Pez Maya January-March 2011 Quaterly Report

Global Vision International 2011 Report Series No. 001

GVI Mexico

Pez Maya Marine Expedition

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Quarterly Report 111

January- March 2011

GVI Mexico, Pez Maya Expedition Report 111

Submitted in whole toGVI

Amigo de Sian Ka’anComisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP)

Produced by

Vicki Bush – Base ManagerEdward Houlcroft – Science and Dive Officer

Nicola Weeden – Science OfficerMartin Stelfox – Science and Dive Officer

Jack Fazey – Dive Officer Sarah Davies – Science Officer

And

Zoe Baty Volunteer Carolyn Popoli VolunteerChristina Ruffle Volunteer Jacob Kowalewski Volunteer

Kylie Nordstrand Volunteer Patrick Vincent VolunteerSimon Nunn Volunteer Jamie Coleman Volunteer

Michelle Thomas Volunteer Philip Holmqvist Volunteer

Susanna Burmeister VolunteerArely Penguilly

Macias NSP

Martha Schnellmann VolunteerAraceli Lopez Patoni

Caro NSPRachael Boothman Volunteer Daniel Mendoza ScholarLee Christina Sotis Volunteer Emily Ross Scholar

Susie Bradwell Volunteer Tobias Spegel-Lexne VolunteerIda Dotevall Volunteer Nicholas Chisholm VolunteerCarla Deane Volunteer Samantha Mehltretter Volunteer

Kristina Stepan Volunteer Charlotte Wallmark VolunteerOliver Hefford Volunteer

Edited by Sarah DaviesLluvia Soto

GVI Mexico, Pez Maya

Email: [email protected] Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com

Executive Summary

The 31st ten week phase of the Pez Maya, Mexico, GVI expedition has now been

completed. The programme has maintained working relationships with local communities

through both English classes and local community events. The programme has continued

to work towards the gathering of important environmental scientific data whilst working

with local, national and international partners. The following projects have been run during

Phase 111:

Monitoring of strategic sites along the coast.

Training of volunteers in the MBRS methodology including fish, hard coral, and

algae identification.

Continuing the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Programme (SMP) for the selected sites

within the northern Sian Ka’an Biosphere to provide regional decision makers with

up to date information on the ecological condition of the reef.

Providing English lessons and environmental education opportunities for the local

community.

Further developing of the recycling Project “Punta Allen Verde”.

Continuation of the Mayan Farm Project, Nuevo Durango Organic farm, assisting a

local Mayan community to establish and develop a composting programme.

Liaising with local partners to develop a successful and feasible programme of

research in collaboration with GVI into the future.

Continue adding to a coral and fish species list that will expand over time as a

comprehensive guide for the region.

Continuation of weekly beach cleans within the reserve, monitoring waste

composition and trends.

Daily bird monitoring and Incidental sightings program.

Marine Turtle Monitoring Programme along the Pez Maya beach.

Continuation of the National Scholarship Programme, whereby GVI Pez Maya

accepts a Mexican national on a scholarship basis into the expedition.

© GVI – 2010 ii

Table of Contents

Executive Summary.............................................................................................................iiList of Figures.....................................................................................................................ivList of Tables......................................................................................................................iv1. Introduction.................................................................................................................52. Synoptic Monitoring Programme...............................................................................6

2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................62.2 Aims......................................................................................................................82.3 Methodology.........................................................................................................82.4 Results.................................................................................................................102.5 Discussion...........................................................................................................13

3. Community programme.................................................................................................163.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................163.2 Aims....................................................................................................................163.3 Activities and Achievements..............................................................................163.4 Review................................................................................................................17

4. Incidental Sightings.......................................................................................................194.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................194.2 Aims....................................................................................................................194.3 Methodology.......................................................................................................194.4 Results.................................................................................................................204.5 Discussion...........................................................................................................21

5. Marine Litter Monitoring Programme...........................................................................245.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................245.2 Aims....................................................................................................................245.3 Methodology.......................................................................................................245.4 Results.................................................................................................................255.5 Discussion...........................................................................................................26

6. Bird Monitoring Programme..........................................................................................276.1 Introduction.........................................................................................................276.2 Aims....................................................................................................................276.3 Methodology.......................................................................................................286.4 Results.................................................................................................................28

7. References......................................................................................................................328. Appendices.....................................................................................................................34

Appendix I – SMP Methodology Outlines...............................................................34Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List.......................................................38Appendix III - Juvenile Fish Indicator Species List.................................................39Appendix IV - Coral Species List.............................................................................40Appendix V - Fish Species List................................................................................41Appendix VI - Bird Species List...............................................................................45

iii

List of Figures

Figure 2-3-1 The monitoring sites of Pez Maya (Courtesy of JuniperGIS)

Figure 2-4-1 Percentage of diseased colonies presenting different diseases, across all sites

Figure 2-4-2 Breakdown of percentage coral cover observed this phase, by site

Figure 2-4-3 Total number of individuals recorded within each family for each monitoring site

Figure 5-4-1 Breakdown of marine litter collected

Figure 6-4-1 Total composition of birds sighted in phase 111 (“Other” refers to species presenting a

percentage of 1% or less).

Figure 6-4-2 The most commonly recorded species (more than 50) in the first quarter of 2011

(phase 111) compared to 2010 (phase 101)

Figure 6-4-3 Bird sightings by status

List of Tables

Table 2-3-1 GPS locations of the monitoring sites. GPS points are listed here in the WGS84 datum.

Table 2-4-1 Total number of individuals recorded for each monitoring site and the average number

of individuals recorded per transect for adult and juvenile fish

Table 4-4-1 Number of sightings for each category during phase 111

iv

1. Introduction

The Yucatan Peninsula is fringed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), the

second largest barrier reef system in the world, extending over 4 countries. Starting from

Isla Contoy at the North of the Yucatan Peninsula it stretches down the Eastern coast of

Mexico down to Belize via Honduras and Guatemala.

The GVI Marine Programme was initiated within Mexico with the setup of its first base, Pez

Maya, in the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve in 2003. Since then the programme has

flourished, with a sister site being set up in the south of Quintana Roo at Punta Gruesa.

Both projects assist our partners, Amigos de Sian Ka’an (ASK) and Comisión Nacional de

Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) in obtaining baseline data along the coast of

Quintana Roo through marine surveys. This data allows ASK to focus on the areas

needing immediate environmental regulation depending on susceptibility and therefore,

implement management protection plans as and when required.

With the continuing development of the Riviera Maya, effective monitoring is becoming

ever-more important. Inadvertent environmental degradation can be prevented if the

appropriate measures are taken to advocate long-term, sustainable ecotourism. Continual

assessment of Sian Ka’an’s reef health can support and develop management strategies

for the area, the work outlined in this report forming a key part of that assessment.

Methodologies continue to be improved and focused as experience is gained and

improvement to data quality is continuous. A full Annual Report will collate and summarize

all data and enable more descriptive and accurate analysis.

The following research/monitoring programmes have been carried out this phase:

The MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Programme

Community Work Programme

Incidental Sightings

Marine Littering Monitoring Programme

Bird Monitoring Programme

© GVI – 2010 Page 5

2. Synoptic Monitoring Programme

2.1 Introduction

The Synoptic Monitoring Programme looks to evaluate the overall health of the reef by

looking at three main areas: Benthic cover, fish populations and physical parameters.

Benthic Cover

Caribbean reefs were once dominated by hard coral, with huge Acropora palmata stands

on the reef crests and Acropora cervicornis and Montastraea annularis dominating the fore

reef. Today, many reefs in the Caribbean have been overrun by macro algae during a

phase shift which is thought to have been brought about by numerous factors including a

decrease in herbivory from fishing and other pressures, eutrophication from land-based

activities and disease (McClanahan & Muthiga, 1998).

Benthic transects record the abundance of all benthic species as well as looking at coral

health. The presence of corals on the reef is in itself an indicator of health, not only

because of the reefs’ current state, but also for its importance to fish populations (Spalding

& Jarvis, 2002). Coral health is not only impacted by increased nutrients and algal growth,

but by other factors, both naturally occurring and anthropogenically introduced. A report

produced by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring

Centre (UNEP-WCMC) in 2004 stated that nearly 66% of Caribbean reefs are at risk from

anthropogenic activities, with over 40% of reefs at high to very high risk (UNEP-WCMC,

2006).

