Thursday, May 16, 2013

Mangrove Island


1   10th May 2013 
  • ·      Breakfast
  • ·      Boat ride to Forest and Marine Reserve Headquarter (on a mangrove island)
  • ·      Mangrove measurements
  • ·      Sea grass measurements
  • ·      Lunch
  • ·      Lobster catching
  • ·      Dinner

 


Life here truly follows the motto go slow. When the group says 10:30 be out on the boat, it really means 11:00 (they locals call it Belizean time). I am getting used to this, for I am never on time for any event. Today we piled onto Mario’s Tour boat and headed to the Forest and Marine Reserve Headquarters on a Mangrove Island. Mrs. McRae tagged along with us today. She is in charge of the mangrove restoration project on the 103-acre island.
Sam with Alex's hat

[m]Abby

Mario, our captain

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Teaching us the Rile Encasement Method



The restoration project includes planting propagules in the water in hopes they grow and survive. The scientists use the Riley Encasement Method. Through this method propagules are placed inside PVC pipe (during the wet season) that has been split down the middle to allow for expansion during growth. They place the pipe halfway into the sediment. Propagules are really sensitive to weather and tidal influences, so the PVC helps them root before they get washed out to sea. In nature there is only a 5% chance of survival, with this method there is a 25% to 30% rate of survival. The project was started in November 2008. Every four months the scientists come out and measure the growth rate.  The oldest mangrove the team planted is 4.5 years old.


Mrs. McRae explained about the littoral forests within the mangrove island. Before this trip I had no idea what that type of forest was. She was not surprised to find that out though, for she calls it the forgotten forest. The littoral forests are areas of land that contains seaside salt tolerant vegetation. I need to research the forest more to better understand their benefit to the island.

After the tour of the island, we broke into groups and began to count adult mangroves. The plot was already created for us; in the forest we became masters of setting up plots. We counted the adult mangroves within the area (6). Then we measured the height of the tallest propugule to the canopy, the DBH, and then distance from the x & y lines (for mapping purposes). Within that plot, there were four little 1m by 1m areas where we counted how many seedlings were present. This task was a little difficult; some areas contained hundreds of seedlings!

Mrs. McRae!





Counting Mangrove seedlings


After that, we went to research the sea grass beds. There are two types of sea grasses, turtle (wide blade) and manatee (thin blade). Ali explained that turtle sea grass is essential for filtering the water, protecting the corals from sediment run off, and providing a haven for juvenile fish to grow. Our group laid down one transect that was 50m long. The 50m was then broken into random 12 points and at those points a quadrant would be placed and measured for percent cover. Then within that quadrant, a smaller one is placed as well. In the smaller area, it was measured for biomass, grazing signs, flower or fruits, and height & number of the turtle grass. Outside of the transect a core sample would be taken for recording of the sediment composition.
The other group caught a starfish


Kara taking measurments

Starfish just hanging out


I spy a Tarpon!


Around 2:30pm everyone set out to catch and measure lobsters. I was not feeling well after lunch, so decided to lock myself in the room, out of the sun. My skin type is not made for so much sun exposure; I resemble a lobster! The other group was unsuccessful in catching a lobster for measurements. Ten people even cornered a lobster, but could not grab him breath the rocks. Although many were disappointed, some were able to see a nurse shark in its natural habitat! I regret not joining them this afternoon, but my stomach and my sunburn thanks me. Tomorrow we learn more of the policy aspect of the Belize Fisheries Department; I cannot wait to see how they manage illegal fish possession and capture.

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