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Research and Documentation for Conservation Research
Turneffe is the most extensive and yet the least studied atoll in the Caribbean (Murray et al. 1999).
Detailed and specific information about a number of topics are needed in the near future to assist with appropriate planning. Answers are needed to the following questions.
Economic Questions:
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What are the maximum sustainable yields for spiny lobster, conch and finfish, and what parameters need to be recommended to ensure sustainability?
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What are the spawning, larval, juvenile and adult parameters influencing commercial fishing at Turneffe and how do the specific habitats at Turneffe interact with the life cycles of these species?
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What are the spawning, larval, juvenile and adult parameters influencing important sport fish at Turneffe and how do specific habitats interact with the life cycles of these species? Particular attention needs to be paid to bonefish, permit and tarpon.
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What is the maximum sustainable level for land development at Turneffe?
Ecological Questions:
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Which particularly sensitive areas on the atoll require protection?
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Which sites on the atoll are suitable for what particular type of development
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Which areas should be off-limits for development because of their proximity to particularly sensitive areas?
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Where and when do the spawning aggregations occur around the Turneffe Atoll?
Research & Documentation - Completed Actions:
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Although specific data about Turneffe is lacking, many studies about pertinent topics have been published. A literature search to obtain pertinent information has been undertaken and files have been established. Topics include; a. Responses of coral reefs to sedimentation from dredging, b. Dispersal of Caribbean Spiny Lobster larvae c. The effects of marine preserves and no-take areas and d. The effects of over fishing on Nassau Grouper fisheries in the Caribbean.
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A number of summary articles about Turneffe have been compiled. Some of the more helpful include; A Strategic Environmental Assessment of Tourism Development on Turneffe Atoll, Belize, 1996 by Darren Catterall and “Soil-Plant Relationships and a Revised Vegetation Classification of Turneffe Atoll, Belize” 1999 by Murray, Zisman et al.
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Coral Caye Conservation and the Ocean Society have completed significant research on the Bottlenose Dolphin and the West Indian Manatee at Turneffe.
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“Status of conservation of the American crocodile, Crocodylus acutus, in Belize”, by Platt and Thobjarnarson contributes specific information about the habitat of the American crocodile at Turneffe.
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The Turneffe Islands Coastal Advisory Committee (TICAC), a committee of stakeholders, permitting agencies and relevant non-governmental agencies organized by Belize’s Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, has developed a preliminary set of Development Guidelines for the Turneffe Atoll.
Research & Documentation - Actions in Process:
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Aaron Adams Ph. D., a well-known Marine Biologist specializing in bonefish, permit and tarpon habitat, has been retained to identify the spawning, pre-spawning and juvenile habitats for bonefish at Turneffe. This 2-year project will begin in June 2003. Estimated cost is $47,400.
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GIS mapping of the Turneffe Atoll, to be coordinated by Humboldt State University, is to begin later this year. Estimated cost $100,00.
Research & Documentation - Future Actions:
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A detailed study to ascertain the key aspects of the Spiny Lobster population of Turneffe is necessary to determine meaningful parameters for a sustainable fishery. Estimated cost undetermined.
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A detailed study to ascertain key aspects of the conch population of Turneffe is necessary to determine meaningful parameters for a sustainable fishery. Estimated cost undetermined.
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A comprehensive environmental impact assessment is necessary to assimilate the findings of all relevant research and to make carrying capacity recommendations for fishing, tourism and development. Estimated cost undetermined.