Scleractinians of Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico: results of 1983-1984 investigation.

Abstract

From 1983 to 1984, the Center for Advanced Studies and Research in Mérida, Yucatán, Mexico (CINVESTAV-Unidad Mérida) conducted an extensive study of reef scleractinians all around theYucatán peninsula, from Cayos Arcas to the border of Belize. The results were not published. This article aims to preserve the unique information gathered in this study regarding scleractinian taxonomy,nomenclature and health, their species richness, community data and distribution, as well as their reef zonation. Scuba observations and collections were performed daily and nightly from the coast to a depth of 60 m, in 39 transects and 10 single stations, from a total of 141 sites and 174 stations. 4,579 coralla werecollected, inventoried and identified. In total, 42 species and one hybrid of 27 genera were determined and four reef types were established: Campeche Bank reefs, reefs in the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula, Cozumel Island coral reefs and Chinchorro Bank reefs. The severe negative impact of oil exploitation was evident in Cayos Arcas. Poorly conducted tourism and fishing damaged the reefs in Cozumel, Punta Brava and Isla Mujeres. Scleractinian health did not show significant anomalies. No epizootic phenomena were established. Recruits frequented non-damaged locations. The results obtained in less than 14 months offield work present a quarter-century-old snapshot and baseline for understanding scleractinian life and their role in the reef-building process, and assist in the formulation of recommendations for the conservation of coral reefs in southeastern Mexico.