Global Vision International

2010 Report Series No. 003

GVI Mexico

Punta Gruesa Marine Expedition

Mahahual

Quarterly Report 103

July - September 2010

 GVI Mexico, Punta Gruesa Expedition Report 103

Submitted in whole to
GVI
Amigo de Sian Ka‟an
Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP)

Produced by

Tristan Brown – Science Officer

And

Genevieve Gammage Base Manager David Sheal Volunteer

David Blundell Field Staff Diane Propsting Volunteer
Samantha Buxton Field Staff Frank Van Boekel Volunteer
Jax Keenan Field Staff Gilbert Dreschke Volunteer
Erin Lawrence Field Staff Hannah Uffland Volunteer
Rachel Budworth Scholar Hannah Young Volunteer
Ruaidhri Le Mage Scholar Jennifer Bowker Volunteer
Ariane Robinson NSP Julia Goldberg Volunteer
Jose Roberto Juarez NSP Karl Jenson Volunteer
Allyn Norman Volunteer Katherine Scott Volunteer
Ana Ilic Volunteer Katie Motsan Volunteer
Anna Loizou Volunteer Kylie Jameson Volunteer
Ben Shuttleworth Volunteer Lisa Robbins Volunteer
Beth Siddons Volunteer Ryan Winter Volunteer
Bradley Nelson Volunteer Nils Radecker Volunteer
Bryan Jameson Volunteer Stephen Rankin Volunteer
Christian Puentes Volunteer Tamara Vogt Volunteer
Dagmar Wels Volunteer

Edited by
Stuart Fulton

GVI Mexico, Punta Gruesa

Email: mexico@gviworld.com
Web page: http://www.gvi.co.uk and http://www.gviusa.com
Executive Summary

The eleventh ten week phase of the Punta Gruesa, Mexico, GVI expedition has now been
completed. The programme has maintained working relationships with local communities
through both English classes and local community events. The programme has continued
to work towards the gathering of important environmental scientific data whilst working
with local, national and international partners. The following projects have been run during
Phase 103:

 Monitoring of strategic sites along the coast.

 Training of volunteers in the MBRS methodology including fish, hard coral, and
algae identification.
 Continuing the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Programme (SMP) for the selected sites
within the Mahahual region to provide regional decision makers with up to date
information on the ecological condition of the reef.
 Providing English lessons and environmental education opportunities for the local
community.
 Further developing the current Marine Education programme for the children of
Mahahual that works alongside the standard curriculum.
 Liaising with local partners to develop a successful and feasible programme of
research in collaboration with GVI into the future.
 Continue adding to a coral and fish species list that will expand over time as a
comprehensive guide for the region.
 Continuation of the National Scholarship Programme, whereby GVI Punta Gruesa
accepts a Mexican national on a scholarship basis into the expedition.

© GVI – 2010 ii
Table of Contents
Executive Summary ........................................................................................................ ii
List of Figures................................................................................................................. iv
List of Tables .................................................................................................................. iv
1. Introduction............................................................................................................. 5
2. Synoptic Monitoring Programme ............................................................................. 6
2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................... 6
2.2 Aims ................................................................................................................. 8
2.3 Methodology ..................................................................................................... 8
2.4 Results ........................................................................................................... 10
2.5 Discussion ...................................................................................................... 12
3. Community programme ............................................................................................. 14
3.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 14
3.2 Objectives ....................................................................................................... 14
3.3 Activities and Achievements ........................................................................... 14
3.4 Review ............................................................................................................ 15
4. Incidental Sightings ................................................................................................... 16
4.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 16
4.2 Aims ............................................................................................................... 16
4.3 Methodology ................................................................................................... 16
4.4 Results ........................................................................................................... 17
4.5 Discussion ...................................................................................................... 17
5. Marine Litter Monitoring Programme. ........................................................................ 19
5.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 19
5.2 Aims ............................................................................................................... 19
5.3 Methodology ................................................................................................... 19
5.4 Results ........................................................................................................... 20
5.5 Discussion ...................................................................................................... 21
6. Bird Monitoring Programme ....................................................................................... 22
6.1 Introduction ..................................................................................................... 22
6.2 Aims ............................................................................................................... 22
6.3 Methodology ................................................................................................... 23
6.4 Results ........................................................................................................... 23
6.5 Discussion ...................................................................................................... 25
7. References ................................................................................................................ 26
8. Appendices ............................................................................................................... 27
Appendix I – SMP Methodology Outlines .............................................................. 27
Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List ...................................................... 30
Appendix III - Juvenile Fish Indicator Species List ................................................ 32
Appendix IV - Coral Species List........................................................................... 33
Appendix V - Fish Species List ............................................................................. 34
Appendix VI - Bird Species List............................................................................. 38

iii
List of Figures
Figure 2-3-1 The Dive Sites of Punta Gruesa .....................................................................9

List of Tables
Table 2-3-1 GPS locations of tyhe monitoring sites. GPS points are listed here in the
WGS84 datum.................................................................................................................. 10
Table 2-4-1 % Comparison of Hermatypic Coral Cover against Macroalgae Cover. ......... 11
Table 2-4-2 Adult Target Species Abundance by Monitoring Site ..................................... 11
Table 2-4-3 Total and Average Number of Juveniles Recorded ....................................... 12
Table 5-4-1 Average Weight Collected per Week (Kg) ..................................................... 21
Table 6-3-1 Total Species Composition of phase 103…………….………………………….23

iv
1. Introduction
This expedition is the third of GVI‟s third year at Punta Gruesa.

The Yucatan Peninsula is fringed by the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), the
second largest barrier reef system in the world, extending over 4 countries. Starting from
Isla Contoy at the North of the Yucatan Peninsula it stretches down the Eastern coast of
Mexico down to Belize via Honduras and Guatemala.

The current project at Punta Gruesa, in collaboration with a sister base in Pez Maya
located inside the Sian Ka‟an Biosphere Reserve, assist our project partners, Amigos de
Sian Ka‟an (ASK) and Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) in
obtaining baseline data along the coast of Quintana Roo through marine surveys. This
data allows ASK to focus on the areas needing immediate environmental regulation
depending on susceptibility and therefore, implement management protection plans as and
when required.

Such a project is especially significant in current times of rapid development along the
small fishing village coast of the Mahahual area due to the tourism industry generated by
the cruise ship pier that was built near the town in 2002.

Methodologies continue to be improved and focused as experience is gained and

improvement to data quality is continuous. A full Annual Report will collate and summarize
all data and enable more descriptive and accurate analysis.

The following research/monitoring programmes have been carried out this phase:
 The MBRS Synoptic Monitoring Programme
 Community Work Programme
 Incidental Sightings
 Marine Littering Monitoring Programme
 Bird Monitoring Programme

© GVI – 2010 Page 5

2. Synoptic Monitoring Programme

2.1 Introduction
The Synoptic Monitoring Programme looks to evaluate the overall health of the reef by
looking at three main areas: Benthic cover, fish populations and physical parameters.

Benthic Cover
Caribbean reefs were once dominated by hard coral, with huge Acropora palmata stands
on the reef crests and Acropora cervicornis and Montastraea annularis dominating the fore
reef. Today, many reefs in the Caribbean have been overrun by macro algae during a
phase shift which is thought to have been brought about by numerous factors including a
decrease in herbivory from fishing and other pressures, eutrophication from land-based
activities and disease (McClanahan & Muthiga, 1998).