Through monitoring the abundances of hard corals, algae and various other key benthic

species, as well as numbers of Diadema urchin encountered, we aim to determine not only

the current health of the local reefs but also to track any shifts in phase state over time.

Fish Populations

Fish surveys are focused on specific species that play an important role in the ecology of

the reef as herbivores, carnivores, commercially important fish or those likely to be

affected by human activities (AGRRA, 2000).

© GVI – 2010 Page 6

For more in depth rationale of the importance of each of the key fish families please see

previous GVI Pez Maya reports.

All reef fish play an important role in maintaining the health and balance of a reef

community. Fishing typically removes larger predatory fish from the reef, which not only

alters the size structure of the reef fish communities, but with the reduction in predation

pressure, the abundance of fish further down the food chain is now determined through

competition for resources (AGRRA, 2000).

Although each fish is important, the removal of herbivores can have a considerable impact

on the health of the reef, particularly in an algal dominated state, which without their

presence has little chance of returning to coral dominance. Through the monitoring of

these fish and by estimating their size, the current condition of the reef at each site can be

assessed, any trends or changes can be tracked and improvements or deteriorations

determined.

The monitoring of juvenile fish concentrates on a few specific species. The presence and

number of larvae at different sites can be used as an indication of potential future

population size and diversity. Due to the extensive distribution of larvae, however,

numbers cannot be used to determine the spawning potential of a specific reef. The

removal of fish from a population as a result of fishing, however, may influence spawning

potential and affect larval recruitment on far away reefs. The removal of juvenile predators

through fishing may also alter the number of recruits surviving to spawn themselves

(AGRRA, 2000).

Together with the information collected about adult fish a balanced picture of the reef fish

communities at different sites can be obtained.

Physical Parameters

For the optimum health and growth of coral communities certain factors need to remain

relatively stable. Measurements of turbidity, water temperature, salinity, cloud cover, and

sea state are taken during survey dives. Temperature increases or decreases can

negatively influence coral health and survival. As different species have different optimum

temperature ranges, changes can also influence species richness. Corals also require

© GVI – 2010 Page 7

clear waters to allow for optimal photosynthesis. The turbidity of the water can be

influenced by weather, storms or high winds stirring up the sediment, or anthropogenic

activities such as deforestation and coastal construction. Increased turbidity reduces light

levels and can result in stress to the coral. Any increase in coral stress levels can result in

them becoming susceptible to disease or result in a bleaching event.

In the near future, GVI Pez Maya hopes to be able to use this data for analysis of temporal

and seasonal changes and try to correlate any coral health issues with sudden or

prolonged irregularities within these physical parameters.

2.2 Aims

The projects at Pez Maya and Punta Gruesa aim to identify coral and fish species with a

long term, continuous dataset allowing changes in the ecosystem to be identified. The

projects also aim to ascertain areas of high species diversity and abundance. The data is

then supplied to the project partners who can use the data to support management plans

for the area.

2.3 Methodology

The methods employed for the underwater visual census work are those outlined in the

MBRS manual (Almada-Villela et al., 2003), but to summarize, GVI use three separate

methods for buddy pairs:

Buddy method 1: Surveys of corals, algae and other sessile organisms

Buddy method 2: Belt transect counts for coral reef fish

Buddy Method 3: Coral Rover and Fish Rover diver

The separate buddy pair systems are outlined in detail in Appendix I.

The 9 sites that are monitored as part of the MBRS programme at GVI Pez Maya,

replicates a similar study conducted over 15 years ago (Padilla et al. 1992), concentrating

monitoring efforts on the reefs in the northern area of the Sian Ka’an Biosphere (See

Figure 2-3-1 below.

© GVI – 2010 Page 8

These sites have 21 stations in total and are monitored every 3 months to give a long term

evaluation of the reef health.

Figure 2-3-1 The monitoring sites of Pez Maya (Courtesy of JuniperGIS)

© GVI – 2010 Page 9

Location Site ID Depth (m) Latitude LongitudeLa Colonia LC10 10.9 19.78693º N 087.43310º W

LC20 17.9 19.78637º N 087.42628º WPaso Juana PJ05 6.1 20.01498º N 087.46475º W

PJ10 9.1 20.01690º N 087.46215º WPaso

LagrimasPL05 3 20.05045º N 087.47035º WPL10 6.7 20.05200º N 087.46625º WPL20 16.7 20.05138º N 087.46275º W

Punta Xamach

PX05 7.4 19.93205º N 087.43415º WPX10 12.3 19.93395º N 087.43355º WPX20 16.2 19.93333º N 087.43213º W

Table 2-3-1 GPS locations of the monitoring sites. GPS points are listed here in the WGS84 datum.

The sites have a wide range of types of reef including spur and groove formations.

2.4 Results

A total of 104 transects were successfully completed, from three stations. However, due to

rough sea conditions and strong winds, the 5m sites at Paso Juana and Paso Lagrimas

and all depths at Punta Xamach and La Colonia were not monitored.

Benthic Cover

A total of 216 corals were monitored for coral community studies, sighting 58 incidences of

disease (26.85%). Dark spot disease was the most prevalent, accounting for 60.34% of

the diseases seen; approximately 94% of the dark spot recorded was found on Siderastrea

siderea colonies. Other diseases noted during this phase were white plague, black band

and yellow blotch (Figure 2-4-1). There were no recorded sightings of hyperplasms,

neoplasms or patchy necrosis. Different levels of bleaching were recorded on 29.17% of all

corals monitored; 19.05% of these were partially bleached and 80.95% pale bleached. No

corals were recorded as totally bleached. The majority of pale bleaching (66.67%) was

seen on Siderastrea siderea. Sponges were the most common form of predation recorded,

accounting for 68.97% of all coral colonies affected by different predators. Other forms of

predation seen were the encrusting gorgonian, damselfish predation, zoanthids, Millepora

predation and mat tunicates.

© GVI – 2010 Page 10

Figure 2-4-1. Percentage of diseased colonies presenting different diseases, across all sites

The point intercept data showed average hermatypic coral coverage to be 12.94% across

all the sites, while macroalgae coverage remains considerably higher, at 49.78%. The

remaining 50.22% is made up of smaller and less abundant reef creatures, such as

bryozoans, corallimorphs, coralline algae, gorgonians, sponges, tunicates and zoanthids.

Of the 233 corals monitored along the PI transects, Siderastrea siderea was the most

commonly seen, accounting for 25.75%, while Agaricia agaricites was the second most

common coral (18.03%). PL20 showed the highest percentage coral cover with 17.17%,

whereas PJ10 had the least coral cover with just 8.33% (Figure 2-4-2).

Figure 2-4-2- Breakdown of percentage coral cover observed this phase, by site

© GVI – 2010 Page 11

Fish Populations.

349 adult target fish and 298 juvenile fish were recorded over 24 transects. The average

number of fish recorded per transect ranged from 12.25 (PL20) to 16.5 (PL10) (Figure 2-4-

3). PJ10 shows the highest biomass for all fish for each of the sites with 24.03g/m² (Table

2-4-1). PJ10 also showed the highest diversity (Shannon H 11.48 and Simpson D 8.28).

The most commonly record family was Acanthuridae (Surgeonfish), making up 51.6% of

the total number of adult fish recorded, followed by Haemulidae (Grunts) with 17.8%.

Figure 2-4-3. Total number of individuals recorded within each family for each monitoring site

Table 2-4-1. Total number of individuals recorded for each monitoring site and the average number of individuals recorded per transect for adult and juvenile fish

PJ10 PL10 PL20

Total number of adult individuals 119 132 98

Average number of adult fish per transect 14.88 16.5 12.25

Total fish biomass (g/m²) 24.03 22.56 15.96

Total number of juvenile individuals 120 110 67

Average number of juveniles per transect 15 13.75 8.38

© GVI – 2010 Page 12

The 298 juvenile fish recorded covered four families. The most commonly recorded

juvenile family was Labridae, with the three most common species recorded being;

Thalassoma bifasciatum (Bluehead Wrasse), Stegastes partitus (Bicolour Damsel) and

Chromis cyanea (Blue Chromis).

