MAJOR THREATS

Rising sea temperatures caused by global warming

Coral species can tolerate a very limited range of temperatures for extended periods of time. Anomalously high and low temperatures induces the release of their photosynthetic algae, causing what is known as coral bleaching. A succession of coral bleaching events (1990, 1995, and 1998) have caused significant mortality and left Roatán's reef extremely vulnerable.

Nutrient enrichment

Inadequate septic systems plaguing the coastline are saturating near shore waters with nitrates, phosphates, ammonia and dissolved organic carbon. Increases in these nutrients result in the stimulation of algal growth. The incidence of algal growth associated disease amongst coral populations has risen dramatically over the past decade, including epidemics of white, yellow and black band disease. In addition, an outbreak of aspergillosis is having a major affect on sea fans.

Sedimentation

Sedimentation from erosion, due to uncontrolled and illegal developments all along the coasts and inland territory of the island, smothers the reef, leading to impaired feeding and respiration, causing mortality.

Overfishing

Over fishing is a global issue, with nearly half of the world's main fisheries fully exploited, harvesting catches close to maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and an additional quarter being over-exploited or depleted, with fish harvested at such a rate that populations are unable to recover. The number and size of large fishes in the park has decreased fundamentally, causing a disturbance in the ecology of the reef. Roatan's threatened species of fish include the Nassau Grouper, Black Grouper, Red Snapper and Great Barracuda. In addition, the Queen Conch and Caribbean Spiny Lobster had been harvested to the brink of disappearance within the park until daily park patrols curbed their exploitation.

Destruction of Habitat

Rapid, unplanned and unregulated, tourist industry infrastructure is causing major long term damage to the island’s many unique and fragile ecosystems.Unregulated destruction of the mangroves, protected under Honduran Law, leads to the unimpeded release of surface run-off directly into the marine environment. Coastal development and illumination of beaches effectively eliminates turtle nesting.