Abstract

The Condado Lagoon is an important part of the San Juan Bay Estuary as it holds a link between the marine waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the estuary. The lagoon is important both in ecological function and economic potential to local tourism enterprises. As part of a fish habitat enhancement program a submarine snorkeling trail with artificial reef modules was created. In addition to providing habitat for coral reef and estuarine fishes the area provides an attraction that can be used to reduce intensive human impacts on nearby reefs. Forty-four artificial ‘Taíno‘ reef modules deployed in near-shore sandy habitats have been colonized by a variety of corals, motile invertebrates and fishes. This study compares the fish community over time by conducting stationary underwater visual surveys (point counts) before modules were deployed and quarterly during a year afterwards. Fishes were numerated to the lowest possible taxonomic level and length was estimated to the nearest cm. The number of species increased throughout the study period with a triplication after deployment and at least 40 that were previously undetected. Grunts and surgeon fishes showed a consistent increase in the size distribution towards the end of the study period. The enhancement of fish habitat is a step towards the conservation of coral reef species affected by environmental degradation. The Condado Lagoon Taíno Reef Trail provides a useful tool for enhancing fish habitat while providing a recreational attraction.

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