The goal of this project is to strengthen the scientific research on fish populations and incorporate genetic data into fisheries management in Belize. The project will describe patterns of population connectivity and structure for 4 target fish species (Caribbean red snapper (Lutjanus purpureous), lane snapper (Lutjanus synagris), hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) & nassau grouper (Epinephelus striatus) from across Belize. In addition, we will examine the population structure of Queen Conch (Aliger gigas) from Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve.

This project aims to strengthen adaptive management and stakeholder engagement to respond to long-term reef threats and build restoration solutions.

Mangroves are important for carbon capture, fisheries, and coastal protection. There is evidence that mangrove cayes used by birds as rookeries are disappearing at a faster rate than non-rookery mangroves. The work proposed in this project will help to determine where management and restoration resources should be focused and assess how mangrove rookeries impact mangrove communities, carbon stocks, and fisheries.

The Belize Maya Forest, approximately 236,000 acres, is located in northwestern Belize adjacent to the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area and is managed by the Belize Maya Forest Trust which is a Belizean non-profit organization. The project aims to assess the extent of human-jaguar conflict and approaches to reduce human-jaguar conflict in the area.

This project will investigate the effect of dive guides visiting and treating sites affected by SCTLD on the coral population of Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve. As frontline stakeholders, they will be trained in identification of SCTLD, the effective application of treatment to colonies affected with SCTLD, and reporting presence/absence of SCTLD at sites using the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) disease tracking tool.

The project focuses on building the local capacities to secure long-term protected area management through community based natural resource management, first by utilizing the capabilities of stakeholder organizations in education and outreach, and then by equipping communities with the necessary skills in biodiversity monitoring.

The project will conduct an IPCC Tier 2 assessment of marine carbon storage for the country of Belize, providing a quantitative estimate of carbon stocks of the mangroves of Belize and training in field techniques of in-country partners for future assessments.

The purpose of the project is to increase available data and enhance the capacity of local institutions to undertake taxonomic research and mapping required to identify priority areas for conservation within savannas.

The purpose of the project is to plan a workable natural corridor to connect protected areas in Belize; implement this into the framework of existing protected areas and zoning plans of Belize; establish an in–country tradition of training skills for Belizeans to study their own wildlife.

UB ERI became actively involved in the CREATIVE project in September, 2009. The objective of the CREATIVE project is to contribute towards better, science–based management and conservation of the Caribbean's economically–important coral resources and more regionally–initiated research on the Caribbean's reefs.

UB ERI has partnered with the Water Center for the Humid Tropics of Latin America and the Caribbean (CATHALAC) and CARIBSAVE to assess the potential impacts of climate change on Belize's water resources.

Developing National Research And Monitoring Capacity For The Management Of Belize's Marine Protected Areas And Natural Resources