Benthic transects record the abundance of all benthic species as well as looking at coral
health. The presence of coral on the reef is in itself an indicator of health, not only because
of the reefs‟ current state, but also for its importance to fish populations (Spalding & Jarvis,
2002). Coral health is not only impacted by increased nutrients and algal growth, but by
other factors, both naturally occurring and anthropogenically introduced. A report produced
by the United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre
(UNEP-WCMC) in 2004 stated that nearly 66% of Caribbean reefs are at risk from
anthropogenic activities, with over 40% of reefs at high to very high risk (UNEP-WCMC,
2006).

Through monitoring the abundances of hard corals, algae and various other key benthic
species, as well as numbers of Diadema urchin encountered, we aim to determine not only
the current health of the local reefs but also to track any shifts in phase state over time.

Fish Populations
Fish surveys are focused on specific species that play an important role in the ecology of
the reef as herbivores, carnivores, commercially important fish or those likely to be
affected by human activities (AGRRA, 2000).

© GVI – 2010 Page 6

For more in depth rationale of the importance of each of the key fish families please see
previous GVI Mahahual/Punta Gruesa reports.

All reef fish play an important role in maintaining the health and balance of a reef
community. Fishing typically removes larger predatory fish from the reef, which not only
alters the size structure of the reef fish communities, but with the reduction in predation
pressure, the abundance of fish further down the food chain is now determined through
competition for resources (AGRRA, 2000).

Although each fish is important, the removal of herbivores can have a considerable impact
on the health of the reef, particularly in an algal dominated state, which without their
presence has little chance of returning to coral dominance. Through the monitoring of
these fish and by estimating their size, the current condition of the reef at each site can be
assessed, any trends or changes can be tracked and improvements or deteriorations
determined.

The monitoring of juvenile fish concentrates on a few specific species. The presence and
number of larvae at different sites can be used as an indication of potential future
population size and diversity. Due to the extensive distribution of larvae, however,
numbers cannot be used to determine the spawning potential of a specific reef. The
removal of fish from a population as a result of fishing, however, may influence spawning
potential and affect larval recruitment on far away reefs. The removal of juvenile predators
through fishing may also alter the number of recruits surviving to spawn themselves
(AGRRA, 2000).

Together with the information collected about adult fish a balanced picture of the reef fish
communities at different sites can be obtained.

Physical Parameters
For the optimum health and growth of coral communities certain factors need to remain
relatively stable. Measurements of turbidity, water temperature, salinity, cloud cover, and
sea state are taken during survey dives. Temperature increases or decreases can
negatively influence coral health and survival. As different species have different optimum
temperature ranges, changes can also influence species richness. Corals also require

© GVI – 2010 Page 7

clear waters to allow for optimal photosynthesis. The turbidity of the water can be
influenced by weather, storms or high winds stirring up the sediment, or anthropogenic
activities such as deforestation and coastal construction. Increased turbidity reduces light
levels and can result in stress to the coral. Any increase in coral stress levels can result in
them becoming susceptible to disease or result in a bleaching event.

In the near future, GVI Punta Gruesa hopes to be able to use this data for analysis of
temporal and seasonal changes and try to correlate any coral health issues with sudden or
prolonged irregularities within these physical parameters.

2.2 Aims
The projects at Punta Gruesa and Pez Maya aim to identify species and their resilience to
environmental stressors. The projects also aim to ascertain areas of high species diversity,
areas of high algal mass, fish species and abundance.

2.3 Methodology
The methods employed for the underwater visual census work are those outlined in the
MBRS manual (Almada-Villela et al., 2003), but to summarize, GVI use three separate
methods for buddy pairs:

Buddy method 1: Surveys of corals, algae and other sessile organisms

Buddy method 2: Belt transect counts for coral reef fish
Buddy Method 3: Coral Rover and Fish Rover diver

The separate buddy pair systems are outlined in detail in Appendix I.

The 9 sites that are monitored as part of the MBRS programme at GVI Punta Gruesa,
detailed below, were chosen through discussions with ASK, the Programa de Manejo
Integrado de Recursos Costeros (MIRC, a subsidiary of UQROO) and discussions with
local fishermen.

© GVI – 2010 Page 8

These sites make up a coastal range of 6.5km in the immediate vicinity of Punta Gruesa
(See Figure 2-3-1 below) and are monitored every 3 months to give a long term evaluation
of the reef health.

Figure 2-3-1 The Dive Sites of Punta Gruesa

© GVI – 2010 Page 9

 Location Site ID Depth Latitude Longitude
Los Bollos LB10 10m 19.02 21.8 087.33 54.8
Las Joyas LJ10 10m 19.01 53.0 087.34 07.6
Los Milagros LM10 10m 19.01 35.6 087.34 13.3
Costa Norte CN10 10m 19.01 31.0 087.34 16.5
Las Delicias LD10 10m 19.01 24.7 087.34 20.2
Las Palapas LP10 10m 19.01 55.8 087.34 05.0
Flor de Cañón FDC10 10m 19.02 04.4 087.34 03.4
Sol Naciente SN10 10m 19.00 36.0 087.34 33.0
Los Gorditos LG25 25m 18.59 37.6 087.34 51.9
Table 2-3-1 GPS locations of the monitoring sites. GPS points are listed here in the WGS84 datum.

The eight sites at 10m are situated on the reef crest with one deeper site “Los Gorditos”,
which offers a wide sample area with spur and groove formations.

2.4 Results
266 dive/survey training boats and 60 monitoring boats were sent out resulting in a total of
44 coral transects and 72 fish transects conducted over 9 sites during Phase 103.

Benthic Data
In regards to benthic monitoring this is a survey area of approximately 1.3 km of reef.
Across this area 5,280 benthic points were recorded, 773 corals were monitored for coral
community studies sighting 92 incidences of disease, over twice that of the previous
phase, 43.07% of corals showed signs of bleaching and 86 examples of coral predation
were noted.

The point intercept data showed average hermatypic coral coverage to be 10.63% across
all the sites with macroalgae coverage at 69.72%. Table 2-4-1 below shows the
breakdown of percentage cover observed this phase by site. This phases data showed
LJ10 to have the highest coral cover with LD10 displaying the lowest.

© GVI – 2010 Page 10

 Site I.D. Hermatypic Coral Cover (%) Macroalgae Cover (%)
CN10 10.83 65.83
FDC10 8.17 66.50
LB10 9.00 65.33
LD10 8.00 77.83
LG25 9.17 71.46
LJ10 16.67 64.33
LM10 13.17 64.83
LP10 11.33 71.50
SN10 9.33 79.83
Table 2-4-1 % Comparison of Hermatypic Coral Cover against Macroalgae Cover

The most commonly observed coral species were Agaricia agaricites and Sidastrea
siderea combining to make up 55.4% of the corals monitored.

Fish Populations
856 adult target fish were recorded over the 72 fish transects this phase. The average
number of fish per transect varied from 21.25 at LP10 to 4.5 at LJ10. Following the
patterns observed over the previous phases, of the 33 species recorded, Haemulidae were
the most common family accounting for 48.2% of the total fish sightings. Acanthuridae
were next with 20.9%.

FAMILY CN10 FDC10 LB10 LD10 LG25 LJ10 LM10 LP10 SN10
Acanthuridae 12 31 21 17 31 8 15 23 19
Balistidae 2 1 4 1 0 0 0 7 5
Carangidae 0 1 0 2 3 0 2 0 0
Chaetodontidae 7 6 5 3 4 4 2 5 3
Haemulidae 120 25 37 25 1 12 40 117 31
Labridae 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0
Lutjanidae 1 3 1 1 11 0 0 6 0
Monacanthidae 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 3
Pomacanthidae 0 1 0 2 1 1 0 1 0
Pomacentridae 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0
Scaridae 7 4 8 4 6 0 3 5 2
Serranidae 4 8 5 59 9 9 5 5 5
Total 156 82 82 114 71 36 67 170 68
Number of fish per transect 19.5 10.25 10.25 14.25 8.875 4.5 8.375 21.25 8.5

Table 2-4-2 Adult Target Species Abundance by Monitoring Site

© GVI – 2010 Page 11

During the juvenile fish transects 1,167 individuals over 18 species were recorded. This
averaged at 16.2 fish per transect. The three most numerous species found were
Halichoeres garnoti (Yellowhead wrasse), Thalassoma bifasciatum (Bluehead wrasse) and
Stegastes paritus (Bicolour damselfish).

