gvi pez maya quarterly report july-september 2010

Global Vision International

2010 Report Series No. 003

GVI Mexico

Pez Maya Marine Expedition

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Quarterly Report 103

July – September 2010

Global Vision International

2010 Report Series No. 003

GVI Mexico, Pez Maya Expedition Report 103

Submitted in whole to GVI

Amigos de Sian Ka‟an Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP)

Produced by

Vicki Bush – Base manager Edward Houlcroft – Science and dive officer

Nicola Weeden – Science officer Martin Stelfox – Dive officer Sam Buxton – Dive officer

Jack Fazey – Science Officer Sarah Davies – Scholar

And

Stuart Fulton Science and Dive officer Thomas Viborg Volunteer

Lluvia Iyanu Soto Jiménez Base Manager Rebecca Gatenby Volunteer

Eve Hill Volunteer Alex Lawson Volunteer

Serena Benjamin Volunteer Emilia dÁvack Volunteer

James Fenneberg Volunteer Karin Solli Volunteer

Katie Paull Volunteer Christina Horstmann Volunteer

Lisa Wright Volunteer Sarah Bennett Volunteer

Richard Frew Volunteer Renee Donaldson Volunteer

Jillian Hudgins Volunteer Gregory Nightingale Volunteer

Cassie Heil Volunteer Jonathan Clouston Volunteer

Pilar Rae Alavarez Castillo NSP Cole Hoffman Volunteer

Sophie Manning Volunteer Georgina Davis Volunteer

Nadine Clifton Volunteer Jabu Henson Volunteer

Elisabeth Borg Volunteer Rosie Henson Volunteer

Laura McLean Volunteer Fay Pearson Volunteer

Sophie Payne Volunteer Assar Bergfors Volunteer

Christopher Arnold Volunteer Shantal Corona NSP

Anna Isabel Ender Volunteer Carolina Ruiz NSP

Edited by

Vicki Bush - Base Manager Stuart Fulton

GVI Mexico, Pez Maya

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

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.gvi.co.uk/

http://www.gviusa.com/

© GVI – 2010 iii

Executive Summary

The 29th ten week phase of GVI Mexico, Pez Maya expedition has now been completed.

During the phase we continued work towards our primary aims of gathering important

scientific data on the status of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef within the Sian Ka‟an

Biosphere Reserve, working with our local partners and building on our relationships with

the local community by offering English and environmental education lessons. The

following projects have been run during Phase 103:

Continuation of the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Programme (SMP) for the strategic

sites within the northern Sian Ka‟an Biosphere, providing regional decision makers

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

Daily bird monitoring

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

identification.

Incidental sightings program

Continuation of weekly beach cleans within the reserve, monitoring waste composition

and trends

Marine Turtle Monitoring Programme along the Pez Maya beach

English language and environmental education classes with the children of Punta Allen

Continuation of the National Scholarship Programme at Pez Maya, whereby GVI Pez

Maya accepts Mexican nationals on a scholarship basis into the expedition

Continuation 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.

© GVI – 2010 iv

Table of Contents

Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................... iii

List of Figures ................................................................................................................................... vi

List of Tables ..................................................................................................................................... vi

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 7

2. Synoptic Monitoring Programmes ............................................................................................... 8

2.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 8 2.2 Aims ............................................................................................................................. 10 2.3 Methodology ................................................................................................................ 10 2.4 Results ......................................................................................................................... 12 2.5 Discussion .................................................................................................................... 15

3. Community Programme ............................................................................................................. 17

3.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 17 3.2 Objectives .................................................................................................................... 17 3.3 Activities and achievements ........................................................................................ 18 3.4 Review ......................................................................................................................... 18

4. Incidental Sightings Programme ............................................................................................... 20

4.1 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 20 4.2 Aims ............................................................................................................................. 20 4.3 Methodology ................................................................................................................ 20 4.4 Results ......................................................................................................................... 21 4.5 Discussion .................................................................................................................... 22

5. Marine Litter Monitoring Programme ........................................................................................ 25


6. Bird Monitoring Programme ....................................................................................................... 28


7. References ................................................................................................................................... 31

8. Appendices .................................................................................................................................. 32

