Global Vision International

2010 Report Series No. 004

GVI Mexico

Pez Maya Marine Expedition

Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve

Quarterly Report 104

October – December 2010

Global Vision International

2010 Report Series No. 004

GVI Mexico, Pez Maya Expedition Report 104

Submitted in whole toGVI

Amigos 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 officerJack Fazey – Science and Dive Officer

Sarah Davies – Science Officer

And

Henry Lancaster Volunteer Catherine Beehler VolunteerLucy Rossiter Volunteer Amanda Bergkvist VolunteerJoel Deurloo Volunteer Tommy Torrades VolunteerKatie Hewitt Volunteer Miguel Galindo NSP

Kellie Marks Volunteer Amadeo Marin NSP

Cameron Vazehgoo Volunteer Andy North Volunteer

Mark Herring Volunteer Helena Kohen Volunteer

James Fisher Volunteer Todd Palmer Volunteer

Kerry Patterson Volunteer Max Odlander Volunteer

Dylan Speight Volunteer Amy Smith Volunteer

Charnele Peat Volunteer Emily Ross Volunteer

Maria Fredriksson Volunteer Thomas Nuttall-Smith Volunteer

Caroline Smith Volunteer Katrin Thommes Volunteer

Barbie Clabots Volunteer Ivan Klein Volunteer

Edited by Vicki Bush

Stuart FultonDaniel Ponce-Taylor

GVI Mexico, Pez Maya

Email: mexico@gviworld.comWeb page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com

1. Executive Summary

The 30th ten week phase of GVI Mexico, Pez Maya expedition has now been completed.

During the phase we continued working 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 104 (October-December 2010):

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........................................................................................................................ 19

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

4.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 20

4.2 Aims............................................................................................................................ 20

4.3 Methodology...............................................................................................................20

4.4 Results........................................................................................................................ 21

4.5 Discussion.................................................................................................................. 21

5. Marine Litter Monitoring Programme.......................................................................................24

5.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 24

5.2 Aims............................................................................................................................ 24

5.3 Methodology...............................................................................................................24

5.4 Results........................................................................................................................ 25

5.5 Discussion.................................................................................................................. 26

6. Bird Monitoring Programme.....................................................................................................27

© GVI – 2010 v

6.1 Introduction................................................................................................................. 27

6.2 Aims............................................................................................................................ 27

6.3 Methodology...............................................................................................................28

6.4 Results........................................................................................................................ 28

6.5 Discussion.................................................................................................................. 29

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

8. Appendices................................................................................................................................. 33

Appendix I – SMP Methodology Outlines................................................................................33

Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List........................................................................37

Appendix III - Juvenile Fish Indicator Species List...................................................................38

Appendix IV – Coral Species List............................................................................................39

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 Percentage of corals 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 Total Weight Collected in phase each phase from 2003 to 2010 (Kg)

Figure 6-4-1 Bird sightings by status during 104

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 2 and 4. 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 4-4-1 Number of sightings for each incidental category during phase 104

Table 5-4-1 Summary in kg of materials collected along the 300m transect for 2010.

Table 6-4-1 Total Species Composition of phase 104

© GVI – 2010 vii

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 Page 8

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 Page 9

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 10

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 Page 11

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

© GVI – 2010 Page 12

Location Site ID Depth (m) Latitude Longitude

Paso

Campechen

PC05 6.3 20.10035º N 087.46380º W

PC10 10 20.09945º N 087.46245º W

Pedro Paila PP05 4.9 20.03995º N 087.46965º W

PP10 10.3 20.03753º N 087.46615º W

Punta San

Juan

PSJ05 4.7 19.88328º N 087.42607º W

PSJ10 10.9 19.88317º N 087.41752º W

PSJ20 21.1 19.88048º N 087.41197º W

Punta Yuyum PY20 18.9 19.97288º N 087.45280º W

San Miguel

de Ruiz

SMDR05 2 19.96697º N 087.46080º W

SMDR10 9.1 19.96670º N 087.45312º W

SMDR20 19.1 19.96825º N 087.45165º W

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

Maya programme during phases 2 and 4

2.4 Results

Benthic Data

A total of 332 corals were monitored for coral community studies, sighting 45 incidences of

disease. Yellow-blotch disease was the most prevalent, accounting for 68.89% of the

diseases seen; approximately 84% of the yellow-blotch recorded was found on corals of

the genus Montastraea, with M. annularis presenting most commonly. Other diseases

noted were white plague, black band, patchy necrosis, dark spot disease and hyperplasms