Site I.D. Total Number of Average Number

Individuals Recorded per Transect
CN10 140 17.5
FDC10 131 16.375
LB10 98 12.25
LD10 197 24.625
LG25 101 12.625
LJ10 130 16.25
LM10 74 9.25
LP10 155 19.375
SN10 141 17.625

Table 2-4-3 Total and Average Number of Juveniles Recorded

Outlined in the table above the majority of juveniles were seen at LD10 with LP10 and
SN10 the next most abundant sites.

2.5 Discussion
This phase, due to a combination of good weather and hardworking volunteers, all 9
permanent sites were monitored. They included Coste Norte, Los Bollos, Flor de Canon,
Las Delicias, Las Joyas, Los Milagros, Las Gorditas, Sol Naciente and Las Palapas.

As has been the case for the previous 3 phases the site to show the highest coral cover
was Las Joyas at 16.67%. Due to the homogenous nature of the monitoring sites there
was little variation seen with all of them having a hard coral cover that seems to fit with the
10% average of the Caribbean.

The number of incidences of bleaching was one of the highest ever recorded here at
Punta Gruesa. This fits in with the predictions that this is going to be a year where reefs
are hit hard by the bleaching due to the high water temperatures. Some sources believe
this will be one of the highest sea temperatures recorded in history. This pattern seems to

© GVI – 2010 Page 12

be coming to fruition from looking at this phase‟s data. Next phase more emphasis will be
put on coral watch to try and see if this is the case and close observations of the corals will
be made to check for signs of bleaching.

The decrease in the number of juveniles observed when compared to Phase 102 indicates
that the spawning season has come to an end for the majority of target species. The
majority of the juveniles that have been seen on the reef are at the upper end of the size
limitations set out by the MBRS SMP. This would suggest that the number of recent
hatchings is now significantly lower.

All other patterns fit those of previous phases outlined in detail in GVI Mexico, Pta Gruesa,
Quarterly Report 101 January – March 2010.

© GVI – 2010 Page 13

3. Community programme
3.1 Introduction
GVI is committed to working with the local communities, assisting them to guide
Mahahual´s development towards a sustainable future. For that, we center our activities in
two main aspects: English and Environmental Education.

GVI hopes to provide locals in Mahahual with the tools to develop the area beneficially for
themselves, their professions and needs, whilst protecting it for the future. Consequently,
during both the child and adult education programs, wherever possible an environmental
theme has been included within the structure of the lessons.

3.2 Objectives
The objectives of the community programme in Punta Gruesa are:
1. To raise awareness about the importance of the ecosystems that surround their
area, providing them with information about it and organizing activities to reinforce
the knowledge given.
2. To provide locals with English lessons that will help them to develop a skill that is
necessary for them in order to be able to communicate with the growing tourist
visitors that come to the area.
3. To participate in the different activities that are organized by the locals and provide
help if it is needed.

3.3 Activities and Achievements

The program is carried out in two main areas: English for adults and children in three
levels (basic, intermediate and advanced) during the afternoons; and Environmental
education for primary and secondary school during the mornings every Thursday.

The English lessons for children are carried out while they are at school. The volunteers
prepare the lesson that will be given the day before. Games, interactive activities and
songs are part of the tools they use to reinforce the knowledge. After the lesson they have
feedback sessions between themselves to comment on how the lesson went.

© GVI – 2010 Page 14

Lessons in the evening are the most successful due to the working times of the majority of
the students, which are mainly taxi drivers, builders, waiters, masseuses and sales people.
Attendances vary, but on average up to 10 or more adults are regularly seen. The
structure of these lessons is usually lead by the participants who have specific
requirements based on their careers and as such the types of conversation had.

3.4 Review
Unfortunately this phase coincided with school holidays and so attendance was very low.
Towards the end when the schools reopened the lessons were back on track and the
children thoroughly enjoyed the interactive lesson plans designed by the volunteers.

The evening lessons were more successful, having people with different skills joining the
class. There was an average attendance of 10 people every lesson, where they worked
with different themes according to what the students wanted to know.

This phase, in addition to the usual TEFL programme, GVI were part of Jats-a-ja. This
was a ceremony in memory of Hurricane Dean, a hurricane that devastated Mahahual,
and is supposed to keep the strong winds away. GVI staff and volunteers organized a stall
with face painting and ideas for re-using unrecyclable rubbish. This was a great success
with the children all of whom were especially happy, in particular with the face painting.

A large focus of the day was also an organized lionfish hunt. Fishermen, local dive
companies and families alike were all encouraged to join and take part with prizes for the
group who caught the most fish and a separate category for the largest individual. This
was also a great success, with over 200 lionfish caught in the single day. It was an
excellent chance to spread the word of the importance of keeping the invasive lionfish
population under control and offered a good opportunity for CONANP to research the
feeding behavior through public dissections.

The day was a huge success with the majority of Mahahual attending the festivities.

© GVI – 2010 Page 15

4. Incidental Sightings

4.1 Introduction
GVI Punta Gruesa has implemented an incidental sightings program since April 2004, due
to the high number of turtles and other mega fauna species seen on dives in the area.
Species that make up the incidental sightings list are:

 Sharks and Rays

 Eels
 Turtles
 Marine Mammals
 Great Barracuda
 Lionfish

These groups are identified to species level where possible and added to the data
collected by the Ocean Biogeographic Information Systems Spatial Ecological Analysis of
Megavertebrate Populations (OBIS-SEAMAP) database. An interactive online archive for
marine mammal, seabird and turtle data, OBIS-SEAMAP aims to improve understanding
of the distribution and ecology of marine mega fauna by quantifying global patterns of
biodiversity, undertaking comparative studies, and monitoring the status of and impacts on
threatened species.

4.2 Aims
The aim of the project is to record all megafauna sightings in the vicinity of Punta Gruesa
and to keep track of the population numbers and spread of lionfish.

4.3 Methodology
Each time an incidental sighting species is seen on a dive or snorkel it is identified, and the
date, time, location, depth it was seen at, and size are all recorded. The volunteers are
provided with a Mega fauna presentation during science training, which aids in
identification of shark, ray and turtle species. All the completed dives are logged by GVI,
showing the total effort for each phase in comparison with the species recorded.

© GVI – 2010 Page 16

For the first time in 093 GVI Punta Gruesa began recording lionfish sightings. Over the
past decade the Pacific Lionfish (Pterois volitans) has established itself along the Atlantic
coast as a result of multiple releases (intentional or otherwise) from private aquaria. This
invasive species lacking in natural predators, has adapted well to the warm waters of the
Caribbean, and is currently spreading its geographical range along the Mesoamerican
coastline.

4.4 Results
During phase 103 a total of 91 incidental sightings were recorded across 266 trips out to
the reef and snorkels in the lagoon. Excluding the snorkel trips, as that is based on an
estimation of number of trips, this equates to a unit effort of 0.34 sightings per boat. This is
a slight decrease from the previous phase.

