Coral reef health in the Gulf of Honduras in relation to fluvial runoff, hurricanes, and fishing pressure

Abstract

The Gulf of Honduras includes extensive coral reefs in Belize and Guatemala, classified into four biogeographic zones, which are differentially affected by runoff, hurricanes, and fishing. Runoff mostly impacts the coastal and adjacent channel reefs. The Belize Barrier Reef (BBR) experiences less runoff impact due to the prevailing cyclonic ocean circulation. Hurricane waves powerfully impact the BBR, only occasionally the lee-side of Glover's Reef, and rarely the coastal and channel reefs. Fishing pressure is most intense on the coastal and channel reefs, comparatively modest on the BBR, and low at Glover's Reef. The effects of the three local stressors were evaluated using observations from 24 sites in the Gulf of Honduras. Data were analyzed using the Reef Health Index (RHI), with the highest RHI (4.3) for two Glover's Reef sites, medium RHI (2.6) for 10 sites on the barrier reef, and lowest RHI (2.1) for 8 coastal reef sites.

Keywords: Fishing pressure; Fluvial runoff; Gulf of Honduras; Hurricane impact; Mesoamerican Reef; Reef health index.