Nature Foundation has started to scientifically monitor the state of the country’s coral reefs after the passing of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in September.
With financial support made available by Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance, the Foundation has started to research using the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) method. “Right after the storms and since then, we did some qualitative measurements, but in the coming week using the GCRMN method we will be able to scientifically establish what those impacts are,” said Tadzio Bervoets, foundation manager. The Foundation surveyed mainly dive sites in the Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area and other important dive sites around the country. All measurements are conducted along a transect line and repeated five times on one dive site. The measurements will help with better understanding the hurricanes’ impact on the reef and allow for comparison between reefs here and in the wider region. (Michelle McNaught Photo)
