A review of research conducted in Grammanik Bank and Hind Bank Marine Conservation District, St Thomas USVI.: The review covers 229 related items, including 59 peer-reviewed publications, summarizing research on the biological, physical, and geological aspects of these MPAs. It highlights well-documented studies on benthic habitats and fish spawning aggregations, as well as connectivity between the MPAs. Recent research on larval connectivity and transport potential is noted, with a recommendation for further studies on socioeconomic, management, and governance impacts on local communities. Completed 2023. Funded by CFMC.

Assessment of the Tres Palmas Marine Reserve: This project aimed to evaluate if the goals and objectives of the reserve are being met by compiling and assessing existing research. Despite various studies since the late 1990s, there was a lack of standardization in methodologies, limiting data comparability. Key findings include a steady decline in live coral cover, exacerbated by recent coral diseases and bleaching events. The management plan, created in 2008, has not been updated or fully evaluated. Of the six biological conservation objectives, only four are monitored at an acceptable level, and just two projects provide standardized data. The overall goal to ensure ecological integrity and biodiversity is not being met due to various stressors. Recommendations for future research include addressing fish and coral larvae spillover, coral recruitment success, water quality evaluation, and increasing awareness of the reserve’s purpose. Completed 2024. Funded by DNER.

Assist on the Design of New and Expansion of Existing Marine Protected Areas in the Greater Antilles Marine Ecoregion (GAME). We are compiling biological and ecological data for the development of a map of priority conservation areas to support the proposal of new and expanded MPAs within the Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic boundaries. Ongoing. Funded by Ocean5 through WCS.