Appendix I – SMP Methodology Outlines ................................................................................. 32 Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List ......................................................................... 36 Appendix III - Juvenile Fish Indicator Species List ................................................................... 38 Appendix IV – Coral Species List ............................................................................................. 39

© GVI – 2010 v

Appendix V - Fish Species List ................................................................................................. 40 Appendix VI – Bird Species List ................................................................................................ 44

© GVI – 2010 vi

List of Figures

Figure 2-3-1 Map of the permanent monitoring sites for GVI Pez Maya (Courtesy of JuniperGIS)

Figure 2-4-1 Breakdown of percentage coral cover observed this phase, by site

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

Figure 5-4-1 Total Weight Collected in phase 103 (Kg)

Figure 6-4-1 Bird sightings by status during 103

List of Tables

Table 2-3-1 Name, depth and GPS points of the permanent (SMP) monitoring sites for the GVI Pez

Maya programme during phases 1 and 3. GPS points recorded in WGS84

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 5-4-1 Total weight of materials in kg collected during each phase over the previous year.

Table 6-4-1 Total Species Composition of phase 103

© GVI – 2010

1. Introduction

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS) extends from Isla Contoy at the North of

the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, to the Bay Islands of Honduras through Belize and

Guatemala and is the second largest barrier reef in the world.

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.

The current project at GVI Pez Maya is assisting Amigos de Sian Ka‟an (ASK) and

Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) to obtain baseline data for

the reefs of the north Sian Ka‟an by conducting marine surveys, to ascertain areas of high

species diversity, areas of high algal mass, fish species and abundance amongst other

reef health indicators. Using this data, ASK and its partners can begin to focus on the

areas needing immediate environmental regulation, implementing management protection

plans as and when required. Surveys using the same methodology are being conducted

by a number of bodies through the entire Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, in Belize, Honduras

and Guatemala, coordinated by the MBRS project group.

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.

This report will focus primarily on diversity of both fish and coral, analysis of fish and algal

assemblages and coral health. The report also summarises the other work completed this

phase in GVI Pez Maya‟s science and community projects.

© GVI – 2010

2. Synoptic Monitoring Programmes

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 coral 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

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

clear waters to allow for optimum 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 species and their resilience to

environmental stressors. The projects also aim to ascertain areas of high species diversity,

areas of high algal mass, fish species and abundance.

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 monitoring program that takes place every expedition at 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. The current project run by

GVI uses similar methods implemented during this earlier study (Almada-Villela et al.,

2003 and Woods-Ballard et al., 2005). Table 2-3-1 details the name, depth and GPS

points of the monitoring sites. Figure 2-3-1 shows the locations of the monitoring sites.

© GVI – 2010

Figure 2-3-1. Map of the permanent monitoring sites for GVI Pez Maya (Courtesy of JuniperGIS)

© GVI – 2010

Location Site ID Depth (m) Latitude Longitude

La Colonia LC10 10.9 19.78693º N 087.43310º W

LC20 17.9 19.78637º N 087.42628º W

Paso Juana PJ05 6.1 20.01498º N 087.46475º W

PJ10 9.1 20.01690º N 087.46215º W

Paso Lagrimas PL05 3 20.05045º N 087.47035º W

PL10 6.7 20.05200º N 087.46625º W

PL20 16.7 20.05138º N 087.46275º W

Punta Xamach PX05 7.4 19.93205º N 087.43415º W

PX10 12.3 19.93395º N 087.43355º W

PX20 16.2 19.93333º N 087.43213º W

Table 2-3-1. Name, depth and GPS points of the permanent (SMP) monitoring sites for the GVI Pez

Maya programme during phases 1 and 3

2.4 Results

Benthic Data

A total of 209 corals were monitored for coral community studies, sighting 19 incidences of

disease. Dark spot disease accounted for 84.21% of the diseases seen; almost 94% of the

dark spot recorded were found on Siderastrea siderea. Other diseases noted were white

plague, yellow blotch and white band disease. Different levels of bleaching were recorded

on 33% of all corals monitored, with 4.35% of these being totally bleached, 43.48%

partially bleached and 52.17% pale bleached. Predation by sponges and zoanthids was

recorded on only 12 individual colonies.

