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CORAL REEF COMMUNITIES FROM NATURAL RESERVES IN PUERTO RICO : a quantitative baseline assessment for prospective monitoring programs Volume 1 : Cordillera de Fajardo, Isla Caja de Muertos, Bosque Seco de Guanica, Bahía de Mayaguez,

by :

Jorge (Reni) García-Sais, Ph. D. Roberto L. Castro Jorge Sabater Clavell

Reef Surveys P. O. Box 3015, Lajas, P. R. 00667 renigar@caribe.net

Final report submitted to the U. S. Coral Reef Initiative (CRI-NOAA) and DNER

March, 2001

PREFACE

A baseline quantitative assessment of coral reef communities in Natural Reserves is one of the priorities of the U. S. Coral Reef Initiative Program (NOAA) for Puerto Rico. This work is intended to serve as the framework of a prospective research program in which the ecological health of these valuable marine ecosystems can be monitored. An expanded and more specialized research program should progressively construct a far more comprehensive characterization of the reef communities than what this initial work provides. It is intended that the better understanding of reef communities and the available scientific data made available through this research can be applied towards management programs designed at the protection of coral reefs and associated fisheries in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. More likely, this is not going to happen without a bold public awareness program running parallel to the basic scientific effort. Thus, the content of this document is simplified enough as to allow application into public outreach and education programs. This is the first of three volumes providing quantitative baseline characterizations of coral reefs from Natural Reserves in Puerto Rico.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors want to express their sincere gratitude to Mrs. Carmen González for the administrative effort that culminated with the effective implementation of the U. S. Coral Reef Initiative Program in Puerto Rico. She also played a fundamental role in coordinating the field sampling logistics involving the R/V Estuarino. Our special gratitude to Miguel (Menki) Canals and Carlos Pacheco for their advice and assistance in diving activities at reefs in the Guanica Natural Reserve. Thanks to Carlos Cianchini for his orientation regarding the reefs of Caja de Muertos. Finally, special thanks to Mr. Pete Seufert from the Sea Ventures Pro Dive Center at Marine Puerto Del Rey for providing support with diving operations.

Table of Contents Page I. Introduction

II. Methods A) Sessile-benthic Reef Communities B) Motile-Megabenthic Invertebrates and Fishes

2 2 3

III. Baseline Characterization of Coral Reef Communities

1. Cordillera de Fajardo Natural Reserve 1.0 General Description

1.1 Palominos Reef 1.1.1 Physical Description 1.1.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 1.1.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 1.1.4 Photo Album Palominos Reef

7 7 8 9 12

1.2 Palominitos Reef 1.2.1 Physical Description 1.2.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 1.2.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 1.2.4 Photo Album Palominos Reef

15 15 17 19

1.3 Cayo Diablo 1.3.1 Physical Description 1.3.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 1.3.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 1.3.4 Photo Album Palominos Reef

22 22 24 27

2. Caja de Muerto Natural Reserve 2.0 General Description

2.1 Windward Reef 2.1.1 Physical Description 2.1.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 2.1.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 2.1.4 Photo Album Windward Reef

31 31 32 34 37

2.2 West Reef 2.2.1 Physical Description 2.2.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 2.2.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 2.2.4 Photo Album West Reef

39 39 41 45

2.3 Berbería Reef 2.3.1 Physical Description 2.3.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 2.3.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 2.3.4 Photo Album Berbería Reef

48 49 51 53

iii

3. Guanica Natural Reserve 3.0 General Description

3.1 Punta Ventana Reef 3.1.1 Physical Description 3.1.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 3.1.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 3.1.4 Photo Album Punta Ventana Reef

57 58 59 62

3.2 Caña Gorda Reef 3.2.1 Physical Description 3.2.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 3.2.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates

65 65 67

3.3 Cayo Coral Reef 3.3.1 Physical Description 3.3.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 3.3.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 3.3.4 Photo Album Cayo Coral Reef

69 69 71 73

4. Tourmaline Reef Natural Reserve - Mayaguez Bay 4.0 General Description

4.1 North Drop Tourmaline 4.1.1 Physical Description 4.1.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 4.1.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 4.1.4 Photo Album North Drop Tourmaline Reef

79 79 80 82 85

4.2 Las Coronas Reef 4.2.1 Physical Description 4.2.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 4.2.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 4.2.4 Photo Album Las Coronas Reef

89 89 91 94

4.3 Media Luna Reef 4.3.1 Physical Description 4.3.2 Sessile-Benthic Reef Community 4.3.3 Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates 4.3.4 Photo Album Media Luna Reef

97 97 99 101

IV. Literature Cited

104

V. Appendices A. Taxonomic Codes Used for Identification of Substrate Types

105

1-4. Reef Benthic Community Profiles of Reefs Surveyed

106

I. INTRODUCTION Coral reefs are natural resources of fundamental socioeconomic importance in Puerto Rico. Reefs protect the coastline from erosion, contribute to the formation of (coralline) sandy beaches, sustain (local) commercial and recreational fisheries, are the main attraction of rapidly growing recreational diving business and represent, as in many other Caribbean islands, the key coastal feature that supports tourism. Coral reefs promote development and growth of seagrass beds and fringing mangroves, which then function as interdependent systems to produce a highly productive and biodiverse marine community. In recognition of their value and aiming at their protection, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) of the government of Puerto Rico has designated a series of marine areas with coral reefs and associated marine systems as Natural Reserves. At present, some of the best developed and more extensive coral reefs of Puerto Rico have been included in Natural Reserve areas.

In support of Natural Reserve designations, DNER has prepared a series of technical documents that provide detailed qualitative surveys of the flora and fauna, as well as characterizations of the physical setting of reserve sites. The island-wide inventory of puertorrican reefs performed by Goenaga and Cintrón (1979) has been used as the key reference in designation of Natural Reserves. Its baseline data, with qualitative descriptions of reef geomorphology and comprehensive taxonomic accounts forms part of DNER technical supplements in most cases. Quantitative information on reef community structure, such as percent cover of reef biota and/or substrate types, densities of organisms, topographic relief (or rugosity), as well as archival photographic documentation of reef communities has been lacking from most Natural Reserve baseline studies. This has limited our ability to detect, document and monitor changes in the ecological health of coral reefs within Natural Reserves and elsewhere in Puerto Rico.

Puertorrican coral reefs have been subjected to a wide variety of man induced and natural stresses operating on local, regional and global scales. Increments in sedimentation associated with deforestation and dredging, turbidity and eutrophication effects from domestic and industrial loading of sewage and other organic materials, overfishing, diseases, regional mass mortalities of sea urchins, coral bleaching effects associated to global warming trends and mechanical destruction produced by hurricanes, boat anchors, ship grounding and military bombings all have been refered to as causes of reef degradation in Puerto Rico (García et al., in press). The increasing scientific and public awareness of these potential stressors of coral reef health has stimulated initiatives for corrrective action and protective strategies by both federal and local governmental agencies during the last decade. Some of these include the recent formulation and approval of coral reef protection laws, establishment of marine protected (no take) zones,

enforcement of lobster size limits, stringent compliance regulations for marine sewage outfalls, reforestation programs, request of cease bombing operations on coral reefs and others.

Natural Reserves have been proposed as high priority sites where initiatives for coral reef protection, such as the “no take” Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) should be established, along with monitoring programs to evaluate their effectiveness as management strategies. This work represents a baseline quantitative characterization of the sessile-benthic, motile megabenthic and diurnal, non-criptic fish assemblages associated with the coral reef systems of four Natural Reserves in Puerto Rico (e.g. Isla Caja de Muertos, Bosque Seco de Guánica, Tourmaline Reef in Mayaguez Bay and La Cordillera de Fajardo). This baseline characterization targets one of the main objectives of the U. S. Coral Reef Initiative Program in Puerto Rico, prepared in consultation with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of P. R.

II. METHODS (A) Sessile-Benthic Reef Communities Initial exploratory scans of the area by echosounding runs and towed divers preceded quantitative survey work at reef habitats. This exercise provided a general perspective of reef morphometry and aided in the selection of reef physiographic zones to be surveyed. Depths of replicate transects were selected based on representative reef contours as indicated by nautical charts and echosounder information. An effort was made to standardize transect survey depths at different reefs, in order to make comparative analyses between reefs more appropriate, due to the known depth related gradients in reef community structure (Acevedo and Morelock, 1988). Five replicate transects were surveyed at each station. These were established in areas of optimal coral development in reefs. Three stations were surveyed from each reef site, for a total of fifteen transects surveyed per site. The location of reef and sites surveyed within the puertorrican insular shelf are presented in Figure 1. A security line with a buoy was tied from one end of the third transect and allowed to reach to the surface for reference as a location marker. The position of the buoy was recorded with a DGPS (Differential Geographic Position System) unit.

Quantitative assessments of sessile-benthic reef communities were obtained using a modification of the Chain Transect Method (Porter, 1972). This is a continuous intercept transect technique that provides information of the percent linear cover by sessile biota and other substrate categories, and also allows construction of community profiles by assignment of metric units to each substrate transition. Marsh et al. (1984) discussed the range of biologically significant

parameters that can be extracted from chain transect data on coral reef communities. For a review on reef survey methods see UNESCO, 1978; Bouchon, 1981; Ohlhorst et al. 1988; UNEP 1993). Transects were established over the substrate using a 10 meter long fiberglass tape measure tensioned between two rods. Rods provided permanent markings that allow repeated observations of benthic community structure over time. A short linked chain was loosely draped over the reef and the linear area (number of chain links) of the different substrate types (or biota) occurring beneath the chain recorded. Chain links were 1.42 cm long. Steel nails were hammered into available hard substrate (dead coral sections) approximately 0.5 – 1.0 meters apart to provide fixed reference points along the linear transect.

Individual measurements of substrate categories, as recorded from the number of chain links were sorted, added and divided by the total distance (in chain links) on each transect to calculate cumulative percentages of linear cover by each category. Substrate categories represented by sessile-benthic organisms were recorded as growth forms using abbreviations, or codes (e.g. ENCCOR - encrusting coral), and identified to the lowest possible taxon (e.g. Diploria strigosa ). This form of data reporting is compatible with CARICOMP (1994) and UNEP (1993) formats. Definitions to the codes used in reporting the different substrate categories are presented as Appendix A. Soft corals, with the exception of encrusting forms (e.g. Erythropodium caribaeorum), were counted as number of colonies present whenever any of their branches intersected the transect line. Soft corals have a very small basal area relative to their colony size and therefore, are not well represented by their linear cover on the bottom. Whenever basal areas were intersected by transects, these were included as “gorgonian bases”. Scleractinian coral taxonomy is reported according to Veron (2000).

The vertical relief of the reef, or rugosity, was calculated by subtracting 10 meters from the total length (links) recorded with the chain at the 10-meter marker of the reference tape. Underwater videos of each transect at each reef site were taken using a SONY TR 700 on HI-8 format and a Amphibico-Buddy System housing. Each video transect was identified by a counter readout on each tape. All original transect data was recorded on plastic paper (polypaper) and kept on file. Records of depth, transect number, date, and station identification appear on all transect data forms.

(B) Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates and Fishes Motile megabenthic (larger than 1 cm) invertebrates (lobsters, crabs, echinoids, molluscs, etc.) and diurnal, non-criptic fishes associated with reefs habitats were surveyed using the belttransect technique. Transects were 10 meters long by 3 meters wide (surface area = 30 m2). We identified and enumerated fishes and megabenthic invertebrates present within 1.5 meters

along each side of the linear transects used for the reef benthic community surveys. This method provides the basis for analysis of relationships between reef substrate variables, such as sessile biological components (e.g. live coral cover) and ichthyofaunal/megabenthic invertebrates taxonomic composition, diversity, and abundance (Fowler, 1987). A total of five (5) belt-transects were surveyed at each reef station (total area = 150 m2). Abundance data on motile megabenthic invertebrates and fishes was reported as number of individuals per 30 m2 (belttransect area). Fishes and megabenthic invertebrates observed outside belt-transect survey areas were recorded and included as supplemental taxonomic information from each station. Panoramic videos from all stations were filmed to provide a qualitative assessment of the reef biota.

Figure 1. Location of reef survey sites in Puerto Rico.

III. Baseline Characterization of Coral Reef Communities at Natural Reserves

1. Cordillera de Fajardo

1.0 General Description

La Cordillera de Fajardo Natural Reserve is located on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. It extends approximately 18 nautical miles east-southeast from Fajardo, covering a total surface area of 120 square kilometers (Cardona-Bonet, 1985). La Cordillera de Fajardo includes a cluster of islets and submerged reefs aligned on an east-west direction from Las Cucarachas on its nothwestern boundary to Cayo Solito on its northeastern boundary. Palominos and Palominitos

Island reefs lie within its southern boundary (Figure 2). The geographic coordinates which delimit La Cordillera de Fajardo Natural Reserve are the following: o

Northeast : 18 21’ N; 65 25’ W Northwest : 18 25’ N; 65 38’ W Southeast : 18 20’ N; 65 25’ W o

Southwest I: 18 20’ N; 65 35’ W Southwest II: 18 24’ N; 65 38’ W

Figure 2. La Cordillera de Fajardo Natural Reserve, showing general location of reef survey sites at Isla Palominos, Cayo Palominitos and Cayo Diablo.

A general characterization of the physical and biological resources present in La Cordillera Natural Reserve has been prepared by DNER (Goenaga et al., 1980). Among the most important ecological systems found in the reserve are coral reefs, abundant rock and hard ground reefs, extensive seagrass beds, coralline-sandy beaches and sub-topical dry forests. La Cordillera is considered a critical habitat for federally listed endangered species, such as the Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) and Green Sea Turtles (Chelonia midas), which nest in islets within reserve boundaries. Also present at Cayo Diablo is the Virgin Island Boa, Epicrates monensis (Goenaga et al, 1990). The islets and cays of La Cordillera reserve constitute an important rookery for many species of seabirds, such as the Noody Tern (Anous stolidus ), Bridle Tern (Sterna anaethetus), Stooty Tern ( Sterna furcata), Brown Bubi (Sula leucogaster), and the Laughing Gull (Larus atricilla). Nesting seabirds use the more emergent rocky islets with low vegetation as rookeries. The Brown Pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis, an endangered seabird species, is common within La Cordillera reserve, where it forages on small schooling fishes. A total of 43 species of birds have been identified from the reserve. According to Goenaga et al.

(1990) the presence of such diverse and abundant seabird fauna was one of the main justifications for establishment of this marine area as a natural reserve in 1980.

The reefs of La Cordillera de Fajardo have been regarded as the best developed coral reef systems of the north coast of Puerto Rico (Goenaga and Cintrón, 1979). There are several types of reefs present. “Rock reefs” are the most abundant and prominent formation within reserve boundaries. These are mostly found on the windward side of islets and thereby exposed to very high wave action, particularly during the winter. Biological assemblages are generally limited to encrusting biota (including corals), with low vertical relief and providing only a minor contribution to the physical structure of the reef. Goenaga et al. (1990) refer to such assemblages as “coral communities”, lacking the biological and structural complexity of coral reef systems. “Patch reefs” are generally small, submerged reef structures surrounded by a sandy substrate, sometimes consisting of only one large coral colony, (Goenaga and Cintrón, 1979). Patch reefs are common along the leeward side of the larger islets (e.g. southeast Cayo Diablo).

Coral reefs are best developed as “fringing reefs” on the leeward (protected) section of the chain of islets at the northern boundary of the reserve. Some of these include Cayo Lobos, Cayo Icacos and Cayo Diablo. According to Goenaga et al. (1990), the southern section of Palominitos Island presents the most complex and best developed coral reef system in the reserve. Our reef surveys at La Cordillera de Fajardo Natural Reserve were performed north of Palominos, southeast of Palominitos and southeast of Cayo Diablo (Figure 1). Differential GPS coordinates of permanent transect locations at reefs surveyed are presented on Table 1.

Table 1. Geo-references of permanent transect locations at reefs studied within the Cordillera de Fajardo Natural Reserve. Reef Name

Survey Date

Depth (m)

Latitude

Palominos (North)

7-July-99

10.6

18 21.333’ N

Palominitos (SE)

8-July-99

7.6 - 10.6

18 20.142’ N

Cayo Diablo (SW)

9-July-99

10.6

18 21.602’ N

Longitude

065 34.267’ W

065 33.944’ W

065 31.942’ W

1.1 Palominos Reef – Cordillera de Fajardo 1.1.1 Physical Description of Palominos Reef Isla Palominos is located inside the chain of island reefs that form the “Cordillera Natural Reserve”. The reef platform includes two emergent zones, the largest of which is Palominos, with the smaller sandy islet, Palominitos located due south of Palominos (Figure 3). Fringing and patch coral reef formations are found along the north and eastern sections of the island. The fringing coral reef located off Pta. Aguila, on the northwesterly section of Isla Palominos has been included in this survey. This reef features coral growth from its base at a depth of approximately 15 meters to the surface. Massive coral development provides substantial topographic relief (rugosity) to the fore-reef slope. Seagrass beds have developed on the southwestern section of the island platform. Coralline sandy beaches on the southwest coastline serve as a prime tourist attraction with docking facilities for boat charters.

Figure 3. Isla Palominos and Palominitos showing detailed bathimetry at reef survey sites.

1.1.2

Sessil-Benthic Community – Palominos Reef

A total of five permanent transects were installed along the east-west axis of the reef following a depth contour of 10 ± 2 meters. Table 2 shows the percent linear cover by substrate categories along linear transects surveyed from Palominos Reef. A dense algal turf, comprised by a mixed assemblage of short filamentous coralline algae and brown macroalgae was the dominant biological component of the reef sessil-benthos in terms of linear cover with a mean of 56.7 % (range : 52.0 – 60.8 %). Live scleractinian (stony) corals ranked second in linear cover with a mean of 26.6 % (range : 19.9 – 32.9 %). Soft corals, or gorgonians (Order Octocorallia) were also abundant (mean = 27 colonies/transect) and along with stony corals represented the most prominent assemblage of the reef sessil-benthic community. Most of the substrate covered by algal turf appeared to be dead coral colonies. Mean rugosity was 5.04 meters.

TABLE 2. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT PALOMINOS REEF LA CORDILLERA RESERVE, FAJARDO. JULY, 1999.

Rugosity (meters) SUBSTRATE CATEGORY Turf Algae Live Corals Reef Overhangs Sponges Gorgonian Base Fleshy Algae Holes/Gaps Zoanthids Hydrocorals Gorgonians colonies

1 4.30

2 4.38

TRANSECTS 3 4 5.93 6.00

60.84 25.80 9.93 0.91 1.61

57.23 32.89 7.16 0.49 1.60

52.04 23.42 20.28 1.95 1.07

0.70 23

5 4.59

MEAN 5.04

56.38 30.81 8.00 1.31 1.06 0.50 1.13

57.03 19.90 15.28 2.12 0.21 4.93

1.26

1.44

0.55

56.7 26.6 12.1 1.4 1.1 1.1 0.2 0.2 0.8

0.91

Colonial zoanthids (Palythoa caribbaeorum), hydrocorals (Millepora spp) and sponges were also present at Palominos Reef, but represented a minor component of the reef community structure. Abiotic categories, particularly reef overhangs (RO) accounted for a relatively high linear cover due to the effect of large coral colonies of Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis forming ledges that served as habitats for fishes and other reef biota. Reef benthic community profiles of liner cover along each of the five transects surveyed are reported in Appendices 1.1 – 1.5.

A total of 24 species of scleractinian corals and one hydrocoral (Millepora sp) were identified during our survey at the Palominos reef. Fourteen species of corals were intersected by line transects. Lettuce Coral, Agaricia spp. and Montastrea annularis dominated in terms of linear

cover with means of 7.1 % and 6.1%, respectively (Table 3). Mustard Hill and Finger Coral (Porites astreoides, P. porites) and Agaricia sp. were present in all five transects surveyed. Massive coral growth was prominent on this reef, particularly at the intermediate and deeper sections of the fore-reef slope.

TABLE 3. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORALS AT PALOMINOS REEF LA CORDILLERA NATURAL RESERVE, FAJARDO, JULY, 1999 TRANSECTS CORAL SPECIES

Agaricia sp.

2.66

14.33

Montastrea annularis

3.43

10.5

Porites astreoides

5.8

1.18

Montastrea cavernosa

2.17

Porites porites

3.57

Siderastrea siderea Agaricia agaricites

5.52

Leptoseris cucullata

0.91

Dichocoenia stokesii

0.99

Mycetophyllia lamarckiana

0.79

MEAN

6.03

8.13

3.84

7.00

3.7

12.69

6.06

3.26

2.13

4.73

3.42

2.82

4.94

2.8

2.55

4.31

0.27

1.88

2.06

2.42

2.57

4.52

4.83

2.38

1.13

1.26

1.58

0.80

0.55

1.06

0.20 0.16

Colpophyllia natans

0.39

0.08

Madracis decactis

0.35

0.07

Eusmilia fastigiata

0.27

0.05

Siderastrea radians

0.27

0.05

Outside transects: Cladocora sp. Dendrogyra cylindrus Diploria clivosa Diploria labyrinthiformis Diploria strigosa Madracis mirabilis Meandrina meandrites Millepora alcicornis Millepora squarrosa Mycetophyllia danaana Mycetophyllia ferox Stephanocoenia michilini

1.1.3

Reef Fishes and Megabenthic Invertebrates – Palominos Reef

A total of 51 diurnal non-criptic fish species were identified during our snapshot survey of 2

Palominos Reef. Fish densities ranged between 32 and 71 Individuals/30 m belt-transect (mean 2

= 55.0 Ind/30 m ). Striped Parrotfish (Scarus iserti), Masked Goby (Coryphopterus personatus) and the Blue Chromis (Chromis cyanea) were the most abundant species within belt transects (Table 4). The Striped Parrotfish and six other species were present in all transects. The more specious families were the Pomacentridae (Damselfishes) with six species, Scaridae (Parrotfishes) and Serranidae (Groupers) with five, and the Haemulidae (Grunts) with four species. Species of commercial importance included the Red Hind (Epinephelus guttatus),

Schoolmaster and Yellowtail Snappers (Lutjanus apodus, Ocyurus chrysurus), and the Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda). In addition to the Great Barracuda, other pelagic species associated to the food web of this reef included the Mackerel Scad (Decapterus macarellus), and the Bar Jack (Carangoides ruber). TABLE 4. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT PALOMINOS REEF LA CORDILLERA NATURAL RESERVE, FAJARDO, JULY, 1999 Location : 18° 21.333' N; 065° 34.267' W 1 Depth (m) : 10.6 FISH SPECIES

COMMON NAME

Scarus iserti Coryphopterus personatus Chromis cyanea Stegastes planifrons Halichoeres garnoti Sparisoma viride Sparisoma aurofrenatum Canthigaster rostrata Chaetodon capistratus Acanthurus coeruleus Acanthurus bahianus Stegastes leucostictus Pomacanthus arcuatus Microspathodon chrysurus Hypoplectrus nigricans Serranus tigrinus Stegastes partitus Priacanthus cruentatus Pseudupeneus maculatus Scarus vetula Hypoplectrus puella Acanthurus chirurgus Aulostomus maculatus Bodianus rufus Cantherhines pullus Gobiosoma elvelynae Holocentrus rufus Hypoplectrus chlorurus Hypoplectrus indigo Lactophrys triqueter Halichoeres garnoti

Striped parrotfish Masked goby Blue chromis Yellow eye damselfish Yellowhead wrasse Stoplight parrotfish Redband parrotfish Caribbean puffer Four eye butterflyfish Blue tang Ocean surgeon Beaugregory Gray angelfish Yellowtail damselfish Black hamlet Harlequin bass Bicolor damselfish Glasseye Spotted goatfish Queen parrotfish Barred hamlet Doctorfish Trumpetfish Spanish hogfish Tail light filefish Sharknose goby Squirrelfish Yellowtail hamlet Indigo hamlet Smooth trunkfish Yellowhead wrasse

5 10.6

(Individuals/30 m2) 6

2 2 2 4 3 2 2 1 1 3 2

5 3 3 2 1 1 2 1 2 2

14 21 4 5 7 3 2 2 2

1 1 1

1 1

1 1 1 1

MEAN 9 4 25 4 1 6 3 3 3 2 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 1 1

11 20 7 4 4 3 3 1 1 2

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS TOTAL SPECIES

32 14

Outside Transects : Abudefduf sexatilis Anisotremus virginicus Carangoides ruber Chaetodon striatus Chromis multilineata Clepticus parrae Decapterus macarellus Epinephelus guttatus Gramma loreto Haemulon plumieri Haemulon flavolineatum Haemulon macrostomum Haemulon sciurus Halichoeres radiatus Lutjanus apodus

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4 10.6 10.6 10.6

Sargent major Porgy Bar jack Banded butterflyfish Brown chromis Creole wrasse Mackarel scad Red hind Royal gramma White grunt French grunt Spanish grunt Bluestripped grunt Puddingwife Schoolmaster

37 17

68 17

71 19

67 21

9.80 9.00 8.60 3.60 3.40 3.60 2.40 1.60 1.60 1.40 1.20 1.20 0.80 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.2 0.2 55.0 31

Table 4. Continued Myripristis jacobus Ocyurus chrysurus Sparisoma rubripinne Sphyraena barracuda Calamus pennatula

Blackbar soldierfish Yellowtail snapper Yellowtail parrotfish Great barracuda Pluma

The reef off Pta. Aguila at Isla Palominos presented a well balanced and diverse fish community, except for the conspicuous absence of large individuals of commercial value. Herbivorous taxa were represented by parrotfishes, damselfishes and doctorfishes. Small benthic carnivores included several species of wrasses, trunkfishes, hamlets, and grunts. The larger, demersal reef predators were represented by snappers and groupers. The presence of the Mackerel Scad added complexity to the reef ichthyofauna because it is a schooling zooplanktivore that serves a forage for larger (mostly pelagic) predators, such as the Great Barracuda and others. No motile megabenthic invertebrates were observed within transects during our survey at Palominos Reef.