Turtle sightings showed a decrease overall going from 0.09 sightings per visit in the phase
103 to just 0.05 sightings per visit. This decrease was shown in both the Loggerhead
(Caretta caretta) and Hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbriocota). The decrease in total
observations, due to the total number seen was minimal but when this was converted to
number of observations per site visit the proportion was much larger. This was most
apparent in Caretta caretta with readings declining by 61% (0.067 sightings per visit –
0.026).

Lionfish sightings decreased from 0.43 sightings per site visit to 0.27 showing
approximately a 40% decrease.

The rest of the incidental sightings fitted with the results from previous phases. Please
see GVI Punta Gruesa‟s Quarterly Report 101 January – March 2010 for more information.

4.5 Discussion
Turtles
The decrease in turtle sightings can most likely be attributed to the end of the nesting
season, May to October respectively. This pattern in numbers of individuals has been
seen over the last 2 years and was expected. (For more detailed information please see
the GVI Mexico Punta Gruesa January – March Report) The level of Green turtle
(Chelonia mydas) sightings is consistently low indicating a low population in this area.

© GVI – 2010 Page 17

Both Caretta caretta and Eretmochelys imbriocota sightings are the most common with
numerous close encounters with divers.

Lionfish
The increase in P. volitans sightings poses a potentially large problem for the reefs at
Punta Gruesa. As not only has there been an increase in the population but also a shift in
the sizes that have been observed. This could indicate that as the lionfish have settled
and the population has become more developed, more individuals have reached sexual
maturity. This problem will only increase unless more efforts are made to keep the
population in check. According to James et al 2010, only 27% of the population needs to
be removed in order to keep the numbers under control and stop this increase.

Unfortunately due to equipment and logistical restraints, the staff were unable to catch a
large number of lionfish this phase (11%) and as such a dramatic increase is expected
over the coming months.

The change in the population dynamic seen this phase is most likely a result of the
targeting of larger individuals on the previous hunts. Spearguns were the preferred
method and so the smaller organisms were not caught as easily.

© GVI – 2010 Page 18

5. Marine Litter Monitoring Programme.

5.1 Introduction
Punta Gruesa‟s location on the Yucatan Peninsula means that it faces the Caribbean
Current. This is a circular current that combined with the Loop current and the Yucatan
current, transports a significant amount of water northwest ward through the Caribbean
Sea. The main source is from the equatorial Atlantic Ocean via the North Equatorial,
North Brazil and Guiana Currents. Due to the volume of water that is transported and both
the nature and origin of the said currents, it is possible that the litter being found is from
quite far afield. This could be compounded by the high shipping pressures, in particular
the cruise ships that pass through to Mahahual on a regular basis on average carrying
approx. 2-3,000 passengers. Other factors also include outflows from rivers and storm
drains etc. If this is the most common source for the marine debris then it is likely that
weather changes, which have an impact on both tidelines and sea turbulence, will have a
direct and noticeable effect on the amount of rubbish washed up.

Phase 092 saw the beginning of the marine litter collection program at Punta Gruesa.
Marine litter is prevalent along the Caribbean coast and is not only unsightly but a health
hazard to marine life and humans alike. In order to collect more data on this issue a beach
clean program will be conducted every phase. This is part of a worldwide program and is
just one method of investigation to discover where marine litter originates from and which
materials are most common.

5.2 Aims

This project has three main aims: To quantify the data and produce photographic evidence
of the extent of marine litter. Conserve the terrestrial and marine fauna threatened by litter.
Improve beach aesthetics.

5.3 Methodology
Marine litter is collected weekly on a 200 metre stretch of beach north of base. The
transect is cleared one week prior to the commencement of the monitoring program, in
order that only a weekly amount of debris is recorded. Materials are collected from the
tidemark to the vegetation line to eliminate waste created by inland terrestrial sources.

© GVI – 2010 Page 19

The waste is separated, weighed and recorded by the categories below:
 Fabric
 Glass
 Plastic
 Polystyrene
 Metal
 Natural material (modified)
 Medical waste
 Rubber
 Rope
 Other

5.4 Results
A total of 78.95 Kg of marine litter was collected this phase. Plastic accounted for
approximately 42.2% of the total weight collected. Even though polystyrene was one of
the smallest categories in terms of weight, in volume it was one of the most numerous and
in reality accounts for a large proportion of litter on the transect.

Unfortunately, due to weather restrictions the total number of rubbish collections varies
from phase to phase. For example phase 103 were able to clear the transect every week
whereas in phase 102 there were 2 consecutive weeks where this was not feasible. To
allow for this Table 5-4-1 below shows the breakdown of the average litter collected per
week since the beginning of 2009.

© GVI – 2010 Page 20

 Phase
092 093 094 101 102 103
Plastic 5.24 8.55 9.86 6.19 3.17 4.17
Glass 0.51 0.43 1.57 1 0.84 0.56
Fabric 0 0 0.09 0.04 0 0.03
Rubber 0.38 0.89 2.2 0.14 0.01 0.11
Natural Material 0.51 0.04 2 0.17 0.72 0.79
Rope 0.88 1.35 1.62 0.31 0.6 0.53
Metal 0.02 0.03 0 0.16 0.41 0.74
Polystyrene 0.16 0.12 0.32 0.13 0.13 0.15
Medical Waste 0 0 0 0.03 0 0.04
Other 2.17 0.006 1.17 1.87 2.41 2.76
Total 9.87 11.9 18.82 10.03 8.29 9.88
Table 5-4-1 Average Weight Collected per Week (Kg)

5.5 Discussion
As has been the case for the majority of monitors, plastics have again constituted the
largest volume of all the categories this phase. This could be due to its light weight
making it easy to transport and its robustness against degradation. The fact that the level
of plastic found is consistently high from phase to phase is a worrying trend as when
plastics such as polythene, found in plastic bags, breakdown they form small plastic
particles that can contaminate the food web and be passed on through the trophic levels.
Plastic debris can act like a sponge for toxic chemicals soaking up compounds such as
PCB‟s and DDE (a product from the breakdown of DDT). Once these are ingested into the
food chain the high concentrations will be spread from organism to organism until the
levels become fatal.

Even though the data shows a large volume of rubbish being collected from a relatively
small section of beach, the results do not do justice to the actual problem at hand. This is
due to the seagrass bed situated alongside the monitoring area. As discussed above it is
possible that during times of increased wind and wave action the volume of rubbish
collected should show a marked increase. However this could be being masked by the
large quantity of Thalassia that also gets washed up in these more extreme conditions
burying the rubbish and hiding it from sight. In some areas the mound of dead blades can
be as much as 75cm deep.

© GVI – 2010 Page 21

6. Bird Monitoring Programme

6.1 Introduction
With regard to avi-fauna, Mexico, Central and South America can be divided into three
distinct regions separated by mountain ranges: the Pacific slope, the Interior and the
Atlantic slope. These regions can be further divided into other sub-zones, based on a
variety of habitats.
The Yucatan Peninsula lies on the Atlantic slope and is geographically very different from
the rest of Mexico: It is a low-level limestone shelf on the east coast extending north into
the Caribbean. The vegetation ranges from rainforest in the south to arid scrub
environments in the north. The coastlines are predominantly sandy beaches but also
include extensive networks of mangroves and lagoons, providing a wide variety of habitats
capable of supporting large resident populations of birds.

Due to the location of the Yucatan peninsula, its population of resident breeders is
significantly enlarged by seasonal migrants. There are four different types of migratory
birds: Winter visitors migrate south from North America during the winter (August to May).
Summer residents live and breed in Mexico but migrate to South America for the winter
months. Transient migrants are birds that breed in North America and migrate to South
America in the winter but stop or pass through Mexico. Pelagic visitors are birds that live
offshore but stop or pass through the region.

