Identify hot spots or priority areas for future assessments and conservation based on the results of the survey. Description of survey area Belize has the second longest barrier reef in the world, extending 250km and consisting of a unique assemblage of lagoon patch reefs, fringing reefs, and offshore atolls. There are three distinctive reef areas, northern, central, and southern barrier reefs. Northern reefs are well developed and continuous from the Mexican border to Caye Chapel, while discontinuous and less developed south to St. Georges Caye. Central Reefs are continuous and are considered to be the best developed.
Southern reefs are discontinuous and less well developed.
Lighthouse and Glovers atolls are structurally similar having deep lagoons with numerous patch reefs, whereas the protected Turneffe Island has extensive mangroves in its shallow lagoon. Coral bleachin g was not observed at any shallow sites, but corals with pale tissue were found at several fore reef sites. Montastraea annularis spp. Overall fish density was higher on shallow reefs than fore reefs. Herbivore communities were dominated by surgeonfish on shallow reefs, while parrotfish dominated fore reefs.