2.5 Discussion

Macroalgae is consistently the dominant benthic species recorded at Pez Maya. This is in

line with benthic cover in the rest of the Caribbean, since a recent phase shift from coral to

algal dominance. The average percentage coral cover across the Caribbean is

approximately 16% (Schutte et al., 2010), but at Pez Maya this phase, it was found to be

12.94%. The variation in percentage coral cover could be attributable to the differences in

location, which will allow for variation in currents and therefore nutrient cycling, along with

variation in growth factors such as salinity, temperature and turbidity. As seen in the fish

data analysis section of this report, PJ10 has a low number of grazing fish species. This

could contribute to the low percentage coral cover at this site, as corals are competing with

algal species for space, light and nutrients. The fish analysis also shows that PL20, the site

with the highest percentage coral cover, shows the greatest number of grazing fish

species, which could be aiding coral growth by constantly grazing down algae.

Siderastrea siderea was recorded as the most abundant coral this phase – this species

tends to be particularly susceptible to bleaching, which explains the high percentage of

pale bleached corals recorded, as the majority of those observed with bleaching were S.

siderea. Its susceptibility to bleaching could be a result of the clade of zooxanthellae

housed by the coral. Coral bleaching can occur through an increase in water temperature,

which causes the zooxanthellae to die and be expelled by the coral. When this happens,

the coral can no longer photosynthesise, the flesh loses its colour which is usually created

by the zooxanthellae, and the colony becomes “bleached”. Zooxanthellae are

dinoflagellates of the genus Symbiodinium, of which there are several clades, or groups.

Sampayo et al. (2008) found that each clade has fine-scale differences, which allows some

to be more thermally tolerant than others. Some coral species can harbour more than one

clade, whereas others may be restricted to only one.

© GVI – 2010 Page 13

Dark spot disease was the most prevalent disease recorded this phase. Dark spot disease

was most frequently seen on Siderastrea siderea – a coral which is particularly susceptible

to this disease. Siderastrea siderea was also the species observed with the most

bleaching – therefore this result is unsurprising, as bleaching causes great stress to a

coral and the colony can become much more vulnerable to diseases (Humann & DeLoach,

2008). Sponges were the most prevalent predator on corals this phase; perhaps as a

direct result of the vast numbers of sponges growing on the reefs around Pez Maya. Ten

per cent of the PI transect points were accounted for by different types of sponge.

Acanthuridae was once again the dominant family recorded during this phase making up

over half of all adult fish sightings. Acanthuridae are an important grazer on the reefs

keeping down algae levels allowing space for new coral recruits to attach and grow. Within

shallow reef areas it is not uncommon to observe large mixed aggregations of Acanthurus

coeruleus (Blue Tang), A.bahianus (Ocean Surgeonfish) and A.chirurgus (Doctorfish)

grazing on the algae abundant on these reefs (Deloach, N. 1999). Haemulidae were seen

to be the dominant family on PJ10. Haemulidae have been known to show the largest

biomass in areas that have large expanses of seagrass bed or sand flats (Humann &

DeLoach 2008b) feeding on the crustaceans and invertebrates which are known to forage

in these areas. The surrounding area of PJ10 would be perfect for this with the spur and

grove reef surrounded by sandy areas and has seagrass beds boarding the shallower

areas of the reef.

The trend of Juvenile recruitment tends to be lower in the winter months at Pez Maya.

After the high number of juvenile fish recorded last year the average number recorded per

transect for this phase was lower. The target juvenile fish species were common on the

reef although the majority were too large to be counted indicating that these are the

individuals monitored during pervious phases. The later phases of this year will show

whether the recruitment on the reefs will continue to show the promising results of

increased numbers seen during 2010. It is also an encouraging sign to see more juveniles

on the reefs as over the last year the number of Lionfish sighted on the reef has been

increasing with each phase. Lionfish are known to target juvenile fish and have a dramatic

effect on the recruitment of the reef (Morris, J. et al. 2009). When Lionfish have been

caught at Pez Maya their stomach are dissected and the most commonly seen fish are

© GVI – 2010 Page 14

juvenile wrasse species. Future studies will enable us to find out if the increase in lionfish

sightings has an effect on the recruitment of the reefs.

© GVI – 2010 Page 15

3. Community programme

3.1 Introduction

GVI is committed to working with the local communities, assisting them to guide their

development towards a sustainable future. For that, activities are centred in two main

aspects: English and Environmental Education.

GVI hopes to provide the local community with the tools to develop the area beneficially for

themselves, their professions and needs, whilst protecting it for the future. Consequently,

during both the child and adult education programs, wherever possible an environmental

theme has been included within the structure of the lessons.

3.2 Aims

The aims of the community programme in Pez Maya are:

1. To raise awareness about the importance of the ecosystems that surround their

area, providing them with information about it and organizing activities to reinforce

the knowledge given.

2. To provide locals with English lessons that will help them to develop a skill that is

necessary for them in order to be able to communicate with the growing tourist

visitors that come to the area.

3. To participate in the different activities that are organized by the locals and provide

help if it is needed.

3.3 Activities and Achievements

Nuevo Durango

Due to the soil composition, amount of rocks and lack of nutrients found within the thin soil

of the Yucatán Peninsula, growing crops can be a challenging business. During the weekly

visits to Nuevo Durango, staff and volunteers work on farms collecting soil and cutting

vegetation, in preparation for setting up a compost pit; each week a different family is

helped. The compost produced is used by local families to grow a range of organic crops

that can be sold locally. In order to expose volunteers to the way of life in Nuevo Durango,

each week, the host family prepares lunch for the volunteers, allowing the group to

exchange experiences and learn about each other’s life and culture.

© GVI – 2010 Page 16

Pez Maya also supports the Mayan farmers by purchasing some of the weekly fruit and

vegetable supply from the host families.

Punta Allen

Volunteers visit the village once a week during the phase. English lessons for children are

carried out during school hours to ensure the maximum number of children benefit from

the curricula. Three different educational levels are targeted: Kindergarten, Primary and

Secondary school. Volunteers are in charge of preparing lesson plans, including English

language topics and fun activities, such as games, song and painting. Often an

environmental theme is included in the lessons.

Pez Maya also started a recycling project “Punta Allen Verde” (PAVER) in April 2010. The

project has several objectives: to create a solid waste separation programme, to

encourage people to participate and separate household solid waste with which a

proportion of the profits will support financially the recycling centre, and to establish Punta

Allen as an exemplary community for the region.

Following the delivery of the classes, volunteers participate in a range of activities at the

recycling centre, for example plastic collection around town, tidying up the centre, making

containers for the recycling. The activities vary depending on what have the people in the

village needing doing.

3.4 Review

Nuevo Durango

Over seven weeks, seven families were worked with at the organic farm. Volunteers

travelled to the farm to spend the day working on setting up composting areas and making

the compost itself. They were also shown how to make the growing areas needed to be

able to grow the crops the village uses themselves and those that are sold on. Good

relationships have formed between volunteers and the families, and most days have

involved a tour of the villages’ insect museum to learn a little more about the local wildlife.

© GVI – 2010 Page 17

Punta Allen

The deterioration of the road meant that Punta Allen could only be visited once during this

quarter. During this visit the kindergarten children reviewed the lessons from the previous

year covering colours, numbers and shapes and also introductions. The Primary and

Secondary school children were helped with working through their English text books.

In the afternoon volunteers worked in the recycling centre helping with the PAVER project.

The volunteers went around town collecting the recycling and helping to prepare the

recycling centre to make it more inviting to the local people.

© GVI – 2010 Page 18

4. Incidental Sightings

4.1 Introduction

GVI Pez Maya has implemented an incidental sightings program since 2003. This species

are good indicators of reef health and provide early warnings of changes, therefore it is

useful to continue keeping long-term records of which species are around. Species that

make up the incidental sightings list are:

Sharks

Rays

Eels

Turtles

Marine Mammals

Lionfish

Snakes and crocodiles

Terrestrial mammals

These groups are identified to species level where possible and added to the data

collected by the Ocean Biogeographic Information Systems Spatial Ecological Analysis of

Megavertebrate Populations (OBIS-SEAMAP) database. An interactive online archive for

marine mammal, seabird and turtle data, OBIS-SEAMAP aims to improve understanding

of the distribution and ecology of marine mega fauna by quantifying global patterns of

biodiversity, undertaking comparative studies, and monitoring the status of and impacts on

threatened species.

4.2 Aims

The aim of the project is to record all mega fauna sightings in the vicinity of Pez Maya and

to keep track of the population numbers and spread of lionfish.

