Description

A comprehensive guide developed by Coral Reef Alliance and partners, outlining standardized methods for sampling and analyzing marine water quality across the Mesoamerican Reef. The handbook details protocols for measuring biophysical parameters (temperature, salinity, oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll), nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus), pathogens (coliforms, enterococci) and isotopic markers — providing a scientifically rigorous framework for assessing human impacts (e.g. wastewater, tourism, runoff) on reef ecosystems. It defines a sampling design across multiple locations in Mexico, Belize and Honduras, including both high-tourism “impact” sites and control sites, with monthly data collection to track spatial and temporal trends. The handbook serves as a foundational tool for conservation organisations, policy-makers and researchers aiming to monitor, compare and improve marine water quality across the region.