(Figure 2-4-1). Bleaching was recorded on 23.8% of all corals monitored; 15.19% of which

were partially bleached and 84.81% pale bleached. No corals were recorded as totally

bleached. The majority of pale bleaching (51.9%) was seen on Siderastrea siderea.

Encrusting gorgonians and sponges were the most common forms of predation recorded,

each accounting for 37.5% of coral colonies predated upon. Other forms of predation

included short coral snails, damselfish and parrotfish predation, zoanthids, Millepora sp.

predation and coralline algae overgrowth.

The point intercept data showed average hermatypic coral coverage to be 7.97% across

all the sites, fitting with the Caribbean average of 10%, with macroalgae coverage of

56.36%. The remaining 43.64% is made up of smaller and less abundant reef creatures,

such as bryozoans, corallimorphs, coralline algae, gorgonians, sponges, tunicates and

© GVI – 2010 Page 13

zoanthids. Of the 287 corals monitored along the PI transects, Agaricia agaricites was the

most commonly seen, accounting for 17.07%. The next two most abundant corals were

Siderastrea siderea and Montastrea annularis, with percentage abundances of 16.38 and

16.03, respectively. SMDR05 showed the highest percentage coral cover with 10.38%,

whereas SMDR20 had the least coral cover with just 2.5% (Figure 2-4-2).

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

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

Fish Populations

686 adult target fish were recorded over 48 transects at six monitoring sites. The average

number of fish recorded per transect ranged from 9.75 (SMDR10) to 22.25 (PP05) (Figure.

© GVI – 2010 Page 14

2-4-3). The most commonly record family was Acanthuridae, making up 54.2% of the total

number of adult fish recorded, followed by Haemulidae with 23.62%.

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

PP05 PP10 PY20 SMDR05 SMDR10 SMDR20

Total number of adult individuals 178 97 112 114 78 107

Average number of adult fish per tran-

sect

22.25 12.13 14 14.25 9.75 13.38

Total number of juvenile individuals 56 70 53 48 40 15

Average number of juveniles per tran-

sect

7 8.75 6.63 6 5 1.88

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

282 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 Sparisoma aurofrenatum (Redband Parrotfish).

© GVI – 2010 Page 15

2.5 Discussion

Benthic Cover

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 variation in percentage coral cover across all sites 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. SMDR05 is a shallow site with a maximum depth of

approximately 5 metres, therefore the corals growing here will be exposed to greater levels

of light. This will allow zooxanthellae (algal symbionts living in coral polyps) to

photosynthesise much more readily, encouraging coral growth.

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

species tends to be particularly susceptible to bleaching, which could explain the high

percentage of pale bleached corals recorded. 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.

Agaricia agaricites was the most commonly recorded coral. This coral grows in a number

different forms: carinata (grows in thick, bifacial plates with upright projections); purpurea

(grows in flat plates, ridges are sharp and tall with long, continuous valleys running parallel

to each other); form danai (grows in thick, bifacial blades) and agaricites (has the ability to

encrust, displays discontinuous ridges and valleys) (Humann & DeLoach, 2008). It is

therefore expected that this species was recorded most commonly, as it is able to inhabit a

wider range of areas than most other corals.

© GVI – 2010 Page 16

Yellow-blotch disease was the most prevalent disease recorded this phase. Yellow-blotch

was most frequently seen on Montastraea spp., particularly M. annularis, which are widely

known to be particularly susceptible to this disease (Cervino et al., 2004; Humann &

DeLoach, 2008). M. annularis was the third most commonly recorded coral; perhaps this

could explain the high percentage of yellow-blotch observed.

Fish Populations

Six sites were successful completed this phase. However, due to rough sea conditions the

site the greatest distances from base; Paso Campechen and Punta San Juan were not

monitored.

