Parrots of the Sea

Parrotfish like this ‘rainbow parrotfish” (Scarus guacamaia) play a critical ecological role in coral reef ecosystems. Herbivores, parrotfish feed on macroalgae that can otherwise smother corals directly or reduce coral growth and fish survival. These “Parrots of the Sea” are now fully protected in the waters of Belize, Guatemala and the Bay Islands of Honduras. Maintaining healthy local reefs means that they are better able to respond to impacts from global threats like those of warming waters from climate change. The Healthy Reefs for Healthy People Initiative (HRHP) has tracked improvements, and declines, in the health of the Mesoamerican Reef for over a decade.