Abstract

Herbivory is a key ecological process on coral reefs, where parrotfish and other herbivorous fish are critical in main-taining coral dominance and limiting the establishment and growth of algal communities that impede coral recruitment. The shift to algae-dominance has been recognized as a serious driver for ecological degradation and the loss of critical eco-system services. Over the last several decades, coral cover around the world has declined significantly, which has been associated with the overexploitation and lack of legal protections for parrotfish and other herbivorous fish; the lack of inte-grated watershed and coastal management strategies; and the ongoing effects of climate change. In particular, addressing the need for integrated management strategies to manage fisheries and protect herbivore assemblages has been recognized as pivotal by scientist and several international conservation platforms. This project aims to address some of these needs and establish the necessary coalitions and working groups to support legal advocacy for ecosystem-based management to protect parrotfish and other herbivorous fish in several Latin American countries. Target countries include Mexico, Guate-mala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia, contemplating the expansion to other countries in Central America and the Caribbean. Some of the expected results include the development of legal and site-specific instruments and proto-cols to conserve and effectively manage parrotfish and other herbivorous fish, protect spawning aggregations, and develop a communication strategy to increase public support and awareness with outreach to local, regional and international au-thorities, as well as the general public.

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