Turneffe Atoll Fisheries Research
Research Relevant to Turneffe Atoll, it’s Sensitive Environment and it’s Unique Economy
Turneffe Atoll Trust’s research has focused on two areas; fisheries and the economic valuation of Turneffe Atoll’s environmental assets. While a number of subjects have been addressed, these themes have been central to our efforts.
Our economic research emphasizes quantifying the economic value of Turneffe’s ecological assets. By generating credible, science-based economic information, we provide critical information for making decisions that support environmental sustainability. Several studies have provided critical economic evidence to guide environmental policy.
From 2010 to 2012, our fisheries research supported the successful establishment of the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR). In 2015, we funded an extensive analysis of the Queen Conch population at Turneffe Atoll. This analysis, which was updated in 2016 and 2022, creates a solid foundation for sustaining this fishery.
Other areas of research include Catch & Release Mortality and Climate Change, both of which are vital to the long-term viability of Turneffe Atoll.
Commercial Fisheries Research
QUEEN CONCH BASELINE ANALYSIS
In 2015, Dr. Alexander Zale and Dr. Robert Bramblett from the Montana State University Fisheries Research Unit, along with Master Degree Student Alex Anderson, conducted a comprehensive analysis of the Queen Conch population at Turneffe Atoll. This baseline population analysis was the most comprehensive analysis of a Queen Conch population undertaken in the Caribbean to date. Its purpose was to establish a reliable scientific foundation for sustainably managing this important commercial species. Follow up analyses in 2016 and 2022 provided comprehensive information to sustainably manage this fishery.
Turneffe Atoll Queen Conch Stock Abundance and Dynamics, 2013-2017
Alex Anderson, Alexander Zale, Robert Bramblett
Following this analysis, Turneffe Atoll Trust funded a genetic analysis of the Queen Conch population in Belize.
Spatial Genetic Structure of Queen Conch Populations in Belize
Alexander Zale, Robert Bramblett, Alex Anderson, Steven Bogdanowicz
TURNEFFE’S COMMERCIAL FISHERIES ASSESSMENTS
Prior to establishment of the Marine Reserve (TAMR), Turneffe Atoll Trust did a comprehensive analysis of Turneffe’s commercial fisheries. The findings revealed a troubling trend: despite increased fishing efforts, there were significant declines in both conch and lobster production during this period. Since then, fishing effort has continued to increase. While quantitative data has been limited, empirical evidence suggests a continued decline in all commercial species.
Status of Turneffe’s Fishing-Fisherman’s Perspective
Turneffe Fishery Analysis 2010
Flats Fishing Research
CATCH AND RELEASE MORTALITY WITH FLATS FISHING
Catch & Release mortality varies widely depending on the fishing methods. In Belize, nearly all flats fishing is done in the shallows (flats) with fly fishing gear using small flies with pinched barbs. This style of fishing results in very low fish mortality making it a prime example of sustainable tourism for Belize.
Research at Turneffe reflects a wider trend throughout Belize: catch and release flats fishing protects key species and supports sustainable tourism for Belize.
Flats Fishing Catch & Release Mortality: Turneffe Atoll, Belize
JUVENILE PERMIT (TRACHINOTUS FALCATUS) HABITAT AT TURNEFFE ATOLL, BELIZE
Sponsored By: Turneffe Atoll Trust
Turneffe Atoll Economic Research
TURNEFFE ATOLL ECONOMIC ANALYSIS
This is a summary analysis by Dr. Anthony Fedler of Turneffe’s most significant economic sectors including tourism and commercial fishing, but also including it’s substantial value in providing storm protection for Central Belize, including Belize City.
Turneffe Atoll Economic Analysis
Anthony Fedler/Turneffe Atoll Trust
Turneffe Atoll Economic Analysis-Executive Summary
Anthony Fedler/Turneffe Atoll Trust
Mangrove and Conservation Value Assessment at Northern Turneffe
J.C. (Jan) Meerman
TURNEFFE ATOLL’S STORM MITIGATION VALUE
Turneffe Atoll plays a critical role in protecting Central Belize and Belize City from the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes. It coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds act as natural barriers, reducing storm surge and coastal erosion. This study highlights the significant losses Belize could face if Turneffe’s habitats are degraded.
Turneffe Atoll Storm Mitigation Valuation 2018
TURNEFFE’S TOURISM VALUE
For decades, high value, low impact sustainable tourism has been the hallmark of Turneffe Atoll tourism industry. Visitors are drawn to nature-based activities suchs as Scuba Diving, Flats Fishing and Marine Ecotourism; all of which depend directly on the health of Turneffe’s reefs, mangroves, backreef flats and sea grass beds.
This analysis by the Center for Responsible Travel (CREST) entitled Balancing Sustainable Tourism and Commercial Fishing in a Marine Protected Area (MPA) summarizes pertinent activities and their economic impacts.
Balancing Sustainable Tourism and Commercial Fishing in a Marine Protected Area (MPA)-Full Report
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF BELIZE’S SPORT FISHING
Flats Fishing is a substantial economic engine for Turneffe Atoll and Belize contributing significantly to the country’s sustainable tourism economy and providing good paying jobs for thousands of Belizeans. A series of economic analyses by Dr. Anthony Fedler demonstrate this value.
In 2007, an analysis of Belize’s flats fishing industry by Dr. Anthony Fedler and Craig Hayes revealed that fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon generated $56 million BZD annually and supported 1,800 full-time jobs related to bonefish, permit and tarpon. These findings contributed to the passage of Belize’s Catch & Release Law in 2008.
A follow-up study done in 2013 by Dr. Fedler, showed that the economic impact of flats fishing in Belize had increased substantially to $112 million BZD annually, highlighting its growing importance to Belize’s economy and sustainable tourism.
2013 Economic Impact for Flats Fishing in Belize
A third study completed in 2022 by Dr. Fedler, revealed that catch and release fishing for bonefish, permit and tarpon generated $246 million BZD annually (6.7% of Gross Domestic Product) for Belize and supported 6,000 jobs.
2022 Belize Flats Fishing Economic Report
Turneffe’s Blue Carbon Value
Turneffe encompasses nearly 6,500 hectares of mangrove forest, more than 36,000 hectares of seagrass beds and 4,195 hectares of coral reef which hold substantial amounts of “blue carbon. These caron-rich habitats play a vital role in global climate mitigation and represent another natural asset tied to the protection and sustainability of Turneffe’s environment. Turneffe’s Blue Carbon stores are yet another natural asset directly related to preserving the atoll’s environment.
The Value of Turneffe Atoll Blue Carbon
Climate Change Research
Climate change affects all areas of the world and Turneffe is no exception. This summary by Dr. Benavides addresses the current changes and potential impacts of climate change for Turneffe Atoll.
Climate Change Impacts to Turneffe Atoll
Dr. Julio Benavides, PhD