1.1.4

Photo Album of Palominos Reef

Plate 1. Panoramic view of the fore-reef slope of Palominos Reef near the base. Note the laminar growth of Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis forming ledges that served as habitat for fishes and other reef biota.

Plate 3. The base of Palominos Reef is a coralline sandy bottom at a depth of 15 meters.

Plate 2. Soft corals (gorgonians) averaged 27 colonies per transect and were prominent components of the sessile-benthic community at Palominos Reef.

Plate 4. Patch reef formation at the base of Palominos Reef. These structures were located to the east and north of the fore reef and exhibited substantial development of stony corals and gorgonians.

Plate 5. Massive coral colonies of large size contributed to the mean of 26.6 % of live stony coral cover and 5.04 meters of substrate rugosity at Palominos Reef.

Plates 6 – 7. Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis was one of the dominant stony corals in terms of linear cover at Palominos Reef.

Plate 6

Plate 8. Dense growth of soft corals near the base of Palominos Reef.

Plate 9. Lettuce Coral, Agaricia agaricites was present at all five transects surveyed and ranked first among stony corals in terms of linear cover with a mean of 7.0 % (range 2.7 – 14.3 %).

Plate 11. Bundles of brown fleshy algae (mostly Dictyota sp) amongst the algal turf at Palominos Reef.

Plate 10. Mustard Hill Coral, Porites astreoides averaged a mean linear cover of 3.42 % and was present as small mounds and encrusting colonies at all five transects surveyed from Palominos Reef.

Plate 12. Algal turf, a mixed assemblage of articulated red coralline algae (mostly Amphiroa sp., Jania sp.) and brown macroalgae was the dominant component of the reef sessile-benthos in terms of linear cover with a mean of 56.7 %.

1.2

Palominitos Reef – Cordillera de Fajardo

1.2.1

Physical Description of Palominitos Reef

Isla Palominitos sits in the same reef platform with Palominos (Figure 3). A shallow sand channel separates both islands. Coral reefs occur to the northeast, east and south of Palominitos. There is a large fringing reef that breaks down into a series of small submerged patch reefs, particularly to the east and south of the island. The largest and best developed coral reef is located to the northeast and it is the one included in our survey. This is a fringing coral formation overlying the fore-reef slope with massive coral build-up. The reef structure is characterized by very steep spurs and deep grooves with sandy sediments. The height of the spurs reaches six meters close to the base of the reef at a depth of 18 meters. It was not possible to corroborate how much of this structure is actually coral build-up. Massive stony corals grow on top and along the sides of the spurs providing substantial topographic relief and habitat to the reef community. Turtle seagrass occurs along the south coast in close proximity with scattered patch reefs. The west section of the island presents scattered coral growth below depths of 5-6 meters and features a small but impressively beautiful coralline sandy beach that is a recreational hotspot for tourists in the area.

1.2.2 Sessil-Benthic Reef Community

The five permanent transects established for this baseline characterization and future monitoring of the Palominitos Reef community were installed at the top of five different spurs on the reef formation. All transects start at or near the end tip of the spurs, close to the interface where the reef platform breaks down to a sandy-silt bottom. Two of the transects lie to the south of a gap in the spur and groove formation and the other three are found along three consecutive spurs to the north of the gap.

A dense algal turf, comprised by a mixed assemblage of short filamentous coralline algae and brown macroalgae was the dominant biological component of the reef sessil-benthos in terms of linear cover with a mean of 49.3 % (range : 36.0 – 58.9 %). The percent linear cover by each substrate category from permanent transects surveyed at Palominitos Reef is presented in Table 5. Live scleractinian (stony) corals ranked second in linear cover with a mean of 36.0 % (range : 16.0 – 47.8 %). Stony corals represented the most prominent assemblage of the reef sessilbenthic community with massive colonies providing most of the topographic relief. The mean rugosity from the five transects was 3.22 meters (range : 2.31 – 4.51 m).

TABLE 5. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT PALOMINITOS REEF LA CORDILLERA RESERVE, FAJARDO. JULY, 1999.

1 2.42

2 4.51

TRANSECTS 3 4 3.14 3.71

Turf Algae Live Stony Coral Reef Overhangs Rubble Gorgonian Base Fleshy Algae Sponges Ascidians Hydrocorals

44.04 47.77 4.91

58.86 16.02 9.72 8.96 1.93 4.07 0.41

38.96 33.31 14.31 7.31 3.50 1.07 1.60

Gorgonian Colonies

Rugosity (m) SUBSTRATE CATEGORY

1.05 0.24 1.37 0.48 0.24

5 2.31

MEAN 3.22

50.91 44.71 1.75

53.61 38.12

2.19

7.07 1.14

49.3 36.0 6.1 3.2 3.2 1.3 0.8 0.1 0.1

0.44

Soft corals, or gorgonians (Order Octocorallia) were common (mean = 19 colonies/transect), but highly variable in terms of their density within transects. Evidently, stony corals cover a high surface area at Palominitos Reef and may be in competition with soft corals for available space in the reef. Sponges, ascidians, fleshy algae and hydrocorals were also present, but represented a minor component of the reef community structure. Abiotic categories, particularly reef overhangs (RO) and coral rubble accounted for a relatively high linear cover (combined mean : 9.3 %). This was mostly due to the effect of large coral colonies and sediment pockets where coral rubble accumulates. In most cases, reef overhangs were associated with the “mushroom type” growth of Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis at Palominitos Reef. The linear cover data from reef benthic community profiles along each of the five transects surveyed are reported in Appendices 1.6 – 1.10.

A total of 17 species of scleractinian corals were identified from Palominitos Reef. The taxonomic distribution and linear cover of stony corals present at transects surveyed is shown in Table 6. The Star Coral, Montastrea annularis was the dominant coral species in terms of linear cover with a mean of 23.1 %, representing almost 64% of the total linear cover by stony corals at this reef. The highest linear cover by M. annularis (38.6 %) was observed at transect 1. A total of six colonies were encountered, one of which measured 1.5 meters across the intersection line (see data in Appendix 1.6). At least two other species, in addition to M. annularis were present in all five transects surveyed (e.g. Agaricia agaricites and Porites astreoides).

TABLE 6. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORALS AT PALOMINITOS REEF LA CORDILLERA RESERVE, FAJARDO, JULY, 1999 TRANSECTS CORAL SPECIES

MEAN

Montastrea annularis

38.57

8.75

18.26

28.37

21.53

23.1

Agaricia agaricites

0.81

0.96

3.35

12.33

8.69

5.2

Colpophyllia natans

3.86

2.72

6.22

Porites astreoides

4.43

1.17

2.13

0.82

3.09

Agaricia sp.

0.11

2.41

2.05

0.41

0.80

1.2

2.63

0.5

1.38

0.5

2.6

Diploria labyrinthiformis Porites porites

0.95

Siderastrea siderea

1.85

Mycetophyllia ferox

1.29

2.3

0.4 0.3

Outside transects: Diploria strigosa Leptoseris cucullata Micetophyllia aliciae Millepora alcicornis Millepora complanata Montastrea cavernosa Mycetophyllia lamarckiana

1.2.3

Reef Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

The taxonomic composition and abundance of fishes surveyed by belt-transects at Palominitos Reef is presented in Table 7. A total of 42 fish species were identified. Three species represented approximately 53% of the total fishes surveyed within belt-transects. The mean 2 2 density of fishes within belt-transects was 54.6 Ind/30 m (range 40 – 74 Ind/30m ). The Masked 2 Goby, Coryphopterus personatus was the most abundant (mean : 13.0 Ind/30m ). This is a small fish that forms dense swarms between coral boulders, overhangs and other protective microhabitats. The Masked Goby is a planktivore, and due to its relatively high abundance represents an important species that transfers energy from the plankton food web to the benthic reef community. Other planktivores, the Blue and Yellow-edge Chromis (Chromis cyanea, C. multilineata), Sargent Major (Abudefduf sexatilis) and the Creole Wrasse (Clepticus parrae) were also among the most abundant fishes within belt-transects. The herbivorous assemblage included parrotfishes (Scarus iserti, Sparisoma viride), damselfishes (Stegastes planifrons) and doctorfishes (Acanthurus spp.) among others. Small carnivorous taxa included wrasses (Talassoma bifasciatum, Halichoeres spp.), hamlets (Hypoplectrus spp.), squirrelfishes (Holocentrus sp.) and grunts (Haemulon spp.). Large, piscivorous predators were not observed. Underwater visibility was marginal during our survey due to strong winds and surge. Thus, the taxonomic account of diurnal, non-criptic fishes was probably underestimated in this snapshot survey. Palominitos Reef is a well developed coral reef system with plenty of live coral and physical habitat for fishes. No megabenthic invertebrates were observed within belt-transects.

TABLE 7. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES FROM PALOMINITOS REEF LA CORDILLERA NATURAL RESERVE, FAJARDO, JULY, 1999 DATE: July 8, 1999 Location : 18° 20.142' N; 065° 33.944' W

FISH SPECIES Coryphopterus personatus Scarus iserti Stegastes planifrons Sparisoma viride Chromis cyanea Chromis multilineata Abudefduf sexatilis Stegastes partitus Clepticus parrae Gramma loreto Acanthurus coeruleus Haemulon aurolineatum Aulostomus maculatus Scarus vetula Sparisoma aurofrenatum Thalassoma bifasciatum Ocyurus chrysurus Halichoeres garnoti Lutjanus apodus Carangoides ruber Holocentrus rufus Scarus taeniopterus Stegastes leucostictus Acanthurus chirurgus Canthigaster rostrata Carangoides bartholomaei Gobiosoma elvelynae Hypoplectrus nigricans Hypoplectrus unicolor

Depth (m) : Masked goby Striped parrotfish Yellow eye damselfish Stoplight parrotfish Blue chromis Brown chromis Sargent major Bicolor damselfish Creole wrasse Royal gramma Blue tang Tomtate Trumpetfish Queen parrotfish Redband parrotfish Yellowhead wrasse Yellowtail snapper Yellowhead wrasse Schoolmaster Bar jack Squirrelfish Princess parrotfish Beaugregory Doctorfish Caribbean puffer Yellow jack Sharknose goby Black hamlet Butter hamlet

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4 9.1 9.1 9.1 38

12 7 6 2 7

17 4 2

8 1 3 4 6

23 7 7 2 4 2

1 1

3 1 2

5 9.1 4 10 6 5 5

6 2 2 3

3 1

2 1

5 2

1 1

2 1 1

1 1 2 1

2 1 1 1 1 1

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS TOTAL SPECIES

47 14

Outside Transects : Anisotremus virginicus Calamus pennatula Chaetodon capistratus Diodon holacanthus Neoniphon marianus Hemiramphus balao Haemulon macrostomum Haemulon sciurus Haemulon steindachneri Halichoeres radiatus Lachnolaimus maximus Mulloides martinicus Pomacanthus arcuatus

1 9.1

Porgy Pluma Four eye butterflyfish Porcupinefish Longspine squirrelfish Ballyhoo Spanish grunt Bluestripped grunt Latin grunt Puddingwife Hogfish Yellow goatfish Gray angelfish

40 14

74 13

58 13

54 17

13.00 9.20 6.40 3.20 2.80 2.60 2.40 1.60 1.40 1.40 1.20 1.00 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20

54.6 29

1.2.4

Photo Album of Palominitos Reef

Plate 3. Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis , the main reef building coral in the Caribbean was the dominant structural component at Palominitos Reef with massive colonies growing from the top of the spurs.

Plate 1

Plates 1 - 2. Palominitos Reef exhibited a “spur-and groove” formation, with tall ridges separated by coralline sandy channels. The spurs 5 – 6 meters in height rank among the tallest we have seen from puertorrican reefs.

Plate 4. The laminar extensions at the edges of Boulder Star Coral colonies create “reef overhangs” that serve as an important habitat for fishes and other reef biota, including lobsters and crabs.

Plate 5. Encrusting colonies of Diploria strigosa and Porites astreoides were common amongst an assemblage of 17 scleractinian corals identified from Palominitos Reef at depths between 7-12 m.

Plate 7. A dense algal turf, with intermixed bundles of brown fleshy macroalgae was the dominant component of the sessile-benthic community at Palominitos Reef in terms of linear cover witha mean of 49.3 %.

Plate 6. A varied assemblage of soft corals (gorgonians) averaged 19 colonies per transect at Palominitos Reef.

Plate 10. Doctorfishes (Acanthuridae), along with parrotfishes (Scaridae) and “farmer” damselfishes (Pomacentridae) comprised the main herbivorous fish assemblage at Palominitos Reef.

Plate 11. Juvenile Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) feeding from a coral rubble substrate at Palominitos Reef.

Plate 12. Striped Parrotfish (Scarus iserti) and other juvenile parrotfishes grazing at the algal turf.

1.3 Cayo Diablo- Cordillera de Fajardo 1.3.1 Physical Description of Cayo Diablo Reef

To the east, Cayo Diablo is the last (emergent) key of the “Cordillera de Fajardo”. It is a mostly un-vegetated island with many rocky outcrops and a sandy beach on the southeast coastline. The northern section of the island (windward) has a narrow reef platform with a rocky shoreline exposed to severe wave action. Coral reefs are found on the southern (leeward) section of the island, protected from the intense wave energy seasonally associated to cold front swells from the North Atlantic. Patch reefs represent the main reef formation at Cayo Diablo. These reefs lie submerged at variable depths and intermixed with seagrass in some areas. The base of the patch reefs is a white sandy bottom at a depth of 13-15 meters.

Our survey was performed at one of the largest patch reefs running parallel to the Cayo Diablo southern coastline. All five transects were installed along an east-west axis on the reef slope, following the 10 ± 1 meter contour (Figure 4)

Figure 4. Location of reef survey area at Cayo Diablo with detail of reef bathimetry.

1.3.2 Sessil-Benthic Reef Community

substrate category on permanent transects surveyed at Cayo Diablo Reef is presented in Table 8. Reef benthic community profiles of linear cover along each of the five transects surveyed are reported in Appendices 1.11 – 1.15. Live scleractinian (stony) corals ranked second in linear cover with a mean of 36.2 % (range : 30.2 – 41.9 %). Soft corals were also very abundant with a mean density of 36 colonies per transect. The mixed assemblage of soft and stony corals was visually the most prominent biological component of the reef sessil-benthic community with massive coral colonies providing most of the topographic relief. The mean rugosity from the five transects was 4.44 meters (range : 3.87 – 5.61 m). TABLE 8. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT CAYO DIABLO REEF, LA CORDILLERA RESERVE, FAJARDO. JULY, 1999. TRANSECTS 3 4 3.89 4.55

5 5.61

MEAN 4.44

39.45 32.19 4.25 18.00 5.69 0.43

34.78 41.86 15.12 3.85 3.23 0.69

39.65 41.49 11.47 0.90 2.43 2.18

0.43

30.32 30.18 15.41 9.87 7.42 1.47 4.34 0.98

0.41

1.92

40.5 36.2 10.2 6.5 3.9 1.0 0.9 0.8

1 3.87

2 4.28

Turf Algae Live Coral Reef Overhangs Sand Gorgonian Base Sponges Coral Rubble Zoanthids

58.33 35.41 4.76

Gorgonian Colonies

Rugosity (m) SUBSTRATE CATEGORY

0.58 0.43

Abiotic categories, particularly reef overhangs (RO) and sand accounted for a relatively high linear cover at Cayo Diablo (combined mean : 16.7 %). This was mostly due to the effect of large coral colonies of Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis , which create ledges at the borders of the “mushroom type” growth. Because of their high density and large size of colonies, gorgonian bases (attachment structures) were also prominent in terms of surface cover (almost 4 %), even though their growth is vertically projected. The colonial zoanthid, Palythoa caribbdea, and sponges were also present in the reef, but represented a minor component of the community structure.

A total of 22 species of scleractinian corals were identified from Cayo Diablo Reef. The taxonomic distribution and linear cover of stony corals present at transects surveyed is shown in Table 9. The Star Coral, Montastrea annularis was the dominant coral species in terms of linear cover with a mean of 16.5 %, representing approximately 46 % of the total linear cover by stony corals at this reef. Montastrea annularis, Agaricia agaricites and Porites astreoides were present

in all five transects surveyed. Massive growth type predominated among stony coral colonies at Cayo Diablo. TABLE 9. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORALS AT CAYO DIABLO REEF LA CORDILLERA RESERVE, FAJARDO, JULY, 1999 TRANSECTS 1

MEAN

Montastrea annularis

14.20

18.63

22.46

16.15

10.95

16.48

Agaricia sp.

3.03

4.34

2.02

2.89

7.11

3.88

5.53

4.03

1.84

6.85

3.65

CORAL SPECIES

Montastrea cavernosa Dendrogyra cylindrus

3.27

16.36

Agaricia agaricites

10.67

0.30

Porites porites

2.74

0.39

1.01

Porites astreoides

0.71

0.59

1.66

Leptoseris cucullata

0.51

0.39

2.30

0.55 2.82

3.78

2.15

2.63

1.12

1.72

0.62

Diploria strigosa

3.07

0.61

Meandrina meandrites

3.01

0.60

2.37

0.53

0.48

Siderastrea siderea

0.29

Colpophyllia natans

1.73

Diploria labyrinthiformis

0.71

unident. coral

1.12

0.35 0.35

1.02

0.22

Madracis decactis

0.48

0.10

Outside transects: Acropora cervicornis Dichocoenia stokesii Eusmilia fastigiata Favia fragum Isophyllia rigida Meandrina brasiliensis Millepora alcicornis Mycetophyllia ferox Stylaster roseus

1.3.3 Reef Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates The taxonomic composition and abundance of fishes surveyed by belt-transects at Cayo Diablo Reef is presented in Table 10. A total of 55 fish species were identified. The mean number of species per transect was 21. The mean density of fishes within belt-transects was 128.0 Ind/30 2

m (range 86 – 168 Ind/30m ). The Masked Goby, Coryphopterus personatus was the most 2

abundant (mean : 69.4Ind/30m ), occurring in dense swarms at all five transects surveyed. Other two planktivorous species, the Blue Chromis and the Creole Wrasse ranked among the five most abundant of the fish community. The herbivorous assemblage included parrotfishes (Scarus iserti, Sparisoma viride), damselfishes (Stegastes planifrons) and doctorfishes (Acanthurus spp.)

among others. Small carnivorous taxa included wrasses (Talassoma bifasciatum, Halichoeres spp.), hamlets (Hypoplectrus spp.), squirrelfishes (Holocentrus sp.) and grunts (Haemulon spp.). Large, piscivorous predators not observed. Fishes of high commercial value were not common. Only one Yellowtail Snapper, one Rock Hind and several Coneys were observed.

One Spiny Lobster, Panulirus argus was observed within belt-transect survey areas (Table 11). TABLE 10. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT CAYO DIABLO REEF LA CORDILLERA RESERVE, FAJARDO, JULY, 1999 BELT-TRANSECTS

Location (D-GPS): 18° 21.602' N; 065° 31.942' W 1

Depth (m) : 10.6

10.6

FISH SPECIES

COMMON NAME

(Individuals/30 m2)

MEAN

Coryphopterus personatus

Masked goby

69.40

Scarus iserti

Striped parrotfish

9.40

Chromis cyanea

Blue chromis

8.20

Clepticus parrae

Creole wrasse

Sparisoma viride

Stoplight parrotfish

Stegastes planifrons

Yellow-eye damselfish

Halichoeres garnoti

Yellowhead wrasse

2.40

Sparisoma aurofrenatum

Redband parrotfish

1.80

Sparisoma radians

Bucktooth parrotfish

1.80

Gramma loreto

Royal gramma

Ocyurus chrysurus

Yellowtail snapper

Thalassoma bifasciatum

Bluehead wrasse

Acanthurus coeruleus

Blue tang

2 1

Gobiosoma evelynae

Sharknose goby

Hypoplectrus puella

Barred hamlet

Pomacanthus arcuatus

Gray angelfish

Aulostomus maculatus

Trumpetfish

Haemulon aurolineatum

Tomtate

Caribbean puffer

Chaetodon capistratus

Four eye butterflyfish

Chromis multilineata

Brown chromis

Gobiosoma sp.

Goby

Haemulon plumieri

White grunt

Holocentrus rufus

Squirrelfish

Stegastes partitus

Bicolor damselfish

Scarus vetula

Queen parrotfish

Abudefduf sexatilis

Sargent major

Acanthurus bahianus

Ocean surgeon

1.80 1.60

1.20

1.20 1

0.80 1

0.60

0.80

Doctorfish Spotfin butterflyfish

Gerres cinereus

Yellowfin mojarra

Cantherhines pullus

Tail-light filefish

Coryphopterus sp.

