Turneffe Atoll Fisheries Research
Research Relevant to Turneffe Atoll, it’s Sensitive Environment and it’s Unique Economy
Turneffe Atoll Trust’s research efforts have addressed several areas of concern but concentrated on two areas; fisheries research and economic research related to the Turneffe’s environmental assets. Most fisheries research centers around establishing the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR) from 2010-2012. Further, in 2015, we funded an extensive analysis of the Queen Conch population at Turneffe Atoll.
Our economic research emphasizes the need to quantify the economic aspects of Turneffe’s ecological assets for decision makers. A number of key studies substantiate sound economic arguments for protecting Turneffe’s environmental assets.
Other areas of research include Catch & Release Mortality and Climate Change.
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, completed a detailed 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. It was intended to provide solid baseline for a monitoring program leading to a science-based management of this important commercial species.
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 the opening of the Marine Reserve, Turneffe Atoll Trust did an analysis of Turneffe’s commercial fisheries. This included extensive interviews with Turneffe fishermen. Data was obtained for 2004-2009, but similar information has not been readily available for later dates. In spite of increased fishing effort, significant declines in conch and lobster production were noted during this time frame from 2004 to 2009. Over the past 1-12 years fishing efforts have increased and empirical information indicates 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
Fish mortality related to Catch & Release varies widely depending on the fishing methods. Nearly all flats fishing in Belize is done in the shallows with fly fishing gear and small flies, usually with pinched barbs. This style of fishing leads to very low catch and release mortality rates making this fishery a prime example of sustainable tourism for Belize.
This summary of catch and release mortality at Turneffe Atoll is indicative of other flats fishing areas throughout 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’s location immediately in front of Central Belize and Belize City makes it crucial for preventing damage from tropical storms and hurricanes. This study analyzed shoreline protection values related to Turneffe’s coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass beds indicating the substantial financial loss for Belize if these essential habitats are degraded. The below analysis summarizes these impacts.
Turneffe Atoll Storm Mitigation Valuation 2018
TURNEFFE’S TOURISM VALUE
High value, low impact sustainable tourism has been the hallmark of Turneffe Atoll tourism industry for decades. Activity-based tourism focuses on nature-based activities - primarily Scuba Diving, Flats Fishing and Marine Ecotourism, all of which depend directly upon the environmental 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. These values
Balancing Sustainable Tourism and Commercial Fishing in a Marine Protected Area (MPA)-Full Report
The original analysis was done in 2007 revealing an economic impact of $56 million BZD annually and 1,800 full-time jobs related to bonefish, permit and tarpon. This led to the passage of Belize’s Catch & Release Law in 2008.
A follow-up study done in 2013 showed that the economic impact of flats fishing in Belize had increased substantially to $112 million BZD annually.
ECONOMIC IMPACTS OF BELIZE’S SPORT FISHING
2013 Economic Impact for Flats Fishing in Belize
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 concentrations of carbon - so called Blue Carbon. 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