Punta Gruesa is located near the town of Mahahual close to the Mexico/Belize border
between a network of mangrove lagoons and the Caribbean Sea. The local area contains
three key ecosystems; wetland, forest and marine environments.

6.2 Aims
The aims of the bird monitoring programme are to develop a species list for the area in
order to gain an idea of the abundance and diversity of bird species. Long-term bird data
gathered over a sustained period could highlight trends not noticeable to short-term
surveys. It also aims to educate the volunteers in bird identification techniques, expanding
on their general identification skills. The birding project also provides a good opportunity to
obtain a better understanding of area diversity and the ecosystem as a whole.

© GVI – 2010 Page 22

6.3 Methodology

Bird monitoring surveys are conducted using a simple methodology based on the bird
monitoring program at Pez Maya. A member of staff accompanied by volunteers monitor
the transects daily between 6 and 8am. There are four transects - Beach south, Beach
north, Road south and Road north. These transects were selected to cover a range of
habitats, including coastline, mangroves, secondary growth and scrub. The transects are
completed in approximately 30 minutes to allow for consistency of data. To reduce
duplication of data, recordings are taken in one direction only which also helps to avoid
double-counting where individuals are very active or numerous. Birds are identified using
binoculars, cameras and a range of identification books. Identification of calls is also
possible for a limited number of species for experienced observers. If the individual
species cannot be identified then birds are recorded to family level.

Each survey records the following information; location, date, start time, end time, name of
recorders and number of each species seen. Wind and cloud cover have also been
recorded to allow consideration of physical parameters.

6.4 Results
A total of 837 birds were recorded this phase, the second highest value since the
beginning of the bird monitoring programme in 092. A total of 34 species were identified
and 1 new species was added to the species list, the Black-crowned Tityra. The Great-
tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) was once again, as in 092 093 and 102, the most
commonly sighted, followed by the Golden-fronted Woodpecker. The third most commonly
sighted bird was the Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus), with 57 sightings.

Common name Species Sightings

Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus 131
Golden-fronted Woodpecker Melanerpes aurifrons 123
Tropical Mockingbird Mimus gilvus 57
White-winged dove Zenaida asiatica 46
Royal Tern Stema maxima 39
Magnificent Frigate Fregata magnificens 38
Sanderling Calidris alba 38
White Ibis Eudocimus albus 35
Mangrove Vireo Vireo pallens 28
Warbler sp. Sylviidae sp. 27

© GVI – 2010 Page 23

 Great Kiskadee Pitangus sulphuratus 26
Sandpiper sp. Scolopacidae sp. 21
Tern sp. Sternidae sp. 21
Snowy Egret Egretta thula 18
Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum 17
Woodpecker sp. Picidae sp. 15
Kingbird sp. Tyrannus sp. 14
Turkey Vulture Catharetes aura 14
Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 12
Vulture sp. Cathartidae sp. 12
Yucatan Jay Cyanocorax yucatanicus 12
Oriole sp. Oriolidae sp. 9
Laughing Gull Larus atricilla 8
Dove sp. Columbidae sp. 7
Swallow sp. Hirundinidae sp. 7
Egret sp. Ardeidae sp. 6
Flycatcher sp. Myiarchus sp. 6
Heron sp. Ardeidae sp. 5
Neotropic Cormorant Phalacrocorax brasilianus 5
Masked Tityra Tityra semifasciata 4
Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia 4
Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia 4
Black Vulture Coragyps atratus 3
Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea 3
Purple Martin Progne subis 3
Altamira Oriole Icterus gularis 2
Black-crowned Tityra Tityra inquisitor 2
Gull sp. Laridae sp. 2
Lineated Woodpecker Dryocopus lineatus 2
Social Flycatcher Myiozetetes similis 2
Black-cowled Oriole Icterus prosthemelas 1
Cormorant sp. Phalacrocorax sp. 1
Dusky-capped flycatcher Myiarchus tuberculifer 1
Hooded Oriole Icterus cucullatus 1
Laughing Falcon Herpetotheres cachinnans 1
Least Tern Stema antillarum 1
Osprey Pandion haliaetus 1
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 1
Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica 1

Table 6-3-1 Total Species Composition of phase 103

© GVI – 2010 Page 24

6.5 Discussion
Those species with relatively constant numbers across phases are most likely resident in
the area, with only minor fluctuations among those species inclined to local migration for
mating or feeding purposes.

Brown Pelicans and Royal Terns were both seen much more commonly during the autumn
and winter phases (094 and 101), at least twice as often as during the spring and summer
phases. This illustrates perfectly the Royal Tern‟s status as a non-breeding winter visitor,
mostly returning to north-west Mexico during the spring and summer to breed. The Brown
Pelican also follows this pattern to an extent, although they are also thought to breed
around the Yucatan Peninsula.

Those species that are observed only at certain times of the year are most likely seasonal
migrants, either moving into the area temporarily or simply moving through the region on
their way to summer or wintering grounds elsewhere. These include the Sanderlings,
Plovers, similar species of shore-birds and Warblers, many of which are resident only
during the winter, moving further north to breed during the summer.

The birding project in Punta Gruesa is still in its infancy although patterns seem to be
emerging as we come to the mid-point of the second year. The species list is constantly
expanding each phase as observers become more adept at seeing and identifying species
and migrant species enter the area. As yet the data is insufficient to draw any conclusions
as to any patterns or trend; although some fluctuations in the populations of common
species can already be seen across the six phases of data collection. The collection of
data will continue in future years and we will try to further standardise transects between
phases

© GVI – 2010 Page 25

7. References

AGRRA (2000) Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA). The AGRRA Rapid
Assessment Protocol. http://www.agrra.org/method/methodhome.htm

Almada-Villela P.C., Sale P.F., Gold-Bouchot G. Kjerfve B. (2003) Manual of Methods for
the MBRS Synoptic Monitoring System: Selected Methods for Monitoring Physical and
Biological Parameters for Use in the Mesoamerican Region. Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Systems Project (MBRS). http://www.mbrs.org.bz.

James, M.A., Shertzer, K.W., Rice, J.A. (2010) A Stage-Based Matrix Population Model of
Invasive Lionfish with Implications for Control. Biol Invasions, DOI10.1007/s10530-010-
9786-8

McClanahan, T.R., Muthiga, N.A. (1998) An ecological shift in a remote coral atoll of Belize
over 25 years. Environmental Conservation 25: 122-130.

Spalding, M.D., Jarvis, G.E. (2002). The impact of the 1998 coral mortality on reef fish
communities in the Seychelles. Marine Pollution Bulletin 44: 309-321.

UNEP-WCMC (2006). In the front line: shoreline protection and other ecosystem services
from mangroves and coral reefs. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK.

© GVI – 2010 Page 26

8. Appendices

Appendix I – SMP Methodology Outlines

Buddy method 1: Surveys of corals, algae and other sessile organisms

At each monitoring site five replicate 30m transect lines are deployed randomly within
100m of the GPS point. The transect line is laid across the reef surface at a constant
depth, usually perpendicular to the reef slope. The recent discovery of two Spur and
Groove sites (DP & LG) at a depth of 20m will allow for additional future monitoring. In
keeping with Scuba diving profiles at such depths, 10m transect lines will be used in order
to provide sufficient time to successfully complete monitoring surveys and return to the
surface safely. Owing to the nature of the Spur and Groove reef orientation, transects will
be laid perpendicular to the shoreline.

