This research has two over-arching goals: (1) to determine the geohistorical factors that control the distribution of Caribbean inshore fishes and (2) to improve the scientific basis for conservation of fishes, particularly in the Caribbean coastal zone. It arises from the discovery that many Caribbean fishes have distribution s that conform to ancient geotectonic features rather than to current ecological barriers. Consequently, it is expected that analysis of distribution patterns will be informative about the origin of the Antillean fauna and about processes that were fundamental in the formation of the Caribbean Basin. The project proposes to survey the poorly known inshore fish faunas of selected regions in the Caribbean Basin to delimit areas of endemism of both inshore and freshwater fishes on the Caribbean Tectonic Plate, and to infer general patterns of area relationships based on the interrelationships of the fishes. The sampling program that will address the biogeographic points above is precisely the same as that needed to develop management plans for Caribbean fishes. In order to maximize the project's contribution to conservation of fishes, surveys will be directed at areas where marine biodiversity preserves are under development, but where shorefish biodiversity has not yet been adequately assessed. The project will result in taxonomic references, keys for identification, and analyses of geographic variation that are needed for marine fish management.
