Abstract

Campeche is one of the four states in Mexico on the Atlantic slope having reef development unique within fue Gulf of Mexico. The area within this analysis includes a 12 437 km2 surface in the Yucatan Karst physiographic province, whose most notable aspect is the coral barrier that runs from the Alacranes Reef in the state of Yucatan to Arenas Key in Campeche. Analysis is made of six emergent reef structures that form an arc from west to northeast, with reef growths at 18, 35, 70, 80 and 90 m depth. Using radar and sounding equipment, bathimetric transects were made of each reef structure. With the exception of Arenas and Arcas keys, the islands are formed of coral remains. Average topographical relief was 1.6 m with abropt and moderate slopes. Insular vegetation is diverse, including 29 plant species, some introduced or exotic; on some of the sand keys vegetation is incipient or nonexistent. Marine flora is represented by 14 macroalgae species. Marine fauna includes 30 scleractin coral species, 11 octocorals, 19 sponges, 2 hydrozoas, 2 polychetes and numerous fish; many of the keys are spawning zones for sharks and turtles. Most of the keys are also host to sizable marine bird populations, principally SuJa and Fregatas. These reefs are important areas for commercial capture of lobster, conch and grouper, which is currently regulated by fishing laws, thougb more specific regulation is needed. Utilizing the recorded morpho-physiograpbic, faunal and floral cbaracteristics, a detailed zonation is defined for the proposed reserve polygon, with nucleus, buffer and restoration zones.

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