A baseline analysis of coastal water quality of the port Honduras marine reserve, Belize: a critical habitat for sport fisheries

摘要: This analysis examines temporal changes in water quality of the Port Honduras Marine Reserve (PHMR), Belize from 1998 to 2015. Trends dissolved oxygen (DO), salinity, temperature and pH were analyzed ten sites throughout PHMR for statistically significant relationships. Maintaining satisfactory is critical sustaining healthy fisheries. represents a unique link between upland watersheds coastal wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds. These ecosystems comprise important habitat many fisheries including economically valuable sport fish species Megalops atlanticus (Atlantic tarpon), Albula vulpes (bonefish) Trachinotus falcatus (permit). Sport fishing area has become increasingly popular recent decades responsible generating direct indirect income opportunities local communities, Punta Gorda, largest town southern Belize. As result, degradation through land-based human activities could have ecological economic consequences The results analyses revealed seasonal variations slight increasing trends DO salinity at several sampling sites. relatively stable are likely related factors limited development low population density study provides baseline information future research outlines recommendations management strategies mitigate impacts current threats quality.