Suivi et état de santé 2007 des récifs coralliens de Mayotte

Abstract

Monitoring and health state 2007 of coral reefs of Mayotte Island.— The principal characteristics of Mayotte Island are the length of the reef-barriers delimiting one of the widest lagoon of the area, a double reef-barrier (uncommon geological structure) as well as a general dynamics being equivalent to that of a series of eight reef-lagoon complex being able to function independently. Specifi cities of the environmental parameters combined with the particular characteristics generate a singular dynamics of the ecosystem and addicted communities. The objective of the Observatory of the Coral Reefs of Mayotte is to ensure, on the long term, the acquisition of reference data on the coral ecosystems of the island in order to evaluate the spatio-temporal evolution of the benthic and ichtyologic communities, this associated with more specifi c objectives (will ciguatera, whitening, SIG, coordination and management). To succeed in doing that, regular surveys are carried out (station of reference ORC, fringing reef, Reef Check), associated with specifi c studies and initial states. More than 9 years after the phenomenon of massive whitening, the results of the ORC show a continuous and encouraging evolution of the coral growth. However, the dynamics of substrate recolonization by new individuals varies according to the three types of reefs present.