The point intercept data showed average hermatypic coral coverage to be 9.4% across all

the sites (Figure 2-4-1), fitting with the Caribbean average of 10%, with macroalgae

coverage at 62.17%. The remaining 29% is made up of smaller and less abundant reef

creatures, such as bryozoans, corallimorphs, coralline algae, gorgonians, sponges,

tunicates and zoanthids. Of the 170 corals monitored along the coral transects,

Siderastrea siderea was the most commonly seen, accounting for 30.59%. The next two

most abundant corals were Porites astreoides and Agaricia agarcities, with percentage

abundances of 17.65 and 12.65, respectively. PL10 showed the highest percentage coral

cover with 13.3%, whereas PJ05 had the least coral cover with 5.3%.

© GVI – 2010

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

PJ05 PJ10 PL10

Sites

% C

ora

l C

over

Figure 2-4-1 Breakdown of percentage coral cover observed this phase, by site

Fish Populations

504 adult target fish were recorded over 32 transects at four monitoring sites. The average

number of fish recorded per transect ranged from 11.5 (PL20) to 19.38 (PL10) (Table 2-1-

2). The most commonly record family was Acanthuridae (Figure. 2-1-2), making up 46.2%

of the total number of adult fish recorded. The site that showed the most species diversity

was PL20 with 23 different species being recorded.

© GVI – 2010

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

PL10 PL20 PJ05 PJ10

Total number of adult individuals 155 92 151 106

Average number of adult fish per transect 19.375 11.5 18.875 13.25

Total number of juvenile individuals 165 153 134 311

Average number of juveniles per transect 20.63 19.13 16.75 38.88

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

763 juvenile fish were recorded covering four families. The most commonly recorded

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

Thalassoma bifasciatum (Bluehead Wrasse), Halichoeres garnoti (Yellowhead Wrasse)

and Stegastes partitus (Bicolour Damsel). The average number of juveniles recorded per

transect ranged from 16.75 at PJ05 to 38.88 at PJ10 (Table 2-4-1).

© GVI – 2010

2.5 Discussion

Benthic Cover

Due to weather conditions greatly inhibiting the monitoring programme this phase, in terms

of both training and the ability to send boats to the sites, only three of the ten monitoring

sites were monitored; PJ05, PJ10 and PL10.

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

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

algal dominance. The highest percentage coral cover was recorded at PL10. 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. PL10 is midway along a spur and

groove reef, generally high in fish and coral abundance.

Siderastrea siderea is consistently one of the most abundant corals recorded at our

monitoring sites. This species tends to be particularly susceptible to pale bleaching, which

could explain the high percentage of pale bleached corals recorded. When a coral is

bleached, the stress levels on the colony increase, which makes the coral more

susceptible to disease, especially dark spot, in the case of S. siderea. The high abundance

of this species, combined with its tendency to become bleached, could therefore be solely

attributable to the number of corals recorded with dark spot disease this phase. There

were only three other types of disease recorded, each presenting only on a single colony.

Fish Populations

Due to the adverse weather conditions and the distance of the sites from the Pez Maya

base, La Colonia and Punta Xamach were not monitored during this phase and fish data

was not collected for all depths.

Acanthuridae was again the most common family recorded, representing a greater

percentage of the adult fish recorded than in the previous phase. This increase could in

part be explained by the large number of Acanthurus bahianus and A. coeruleus observed

© GVI – 2010

at PL10 (76 and 44 respectively). With the reefs around Pez Maya being dominated by

algae, food sources for this family of grazers would be in high abundance.

A greater number of juveniles were recorded this phase. The average number of

individuals recorded per transect has increased this phase from 9 in 093 up to 23.84 in

103. This is a large increase and it may be explained by the use of experienced volunteers

who were surveying for five weeks collecting much of the data, increasing accuracy of

identification and sizing. Many of the juvenile species recorded are small and experience

enables divers to better understand the behaviour of the fish and where best to observe

them on the reef.

© GVI – 2010

3. Community Programme

3.1 Introduction

Working within the local community is a key aspect of the work which GVI is doing within

Mexico. In Pez Maya we have been working closely with two local communities: Punta

Allen and Nuevo Durango.