The first diver of this monitoring buddy pair collects data on the characterisation of the
coral community under the transect line. Swimming along the transect line the diver
identifies, to species level, each hermatypic coral directly underneath the transect that is at
least 10cm at its widest point and in the original growth position. If a colony has been
knocked or has fallen over, it is only recorded if it has become reattached to the
substratum. In addition to identifying the coral to species level, the diver also records the
water depth at the top of the corals, at the beginning and end of each transect. In cases
where bottom topography is very irregular, or the size of the individual corals is very
variable, water depth is recorded at the top of each coral beneath the transect line at any
major change in depth (greater than 1m).

The diver then identifies the colony boundaries based on verifiable connective or common
skeleton. Using a measuring pole, the colonies projected diameter (live plus dead areas)
in plan view and maximum height (live plus dead areas) from the base of the colonies
substratum are measured.

From plane view perspective, the percentage of coral that is not healthy (separated into
old dead and recent dead) is also estimated.

© GVI – 2010 Page 27

The first diver also notes any cause of mortality including diseases and/or predation and
any bleached tissue present. The diseases are characterised using the following ten
categories:

Black band disease Red band disease

White band disease Hyperplasm and Neoplasm (irregular growths)
White plague Predation and type
Yellow blotch disease Bleaching and type
Dark spot disease Unknown

Furthermore, bleaching is characterised as a percentage and any other features of note

are also recorded. Areas of mortality (old and recent), disease, predation and bleaching
are summed to provide an estimate of unhealthy coral. This final value will be used with
GIS software and future reporting.

The second diver measures the percentage cover of sessile organisms and substrate
along the 30m transect, recording the nature of the substrate or organism directly every
25cm along the transect. Organisms are classified into the following groups:

Coralline algae - crusts or finely branched algae that are hard (calcareous) and extend no
more than 2cm above the substratum
Turf algae - may look fleshy and/or filamentous but do not rise more than 1cm above the
substrate
Macroalgae - include fleshy and calcareous algae whose fronds are projected more than
1cm above the substrate. Three of these are further classified into additional groups which
include Halimeda, Dictyota, and Lobophora
Gorgonians
Hermatypic corals - to species level, where possible
Bare rock, sand and rubble
Any other sessile organisms e.g. sponges, tunicates, zoanthids, hydroids and crinoids.
Where possible, these are recorded to order or family.

© GVI – 2010 Page 28

Buddy method 2: Belt transect counts for coral reef fish

At each monitoring site 8 replicate 30m transects lines are deployed randomly within 100m
of the GPS point. The transect line is laid just above the reef surface at a constant depth,
usually perpendicular to the reef slope. The first diver is responsible for swimming slowly
along the transect line identifying, counting and estimating the sizes of specific indicator
fish species in their adult phase. The diver visually estimates a two metre by two metre
„corridor‟ and carries a one meter T-bar divided into 10cm graduations to aid the accuracy
of the size estimation of the fish identified. The fish are assigned to the following size
categories:

0-5cm 20-30cm
5-10cm 30-40cm
10-20cm >40cm (with size specified)

The buddy pair then waits for three minutes at a short distance from the end of the
transect line before proceeding. This allows juvenile fish to return to their original positions
before they were potentially scared off by the divers during the adult transect. The second
diver swims slowly back along the transect surveying a one metre by one metre „corridor‟
and identifying and counting the presence of newly settled fish of the target species. In
addition, it is also this diver‟s responsibility to identify and count the Banded Shrimp,
Stenopus hispidus. This is a collaborative effort with UNAM to track this species as their
population is slowly dwindling due to their direct removal for the aquarium trade. The
juvenile diver also counts any Diadema antillarum individuals found on their transects.
This is aimed at tracking the slow come back of these urchins.

Buddy Method 3: Coral & Fish Rover divers

At each monitoring site the third buddy pair completes a thirty minute survey of the site in
an expanding square pattern, with one diver recording all adult fish species observed. The
approximate density of each fish species is categorised using the following numerations:

Single (1 fish)

© GVI – 2010 Page 29

Few (2-10 fish)
Many (11-100 fish)
Abundant (>100 fish)

The second diver swims alongside the Fish Rover diver and records, to species level, all
coral communities observed, regardless of size. The approximate density of each coral
species is then categorised using similar ranges to those for fish:

Single (1 community)
Few (2-10 communities)
Many (11-50 communities)
Abundant (>50 communities)

Appendix II - Adult Fish Indicator Species List

Analyzing the rover data gives us a broader view of additional organisms that may
constitute the reef site but that may not be represented from the randomly placed transect
lies. In the case of fish data, the rover data aids in collecting population size information of
target species that may keep away from a transect line due to the intimidating and possibly
invasive nature of unnatural objects and divers on the reef.

The following list includes only the adult fish species that are surveyed during monitoring
dives.

© GVI – 2010 Page 30

Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name
Acanthurus coeruleus, Blue Tang Scarus guacamaia Rainbow Parrotfish
Acanthurus bahianus, Ocean Surgeonfish Scarus vetula Queen Parrotfish
Acanthurus chirurgus, Doctorfish Sparisoma viride Stoplight Parrotfish
Chaetodon striatus, Banded Butterflyfish Scarus taeniopterus Princess Parrotfish
Chaetodon capistratus, Four Eye Butterflyfish Scarus iserti Striped Parrotfish
Chaetodon ocellatus, Spotfin Butterflyfish Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband Parrotfish
Chaetodon aculeatus, Longsnout Butterflyfish Sparisoma chrysopterum Redtail Parrotfish
Haemulon flavolineatum French Grunt Sparisoma rubripinne Yellowtail Parrotfish
Haemulon striatum Striped Grunt Sparisoma atomarium Greenblotch Parrotfish
Haemulon plumierii White Grunt Sparisoma radians Bucktooth Parrotfish
Haemulon sciurus Bluestriped Grunt Epinephelus itajara Goliath Grouper
Haemulon carbonarium Caesar Grunt Epinephelus striatus Nassau Grouper
Haemulon chrysargyreum Smallmouth Grunt Mycteroperca venenosa Yellowfin Grouper
Haemulon aurolineatum Tomtate Mycteroperca bonaci Black Grouper
Haemulon melanurum Cottonwick Mycteroperca tigris Tiger Grouper
Haemulon macrostomum Spanish Grunt Mycteroperca interstitialis Yellowmouth Grouper
Haemulon parra Sailor‟s Choice Epinephelus guttatus Red Hind
Haemulon album White Margate Epinephelus adscensionis Rock Hind
Anisotremus virginicus Porkfish Cephalopholis cruentatus Graysby
Anisotremus surinamensis Black Margate Cephalopholis fulvus Coney
Lutjanus analis Mutton Snapper Balistes vetula Queen Triggerfish
Lutjanus griseus Gray Snapper Balistes capriscus Gray Triggerfish
Lutjanus cyanopterus Cubera Snapper Canthidermis sufflamen Ocean Triggerfish
Lutjanus jocu Dog Snapper Xanithichthys ringens Sargassum Triggerfish
Lutjanus mahogoni Mahaogany Snapper Melichthys niger Black Durgon
Lutjanus apodus Schoolmaster Aluterus scriptus Scrawled Filefish
Lutjanus synagris Lane Snapper Cantherhines pullus Orangespotted Filefish
Ocyurus chrysurus Yellowtail Snapper Cantherhines macrocerus Whitespotted Filefish
Holacanthus ciliaris Queen Angelfish Bodianus rufus Spanish Hogfish
Pomacanthus paru French Angelfish Lachnolaimus maximus Hogfish
Pomacanthus arcuatus Grey Angelfish Caranx rubber Bar Jack
Holacanthus tricolour Rock Beauty Microspathodon chrysurus Yellowtail Damselfish
Scarus coeruleus Blue Parrotfish Sphyraena barracuda Great Barracuda
Scarus coelestinus Midnight Parrotfish