4.3 Methodology

Each time an incidental sighting species is seen on a dive, snorkel or around Pez Maya

base, it is identified, and the date, time, location, depth it was seen at, and size are all

© GVI – 2010 Page 19

recorded. The volunteers are provided with a Mega fauna presentation during science

training, which aids in identification of shark, ray and turtle species.

For the first time in 093 GVI Pez Maya began recording lionfish sightings. Over the past

decade the Pacific Lionfish (Pterois volitans and P. miles) has established itself along the

Atlantic coast as a result of multiple releases (intentional or otherwise) from private

aquaria. This invasive species lacking in natural predators, has adapted well to the warm

waters of the Caribbean, and is currently spreading its geographical range along the

Mesoamerican coastline.

4.4 Results

During phase 111 a total of 279 incidental sightings were recorded, 138 of these being

lionfish sightings.

Table 4-4-1. Number of sightings for each category during phase 111

Category Total Number of Sightings

Lionfish 138

Rays 61

Eels 22

Marine Mammals 16

Turtles 16

Sharks 15

Snakes and Crocodiles 11

A total of 16 turtle sightings were recorded, an increase from the 9 that were recorded

during the previous 3 months. A total of 3 different turtle species were recorded; the Green

turtle, the Hawksbill turtle and the Loggerhead turtle. The fourth species that can be found

in the area, the Leatherback, is categorised as critically endangered by the IUCN, and has

not been recorded since monitoring began. Within the total of 16 individuals, 8 were

Green, 3 were Hawksbill, 1 was a Loggerhead and 4 were unidentified individuals.

© GVI – 2010 Page 20

When broken down into categories, the shark species sighted were 13 Nurse sharks, 1

Bull shark and 1 Scalloped Hammerhead (a first for Pez Maya!). The 3 other species that

have been sighted previously (Blacktip, Reef shark and Great Hammerhead) were not

seen.

Rays were the most commonly sighted species with a total of 61 sightings. There are

several species of ray that are monitored; the Caribbean Stingray, Giant Manta Ray,

Lesser Electric Ray, Southern Stingray, Spotted Eagle Ray and Yellow Stingray. The

Southern Stingray was the most commonly sighted of the rays with a total of 45 sightings;

this seems to be the case for every phase.

Of the marine mammals sighted, Bottlenose dolphins and Atlantic spotted dolphins

accounted for the majority; with totals of 6 and 7 sightings respectively. It is worth noting,

however, that they were seen as one pod of 7 Atlantic spotted, and two pods of 3

Bottlenose dolphins. Manatees follow the trend of low numbers of sightings since 2007

with just 3 recorded.

Phase 111 saw low numbers in recorded sightings of snakes and crocodiles; 4 American

crocodiles and 7 unidentified snake sightings. Since 2010, sightings of snakes and

crocodiles have been steadily increasing with the majority being snake sightings; however

the data from this phase does not seem to follow this pattern.

Since the lionfish monitoring started there has been a dramatic increase in sightings. This

phase 138 individual sightings were recorded; this makes up nearly half of all the

incidental sightings, and is almost double the 98 that were sighted over the previous 3

month phase.

4.5 Discussion

Incidental sightings of large marine creatures are often good indicators of how healthy an

ecosystem is. As can be seen from the data, the number of sightings and species

recorded varies from phase to phase, with few obvious trends. These species are highly

mobile animals and therefore their movements depend on a range of external factors.

Phase 101 had the greatest total number of recorded incidental sightings since the

© GVI – 2010 Page 21

implementation of the programme. However, variation in recorded numbers could be a

reflection of the amount of diving that occurred. Over the past two years there has been a

steady increase in the number of sightings, suggesting an increase in reef health. In 2007,

Hurricane Dean hit the coast of Mexico and greatly affected the reef and animals that live

in and around it. The number of incidental sightings recorded during and since 2010 shows

a return to similar numbers before the hurricane hit, suggesting some reef recovery.

Turtles were one of the least recorded species, this follows a predictable pattern. Nesting

season for all turtle species found on the Yucatan runs between May and September

which coincides with the second and third quarters or phases of each year. Phase 111 is

outside the season and subsequently would show reduced numbers of turtle sightings.

This pattern is encouraging and shows a relatively stable population of turtle species in

Pez Maya’s region.

There appears to be a general trend over previous phases of rays being the most

commonly sighted species, aside from lionfish. This is again true and could be for a

number of reasons; rays tend to lay stationary on sandy bottoms in open water and would

therefore be more easily spotted. They are also frequently seen close to the shore whilst

observers are swimming or snorkeling and this too could explain the slightly higher

numbers recorded. Since the project began, there is a clear trend that sightings of

Southern stingrays are slowly on the rise, a thriving species could be the reason for

incline, however this doesn’t appear to be a seasonal trend and could simply be

improvements in what is now a well established incidental sightings program. It is worth

noting that, during one dive, a group of 10 Southern stingrays were observed together

resting on the sand whilst one swam around above them. This behaviour has not been

observed here before, and it seems likely it was a mating ritual.

The lower numbers of eel and shark sightings could be due to the lifestyle of the species.

Eels hide in rocky crevices away from passing predators or prey and are therefore more

difficult to spot. Sharks are generally mobile and pelagic, and sightings would

subsequently not be as common. This is with the exception of the nurse shark however,

which was the most commonly sighted shark species. Nurse sharks are reef dwellers and

are able to remain in one place without having to move to breathe; therefore they are most

likely to be spotted on Pez Maya sites. The Scalloped Hammerhead shark that was

© GVI – 2010 Page 22

observed at a depth of around 18 meteres has been the only one sighted at a Pez Maya

dive site. Hammerhead sharks are considered oceanic but sometimes cruise reefs or reef

walls, they are also more likely to be seen in the colder waters of the winter season, the

same being true for Bull sharks. On occasions sharks have also been observed in the

shallows near the lagoon mouth; however exact numbers and species can often be

mistaken as only the fin is seen.

The majority of mammals seen were dolphins, with the exception of three manatees.

Mammals are difficult to monitor as they generally inhabit deeper pelagic waters. In

addition dolphins are mostly observed from the surface by boat, therefore exact numbers

can be difficult to determine. Manatees generally prefer the calmer waters of the mangrove

lagoons than the ocean, which could explain the reduced numbers.

As in the previous three month phase (phase 104), there were lower numbers of sightings

of snakes and crocodiles. Sightings have been steadily increasing over the past year with

the majority being snake sightings. Mangroves are the likely place to encounter crocodiles

which involves a walk to the bridge early morning or early evening. This would suggest

that in previous phases more people are actively seeking to look for crocodiles, and results

would therefore depend on the volunteers there are on base. Snakes are cold-blooded and

tend to hibernate during the winter months; this could also indicate why the number of

sightings was lower.

The staggering increase in lionfish sightings poses a potentially large problem for the reefs

at Pez Maya. This problem will only increase unless more efforts are made to keep the

population in check. Regular catch and removal of this species is vital to reduce the

increasing numbers.

It could be thought that some categories or species (e.g. snakes and land mammals) may

be under-represented, as observers tend to concentrate on known target species and

forget to record other species. In general, sightings are on the increase, which not only

indicates an improvement in the quality of data collection and recording, but is also a good

indicator of reef health in the area.

© GVI – 2010 Page 23

5. Marine Litter Monitoring Programme.

5.1 Introduction

Pez Maya’s location on the Yucatan Peninsula means that it faces the Caribbean Current.

This is a circular current that combined with the Loop current and the Yucatan current,

transports a significant amount of water northwest ward through the Caribbean Sea. The

main source is from the equatorial Atlantic Ocean via the North Equatorial, North Brazil

and Guiana Currents. Due to the volume of water that is transported and both the nature

and origin of the said currents, it is possible that the litter being found is from quite far

afield. Other factors also include outflows from rivers and storm drains etc. If this is the

most common source for the marine debris then it is likely that weather changes, which

have an impact on both tidelines and sea turbulence, will have a direct and noticeable

effect on the amount of rubbish washed up.

Marine litter is prevalent along the Caribbean coast and is not only unsightly but a health

hazard to marine life and humans alike. In order to collect more data on this issue a beach

clean program will be conducted every phase. This is part of a worldwide program and is

just one method of investigation to discover where marine litter originates from and which

materials are most common.

