Abstract

Coral reef connectivity results from the export and import of species or reproductive product between localities. Possible exchange pathways between the reef ecosystems in Mexico are not known; such knowledge about coral reef connectivity could contribute to its management and conservation. The connectivity between reefs of the Gulf of Mexico and Mexican Caribbean was evaluated based on patterns of similarity. Information for 55 stony coral species in 19 localities was gathered. Species richness got the highest coral biodiversity in Mahahual with 37 species. Cluster analysis based on biological similarity between localities shows that the Veracruz Reef System (VRS) is more similar to the reefs of the Mexican Caribbean than those in the Yucatan shelf. Correlation (Mantel test) of biological similarity with geographical distance, days of transport by currents and environment variables, was negative and highly significant, corroborating that biological similarity decreases with increasing distances. The hypothesiss that the reefs of the VRS and the Caribbean are more similar because VRS is less affected by hurricanes is proposed. This environmental stability would lead to an accumulation of Caribbean coral species that makes VRS more similar to the Caribbean than to those reefs in the Northern Veracruz or those in the Yucatan shelf. A conceptual model that outlines the connectivity of reefs in the Gulf of Mexico and the Mexican Caribbean is proposed. This model is based on the analysis of biological similarity and agrees with the general pattern of ocean circulation in the Gulf of Mexico.

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