Goby

0.60 1

0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40

0.20 1

0.80 0.80

1.00 0.80

1.00 1.00

Chaetodon ocellatus

1.80

1.20 1

Acanthurus chirurgus

3.20 3.20

Canthigaster rostrata

4.20 5

0.20

Table 10. Continued Chaetodon striatus

Banded butterflyfish

Diodon holacanthus

Porcupinefish

Cephalopholis fulva

Coney

Neoniphon marianus

Longspine squirrelfish

Gobiosoma sp.

Goby

0.20

Gymnothorax moringa

Spotted moray

0.20

Hypoplectrus unicolor

Butter hamlet

0.20

Haemulon flavolineatum

French grunt Bluestripped grunt

Lactophrys triqueter

Smooth trunkfish

Microspathodon chrysurus

Yellowtail damselfish

Myripristis jacobu

Blackbar soldierfish Squirrelfish

Serranus tigrinus

Harlequin bass

0.20

Black hamlet

Glasseye

0.20

Hypoplectrus nigricans

Sargocentron sp.

0.20

Haemulon sciurus

Priacanthus cruentatus

0.20 1

0.20 0.20 0.20

0.20

0.20 1

0.20

0.20 1

0.20

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS

168

151

131

104

128.0

TOTAL SPECIES

Outside Transects : Decapterus macarellus

Mackerel scad

Haemulon carbonarium

Caesar grunt

Pomacanthus ciliaris

French angelfish

Hypoplectrus sp.

Hamlet

Anisotremus surinamensis

Black margate

Epinephelus adscensionis

Rock hind

TABLE 11. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF MOTILE MEGABENTHIC INVERTEBRATES AT CAYO DIABLO REEF, CORDILLERA DE FAJARDO LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 21.602' N; 065° 31.942' W DATE: JULY 9, 1999 TRANSECTS MEAN DEPTH (m)

ABUNDANCE

10.6

(IND/30 m2)

SPECIES

COMMON NAME

Panulirus argus

Spiny Lobster

0.2

TOTALS

0.2

1.3.4

Photo Album of Cayo Diablo Reef

Plate 1. Panoramic view of the fore-reef slope, where permanent transects were established at Cayo Diablo Reef in Fajardo.

Plates 2 – 3. The base of the reef is a white coralline sandy bottom at a depth of 15 meters. The reef-sand interface is an important transition space where fishes tend to aggregate.

Plate 2

Plate 4. The mean linear cover by stony corals at Cayo Diablo Reef was 36.2 %. Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis, was the main taxonomic component of the stony coral assemblage at Cayo Diablo Reef with a mean linear cover of 16.5 %.

Plate 5. Small encrusting coral colonies surrounded by algal turf at Cayo Diablo.

Plate 7. Soft corals (gorgonians) were highly abundant at Cayo Diablo with a mean of 36 colonies intercepted per transect.

Plate 6. Finger Coral, Porites porites, was present in all transects surveyed at Cayo Diablo, leading branching corals in terms of linear cover with 2.2 %.

Plate 8. Yellowtail goatfishes (Mulloides martinicus) and other small schooling fishes swimming among the protective cover of gorgonians.

Plate 9 Plates 9 – 10. Pelagic fishes were prominent at Cayo Diablo. These included Bar Jacks (Plate 9) and large schools of zooplanktivorous Mackerel Scads (Plate 10), which serve as forage for the larger piscivores of the reef community.

2. Caja de Muerto Natural Reserve 2.0

General Description

Caja de Muerto is located approximately 8.5 km off the south coast of Puerto Rico, between Ponce and Santa Isabel (Figure 1). It is the largest emergent reef system of the south coast (insular) shelf. The main reef platform includes Cayo Berbería, 5.5 km to the northeast and Isla Morrillitos, adjacent to the main island, Caja de Muerto (Figure 5) . The total surface area of the reserve is approximately 188.36 square kilometers (Villamil et. al., 1980). Cayo Berbería forms part of the Aguirre State Forest, under DNER.

Figure 5. Isla Caja de Muerto Natural Reserve, showing general location of reef survey sites.

The geographic coordinates which delimit the Isla Caja de Muerto Natural Reserve are the following: o

Northeast : 17 57’ N; 66 26’ W Northwest : 17 54’ N; 66 33’ W Southeast : 17 53’ N; 66 26’ W Southwest : 17 51’ N; 66 33’ W

Coral reefs, hard ground habitats, seagrass beds, xerophytic and mangrove forests, sandy beaches and rocky shorelines are the main ecological systems found within reserve boundaries.

DNER’s technical report (Villamil et. al., 1980) provides a general description of the physical environment and the marine and terrestrial communities present. Seagrass/macroalgal beds fringe the north coast of Caja de Muerto and extend easterly towards Cayo Berbería. Sparse seagrass, mostly Turtle Grass,Thalassia testudinum, grows throughout the shallow bank between the two islands. Mixed seagrass stands of T. testudinum and Syringodium filiforme (Manati Grass) also occur along the northeast and southern sections of Cayo Berbería, covering approximately 1,110 ha of reserve surface area (Villamil et. al., 1980). Coral reefs are found off the northeast and southeast coastlines of Caja de Muerto and fringing along the southern coastline of Cayo Berbería (Figure 4). Large coral colonies have developed at the backreef lagoon, on the southeast section of the main island. The estimated “coral reef” surface area of 519 ha within reserve boundaries reported by Villamil et. al. (1980) includes the extensive hard ground/macroalgal habitat which prevails along the southeastern section of the Isla Caja de Muertos reef platform (Windward Reef). Our reef surveys at Caja de Muerto Natural Reserve were performed at Windward Reef, North Reef and along the south of Berbería. Differential GPS coordinates of permanent transect locations at reefs surveyed are shown in Table 12.

Table 12. Geo-references of permanent transect locations at reefs studied within the Isla Caja de Muerto Natural Reserve. Reef Name

Survey Date

Depth (m)

Latitude

Windward Reef

18-May-99

9.1

17 53.341’ N

North Reef

19-May-99

7.6

17 53.701’ N

Berbería

20-May-99

7.6

17 55.191’ N

2.1

Windward Reef

2.1.1

Physical Description of Windward Reef

Longitude

066 29.810’ W

066 31.703’ W

066 27.190’ W

The Windward Reef is located on the southeastern section of the Caja de Muertos island (Figure 6). It consists of a backreef lagoon environment where massive and branching corals grow mostly as a series of large isolated colonies. There is a narrow reef flat with dispersed (mostly encrusting) coral growth and moderate cover by algal turf. There are substantial sections of almost bare rock or light cover by algae in the shallow section of the reef crest. The reef slope is gentle and of limited vertical extent because the main reef platform is at a depth of approximately

Figure 6. Isla Caja de Muertos, showing detailed bathimetry at reef survey sites

8-10 meters. There is very limited stony coral buildup at the reef slope. The base of the reef is an extensive, mostly flat, hard-ground platform where limited coral development is present as dispersed encrusting colonies in an otherwise algal turf colonized habitat.

2.1.2

Sessil-benthic Reef Community

The main feature of the sessil-benthic community at the Windward Reef of Caja de Muertos was its extensive algal turf, comprised by a mixed assemblage of short filamentous coralline algae and brown macroalgae. The algal turf biotope presented an average linear cover of 85.1 % (range : 79.8 – 90.1 %). Vertically projected fleshy macroalgae added a mean of 2.3 %, for an overall algal cover of 87.4 %. Brown, (Dictyota sp., Dictyopteris sp. Sargassum sp.) and calcareous macroalgae (Padina sp., Udotea sp.) were the main components of the fleshy algal assemblage. A total of 52 macroalgal species have been reported from the Windward Reef (Villamil et. al. 1980). The percent linear cover by each substrate category on permanent transects measured from Windward Reef is shown in Table 13. Reef benthic community profiles of linear cover along each of the five transects surveyed are reported in Appendices 2.1 – 2.5.

TABLE 13. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT WINDWARD REEF ISLA CAJA DE MUERTO RESERVE, PONCE. MAY, 1999.

1 0.11

2 0.21

Turf Algae Sponges Live Coral Fleshy Algae Sand Reef Overhangs Hydrocorals

79.8 18.0 0.79 0.69

90.1 6.46 3.13

Gorgonian Colonies

Rugosity (m)

TRANSECTS 3 4 0.83 0.42

5 1.20

MEAN 0.55

82.23 7.77 3.57 3.93 2.50

85.1 8.9 2.8 2.3 0.5 0.3 0.06

SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES 85.6 8.22 1.48 4.43

0.69

87.81 4.32 4.89 2.3 0.67

0.29 2

Sponges, mostly embedded and intermixed in the algal turf ranked second in surface cover with a mean of 8.9 % (4.3 – 18.0 %). The pattern of higher cover by algae than by stony corals was observed in four out of the five transects. The encrusting sponge, Anthosigmella varians was present in two transects. Xestospongia muta, an erect sponge adapted to very high wave action, which is very common at hard-ground reefs from the north cost, was also present at the Windward Reef of Isla Caja de Muerto. Live scleractinian (stony) corals ranked third in linear cover with a mean of 2.8 % (range : 0.8 – 4.9 %). Stony corals were present mostly as small encrusting colonies. There were no species of coral present in more than two transects, and three of the five species intersected by linear transects were only observed in one of the five transects. The maximum number of colonies per transect was observed at transect five, with three. The dominant species in terms of substrate cover was the Great Star Coral, Montastrea cavernosa with mean of 1.2 % (Table 14). Boulder Brain Coral, Colpophyllia natans and Lesser Starlet Coral, Siderastrea radians were observed in addition to the five species of corals intersected by transect lines. The hydrocoral Millepora sp. was common at this reef, occurring mostly as encrusting colonies over available hard substrates.

Soft corals were common but not highly abundant at the hard ground reef (mean : 4 col/transect). Gorgonians were intersected by all five transect lines with a maximum density of 6 colonies at transect 1. The most common species was the Common Sea Fan, Gorgonia ventalina, which occurred typically as small, perhaps recently recruited colonies. It seems that very high wave action constrains development of large, vertically projected corals and sponges at this reef. The dominance of encrusting growth types in sponges (e.g. A. varians) and corals is consistent with this argument. Water transparency appears to be adequate for coral growth and hard substrate is available.

TABLE 14. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT WINDWARD REEF CAJA DE MUERTOS RESERVE. PONCE. MAY, 1999

1 CORAL SPECIES Montastrea cavernosa Porites astreoides Diploria strigosa Dichocoenia stokesii Meandrina meandrites

TRANSECTS 3

2 1.38

MEAN 1.25 0.61 0.46 0.36 0.10

4.89 3.04

0.84

1.48 1.8 0.5

Outside transects: Colpophyllia natans Siderastrea radians

2.2.3 Reef Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

The taxonomic composition and abundance of fishes surveyed by belt-transects at Windward Reef is presented in Table 15. A total of 36 fish species were identified during our snapshot survey at this reef site. The mean number of species per transect was 13 (range : 10 – 16 2

species/30 m ). The mean density of fishes within belt-transects was 36.8 Ind/30 m (range 24 – 2

50 Ind/30m ). The Bluehead Wrasse, Thalassoma bifsciatum was the most abundant species 2

(mean : 8.2 Ind/30m ), occurring in schools of 5 – 10 individuals at all five transects surveyed. Another four wrasses (Halichoeres spp.) were identified within belt-transect areas in lower abundance. With a total of five species, the family of wrasses (Labridae) was the most specious assemblage at Windward Reef. Wrasses are opportunistic carnivores that feeds upon small epibenthic invertebrates that become exposed upon disturbances of the reef substrate, such as those caused by wave action and divers. Thus, their abundance estimates may be somewhat biased by our survey activities. Predators of larger benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the Southern Stingray (Dasyatidae), squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae). The herbivorous fish assemblage was mostly comprised by doctorfishes (Acanthurus spp.) and parrotfishes (Sparisoma spp). The combined abundance of herbivores represented approximately 31 % of the total abundance within transect areas. The Great Barracuda, (Sphyraena barracuda) was the only large piscivorous predator observed. Planktivorous species were represented by juvenile grunts (Haemulon spp.) and the Bicolor Damselfish (Stegastes partitus). Fishes of high commercial value were not common. The Red Hind (Epinephelus guttatus), Lane Snapper (Lutjanus synagris) and several Coneys (Cephalopholis fulva) were observed.

TABLE 15. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES ASSOCIATED WITH WINDWARD REEF, CAJA DE MUERTO, PONCE. MAY, 1999 Location (D-GPS): 17° 53.341'N; 066° 29.810'W BELT-TRANSECTS Depth (m) :

9.1

FISH SPECIES

COMMON NAME

(Individuals/30 m2)

Thalassoma bifasciatum Acanthurus bahianus Stegastes partitus Acanthurus chirurgus Malacoctenus triangulatus Stegastes leucostictus Sparisoma sp. (juv.) GnatholepSis thompsoni Halichoeres garnoti Sparisoma radians Chaetodon striatus Pseudupeneus maculatus Coryphopterus sp. Halichoeres radiatus Halichoeres bivittatus Holocentrus rufus Alutera sp. Cantherhines pullus Halichoeres maculipinna

Bluehead wrasse Ocean surgeon Bicolor damselfish Doctorfish Saddled blenny Beaugregory Parrotfish Goldspot goby Yellowhead wrasse Bucktooth parrotfish Banded butterflyfish Spotted goatfish Goby Pudingwife Slippery dick Squirrelfish filefish Tail-light filefish Clown wrasse

16 6 5 2 2 4

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS TOTAL SPECIES

50 14

1 4 3 2

8 6 4 5 4 1 3 1

4 7 3 3 3 3 4 2 2 2

3 3

8 4 3 1 3 2 6 3 1 1 1 2

8.20 5.20 3.60 3.00 2.60 2.20 2.20 2.00 1.80 1.20 1.00 1.00 0.80 0.60 0.40 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.20

40 16

36.80 13

1 1

1 2 1

1 1

Outside Transects : Acanthurus coeruleus Balistes vetula Calamus pennatula Cephalopolis fulva Dasyatis americana Epinephelus guttatus Haemulon aurolineatum Haemulon flavolineatum Haemulon sciurus Holocentrus ascensionis Lutjanus synagris Pomacanthus arcuatus Scarus vetula Serranus tigrinus Sparisoma chrysopterum Sparisoma viride Sphyraena barracuda

5 3 3 4 1 1 1 1 1 2

MEAN

Blue tang Queen triggerfish Pluma Coney Southern stingray Red hind Tomtate French grunt Bluestripped grunt Longjaw squirrelfish Lane snapper Gray angelfish Queen parrotfish Harlequin bass Redtail parrotfish Stoplight parrotfish Great barracuda

24 12

36 10

34 11

Three species of motile, megabenthic invertebrates, all sea-urchins, were identified within belttransect areas at Windward Reef, Caja de Muertos. Table 16 shows the distribution of the seaurchins within transects. The Slate-pencil Urchin, Eucidaris tribuloides was the most abundant of the motile invertebrates surveyed. TABLE 16. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF MOTILE MEGA-BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES AT WINDWARD REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS, PONCE LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.341' N; 066° 29.810' W DATE: May 18, 1999 TRANSECTS MEAN DEPTH (m) SPECIES

ABUNDANCE

9.1

(IND/30 m2)

1.6

COMMON NAME

Eucidaris tribuloides

Slate-pencil Urchin

Echinometra lucunter

Rock-boring urchin

Diadema antillarum

Long-spined urchin

0.2 1

TOTALS

2.0

2.1.4

Photo Album of Windward Reef

Plate 1. Windward Reef is a low relief hard ground platform mostly colonized by a dense algal turf intermixed with fleshy algae, encrusting corals, sponges and gorgonians.

Plate 3. The algal turf covered 85.1 % of the reef substrate.

Plate 2. Sponges, gorgonians and stony corals were observed forming micro-reef structures or “bioherms” at Windward Reef.

Plate 4. Great Star Corals, Montastrea cavernosa. Stony corals ranked third in linear cover at Windward Reef with a mean of only 2.8 %.

Plate 5. Juvenile colony of Grooved Brain Coral, Diploria labyrinthiformis growing from a small depression on the hard ground reef.

Plate 7. The Basket Sponge, Xestospongia muta was common at Windward Reef. The prevalence of basket sponges, dense algal turf and low cover by stony corals makes this reef in Isla Caja de Muerto (south coast) resemble some of the main biological features of north coast reefs.

Plate 6. Lesser Starlet Coral, Siderastrea radians encrusted on the hard ground among fleshy algae at Windward Reef.

Plate 8. Herbivorous sea urchins were the main motile megabenthic invertebrate component within belt-transect areas at Windward Reef.

2.2

West Reef – Caja de Muertos

2.2.1

Physical Description of West Reef

Isla Caja de Muerto’s West Reef is located on the north-west coast of the island (Figures 4 & 5). It is a fringing coral formation with a backreef lagoon and extensive coral growth along its forereef slope. The base of the reef is a sandy-silt bottom at a depth of approximately 20 meters. Goenaga and Cintron (1979) and Villamil et. al. (1980) described the geomorphology of this reef and provided a general taxonomic account of the reef biota. A total of 26 species of hermatypic corals were reported. The first quantitative report of live coral cover at the coral reefs of Caja de Muertos was provided by Canals et al (1980a, b). They divided the reef into four physiographic zones and reported percent live coral cover along three transects per zone. The highest cover by live coral was observed at the reef crest and at the fore-reef (27.8 % and 27.0 %, respectively). Coral cover at the reef crest was largely associated with a hydrocoral biotope (Millepora complanata), whereas massive scleractinian and octocorallian growth was observed on the fore reef (Villamil et al., 1980). For a detailed description of the West Reef’s backreef lagoon, reef crest and Palmata zones see Villamil et al. (1980). Our survey was performed at a depth of 7.6 meters on the fore-reef slope. Transects were set roughly parallel to the coastline and perpendicular to the slope of the reef, following the 7.5 ± 1 meter depth contour.

2.2.2

Sessile-Benthic Reef Community

West Reef features a structure of very high topographic relief given by dead and live massive and branching stony coral colonies of large size. The long, vertically projected soft corals (gorgonians) provide additional rugosity and complexity of the reef topography. A dense algal turf, comprised by a mixed assemblage of short filamentous coralline algae and brown macroalgae was the dominant biotope in terms of linear cover with a mean of 47.2 % (range : 35.6 – 53.8 %). The algal turf was packed with fine sediments. Vertically projected fleshy macroalgae represented a minor component of the algal cover at this reef. The percent linear cover by substrate categories on permanent transects from the West Reef is shown in Table 17. Reef benthic community profiles of linear cover along each of the five transects surveyed are reported in Appendices 2.6 – 2.10.

TABLE 17. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT WEST REEF ISLA CAJA DE MUERTO RESERVE, PONCE. MAY, 1999.

1 5.04

2 6.24

Turf Algae Live Coral Reef Overhangs Coral Rubble Sand Sponges Gorgonian Bases Silt Hydrocorals Fleshy Algae

53.79 17.22 9.91 12.50

35.62 39.20 10.80 12.72

6.18

1.67

Gorgonian Colonies

Rugosity (m)

TRANSECTS 3 4 6.33 8.39

5 7.34

MEAN 6.67

51.19 20.82 6.49

53.81 19.98 12.34

47.2 24.4 13.3 5.0 4.4 3.3 1.4 0.6 0.2 0.2

SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES

0.40

13.84 4.04 2.57

41.54 25.04 26.86

1.47 2.07 2.99

0.24 0.80 16

8.13 2.94 2.60 0.17

Live scleractinian (stony) corals ranked second in linear cover with a mean of 24.4 % (range : 17.2 – 39.2 %). Soft corals were also very abundant with a mean density of 25 colonies per transect (Table 17). Some of the gorgonian colonies were very large. The mixed assemblage of soft and stony corals was visually the most prominent biological component of the reef sessilbenthic community with massive coral colonies providing most of the topographic relief. The mean rugosity measured from permanent transects at West Reef was 6.67 meters. Many large coral colonies were observed to be in an advanced stage of degradation or completely overgrown by algae and other encrusting biota. Abiotic categories, particularly reef overhangs (RO), coral rubble, sand and silt accounted for a relatively high linear cover at West Reef (combined mean : 23.3 %). This was mostly due to the effect of large coral colonies of Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis , which formed ledges at the borders of the “mushroom type” growth. The reef structure is highly irregular, with deep holes, gaps and crevices where coral rubble and fine sediments accumulate. Sponges were also common at West Reef, with a mean linear cover of 3.3 % and present in all five transects surveyed.

A total of 18 species of scleractinian corals were identified from the fore reef slope at West Reef. Thirteen of which were intersected by linear transects. The taxonomic distribution and linear cover of stony corals present at transects surveyed is shown in Table 18. The Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis was the dominant species in terms of linear cover with a mean of 13.4 %, representing approximately 55 % of the total linear cover by stony corals at this reef. Montastrea annularis, and Porites astreoides were present in all five transects surveyed.

Montastrea cavernosa and Agaricia sp. were present in four out of the five transects. Massive growth type predominated among stony coral colonies at West Reef. The number of coral species intersected by the 10 m long transects ranged between four and eight.

TABLE 18. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT WEST REEF ISLA CAJA DE MUERTO RESERVE. PONCE. MAY, 1999 TRANSECTS 1

MEAN

8.31

29.14 4.63 3.02

16.41 1.21 1.65 1.04

4.84 4.51 1.09 1.36 8.10

6.98 4.15 2.94 3.81

13.14 2.90 2.76 1.71 1.62 0.78 0.67 0.20 0.18 0.15 0.13 0.11 0.10

CORAL SPECIES Montastrea annularis Montastrea cavernosa Porites astreoides Agaricia sp. Colpophyllia natans Siderastrea siderea Diploria strigosa Madracis sp. unident. coral Diploria labyrinthiformis Mycetophyllia lamarckiana Porites porites Dichocoenia stokesii

5.12 2.33 0.28

2.41

1.21 3.37 1.00 0.89 0.77

0.66 0.53 0.52

Outside transects: Agaricia agaricites Dendrogyra cylindrus Eusmilia fastigiata Favia fragum Leptoseris cucullata Millepora alcicornis

2.2.3

Reef Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

The taxonomic composition and abundance of fishes surveyed by belt-transects at West Reef is presented in Table 19. A total of 57 fish species were identified during our snapshot survey at this study site. The mean number of species per transect was 21 (range : 18 – 22 species/30 2

m ). The mean density of fishes within belt-transects was 61.8 Ind/30 m (range 48 – 76 2

Ind/30m ). Seven species represented 66% of the total individuals within belt-transect areas. The 2

Bluehead Wrasse, Thalassoma bifsciatum was the most abundant (mean : 12.8 Ind/30m ), occurring in schools of up to 20 individuals at four of the five transects surveyed. Oportunistic predators of small benthic invertebrates were highly abundant at West Reef. These included two species of wrasses (Labridae), three species of hamlets (Serranidae), and two species of goatfishes (Mullidae). Predators of larger benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae). The herbivorous fish assemblage was mostly comprised by damselfishes (Stegastes spp.), doctorfishes

(Acanthurus spp.) and parrotfishes (Sparisoma spp). The combined abundance of herbivores represented approximately 33 % of the total abundance within transect areas. Planktivorous species were represented by the Masked Goby, Coryphopterus personatus, a swarming species which ranked second in abundance, Creole Wrasse (Clepticus parrae), Yellow-edge and Blue Chromis (Chromis spp.), juvenile grunts (Haemulon spp.) and the Bicolor Damselfish (Stegastes partitus), among others. Large pelagic (mostly piscivorous) predators included the Great Barracuda, (Sphyraena barracuda) and the Cero Mackerel (Scomberomorus regalis). Other demersal piscivores included the Cubera and Mutton Snappers (Lutjanus cyanopterus, L. analis). The Red Hind (Epinephelus guttatus), Lane and Yellowtail Snappers (L. synagris, Ocyurus chrysurus) and Coneys (Cephalopholis fulva) add to the former group of larger predators as species of high commercial value present at this reef during our survey.