© GVI – 2010 Page 31

Appendix III - Juvenile Fish Indicator Species List
The subsequent list specifies the juvenile fish species and their maximum target length
that are recorded during monitoring dives

Scientific Name Common Name Max. target length (cm)

Acanthurus bahianus Ocean surgeonfish 5

Acanthurus coeruleus Blue tang 5
Chaetodon capistratus Foureye butterflyfish 2
Chaetodon striatus Banded butterflyfish 2
Gramma loreto Fairy basslet 3
Bodianus rufus Spanish hogfish 3.5
Halichoeres bivittatus Slipperydick 3
Halichoeres garnoti Yellowhead wrasse 3
Halichoeres maculipinna Clown wrasse 3
Thalassoma bifasciatum Bluehead wrasse 3
Halichoeres pictus Rainbow wrasse 3
Chromis cyanea Blue chromis 3.5
Stegastes adustus Dusky damselfish 2.5
Stegastes diencaeus Longfin damselfish 2.5
Stegastes leucostictus Beaugregory 2.5
Stegastes partitus Bicolour damselfish 2.5
Stegastes planifrons Threespot damselfish 2.5
Stegastes variabilis Cocoa damselfish 2.5
Scarus iserti Striped parrotfish 3.5
Scarus taeniopterus Princess parrotfish 3.5
Sparisoma atomarium Greenblotch parrotfish 3.5
Sparisoma aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish 3.5
Sparisoma viride Stoplight parrotfish 3.5

© GVI – 2010 Page 32

 Appendix IV - Coral Species List

Family Genus Species Family Genus Species

Acroporidae Acropora cervicornis Meandrinidae Dendrogyra cylindrus
Acroporidae Acropora palmata Meandrinidae Dichocoenia stokesii
Acroporidae Acropora prolifera Meandrinidae Meandrina meandrites
Agariciidae Agaricia agaricites Milliporidae Millepora alcicornis
Agariciidae Agaricia fragilis Milliporidae Millepora complanata
Agariciidae Agaricia grahamae Mussidae Isophyllastrea rigida
Agariciidae Agaricia lamarcki Mussidae Isophyllia sinuosa
Agariciidae Agaricia tenuifolia Mussidae Mussa angulosa
Agariciidae Agaricia undata Mussidae Mycetophyllia aliciae
Agariciidae Helioceris cucullata Mussidae Mycetophyllia ferox
Antipatharia Cirrhipathes leutkeni Mussidae Mycetophyllia lamarckiana
Astrocoeniidae Stephanocoenia intersepts Mussidae Mycetophyllia reesi
Caryophylliidae Eusmilia fastigiana Mussidae Scolymia sp.
Faviidae Colpophyllia natans Pocilloporidae Madracis decactis
Faviidae Diploria clivosa Pocilloporidae Madracis formosa
Faviidae Diploria labrynthiformis Pocilloporidae Madracis mirabilis
Faviidae Diploria strigosa Pocilloporidae Madracis pharensis
Faviidae Favia fragum Poritidae Porites astreoides
Faviidae Manicina areolata Poritidae Porites divaricata
Faviidae Montastraea annularis Poritidae Porites furcata
Faviidae Montastraea cavernosa Poritidae Porites porites
Faviidae Montastraea faveolata Siderastridae Siderastrea radians
Faviidae Montastraea franksi Siderastridae Siderastrea sidereal
Faviidae Solenastrea bournoni Stylasteridae Stylaster roseus
Faviidae Solenastrea hyades

© GVI – 2010 Page 33

Appendix V - Fish Species List
This list was begun for Mahahual in April 2004. This list is compiled from the Adult and
Rover diver surveys.

Family Genus Species Common Names

Acanthuridae Acanthurus Bahianus Ocean surgeonfish
Acanthuridae Acanthurus Chirurgus Doctorfish
Acanthuridae Acanthurus Coeruleus Blue tang
Atherinidae, Clupeidae, Engraulididae Silversides, Herrings, Anchovies
Aulostomidae Aulostomus Maculates Trumpetfish
Balistidae Balistes Capriscus Gray triggerfish
Balistidae Balistes Vetula Queen triggerfish
Balistidae Canthidermis Sufflamen Ocean triggerfish
Balistidae Melichthys Niger Black durgon
Balistidae Xanithichthys Ringens Sargassum triggerfish
Bothidae Bothus Lunatus Peacock flounder
Carangidae Caranx Bartholomaei Yellow jack
Carangidae Caranx Crysos Blue runner
Carangidae Caranx Ruber Bar jack
Carangidae Trachinotus Falcatus Permit
Centropomidae Centropomus Undecimalis Common snook
Chaenopsidae Lucayablennius Zingaro Arrow blenny
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Aculeatus Longsnout butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Capistratus Foureye butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Ocellatus Spotfin butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Sedentarius Reef butterflyfish
Chaetodontidae Chaetodon Striatus Banded butterflyfish
Cirrhitidae Amblycirrhitus Pinos Red spotted hawkfish
Congridae Heteroconger Longissimus Brown garden eel
Dasyatidae Dasyatis Americana Southern stingray
Diodontidae Diodon Holocanthus Balloonfish
Elopidae Megalops Atlanticus Tarpon
Gobiidae Coryphopterus Eidolon Palid Goby
Gobiidae Coryphopterus Glaucofraenum Bridled goby
Gobiidae Coryphopterus Lipernes Peppermint goby
Gobiidae Coryphopterus personatus/hyalinus Masked/glass goby
Gobiidae Gnatholepis Thompsoni Goldspot goby
Gobiidae Gobiosoma Oceanops Neon goby.
Gobiidae Gobiosoma Prochilos Broadstripe goby
Grammatidae Gramma Loreto Fairy basslet

© GVI – 2010 Page 34

 Family Genus Species Common Names
Grammatidae Gymnothorax Funebris Green moray
Grammatidae Gymnothorax Moringa Spotted moray
Haemulidae Anisotremus Virginicus Porkfish
Haemulidae Haemulon Album White margate
Haemulidae Haemulon Aurolineatum Tomtate
Haemulidae Haemulon Carbonarium Ceaser Grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Flavolineatum French grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Macrostomum Spanish grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Plumierii White grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Sciurus Bluestriped grunt
Haemulidae Haemulon Striatum Striped grunt
Haemulidae Anisotremus Surinamensis Black margate
Haemulidae Haemulon Parra Sailor‟s choice
Holocentridae Holocentrus Adscensionis Squirrelfish
Holocentridae Holocentrus Rufus Longspine squirrelfish
Holocentridae Myripristis Jacobus Blackbar soldierfish
Holocentridae Neoniphon Marianus Longjaw squirrelfish
Holocentridae Sargocentron Bullisi Deepwater squirrelfish
Holocentridae Sargocentron Coruscum Reef squirrelfish
Holocentridae Sargocentron Vexillarium Dusky squirrelfish
Kyphosidae Kyphosus sectatrix/incisor Chub
Labridae Bodianus Rufus Spanish hogfish
Labridae Clepticus Parrae Creole wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres Bivittatus Slipperydick
Labridae Halichoeres Garnoti Yellowhead wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres Pictus Rainbow wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres Poeyi Blackear wrasse
Labridae Halichoeres Radiatus Puddingwife wrasse
Labridae Lachnolaimus Maximus Hogfish
Labridae Thalassoma Bifasciatum Bluehead wrasse
Labridae Xyrichtys Martinicensis Rosy razorfish
Labridae Xyrichtys Novacula Pearly razorfish
Labrisomidae Malacoctenus Triangulatus Saddled blenny
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Analis Mutton snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Apodus Schoolmaster snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Cyanopterus Cubera snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Griseus Grey snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Jocu Dog snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Mahogoni Maghogony snapper
Lutjanidae Lutjanus Synagris Lane snapper

