SFS - Center for Marine Resource Studies

Program Overview:, Since the opening of the Center for Marine Resource Studies, SFS has worked closely with the Department of Fisheries on a variety of conch and lobster-related fisheries projects of local importance. At present, South Caicos is awaiting the advent of a new large-scale tourist development, which is already underway. There is also a plan to dredge the harbor for a deep-water port in nearby East Caicos, as well as a deep-water port proposal for South Caicos. SFS has become involved in the natural resource inventories that are an essential step in formulating resource management plans for several important resource-dependent sites. Most recently the Center has been involved in marine parks planning and with the review of environmental impact assessment documents. Both projects have partnered SFS with the TCI Government., , Recent Center Contributions , Recent efforts by SFS-CMRS staff and students have addressed timely issues relevant to the South Caicos community including:, Lobster, conch and finfish stock levels assessment, which have provided important information for government agencies., Natural resource workshop with DECR and the National Park Service to provide TCI government workers with educational training about coral reefs, lobster biology, marine fishes and turtles, sharks, whales and navigation., Working with the DECR, National Park Service and local businesses to develop a standardized protocol for coral reef monitoring to share data about queen conch distribution., Hosting or supporting public forums and activities attended by government officials and community members to facilitate communal problem-solving. , Applying baseline data collected with the AGRRA protocol survey to examine reef health, species interactions and impacts of coral diseases.,