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

over half of all adult fish sightings. The high percentage of this family can in part be

explained by the large number of individuals of Acanthurus bahianus and A.coeruleus

recorded at the PP05 (57 and 70 respectively). With the reefs around Pez Maya being

dominated by algae, food sources for this family of grazers are in high abundance.

The large differences seen in the average number of adult fish observed on the reef may

well be due to the different habitats and conditions found within these areas. PP05 showed

the largest number of fish sightings during phase 104. PP05 is a shallow 5m site; these

sites offer protection for juvenile and young fish to grow and develop before moving out on

to the deep reef and are common areas to find large numbered groups of Acanthuridae.

The average number of juvenile fish per transect (2.54) for the whole phase showed an

increase from the same phases for the previous two years (1.56, 1.6 respectively). This in

part could be due to the high number of juvenile fish recorded during phase 103. The

smaller individuals from phase 103 still being within the size range to be recorded during

this phase. 2010 has shown an increase in the number of juvenile fish being recorded. If

this trend continues throughout the following phases, this could be a promising sign of an

increase in fish biomass within the northern Sian Ka’an.

© GVI – 2010 Page 17

3. Community Programme

3.1 Introduction

Working within the local community is a key aspect of GVI’s work. GVI Pez Maya has been

collaborating closely with two local communities: Punta Allen and Nuevo Durango.

In Punta Allen, two different programmes are supported: English lessons with

environmental education and the 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 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.

With the dual role as a community based inside the reserve as well as a fishing village,

educational programmes are very important to provide tools that can help the local

residents develop the area in a sustainable manner, improving and diversifying work

opportunities whilst protecting the region for the future. GVI has been supporting Punta

Allen for over 6 years with plans to continue this involvement in order to reinforce and

strengthen the lessons learned, and to continually involve young generations in

conservation and education.

In Nuevo Durango, GVI works with a Mayan community that has been developing a new

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

base, which makes it difficult to grow vegetables, the community at Nuevo Durango has

developed a composting system that makes the land fertile enough to produce a range of

organic vegetables.

3.2 Objectives

The objectives of the community programme in Pez Maya are:

1. To raise awareness about the importance of the ecosystems surrounding the com-

munities of Punta Allen and Nuevo Durango, providing local community members

with information about those ecosystems and organizing activities to reinforce the

information provided.

© GVI – 2010 Page 18

2. To provide locals with English lessons, a necessary skill in order to communicate

with the increasing number of visitors arriving to the communities.

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

provide help when 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 worked on farms collecting soil and cutting

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

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 prepared lunch for the volunteers, allowing the group to

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

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

vegetable supply from the host families.

Punta Allen

Volunteers visited the village once a week during this phase. English lessons for children

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

from the curricula. Three different educational levels were targeted: Kinder garden,

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 was included in the lessons.

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.

© GVI – 2010 Page 19

3.4 Review

Punta Allen

During the weekly visits to Punta Allen, English lessons to Kindergarten, Primary and

Secondary schools were carried out successfully. Kindergarten children were introduced to

colours, shapes and human body parts through games, interactive displays, drawing and

colouring. Primary and Secondary school children were aided during English lessons,

organizing and creating fun and engaging ways to help the students learn their English

curriculum.

PAVER is a recycling project that 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 and exemplary community for the region. During this phase

staff and volunteers helped with the preparation of the recycling centre area, making it an

inviting area for local community members to use on a regular basis.

Nuevo Durango

From October to December, a total of eight families were helped. Compost was laid out in

areas worked by previous volunteers. The compost is also a result of the work carried out

by volunteers during previous phases. Families will now plant in their new fields and we

look forward to seeing the results in coming months. As in previous phases, GVI Pez Maya

continued to purchase as many vegetables as possible from Nuevo Durango, supporting

local business and increasing the percentage of organic products used on base.

Volunteers found this community interaction very rewarding, both from a cultural exchange

and knowing that local families were producing organic vegetables thanks to their support

and help.

© GVI – 2010 Page 20

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 not only the species is identified, but date, time, location,

depth observed, number of individuals and their size are all recorded

Since phase 093, 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

© GVI – 2010 Page 21

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 104 a total of 172 incidental sightings were recorded, 90 of these being

lionfish sightings.

