Volume 59
Networking among Scientists and Managers Improves Benthic Habitat Knowledge at six remote Caribbean MPA’s
Authors
Prada, M., Rivera, J., Appeldoorn, R.S., Reveles, B., Fonseca, F., Rios, G., Be, F., Carranza, J., Peñaloza, G., Hudgson, R., Mitchell, A., Marin, G., Mateo, J., Sharer, M., Posada, J., Rodríguez, P. Download PDF Open PDF in BrowserOther Information
Date: November, 2006
Pages: 499-506
Event: Proceedings of the Fifty Nine Annual Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute
City: Belize City
Country: Belize
Abstract
Improving benthic habitat information within remote Caribbean marine protected areas (MPA) requires diverse skills, including capability with remote sensing techniques and the use geographic information system (GIS) applications. A new network of scientists and managers within the region has formed to provide this capacity, with initial training funded by NOAA’s International Coral Reef Conservation Program. After two years of cooperative work, the 16 collaborating scientists and managers from Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and United States of America were able to increase the benthic habitat knowledge of MPAs in their countries. After two training sessions covering in-situ use of remote sensing gear and the manipulation of combined remotely-sensed imagery products, the group generated new habitat maps, verified habitat interpretations of existing benthic maps, and correctly layered old and recent field transects over maps having multiple datums. Habitat maps were based either on high resolution imagery in deep water environments (30 m) using side scan sonar, or more shallow water habitats (up to 10 m) using aerial photographs, satellite information or a combination of both. In addition, they received training in the use of Marxan as a conservation tool by learning from applications developed in Puerto Rico and Venezuela. Use of the internet and the creation of a virtual forum for further discussion have facilitated group communications and fostered further cohesion, thanks to the support of the CONANP (Mexican Commission of Protected Areas). Capacity building among trained participants explored alternatives on how to share limited available resources within developing countries while increasing skills in technologies and agencies or NGO’s project developments. As a direct result, the group has obtained additional funds through the White Water to Blue Water initiative, and will continue this collaborative effort next year by working in Jaragua National Park in the Dominican Republic