Motile megabenthic invertebrates were represented by two sea urchin individuals from two different species, the Long Spined and the Reef Urchins (Diadema antillarum and Echinometra viridis). Their abundance within belt-transect areas is presented in Table 20.

TABLE 19. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT WEST REEF ISLA CAJA DE MUERTO, PONCE. MAY, 1999 DATE: May 19, 1999 Location (D-GPS): 17° 53.701' N; 066° 31.703' W BELT-TRANSECTS Depth (m) : SPECIES

7.6

COMMON NAME

(Individuals/30 m2)

MEAN

Thalassoma bifasciatum

Bluehead wrasse

12.80

Coryphopterus personatus

Masked goby

6.40

Stegastes partitus

Bicolor damselfish

5.40

Scarus iserti

Stripped parrotfish

5.00

Stegastes planifrons

Yellow-eye damselfish

5.00

Stegastes dorsopunicans

Dusky damselfish

Myripristis jacobus

Blackbar soldierfish

Chaetodon capistratus

Four eye butterflyfish

Haemulon flavolineatum

French grunt

Sparisoma aurofrenatum

Redband parrotfish

4.20

2.00

1.60

1.40

Sparisoma sp. (juv.)

parrotfish

Sparisoma viride

Stoplight parrotfish

Abudefduf sexatilis

Sargent major

Acanthurus bahianus

Ocean surgeon

Haemulon aurolineatum

Tomtate

Hypoplectrus puella

Bared hamlet

Chromis cyanea

Blue chromis

Halichoeres garnoti

Yellowhead wrasse

1.20

1.20 2 1

1.00 1

1.00 1.00 1.00

4 2

1.20

0.80 2

0.80

Table 19. Continued Hypoplectrus unicolor

Butter hamlet

Scarus vetula

Queen parrotfish

Haemulon plumieri

White grunt

Hypoplectrus guttavarius

Shy hamlet

Acanthurus chirurgus

Doctorfish

Canthigaster rostrata

Caribbean puffer

Gramma loreto

Royal gramma

Hypoplectrus nigricans

Black hamlet

Lutjanus apodus

Schoolmaster

Pomacanthus arcuatus

Gray angelfish

Pseudupeneus maculatus

Spotted goatfish

Acanthurus coeruleus

Blue tang

0.20

Amblycirrhithus pinos

Redspotted hawkfish

0.20

Aulostomus maculatus

Trumpetfish

Cephalopolis cruentatus

Graysby

0.80

0.60

1 1

0.40

1 1 1

0.60

0.40

0.40 2

0.40

0.20 1

0.20

Epinephelus guttatus

Red hind

Gobiosoma elvelynae

Sharknose goby

0.20

Haemulon chrysargyreum

Smallmouth grunt

0.20

Lutjanus synagris

Lane snapper

0.20

Mulloides martinicus

Yellow goatfish

0.20

Microspatodon chrysurus

Yellowtail damselfish

0.20

Ocyurus chrysurus

Yellowtail snapper

0.20

Priacanthus cruentatus

Glasseye

Hypoplectrus chlorurus

Yellowtail hamlet

Stegastes leucostictus

Beaugregory

Scarus taeniopterus

Princess parrotfish

Synodus intermedius

Lizardfish

1 1

0.20 0.20

0.20

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS

61.8

TOTAL SPECIES

Outside Transects : Clepticus parrae

Creole wrasse

Chaetodon striatus

Banded butterflyfish

Chromis cyanea

Blue chromis

Chromis multilineata

Yellow-edge chromis

Haemulon macrostomum

Spanish grunt

Lutjanus analis

Mutton snapper

Lutjanus cyanopterus

Cubera snapper

Lutjanus griseus

Gray snapper

Pomacanthus ciliaris

French angelfish

Synodus intermedius

Lizardfish

Sphyraena barracuda

Great barracuda

Scomberomorus regalis

Cero

TABLE 20. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF MOTILE MEGABENTHIC INVETEBRATES AT WEST REEF, ISLA CAJA DE MUERTO, PONCE LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.701' N; 066° 31.703' W DATE: May 19, 1999 TRANSECTS MEAN

SPECIES

ABUNDANCE

7.6

(IND/30 m2)

COMMON NAME

Diadema antillarum

Long-spined urchin

0.2

Echinometra viridis

Reef urchin

0.2

TOTALS

0.4

2.2.4

Photo Album of West Reef

Plate 1. West Reef is an emergent fringing coral reef formation which slopes down to a silty sand bottom at a depth of approximately 20 meters.

Plate 3

Plate 2. Panoramic view of the fore-reef slope. Note the marine snow flakes in the water column over the reef.

Plates 3 – 4. The reef structure was highly irregular, with a mean rugosity of 6.7 meters given by deep grooves and gaps formed by massive coral growth and discontinuities of the main reef platform.

Plate 5. Stony corals presented a mean linear cover of 24.4 % at West Reef. Boulder Brain Coral, Montastrea annularis formed massive colonies with reef overhangs and represented the dominant stony coral in terms of linear cover with a mean of 13.1 %.

Plate 7. Turf algae growing dead sections of a massive Boulder Brain Coral, Colpophyllia natans at West Reef in Isla Caja de Muerto.

Plate 6. Turf algae was the dominant component of the reef sessile-benthos in terms of linear cover with a mean of 47.2 %. Turf algae colonized dead coral colonies and other available hard substrate on the reef.

Plate 8. Encrusting coral growth at West Reef.

Plate 9. Branching coral, Madracis sp. with intermixed juvenile gorgonian colonies.

Plate 11. Soft corals were prominent components of the North Reef sessilebenthos with a mean of 25 colonies intercepted per transect.

Plate 10. Branching Finger Coral Porites porites growing amongst the algal turf.

Plate 12 The Barred Hamlet, Hypoplectrus puella, foraging at the algal turf.

2.3

Berberia Reef – Isla Caja de Muerto

2.3.1

Physical Description of Berberia Reef

Cayo Berberia lies to the east of Caja de Muertos and sits in the same reef platform (Figure 5). Its longitudinal extension is of 3 km. Coral reefs are fringing formations located to the east and south of the island. Seagrasses form extensive meadows on the northern and eastern sections. Qualitative, taxonomic description of the reefs at Cayo Berberia were reported by Goenaga and Cintron (1979). Our survey was performed on the forereef slope of a fringing reef located on the southeast corner of Cayo Berberia (Fig 7). Transects were established running parallel to the coastline and perpendicular to the reef slope, following a depth contour of 7.6 ± 1 meter.

Figure 7. Cayo Berbería, showing deteiled bathimetry of reef survey location.

The reef consists of a relatively wide reef flat with dispersed growth of encrusting and branching coral colonies, and a fore reef slope where most of the massive coral development occurs. The base of the reef is a hard ground terrace from where smaller patch reefs arise. Massive coral growth is the prevailing growth type, but occurs mostly as isolated colonies with limited topographic relief associated to hermatypic coral buildup. This is a coastline of intense wave action which appears to constrain coral growth. There are anecdotal accounts of very high cover

by branching coral, Acropora palmata, at the upper sections of the fore reef slope before Hurricane David in 1979. If this was the case, then hurricanes and/or other factors must have had significant influence upon this reef because colonies of A. palmata are reduced to a few scattered colonies in the fore reef slope.

1.3.1

Sessile-Benthic Reef Community

A dense algal turf, comprised by a mixed assemblage of short filamentous coralline algae and brown macroalgae was the dominant biological component of the reef sessile-benthos in terms of linear cover with a mean of 44.7 % (range : 23.9 – 61.2 %). The percent linear cover by each substrate category on permanent transects surveyed at Berberia Reef is presented in Table 21. Reef benthic community profiles of linear cover along each of the five transects surveyed are reported in Appendices 2.11 – 2.15. Fleshy algae, mostly brown (Dyctiota spp.) and calcareous (Halimeda spp) macroalgae contributed an additional 27.6 % for an overall linear cover by algae of 72.3 %. Live scleractinian (stony) corals ranked third in linear cover with a mean of 16.0 % (range : 11.0 – 21.5 %). Soft corals were moderately abundant with a mean density of 25 colonies per transect. The colonial zoanthid, Palythoa caribbdea, and sponges were also present in the reef, but represented a minor component of the community structure. The mean rugosity from the five transects was 2.85 meters (range : 2.06 – 3.65 m). This reef looks depauperate, with only reduced sections where a cluster of coral colonies and associated biota can be discerned. Otherwise, the reef is a hard-ground structure with scattered growth of isolated massive and encrusting coral colonies, some of which attain considerably large sizes.

TABLE 21. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT BERBERIA REEF ISLA CAJA DE MUERTO RESERVE, PONCE. MAY, 1999.

Rugosity (m) SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES Turf Algae Fleshy Algae Live Coral Sponges Reff Overhangs Gorgonian Bases Zoanthids Sand Coral Rubble Hydrocorals Gorgonian Colonies

1 2.94

2 2.06

44.05 23.11 16.48 7.42 4.79 1.31 1.31 1.62

48.76 22.55 15.34 5.22

6.05 1.99

TRANSECTS 3 4 3.13 3.65

23.91 49.43 10.97 3.66 5.94 4.27 0.53

61.25 15.60 15.99 0.22 4.54 2.05

5 2.48

MEAN 2.85

45.62 27.19 21.48 3.86 1.45

44.7 27.6 16.0 4.1 3.3 2.7 0.8 0.4 0.2 0.1

0.32 0.48

0.99 0.30

0.29

Undoubtedly, the extensive seagrass meadows represent a key habitat promoting biodiversity at Cayo Berberia. Coral reefs, on the other hand, appear to have been severely affected by hurricanes and/or other stress factors.

A total of 28 species of scleractinian corals were identified from the fore reef slope at Berberia Reef. Ten of which were intersected by linear transects. The taxonomic distribution and linear cover of stony corals present at transects surveyed is shown in Table 22. The Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis was the dominant species in terms of linear cover with a mean of 5.2 %, representing approximately 32 % of the total linear cover by stony corals at this reef. Mustard Hill Coral, Porites astreoides was the only coral species present in all five transects surveyed. Montastrea cavernosa, M. annularis, P. porites and Siderastrea siderea were present in four out of the five transects. Massive and encrusting growth types predominated among stony coral colonies at Berberia Reef. The number of coral species intersected by the 10 m long transects ranged between five and seven.

TABLE 22. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT BERBERIA REEF ISLA CAJA DE MUERTO RESERVE. PONCE. MAY, 1999 TRANSECTS CORAL SPECIES Montastrea annularis Porites astreoides Montastrea cavernosa Porites porites Colpophyllia natans Siderastrea siderea Agaricia sp. Dichocoenia stokesii Diploria strigosa juvenile coral

MEAN

6.57 6.88

3.23 1.41 1.87 0.70

7.62 1.29 1.18 0.32

2.56 2.71

4.48 1.91 1.74

0.54

12.39 1.05 0.79 5.31 1.61 0.34

5.16 2.61 2.14 1.98 1.58 1.46 0.45 0.35 0.17 0.15

1.93 0.33

3.59 6.30

0.83 0.77

Outside transects: Acropora palmata Agaricia agaricites Dendrogyra cylindrus Diploria clivosa Diploria labyrinthiformis Eusmilia fastigiata Favia fragum Isophyllia rigida Isophyllia sinuosa Leptoseris cucullata Meandrina meandrites Millepora alcicornis Millepora complanata Mycetophyllia lamarckiana

2.3.3

Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

A total of 47 fish species were identified during our snapshot survey at this study site, 26 of which were recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 23). The mean number of species per transect 2

was 11 (range : 8 – 16 species/30 m ). The mean density of fishes within belt-transects was 28.8 2

Ind/30 m (range 25 – 37 Ind/30m ). The combined abundance of two species, the Dusky Damselfish, Stegastes dorsopunicans and the Bluehead Wrasse, Thalassoma represented 59 % of the total individuals within belt-transect areas. These two species were the only ones that were present at all transects. The Dusky Damselfish is a small territorial fish that is usually abundant in reefs with low (live) coral cover and depauperate fish communities. The Bluehead Wrasse is an oportunistic predator of small benthic invertebrates. The family of parrotfishes (Scaridae), with a total of seven species was the most specious at Berberia Reef during our survey. The damselfishes (Pomacentridae) followed with five species present. The combined herbivorous assemblage represented approximately 57 % of the fishes occurring within transect areas. Predators of large benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae), croakers (Sciaenidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae). Planktivorous species were represented by the Yellow-edge Chromis (Chromis multilineata), juvenile grunts (Haemulon spp.) and the Bicolor Damselfish (Stegastes partitus). The only large pelagic predators observed were the Permit, (Trachinotus falcatus) and the Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus). Demersal piscivores included the Mutton, Gray and Schoolmaster Snappers (Lutjanus analis, L. griseus, L. apodus). These assemblage of top predators represent species of high commercial value present at this reef during our survey. No motile megabenthic invertebrates were observed within belt-transect areas at Berberia Reef.

TABLE 23. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT BERBERIA REEF ISLA CAJA DE MUERTO, PONCE DATE: May 20, 1999 Location (D-GPS): 17° 55.191'N; 066° 27.190'W

Depth (m) : SPECIES

COMMON NAME

Stegastes dorsopunicans Thalassoma bifasciatum Sparisoma aurofrenatum Scarus iserti Acanthurus chirurgus Serranus tigrinus Sparisoma sp. Acanthurus coeruleus Canthigaster rostrata Holocentrus rufus Odontoscion dentex Abudefduf sexatilis

Dusky damselfish Bluehead wrasse Redband parrotfish Striped parrotfish Doctorfish Harlequin bass Parrotfish Blue tang Caribbean puffer Squirrelfish Reef croaker Sargent major

1 7.6

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4 7.6 7.6 7.6

5 7.6

(Individuals/30 m2) 7 5 2 4 2 1 3

9 8 1 1 2 1 1 1

12 7

MEAN 12 6 2

11 8 1

1 1 1 1 2

10.20 6.80 1.20 1.00 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.40

Table 23. Continued Haemulon flavolineatum Microspathodon chrysurus Myripristis jacobus Pomacanthus arcuatus Sparisoma viride Stegastes leucostictus Stegastes partitus Stegastes planifrons Halichoeres bivittatus Halichoeres garnoti Holocentrus ascensionis Scarus taeniopterus Scarus vetula Sparisoma radians

French grunt Yellowtail damselfish Blackbar soldierfish Gray angelfish Stoplight parrotfish Beaugregory Bicolor damselfish Yellow-eye damselfish Slippery dick Yellowhead wrasse Longjaw squirrelfish Princess parrotfish Queen parrotfish Bucktooth parrotfish

2 1 1

1 2 1

1 1 1

1 1 2

1 1 1 1 1 1

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS TOTAL SPECIES

28 11

Outside Transects : Anisotremus virginicus Aulostomus maculatus Bodianus rufus Chaetodipterus faber Chromis multilineata Gobiosoma elvelynae Haemulon macrostomum Halichoeres maculpinna Halichoeres radiatus Holacanthus ciliaris Hypoplectrus puella Lactophrys triqueter Lutjanus analis Lutjanus apodus Lutjanus griseus Mulloides martinicus Ocyurus chrysurus Scarus coeruleus Scarus guacamaia Sparisoma rubripinne Trachinotus falcatus

Porgy Trumpetfish Spanish hogfish Spadefish Brown chromis Sharknose goby Spanish grunt Clown wrasse Puddingwife Queen angelfish Barred hamlet Smooth trunkfish Mutton snapper Schoolmaster Gray snapper Yellowtail goatfish Yellowtail snapper Blue parrotfish Rainbow parrotfish Yellowtail parrotfish Permit

28 12

25 8

26 9

37 16

0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 28.80 11

2.3.4

Photo Album of Berberia Reef

Plate 1. Panoramic view of the fore-reef slope at Berberia, showing massive coral colony of Pillar Coral, Dendrogyra cilindrus.

Plate 3. Soft corals (gorgonians) were the visually dominant component of the sessilebenthic

Plate 2. Base of the reef at a depth of approximately 18 meters.

Plate 4. Transect survey areas at Berberia.

Plate 5. Fleshy macroalgae, composed by a mixed assemblage of brown and calcareous species ranked second in terms of linear cover with a mean of 27.6%.

Plate 7. Encrusting colony of Symetrical Brain Coral, Diploria strigosa growing on a vertical plane at Berberia Reef.

Plate 6. The mean linear cover by stony corals at Berberia was 16.0 %. Encrusting corals of small colony size were found growing dispersed among the soft coral and algae dominated reef substrate.

Plate 8. Partially degraded encrusting colony of Maze Coral, Meandrina meandrites.

Plate 9. Small encrusting colonies of Great Star Coral, Montastrea cavernosa and juvenile gorgonians growing amongst the algal turf at Berberia Reef.

Plate 11. School of herbivorous doctorfishes (Acanthuridae) and parrotfishes (Scaridae) at Berberia.

Plate 10. Bundles of brown and calcareous fleshy algae at Berberia Reef.

Plate 12. Coral Crab, Carpilus coralinus over a Great Star Coral colony.

Guanica Natural Reserve

The Guanica Natural Reserve includes a total area of approximately 400 acres and is located between the municipalities of Guanica and Guayanilla on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico (Figure 1). The Guanica Natural Reserve was designated as a Biosphere Reserve since 1981 due to the high diversity of plants and bird fauna present in its dry forest. Although this natural reserve is largely a terrestrial landscape, it extends seaward to include marine areas within the insular shelf, where coral reefs, hard ground platforms, rocky and sandy beaches, seagrass beds and fringing mangove habitats are present. A comprehensive review of the dry forest flora and fauna, along with a description of the physical and climatological features of the forest was prepared by DNER (Compendio Enciclopédico, Vol. X). Descriptions of the marine habitats and communities are virtually lacking. A general description of the marine biological communities present off Pta. Verraco was reported by Goenaga and Cintrón (1979) as part of the first inventory of Puertorrican reefs.

The geographic boundaries of the Guanica Natural Reserve are the following: o

Northeast : 18 10’ N; 67 15.5’ W o o Northwest : 18 10’ N; 67 20.1’ W o o Southeast : 18 04.6’ N; 67 15.5’ W o o Southwest : 18 06.5’ N; 67 20.1’ W Our survey of coral reef communities at the Guanica Natural Reserve included three reefs sites. These were: Punta Ventana Reef, Punta Ballena Reef and Cayo Coral Reef. Georeferences for these survey stations are shown in Table 24.

Table 24. Geo-references of permanent transect locations at reefs studied within the Guanica Natural Reserve. Reef Name

Survey Date

Depth (m)

Latitude

Punta Ventana

16-June-99

16.7

17 56.484’ N

Caña Gorda

18-June-99

10.0

17 56.380’ N

Cayo Coral

21-June-99

7.6

17 56.173’ N

Longitude

066 49.380’ W

066 51.653’ W

066 53.303’ W

3.1

Punta Ventana Reef

3.1.1

Physical Description of Punta Ventana Reef

Punta Ventana Reef is part of perhaps, the oldest and most extensive coral reef system of Puerto Rico. This is a “spur and groove” formation that has developed along the shelf-edge of the southwest coast of Puerto Rico (Figure 8). Off Punta Ventana (between Guanica and Guayanilla) the insular shelf is narrow and the shelf-edge reef runs at approximately 1.5 nautical miles from the coastline. The shallow-most section of the reef is submerged at a depth of 16 meters and drops toward the shelf-edge at a depth of 22 meters. The shelf-edge is a steep wall with several small terraces with crevices. Corals grow down the shelf-edge to a depth of more than 35 meters, but mostly occur as isolated colonies below 20 meters. The spurs range in diameter between 3 – 7 meters and rise from 3 to 5 meters from the base of the reef. Coralline sand accumulates on the grooves (channels) of the reef and is transported down the insular slope. Massive, foliar and encrusting corals grow on top of the spur terraces and on the walls creating high topographic relief and habitat complexity. This shelf-edge reef represents an important interface between the neritic and oceanic environments. Underwater visibility is moderately good due to the influence of oceanic waters, but is also seasonally affected by land runoff due to its proximity to the coastline.

Figure 8. Guanica Natural Reserve, showing geographic boundaries and general location of reef survey sites.

3.1.2

Sessile-Benthic Reef Community

The dominant biological component of the reef sessile-benthos in terms of linear cover was the algal turf, a mixed assemblage of red and brown macroalgae that grows as a carpet over hard substrate on the reef. The mean linear cover by the algal turf at Punta Ventana Reef was 54.6 % (range : 37.7 – 57.6 %). The percent linear cover by each substrate category on permanent transects surveyed at Punta Ventana Reef is presented in Table 25. Reef benthic community profiles of linear cover along each of the five transects surveyed are reported in Appendices 3.1 – 3.5. Live scleractinian (stony) corals ranked second in linear cover with a mean of 27.3 % (range: 18.1 – 35.7 %). Soft corals were moderately abundant with a mean density of 28 colonies per transect (range : 13 – 38 colonies/transect). Many of the soft coral colonies were of relatively large size and their (horizontally projected) attachment structures on the reef accounted for a mean linear cover of approximately 6.8 %. Encrusting and erect sponges were also prominent at this reef, representing 6.1 % of the mean linear cover. The colonial zoanthid, Palythoa caribbdea, was also present, but represented a minor component of the community structure. The mean rugosity from the five transects was 3.07 meters (range : 2.42 – 4.33 m).

TABLE 25. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT PUNTA VENTANA REEF GUANICA RESERVE, GUANICA. JUNE, 1999. TRANSECTS 3 4 2.69 2.42

1 4.33

2 3.3

SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES Turf Algae Live Coral Gorgonian Base Sponges Reef Overhangs Fleshy Algae Zoanthids

50.56 27.62 6.97 10.25 2.93 1.67

60.98 18.12 5.71 11.8 3.38

43.97 34.04 10.8 4.89 4.89 1.02 0.32

Gorgonian Colonies

Rugosity (m)

5 2.61

MEAN 3.07

50.32 35.7 5.23 1.45 6.6 0.64

67.41 21.02 5.08 1.90 4.68

54.6 27.3 6.8 6.1 4.5 0.7 0.1

A total of 14 species of scleractinian corals were intercepted by transect lines at Punta Ventana Reef. A full account of the coral species was not possible due to bottom time limitations, but should be included as part of the monitoring efforts at this reef. The taxonomic distribution and linear cover of stony corals present at transects surveyed is shown in Table 26. The Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis was the dominant species in terms of linear cover with a mean of 11.0 %, representing approximately 40 % of the total linear cover by stony corals at this reef. Montastrea annularis and the Lettuce Coral, Agaricia agaricites, were the only species present at all five transects. Porites astreoides, Montastrea cavernosa, Meandrina meandrites and Diploria

labyrinthiformis were present in four out of the five transects surveyed. Massive and encrusting growth types predominated among stony coral colonies at Punta Ventana Reef. Many large coral colonies were observed in an advanced stage of degradation. Conditions appear to be favoring development of soft corals and large sponges over scleractinian corals at this reef.

