Coral Reef Degradation

An Overview of Turneffe’s Coral Reefs Relative to Global Coral Reef Decline

“Turneffe Atoll is one of the true gems of the Caribbean. Its combination of healthy coral reef, back reef flats, extensive sea grass beds and mangrove stands to identify it as the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in the Caribbean. Interactions between coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves are fundamental to the continued existence of these three interconnected ecosystems.“ (Catterall et al. 1996).

Turneffe’s coral reefs are the backbone of the atoll - the largest and most biologically diverse atoll in our hemisphere. A fringe of coral reef surrounds the Turneffe Atoll with large coral patches found throughout the atoll, particularly in the North. Turneffe’s reef includes extensive backreef flats along the seaward side providing unique habitat for schools of bonefish and permit. Turneffe Atoll contains an extensive and exceptionally diverse array of marine life including a number of threatened or endangered species.

Coral reefs are under duress and declining world-wide. Climate change with associated sea warming along with ocean acidification related to greenhouse gasses are damaging corals everywhere. Additional factors including over fishing, pollution, mangrove deforestation, dredging and other destructive development play additional and more variable roles depending on the location. A significant bleaching event occurred at Turneffe in 1998.

Although Turneffe’s coral face severe challenges like coral reefs everywhere, Turneffe’s reefs remain relatively healthy due partly to the efforts of Turneffe Atoll Trust and other conservation organizations.