Guatemala
Because dataset used in the Reefs at Risk Caribbean analysis does not include any mapped coral reef for the short Guatemalan coastline, no threat analysis could be performed. Literature refers to sparse near-shore coral reefs, but there is reef development on the Caribbean coast, mainly around Punta de Manabique and on Heredia Shoal, 15 km west of Punta Moreno. [1] The reefs at Punta de Manabique are the only ones to be studied with 29 hard coral species recorded. Siltation stress probably accounts for the limited distribution and is probably a major long-term threat to reefs. Three major rivers discharge into the Caribbean: the Sarstoon, the Motagua, and the Dulce. The reefs were probably impacted by run-off from Hurricane Mitch and by the 1998 bleaching event. [2]
Reef banks are within the Punta de Manabique Wildlife Refuge, Guatemala’s only marine park. For protection, a management plan needs be implemented for that refuge, regulating fishing and tourism, and also for the regional river basins. [3]
Reefs of Guatemala’s Caribbean coast are within the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System. Monitoring will increase within the MBRS Project, which has substantial funding and standardized monitoring methodologies for the region. [4] But since little is presently known about the distribution, abundance and status of coral within Guatemalan waters, there are few objective criteria on which to base management policy or investment in protection. [5]
[1] A.C. Fonseca, E. Arrivillaga, & A. Arrivillaga “Coral reefs of Guatemala,” in Latin American Coral Reefs. J. Cortés, ed. (Amsterdam: Elsevier Press, 2003), p. 161
[2] P. Almada-Villela et al., “Status of Coral Reefs of Mesoamerica,” in Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2002 . C. Wilkinson, ed. (Townsville: Australian Institute of Marine Science, 2002), p.310
[3] A.C. Fonseca, E. Arrivillaga, & A. Arrivillaga “Coral reefs of Guatemala,” in Latin American Coral Reefs. J. Cortés, ed. (Amsterdam: Elsevier Press, 2003), p. 167
[4] P. Almada-Villela et al., “Status of Coral Reefs of Mesoamerica,” in Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2002 . C. Wilkinson, ed. (Townsville: Australian Institute of Marine Science, 2002), p.316
[5] A.C. Fonseca, E. Arrivillaga, & A. Arrivillaga “Coral reefs of Guatemala,” in Latin American Coral Reefs. J. Cortés, ed. (Amsterdam: Elsevier Press, 2003), p. 168
