Abstract

A Rapid Ecological Assessment (REA) was conducted during the period of July 26 through August 13, 1994 (at the end of the dry season) to gather information on the oceanographic and ecological characteristics of Port Honduras, since this area has been considered part of a corridor of protected areas in southern Belize. A GIS (Geographic Information System) data base was established to incorporate bathymetry, oceanography, ecological data and island attributes. Spatial and vertical salinity distributions showed the marked influence of the oceanic waters in the hydrological characteristics of the inner laggon before the period of heavy rainfall start. As part of this REA, a fisheries-independent surveys conducted with otter trawls showed that most of the fish caught were in juvenile stages. The most abundant fish were grunts (F. Haemlidae), mojarras (F. Gerreidae). parrotfishes (F. Scaridae), snappers (Lutjanidae) and small wrasses (Labridae). Fish were most abundant in nearshore areas of dense seagrass habitats. These fish may recruit from reef spawning sites in the north and are transported south by the prevailing nearshore currents.

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