Coastal Ecosystems
What is a coastal ecosystem?
what is: the area between the oceans and land
Name two economic drivers for the Belize Project
tourism and fisheries
What type of lobster is most common in Belize?
what is: the Caribbean Spiny Lobster (Panulirus argus)
What types of activities are most common for Belizean tourists?
snorkling and diving
2 part! Why are coastal ecosystems important? How big is the second largest coral reef and where is it found?
Provide protection from natural storms
Belize! 190 coastal miles
what are: mangrove forests, marshes, seagrass meadows, reefs
What does BCZMA stand for?
Belize Coastal Zone Management Act
How much of the Belizean GDP did these lobsters account for in 2015?
3%
How many days do visitors spend in Belizean Coastal Zones annually?
estimated 2 million days!
What is a function of coral reefs?
form barriers and absorb wave energy
protect from floods, waves, and storms
What do coastal ecosystems aid in?
what is: carbon storage, storm protection, and temperature regulation
When did the BCZMA form their committee?
1990
How much of the total GDP for 2017 did tourism contribute for Belize?
15% in 2017 --> largest foreign exchange earner!
What is a function of seagrass?
stabilization and dense roots
maintains seabed integrity and sediment surface stabilization
name two current threats to coastal ecosystems.
what are: pollution, erosion, and global warming
What year did the Coastal Zone Management Act pass?
1998
Name a fishing regulation put in place by Belizean government for lobster fisheries
Season: july-feb
must have: 2in carapace and 4oz tail
What is a benefit of tourism for the Belizean people?
Provides jobs (12.92% of workforce)
Brings in money! (15% of GDP)
Tourists spend $230 million in BZD annually
What is a function of mangroves?
builds and binds soil
reduces erosion
promotes sediment deposition
how do humans threaten coastal ecosystems?
Why was the CZMA (Coastal Zone Management Act) delayed? When was it officially ratified and used?
Political shifts
2016
Which scenario worked best for the Lobster Fisheries?
The Informed Management Method: both lobster value and catches increased.
What conservation scenario was most successful for tourism?
Which scenario was most successful for coastal ecosystems?