Interdecadal trends in composition, density, size, and mean trophic level of fish species and guilds before and after coastal development in the Mexican Caribbean

Abstract

This study explores the possible influence of human coastal development (before and after) and protected area status (within and outside a marine protected area, MPA) on composition, density, and maximum size of fish species and guilds, including mean trophic level of the fish community, in four localities of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexican Caribbean. Reef fish density, maximum length, species composition, and trophic guilds were recorded by SCUBA belt transects and stationary points in fore reef and lagoon reef areas at decadal intervals (1995–1998, 2006–2010, 2014–2015). Mean density of most species and guilds decreased significantly through the years, as also did mean trophic level of the fish community. Some fish species increased in length. Fish density for many species was larger outside than inside the MPA in 1995–1998; however, the difference tended to disappear in the more recent decades, which reflects either a positive effect of the MPA, or a detrimental effect of coastal development in the non-protected area. Nevertheless, the overall negative trends suggest a regional or global rather than a local cause.