Abstract

The Cayos Cochinos Biological Reserve is a premiere site for studying a broad range of marine and terrestrial habitats in the Caribbean. The 460 square kilometer reserve, situated in the Cayos Cochinos Archipelago, Bay Islands of Honduras includes two forested islands and 12 sand keys, as well as surrounding coral reefs, seagrass beds and other underwater habitats. The Honduras Coral Reef Fund operates a field station in the reserve. This model facility is developing marine and terrestrial as well as conservation and fisheries research programs for visiting scientists. Combined with outreach to people in local communities. members of the unique Garifuna culture, the management of the reserve provides a unique experiment in sustainable development. It will allow studies of biological systems and problems affecting coral reefs and fisheries at both a local scale as well as for the wider Caribbean region, while ensuring the livelihoods of the indigenous people which also depend on the marine resources of Cayos Cochinos. The reserve also offers an abundance of terrestrial research opportunities. One island is partially covered with evergreen Oak Forest with many trees that are several hundred years old and characteristic of seasonal lowland forests.

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