TABLE 26. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT PUNTA VENTANA REEF GUANICA RESERVE. GUANICA. JUNE, 1999 TRANSECTS 1

MEAN

CORAL SPECIES Montastrea annularis

8.51

5.49

17.42

17.23

6.34

11.00

Agaricia agaricites

1.88

5.71

8.2

5.31

9.04

6.03

Meandrina meandrites

2.58

4.96

3.78

1.12

2.49

5.44

0.64

Porites astreoides

2.37

2.33

1.37

0.79

1.37

Montastrea cavernosa

2.93

0.74

1.25

1.9

1.36

Siderastrea siderea

0.85

Colpophyllia natans

1.95

1.89

2.00

Diploria labyrinthiformis

0.89

2.01

1.14

3.95

0.52

0.67

Mycetophyllia aliciae

0.47

2.33

Diploria strigosa

0.69

Mussa sp.

0.88

0.89

0.18

Madracis decactis

0.23

Leptoseris cucullata

0.57

Mycetophyllia lamarckiana juvenile coral

0.32

0.34

0.11 0.11

0.56

0.11 0.08

0.39

Outside transects: Dichocoenia stokesii Eusmilia fastigiata Millepora alcicornis

3.1.3

Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

A total of 51 fish species were identified during our snapshot survey at Punta Ventana Reef, 34 of which were recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 27). The mean number of species per 2

transect was 16 (range : 14 – 18 species/30 m ). The mean density of fishes within belt-transects 2

was 60.4 Ind/30 m (range 51 – 64 Ind/30m ). The combined abundance of three species, the Bluehead Wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum, Bicolor Damselfish, Stegastes partitus and the Blue Chromis, Chromis cyanea, represented approximately 56 % of the total individuals within belttransect areas. In addition to these three numerically dominant species, The Black-bar Souldierfish and the Striped Parrotfish were present within all five belt-transect areas. The Bluehead Wrasse is an oportunistic predator of small benthic invertebrates. The Bicolor Damselfish and the Blue Chromis are both planktivorous fishes. The former is a small, demersal highly territorial species, whereas the later is a schooling pelagic species that forms large aggregations over the reef.

TABLE 27. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT PUNTA VENTANA REEF GUANICA RESERVE. GUANICA, JUNE 1999 Location (D-GPS): 17° 56.484'N; 066° 49.380'W DATE: June 16, 1999 Depth (m) : SPECIES

COMMON NAME

Thalassoma bifasciatum Stegastes partitus Chromis cyanea Myripristis jacobus Clepticus parrae Scarus iserti Acanthurus bahianus Stegastes planifrons Sargocentron sp. Haemulon flavolineatum Chaetodon capistratus Acanthurus chirurgus Scarus taeniopterus Chromis multilineata Halichoeres garnoti Sparisoma aurofrenatum Canthigaster rostrata Holocentrus rufus Priacanthus cruentatus Sparisoma radians Ocyurus chrysurus Abudefduf sexatilis Aulostomus maculatus Bodianus rufus Cantherhines pullus Chaetodon striatus Holocentrus adscensionis Hypoplectrus guttavarius Hypoplectrus indigo Hypoplectrus puella Hypoplectrus unicolor Scarus vetula Sparisoma viride

Yellowhead wrasse Bicolor damselfish Blue chromis Blackbar soldierfish Creole wrasse Striped parrotfish Ocean surgeon Yellow -eye damselfish Squirelfish French grunt Four eye butterflyfish Doctorfish Princess parrotfish Yellow-edge chromis Yellowhead wrasse Redband parrotfish Caribbean puffer Squirelfish Glasseye Bucktooth parrotfish Yellowtail snapper Sargent major Trumpetfish Spanish hogfish Tail-light filefish Banded butterflyfish Longjaw squirrelfish Shy hamlet Indigo hamlet Barred hamlet Butter hamlet Queen parrotfish Stoplight parrotfish

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4 16.7 16.7 16.7

5 16.7

(Individuals/30 m2) 14 7 14 2 8 3 2 2 2 2

12 14 4 1 12 2 3 1 1 2

MEAN

9 9 25 6

23 10

1 2 2 3

1 1 1

2 1 2 1

1 1 1

8 13 6 6 2 1 2 1 2 1 3 3

1 2 2 1 1 1

2 1

1 1 2 2

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS TOTAL SPECIES

64 18

Outside Transects : Anisotremus virginicus Cephalopolis fulva Epinephelus guttatus Gobiosoma sp. Gramma loretto Haemulon aurolineatum Haemulon macrostomum Haemulon plumieri Holacanthus ciliaris Holacanthus tricolor Lactophrys bicaudalis Lutjanus apodus Melichthys niger Mulloides martinicus Pomacanthus arcuatus Prognathodes aculeatus Sphyraena barracuda

1 16.7

Porgy Coney Red hind Goby Royal gramma Tomtate Spanish grunt White grunt Queen angelfish Rockbeauty Spotted trunkfish Schoolmaster Black durgon Yellowtail goatfish Gray angelfish Longsnout aculeatus Great barracuda

61 18

64 14

62 14

51 14

13.20 10.60 9.80 4.40 4.00 3.00 1.60 1.40 1.20 1.20 1.00 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.80 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.00 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 60.40 16

The family of parrotfishes (Scaridae), with a total of six species was the most specious at Punta Ventana Reef during our survey, but were not very abundant. The wrasses (Labridae) and the damselfishes (Pomacentridae) followed with five species each. Parrotfishes, along with doctorfishes (Acanthuridae) and “farmer” damselfishes (e.g. Stegastes planifrons) represented the main herbivorous assemblage, which accounted for approximately 15 % of the fishes occurring within transect areas. Zooplanktivore species represented about 40 % of the total fish community within belt-transects. Important zooplanktivores, such as the Creole Wrasse, could have been underestimated due to its fast swimming ability and schooling behavior. Predators of large benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae), small groupers (Serranidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae). The only large pelagic predators observed were the Great Barracuda (Sphyraena barracuda) and the Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus). The assemblage of predators represents species of high commercial value present at this reef during our survey.

The Coral Crab (Carpilus coralinus) and one Rock Lobster (Panulirus guttatus) were the only motile megabenthic invertebrates observed within belt-transect areas (Table 28).

TABLE 28. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF MOTILE MEGABENTHIC INVETEBRATES AT PUNTA VENTANA REEF, GUANICA RESERVE, GUANICA LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.484' N; 066° 49.380' W DATE: June 16, 1999 TRANSECTS

SPECIES

16.7

MEAN ABUNDANCE (IND/30 m2)

COMMON NAME

Panulirus guttatus

Rock Lobster

Carpilius coralinus

Coral Crab

0.4 1

TOTALS

0.2 0

0.6

3.1.4

Photo Album of Punta Ventana Reef

Plate 1. The coral reef off Punta Ventana, Guanica exhibits the typical “spur-andgroove”formation of southwest coast shelfedge reefs

Plate 3. Live stony corals, with 14 species intercepted by transects averaged a linear cover of 27.3 % (range : 18.1 – 35.7 %).

Plate 2. A dense and taxonomically rich assemblage of soft and stony corals colonized the top and walls of the spurs.

Plate 4

Plates 4 – 5. Massive colonies of Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis contributed with 11 % to the linear at Punta Ventana Reef, representing 40 % of the total cover by stony corals.

] Plate 7. Soft corals (gorgonians) provided taxonomic as well as structural complexity to the sessile-benthic community at Punta Ventana Reef with a mean density of 28 colonies intercepted per transect, including many colonies of large size.

Plate 6. Encrusting corals, including colonies of Maze Coral, Meandrina meandrites and Mustard Hill Coral, Porites astreoides were important components of the stony coral assemblage at Punta Ventana.

Plate 8. The algal turf, composed of a mixed assemblage of short red coralline and brown macroalgae averaged a linear cover of 54.6 %, was observed colonizing dead coral colonies and other available hard substrates in the reef.

Plate 10. A total of 51 fish species were identified during our snapshot survey of Punta Ventana Reef, 34 of which were observed within belt-transect areas. Schools of the commercially important Lane Snapper, Lutjanus synagris were present at the sandy interface of the reef.

Plate 9. Erect and encrusting sponges, with a mean linear cover of 6.1 % were common at Punta Ventana Reef.

3.2

Caña Gorda Reef – Guanica Reserve

3.2.1

Physical Description of Caña Gorda Reef

Caña Gorda Reef, also known as “Cayo de Caña Gorda” is an elongated fringing reef aligned east-southwest from the tip of Punta Ballena towards Guanica Bay (Figure 8). The reef forms a physical barrier against wave action, allowing growth of seagrass and mangoves in the leeward section of the reef. The fore reef drops down to a depth of 10 meters. At the base of the reef several submerged “patch reefs” are found. Our survey was performed in one of these submerged patch reefs at a depth of 10 meters. Transects were set parallel to each other at the same depth. These reefs are exposed to strong wave action. During our survey, sea conditions were rough and underwater visibility was at about 5 meters. 3.2.2

Sessile-Benthic Reef Community

The high abundance of soft corals was perhaps the most prominent feature of this submerged “patch reef”. The mean abundance of soft coral (gorgonian) colonies per transect was 37 (range : 23 – 46). Table 29 presents the percent linear cover data for each substrate category from transects surveyed at Cana Gorda Reef. Reef benthic community profiles are included as Appendices 3.6 – 3.10. The attachment structures of gorgonians, which represent a small portion of its surface area, accounted for a mean 5.8 % of the linear cover on the reef. Both encrusting and massive growth of hermatypic (stony) corals was common, averaging 29.4 % in terms of linear cover (range : 16.9 – 39.1 %). Stony corals seem to grow over rock outcrops of low vertical relief, but colonies are moderately large and contribute, in conjunction with gorgonians, substantial rugosity and habitat complexity to the reef. Reef overhangs resulting largely from hermatypic coral development averaged 5.0 %. The colonial zoanthid, Palythoa caribbdea, was found overgrowing hard substrates, including dead coral colonies with a mean linear cover of 5.3 %. A varied assemblage of erect and encrusting sponges was present, but along with hydrocorals and fleshy algae represented minor constituents of the reef community. Linear cover by the mixed assemblage of short filamentous red and brown macroalgae or “algal turf” averaged 49.2 %. Unconsolidated substrates, such as sand and silt were common between coral boulders in the reef. A total of 13 species of scleractinian corals were intersected by linear transects during our survey at Caña Gorda Reef. Four species represented approximately 90% of the total linear cover by stony corals (Table 30). The Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis was the dominant scleractinian species in terms of linear cover with a mean of 14.1% (range : 2.2 – 29.9%) and along with the Great Star Coral, M. cavernosa was present in each of the five transects surveyed. The two other dominant species were the Mustard Hill Coral, Porites astreoides and the Symetrical Brain Coral, Diploria strigosa. These two later species were present in four of the five transects and presented a combined linear cover of 6.5 %.

TABLE 29. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT CANA GORDA REEF GUANICA RESERVE, GUANICA. JUNE, 1999.

Rugosity (m) SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES Turf Algae Live Coral Gorgonian Bases Zoanthids Reef Overhangs Sponges Silt Sand Hydrocorals Fleshy Algae Gorgonian Colonies

1 2.70

2 2.75

51.26 30.39 0.31 9.13 0.55 7.09

57.65 16.88 6.90 3.22 7.06 4.39 3.53

0.87 0.47

0.31

TRANSECTS 3 4 2.21 3.40

55.28 23.31 10.97 5.32 4.18

5 2.32

MEAN 2.68

44.33 37.50 2.01 2.91 9.93 1.34

37.74 39.13 8.69 5.76 7.31 1.06

1.87

0.32

49.2 29.4 5.8 5.3 5.0 3.6 0.7 0.4 0.4 0.2

0.90

TABLE 30. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT CANA GORDA REEF GUANICA RESERVE. GUANICA. JUNE, 1999 TRANSECTS 1

MEAN

CORAL SPECIES Montastrea annularis

4.88

2.20

5.00

28.81

29.87

14.15

Montastrea cavernosa

8.35

4.86

6.55

3.13

4.79

5.54

Porites astreoides

6.46

5.32

3.58

3.90

3.85

Diploria strigosa

4.80

4.59

1.34

Agaricia sp.

3.70

2.75

0.86

0.58

Agaricia agaricites

2.51

Porites porites

1.25

Diploria clivosa

2.70 0.57

0.62 0.50

1.27

0.44

2.20

Meandrina meandrites

1.44

Mycetophyllia lamarckiana

1.10

Isophyllia sinuosa

0.29 0.22 0.63

0.13

Mycetophyllia sp. (juv)

0.44

0.09

Siderastrea siderea

0.33

0.07

Outside transects: Colpophyllia natans Dichocoenia stokesii Diploria labyrinthiformis Millepora alcicornis Millepora complanata Mycetophyllia aliciae Siderastrea radians Stephanocoenia michilini

3.2.3

Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

This survey was probably biased by the limited underwater visibility and also by the strong surge. Thus, we believe that the amount of fish species and individuals here reported represent a low estimate of what could be expected under calmed and clear conditions.

A total of 29 fish species were identified during our snapshot survey at Caña Gorda Reef, 20 of which were recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 31). The mean number of species per 2

transect was 10 (range : 9 – 13 species/30 m ). The mean density of fishes within belt-transects 2

was 23.3 Ind/30 m (range 12 – 38 Ind/30m ). The combined abundance of three species, the Bluehead Wrasse, Thalassoma bifasciatum, Bicolor Damselfish, Stegastes partitus and the

TABLE 31. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT CANA GORDA REEF GUANICA RESERVE. GUANICA, JUNE 18, 1999. Location (D-GPS): 17° 56.380' N; 066° 51.653' W BELT-TRANSECTS 1

Depth (m) : 10.0

10.0

FISH SPECIES

COMMON NAME

(Individuals/30 m2)

Thalassoma bifasciatum

Bluehead wrasse

Stegastes partitus

Bicolor damselfish

7.3

Scarus iserti

Stripped parrotfish

3.3

Stegastes dorsopunicans

Dusky damselfish

1.8

Chaetodon capistratus

Four eye butterflyfish

1.5

Sparisoma radians

Bucktooth parrotfish

Halichoeres bivittatus

Slippery dick

Halichoeres garnoti

Yellowhead wrasse

Acanthurus bahianus

Ocean surgeon

1.0

Canthigaster rostrata

Caribean puffer

0.8

Sparisoma aurofrenatum

Redband parrotfish

Stegastes leucostictus

Beaugregory

Scarus taeniopterus

Princess parrotfish

Serranus tigrinus

Harlequin bass

Amblycirrhitus pinos

Redspotted hawkfish

Haemulon flavolineatum

French grunt

Holocentrus rufus

Squirrelfish

Lactophrys triqueter

Smooth trunkfish

Microspathodon chrysurus

Yellowtail damselfish

Myripristis jacobus

Blackbar soldierfish

MEAN 8.0

1.5 2

1.3 1.3

0.8 1

0.8

0.5

0.3

0.3 0.3 0.3

0.3 1

0.3

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS

n/d

23.3

TOTAL SPECIES

n/d

Table 31. Continued Outside Transects : Acanthurus chirurgus

Doctorfish

Acanthurus coeruleus

Blue tang

Cephalopholis fulva

Coney

Chaetodon striatus

Banded butterflyfish

Epinephelus guttatus

Red hind

Holacanthus tricolor

Rock beauty

Pomacanthus arcuatus

Gray angelfish

Scomberomorus regalis

Cero

Sparisoma rubripinne

Yellowtail parrotfish

Striped Parrotfish, Scarus iserti represented approximately 80 % of the total individuals within belt-transect areas. These three species were also present at all four transects surveyed. The most specious family of reef fishes identified was the Scaridae (Parrotfishes) with five species present. Parrotfishes, along with doctorfishes (Acanthuridae) and “farmer” damselfishes (e.g. Stegastes dorsopunicans) represented the main herbivorous assemblage, which accounted for approximately 32 % of the fishes occurring within transect areas. Zooplanktivore species represented another 35% of the total fish community within belt-transects. Predators of large benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae), and small groupers (Serranidae), such as the Coney (Cephalopholis fulva) and the Red Hind (Epinephelus guttatus). Pelagic predators could not possibly be detected due to the low underwater visibility. Two Spiny Lobsters (Panulirus argus) were present within transect areas (Table 32).

TABLE 32. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF MOTILE MEGABENTHIC INVERTEBRATES AT CANA GORDA REEF, GUANICA RESERVE. GUANICA, JUNE, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.380' N; 066° 51.653' W DATE: June 18, 1999 Depth: 10.0 m MEAN 1

ABUNDANCE

(IND/30 m2)

Spiny lobster

0.4

TOTALS

0.4

DEPTH: SPECIES Panulirus argus

COMMON NAME

3.3

Cayo Coral – Guanica

3.3.1

Physical Description of Cayo Coral Reef

Cayo Coral is an emergent reef located to the west of Cayo Caña Gorda, between Punta Ballena and the mouth of Guanica Bay (Figure 8). The reef is about two kilometers long and sits in the same shallow platform as Caña Gorda Reef, at the landward’s (northern) edge of Guanica’s submarine canyon. A series of submerged patch reefs are found to the north and east of Cayo Coral. Our survey was performed close to the base of Cayo Coral’s fore reef at a depth of 7-8 meters, on an almost flat terrace that leads to the edge of the submarine canyon (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Cayo Coral, showing detailed bathimetry of reef survey site.

3.1.1

Sessile-Benthic Reef Community

Stony corals and gorgonians were observed to be prominent features of the benthic community near the base of the fore reef at Cayo Coral. Massive and encrusting colonies of hermatypic corals were abundant, and in conjunction with soft corals conferred for a high rugosity and habitat complexity. The mean rugosity along transects was 3.76 meters. Table 33 presents the percent linear cover data for each substrate category from transects surveyed at Cayo Coral. Live stony corals, with a mean cover of 24.5 % (range : 19.2 – 27.0 %) appeared to have overgrown small rock outcrops forming a series of mounds over the substrate. The relatively high linear cover by reef overhangs (8.8 %) was associated to coral growth, particularly by the “mushroom type” growth of Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis. The attachment structures of gorgonians,

TABLE 33. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT CAYO CORAL REEF GUANICA RESERVE, GUANICA. JUNE, 1999.

Rugosity (m) SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES Turf Algae Live Coral Reef Overhangs Gorgonian Bases Coral Rubble Sponges Zoanthids Sand Fleshy Algae Hydrocorals Gorgonian Colonies

1 2.85

2 3.35

53.46 25.91 6.15 3.58 3.81 3.04 2.88 1.09

45.62 26.97 5.92 11.39 4.04 1.72 4.42

TRANSECTS 3 4 2.97 5.23

57.98 27.11 7.86 3.38 1.41 1.08 1.08

62.05 19.21 9.19 2.69 2.56 2.10 2.04

5 4.40

MEAN 3.76

43.19 23.31 14.86 1.46 15.49 0.76

52.5 24.5 8.8 4.5 4.1 2.3 1.6 1.5 0.2 0.02

0.90 0.08 28

which represent a small portion of its surface area, accounted for a mean 4.5 % of the linear cover on the reef. Although gorgonians were not as abundant as in other reefs (e.g. Caña Gorda), many large colonies (particularly the Sea Fan, Gorgonia ventalina) were present. Sponges and colonial zoanthids (Palythoa caribbdea) were common at the reef and contributed with a combined linear cover of 3.9 %. The mean cover by algal turf was 52.5 % (range : 45.6 – 62.0 %). Reef benthic community profiles at permanent transects surveyed are presented as Appendices 3.11 – 3.15. A total of 26 species of stony corals were identified at Cayo Coral in the vicinity of our survey area at a depth of 10 meters. Fifteen species were intersected by linear transects at this reef (Table 34). The Star Coral, Montastrea annularis was the dominant reef TABLE 34. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT CAYO CORAL REEF GUANICA RESERVE. GUANICA. JUNE, 1999 TRANSECTS CORAL SPECIES

MEAN

Montastrea annularis

4.75

7.79

14.65

8.40

16.88

10.49

Colpophyllia natans

4.28

4.64

4.86

2.89

3.33

Montastrea cavernosa

5.84

6.97

2.08

1.12

3.20

Porites astreoides

6.69

1.06

Meandrina meandrites

0.77

1.20

3.24

2.04

Siderastrea siderea

1.54

2.64

Porites porites

0.44

1.80

Agaricia sp.

0.86

Diploria strigosa

0.77

Leptoseris cucullata

2.56

0.98

0.33

0.28

1.74

0.92

0.54

0.37

0.39

0.43

1.08

0.37 0.22

1.09 0.90

Isophyllia sinuosa

0.59 0.33

0.18 0.17

0.84

Madracis decactis

2.41 1.45

0.72

Agaricia agaricites Mycetophyllia sp.

1.74

0.12 0.07

Table 34. Continued Outside transects: Dendrogyra cylindrus Dichocoenia stokesii Diploria clivosa Diploria labyrinthiformis Eusmilia fastigiata Isophyllia rigida Manicina areolata Millepora alcicornis Mycetophyllia aliciae Porites furcata Stephanocoenia michilini

building coral species in terms of linear cover with a mean of 10.5 % (range : 4.8 – 16.9%). It was also present at all five transects surveyed, along with the Finger Coral, Porites porites. Corals forming low relief, mound shaped colonies were common at Cayo Coral. These included Colpophyllia natans, Montastrea cavernosa, Meandrina meandrites and Porites astreoides, which were present in four transects and presented a combined linear cover of 10.4 %. 3.3.3

Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

A total of 48 fish species of diurnal, non-criptic species were identified during our snapshot survey at Cayo Coral Reef, 29 of which were recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 35). The mean 2

number of species per transect was 14 (range : 12 – 16 species/30 m ). The mean density of 2

fishes within belt-transects was 26.8 Ind/30 m (range 20 – 32 Ind/30m ). Six species were present in at least four transects. These included the Dusky and Yewllow-eye damselfishes, the Striped and Redband parrotfishes, the Yellowhead Wrasse and the Ocean Surgeon. The most specious family of reef fishes within transect areas was the Scaridae (Parrotfishes) with five species present. Parrotfishes, along with doctorfishes (Acanthuridae) and “farmer” damselfishes (e.g. Stegastes dorsopunicans) represented the main herbivorous assemblage, which accounted for approximately 57.5 % of the fishes surveyed within transect areas. Zooplanktivore species presented a rather low density within transect areas (approx. 8.0 %), mostly the Bicolor Damselfish and juvenile stages of grunts. However, zooplanktivore damselfishes, such as the Blue and Yello-edge Chromis, Chromis cyanea and C. multilineata (reported outside transects, Table 33) were common. Predators of large benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae) and Schoolmaster Snapper (Lutjanidae). The only pelagis species observed wasw a juvenile Yellw Jack, Caranx bartholomei. No motile megabenthic invertebrates were detected within transect areas at this reef during our snapshot survey.

