Posted: Wednesday, January 22, 2025. 10:39 am CST.
By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The 2024 Mesoamerican Reef Report Card reveals a mixed outlook for the world’s second-largest barrier reef, Yahoo reports.
While 39% of the reef is still in “poor” condition and 23% is “critical,” the latest report shows some positive developments.
For the first time in five years, the health of some reef sites improved, with sites in “fair” and “good” condition increasing by 8% since 2022.
This improvement is linked to an increase in herbivorous fish populations, notably parrotfish, whose numbers grew by 30% since 2022.
Parrotfish help reduce algae that can suffocate reefs. However, with 90% of parrotfish still under a foot long and rare, continued protection is vital.
Despite the improvement, the reef has faced significant challenges, including its worst bleaching event in 2024, affecting 40% of the reef. “It felt like floating over an endless graveyard,” said biologist Paolo Guardiola.
Stretching 620 miles across Honduras, Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico, the Mesoamerican Reef is critical for local communities and wildlife.
Nearly two million people rely on it for their livelihoods, and it supports a billion-dollar tourism industry. The reef also protects coastlines from storms and flooding, making its preservation crucial.
While Cabo Pulmo, a reef in Baja California, has seen a successful recovery due to local conservation efforts, the Mesoamerican Reef remains in need of continued action. Conservationists hope this report will inspire more efforts to protect and restore coral reefs globally.
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The post International News: Mesoamerican Reef shows signs of improvement amid ongoing devastation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Wednesday, January 22, 2025. 10:39 am CST. By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: The 2024 Mesoamerican Reef Report Card reveals a mixed outlook for the world’s second-largest
The post International News: Mesoamerican Reef shows signs of improvement amid ongoing devastation appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
