On 10th February 2024, University of Belize Environmental Research Institute (UB-ERI) held a collaborative project with the Coastal Zone Management Authority & Institute (CZMAI) and Turneffe Atoll Sustainability Association (TASA).
The project, titled “Strengthening Coral Reef Resilience through Science for Adaptive Management and Stakeholder Engagement, to Respond to Long-term Threats in the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve (TAMR),” aims to involve everyday stakeholders from TAMR in monitoring and responding to long-term threats to the coral reef.
The project recognizes the importance of dive tour guides in responding to coral reef threats. This workshop focused on co-developing a monitoring and response strategy, covering topics such as coral and disease identification, Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD) treatment, and communication mechanisms between UB-ERI and divers.
The workshop spanned two days, with the first day, February 10th, being dedicated to theoretical aspects. During the second session of the workshop, emphasis will be placed on formulating antibiotic treatment and implementing direct in-water treatment specifically at Turneffe.
Inclusive adaptive management is emphasized, encouraging frontline stakeholder involvement for effective collective efforts and the preservation of the Turneffe Atoll coral reef.
