Healthy Reef and Report Card for the Mesoamerican Reef

The Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative has launched the first coHealth Report Card for the Mesoamerican Reef. This card is an easy-to-understand overview of the Mesoamerican Reef’s ecosystem condition and stewardship by roviding a very easy five-point grading system which goes from “very good” to “critical” for seven reef indicators.

This is without a doubt a very useful tool for reef monitoring and conservation as according to Dr. Melanie McField of the Smithsonian Institution most Reefs are in bad conditions. She affirms that “ the grades are not encouraging, with most reefs in poor to fair condition. While the picture could be worse, it clearly signals the urgency of stronger actions to protect our reef. With so many reefs in fair to poor condition they could easily turn in either direction (for better or worse) depending on our current actions. We need to do the right thing for the reefs and for the people depending on these reefs to sustain their livelihoods”

Dr. Melanie Mcfield published a Reef report in which data from Pez Maya and Mahahual GVI expeditions was used together with other organizations. We thank all the Expediton members and staff that had contributed with gathering data and hope to continue participating with it in these type of Reports.

Healthy Reef and Report Card for the Mesoamerican Reef