Welcome to the Centre for Marine Studies
We are a Honduran non-governmental organization dedicated to the development of progressive science on coastal and marine ecosystems. Initially founded and focused on Utila in 2006, CEM (our acronym in Spanish) has by now expanded its area of studies to a more regional level. Developing research projects along the entire Atlantic coast of Honduras as well as in the Pacific, we labor with a regional approach in the Mesoamerican Reef and the Gulf of Fonseca.
Combining applied ecological research with socio-economic studies, our interest is focused on providing holistic science with which to develop proactive management strategies for a sustainable use of coastal and marine resources.
CEM scientists conduct research to create original innovative management tools, more often with a regional scope and thus regularly work in collaboration with scientists and leading institutions from around the globe. By creating a bridge of knowledge between applied research and local knowledge, we intend to highlight priorities for conservation, management requirements and identify potential initiative coming from the level of the main beneficiaries. By doing so, academic science can be understood and used by the same people who rely on the integrity of coastal ecosystems in which they live.
The Lionfish (Pterois spp.) brings a new threat to the Caribbean, as voracious predators of crustaceans and juvenile fish. Around Utila CEM coordinated the lionfish control programme and investigating novel ways to tackle this invasive species. Find out more...
Conch is a historically important coastal fishery in the Caribbean, but is now over exploited across much of their range. Devising effective cross boarder management strategies is essential to rehabilitate this fishery and restore their ecological function. Find out more...
The Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus), is the highest valued single species fishery of the Caribbean. However, lobster stock dynamics and possible meta-population connectivity remain poorly understood hindering regional management of this important resource. Find out more...
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