TABLE 35. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT CAYO CORAL REEF GUANICA RESERVE. GUANICA. JUNE, 1999 DATE: June 21, 1999 Location (D-GPS): 17° 56.173'N; 066° 53.303'W

Depth (m) : SPECIES

COMMON NAME

Scarus iserti Stegastes dorsopunicans Halichoeres garnoti Thalassoma bifasciatum Stegastes partitus Stegastes planifrons Acanthurus bahianus Sparisoma aurofrenatum Acanthurus chirurgus Microspathodon chrysurus Aulostomus maculatus Priacanthus cruentatus Sparisoma viride Chaetodon capistratus Haemulon flavolineatum Holocentrus rufus Odontoscion dentex Stegastes leucostictus Acanthurus coeruleus Canthigaster rostrata Chaetodon striatus Gramma loreto Holacanthus tricolor Holocentrus ascensionis Hypoplectrus aberrans Pseudupeneus maculatus Scarus vetula Serranus tigrinus Sparisoma radians

Striped parrotfish Dusky damselfish Yellowhead wrasse Bluehead wrasse Bicolor damselfish Yellow-eye damselfish Ocean surgeon Redband parrotfish Doctorfish Yellowtail damselfish Trumpetfish Glasseye Stoplight parrotfish Four eye buterflyfish French grunt Squirrelfish Reef croaker Beaugregory Blue tang Caribbean puffer Banded butterflyfish Royal gramma Rock beauty Longjaw squirrelfish Yellowbelly hamlet Spotted goatfish Queen parrotfish Harlequin bass Bucktooth parrotfish

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4 7.6 7.6 7.6

5 7.6

(Individuals/30 m2) 4 3 2 4 4 3 2

1 1 2 1 1

4 2 2 6

3 4 4

3 1 2 1 1 1 1 1

1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1 1

MEAN 10 4 4 1 2 2 1 2 1 1

3 1 5 3 1 1 1 1 1 1

1 1

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS TOTAL SPECIES

32 16

Outside Transects : Abudefduf sexatilis Aluthera scriptus Anisotremus virginicus Apogon sp. Bodianus rufus Caranx bartholomaei Chromis cyanea Chromis multilineata Gerre cinereus Haemulon macrostomum Haemulon aurolineatum Haemulon plumieri Haemulon steindachneri Halichoeres radiatus Hypoplectrus nigricans Lutjanus apodus Mulloides martinicus Ocyurus chrysurus Pomacanthus arcuatus

1 7.6

Sargent major Scrawled Filefish Porkfish Cardinalfish Spanish hogfish Yellow jack Blue chromis Yellow-edge chromis Yellowfin mojarra Spanish grunt Tomtate White grunt Latin grunt Pudding wife Black hamlet Schoolmaster Yellowtail goatfish Yellowtail snapper Gray angelfish

27 14

25 16

30 12

20 12

4.20 3.20 2.60 2.20 1.60 1.60 1.40 1.40 0.80 0.80 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 26.80 14

3.3.4

Photo Album of Cayo Coral Reef

Plate 1. Cayo Coral, sitting at the edge of Guanica’s submarine canyon is a well developed coral reef system with live stony corals providing plenty of topographic relief.

Plate 3. The mean linear cover by stony corals was at Cayo Coral was 24.5 %. The dominant species in terms of linear cover was Montastrea annularis with 10.5 %.

Plate 2. Colonies of Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis formed coral ledges where fishes and lobsters concentrate.

Plate 4. A total of 26 species of stony corals were identified during our snapshot survey of Cayo Coral. Massive colonies of Dendrogyra cilindrus were prominent on the reef.

Plate 5. Partially degraded massive colony of Boulder Brain Coral, Colpophyllia natans.

Plate 7. Encrusting colony of Boulder Brain Coral, Colpophyllia natans.

Plate 6. Panoramic view of transect survey areas at Cayo Coral.

Plate 8. Encrusting colony of Cactus Coral, Mycetophyllia sp.

Plate 9. Encrusting colony of Maze Coral, Meandrina meandrites

Plates 10 – 11. Soft corals, with a mean of 23 colonies intercepted per transect, represented an important structural and taxonomic component of the sessile-benthic community at Cayo Coral.

Plate 10

Plate 12. The Blade Fire Coral, Millepora complanata growing on top of a dead stony coral section at Cayo Coral.

Plate 13. Close-up photo of the substrate covered by a dense algal turf composed of short red coralline and brown macroalgae. Turf algae presented a mean linear cover of 52.5 % at Cayo Coral.

Plate 15. Partially bleached colony of Boulder Star Coral at Cayo Coral.

Plate 14. Encrusting and erect sponges were common at Cayo Coral, with a mean cover of 2.3 % and present at all five transects surveyed. Note large colony of the Brown Sponge, Anthosigmella varians.

Plate 16. Bicolor Damselfish, Stegastes partitus, one of the most abundant among the 48 species identified within belttransects at Cayo Coral.

Plate 17. Zooplanktivorous Blue Chromis (Chromis cyanea) were observed in small schools over the reef outside transect areas.

Plate 18. Banded Butterflyfish, Chaetodon striatus at Cayo Coral.

Tourmaline Reef Natural Reserve – Mayaguez Bay

Tourmaline Reef, located due west of Bahía Bramadero, Cabo Rojo, was designated as Natural Reserve in 1996 in recognition of its ecological value as the most important coral reef system of the west coast of Puerto Rico. The total extension of the Natural Reserve is 19.43 square nautical miles (Junta de Planificación, PU-002-98-55-01, 1998). The reef sits at the northern section of the Cabo Rojo platform, approximately five miles away from the coastline (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Tourmaline Natural Reserve in Mayaguez Bay showing general location of reef survey sites

Most of the reef lies submerged, surrounded by waters of 20-25 meters in depth. The reef is largely an extensive hard-ground platform with areas of discontinuous steep promontories that reach up to 3-4 meters from the surface. Emergent reef structures include Las Coronas, on the southeast corner of the Reserve and Escollo Media Luna, located due west of Las Coronas. At the northern boundary of the reserve lies an extensive “spur and groove” coral reef formation which begins at a depth of 10 meters and extends (north) toward the shelf-edge to a depth of 30

meters. This shelf-edge reef is undoubtedly, one of the best coral reefs in Puerto Rico. El Tourmaline Reef is known to be a spawning site of the Red Hind, Epinephelus guttatus, a commercially exploited grouper species. A general description of marine habitats and taxonomic account of species present was prepared by Vicente (1996) as part of the background studies for designation of Tourmaline Reef as a Natural Reserve. The oficial DNER natural reserve designation document is available in Pagán et al. (1997). The geographic boundaries that delimit El Tourmaline Natural Reserve are the following: o

Northeast : 18 10’ N; 67 15.5’ W Northwest : 18 10’ N; 67 20.1’ W o

Southeast : 18 04.6’ N; 67 15.5’ W Southwest : 18 06.5’ N; 67 20.1’ W

Our survey of coral reefs in Mayaguez Bay included the Tourmaline North Drop, Media Luna and Las Coronas. Table 36 shows DGPS coordinates and depths of reefs surveyed.

Table 36. Geo-references of permanent transect locations at reefs studied within the Tourmaline Natural Reserve, Mayaguez Bay. Reef Name

Survey Date

Depth (m)

Latitude

North Drop

23-June-99

10.6

18 09.794’ N

Las Coronas

25-June-99

10.0

18 05.836’ N

Media Luna

28-June-99

10.6

18 06.079’ N

4.1

Longitude

067 16.418’ W

067 17.225’ W

067 18.731’ W

North Drop Reef – Tourmaline Mayaguez Bay

The North Drop Reef is a well developed “spur and groove” coral reef formation associated with the shelf-edge at the northern section of Mayaguez Bay (Figure 10). The reef runs perpendicular to the shelf-edge from a depth of 10 meters and extends down towards the shelf-break at a depth of approximately 25 meters. The spurs range in height at about 2-3 meters and are separated by white sandy sediments accumulated at the grooves. The edge of the shelf is highly irregular with a series of terraces and large crevices in the vertical walls. Stony corals grow on top of the spurs and along the walls in massive, branching and encrusting colonies. Soft corals are also very prominent and combined with stony corals represent the visually dominant feature of this reef.

Line transects were established longitudinally on top of the spurs at a depth of approximately 10 meters in sections of optimum coral growth. Horizontal underwater visibility was estimated at approximately 20 meters during our survey.

4.1.1

Sessile-Benthic Reef Community

This is probably one of the few reefs in Puerto Rico where linear cover by live corals exceeds that of algal turf in areas of optimum coral growth. Stony corals ranged in linear cover from 41.2 – 67.4 % (mean : 49.1 %). Table 37 presents the percent linear cover data for each substrate category from transects surveyed at the North Drop Reef. Branching and massive coral growth was extensive at the top of the spurs, whereas encrusting colonies prevailed along the vertical walls. Gorgonians (soft coral) were also moderately abundant (mean :21 colonies/transect) and many attained very large sizes. Attachment structures of gorgonians, which only represent a small portion of its surface area, accounted for a mean 4.7 % of the linear cover on the reef. Reef overhangs resulting largely from hermatypic coral development averaged 5.3 %. The colonial zoanthid, Palythoa caribbdea, was found overgrowing hard substrates, including dead coral colonies with a mean linear cover of 1.1 %.

TABLE 37. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT NORTH DROP REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE, MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999.

Rugosity (m)

TRANSECTS 3 4

3.71

3.31

4.00

4.38

MEAN

3.56

3.79

SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES Live Coral

41.26

67.38

50.94

41.31

44.82

49.1

Turf Algae

24.8

19.91

31.64

39.29

42.18

31. 6

Reef Overhangs

6.71

4.58

5.57

6.54

3.24

5.3

7.58

7.15

4.7

Gorgonian Bases

2.63

1.8

4.36

Coral Rubble

15.97

2.03

3.64

Sponges

3.21

1.35

2.14

1.95

1.03

1.9

Fleshy Algae

0.88

2.93

0.93

1.67

1.18

1.5

Zoanthids

2.99

0.71

1.67

Hydrocorals

1.53

0.21

Gorgonian Colonies

4.3

1.1 0.44

0.4

A varied assemblage of erect and encrusting sponges was present, but along with hydrocorals (Millepora spp) and fleshy algae represented minor constituents of the reef community. Linear cover by the mixed assemblage of short filamentous red (Amphiroa sp., Jania sp.) and brown macroalgae (Dyctiopteris sp.) or “algal turf” averaged 31.6 %. Unconsolidated substrate (mostly

coral rubble) was common between coral boulders and crevices in the reef. Reef benthic community profiles at permanent transects surveyed are shown as Appendices 4.1 – 4.5.

A total of 28 scleractinian and two hydrocoral species were identified during our snapshot survey at the North Drop Reef of Mayaguez Bay. The sixteen species intersected by linear transects during our survey are listed in descending order of mean linear cover in Table 38.

TABLE 38. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT NORTH DROP REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE. MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999 TRANSECTS 1

MEAN

Montastrea annularis

8.32

23.52

18.00

12.24

15.04

15.42

Porites astreoides

6.27

7.21

10.36

3.62

7.52

7.00

CORAL SPECIES

Madracis mirabilis Porites porites

4.45

Dendrogyra cylindrus

11.01

Agaricia sp.

4.01

Colpophyllia natans

5.47

1.35

Agaricia agaricites 1.31

Diploria labirynthiformis

4.14

5.77

4.58

2.00

5.27 3.75 2.88

2.57

1.25

4.14

1.6

4.87

2.12

0.75

0.4

4.59

3.02

1.75

0.74

2.52

1.67

0.42

1.33

1.25

0.61

2.81

8.57

1.8

Mycetophyllia sp.

0.20

0.98

Diploria strigosa Acropora cervicornis

10.62

7.75

Montastrea cavernosa Meandrina meandrites

5.48

27.42

0.83 0.44

0.13

0.2

Eusmilia fastigiata

0.12

0.6

Siderastrea siderea

0.17

0.49

0.10

Outside transects: Dichocoenia stokesii Madracis decactis Manicina areolata Millepora alcicornis Millepora squarrosa Mycetophyllia aliciae Mycetophyllia lamarckiana Porites furcata Scolymia sp. Stephanocoenia michilini Stylaster roseus

The Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis, ranked first in linear cover with a mean of 15.4 % (range : 8.3 – 23.5 %) and along with Porites astreoides, P. porites, Meandrina meandrites and Agaricia sp. was present at all five transects surveyed. Finger Coral, Porites porites, and Yellow Pencil Coral, Madracis mirabilis, represented the dominant branching coral forms growing on top of the reef spurs. Boulder Star Coral presented massive as well as laminar growth. The latter

forming ladges and reef overhangs. The Mustard Hill Coral, Porites astreoides and the Great Star Coral, Montastrea cavernosa exhibited mostly encrusting growth, although mound-type formations were observed for both species. The largest massive colonies present within survey areas at North Drop Reef corresponded to the Pillar Coral, Dendrogyra cilindrus.

4.1.3

Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

A total of 52 species of diurnal, non-criptic fishes were identified during our snapshot survey at the North Drop Reef, 42 of which were recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 39). The mean 2

number of species per transect was 22 (range :18 – 24 species/30 m ). The mean density of 2

fishes within belt-transects was 96.8 Ind/30 m (range : 65 – 133 Ind/30m ). Thirteen species were present in at least four transects, reflecting a highly diverse and taxonomically complex ichthyofauna. The mean abundance of five species represented approximately 66 % of the total individuals within belt-transect areas. These included the Blue Chromis, the Bicolor Damselfish, the Creole and Yellowhead wrasses and the Striped Parrotfish. The most specious family of reef fishes within transect areas was the Pomacentridae (Damselfishes) with seven species present. Small pelagic zooplanktivore fishes, such as the Blue Chromis, Chromis cyanea and the Creole Wrasse, Clepticus parrae were highly abundant at this reef, forming dense schools over the bottom. Juveniles as well as adult stages of both of these species were present. In addition, the zooplanktivorous assemblage included demersal species, such as the Bicolor Damselfish and juvenile stages of grunts and other reef fishes. The combined zooplantivorous assemblage was estimated to represent at least 35 % of the fish community present within transect areas. Parrotfishes and doctorfishes (Acanthuridae) represented the main herbivorous assemblage, which accounted for approximately 17 % of the fishes surveyed. Large pelagic (piscivorous) predators, such as the King and Cero mackerels, Scomberomorus cavalla, S. regalis, and the Great Barracuda, Sphyraena barracuda were present. These pelagic predators are most likely attracted by the high abundance of pelagic zooplanktivores, which typically serve as their prey. Predators of large benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae). Oportunistic consumers of small epibenthic invertebrates included a large assemblage of wrasses, hamlets and croakers.

One Rock Lobster, Panulirus guttatus was recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 40).

TABLE 39. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT NORTH DROP REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE. MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999 Location (D-GPS): 18° 09.794' N; 067° 16.418' W DATE: June 23, 1999 1 Depth (m) : 10.6 FISH SPECIES

COMMON NAME

Chromis cyanea

Blue chromis

Stegastes partitus Clepticus parrae

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4 10.6 10.6 10.6

5 10.6

(Individuals/30 m2) 38

Bicolor damselfish

Creole wrasse

MEAN

16.00

12.00

Scarus iserti

Striped parrotfish

Thalassoma bifasciatum

Yellowhead wrasse

Haemulon flavolineatum

French grunt

21.00

8.00 7.20 2.60

Sparisoma aurofrenatum

Redband parrotfish

2.60

Halichoeres garnoti

Yellowhead wrasse

2.40

Sparisoma viride

Stoplight parrotfish

Stegastes leucostictus

Beaugregory

Stegastes planifrons

Yellow eye damselfish

1.20

1.00

Haemulon chrysargyreum

Smallmouth grunt

Adioryx sp.

Squirrelfish

Myripristis jacobus

Blackbar soldierfish

Acanthurus bahianus

Ocean surgeon

Acanthurus chirurgus

Doctorfish

Chaetodon capistratus

Four eye buterflyfish

Coryphopterus personatus

Masked goby

Serranus tigrinus

Harlequin bass

Cephalopolis cruentatus

Graysby

Chromis multilineata

Brown chromis

Lutjanus apodus Scarus vetula Acanthurus coeruleus

Blue tang

Aulostomus maculatus

Trumpetfish

Canthigaster rostrata

Caribbean puffer

Gramma loreto

Royal gramma

Hypoplectrus puella

Barred hamlet

Hypoplectrus unicolor

Butter hamlet

Holocentrus rufus

Squirrelfish

Amblycirrhitus pinos

Redspotted hawkfish

Bodianus rufus

Spanish hogfish

2.40 2

2.00 1.80 1.40

1.00 2

1.00 1.00

1 1

1.00

0.80

Schoolmaster

Queen parrotfish

0.80 1

0.60

3 1

0.60 1

3 1

0.40 0.20

Spotfin butterflyfish

Epinephelus guttatus

Red hind

Holacanthus tricolor

Rock beauty

Hypoplectrus guttavarius

Shy hamlet

Microspathodon chrysurus

Yellowtail damselfish

Odontoscion dentex

Reef croaker

Priacanthus cruentatus

Glasseye

0.20

0.20 0.20 0.20 1

0.20

0.20 1

0.60 0.60

Chaetodon ocellatus

0.80 0.60

0.20

Table 39. Continued Scomberomorus regalis

Cero

0.20

Sphaeroides sp.

Puffer

Stegastes dorsopunicans

Dusky damselfish

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS

133

116

96.8

TOTAL SPECIES

0.20 0.20

Outside Transects : Lutjanus mahogany

Mahogany snapper

Anisotremus virginicus

Porgy

Carangoides ruber

Bar jack

Halichoeres radiatus

Puddingwife

Holacanthus ciliaris

Queen angelfish

Mulloides martinicus

Yellowtail goatfish

Pomacanthus arcuatus

Gray angelfish

Prognathodes aculeatus

Longsnout butterflyfish

Scomberomorus cavalla

King mackerel

Spyraena barracuda

Great barracuda

TABLE 40. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF MOTILE MEGABENTHIC INVERTEBRATES AT NORTH DROP REEF, TOURMALINE RESERVE MAYAGUEZ, JUNE, 1999.

LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 09.794' N; 067° 16.418' W DATE: JUNE 23, 1999 Depth: 10.6 m 1

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4

MEAN ABUNDANCE

SPECIES

Panulirus guttatus

COMMON NAME

(IND/30 m2)

Rock Lobster

0.2

TOTALS

0.2

4.1.4

Photo Album of North Drop Reef

Plate 1. North Drop Reef is a spur-andgroove coral reef formation at the northern edge of Tourmaline Natural Reserve.

Plate 3. With a mean live stony coral cover of 49.1 % (range : 41.3 – 67.4 %), North Drop is one of the few coral reef systems in Puerto Rico where live coral cover exceeds that of turf algae along 10 m long transects.

Plate 2. The reef starts at a depth of 8 meters, running perpendicular to the shelf edge where it ends at a depth of approximately 21 meters.

Plate 4. Among the 28 species of stony corals identified from North Drop Reef, massive coral colonies of Montastrea annularis and Dendrogyra cilindrus (in photo) were common.

Plate 5. Extensive sections of branching Yellow Pencil Coral, Madracis mirabilis were found growing over the top sections of the spurs.

Plate 7. Encrusting (e.g. Porites astreoides) and plate coral (Agaricia sp.) colonies were abundant at the walls of the reef spurs. Note also the encrusting gorgonian, Erythropodium caribaeorum.

Plate 6. Branching Finger Coral, Porites porites was present at all five transects surveyed and ranked among the dominant corals in terms of linear cover with a mean of 5.3 % at North Drop Reef.

Plate 8. Rock lobster, Panulirus guttatus was observed within belt-transects at North Drop Reef.

Plate 9. Parrotfishes grazing at the algal turf, which covered an average of 36.1 % of the substrate at North Drop Reef.

Plate 11

Plates 11 – 12. The zooplanktivorous fish assemblage, which included schooling species such as the Creole Wrasse (Clepticus parrae) and the Blue chromis (Chromis cyanea) represented an estimated 35 % of the total fish individuals within belttransects at North Drop Reef.

Plate 10. A total of 52 species of diurnal, non-criptic fish species were identified during our snapshot survey at North Reef. The commercially important Red Hind, Epinephelus guttatus was observed within transect areas.

Plate 14. The commercially important Coney, Cephalopholis fulva was identified outside transect areas.

Plate 13. The French Grunt, Haemulon flavolineatum ranked among the most abundant fishes within belt-transects at the North Drop Reef.

Plate 15. The endangered Hawksbill Turtle, Eretmochelys imbricata was present at North Drop Reef.

4.2

Las Coronas Reef – Tourmaline Reserve, Mayaguez Bay

4.2.1

Physical Description of Las Coronas Reef

Las Coronas Reef is one of the few emergent reef platforms within the Tourmaline Natural Reserve in Mayaguez Bay. This reef is located on the southern border of the reserve, at about four nautical miles from the shoreline (Figure 10). The reef emerges from a platform at 12 meters with a rather steep slope. There is a fairly extensive reef flat at two meters where corals grow as dispersed colonies. Most of the coral development occurs along the fore reef slope. Our survey was conducted on the fore reef slope located on the west section of the reef. Transects were aligned along a north-south axis, following the 10 meter depth contour. 4.2.2

Sessile-Benthic Reef Community

The percent linear cover by each substrate category on permanent transects surveyed at Las Coronas Reef is presented in Table 41. A fine, sediment packed algal turf was the dominant biological component of the reef sessile-benthos in terms of linear cover at Las Coronas Reef. The algal turf was composed of a mixed assemblage of red and brown macroalgae growing as a carpet over hard substrate on the reef. The mean linear cover by the algal turf was 46.1 % (range : 34.7 – 60.1 %).

Fleshy brown macroalgae accounted for a mean cover of 7.8 % to

increase the total cover by algae to almost 54 %. TABLE 41. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT LAS CORONAS REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE, MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999.

TRANSECTS 3 4

3.42

1.63

3.87

Turf Algae

44.93

40.15

34.68

Live Coral

33.00

18.09

37.46

Fleshy Algae

1.19

31.56

5.98

Gorgonian Bases

9.61

1.46

Reef Overhangs

5.89

Sponges

1.34

Coral Rubble

3.87

Zoanthids

0.22

Gorgonian Colonies

Rugosity (m)

MEAN

1.99

3.03

50.60

60.13

46.10

26.39

31.71

29.33

11.32

9.08

4.00

7.09

7.65

8.15

7.68

1.42

6.16

2.06

1.01

5.73

2.67

2.56

4.23

SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES

7.75

0.77

1.51

0.49

0.44 31

Benthic community profiles of linear cover along each of the five transects surveyed are reported in Appendices 4.6 – 4.10. Live scleractinian (stony) corals ranked second in linear cover with a

mean of 29.3 % (range: 18.1 – 37.4 %). Soft corals were moderately abundant with a mean density of 22 colonies per transect (range : 13 – 31 colonies/transect). Many of the soft coral colonies were of relatively large size and their (horizontally projected) attachment structures on the reef accounted for a mean linear cover of approximately 7.1 %. Encrusting and erect sponges presented a mean linear cover of 2.6 %. The colonial zoanthid, Palythoa caribbdea, was also present, but represented a minor component of the community structure. The mean rugosity from the five transects was 3.03 meters (range : 1.6 – 4.2 m). Evidently, this reef is subjected to substantial sedimentation stress, mostly from resuspension of fine silty sediments present at the base of the reef.