© GVI – 2010 Page 35

 Family Genus Species Common Names
Lutjanidae Ocyurus Chrysurus Yellowtailed snapper
Malacanthidae Malacanthus Plumieri Sand tilefish
Syngnathidae Micrognathus ensenadae Harlequin pipefish
Monacanthidae Aluterus Scriptus Scrawled filefish
Monacanthidae Cantherhines Macrocerus White spotted filefish
Monacanthidae Cantherhines Pullus Orange spotted filefish
Mullidae Mulloidichthys Martinicus Yellow goatfish
Mullidae Pseudupeneus Maculates Spotted goatfish
Myliobatidae Aetobatus Narinari Spotted eagle ray
Opistognathidae Opistognathus Aurifrons Yellowhead jawfish
Ostraciidae Acanthostracion Quadricornis Scrawled cowfish
Ostraciidae Lactophrys Bicaudalis Spotted trunkfish
Ostraciidae Lactophrys Triqueter Smooth trunkfish
Pempheridae Pempheris Schomburgki Glassy sweeper
Pomacanthidae Holacanthus Ciliaris Queen angelfish
Pomacanthidae Holacanthus Tricolour Rockbeauty
Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus Arcuatus Grey angelfish
Pomacanthidae Pomacanthus Paru French angelfish
Pomacentridae Abudefduf Saxatilis Seargant major
Pomacentridae Chromis Cyanea Blue chromis
Pomacentridae Chromis Enchrysurus Yellowtail reef fish
Pomacentridae Chromis Insolata Sunshinefish
Pomacentridae Chromis Multilineata Brown chromis
Pomacentridae Microspathodon Chrysurus Yellowtailed damsel fish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Adustus Dusky damselfish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Diencaeus Longfin damselfish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Leucostictus Beaugregory
Pomacentridae Stegastes Partitus Bicolour damselfish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Planifrons Threespot damselfish
Pomacentridae Stegastes Variabilis Cocoa damselfish
Scaridae Scarus Coelestinus Midnight parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Coeruleus Blue parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Guacamaia Rainbow parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Iserti Striped parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Taeniopterus Princess parrotfish
Scaridae Scarus Vetula Queen parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Atomarium Greenblotch parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Aurofrenatum Redband parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Chrysopterum Redtail parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Radians Bucktooth parrotfish

© GVI – 2010 Page 36

 Family Genus Species Common Names
Scaridae Sparisoma Rubripinne Yellowtail parrotfish
Scaridae Sparisoma Viride Stoplight parrotfish
Sciaenidae Equetus Lanceolatus Jackknife fish
Sciaenidae Equetus Punctatus Spotted drum
Sciaenidae Pareques Acuminatus Highhat
Scombridae Scomberomorus Maculates Spanish mackerel
Scombridae Scomberomorus Regalis Cero
Scorpaenidae Scorpaena Plumieri Spotted scorpionfish
Serranidae Cephalopholis Cruentatus Graysby
Serranidae Cephalopholis Fulvus Coney
Serranidae Epinephelus Adscensionis Rockhind
Serranidae Epinephelus Itajara Goliath grouper
Serranidae Epinephelus Striatus Nassau grouper
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Aberrans Yellowbelly hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Chlorurus Yellowtail hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Guttavarius Shy hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Indigo Indigo hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Nigricans Black hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Puella Barred hamlet
Serranidae Hypoplectrus Unicolor Butter hamlet
Serranidae Liopropoma Rubre Peppermint basslet
Serranidae Mycteroperca Bonaci Black grouper
Serranidae Mycteroperca Interstitialis Yellowmouth grouper
Serranidae Mycteroperca Tigris Tiger grouper
Serranidae Mycteroperca Venenosa Yellowfin grouper
Serranidae Paranthias Furcifer Creolefish
Serranidae Rypticus Saponaceus Greater soapfish
Serranidae Serranus Tabacarius Tobaccofish
Serranidae Serranus Tigrinus Harlequin bass
Serranidae Serranus Tortugarum Chalk bass
Sparidae Calamus Calamos Saucereyed porgy
Sphyraenidae Sphyraena Barracuda Great barracuda
Synodontidae Synodus Intermedius Sand diver
Tetraodontidae Canthigaster Rostrata Sharpnosed puffer
Tetraodontidae Sphoeroides Splengleri Bandtail puffer
Torpedinidae Narcine Brasiliensis Lesser electric ray
Urolophidae Urolophus Jamaicensis Yellowstingray

© GVI – 2010 Page 37

Appendix VI - Bird Species List
Bird species identified to species level in Punta Gruesa since April 2009.

Species 092 093 094 101 102 103

Altamira Oriole 2 3 2
Black Vulture 2 1 8 4 13 3
Black-backed Oriole 4
Black-bellied Plover 6 2 1
Black-cowled Oriole 3 1
Black-crowned Tityra 2
Brown Pelican 46 13 56 105 50 12
Canivet's Emerald hummingbird 2
Cattle Egret 2
Common Black Hawk 4 1 3 5
Cormorant sp. 4 2 3 6 2 1
Dove sp. 1 1 2 7
Dusky-capped flycatcher 3 5 3 6 1
Eastern Kingbird 1
Egret sp. 4 5 5 6
Flycatcher sp. 10 3 4 2 8 6
Golden-fronted Woodpecker 54 60 26 62 117 123
Great Blue Heron 14 11
Great Egret 3 3
Great Kiskadee 6 3 6 13 26
Great-tailed Grackle 463 303 47 94 562 131
Green Heron 2 1
Green Jay 1
Green Kingfisher 2
Grey Kingbird 1 1
Gull sp. 6 2
Heron sp. 7 5
Hooded Oriole 1 1
Kingbird sp. 8 2 17 7 14
Laughing Falcon 3 2 1 1
Laughing Gull 2 1 5 8
Least Tern 2 1
Lineated Woodpecker 6 12 4 3 5 2
Little Blue Heron 2 3
Magnificent Frigate 83 29 64 41 87 38
Mangrove Vireo 1 1 28
Masked Tityra 2 4
Neotropic Cormorant 1 39 6 5
Oriole sp. 1 2 5 23 9
Osprey 2 11 7 1
Palm Warbler 19 2 17
Plain Chachalaca 4 3 3
Plover sp. 5
Purple Martin 1 3
Royal Tern 25 14 38 95 41 39
Ruddy Ground-Dove 1

© GVI – 2010 Page 38

Ruddy Turnstone 7 1
Sanderling 4 32 56 38
Sandpiper sp. 21
Semipalmated Plover 36 5
Snowy Egret 11 1 6 18
Social Flycatcher 2 3 2
Swallow sp. 8 80 22 5 28 7
Tern sp. 9 3 21
Tropical Mockingbird 22 13 12 69 102 57
Turkey Vulture 2 1 1 3 3 14
Vulture sp. 9 7 12
Warbler sp. 7 1 27
White Ibis 1 35
White-winged dove 2 57 1 3 46
Wilson's Plover 2 14 4
Woodpecker sp. 12 23 15
Yellow Warbler 4 4
Yellow-backed Oriole 11 1 18
Yellow-throated Vireo 1 7
Yellow-throated Warbler 7 11 6 2 1
Yucatan Jay 6 12
Yucatan Woodpecker 2
No. Species 20 20 33 34 25 34
No. New Species 20 7 12 8 5 2

© GVI – 2010 Page 39