Science & Research Program

The importance of the structure and function of the coral reef ecosystem is so magnificent that it has always kept us in awe. Hosting approximately 25 percent of marine life, the vast biodiversity in coral reefs keeps it teeming with life that never seems to stop.

The coral reef ecosystem is more important to our population than we are to it. The life within provides us with more than we can phantom. It supports the livelihood while providing professions for countless people employed within: conservation, tourism, and the fishing industry, and a haven for recreation for both nationals and visitors. These coral reefs also provide protection to the land from storms and erosion through wave breaking, it helps provide half of the world’s oxygen and absorb one-third of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.  

These reefs have been under threat from natural causes such as diseases, storms, and invertebrate predators. Unfortunately, the majority of the damage is caused by anthropogenic impacts such as pollution, sedimentation, global warming, and fishing pressures. 

Regulating human activities to minimize the negative impacts on valued ecosystems and/or species, whether it be direct or indirect is conservation. Effective conservation is practiced using SOUND scientific knowledge and research data collection to make informed management decisions within a conservation area.

Therefore, the Science and Research Programme at the Southern Environmental Association (S.E.A) uses spatial monitoring and evaluation of its managed protected areas; Gladden Spit and Silk Caye Marine Reserve and Laughing Bird Caye National Park in order to assess the status of these MPA’s which is a part of the Meso American Barrier Reef System (MBRS).