In Punta Allen there are two different programmes: English lessons with environmental

education and a recycling project “Punta Allen Verde” (PAVER). PAVER is a recycling

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

encourage people to participate and separate their rubbish, to make some profit to be able

to maintain the recycling centre and to make Punta Allen an example to follow.

For a community living inside the Reserve, as well as a fishing village, educational

programmes are very important to provide tools that could help the local residents develop

the area beneficially for themselves, their professions and needs, whilst protecting it for the

future. A lot of work has been done in the last 6 years, however it is important to continue

reinforcing the knowledge that they have and continue passing it on to the new

generations.

In Nuevo Durango, we work with a Mayan community that have been developing a new

way of producing organic vegetables. Even though the Yucatan peninsula has a limestone

base which makes difficult to grow vegetables, they came up with a system to be able to

produce. They make their own soil by making compost in their back yards.

3.2 Objectives

The objectives 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.

© GVI – 2010

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

provide help when needed.

3.3 Activities and achievements

Mayan farm

Due to the soil composition within the Yucatán growing crops can be a challenging

business due to the lack of nutrients and the amount of rocks found within the soil. As

such, the volunteers spent the day collecting and cutting vegetation and manure and

arranging it to set up a compost pit for a different family each week. On occasion, the

volunteers were able to help more than one family; once the compost is ready the families

use it to grow their own marketable crops.

Each week the families prepared lunch for the volunteers and during this time the

volunteers were able to gain a little more knowledge and experience about a different way

of life within Mexico. Pez Maya also supports the Mayan farmers by purchasing some of

our weekly fruit and vegetable supply from the families.

Punta Allen

Volunteers visited the village once a week. The English lessons were for children and were

carried out while they are at school. We worked with three different levels: Kinder garden,

Primary and Secondary school. The volunteers prepared the lesson on base a few days

before they went. Some other activities that were included in the lessons were games,

songs, painting. Often an environmental theme was included.

After lunch, the volunteers went to the recycling centre to help in different activities like

collecting plastics 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

Punta Allen

Due to the schools summer break this phase we put our English lesson with the local

children on hold but continued to travel down to Punta Allen to assist with the Punta Allen

Verde (PAVER) project. We had 8 visits where the volunteers and staff went out to collect

plastics and other recycling from different points around town. As well there was some

© GVI – 2010

work done in the recycling centre, mostly tidying up and clearing the vegetation to be able

to store the recycling.

Mayan farm

This phase the volunteers travelled to Nuevo Durango 9 times, helping in total ten families

within the villages which now have a composting area. As well we continued buying

products that they are producing to support their business. It was very rewarding for the

volunteers to know how they produce vegetables in their back yard with their help.

© GVI – 2010

4. Incidental Sightings Programme

4.1 Introduction

Pez Maya implemented an incidental sightings program in 2003. Species that make up the

incidental sightings list are:

Sharks and Rays

Eels

Turtles

Marine Mammals

Snakes and Crocodiles

Terrestrial Mammals

Lionfish

These species are not included in the MBRS monitoring programme that is implemented at

Pez Maya, but they 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.

The 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 megafauna sightings in the vicinity of Pez Maya and

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

4.3 Methodology

For each incidental sighting seen; it is identified, the date, time, location, depth observed,

number of individuals and their size are all recorded. The volunteers are given a

presentation on incidental species during science training, which aids in identification.

© GVI – 2010

Since phase 101, GVI Pez Maya has also been recording lionfish sightings. Over the past

decade the Pacific Lionfish (Pterois volitans) 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

A total of 174 incidental sightings were recorded, with 55 of these being lionfish sightings.

Compared to previous phases this shows an above average sighting frequency.

The two most abundant sighting categories observed were; rays, and snakes and

crocodiles, with 32 individual sightings each. Turtles were one of the least recorded with a

12 individual sightings; this is a considerable decrease from the previous phase (33

sightings).

During the phase, two turtle species were recorded; Green and Loggerhead. There were

no sightings of the Hawksbill turtle, unlike in previous phases. The fourth species that can

be found in the area, the Leatherback, is categorized as critically endangered by the IUCN,

and has not been recorded since monitoring began. Within the total of 12 individuals,

three were Green, six were Loggerheads and four were unidentified.