5.2 Aims

This project has three main aims:

Quantified data and photographic evidence as to the extent of marine litter.

Conservation of terrestrial and marine fauna threatened by litter.

Improvement of beach aesthetics.

Creation of a monitoring programme that can be implemented in other locations

within the reserve.

5.3 Methodology

Marine litter is collected weekly on a 300 metre stretch of beach south of base. The

transect is cleared one week prior to the commencement of the monitoring program, in

order that only a weekly amount of debris is recorded. Materials are collected from the

tidemark to the vegetation line to eliminate waste created by inland terrestrial sources.

© GVI – 2010 Page 24

The waste is separated, weighed and recorded by the categories below:

Fabric

Glass

Plastic

Polystyrene

Metal

Natural material (modified)

Medical waste

Rubber

Rope

Other

5.4 Results

Nine representative weekly litter picks were conducted this phase, collecting a total of

103.9 kg of marine litter. Plastic accounted for approximately 52.4% of the total weight

collected. Even though polystyrene was one of the lightest categories in terms of weight, a

large percentage of polystyrene contributed to the overall breakdown of total rubbish

collected

Figure 5-4-1. Breakdown of marine litter collected

© GVI – 2010 Page 25

5.5 Discussion

As has been the case for the majority of monitors, plastics have again constituted the

largest volume of all the categories this phase. This could be due to its light weight making

it easy to transport and its robustness against degradation. The fact that the level of plastic

found is consistently high from phase to phase is a worrying trend as when plastics such

as Polythene, found in plastic bags, breakdown they form smaller plastic particles that can

contaminate the food web and be passed on through the trophic levels. Plastic debris can

act like a sponge soaking up toxic chemical compounds. Once these are ingested into the

food chain the high concentrations will be spread from organism to organism until the

levels become fatal.

Even though the data shows a large volume of rubbish being collected from a relatively

small section of beach, the results do not do justice to the actual problem at hand.

Plastic bottles collected may not necessarily be washed up by sea, but could be deposited

on land by visitors. In addition, heavier materials such as metals and water logged fabrics

are likely to sink to the sea bed, and subsequently would not get washed up on our

shorelines and included in the monitoring transects.

© GVI – 2010 Page 26

6. Bird Monitoring Programme

6.1 Introduction

With regard to avi-fauna, Mexico, Central and South America can be divided into three

distinct regions separated by mountain ranges: the Pacific slope, the Interior and the

Atlantic slope. These regions can be further divided into other sub-zones, based on a

variety of habitats.

The Yucatan Peninsula lies on the Atlantic slope and is geographically very different from

the rest of Mexico: It is a low-level limestone shelf on the east coast extending north into

the Caribbean. The vegetation ranges from rainforest in the south to arid scrub

environments in the north. The coastlines are predominantly sandy beaches but also

include extensive networks of mangroves and lagoons, providing a wide variety of habitats

capable of supporting large resident populations of birds.

Due to the location of the Yucatan peninsula, its population of resident breeders is

significantly enlarged by seasonal migrants. There are four different types of migratory

birds: Winter visitors migrate south from North America during the winter (August to May).

Summer residents live and breed in Mexico but migrate to South America for the winter

months. Transient migrants are birds that breed in North America and migrate to South

America in the winter but stop or pass through Mexico. Pelagic visitors are birds that live

offshore but stop or pass through the region.

Pez Maya is located near the town of Tulum inside the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

between a network of mangrove lagoons and the Caribbean Sea. The local area contains

three key ecosystems; wetland, forest and marine environments.

6.2 Aims

Develop a species list for the area

Gain an idea of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-term bird data

gathered over a sustained period could highlight trends not noticeable to short-term

surveys.

© GVI – 2010 Page 27

Educate the volunteers in bird identification techniques, expanding on their general

identification skills. The birding project also provides a good opportunity to obtain a

better understanding of area diversity and the ecosystem as a whole.

6.3 Methodology

Bird monitoring surveys are conducted using a simple methodology based on the bird

monitoring program at Costa Rica Expedition. A member of staff accompanied by

volunteers monitor the transects daily between 6 and 8am. There are five transects –

Beach, Bridge, Road, Base and Mangrove. These transects were selected to cover a

range of habitats, including coastline, mangroves, secondary growth and scrub. The

transects are completed in approximately 30 minutes to allow for consistency of data. To

reduce duplication of data, recordings are taken in one direction only which also helps to

avoid double-counting where individuals are very active or numerous. Birds are identified

using binoculars, cameras and a range of identification books. Identification of calls is also

possible for a limited number of species for experienced observers. If the individual

species cannot be identified then birds are recorded to family level.

Each survey records the following information; location, date, start time, end time, name of

recorders and number of each species seen. Wind and cloud cover have also been

recorded to allow consideration of physical parameters.

6.4 Results

During phase 111, 27 transects were carried out, 6 at the bridge, 8 at the beach, 4 on the

road, 6 at in the mangroves and 3 on base. Each transect lasted an average of 29 minutes

(range 15-31 minutes) conducted by 1-5 observers. A total of 812 individuals were

recorded 703 were identified by species level and 109 by genus.

The Royal Tern was the most commonly sighted species with 116 recorded, followed by

the Great-tailed grackle (96 sightings), the magnificent frigate bird (63 sightings), the

Brown pelican (74 sightings), the Ruddy turnstone (42 sightings) and the Tropical mocking

bird (42 sighting) (Figure 6-4-1).

© GVI – 2010 Page 28

Magnificent frigatebird9%

Ruddy turnstone6%

Royal tern17%

Tropical mockingbird6%

Yellow warbler3%

Other18%

Great-tailed grackle14%

Brown pelican11%

Sanderling5%

Osprey1%

Black catbird3%

White Ibis1%

Turkey vulture4%

Hooded Oriole0%

Snowy egret0%

Bananaquit0%

Golden-fronted Woodpecker

0%

Great blue heron1%

Yellow-throated warbler1%

Figure 6-4-1 Total composition of birds sighted in phase 111 (“Other” refers to species presenting a

percentage of 1% or less).

Figure 6-4-2 shows the most commonly recorded species (more than 50 individuals

sighted) in the first quarter of 2010 (phase 101) compared to 2011 (phase 111). The royal

tern was the most frequently recorded species in both years. The White ibis was sighted

57 times in 2010 with only 5 sightings recorded in 2011. Showing a reduction in sightings

from 3% to 0.7% of the total individuals recorded. A higher percentage of great tailed

grackles were recorded in 2011 (13.7%) compared to 2010 (8%).

© GVI – 2010 Page 29

Figure 6-4-2 The most commonly recorded species (more than 50) in the first quarter of 2011 (phase

111) compared to 2010 (phase 101).

When broken down into status, almost half the species sighted were resident breeders

(Figure 6-4-3) with winter non breeding visitors (32%) being the second most common

category and 19% breeding colony. Neither transient migrants nor summer resident

breeders were sighted during this phase. There was a lower percentage of winter visitors

sighted compared to the equivalent quarter in 2010 (38%).

Resident breeder

49%Winter (non breeding)

visitor32%

Breeding colony

19%

Figure 6-4-3 Bird sightings by status

© GVI – 2010 Page 30

6.5 Discussion

From phase to phase Pez Maya experiences variations in the numbers and presence of

many species of birds, as the Yucatan peninsula lies along a major migratory route.

Fluctuations in numbers between phases reflect seasonal migration and breeding patterns.

Phase 111 (January-March 2011) is a winter phase explaining the high numbers of winter

visitors and lack of summer breeders. When comparing the most commonly sighted birds

(more than 50 sightings), a similar percentage of birds were recorded compared to the

previous year. In concordance with the previous phase (September-December 2010) the

Great Tailed grackle was the most commonly sighted bird. The Great Blue heron was

recorded as one of the most commonly sighted species in phase 101 (January-March

2010), interestingly in phase 111 (January-March 2011) only 7 were sighted. There was a

dramatic decrease in the numbers of White ibis recorded in phase 111, only 5 were

recorded compared to 57 the previous year (accounting for 1% and 3% of the total birds

recorded respectively). Fewer transects were carried out this quarter (27 transects)

therefore a decrease in the overall numbers of birds recorded would be seen in

comparison to previous years or quarters. This also affects the most commonly sighted

species and would explain the decrease in numbers of individuals previously described as

common (more than 50 sightings).

