As 2024 comes to a close, at MarAlliance we proudly reflect on a year of significant accomplishments in marine conservation, underscoring our unwavering commitment to safeguarding marine megafauna and ecosystems.
This year also marks our 10th anniversary – a decade of science-driven impact and collaborative partnerships with local communities that have shaped meaningful progress for ocean conservation and research.
Advancing Long-Term Monitoring in the Caribbean
Conducted our annual long-term marine megafauna monitoring across Turneffe and Lighthouse Reef Atolls, the southern Belize Barrier Reef including the Gladden Spit Marine Reserve – now constituting the longest such monitoring in the Caribbean, generating vital data that inform protected areas and fisheries management and community engagement and livelihood strategies. We repeatedly recorded over 10,000 Mutton snapper in Gladden Spit’s fish spawning aggregations alongside an increased diversity of shark species. Along with tracking satellite-tagged animals, these data have provided critical insights into the multiple sites’ marine biodiversity and their interface with fisheries and tourism. Our data further underpinned the recent declaration of the iconic Lighthouse Reef Atoll, home to the famous Blue Hole, as a Marine Protected Area.
West Africa’s Cabo Verde Islands First Shark Assessment
This marks a significant milestone in West Africa with the publication and dissemination of the first shark assessment for Cabo Verde. This groundbreaking study identified key hotspots of shark diversity and utilization, providing a foundation for locally led conservation efforts. These findings are crucial in shaping sustainable marine management strategies for the region.
Guna Women Leading Change: Coral Reef and Fish Assessment in Guna Yala
Completed the first comprehensive coral reef and fish assessment in Guna Yala in over two decades, equipping six Guna researchers – five of them women – with advanced monitoring and scuba diving skills. These women now lead conservation efforts, actively protecting coral reef health and advocating for marine stewardship. By prioritizing gender equity, MarAlliance is cultivating diverse leadership within Indigenous communities, enhancing the effectiveness and inclusivity of marine conservation.
Protecting the Critically Endangered Largetooth Sawfish
Identified the first nursery grounds for the critically endangered largetooth sawfish in the Americas thanks to an increase in captures (and releases) of small juveniles by traditional fishers forming part of our network of sawfish fisher guardians. Empowered women in sawfish-dependent communities are diversifying their livelihoods by producing and selling traditional crafts with sawfish and marine theses internationally. This initiative reduces reliance on fishing while promoting stewardship of critically endangered sawfish populations. By aligning conservation goals with sustainable income generation, the program delivers lasting ecological and economic benefits.
Addressing Vulnerabilities of Deepwater Fish Species
Developed and shared the first Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for deepwater fish species in the Caribbean, revealing their heightened vulnerability to overfishing and the necessity for immediate management measures. Findings and training in the use of the ERA tool were conducted with fisheries decision-makers, municipal officials, universities, and local stakeholders, driving the adoption of evidence-based policies to ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical yet under-researched species.
As we reflect on the achievements of 2024, it is clear that our progress in marine conservation has been shaped by collaborative efforts, scientific innovation, and a deep commitment to protecting the ocean’s most vulnerable species. The challenges facing our oceans remain vast, but, looking ahead, we are excited to carry this momentum into the next decade of our work.
