Abstract

Increasing demand for tourist activities in Bahía de las Águilas, Jaragua National Park requires conservation polices and management actions, but these must be based on sound technical information. To facilitate this, a collaborative Caribbean MPA habitat mapping group joined resources and expertise during a 10-day practical course, involving 14 MPA personnel from five countries. The goals were to enhance skills in the use of marine acoustics for mapping within reef environments, and use this technology to generate maps within key areas of Jaragua National Park. For mapping, the R/V Mago de Mar was outfitted with the following acoustic transducers: 300-kHz Marine Sonic Technology side scan sonar, 200-kHz Lowrance Model LCX110c fathometer and a 120-kHz split-beam 6-degree Hydroacoustic Technology, Inc. transceiver (model 244). Using these, approximately 1,000 ha of the seafloor adjacent to Bahia de las Aguilas, Cuenvanjo and Bucan Ye were mapped for benthic habitat, bathymetry and fish biomass. Final products from this work included two habitat maps of 1:1000, four bathymetric 3-D models and several transverse sections, detailed tables and maps locating sites with fish aggregations. With CONANP support, all products and reports are accessible through the internet (http:// pyucatan.conanp.gob.mx/sss3.htm). The combination of field work and conceptual training, especially in hydroacoustics, broadened participant’s experiences and opened new possibilities for ecosystem-based management. The development of this project demonstrates how functional MPA networking is essential to overcome funding and logistical limitations as well as the importance to have trained personnel working together towards common goals.

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