Past, present and future of the coral reefs of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

Abstract

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica consists mainly of high-energy sandy beaches, which in the southern section are interrupted by carbonate promontories, consisting of fossil reefs (Pleistocene, Holocene), and beachrock in some sections. Extant reefs grow on top of these rocky outcrops. Three coral reef areas on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica are recognized—fringing and patch reefs between Moin and Limón; fringing reefs, patch reefs, and carbonate banks at Cahuita National Park; and fringing reefs, patch reefs, carbonate banks, and algal ridges between Puerto Viejo and Punta Mona. This chapter presents the history of research on the Caribbean coral reefs of Costa Rica, describes the extant reefs, comments on the natural and anthropogenic impacts affecting the reefs, and discusses their protection and management. The reef structure and coral species composition of the Caribbean coral reefs of Costa Rica are similar to the other Caribbean reefs, with some exceptions, such as the presence of a well-developed algal ridge. Even though most coral reefs are within the protected areas, they are being degraded by the human activities in the nearby areas. Live corals coverage has been declining while dead coral and algal coverage has increased. The main cause of damage to coral reefs is the presence of excess terrigenous sediments, which are produced by deforestation, coastal alteration, and inappropriate agricultural practices.