The total number of eels sighted was 16 and sharks, 12. Both of these show an increase

over the previous phase. The most common shark species sighted was the nurse shark,

with 11 sightings. Four other species that have been sighted previously, (Blacktip, Bull

shark, reef shark and hammerhead) were not recorded during 103.

Rays are regularly amongst the most commonly recorded Incidental Sightings. Several

species of ray 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 18 sightings.

Of the marine mammals sighted during phase 103, Bottlenose dolphins accounted for the

majority with a total of 10 sightings, and manatees follow the trend of declining numbers

© GVI – 2010

since phase 72 with just one sighting. The other species recorded is the Atlantic spotted

dolphin which was identified four times. Phase 103´s frequency of marine mammal

sightings appears to fit in with the trend for previous phases.

Phase 103 saw the highest recorded sightings of snakes and crocodiles when compared

to previous phases. Since phase 101, sightings of snakes and crocodiles have been

steadily increasing with the majority being crocodile sightings.

Since the lionfish monitoring started in phase 093 there has been a dramatic increase in

sightings. Phase 103 recorded 55 individual sightings; more than double the sightings of

phase 101.

4.5 Discussion

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

ecosystem is. As can be seen from previous 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

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 073,

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 phase 101 shows a

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

Turtles were one of the least recorded species with a total of 12 individual sightings; this is

a dramatic change when compared to Phase 102. This is an expected result and seems to

follow a predictable pattern. Nesting season for all turtle species found on the Yucatan

runs between May and September which coincides with the 2nd phase of each year.

Phase 103 is be towards the end of the season and subsequently has reduced numbers of

turtle sightings.

© GVI – 2010

With the exception of phase 101, phase 103 follows the trend of rays being the most

commonly sighted species with a total of 32 sightings. This 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 snorkelling and this too could explain the slightly higher numbers

recorded.

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 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. On occasions sharks have also been observed in

the shallows near the lagoon mouth; however it can be hard to assert exact numbers and

species from the surface.

Marine mammal sightings have been increasing in the last four phases. The majority of

mammals seen were dolphins, with the exception of one manatee, and although some are

unidentified, it is likely that they were all bottlenose dolphins as this is the main species

seen in the area. 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 number of sightings

as most dives are generally outside the reef.

Phase 103 saw the highest recorded sightings of snakes and crocodiles than all other

phases. Since phase 101, sightings have been steadily increasing with the majority being

crocodile 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 recent

phases more people are actively seeking to look for crocodiles, and results would

therefore depend on the volunteers we have on base.

© GVI – 2010

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.

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.

© GVI – 2010

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 and Yucatan currents, transports a

significant amount of water north-westerly through the Caribbean Sea. The main source is

from the equatorial Atlantic Ocean. Due to the volume of water that is transported and both

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

far afield.

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 is conducted weekly every phase on a fixed transect. This is a worldwide project to

collect data and represents only one technique to monitor marine litter.

5.2 Aims

To collect data that quantifies the extent of marine litter, which will help to conserve

terrestrial and marine fauna threatened by litter. Improve beach aesthetics and to create

and use methodology suitable for continuing in future expeditions. As well, to create a

monitoring programme that can be implemented in other locations within the reserve.

5.3 Methodology

The beach clean takes place weekly along the same 300 metre stretch of beach. The

beach transect is cleaned one week prior to the beginning of data collection so that only

the weekly accumulation of marine debris is recorded. Marine debris is collected from the

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

sorted into categories and then weighed. The litter is categorised as follows:

o Fabrics o Natural materials

o Glass o Medical waste

o Plastics o Rubber

o Polystyrene o Rope

o Metals o Other

© GVI – 2010

5.4 Results

A total of 130.74 kg of marine litter was collected this phase (Table 5-4-1). Plastic

accounted for approximately 47% of the total weight collected. Even though polystyrene

was one of the smallest categories in terms of weight, in volume it was one of the most

numerous and in reality accounts for a large proportion of litter on the transect.