A total of 24 scleractinian coral species were identified during our snapshot survey at Las Coronas Reef in Mayaguez Bay. The thirteen species intersected by linear transects during our survey are listed in descending order of mean linear cover in Table 42. The Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis, ranked first in linear cover with a mean of 12.2 % (range : 10.9 – 13.3 %) TABLE 42. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT LAS CORONAS REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE. MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999 TRANSECTS 1

MEAN

Montastrea annularis

11.70

Agaricia sp.

2.61

10.92

12.62

13.27

12.43

12.19

0.73

12.18

5.31

6.67

Montastrea cavernosa

5.50

9.99

2.41

3.39

4.50

4.06

Porites astreoides

2.61

1.98

0.41

0.69

3.25

1.79

1.95

1.89

4.50

1.67

1.80

3.56

0.35

1.19

CORAL SPECIES

Siderastrea siderea Porites porites

0.11

Diploria strigosa

1.58

Colpophyllia natans Madracis decactis

0.12 1.94

2.44

0.80

1.66

0.72 0.57

2.83

Mycetophyllia sp. Mycetophyllia aliciae

1.67

Diploria labyrinthiformis Leptoseris cucullata

0.33 0.21

1.05 1.02

0.20 0.10

0.52

Outside transects: Agaricia agaricites Dendrogyra cylindrus Isophyllia sinuosa Leptoseris cucullata Manicina areolata Meandrina meandrites Millepora alcicornis Mycetophyllia aliciae Mycetophyllia ferox Mycetophyllia lamarckiana Scolymia sp. Stephanocoenia michilini

and along with Porites astreoides, P. porites, and Agaricia sp. was present at all five transects surveyed. Plate-like, or laminar growth by scleractinian corals prevailed at this reef, although moderatively extensive sections of branching coral, particularly Porites porites, were observed. About 50 % of the P. porites colonies were dead and overgrown by turf algae. Laminar growth was exhibited both by Montastrea annularis, Agaricia sp. and Leptoseris cucullata.

Growth by Agaricia sp. occurred mostly along vertical sections of the reef slope, whereas M. annularis growth occurred on top of flat terraces and extended its arms toward the edges of the reef slope, forming ledges and overhangs. The Great Star Coral, Montastrea cavernosa, and the brain corals, Colpophyllia natans and Diploria labyrinthyformis presented massive type colonies, whereas Porites astreoides and Diploria strigosa exhibited mostly encrusting growth in this reef. Isolated colonies of Cactus Coral, Mycetophyllia spp. were also common at Las Coronas Reef. 4.2.3

Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

A total of 49 species of diurnal, non-criptic fishes were identified during our snapshot survey at Las Coronas Reef, 30 of which were recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 43). The mean 2

number of species per transect was 15 (range : 12 – 18 species/30 m ). The mean density of 2

fishes within belt-transects was 34.8 Ind/30 m (range : 25 – 43 Ind/30m ). The mean abundance of six species represented approximately 59 % of the total individuals within belt-transect areas. These included the Striped Parrotfish, the Yellowhead Wrasse and the Bicolor, Beaugregory, Blue Chromis and Yellow-edge damselfishes. The most specious family of reef fishes within transect areas was the Scaridae (Parrotfishes) with six species present. Small pelagic zooplanktivore fishes, such as the Blue and Brown Chromis, Chromis cyanea, C. multilineata were abundant at this reef, forming dense schools over the reef. The zooplanktivorous assemblage included demersal species also, such as the Bicolor Damselfish and juvenile stages of grunts and other reef fishes. The combined zooplantivorous assemblage was estimated to represent at least 23 % of the fish community present within transect areas. Parrotfishes and doctorfishes (Acanthuridae) represented the main herbivorous assemblage, which accounted for approximately 36 % of the fishes surveyed. The only large pelagic (piscivorous) predator observed was the Cero mackerel, Scomberomorus. regalis. Predators of large benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae). Oportunistic consumers of small epibenthic invertebrates included the assemblage of wrasses and hamlets. Species of commercial value were rare at this reef, but one individual of the Hogfish, Lachnolaimus maximus was present, as well as small groupers, Epinephelus guttatus and Cephalopholis fulva. One Rock Lobster, Panulirus guttatus and one Coral Crab, Carpilus coralinus were recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 44).

TABLE 43. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT LAS CORONAS REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE. MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999 DATE: June 25, 1999 Location (D-GPS): 18° 05.836' N; 067° 17.225' W 1 Depth (m) : 10.0

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4 10.0 10.0 10.0

FISH SPECIES

COMMON NAME

Scarus iserti

Striped parrotfish

Stegastes partitus

Bicolor damselfish

Chromis cyanea Stegastes leucostictus Stegastes planifrons

Yellow eye damselfish

Halichoeres garnoti

Yellowhead wrasse

Sparisoma aurofrenatum

Redband parrotfish

Sparisoma viride

Stoplight parrotfish

Holocentrus rufus

Squirrelfish

5 10.0

(Individuals/30 m2)

MEAN

5.40

4.00

Blue chromis

Beaugregory

3.00

2.20

2.00

1.80

1.20

1.00

Sparisoma radians

Bucktooth parrotfish

Thalassoma bifasciatum

Yellohead wrasse

Chaetodon capistratus

Four eye butterflyfish

Canthigaster rostrata

Caribbean puffer

Gobiosoma evelynae

Sharknose goby

Ocyurus chrysurus

Yellowtail snapper

Stegastes dorsopunicans

Dusky damselfish

Acanthurus bahianus

Ocean surgeon

Acanthurus chirurgus

Doctorfish

Amblycirrhitus pinos

Redspotted hawkfish

Aulostomus maculatus

Trumpetfish

Hypoplectrus chlorurus

Yellowtail hamlet

Hypoplectrus guttavarius

Shy hamlet

1 1

3.80

1.20 1.20

4 1

0.80 0.80

0.60

0.20

0.20 1 1

0.20 0.20

0.20 1

0.20

Hypoplectrus puella

Barred hamlet

0.20

Hypoplectrus sp.

Hamlet

0.20

Hypoplectrus unicolor

Butter hamlet

0.20

Myripristis jacobu

Blackbar soldierfish

0.20

Priacanthus cruentatus

Glasseye

0.20

Pseudupeneus maculatus

Spotted goatfish

Scarus taeniopterus

Princess parrotfish

Scarus vetula

Queen parrotfish

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS

34.80

TOTAL SPECIES

1 1

Outside Transects : Acanthurus coeruleus

Blue tang

Cephalopholis fulva

Coney

Chromis multilineata

Brown chromis

0.20 0.20 0.20

Table 43. Continued Coryphopterus sp.

Goby

Ephinephelus guttatus

Red hind

Gramma loreto

Royal gramma

Haemulon aurolineatum

Tomtate

Halichoeres maculipinna

Clown wrasse

Holacanthus ciliaris

Queen angelfish

Holacanthus tricolor

Rock beauty

Hypoplectrus chlorurus

Yellowtail hamlet

Hypoplectrus nigricans

Black hamlet

Lachnolaimus maximus

Hogfish

Lactophrys triqueter

Smooth trunkfish

Lutjanus synagris

Lane snapper

Pomacanthus ciliaris

French angelfish

Pempheris poeyi

Shortfin sleeper

Pomacanthus arcuatus

Gray angelfish

Scomberomorus regalis

Cero

TABLE 44. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF MOTILE MEGABENTHIC INVERTEBRATES AT LAS CORONAS REEF, TOURMALINE RESERVE. MAYAGUEZ, JUNE, 1999.

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4

MEAN ABUNDANCE

SPECIES

COMMON NAME

(IND/30 m2)

Panulirus guttatus

Rock Lobster

0.2

Carpilius corallinus

Coral Crab

0.2

TOTALS

0.4

4.2.4

Photo Album of Las Coronas Reef

Plate 1. Las Coronas Reef presented most of its coral development on a steep fore-reef slope.

Plate 3. Of the total 24 stony coral species identified, thirteen species were intersected by linear transects for a combined linear cover of 29.3 %.

Plate 2. Panoramic view of the fore-reef slope at Las Coronas, including the section where permanent transects were established.

Plate 4. The Boulder Star Coral, Montastrea annularis exhibited mostly laminar and massive growth. It was the dominant coral species in terms of linear cover with a mean of 12.2 %.

Plate 5. Small encrusting and plate-like coral colonies at Las Coronas fore-reef slope.

Plate 7. A most remarkable feature of Las Coronas Reef was the high degree of substrate heterogeneity, as evidenced by the high amount of substrate transitions.

Plate 6. Soft coral (gorgonian) colonies with a mean of 22 colonies intercepted per transect added substantial structural and taxonomic complexity to the reef community.

Plate 8. A dense algal turf (note surface around rod) was the dominant component of the sessile- benthic community in terms of linear cover with a mean of 46.1 %.

Plate 9. Indigo Hamlet (Hypoplectrus indigo) one of the six species of hamlets identified from Las Coronas Reef.

4.3

Media Luna Reef – Tourmaline Reserve, Mayaguez

4.3.1

Physical Description of Media Luna Reef

Media Luna Reef is a submerged patch reef located on the southern boundary of El Tourmaline Natural Reserve, at about one nautical mile west of Las Coronas Reef and approximately 5.5 nautical miles from the coastline due west off Puerto Real, Cabo Rojo (Figure 10). Media Luna sits in the same hard-ground platform as Las Coronas, with the base of the reef at a depth of 13 meters. The reef comes up to a depth of about 4 meters. The reef is elongated and measures approximately one nautical mile along its northwest – southeast axis. Transects were established on a narrow terrace following the 10 meter depth contour.

4.3.2

Sessile-Benthic Reef Community

A dense algal turf packed with fine sediments was the dominant sessile-benthic component in terms of linear cover at Media Luna Reef with a mean of 75.7 % (range : 73.6 – 78.0 %). The percent cover by sessile-benthic categories from linear transects surveyed at Media Luna Reef are presented in Table 45. Soft corals were undoubtedly the most prominent feature of this reef with a mean occurrence of 52 colonies intersected per transect (range : 47 – 61). Gorgonians have established over a low relief hard-ground platform in very high densities, possibly outcompeting stony corals for available hard ground attachment spaces in the reef. Their attachment structures alone accounted for a mean 2.6 % in horizontal cover over the reef. Erect and encrusting sponges ranked second in linear cover with 10.6 %. Small encrusting sponges TABLE 45. PERCENT LINEAR COVER BY SESSIL-BENTHIC CATEGORIES AT MEDIA LUNA REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE, MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999.

TRANSECTS 3 4

1.82

1.38

1.62

Turf Algae

73.60

78.03

76.94

Sponges

10.41

11.25

Live Coral

10.83

4.61

Gorgonian Bases

2.71

5.36

Reef Overhangs

1.95

Rugosity (m)

MEAN

1.76

1.87

1.69

74.23

75.57

75.7

12.99

8.16

10.45

10.6

6.54

17.17

10.95

10.0

3.18

0.51

1.35

2.6

1.77

0.8

SUBSTRATE CATEGORIES

Zoanthids Ascidians

0.1

0.26

0.05

0.1

0.51

Fleshy Algae Gorgonian Colonies

0.34 0.53

were observed to grow intermixed with the algal turf. Stony corals ranked third in linear cover with a mean of 10.0 % (range (4.6 – 17.2 %). Small encrusting colonies were the prevailing growth type. The colonial zoanthid, Palythoa caribbdea, and a few colonial ascidians were also present in the reef, but represented a small component of the reef sessile-benthic community structure. The mean rugosity was 1.69 meters. Reef benthic community profiles from permanent transects surveyed are shown as Appendices 4.11 – 4.15. A total of 16 scleractinian coral species and one hydrocoral (Millepora alcicornis) were identified during our snapshot survey at Media Luna Reef in Mayaguez Bay. The twelve species intersected by linear transects during our survey are listed in descending order of mean linear cover in Table 46. The Symetrical Brain Coral, Diploria strigosa, and the Great Star Coral, Montastrea cavernosa were the dominant scleractinian coral species with a mean cover of 2.6 and 2.5 %, respectively. These two species were also present in all five transects surveyed (Table 43), mostly as small encrusting colonies. Agaricia agaricites and Porites astreoides also exhibited encrusting growth in between the dense gorgonian structures at Media Luna Reef. TABLE 46. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND LINEAR COVER OF CORAL SPECIES AT MEDIA LUNA REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE. MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999 TRANSECTS 1

MEAN

Diploria strigosa

2.12

2.72

0.73

5.87

1.43

2.57

Montastrea cavernosa

1.19

1.14

1.55

6.04

2.36

2.46

Siderastrea siderea

5.13

0.24

1.45

0.85

1.44

CORAL SPECIES

Meandrina meandrites Dendrogyra cylindrus Porites porites

1.19

0.12

1.21

Agaricia agaricites

0.36

0.25

1.21

Diploria labyrinthiformis Stephanocoenia michilini Porites astreoides

0.73

Mycetophyllia aliciae

2.86

1.03

4.30

0.86 0.50

0.60

0.48

1.79

0.36 0.15 0.14

0.72

Meandrina brasiliensis

1.36

0.37

0.07 0.02

0.12

Outside transects: Acropora cervicornis Colpophyllia natans Dichocoenia stokesii Madracis decactis Manicina areolata Millepora alcicornis Stephanocoenia michilini

4.3.3

Fishes and Motile Megabenthic Invertebrates

A total of 48 species of diurnal, non-criptic fishes were identified at Media Luna Reef, 26 of which were recorded within belt-transect areas (Table 47). The mean number of species per transect 2

was 13 (range : 12 – 15 species/30 m ). The mean density of fishes within belt-transects was 2

43.2 Ind/30 m (range : 33 – 50 Ind/30m ). The mean abundance of six species represented approximately 74 % of the total individuals within belt-transect areas. The Yellowhead Wrasse, Halichoeres garnoti, was the numerically dominat species with a mean abundance of 11.8 2

Ind/30m (range : 7 – 16 Ind/30m ). The Yellowhead Wrasse was present at all transects as small schools or swarms close to the reef benthos. Other species present in all five transects surveyed included the Bicolor Damselfish, the Caribbean Puffer, and the Striped, Bucktooth and Redband parrotfishes (Table 47). Parrotfishes and doctorfishes (Acanthuridae) represented the main herbivorous assemblage, which accounted for approximately 34 % of the fishes surveyed. The zooplanktivorous assemblage included small pelagic species, such as the Blue Chromis, and demersal species, such as the Bicolor Damselfish and juvenile stages of grunts and other reef fishes. The combined zooplantivorous assemblage was estimated to represent approximately 20 % of the fish community present within transect areas. Predators of benthic invertebrates and small fishes included the squirrelfishes (Holocentridae), grunts (Haemulidae), groupers (Serranidae), trumpetfishes (Aulostomidae), lizardfishes (Synodontidae) and snappers (Lutjanidae). The only large pelagic (piscivorous) predator observed was the Cero mackerel, Scomberomorus. regalis. Oportunistic consumers of small epibenthic invertebrates included the assemblage of wrasses and hamlets. Species of commercial value included small groupers, Epinephelus guttatus and Cephalopholis fulva. TABLE 47. TAXONOMIC COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF FISHES AT MEDIA LUNA REEF TOURMALINE RESERVE. MAYAGUEZ. JUNE, 1999 DATE: June 28, 1999 Location (D-GPS): 18° 06.079' N; 067° 18.731' W 1 Depth (m) : 10.0 FISH SPECIES

COMMON NAME

BELT-TRANSECTS 2 3 4 10.0 10.0 10.0

5 10.0

(Individuals/30 m2)

MEAN

Halichoeres garnoti

Yellowhead wrasse

11.80

Stegastes partitus

Bicolor damselfish

6.20

Sparisoma aurofrenatum

Redband parrotfish

5.00

Scarus iserti

Striped parrotfish

4.60

Chromis cyanea

Blue chromis

2.40

2.00

Sparisoma radians

Bucktooth parrotfish

Chaetodon capistratus

Four eye butterflyfish

Acanthurus bahianus

Ocean surgeon

1.60

Canthigaster rostrata

Caribbean puffer

1.60

Sparisoma viride

Stoplight parrotfish

1.80

0.80

Table 47. Continued Stegastes planifrons

Yellow eye damselfish

Acanthurus chirurgus

Doctorfish

Hypoplectrus unicolor

Butter hamlet

Malacoctenus triangulatus

Saddled blenny

Pseudupeneus maculatus

Spotted goatfish

Scarus vetula

Queen parrotfish

1 1

0.40 1

Synodus intermedius

Lizardfish

Aulostomus maculatus

Trumpetfish

Bodianus rufus

Spanish hogfish

Cantherhines pullus

Tail ligth filefish

Epinephelus guttatus

Red hind

Holocentrus rufus

Squirrelfish

Ocyurus chrysurus

Yellowtail snapper

Scarus taeniopterus

Princess parotfish

Serranus tigrinus

Harlequin bass

Stegastes leucostictus

Beaugregory

0.40 0.40

1 1

0.60

0.40 0.40

0.40

0.20 1

0.20

0.20 1

0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 0.20 1

0.20

TOTAL INDIVIDUALS

43.20

TOTAL SPECIES

Outside Transects : Dasyatis americana

Southern stingray

Anisotremus surinamensis

Black margate

Acanthurus coeruleus

Blue tang

Balistes vetula

Queen triggerfish

Cephalopolis fulva

Coney

Chaetodon ocellatus

Spotfin butterflyfish

Chaetodon striatus

Banded butterflyfish

Gobiosoma elvelynae

Sharknose goby

Gramma loreto

Royal gramma

Haemulon aurolineatum

Tomtate

Haemulon flavolineatum

French grunt

Haemulon sciurus

Bluestripped grunt

Hemiramphus ballyhoo

Ballyhoo

Holacanthus ciliaris

Queen angelfish

Hypoplectrus puella

Barred hamlet

Lactophrys bicaudalis

Spotted trunkfish

Lactophrys triqueter

Smooth trunkfish

Lutjanus apodus

Schoolmaster

Lutjanus synagris

Lane snapper

Microspathodon chrysurus

Yellowtail damselfish

Thalassoma bifasciatum

Yellowhead wrasse

Tylosurus crocodrilus

Houndfish

100

4.3.4

Photo Album of Media Luna Reef

Plate 1. Base of Media Luna Reef at a depth of 13 meters. Note growth of soft and stony corals on the walls.

Plates 2 – 3. Panoramic views of the forereef slope at Media Luna Reef.

Plate 2

Plate 4. Stony corals ranked third in terms of linear cover with a mean of only 10.6 %. A massive colony of Pillar Coral, Dendrogyra cilindrus grows surrounded by soft corals.

101

Plate 5. Small encrusting coral colonies (e.g. Montastrea cavernosa, Porites astreoides) prevailed among the stony coral assemblage that included a total of 16 scleractinians and one hydrocoral species.

Plate 7. Sponges ranked second (after algal turf )in terms of linear cover at Media Luna Reef. Erect sponges were common, but small encrusting sponges intermixed in the algal turf accounted for most of the linear cover.

Plate 6. Soft corals (gorgonians) were the most prominent feature of Media Luna Reef with a mean of 52 colonies intersected per transect. This is one of the highest densities of soft corals that we have measured from puertorrican reefs

Plate 8. Gorgonians provide an important protective habitat for juveniles of commercially important species, such as this Yellowtail Snapper (Ocyurus chrysurus).

102

Plate 9. Nurse Shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) on its way to enter the soft coral forest at Media Luna Reef.

103

Literature Cited Acevedo, R. and J. Morelock. 1988. Effects of terrigenous sediment influx on coral reef th zonation in southwest Puerto Rico. Proc. 6 Int. Coral Reef Symp., Australia, 1988. Vol.2:189-194. Bouchon, C. 1981. Quantitative study of the scleractinian coral communities of a fringing reef of Reunion Island (Indian Ocean). Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 4: 273-288 Canals, M., G. Pérez y E. Rodríguez. 1980 a. El Arrecife coralino de Caja de Muertos. Departamento de Recursos Naturales, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Canals, M., H. Ferrer y J. González. 1980 b. El Arrecife coralino de Cayo Berbería. Departamento de Recursos Naturales, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Cardona-Bonet, W. A. 1985. Islotes de Borinquen: Notas para su Historia. Oficina Estatal de Preservación Histórica. San Juan, Puerto Rico. p. 6 – 12. CARICOMP. 1994. Caribbean Coastal Marine Productivity. Manual de métodos sobre mapeo y monitoreo de parámetros físicos y biológicos en la zona costera del Caribe, Bacon, P. (Editor). Documento preliminar para uso de la red de aboratorios participantes en el proyecto CARICOMP. CARICOMP 1996. Caribbean coastal marine productivity: a research and monitoring network of marine laboratories, parks and reserves. 8th International Coral Reef Symposium, ATLAPA Conference Center, Panama; June, 1996 García-Sais, J. R., J. Morelock, R. Castro, C. Goenaga and E. Hernández. (in press). Puertorrican Reefs: Research synthesis, present threats and management perspectives. In: J. Cortéz (Ed.) Latin American Reefs. Elsevier Publishers, Inc. (in press). Fowler, A. J. 1987. The development of sampling strategies for population studies of coral reef fishes. A case study. Coral Reefs 6 : 49-58. Goenaga, C. and G. Cintrón. 1979. Inventory of the Puerto Rican Coral Reefs. Department of Natural Resources, San Juan, P.R. Report. 190 pp. Goenaga, C., V. Mestey, V. Vicente, J. Berríos, J.Caballero, O. Dávila, D.Delgado, I. Díaz, M. Rivera y V. Quevedo. 1990. Suplemento técnico para el plan de manejo de la Reserva Natural La Cordillera de Fajardo. Informe Final, Departamento de Recursos Naturales, San Juan, Puerto Rico.273 pp. Marsh, L. M., R. H. Bradbury, and R. E. Reichelt. 1984. Determination of the physical parameters of coral distributions using line transect data. Coral Reefs, 2 : 175-180 Ohlhorst, S. L., W. D. Liddell, R. J. Taylor, and J. M. Taylor. 1988. Evaluation of reef census techniques. Proceedings of the 6th International Coral Reef Symposium, Australia, Vol. 2 : 319-324. UNESCO 1978. Coral Reefs : research methods. D. R. Stoddart and R. E. Johannes (eds.). UNESCO; Page Brothers, Ltd., Paris. Veron, J. 2000. Corals of the World. Australian Institute of Marine Science. Australia. Vol I-III Villamil, J., M. Canals, S. Silander, M. del Llano, R. Martínez, A. García, A. Molinares, J. González, E. Questell y M. Pérez. Suplemento técnico para el plan de manejo de la Reserva Natural de Caja de Muertos. Informe Final, Departamento de Recursos Naturales, San Juan, Puerto Rico.246 pp.

