A Ten-Year Record Shows Warming Inside the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon

A decade-long temperature record from the Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System reveals a steady increase in sea temperatures within its lagoon habitat between 2004 and 2014. This finding suggests that the unique biogeographic region, home to several endemic species, is experiencing significant warming—potentially due to global climate change—that could have long-term adverse effects on its marine biodiversity. The study analyzed in situ data collected from a coral reef offshore of Wee Wee Cay within the South Water Cay Marine Reserve, providing critical insights into how lagoon ecosystems differ from deeper offshore areas and highlighting their vulnerability to rising temperatures.

Lobel, P. S., & Lobel, L. K. (2024). A Ten-Year Record Shows Warming Inside the Belize Barrier Reef Lagoon. Diversity, 16(1), 57. https://doi.org/10.3390/d16010057