Table 5-4-1. Total weight of materials in kg collected during each phase over the previous year

Categories

Phase

093 094 101 102 103

Fabric 0.05 1.05 0.00 0.00 0.00

Glass 4.48 5.80 5.08 6.45 5.50

Medical waste 0.97 0.04 0.09 0.05 1.70

Metal 1.09 5.35 0.31 0.07 8.15

Natural Material 3.94 7.15 11.40 0.25 3.10

Other 13.65 13.43 9.94 11.45 26.10

Plastic 80.10 124.10 65.31 56.10 61.68

Polystyrene 2.64 3.37 2.80 3.90 4.91

Rope 14.70 6.58 4.59 7.95 19.60

Other 0.00 0.41 0.00 2.20 0.00

Total 121.62 167.28 99.52 88.42 130.74

© GVI – 2010

0

50

100

150

200

250

052 053 054 061 063 064 071 072 073 074 081 082 083 084 091 092 093 094 101 102 103

Tota

l We

igh

t o

f M

arin

e L

itte

r (k

g)

Phase

Figure 5-4-1. Total Weight Collected in phase 103 (Kg)

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. When plastics such as

Polythene, found in plastic bags, breaks down it forms 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 the 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. Subsequently they would not get washed

up on our shorelines and as such would not be included in the monitoring transects.

© GVI – 2010

6. Bird Monitoring Programme

6.1 Introduction

The bird survey programme continues to study the diversity of species present around Pez

Maya. The survey also highlights the importance of the area as a corridor for migrating

species and those that overwinter in the Yucatan.

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.

6.2 Aims

The aims of the bird monitoring programme are to develop a species list for the area in

order to 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. It also aims to 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.

© GVI – 2010

6.3 Methodology

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 by

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

36 transects were carried out this phase - eight transects at the Beach and Bridge sites,

seven at the Mangrove and Base sites, and six at the Road site. A total of 1684 individuals

were recorded, 1016 of which were identified to species level and 668 to genus level.

Figure 6-4-1 Bird sightings by status during 103

Resident breeder

Winter (non breeding) visitor

Summer resident (breeder)

Breeding colony

© GVI – 2010

Common name Species Sightings

Magnificent frigatebird Fregata magnificens 260

White Ibis Eudocimus albus 118

Melodious blackbird Dives dives 96

Tropical mockingbird Mimus gilvus 91

Great-tailed grackle Quiscalus mexicanus 74

Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 72

Turkey vulture Cathartes aura 41

Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres 38

Osprey Pandion haliaetus 30

Great blue heron Ardea herodias 26

Royal tern Sterna m. maxima 26

Least tern Sterna antillarum 18

Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus 13

Laughing gull Larus atricilla 12

White-winged dove Zenaida asiatica 12

Great Egret Egretta alba egretta 11

Bare-throated Tiger heron Tigrisoma mexicanum 10

Table 6-4-1 Total Species Composition of phase 103

6.5 Discussion

A long term data set continues to be established for the birds around Pez Maya. The main

populations appear to be from resident breeders. A single species, the Magnificent Frigate,

made up the majority of sightings although this is due to its behaviour and is seen on all

transects. It is easily identified therefore cannot categorically be named as the most

common species of phase 103. Surveys will continue to be carried out to highlight the

diversity of birds around the base and the change in species through the year.

© GVI – 2010

7. References

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). http://www.mbrs.org.bz.

Global Visions International Annual Report, 2006.

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.

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.

Woods-Ballard A.J., Rix C.E., Gwenin S.R. (Eds). 2005. Global Vision International, Pez

Maya, Annual Report. In Collaboration with Amigos de Sian Ka'an and Comisión Nacional

de Areas Naturales Protegidas. Global Vision International, Mexico Report Series No. 002

ISSN 1748-9369.

© GVI – 2010

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, either perpendicular to the reef edge or along coral spurs.

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. In addition to identifying the coral to species level, the diver also records the

water depth at the top of the corals, at the beginning and end of each transect. In cases

where bottom topography is very irregular, or the size of the individual corals is very

variable, water depth is recorded at the top of each coral beneath the transect line at any

major change in depth (greater than 1m).

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 ten

categories:

© GVI – 2010

Black band disease Red band disease

White band disease Hyperplasm and Neoplasm (irregular growths)

White plague Predation and type

Yellow blotch disease Bleaching and type

Dark spot disease Unknown

Furthermore, bleaching is characterised as a percentage and any other features of note

are also recorded. Areas of mortality (old and recent), disease, predation and bleaching

are summed to provide an estimate of unhealthy coral. This final value will be used with

GIS software and future reporting.

