Home > CZMU Sections > Marine Research

Introduction

The Marine Research Section (MRS) is directly responsible for monitoring the health of marine ecosystems (coral reefs, sea grass beds and mangroves) around Barbados . The most prolific of these are the coral reefs and as such most efforts have been concentrated on this ecosystem. The Section is also responsible for dealing with external sources, which can have a negative impact on marine resources, such as land-based sources of marine pollution. In addition, the MRS identifies and carries out research, which would allow one to have a better understanding of marine processes.

Members of the Section also sit on various governmental committees and bodies, committed to the conservation of marine resources, such as the Biodiversity Committee, Adopt-your-Beach Committee and GIS Group, doing site assessments for the Coastal Resource Management Section, data management, and report writing.

Staff

The MRS consists of three individuals, the Marine Biologist (head of section), Water Quality Analyst and Field Inspector. All three are involved in all aspects coral reef protection, however each has direct functions. The Marine Biologist is responsible for the over all management of the Section, as well as coral reef monitoring and protection, the identification of legislation and policy needed for the protection of marine resources and the identification of marine research projects. The Water Quality Analyst is directly responsible for the collection and interpretation of water quality data as well as the input of all coral reef information into the GIS system. The Field Inspector's duties involve maintenance of dive gear, collecting and archiving weather data and heading the permanent mooring programme.

Section Projects

Coral Reef Monitoring

The MRS is responsible for collecting and analyzing short-term coral reef data, on fringing, patch and bank coral reefs around the island. This information on species diversity and abundance of both coral colonies and reef fish communities is then used to inform coastal planning and environmental policy. More specifically, the MRS has transplanted corals and assessed their viability; quantified the impact (in partnership with the UWI) that coral disease and bleaching are having on our reef systems.

Permanent Mooring Project (PMP)

The preservation of coral reefs around the island is highly dependent on minimizing the negative impacts of humans, such as anchor damage. Thus in 2002, after initially partnering with the Professional Association of Dive Operators (PADO), the CZMU officially took over responsibility for the Permanent Mooring Project. This involves the installation of one or more mooring buoys at popular reef sites around the island, to eliminate the need for dive boats and pleasure craft to drop anchors on these sensitive ecosystems. The Permanent Mooring Project has been very effective at reducing physical damage on coral reefs and thus helping to ensure the sustainability of reef systems and the dive industry. Currently there are forty-three (43) active permanent mooring sites around the island. See map of Mooring Locations .

Water Quality Monitoring

The MRS is historically responsible for collecting and analyzing water quality data for coastal habitat health monitoring. This involves using in situ probes to measure environmental parameters such as temperature and salinity, as well as having water samples analysed at a laboratory for parameters including nitrates and phosphates. The new CZMU water quality monitoring programme will involve sampling at approximately twenty-four (24) sites, four (4) times a year.

Development Control

This section provides Coastal Resource Management Section with technical comments as well as the relevant marine ecosystem data which are necessary in order to make informed decisions on marine and land use policies for coastal development.

Environmental Education

The MRS also has a strong educational component, and consistently tries to find innovative ways of educating the public about marine ecosystems. The Section has spearheaded the Water World programme , and has produced two educational shows to date. The first was a show of dance, poetry and music, inspired by the marine environment and presented in 1998 at Prince Cave Hall and then again in 2003 at Green Expo 2003. The MRS has set up an "Art and Science" exhibition in 1999, which showcased art inspired by the marine environment as well as oceanographic equipment used in monitoring. There was also a theatrical production entitled "De Sea" in June 2000 which dealt with problems in the marine environment and potential solutions in a humorous manner. Additionally, in an attempt to learn and teach the old ways, the MRS interviewed an old Conset Bay fisherman in 2003 (also a part of Green Expo) about how Barbados was then and now.

Other Projects

Currently the MRS is assisting in habitat monitoring for the Coastal Infrastructure Programme (CIP), and is also involved in a research project assessing the recovery of the Sandy Beach lagoon post hurricane Ivan.