© GVI – 2010 Page 31

7. References

AGRRA (2000) Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA). The AGRRA Rapid

Assessment Protocol. http://www.agrra.org/method/methodhome.htm

Almada-Villela P.C., Sale P.F., Gold-Bouchot G. Kjerfve B. (2003) Manual of Methods for

the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring System: Selected Methods for Monitoring Physical and

Biological Parameters for Use in the Mesoamerican Region. Mesoamerican Barrier Reef

Systems Project (MBRS).

Deloach, N. (1999) Reef fish behaviour. New World Publications, Inc

Humann, N. & DeLoach, P. (2008) Reef Coral Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas.

Florida: New World Publications,

Humann, N. & DeLoach, P. (2008) Reef Fish Identification: Florida, Caribbean, Bahamas.

Florida: New World Publications.

Morris, J.R, Akins, J.L., Barse, A., Cerino, D., Freshwater, D. W., Green, S.J., Munoz, R.C.

Paris, C., Whitfield, P.E. (2009). Biology and Ecology of the Invasive Lionfishes, Pterois

miles and Pterois volitans. Proceedings of the 61st Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute

November 10 - 14, 2008. 1-6.

McClanahan, T.R., Muthiga, N.A. (1998) An ecological shift in a remote coral atoll of Belize

over 25 years. Environmental Conservation 25: 122-130.

Padilla C., Gutierrez D. Lara M., Garcia C. 1992. Coral Reefs of the Biosphere Reserve of

Sian Ka’an, Quintana Roo, Mexico. Proceedings of the International Coral Reef

Symposium, Guam. 2, 986-992.

© GVI – 2010 Page 32

Sampayo, E.M, Ridgeway, T., Bongaerts, P. & Hoegh-Goldberg, O. (2008). Bleaching

susceptibility and mortality of corals are determined by fine-scale differences in symbiont

type. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. 105, 10444-10449.

Schutte, V. G. W., Selig, E. R. & Bruno, J. F. (2010). Regional spatio-temporal trends in

Caribbean coral reef benthic communities. Marine Ecology Progress Series. 402, 115-122.

Spalding, M.D., Jarvis, G.E. (2002). The impact of the 1998 coral mortality on reef fish

communities in the Seychelles. Marine Pollution Bulletin 44: 309-321.

UNEP-WCMC (2006). In the front line: shoreline protection and other ecosystem services

from mangroves and coral reefs. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK.

© GVI – 2010 Page 33

8. Appendices

Appendix I – SMP Methodology Outlines

Buddy method 1: Surveys of corals, algae and other sessile organisms

At each monitoring site five replicate 30m transect lines are deployed randomly within

100m of the GPS point. The transect line is laid across the reef surface at a constant

depth, usually perpendicular to the reef slope.

The first diver of this monitoring buddy pair collects data on the characterisation of the

coral community under the transect line. Swimming along the transect line the diver

identifies, to species level, each hermatypic coral directly underneath the transect that is at

least 10cm at its widest point and in the original growth position. If a colony has been

knocked or has fallen over, it is only recorded if it has become reattached to the

substratum. The diver also records the water depth at the beginning and end of each

transect.

The diver then identifies the colony boundaries based on verifiable connective or common

skeleton. Using a measuring pole, the colonies projected diameter (live plus dead areas) in

plan view and maximum height (live plus dead areas) from the base of the colonies

substratum are measured.

From plane view perspective, the percentage of coral that is not healthy (separated into

old dead and recent dead) is also estimated.

The first diver also notes any cause of mortality including diseases and/or

predation and any bleached tissue present. The diseases are characterised using

the following categories:

Black band disease Red band disease

White band disease Hyperplasm and Neoplasm (irregular growths)

White plague Dark spot disease

Yellow blotch disease Unknown

© GVI – 2010 Page 34

Predation and overgrowth are also recorded on each of the coral colonies. The following

categories are considered:

Parrotfish predation Fire coral predationDamselfish predation Gorgonian predationFireworm predation Zoanthid predationShort coral snail predation Coralline algae overgrowthOvergrowing mat tunicate Sponge overgrowthVariable boring sponge Cliona sp.

Bleaching is described as either pale, partial of total using the following definitions:

Pale – the majority of the colony is pale compared to the original colour of the coral

Partial – the colony has a significant amount of patchy white areas

Total – all, or almost all, of the colony is white

Any other features of note are also recorded, including, orange icing sponge, coral

competition and Christmas tree worms.

The second diver measures the percentage cover of sessile organisms and substrate

along the 30m transect, recording the nature of the substrate or organism directly every

25cm along the transect. Organisms are classified into the following groups:

Coralline algae - crusts or finely branched algae that are hard (calcareous.

Turf algae - may look fleshy and/or filamentous but do not rise more than 1cm above the

substrate

Macroalgae - include fleshy and calcareous algae whose fronds are projected more than

1cm above the substrate. Three of these are further classified into additional groups which

include Halimeda, Dictyota, and Lobophora

Gorgonians

Hermatypic corals - to species level, where possible

Bare rock, sand and rubble

Any other sessile organisms e.g. sponges, tunicates, zoanthids and hydroids.

Buddy method 2: Belt transect counts for coral reef fish

© GVI – 2010 Page 35

At each monitoring site 8 replicate 30m transects lines are deployed randomly within 100m

of the GPS point. The transect line is laid just above the reef surface at a constant depth,

usually perpendicular to the reef slope. The first diver is responsible for swimming slowly

along the transect line identifying, counting and estimating the sizes of specific indicator

fish species in their adult phase. The diver visually estimates a two metre by two metre

‘corridor’ and carries a one meter T-bar divided into 10cm graduations to aid the accuracy

of the size estimation of the fish identified. The fish are assigned to the following size

categories:

0-5cm 21-30cm

6-10cm 31-40cm

11-20cm >40cm (with size specified)

The buddy pair then waits for three minutes at a short distance from the end of the

transect line before proceeding. This allows juvenile fish to return to their original positions

before they were potentially scared off by the divers during the adult transect. The second

diver swims slowly back along the transect surveying a one metre by one metre ‘corridor’

and identifying and counting the presence of newly settled fish of the target species. In

addition, it is also this diver’s responsibility to identify and count the Banded Shrimp,

Stenopus hispidus. This is a collaborative effort with UNAM to track this species as their

population is slowly dwindling due to their direct removal for the aquarium trade. The

juvenile diver also counts any Diadema antillarum individuals found on their transects.

This is aimed at tracking the slow come back of these urchins.

Buddy Method 3: Coral & Fish Rover divers

At each monitoring site the third buddy pair completes a thirty minute survey of the site in

an expanding square pattern, with one diver recording all adult fish species observed. The

approximate density of each fish species is categorised using the following numerations:

Single (1 fish)

Few (2-10 fish)

Many (11-100 fish)

© GVI – 2010 Page 36

Abundant (>100 fish)

The second diver swims alongside the Fish Rover diver and records, to species level, all

coral communities observed, regardless of size. The approximate density of each coral

species is then categorised using similar ranges to those for fish:

Single (1 community)

Few (2-10 communities)

Many (11-50 communities)

Abundant (>50 communities)

© GVI – 2010 Page 37

Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species ListScientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name