Category Total Number of SightingsLionfish 90

Rays 23Marine Mammals 21

Eels 17Snakes and Crocodiles 10

Turtles 9Sharks 2

Table 4-4-1. Number of sightings for each incidental category during phase 104

4.5 Discussion

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

ecosystem is. 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 during the 3-month phase. Over the past two years there has been a steady

increase in the number of sightings, suggesting an increase in reef health. In 073 (August

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 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 9 individual sightings (1

Green, 1 Hawksbill, 2 Loggerheads and 5 unidentified), this is a dramatic decrease when

compared to Phase 102. This was an expected result and seems to follow a predictable

pattern. Nesting season for all turtle species found in the Yucatan runs between May and

September, which coincides with the 02 phases of each year. Phase 104 would be well

© GVI – 2010 Page 22

after the season and subsequently would show reduced numbers of turtle sightings. This is

encouraging information and shows a relatively stable population of turtle species in Pez

Maya’s region.

With the exception of phase 101, phase 104 follows the trend of rays being the most

commonly sighted species with a total of 23 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. 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 the 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.

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. Previously seen species (Blacktip, Bull shark, Reef shark

and Hammerhead) were not seen this phase, the exception being the nurse shark. 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 exact

numbers and species can often be mistaken.

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

mammals seen were dolphins and there was one manatee sighting. It should be noted

however that all dolphin sightings occurred during one boat trip. Marine 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.

Phase 104 saw a much lower number of sightings of snakes and crocodiles than the

previous phase. Since phase 101, sightings have been steadily increasing with the

© GVI – 2010 Page 23

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

which involves a walk to the bridge in the 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 we have 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 during phase 104.

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 phase recorded almost double the previous phase (55) and the problem

will only increase unless more efforts are made to keep the population in check.

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 24

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.

5.2 Aims

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

restrial 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 monitor-

ing 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 and recorded by category. 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 Page 25

5.4 Results

A total of 106.65kg of marine litter was collected this phase. Plastic accounted for 44.7%

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.

    PHASE  

  101 102 103 104

Fabric 0.00 0.00 0.00 0

Glass 5.08 6.45 5.50 14.65

Medical waste 0.09 0.05 1.70 0.05

Metal 0.31 0.07 8.15 0.5

Natural Material 11.40 0.25 3.10 1

Other 9.94 11.45 26.10 38.6

Plastic 65.31 56.10 61.68 47.7

Polystyrene 2.80 3.90 4.91 3.95

Rope 4.59 7.95 19.60 0.2

Rubber 0.00 2.20 0.00 0

Total 99.24 88.42 130.74 106.65

Table 5-4-1. Summary in kg of materials collected along the 300m transect for 2010

© GVI – 2010 Page 26

Figure 5-4-1. Total Weight Collected in phase each phase from 2003 to 2010 (Kg)

5.5 Discussion

As has been the case for the majority of the phases, 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 Page 27

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, and 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 or-

der 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 sur-

veys. 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 Page 28

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

40 transects were carried out this phase, 8 at each of the transect areas – Base, Beach,

Bridge, Mangrove and Road sites. A total of 1224 individuals were recorded, 1055 of which

were identified to species level and 169 to genus level.

Figure 6-4-1 Bird sightings by status during 104

© GVI – 2010 Page 29

Figure 6-4-1 indicates the percentage of birds sited during the phase grouped by their

status. The majority of the birds around Pez Maya make up a population of Resident

Breeders, with 53% of sightings being birds of this status during phase 103. Phase 104

has also seen the non-breeding winter visitors arrive, making up 30%.

Table 6-4-1 indicates identified species that contribute more than 1% of sightings. The

Great Tailed Grackle was seen the most this phase with almost twice as many sightings as

Ruddy Turnstone which came in third. The Magnificent Frigatebird was the second most

common in terms of number of individuals sighted.

