Tag Archives: MPAs

Day 13: Reef Mysteries

This morning, we set off to study the differences between Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and non-MPAs. We wanted to survey the different areas and observe differences in algal growth, coral structures, fish biodiversity, bleaching, and general species presence. To do this, we decided to utilize quadrant sampling. We hypothesized that the MPAs will have higher biodiversity and greater reef health as compared to non-MPAs.

Out on the reef, I saw so many yellow jacks! I actually saw some preying on what appeared to be some clown wrasses near the edge/by a reef drop-off. They were very quick and would swim off as soon as they had caught the wrasse in their mouth. We also saw a dolphin swimming by the boat on our way back to the island!

After returning from our morning adventure out on the reef, we compiled all of the data each pair had collected and observed the results. In general, our findings were a bit inconclusive and there was quite a bit of margin for error.

Our presentations today were on cryptobenthic fish, groupers, and a deeper dive on wrasses. The cryptobenthic fish presentation was interesting and a bit eye opening, as the quantity of these small fish is actually so great and their entire survival strategy is dependent on constantly reproducing in vast numbers.

-Emily

Belize Day 13: Crusin’ and Reef Perusin’

I climbed back into the boat, seawater streaming off me in every direction. After taking a quick look around, I flopped over to reclaim my seat, but it already had an occupant. A giant lobster was lying smugly across the bench. I did a double take and just stood there, unsure of what to do, until someone casually picked it up and handed it to me. I took it, noticed it was hollow, and asked, “Uhh… what’s wrong with it?” Turns out, it was just an empty shell, so it sat on my lab for the rest of the way back. Lobsters molt, or leave behind their exoskeletons many times as they grow, until one day they grow too big to slip out, and that’s when their life ends. 

(Lucky Lobster – 05/28/25)

Today, we designed a research project to measure the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) – government-protected zones – at maintaining marine diversity and reef health. As a class, we chose to focus on species diversity and algal growth as indicators of reef health. We visited a mix of MPA and non-MPA sites, randomly selecting reef patches to photograph for analysis back in the island’s wet lab. 

Sohee and I stuck together to collect data; I’d find the areas and she would snap the shots. We created a new hand-holding buddy system to keep from drifting apart for some efficiency and peace of mind. We were it in together, exploring the reef ecosystems while battling mild seasickness and weaving around jellyfish. Luckily, all the jellies we encountered were Moon Jellyfish, whose stings are mild and considered harmless to humans. Though, we didn’t know that at the time. 

We came across 3 stoplight parrotfish and a blue tang, excitedly shaking each other’s hands to point them out. In both MPAs and non-MPAs, sponges bedazzled the sea floor, latching onto rocks or coral. Any unease vanished as I duck-dived down like a mermaid for a closer look. I found more yellow rope sponges, scattered pore rope sponges, boring sponges, and even fire sponges, which have a nasty sting. And as a final treat, back in the boat, lobster in hand, our class watched in awe as a curious dolphin swam around us, interested in our strange, oversized, fish-like vessel.

(Duck Diving – 05/28/25)

(So Many Sponges – 05/28/25)

Back in the lab, we didn’t see much of a difference in reef health between the different sites, but we noticed that MPAs had a slightly higher average species count, suggesting they might offer a healthier and more supportive environment. 

After wrapping up our research project, we all sat by the dock to catch the breeze and escape the heat. Claire and I lay on our stomachs, peering at the ocean below through the gaps between the wooden planks and shielding our faces from the sun. The possibilities of what we might see felt endless, maybe a nurse shark, or maybe even a dolphin.

 

Peace Out,

Lily H. 🙂 2025