Shark & Reef Life in Sint Maarten’s Marine Park
- sakir de castro
- Nov 6, 2024
- 3 min read
TL;DR Summary of “Reef Fish Biodiversity and Endangered Sharks in Sint Maarten’s Marine Protected Area” Nathan Perisic · Leslie Hickerson · Delhon Helwitt · Daniel Norwood · Oliver N. Shipley · Tadzio Bervoets · Austin J. Gallagher
Protecting the Depths: Why the Man of War Shoal MPA Matters
Established in 2010, the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area (MPA) was created to protect endangered marine life—particularly the Caribbean reef shark—from issues such as overfishing and habitat degradation. However, challenges remain. This study aims to reveal whether the MPA’s boundaries genuinely support reef fish and shark populations using advanced underwater video technology.
Key Points:
Purpose: Safeguard diverse marine species
Focus: Evaluate if the MPA truly sustains fish and shark populations
Mapping the Marine World: Where and How They Measured
To capture an accurate snapshot of the underwater ecosystem, the research team used Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVs), which were strategically placed across four main habitat types:
Sand
Seagrass
Algal turf
Reef
BRUV Deployment:
Total deployed: 62 BRUVs inside and outside the MPA.
Time frame: Data collection ran from September to October 2022.
Conditions: Hurricane season weather limited access to some areas, but varied sampling allowed for a broad perspective across habitats.
Crunching the Numbers: How the Team Analyzed Species Diversity
Out of 62 recordings, 54 were selected for final analysis (22 within the MPA, 32 outside). Using the Shannon-Wiener biodiversity index, the team evaluated key factors affecting species presence, including:
Depth: The most significant factor influencing shark sightings.
Habitat Type: Influential for overall biodiversity.
Protection Status: Surprisingly, the presence of Caribbean reef sharks wasn’t significantly higher within the MPA.
Insight: Depth emerged as a primary factor for shark presence, suggesting that natural habitat conditions may matter more than MPA boundaries in influencing species behavior.
Diverse and Thriving: What They Found Below the Surface
An impressive 99 reef fish species were recorded during the study, with the most common species including:
Bar jacks
Barracudas
Yellowtail snappers
Shark Sightings:
Caribbean reef sharks – Spotted 21 times, particularly in deeper waters.
Juvenile tiger sharks – Notably found in seagrass habitats outside the MPA, suggesting these areas could act as important nursery grounds.
A variety of habitats, especially seagrass beds, appear essential for supporting both reef fish and sharks, reinforcing the need for expanded protections beyond the current MPA boundaries.
A Habitat-Centric Approach: Rethinking Protection Boundaries
The findings indicate that while the MPA supports biodiversity, its boundaries may not fully align with the key habitats needed by species like the Caribbean reef shark.
Primary Finding: Depth had a stronger influence on shark sightings than MPA protection status.
Suggested Approach: Adding critical habitats, such as seagrass beds, could provide more comprehensive support for marine species throughout their life cycles.
Conclusion: A habitat-centric MPA design could be more effective in fostering long-term biodiversity.
Charting the Future: Recommendations for Stronger Marine Protection
The study’s recommendations include:
Expanding the MPA to incorporate critical habitats, such as seagrass meadows, which serve as nurseries for juvenile sharks.
Adaptive Management Strategies: Tailoring protection efforts to meet specific habitat needs of endangered species could ensure more impactful conservation outcomes.
Future Outlook: Broadening the protected zones can strengthen Sint Maarten’s marine ecosystem against threats from climate change and human activity, fostering a more resilient underwater environment.
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