Effects of Marine Reserve Protection and Fishing Presure on Reef Fish Trophic Communities of the Belize Barrier Reef.
Coral reefs are some of the most ecologically and economically important ecosystems due to the high biodiversity they support. The complex food web that develops is highly susceptible to over-fishing and habitat destruction. Increased marine protected areas on reefs worldwide gives over-harvested populations a chance to recover. Emily is examining the affects of protection and fishing pressure on the trophic guilds of reef fish on the Belize Barrier Reef. Through visual census, Emily is approximating fish abundance and diversity within the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the adjacent waters in order to examine the reserve's effectiveness and how it facilitates the recovery of vulnerable fish populations.
If you would like more information about the project, please email Emily at erosser@mail.une.edu.