Survey of Proposed Fish Sanctuary in Pedro Bank, Jamaica

Discovery of reefs containing large healthy star corals and elkhorn corals combined with limited observations of potentially damaging macroalgae were positive signs for the health of Pedro Bank coral reefs.  However, Capt. Phil Renaud, Executive Director of the Foundation noted that, "The fish abundance, diversity and size distribution is low on Pedro Bank when compared with historical fish data.  In particular, populations of parrotfish and surgeonfish were alarmingly low – alarming in the sense that these fish are the house-keepers of the coral reefs by grazing algae and preventing algae from out-competing the corals."

Discovery of reefs containing large healthy star corals and elkhorn corals combined with limited observations of potentially damaging macroalgae were positive signs for the health of Pedro Bank coral reefs.  However, Capt. Phil Renaud, Executive Director of the Foundation noted that, "The fish abundance, diversity and size distribution is low on Pedro Bank when compared with historical fish data.  In particular, populations of parrotfish and surgeonfish were alarmingly low – alarming in the sense that these fish are the house-keepers of the coral reefs by grazing algae and preventing algae from out-competing the corals."

During the research, scientists from The Nature Conservancy used side scan sonar to image much of the 15 squared km proposed fish sanctuary. This was the first such survey done on Pedro Bank and the data will be used to make detailed habitat maps of the proposed sanctuary. This will aid in the management of the area by identifying key locations that are important nurseries and fish habitats. Overall, the scientific work conducted on Pedro Bank will provide a baseline that will assist the Jamaican government in assessing the effectiveness of the fish sanctuary when it is fully implemented.

About the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation
Founded by HRH Prince General Khaled bin Sultan of Saudi Arabia, the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation was incorporated in California as a 501(c)(3), public benefit, Private Operating Foundation in September 2000. With its headquarters in Washington, D.C., the Living Oceans Foundation is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of oceans of the world, and champions their preservation through research, education, and a commitment to Science Without Borders®.

For more information, visit http://www.livingoceansfoundation.org and http://www.globalreefexpedition.com. Twitter @livingoceansfnd

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