.jpg)
Coral Nurseries: A Pilot Project in Belize
By Lisa Carne
The World Bank has funded a project through the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre in Belize entitled "Strengthening Coral Reef Resilience to Climate Change" as part of the program of adaptation to climate change impacts in the Caribbean. The project is one of several, practical, on the ground measures designed to address climate impacts in the region.Consultants Austin Bowden-Kerby (based in Fiji, see www.coralsforconservation.com) and Lisa Carne in Belize have established six coral nursery sites in Southern Belize using three different in situ culture methods (pictured below): "frames", "tables" and "ropes". The project includes ground breaking genetics work on both the corals and their symbiotic zooxanthellae algae to identify thermally tolerant corals for propagation and out-planting to reefs destroyed by hurricanes, ship groundings and climate change (bleaching). Many of the nursery sites in Southern Belize are at cayes with small eco-friendly lodges. These locations were picked to promote awareness and protection for the coral nurseries and include Tarpon, Whipray and French Louie Caye. There is also a nursery site at Laughing Bird Caye National Park.
There is a dissemination workshop planned for Dec 1, 7-9pm, at the Placencia Community Center. All are welcome to hear what we are doing, why, and what we hope to accomplish. The following day Dec 2, a field trip is funded for 15 participants to visit the coral nurseries: this field trip is for marine reserve staff and tour guides only. Contact Lisa Carne for more info: lisas@btl.net.