Acanthurus coeruleus, Blue Tang Scarus guacamaia Rainbow ParrotfishAcanthurus bahianus, Ocean Surgeonfish Scarus vetula Queen ParrotfishAcanthurus chirurgus, Doctorfish Sparisoma viride Stoplight ParrotfishChaetodon striatus, Banded Butterflyfish Scarus taeniopterus Princess ParrotfishChaetodon capistratus, Four Eye Butterflyfish Scarus iserti Striped ParrotfishChaetodon ocellatus, Spotfin Butterflyfish Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband ParrotfishChaetodon aculeatus, Longsnout Butterflyfish Sparisoma chrysopterum Redtail ParrotfishHaemulon flavolineatum French Grunt Sparisoma rubripinne Yellowtail ParrotfishHaemulon striatum Striped Grunt Sparisoma atomarium Greenblotch ParrotfishHaemulon plumierii White Grunt Sparisoma radians Bucktooth ParrotfishHaemulon sciurus Bluestriped Grunt Epinephelus itajara Goliath GrouperHaemulon carbonarium Caesar Grunt Epinephelus striatus Nassau GrouperHaemulon chrysargyreum Smallmouth Grunt Mycteroperca venenosa Yellowfin GrouperHaemulon aurolineatum Tomtate Mycteroperca bonaci Black GrouperHaemulon melanurum Cottonwick Mycteroperca tigris Tiger GrouperHaemulon macrostomum Spanish Grunt Mycteroperca interstitialis Yellowmouth GrouperHaemulon parra Sailor’s Choice Epinephelus guttatus Red HindHaemulon album White Margate Epinephelus adscensionis Rock HindAnisotremus virginicus Porkfish Cephalopholis cruentatus GraysbyAnisotremus surinamensis Black Margate Cephalopholis fulvus ConeyLutjanus analis Mutton Snapper Balistes vetula Queen TriggerfishLutjanus griseus Gray Snapper Balistes capriscus Gray TriggerfishLutjanus cyanopterus Cubera Snapper Canthidermis sufflamen Ocean TriggerfishLutjanus jocu Dog Snapper Xanithichthys ringens Sargassum TriggerfishLutjanus mahogoni Mahaogany Snapper Melichthys niger Black DurgonLutjanus apodus Schoolmaster Aluterus scriptus Scrawled FilefishLutjanus synagris Lane Snapper Cantherhines pullus Orangespotted FilefishOcyurus chrysurus Yellowtail Snapper Cantherhines macrocerus Whitespotted FilefishHolacanthus ciliaris Queen Angelfish Bodianus rufus Spanish HogfishPomacanthus paru French Angelfish Lachnolaimus maximus HogfishPomacanthus arcuatus Grey Angelfish Caranx rubber Bar JackHolacanthus tricolour Rock Beauty Microspathodon chrysurus Yellowtail DamselfishScarus coeruleus Blue Parrotfish Sphyraena barracuda Great BarracudaScarus coelestinus Midnight Parrotfish

The following list includes only the adult fish species that are surveyed during monitoring

dives.

© GVI – 2010 Page 38

Appendix III - Juvenile Fish Indicator Species List

The subsequent list specifies the juvenile fish species and their maximum target length

that are recorded during monitoring dives

Scientific Name Common Name Max. target length (cm)

Acanthurus bahianus Ocean surgeonfish 5Acanthurus coeruleus Blue tang 5Chaetodon capistratus Foureye butterflyfish 2Chaetodon striatus Banded butterflyfish 2Gramma loreto Fairy basslet 3Bodianus rufus Spanish hogfish 3.5Halichoeres bivittatus Slipperydick 3Halichoeres garnoti Yellowhead wrasse 3Halichoeres maculipinna Clown wrasse 3Thalassoma bifasciatum Bluehead wrasse 3Halichoeres pictus Rainbow wrasse 3Chromis cyanea Blue chromis 3.5Stegastes adustus Dusky damselfish 2.5Stegastes diencaeus Longfin damselfish 2.5Stegastes leucostictus Beaugregory 2.5Stegastes partitus Bicolour damselfish 2.5Stegastes planifrons Threespot damselfish 2.5Stegastes variabilis Cocoa damselfish 2.5Scarus iserti Striped parrotfish 3.5Scarus taeniopterus Princess parrotfish 3.5Sparisoma atomarium Greenblotch parrotfish 3.5Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish 3.5Sparisoma viride Stoplight parrotfish 3.5

© GVI – 2010 Page 39

Appendix IV - Coral Species List

Family Genus Species Family Genus Species

Acroporidae Acropora cervicornis Meandrinidae Dendrogyra cylindrusAcroporidae Acropora palmata Meandrinidae Dichocoenia stokesii

Acroporidae Acropora prolifera Meandrinidae Meandrina meandrites

Agariciidae Agaricia agaricites Milliporidae Millepora alcicornis

Agariciidae Agaricia fragilis Milliporidae Millepora complanata

Agariciidae Agaricia grahamae Mussidae Isophyllastrea rigida

Agariciidae Agaricia lamarcki Mussidae Isophyllia sinuosa

Agariciidae Agaricia tenuifolia Mussidae Mussa angulosa

Agariciidae Agaricia undata Mussidae Mycetophyllia aliciae

Agariciidae Helioceris cucullata Mussidae Mycetophyllia ferox

Antipatharia Cirrhipathes leutkeni Mussidae Mycetophyllia lamarckiana

Astrocoeniidae Stephanocoenia intersepts Mussidae Mycetophyllia reesi

Caryophylliidae Eusmilia fastigiana Mussidae Scolymia sp.

Faviidae Colpophyllia natans Pocilloporidae Madracis decactis

Faviidae Diploria clivosa Pocilloporidae Madracis formosa

Faviidae Diploria labrynthiformis Pocilloporidae Madracis mirabilis

Faviidae Diploria strigosa Pocilloporidae Madracis pharensis

Faviidae Favia fragum Poritidae Porites astreoides

Faviidae Manicina areolata Poritidae Porites divaricata

Faviidae Montastraea annularis Poritidae Porites furcata

Faviidae Montastraea cavernosa Poritidae Porites porites

Faviidae Montastraea faveolata Siderastridae Siderastrea radians

Faviidae Montastraea franksi Siderastridae Siderastrea sidereal

Faviidae Solenastrea bournoni Stylasteridae Stylaster roseus

Faviidae Solenastrea hyades

© GVI – 2010 Page 40

Appendix V - Fish Species List

This list was begun for Pez Maya in 2003. This list is compiled from the Adult and Rover

diver surveys.

Family Genus Species Common Names

Acanthuridae Acanthurus Bahianus Ocean surgeonfish

Acanthuridae Acanthurus Chirurgus Doctorfish

Acanthuridae Acanthurus Coeruleus Blue tang

Atherinidae, Clupeidae, Engraulididae Silversides, Herrings, Anchovies

Aulostomidae Aulostomus Maculates Trumpetfish

Balistidae Balistes Capriscus Gray triggerfish

Balistidae Balistes Vetula Queen triggerfish

Balistidae Canthidermis Sufflamen Ocean triggerfish

Balistidae Melichthys Niger Black durgon

Balistidae Xanithichthys Ringens Sargassum triggerfish

Bothidae Bothus Lunatus Peacock flounder

Carangidae Caranx Bartholomaei Yellow jack

Carangidae Caranx Crysos Blue runner

Carangidae Caranx Ruber Bar jack

Carangidae Trachinotus Falcatus Permit

Centropomidae Centropomus Undecimalis Common snook

Chaenopsidae Lucayablennius Zingaro Arrow blenny

Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Aculeatus Longsnout butterflyfish

Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Capistratus Foureye butterflyfish

Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Ocellatus Spotfin butterflyfish

Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Sedentarius Reef butterflyfish

Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Striatus Banded butterflyfish

Cirrhitidae Amblycirrhitus Pinos Red spotted hawkfish

Congridae Heteroconger Longissimus Brown garden eel

Dasyatidae Dasyatis Americana Southern stingray

Diodontidae Diodon Holocanthus Balloonfish

Elopidae Megalops Atlanticus Tarpon

Gobiidae Coryphopterus Eidolon Palid Goby

Gobiidae Coryphopterus Glaucofraenum Bridled goby

Gobiidae Coryphopterus Lipernes Peppermint goby

Gobiidae Coryphopterus personatus/hyalinus Masked/glass goby

Gobiidae Gnatholepis Thompsoni Goldspot goby

Gobiidae Gobiosoma Oceanops Neon goby.

