Abstract

In the past years, macroalgae cover has nearly doubled along the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) and there has been a significant increase in diseases linked to waterborne pathogens. However, to date there is limited work on the impact of Sanitation Best Management Practices (SBMPs) on human and coral reef health in the region. Here, we present the case study of Half Moon Bay (Roatan, Honduras) where after 15 years of implementing SBMPs from the bottom-up, both marine water quality and coral disease have improved. We carried out a thorough literature review and stakeholder interviews to understand the SBMPs implementation process in Roatan. We analyzed enterococcus data in marine waters (2013 - 2020) from the monitoring program led by the Bay Islands Conservation Association, data on connections to the sewage treatment plant from Polo’s Water Board (2014-2019) and data on coral diseases from the Healthy Reefs Initiative (2014, 2016 and 2018); to determine the changes in pathogens through time and their impact on the reef. According to our data the creation and strengthening of a local water board was key for the implementation of SBMPs by improving transparency; currently 99.65% of accessible connections in West End have been connected to a sewage treatment plant which meets national standards and has developed cost-effective processing methods. Moreover, long term marine water quality data was important in the implementation of SBMPs, providing leverage to advocate [GB2] for investment in sanitation. Since 2017, enterococcus levels have decreased 2 orders of magnitude. Consequently, in 2019 Half Moon Bay was declared a Blue Flag Beach. Furthermore, coral disease in the area of influence of the sewage treatment plan dropped to 0% after the implementation of SBMPs, demonstrating that they are key for both human and coral health.

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