Common name Species Totals PercentageGreat-tailed grackle Quiscalus mexicanus 193 18.3Magnificent frigatebird Fregata magnificens 117 11.1Ruddy turnstone Arenaria interpres 104 9.9Royal tern Sterna m. maxima 84 8.0Tropical mockingbird Mimus gilvus 70 6.6Brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 64 6.1Sanderling Calidris alba 53 5.0Yellow warbler Dendroica petechia 45 4.3Osprey Pandion haliaetus 41 3.9Black catbird Dumetella glabrirostris 39 3.7White Ibis Eudocimus albus 38 3.6Turkey vulture Cathartes aura 34 3.2Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus 21 2.0Snowy egret Egretta thula 20 1.9Bananaquit Coereba flaveola 15 1.4Golden-fronted Woodpecker Centurus aurifrons 14 1.3Great blue heron Ardea herodias 13 1.2Yellow-throated warbler Dendroica dominica 12 1.1

Table 6-4-1 Total Species Composition of phase 104

6.5 Discussion

The 104 phase has been interesting from a birding perspective as many species arrive in

the area to over-winter and were never recorded during the summer phase of 103. A

comparison of each phase during the year will be provided in the end of year science

report.

The most commonly sighted bird in phase 104, the Great-tailed Grackle, is likely to be a

small resident population in the area. A number of Grackles have established themselves

around base as the winter has progressed. These can be seen throughout the day and

cross all transect areas which would explain the high numbers. As always, Magnificent

© GVI – 2010 Page 30

Frigate birds have been sighted frequently, and are seen on all transects due to their

behaviour of flying above the treelines along the coastline for extended periods. This

means they are easily identifiable from any transect area.

© GVI – 2010 Page 31

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.

Cervino, J. M., Hayes, R. L., Polson, S. W., Polson, S. C., Goreau, T.J., Martinez, R. J. &

Smith, G. W. 2004. Relationship of the Vibrio species infection and elevated temperatures

to yellow blotch/band disease in Caribbean corals. Applied and Environmental

Microbiology. 70(11): 6855-6864.

Global Visions International Annual Report, 2006. www.gvimexico.blogspot.com

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.

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

tipe. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. 105: 1044-10449

© GVI – 2010 Page 32

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 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, 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:

Black band disease Red band disease

© GVI – 2010 Page 34

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 Page 35

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 Page 36

Single (1 community)

Few (2-10 communities)

Many (11-50 communities)

Abundant (>50 communities).

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.

© GVI – 2010 Page 37

Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List

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 Page 38

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

dives.

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

Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name

Fregata magnificens Swallow sp (not mangrove) Coragyps atratus Great Kiskadee

Eudocimus albus Magnificent frigatebird Kingfisher sp.

Dives dives White Ibis Coereba flaveola Black vulture

Mimus gilvus Melodious blackbird Dumetella glabrirostris Dove sp.

Quiscalus mexicanus Tropical mockingbird Calidris alba Bananaquit

Pelecanus occidentalis Great-tailed grackle Egretta tricolor Black catbird

  Brown pelican Vireo m. magister Sanderling

Cathartes aura Tyrranus Kingbird sp. Tricolored heron

Arenaria interpres Turkey vulture Cathartes b. burrovianus Yucatan Vireo

Ruddy turnstone Egretta caerulea Woodpecker sp.

Pandion haliaetus Nighthawk sp. Lesser Yellow-headed

Vulture

Ardea herodias Osprey Little Blue Heron

Sterna m. maxima Great blue heron Butorides virescens Oriole sp

Royal tern Ortalis vetula Warbler sp.

Sterna antillarum Vulture sp Columbina talpacoti Green heron

Icterus cucullatus Least tern* Egretta thula Plain Chachalaca

Hooded Oriole Dendroica erithachorides Ruddy ground-dove

Larus atricilla Flycatcher sp. Egretta rufescens Snowy egret

Zenaida asiatica Laughing gull Sterna sandvicensis Mangrove warbler

White-winged dove Sporophila torqueola Reddish Egret

Egretta alba egretta Heron sp. Nycticorax violaceus Sandwich tern

Tigrisoma mexicanum Great Egret Centurus pygmaeus White-collared Seedeater

Buteogallus anthracinus Bare-throated Tiger heron Yellow-crowned Night-Heron

Pitangus sulphuratus Common black-hawk Yucatan Woodpecker

Tern sp

© GVI – 2010 Page 45