take zones (Figure 9). Unexpectedly, between 2004 and 2006 numbers
of queen conch recorded in the general use zone was greater compared to the no‐take zones. One
explanation may be the inclusion of a site at Abalone Caye in the General Use Zone, the location of the
Rangers Station. Fishing may be reduced at this site due to the constant presence and close proximity of
the rangers. However, in 2008 numbers of queen conch recorded in the no‐take zones was greater than
in the general use zone. These results suggest that the no‐take zones within PHMR need to be increased
in order to be effective and patrols within these zones need to be increased to ensure harvesting of
conch from no‐take zones does not occur.


80
70
60
Number of Individuals 50
40
GUZ
30 NTZ
20
10
0
2004 2005 2006 2008
Year

Figure 9: Numbers of Queen Conch recorded in the general use (GUZ) and no‐take (NTZ) zones of Port
Honduras Marine Reserve between 2004 and 2008.
30
25
Average Shell Length (cm)
20
2004
15
2005
2006
10
2008
0
GUZ NTZ
Zone within PHMR

Figure 10: Average shell length of Queen Conch within general use (GUZ) and no‐take (NTZ) zones of
Port Honduras Marine Reserve between 2004 and 2008. The red line indicates 17.8cm, the legal size for
harvesting under Belize Fisheries Regulations.


Figure 10 shows the average shell length of queen conch individuals encountered within the general use
and no‐take zones of PHMR between 2004 and 2008. For all years, average queen conch length is
greater than the legal size limit for harvesting under Belize Fisheries Regulations. However, it would be
expected that queen conch encountered within no‐take zones would be larger than those in the general
use zone due to the protection provided against fishing. Shell length of queen conch was greater in the
no‐take zones during 2005 and 2006, but not during 2008 suggesting that further protection, through
enlargement of the no‐take zones, is required to enable queen conch to reach a larger size, thus
ensuring reproduction occurs.
Lip thickness of queen conch is used as a measure of maturity, with a thickness of 0.5cm and above
being considered mature (Gascoigne & Lipcius 2004). It can take an average of three to four years for a
queen conch to reach maturity, and thus reproduce. Harvesting queen conch while immature can have
serious and irreversible consequences for the population, and will ultimately lead to the collapse of the
fishery. The no‐take reserves within PHMR provide a refuge for queen conch to enable them to reach
maturity and reproduce. Figure 11 shows average lip thickness of queen conch in the no‐take zones is
always greater than 0.5cm, whereas in the general use zone the average lip thickness is frequently less
than 0.5cm. These data indicate that mature queen conch have been harvested from the general use
zone, leaving only immature individuals. Mature queen conch within the no‐take zones indicate that the
area is effective in allowing individuals to reach maturity.

1.8
1.6
Average Lip Thickness (cm)
1.4
1.2
1 2004
0.8 2005
2006
0.6
2008
0.4
0.2
0
GUZ NTZ
Zone within PHMR

Figure 11: Average lip thickness of Queen Conch in the general use (GUZ) and no‐take (NTZ) zones of
Port Honduras Marine Reserve from 2004 to 2008. The red line indicates 0.5cm, above which queen
conch are considered to be mature.


Lobster

As with queen conch, Panulirus argus (spiny lobster) is also a major commercial fisheries species
harvested from the general use zone of PHMR. To assess population numbers and determine the
effectiveness of the no‐take zones on spiny lobster abundance, monitoring of populations began in
2003. However, due to inconsistent data prior to 2005, only data from 2005 to 2008 is presented here.
Eleven sites across the reserve were surveyed using two 30 minute timed swims conducted
simultaneously by two diver pairs. Surveys were conducted in February, prior to the closure of the
fishery and in June, just prior to the fishery re‐opening. In 2008, an additional survey was conducted in
October, four months after the fishery re‐opened. For each spiny lobster encountered, data regarding
carapace length, sex, presence of tar spots and eggs were recorded.
Overall, numbers of spiny lobster observed within PHMR have declined between 2005 and 2008 (Figure
11). Prior to 2006, lobster numbers were greater in the no‐take zones compared to the general use
zone, suggesting that the no‐take areas were providing a safe refuge for spiny lobster. However in 2008,
numbers observed in the general use zones were greater than in the no‐take zones (Figure 11). These
data indicate a possible increase in the numbers of spiny lobster harvested from PHMR or a decrease in
reproduction of lobsters. Further investigation is required to fully elucidate what is occurring within the
spiny lobster populations. An increase in the size of the no‐take areas can only benefit population
numbers (Cox & Hunt 2005).
20.0
18.0
16.0
Number of Individuals
14.0
12.0
10.0
GUZ
8.0
NTZ
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
Feb‐05 Jun‐05 Mar‐06 Jun‐06 Mar‐08 Jun‐08 Oct‐08
Year

Figure 12: Numbers of spiny lobster observed in the general use (GUZ) and no‐take (NTZ) zones of Port
Honduras Marine Reserve between 2005 and 2008.


