Biodiversity Biodiversity “Beneath the “Beneath the

Surface”Surface”

Dayne BuddoDayne BuddoSenior Research OfficerSenior Research Officer

Jamaica Clearing House MechanismJamaica Clearing House MechanismNatural History DivisionNatural History Division

Institute of JamaicaInstitute of Jamaica

BiodiversityBiodiversity

Biodiversity is simply the variety of all Biodiversity is simply the variety of all life on earthlife on earth

The tropical rain forest and the coral The tropical rain forest and the coral reef are the two most diverse reef are the two most diverse ecosystems in the world. ecosystems in the world.

Coral ReefsCoral Reefs

A coral reef is a physical structure A coral reef is a physical structure comprising delicate and minute comprising delicate and minute animals called coral polyps. animals called coral polyps.

These little creatures are the These little creatures are the builders of the reefbuilders of the reef

They are very susceptible to damageThey are very susceptible to damage

Marine DebrisMarine Debris

Cereal box = 2 months

Biodegradable diaper = 1 year

Disposable Diaper = 450 yrs

Marine DebrisMarine DebrisStyrofoam Cup = 80 yrs.

Aluminum Can = 200 yrs.

Plastic bottle = 450 yrs

The Jamaica ScenarioThe Jamaica Scenario

Jamaica’s reefs are regularly Jamaica’s reefs are regularly bombarded by hurricanes (reefs bombarded by hurricanes (reefs protect our coastline)protect our coastline)

To compound the problem, To compound the problem, Jamaicans overfish and pollute the Jamaicans overfish and pollute the waters around the reefswaters around the reefs

Jamaicans – big part of the Jamaicans – big part of the problemproblem

Overfishing of important grazers that Overfishing of important grazers that feed on algae adds to the problem feed on algae adds to the problem

eg. Parrotfisheseg. Parrotfishes We also use dynamite, catch many We also use dynamite, catch many

small fishes, and catch animals such as small fishes, and catch animals such as lobsters during the closed season. lobsters during the closed season.

Pollution increases algae which Pollution increases algae which smothers coral polyps, causing the reef smothers coral polyps, causing the reef to dieto die

What are scientists doing?What are scientists doing?

Marine Protected AreasMarine Protected Areas Establishments such as the Cayman Establishments such as the Cayman

Turtle FarmTurtle Farm Numerous conservation and Numerous conservation and

education projectseducation projects

How can you help?How can you help?

Be responsible citizensBe responsible citizens Get involved with environmental Get involved with environmental

groupsgroups

How can you help?How can you help?

Volunteer your servicesVolunteer your services

How can you help?How can you help?

Get exposure eg. Summer Marine Get exposure eg. Summer Marine ProgramProgram

Website: Website: www.marinebiology.4www.marinebiology.4tt.com.com

The Jamaica The Jamaica Clearing House Clearing House

MechanismMechanism

Biodiversity for SchoolsBiodiversity for Schools

www.jamaicachm.org.jwww.jamaicachm.org.jmm

ThanThank youk you