Climate Change Impacts on Coral Reefs & Sea Turtles

The rapid climate change that we have all been experiencing lately is also impacting our marine environment.  The Coral Watch and Turtle Watch Programs are designed to measure the impacts climate change is having on the coral reefs and sea turtles found in Belize.  These programs rely heavily on volunteers to submit reports on their observations so that we can measure impacts of climate change and find ways to adapt. 

WWF Selects Sea Turtles
as Flagship Species

  • A flagship species is a species selected to act as an ambassador, icon or symbol for a defined habitat, issue, campaign or environmental cause. 
  • By focusing on, and achieving conservation of that species, the status of many other species which share its habitat – or are vulnerable to the same threats - may also be improved.
  • Flagship species are usually relatively large, and considered to be 'charismatic' in western cultures.
  • Flagship species may or may not be keystone species and may or may not be good indicators of biological process.

What do Elephants & Sea Turtles have in Common?

They are both flagship species targeted by WWF for protection.  Here is a list of other flagship species:

  • Polar bear
  • Giant panda
  • Whales and dolphins
  • Chimpanzee, Gorilla, Orangutan
  • Tiger
  • African & Asian Rhino
  • African & Asian Elephants
  • Tree Kangaroo

Climate Change Impacts on Coral Reefs & Sea Turtles

Ms. Nadia Bood from the World Wildlife Fund presented the following presentation at a workshop for tourism industry representatives in Belize on Dec 1, 2011 where we launched our In-Water and Nesting Beach Calendars.  Ms Bood's presentation succinctly summaries some of the key climate change impacts on the marine life that we monitor.

ECOMAR is reaching out to all stakeholders that rely on our precious marine ecosystems for their livelihoods to get involved and report their observations when they visit the reef each time.  It's easy and you can sign up today by Adopting A Reef or Adopting A Beach!
Picture
Photo courtesy Melanie Day