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) and extend no

more than 2cm above the substratum

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, hydroids and crinoids.

Where possible, these are recorded to order or family.

Buddy method 2: Belt transect counts for coral reef fish

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

© GVI – 2010

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 20-30cm

5-10cm 30-40cm

10-20cm >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)

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:

© GVI – 2010

Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List

Analyzing the rover data gives us a broader view of additional organisms that may

constitute the reef site but that may not be represented from the randomly placed transect

lies. In the case of fish data, the rover data aids in collecting population size information of

target species that may keep away from a transect line due to the intimidating and possibly

invasive nature of unnatural objects and divers on the reef.

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

dives.

© GVI – 2010

Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name

Acanthurus coeruleus, Blue Tang Scarus guacamaia Rainbow Parrotfish

Acanthurus bahianus, Ocean Surgeonfish Scarus vetula Queen Parrotfish

Acanthurus chirurgus, Doctorfish Sparisoma viride Stoplight Parrotfish

Chaetodon striatus, Banded Butterflyfish Scarus taeniopterus Princess Parrotfish

Chaetodon capistratus, Four Eye Butterflyfish Scarus iserti Striped Parrotfish

Chaetodon ocellatus, Spotfin Butterflyfish Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband Parrotfish

Chaetodon aculeatus, Longsnout Butterflyfish Sparisoma chrysopterum Redtail Parrotfish

Haemulon flavolineatum French Grunt Sparisoma rubripinne Yellowtail Parrotfish

Haemulon striatum Striped Grunt Sparisoma atomarium Greenblotch Parrotfish

Haemulon plumierii White Grunt Sparisoma radians Bucktooth Parrotfish

Haemulon sciurus Bluestriped Grunt Epinephelus itajara Goliath Grouper

Haemulon carbonarium Caesar Grunt Epinephelus striatus Nassau Grouper

Haemulon chrysargyreum Smallmouth Grunt Mycteroperca venenosa Yellowfin Grouper

Haemulon aurolineatum Tomtate Mycteroperca bonaci Black Grouper

Haemulon melanurum Cottonwick Mycteroperca tigris Tiger Grouper

Haemulon macrostomum Spanish Grunt Mycteroperca interstitialis Yellowmouth Grouper

Haemulon parra Sailor‟s Choice Epinephelus guttatus Red Hind

Haemulon album White Margate Epinephelus adscensionis Rock Hind

Anisotremus virginicus Porkfish Cephalopholis cruentatus Graysby

Anisotremus surinamensis Black Margate Cephalopholis fulvus Coney

Lutjanus analis Mutton Snapper Balistes vetula Queen Triggerfish

Lutjanus griseus Gray Snapper Balistes capriscus Gray Triggerfish

Lutjanus cyanopterus Cubera Snapper Canthidermis sufflamen Ocean Triggerfish

Lutjanus jocu Dog Snapper Xanithichthys ringens Sargassum Triggerfish

Lutjanus mahogoni Mahaogany Snapper Melichthys niger Black Durgon

Lutjanus apodus Schoolmaster Aluterus scriptus Scrawled Filefish

Lutjanus synagris Lane Snapper Cantherhines pullus Orangespotted Filefish

Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail Snapper Cantherhines macrocerus Whitespotted Filefish

Holacanthus ciliaris Queen Angelfish Bodianus rufus Spanish Hogfish

Pomacanthus paru French Angelfish Lachnolaimus maximus Hogfish

Pomacanthus arcuatus Grey Angelfish Caranx rubber Bar Jack

Holacanthus tricolour Rock Beauty Microspathodon chrysurus Yellowtail Damselfish

Scarus coeruleus Blue Parrotfish Sphyraena barracuda Great Barracuda

Scarus coelestinus Midnight Parrotfish

© GVI – 2010

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

© GVI – 2010

Appendix IV – Coral Species List

Family Genus Species Family Genus Species

Acroporidae Acropora cervicornis Meandrinidae Dendrogyra cylindrus

Acroporidae 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

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


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


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


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

Appendix VI – Bird Species List

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 pez maya quarterly report july-september 2010

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