Abstract

Since 2001, the marine protected area “ Rincón de Guanabo ” has been systematically monitored in order to determine the degree of conservation of the coral reefs. To carry out this activity 4 evaluation sites were selected. The methodologies used were AGRRA protocol, a square frame of 1m2, Reef Check and RECON. A total of 29 species of corals, 26 of gorgonians 27 sponges and 55 fishes were identified. Coral species assessed were Montastraea faveolata, Porites astreoides, Diploria sp. and Acropora palmata. During August-September 2005, bleaching affected 28% of the surface of the colonies of A. palmata, which almost totally recovered during the following months, so happened to the colonies of M. faveolata, bleached in 44% and those of Diploria sp in 48%. Coral cover ranges for 11% to 41%. In Rincón this indicator was incremented in 30% during 2001-2003, and in 40% during 2004-2005. Ancient mortality on coral surface did not surpass 20%, while recent mortality is very low, as well as the incidence of those diseases. The average density of gorgonians ranges from 4 to 6 col/m2 while the density average of sponges from 2 to 14 col/m2. Turf algal prevails in shallow waters and fleshy algae in deep biotopes

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