Gobiidae Gobiosoma Prochilos Broadstripe goby

Grammatidae Gramma Loreto Fairy basslet

© GVI – 2010 Page 41

Family Genus Species Common Names

Grammatidae Gymnothorax Funebris Green moray

Grammatidae Gymnothorax Moringa Spotted moray

Haemulidae Anisotremus Virginicus Porkfish

Haemulidae Haemulon Album White margate

Haemulidae Haemulon Aurolineatum Tomtate

Haemulidae Haemulon Carbonarium Ceaser Grunt

Haemulidae Haemulon Flavolineatum French grunt

Haemulidae Haemulon Macrostomum Spanish grunt

Haemulidae Haemulon Plumierii White grunt

Haemulidae Haemulon Sciurus Bluestriped grunt

Haemulidae Haemulon Striatum Striped grunt

Haemulidae Anisotremus Surinamensis Black margate

Haemulidae Haemulon Parra Sailor’s choice

Holocentridae Holocentrus Adscensionis Squirrelfish

Holocentridae Holocentrus Rufus Longspine squirrelfish

Holocentridae Myripristis Jacobus Blackbar soldierfish

Holocentridae Neoniphon Marianus Longjaw squirrelfish

Holocentridae Sargocentron Bullisi Deepwater squirrelfish

Holocentridae Sargocentron Coruscum Reef squirrelfish

Holocentridae Sargocentron Vexillarium Dusky squirrelfish

Kyphosidae Kyphosus sectatrix/incisor Chub

Labridae Bodianus Rufus Spanish hogfish

Labridae Clepticus Parrae Creole wrasse

Labridae Halichoeres Bivittatus Slipperydick

Labridae Halichoeres Garnoti Yellowhead wrasse

Labridae Halichoeres Pictus Rainbow wrasse

Labridae Halichoeres Poeyi Blackear wrasse

Labridae Halichoeres Radiatus Puddingwife wrasse

Labridae Lachnolaimus Maximus Hogfish

Labridae Thalassoma Bifasciatum Bluehead wrasse

Labridae Xyrichtys Martinicensis Rosy razorfish

Labridae Xyrichtys Novacula Pearly razorfish

Labrisomidae Malacoctenus Triangulatus Saddled blenny

Lutjanidae Lutjanus Analis Mutton snapper

Lutjanidae Lutjanus Apodus Schoolmaster snapper

Lutjanidae Lutjanus Cyanopterus Cubera snapper

Lutjanidae Lutjanus Griseus Grey snapper

Lutjanidae Lutjanus Jocu Dog snapper

Lutjanidae Lutjanus Mahogoni Maghogony snapper

Lutjanidae Lutjanus Synagris Lane snapper

© GVI – 2010 Page 42

Family Genus Species Common Names

Lutjanidae Ocyurus Chrysurus Yellowtailed snapper

Malacanthidae Malacanthus Plumieri Sand tilefish

Syngnathidae Micrognathus ensenadae Harlequin pipefish

Monacanthidae Aluterus Scriptus Scrawled filefish

Monacanthidae Cantherhines Macrocerus White spotted filefish

Monacanthidae Cantherhines Pullus Orange spotted filefish

Mullidae Mulloidichthys Martinicus Yellow goatfish

Mullidae Pseudupeneus Maculates Spotted goatfish

Myliobatidae Aetobatus Narinari Spotted eagle ray

Opistognathidae Opistognathus Aurifrons Yellowhead jawfish

Ostraciidae Acanthostracion Quadricornis Scrawled cowfish

Ostraciidae Lactophrys Bicaudalis Spotted trunkfish

Ostraciidae Lactophrys Triqueter Smooth trunkfish

Pempheridae Pempheris Schomburgki Glassy sweeper

Pomacanthidae Holacanthus Ciliaris Queen angelfish

Pomacanthidae Holacanthus Tricolour Rockbeauty

Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus Arcuatus Grey angelfish

Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus Paru French angelfish

Pomacentridae Abudefduf Saxatilis Seargant major

Pomacentridae Chromis Cyanea Blue chromis

Pomacentridae Chromis Enchrysurus Yellowtail reef fish

Pomacentridae Chromis Insolata Sunshinefish

Pomacentridae Chromis Multilineata Brown chromis

Pomacentridae Microspathodon Chrysurus Yellowtailed damsel fish

Pomacentridae Stegastes Adustus Dusky damselfish

Pomacentridae Stegastes Diencaeus Longfin damselfish

Pomacentridae Stegastes Leucostictus Beaugregory

Pomacentridae Stegastes Partitus Bicolour damselfish

Pomacentridae Stegastes Planifrons Threespot damselfish

Pomacentridae Stegastes Variabilis Cocoa damselfish

Scaridae Scarus Coelestinus Midnight parrotfish

Scaridae Scarus Coeruleus Blue parrotfish

Scaridae Scarus Guacamaia Rainbow parrotfish

Scaridae Scarus Iserti Striped parrotfish

Scaridae Scarus Taeniopterus Princess parrotfish

Scaridae Scarus Vetula Queen parrotfish

Scaridae Sparisoma Atomarium Greenblotch parrotfish

Scaridae Sparisoma Aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish

Scaridae Sparisoma Chrysopterum Redtail parrotfish

Scaridae Sparisoma Radians Bucktooth parrotfish

© GVI – 2010 Page 43

Family Genus Species Common Names

Scaridae Sparisoma Rubripinne Yellowtail parrotfish

Scaridae Sparisoma Viride Stoplight parrotfish

Sciaenidae Equetus Lanceolatus Jackknife fish

Sciaenidae Equetus Punctatus Spotted drum

Sciaenidae Pareques Acuminatus Highhat

Scombridae Scomberomorus Maculates Spanish mackerel

Scombridae Scomberomorus Regalis Cero

Scorpaenidae Scorpaena Plumieri Spotted scorpionfish

Serranidae Cephalopholis Cruentatus Graysby

Serranidae Cephalopholis Fulvus Coney

Serranidae Epinephelus Adscensionis Rockhind

Serranidae Epinephelus Itajara Goliath grouper

Serranidae Epinephelus Striatus Nassau grouper

Serranidae Hypoplectrus Aberrans Yellowbelly hamlet

Serranidae Hypoplectrus Chlorurus Yellowtail hamlet

Serranidae Hypoplectrus Guttavarius Shy hamlet

Serranidae Hypoplectrus Indigo Indigo hamlet

Serranidae Hypoplectrus Nigricans Black hamlet

Serranidae Hypoplectrus Puella Barred hamlet

Serranidae Hypoplectrus Unicolor Butter hamlet

Serranidae Liopropoma Rubre Peppermint basslet

Serranidae Mycteroperca Bonaci Black grouper

Serranidae Mycteroperca Interstitialis Yellowmouth grouper

Serranidae Mycteroperca Tigris Tiger grouper

Serranidae Mycteroperca Venenosa Yellowfin grouper

Serranidae Paranthias Furcifer Creolefish

Serranidae Rypticus Saponaceus Greater soapfish

Serranidae Serranus Tabacarius Tobaccofish

Serranidae Serranus Tigrinus Harlequin bass

Serranidae Serranus Tortugarum Chalk bass

Sparidae Calamus Calamos Saucereyed porgy

Sphyraenidae Sphyraena Barracuda Great barracuda

Synodontidae Synodus Intermedius Sand diver

Tetraodontidae Canthigaster Rostrata Sharpnosed puffer

Tetraodontidae Sphoeroides Splengleri Bandtail puffer

Torpedinidae Narcine Brasiliensis Lesser electric ray

Urolophidae Urolophus Jamaicensis Yellowstingray

© GVI – 2010 Page 44

Appendix VI - Bird Species List

Bird species identified to species level in Pez Maya.

Common name Species Common name Species

Great-tailed grackle Quiscalus mexicanus Wilson's plover Charadrius wilsonia

Magnificent frigatebird Fregata magnificens Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon

Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres Cinnamon hummingbird Amazilia rutila

Royal tern Sterna m. maxima Common black-hawk Buteogallus anthracinus

Tropical mockingbird Mimus gilvus Common ground-dove Columbina passerina

Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis Melodious blackbird Dives dives

Sanderling Calidris alba Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens

Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia Spot Breasted Wren Thryothorus maculipectus

Osprey Pandion haliaetus Yellow-crowned Night-

Heron

Nycticorax violaceus

Black catbird Dumetella glabrirostris Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola

White Ibis Eudocimus albus Black-crowned Night-

Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli

Turkey vulture Cathartes aura Black vulture Coragyps atratus

Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus Great Egret Egretta alba egretta

Snowy egret Egretta thula Green kingfisher Chloroceryle americana

Bananaquit Coereba flaveola Laughing gull Larus atricilla

Golden-fronted

Woodpecker

Centurus aurifrons Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea

Great blue heron Ardea herodias Mangrove warbler Dendroica erithachorides

Yellow-throated warbler Dendroica dominica Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus

Bare-throated Tiger heron Tigrisoma mexicanum Roseate spoonbill Platalea ajaja

Semipalmated sandpiper Calidris pusilla Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria

White-collared Seedeater Sporophila torqueola Tricolored heron Egretta tricolor

Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus White-winged dove Zenaida asiatica

Plain Chachalaca Ortalis vetula

© GVI – 2010 Page 45