UWI/EFJ- Baseline Surveys of vulnerable and impacted mangrove forest areas around Jamaica 2011 – 2014

Study Extent

Forest survey data of mangrove species were collected in Jamaica from Port Royal Kingston; Manchioneal, Salt Creek, Errol Flynn Marina, Drapers & Dolphin Bay, Portland; Seville, Kaiser Lake and Pear Tree Bottom, St. Ann; West Falmouth, Trelawny; Bogue, St. James as well as Malcolm Bay, St. Elizabeth.

Sampling

Random belt transects (5 m wide and varying lengths depending on the forest) were demarked and 5 x 5 m ‘plots’ used as the sampling area from which vegetation characteristics were documented along the ‘belt’. In situ investigations of the forest area and contiguous near-shore waters were then conducted. A global positioning systems (GPS) was used for marking and recording the extent of the transects used in each forest. Forest survey data collection included tree types (and numbers), tree height as well as diameter at breast height (DBH) were noted.

Method steps

1. Mangrove forest areas are identified using satellite technology.
2. 5x5m wide belt transect are used to sample the forest.
3. Vegetation characteristics such as tree type and numbers, height as well as diameter at breast height are noted.

Plants were identified to species level.

1. Rhizophora mangle
   common name: Red mangrove rank: species
2. Avicennia germinans
   common name: Black mangrove rank: species
3. Laguncularia racemosa
   common name: White mangrove rank: species
4. Cocoloba uvifera
   common name: Sea grape rank: species

Surveys occurred within mangrove forests in selected parishes across Jamaica (Kingston, St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, St. Ann and Portland)