Despite the decline in spiny lobster numbers, the average size of lobsters (carapace length) has
remained relatively constant over the 3 year period (Figure 13). In addition, no‐take zones are having a
positive influence on lobster size, with the average carapace length being greater in no‐take zones
compared to the general use zone (Figure 13). October 2008 is the exception to this and may be the
result of increased fishing activity in the months following the opening of the fishery. Whether a
reduction in size within the no‐take zones is due to movement of lobsters to available habitat within the
general use zone or due to illegal fishing activity is unclear. Spiny lobster populations require further
monitoring to fully understand their population dynamics within the zones of PHMR.
12.0
10.0
Average Carapace Length (cm)
8.0
6.0
GUZ
NTZ
4.0
2.0
0.0
Feb‐05 Jun‐05 Mar‐06 Jun‐06 Mar‐08 Jun‐08 Oct‐08
Year

Figure 13: Average carapace length of spiny lobster in the general use (GUZ) and no‐take (NTZ) zones of
Port Honduras Marine Reserve from 2005 to 2008.
Conclusions

The aim of this report is to present the results of the monitoring program to date and evaluate the
effectiveness of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve in conserving both habitat diversity and viable
populations of commercial species. The results demonstrate that PHMR is effective in many ways, but
more can be done to improve the protection provided for many key species.
Water quality monitoring shows that regular freshwater input from rivers can affect even the most
distant sites of PHMR through changes in salinity and sedimentation. Dissolved oxygen content is
generally good, however, more recently this has begun to decline and warrants further investigation.


Coral cover is shown to be increasing and macroalgal cover decreasing at many sites, however fish
density is declining. In particular, herbivorous fish, such as parrotfishes, provide a fundamental role in
maintaining the balance between coral and algal cover on reefs (Mumby et al. 2006) and maintaining
healthy fish stocks is a key component in preventing phase shifts to algal dominated reefs (Hughes et al.
2007). A considerable decline in population numbers can be sufficient to allow a rise in macroalgal cover
and subsequent decline in coral cover and reduced coral recruitment (Aronson & Precht 2000, Lirman
2001, Jompa & McCook 2002). Fish populations within PHMR need to be evaluated further to determine
which species are under most threat and how protection can be improved.
The two major fisheries species of PHMR, queen conch and spiny lobster, have both shown large
declines over the past 3 to 5 years, despite the existence of no‐take zones. In contrast, the size of both
species has remained relatively constant and in the majority of cases the no‐take zones contain larger
individuals of each species. However, both fisheries need considerable improvement to remain
sustainable. For lobster, the closed season allows population numbers to increase, however upon
opening the fishery, numbers are rapidly depleted. Such fluctuations in population numbers suggest an
unstable population that cannot continue to sustain current levels of harvesting without further
protection.
Improvements need to be made in many areas of both the monitoring program and the management of
Port Honduras Marine Reserve. While data has been collected on a variety of key habitats and species
for a number of years, large inconsistencies and missing data make detailed analysis impossible. In order
to improve the monitoring program and subsequent assessment of the reserve, specific protocols need
to be adhered to for each habitat and species monitored. Surveys need to be conducted at regular
intervals and over many years to allow any trends or patterns to become evident. When conducting
each survey all sites need to be included and the minimum data collected at each site. Typically with
previous data, sites were regularly missing from surveys and in many cases only half the data required
was collected from sites. In addition, more key species and marine processes need to be incorporated
into the monitoring program to ensure that a thorough evaluation of the reserves effectiveness can be
made in the future. For example, it is recommended that data be collected for sea turtles, sea birds,
manatees, commercial fisheries species and sedimentation rates.

The management of the reserve also needs to be addressed. While this report has some positive
aspects, many key species are in decline. It is evident that the reserve is not functioning as effectively as
it could in preserving population numbers and benthic habitats. The area of no‐take zones within PHMR
accounts for only 5% of the reserve area, which is 15% less than the area recommended by the Belize
Fisheries Department. In addition, studies have shown that many species utilise seagrass beds,
mangroves and coral reefs at various stages of their life history (Roberts et al. 2003, Mumby 2006). Thus,
an increase in the no‐take area of PHMR would ensure inclusion of a larger area of each of these key
habitats. It is recommended that the no‐take zones within PHMR be increased to 20%, either through
the expansion of the existing conservation and preservation zones or through the creation of new
conservation and preservation areas, or a combination of both. The results of this expansion in no‐take


areas will not be evident immediately as it will take time for species to reproduce and increase
population numbers. However, the long‐term benefits to the Port Honduras area will be substantial.

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128


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