104

Appendix A. Taxonomic codes used to identify substrate types in the field during reef community surveys CODE

SUBSTRATE TYPE

DESCRIPTION

BRA COR

Branching coral

Stony forms with delicate or heavy branches

MAS COR

Massive coral

Stony forms with spherical or cone shapes

ENC COR

Encrusting coral

Stony forms of low vertical relief that follow bottom relief

FOL COR

Foliaceous coral

Stony forms with laminar growth

MILLE

Fire coral

Calcareous hydrozoans

GORG

Gorgonians

Erect gorgonians

ENC GOR

Gorgonians

Encrusting gorgonians

ZOAN

Anemones/Zoanthids

Encrusting or erect without calcareous exoskeleton

ERE SPO

Erect sponge

Forms of low basal area relative to colony size

ENC SPO

Encrusting sponge

Forms of high basal area relative to colony size

TURF ALG

Algal turf

Algal assemblages forming low relief mats over the bottom

FLE ALG

Fleshy algae

Macroalgae of fleshy texture vertically in water column

CAL ALG

Calcareous algae

Algae of highly calcified structure

ASCI

Ascidians

Solitary and/or colonial tunicates

SAND

Sand

Sandy substrate

SILT

Silt

Silty substrate

RUBBLE

Coral rubble

Dead coral rubble

HOLE

Holes, crevices

Depressions on reef structure

Reef overhang

Vertical projections of the reef structure

105

projecting

APPENDIX 1.1 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, NORTH OF PALOMINO ISLAND. JULY 7, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.333' N; 065° 34.267' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 4.30 m TRANSITION SUBSTRATE CODE 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR ZOAN RO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG RO ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR FOL COR MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ERE SPO RO ENC COR RO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR

TAXA

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Palythoa caribaeorum reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Agaricia agaricites Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Leptoseris cucullata mixed assemblage Dichocoenia stokesii mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage erect sponge reef overhang Porites astreoides reef overhang mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Mycetophyllia lamarckiana

9 11 9 9 11 8 2 27 4 50 7 14 2 6 2 5 13 13 54 6 71 10 32 12 15 9 10 2 5 7 5 20 3 15 7 11 2 8

0.13 0.16 0.13 0.13 0.16 0.11 0.03 0.38 0.06 0.71 0.10 0.20 0.03 0.08 0.03 0.07 0.18 0.18 0.76 0.08 1.00 0.14 0.45 0.17 0.21 0.13 0.14 0.03 0.07 0.10 0.07 0.28 0.04 0.21 0.10 0.16 0.03 0.11

106

APPENDIX 1.1 Continued 38 TURF ALG 39 BRA COR 40 TURF ALG 41 BRA COR 42 TURF ALG 43 RO 44 ENC GOR 45 TURF ALG 46 ENC COR 47 TURF ALG 48 RO 49 TURF ALG 50 BRA COR 51 FOL COR 52 FOL COR 53 TURF ALG 54 FOL COR 55 BRA COR 56 TURF ALG 57 FOL COR 58 RO 59 MAS COR 60 TURF ALG 61 FOL COR 62 TURF ALG 63 RO 64 FOL COR 65 TURF ALG 66 GORG 67 TURF ALG 68 BRA COR 69 RO 70 TURF ALG 71 MAS COR 72 TURF ALG 73 RO 74 FOL COR 75 TURF ALG 76 FOL COR 77 RO 78 FOL COR 79 FOL COR 80 TURF ALG 81 ERE SPO 82 TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites porites Leptoseris cucullata Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Porites porites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Porites porites reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites reef overhang Agaricia agaricites Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage

107

5 5 40 10 32 4 7 1 9 6 20 10 5 3 6 3 1 4 19 8 7 13 5 7 31 5 7 33 2 8 12 6 2 22 20 7 17 7 3 12 3 7 5 7 62

0.07 0.07 0.56 0.14 0.45 0.06 0.10 0.01 0.13 0.08 0.28 0.14 0.07 0.04 0.08 0.04 0.01 0.06 0.27 0.11 0.10 0.18 0.07 0.10 0.44 0.07 0.10 0.47 0.03 0.11 0.17 0.08 0.03 0.31 0.28 0.10 0.24 0.10 0.04 0.17 0.04 0.10 0.07 0.10 0.87

APPENDIX 1.2 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, NORTH OF PALOMINO ISLAND. JULY 7, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.333' N; 065° 34.267' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 4.38 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MILLE TURF ALG GORG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC GOR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MILLE TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR RO TURF ALG RO

TAXA

Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage gorgonian base Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Millepora complanata mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites porites reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang

108

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

10 6 5 20 15 4 5 3 37 10 20 4 9 3 6 15 7 22 16 10 8 6 8 6 16 10 17 3 10 10 37 9 4 52 8 9 35 12

0.14 0.08 0.07 0.28 0.21 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.52 0.14 0.28 0.06 0.13 0.04 0.08 0.21 0.10 0.31 0.23 0.14 0.11 0.08 0.11 0.08 0.23 0.14 0.24 0.04 0.14 0.14 0.52 0.13 0.06 0.73 0.11 0.13 0.49 0.17

APPENDIX 1.2 Continued 38 MAS COR 39 TURF ALG 40 MAS COR 41 TURF ALG 42 FOL COR 43 ERE SPO 44 TURF ALG 45 BRA COR 46 TURF ALG 47 ENC GOR 48 TURF ALG 49 BRA COR 50 TURF ALG 51 FOL COR 52 TURF ALG 53 FOL COR 54 TURF ALG 55 FOL COR 56 TURF ALG 57 RO 58 TURF ALG 59 ENC COR 60 TURF ALG 61 RO 62 TURF ALG 63 FOL COR 64 RO 65 MAS COR 66 RO 67 TURF ALG 68 MAS COR 69 MAS COR 70 TURF ALG 71 BRA COR 72 MAS COR 73 TURF ALG 74 FOL COR 75 TURF ALG 76 BRA COR 77 TURF ALG

Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Porites porites Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage

109

8 3 6 7 7 5 3 8 3 3 14 6 13 11 5 4 24 2 3 6 9 3 30 10 30 22 20 77 6 32 16 2 6 10 17 4 5 55 12 26

0.11 0.04 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.07 0.04 0.11 0.04 0.04 0.20 0.08 0.18 0.16 0.07 0.06 0.34 0.03 0.04 0.08 0.13 0.04 0.42 0.14 0.42 0.31 0.28 1.09 0.08 0.45 0.23 0.03 0.08 0.14 0.24 0.06 0.07 0.78 0.17 0.37

APPENDIX 1.3 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, NORTH OF PALOMINO ISLAND. JULY 7, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.333' N; 065° 34.267' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 5.93 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

TURF ALG ENC COR MILLE TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC COR MILLE TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO FOL COR RO MAS COR RO MILLE TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO FOL COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG GORG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Millepora squarrosa mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Millepora squarrosa mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea reef overhang Agaricia sp. reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang Millepora squarrosa mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage gorgonian base

110

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 10 6 5 5 19 34 10 8 2 14 4 4 23 9 3 5 6 13 16 8 11 5 19 4 5 20 6 18 16 5 16 16 4 3 8 2

0.14 0.08 0.07 0.07 0.27 0.48 0.14 0.11 0.03 0.20 0.06 0.06 0.32 0.13 0.04 0.07 0.08 0.18 0.23 0.11 0.16 0.07 0.27 0.06 0.07 0.28 0.08 0.25 0.23 0.07 0.23 0.23 0.06 0.04 0.11 0.03

APPENDIX 1.3 Continued 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81

TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR RO ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO FOL COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR RO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC GOR

mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites porites reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Leptoseris cucullata mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Madracis decactis mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Siderastrea radians mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum

111

6 6 16 13 9 3 6 4 20 9 13 4 4 6 18 8 7 6 11 10 3 9 6 11 19 4 6 25 3 24 3 10 13 32 4 23 16 10 11 10 10 3 25 9 43 7

0.08 0.08 0.23 0.18 0.13 0.04 0.08 0.06 0.28 0.13 0.18 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.25 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.16 0.14 0.04 0.13 0.08 0.16 0.27 0.06 0.08 0.35 0.04 0.34 0.04 0.14 0.18 0.45 0.06 0.32 0.23 0.14 0.16 0.14 0.14 0.04 0.35 0.13 0.61 0.10

APPENDIX 1.3 Continued 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99

RO TURF ALG RO FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG RO FOL COR TURF ALG RO ENC SPO MAS COR RO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC COR

reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Eusmilia fastigiata mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang encrusting sponge Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides

112

5 24 21 5 40 3 11 4 6 20 21 14 9 36 8 3 13 7

0.07 0.34 0.30 0.07 0.56 0.04 0.16 0.06 0.08 0.28 0.30 0.20 0.13 0.51 0.11 0.04 0.18 0.10

APPENDIX 1.4 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, NORTH OF PALOMINO ISLAND. JULY 7, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.333' N; 065° 34.267' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 6.00 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG RO MAS COR RO TURF ALG ENC COR HOLE MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO ENC GOR FLE ALG BRA COR FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR FOL COR RO

TAXA

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides hole Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Briareum asbestinum Dictyota sp. Porites porites Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites porites Agaricia sp. reef overhang

113

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

3 19 10 30 10 33 20 10 7 3 10 10 3 12 6 4 4 40 4 24 3 12 45 8 12 21 7 3 35 6 65 4 16 8 10 5 36 10

0.04 0.27 0.14 0.42 0.14 0.47 0.28 0.14 0.10 0.04 0.14 0.14 0.04 0.17 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.56 0.06 0.34 0.04 0.17 0.63 0.11 0.17 0.30 0.10 0.04 0.49 0.08 0.92 0.06 0.23 0.11 0.14 0.07 0.51 0.14

APPENDIX 1.4 Continued 38 TURF ALG 39 ENC COR 40 TURF ALG 41 BRA COR 42 TURF ALG 43 FOL COR 44 HOLE 45 MAS COR 46 TURF ALG 47 MAS COR 48 TURF ALG 49 RO 50 TURF ALG 51 ENC SPO 52 TURF ALG 53 FOL COR 54 TURF ALG 55 FOL COR 56 TURF ALG 57 ENC COR 58 TURF ALG 59 FOL COR 60 RO 61 TURF ALG 62 FOL COR 63 MILLE 64 FOL COR 65 TURF ALG 66 MAS COR 67 TURF ALG 68 MAS COR 69 TURF ALG 70 ERE SPO 71 MAS COR

mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Leptoseris cucullata hole Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Leptoseris cucullata mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Millepora complanata Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage erect sponge Montastrea annularis

114

30 14 5 5 21 6 10 22 6 3 230 30 6 3 24 6 20 7 2 3 3 7 3 3 13 2 7 8 6 7 21 8 6 20

0.42 0.20 0.07 0.07 0.30 0.08 0.14 0.31 0.08 0.04 3.24 0.42 0.08 0.04 0.34 0.08 0.28 0.10 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.10 0.04 0.04 0.18 0.03 0.10 0.11 0.08 0.10 0.30 0.11 0.08 0.28

APPENDIX 1.5 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, NORTH OF PALOMINO ISLAND. JULY 7, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.333' N; 065° 34.267' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 4.59 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG FOL COR RO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO FLE ALG RO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO ERE SPO TURF ALG MILLE TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FLE ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang Dictyota sp. reef overhang mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge erect sponge mixed assemblage Millepora squarrosa mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Dictyota sp.

115

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

3 3 16 4 14 12 19 19 18 10 43 13 33 9 5 14 7 12 4 8 21 5 9 12 1 18 10 1 44 3 33 3 7 7 48 29 10 5

0.04 0.04 0.23 0.06 0.20 0.17 0.27 0.27 0.25 0.14 0.61 0.18 0.47 0.13 0.07 0.20 0.10 0.17 0.06 0.11 0.30 0.07 0.13 0.17 0.01 0.25 0.14 0.01 0.62 0.04 0.47 0.04 0.10 0.10 0.68 0.41 0.14 0.07

APPENDIX 1.5 Continued 38 TURF ALG 39 GORG 40 RO 41 TURF ALG 42 ENC COR 43 TURF ALG 44 ENC COR 45 TURF ALG 46 ENC COR 47 RO 48 TURF ALG 49 ENC COR 50 TURF ALG 51 RO 52 TURF ALG 53 RO 54 FOL COR 55 TURF ALG 56 BRA COR 57 TURF ALG 58 FOL COR 59 TURF ALG 60 FOL COR 61 TURF ALG 62 FLE ALG 63 TURF ALG 64 BRA COR 65 TURF ALG 66 RO 67 FOL COR 68 RO 69 ERE SPO 70 FLE ALG 71 RO 72 FOL COR 73 FLE ALG 74 TURF ALG 75 ENC COR 76 TURF ALG 77 FLE ALG 78 ENC COR 79 TURF ALG 80 MAS COR 81 RO 82 TURF ALG 83 MILLE 84 TURF ALG

mixed assemblage gorgonian base reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. reef overhang erect sponge Dictyota sp. reef overhang Agaricia sp. Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Siderastreasiderea reef overhang mixed assemblage Millepora squarrosa mixed assemblage

116

19 2 10 10 4 4 3 2 7 10 6 7 6 6 7 6 13 14 14 13 2 2 3 22 7 6 4 4 10 7 4 10 8 11 8 11 4 8 50 8 8 2 50 12 33 3 20

0.27 0.03 0.14 0.14 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.03 0.10 0.14 0.08 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.10 0.08 0.18 0.20 0.20 0.18 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.31 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.14 0.10 0.06 0.14 0.11 0.16 0.11 0.16 0.06 0.11 0.71 0.11 0.11 0.03 0.71 0.17 0.47 0.04 0.28

APPENDIX 1.5 Continued 85 ENC COR 86 TURF ALG

Porites astreoides mixed assemblage

117

9 14

0.13 0.20

APPENDIX 1.6 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, SOUTHEAST OF PALOMINITO ISLAND. JULY 8,1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°20.142' N; 065° 33.944' W DEPTH : 10.6 - 7.6 M RUGOSITY : 2.42 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG ENC COR ENC SPO TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR RO FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides encrusting sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

118

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 8 2 5 13 5 28 8 34 6 23 10 24 27 5 15 4 4 3 25 40 17 4 16 50 16 12 13 5 5 108 11 6 14 30 14 12 46 4

0.11 0.03 0.07 0.18 0.07 0.39 0.11 0.48 0.08 0.32 0.14 0.34 0.38 0.07 0.21 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.35 0.56 0.24 0.06 0.23 0.71 0.23 0.17 0.18 0.07 0.07 1.52 0.16 0.08 0.20 0.42 0.20 0.17 0.65 0.06

APPENDIX 1.6 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58

MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG RO ENC COR ASCI ENC SPO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MILLE TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites astreoides unident. colonial ascidian encrusting sponge mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

119

6 19 2 22 6 10 4 7 4 5 3 1 10 2 5 2 23 8 23 2 45

0.08 0.27 0.03 0.31 0.08 0.14 0.06 0.10 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.01 0.14 0.03 0.07 0.03 0.32 0.11 0.32 0.03 0.63

APPENDIX 1.7 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, SOUTHEAST OF PALOMINITO ISLAND. JULY 8,1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°20.142' N; 065° 33.944' W DEPTH : 10.6 - 7.6 M RUGOSITY : 4.51 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

RUBBLE ENC GOR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ERE SPO CAL ALG FOL COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC COR TURF ALG CAL ALG RO MAS COR RO CAL ALG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR RO FOL COR TURF ALG RO

TAXA

Porites rubble Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage erect sponge Halimeda sp. Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. reef overhang Colpophyllia natans reef overhang Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang

120

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

92 7 60 3 81 4 4 6 10 8 17 12 21 5 3 6 84 7 26 10 4 12 42 4 4 28 5 16 53 4 53 4 4 6 5 4 5 30

1.30 0.10 0.85 0.04 1.14 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.14 0.11 0.24 0.17 0.30 0.07 0.04 0.08 1.18 0.10 0.37 0.14 0.06 0.17 0.59 0.06 0.06 0.39 0.07 0.23 0.75 0.06 0.75 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.42

APPENDIX 1.7 Continued 38 TURF ALG 39 ENC GOR 40 TURF ALG 41 ENC GOR 42 TURF ALG 43 ENC GOR 44 TURF ALG 45 FOL COR 46 RO 47 TURF ALG 48 RO 49 TURF ALG 50 FOL COR 51 RO 52 TURF ALG 53 RO 54 TURF ALG 55 CAL ALG 56 TURF ALG 57 MAS COR 58 MAS COR 59 TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

121

79 2 12 6 12 5 7 3 5 2 16 22 5 4 5 7 12 4 7 47 13 5

1.11 0.03 0.17 0.08 0.17 0.07 0.10 0.04 0.07 0.03 0.23 0.31 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.10 0.17 0.06 0.10 0.66 0.18 0.07

APPENDIX 1.8 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, SOUTHEAST OF PALOMINITO ISLAND. JULY 8,1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°20.142' N; 065° 33.944' W DEPTH : 10.6 - 7.6 M RUGOSITY : 3.14 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR RO GORG RO RUBBLE FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR RO ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR GORG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR

TAXA

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang gorgonian base reef overhang Porites rubble Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia ferox gorgonian base Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

122

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

45 8 6 14 30 2 13 33 3 5 6 7 4 5 6 13 9 40 19 6 23 9 12 9 28 12 2 4 2 12 3 7 2 58 2 9 12 54

0.63 0.11 0.08 0.20 0.42 0.03 0.18 0.47 0.04 0.07 0.08 0.10 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.18 0.13 0.56 0.27 0.08 0.32 0.13 0.17 0.13 0.39 0.17 0.03 0.06 0.03 0.17 0.04 0.10 0.03 0.82 0.03 0.13 0.17 0.76

APPENDIX 1.8 Continued 38 RO 39 FOL COR 40 TURF ALG 41 RO 42 MAS COR 43 TURF ALG 44 FOL COR 45 TURF ALG 46 MAS COR 47 RO 48 TURF ALG 49 GORG 50 TURF ALG 51 RO 52 ENC SPO 53 TURF ALG 54 MAS COR 55 TURF ALG 56 RUBBLE 57 TURF ALG 58 MAS COR 59 TURF ALG 60 ENC COR 61 RUBBLE 62 TURF ALG 63 FOL COR 64 TURF ALG 65 RO 66 TURF ALG 67 FOL COR 68 RO 69 TURF ALG 70 FOL COR 71 TURF ALG 72 RO 73 CAL ALG

reef overhang Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage reef overhang encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites rubble mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Porites rubble mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang Halimeda sp.

123

6 5 4 5 10 3 4 7 4 5 16 5 10 5 15 4 43 25 10 29 3 11 4 25 40 5 5 10 19 3 10 5 2 6 25 10

0.08 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.14 0.04 0.06 0.10 0.06 0.07 0.23 0.07 0.14 0.07 0.21 0.06 0.61 0.35 0.14 0.41 0.04 0.16 0.06 0.35 0.56 0.07 0.07 0.14 0.27 0.04 0.14 0.07 0.03 0.08 0.35 0.14

APPENDIX 1.9 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, SOUTHEAST OF PALOMINITO ISLAND. JULY 8,1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°20.142' N; 065° 33.944' W DEPTH : 10.6 - 7.6 M RUGOSITY : 3.71 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG FOL COR BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

124

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

4 18 3 36 3 4 3 10 72 3 4 38 13 14 8 19 12 8 66 9 14 7 11 9 5 6 9 2 8 30 27 3 15 23 6 4 22 10

0.06 0.25 0.04 0.51 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.14 1.02 0.04 0.06 0.54 0.18 0.20 0.11 0.27 0.17 0.11 0.93 0.13 0.20 0.10 0.16 0.13 0.07 0.08 0.13 0.03 0.11 0.42 0.38 0.04 0.21 0.32 0.08 0.06 0.31 0.14

APPENDIX 1.9 Continued 38 FOL COR 39 TURF ALG 40 MAS COR 41 TURF ALG 42 ERE SPO 43 TURF ALG 44 FOL COR 45 ENC GOR 46 MAS COR 47 TURF ALG 48 FOL COR 49 TURF ALG 50 MAS COR 51 TURF ALG 52 FOL COR 53 MAS COR 54 TURF ALG 55 MAS COR 56 TURF ALG 57 MAS COR

Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Erythropodium caribaeorum Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

125

4 34 43 67 4 10 7 8 12 8 21 30 43 40 3 18 18 6 4 34

0.06 0.48 0.61 0.94 0.06 0.14 0.10 0.11 0.17 0.11 0.30 0.42 0.61 0.56 0.04 0.25 0.25 0.08 0.06 0.48

APPENDIX 1.10 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, SOUTHEAST OF PALOMINITO ISLAND. JULY 8,1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°20.142' N; 065° 33.944' W DEPTH : 10.6 - 7.6 M RUGOSITY : 2.31 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR CAL ALG TURF ALG MAS COR ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum Amphiroa sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites porites Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage

126

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

4 2 4 53 108 33 2 4 40 30 20 28 10 5 6 19 48 13 8 8 13 3 3 20 18 6 15 16 5 27 4 33 7 18 10 20 31 3

0.06 0.03 0.06 0.75 1.52 0.47 0.03 0.06 0.56 0.42 0.28 0.39 0.14 0.07 0.08 0.27 0.68 0.18 0.11 0.11 0.18 0.04 0.04 0.28 0.25 0.08 0.21 0.23 0.07 0.38 0.06 0.47 0.10 0.25 0.14 0.28 0.44 0.04

APPENDIX 1.10 Continued 38 FOL COR 39 MAS COR 40 TURF ALG 41 ENC GOR 42 TURF ALG 43 MAS COR 44 TURF ALG

Agaricia agaricites Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis mixed assemblage

127

4 46 5 24 4 23 70

0.06 0.65 0.07 0.34 0.06 0.32 0.99

APPENDIX 1.11 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, SOUTHWEST OF CAYO DIABLO. JULY 9, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.602' N; 065° 31.942' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 3.87 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR GORG MAS COR MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG

TAXA

Colpophyllia natans Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites gorgonian base Diploria labyrinthiformis Montastrea annularis Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage

128

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

17 31 64 7 3 7 5 8 12 7 46 6 4 5 4 60 5 3 32 4 3 3 17 24 9 24 21 11 12 45 5 3 15 7 12 54 9 3

0.24 0.44 0.90 0.10 0.04 0.10 0.07 0.11 0.17 0.10 0.65 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.85 0.07 0.04 0.45 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.24 0.34 0.13 0.34 0.30 0.16 0.17 0.63 0.07 0.04 0.21 0.10 0.17 0.76 0.13 0.04

APPENDIX 1.11 Continued 38 FOL COR 39 FOL COR 40 TURF ALG 41 MAS COR 42 TURF ALG 43 ZOAN 44 TURF ALG 45 RO 46 FOL COR 47 TURF ALG 48 RO 49 MAS COR 50 TURF ALG 51 MAS COR 52 TURF ALG 53 FOL COR 54 TURF ALG 55 FOL COR 56 TURF ALG 57 RO 58 MAS COR 59 TURF ALG 60 MAS COR 61 TURF ALG 62 ENC COR 63 TURF ALG

Agaricia sp. Leptoseris cucullata mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage unident. coral mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage

129

7 5 8 5 7 4 6 30 9 76 12 8 24 3 3 2 21 12 10 5 11 10 11 67 7 14

0.10 0.07 0.11 0.07 0.10 0.06 0.08 0.42 0.13 1.07 0.17 0.11 0.34 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.30 0.17 0.14 0.07 0.16 0.14 0.16 0.94 0.10 0.20

APPENDIX 1.12 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, SOUTHWEST OF CAYO DIABLO. JULY 9, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.602' N; 065° 31.942' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 4.28 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR GORG TURF ALG BRA COR RO RUBBLE ENC SPO ERE SPO RO SAND RO BRA COR TURF ALG RO ENC GOR RO MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR SAND RO ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG SAND TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum gorgonian base mixed assemblage Porites porites reef overhang Porites rubble encrusting sponge erect sponge reef overhang sand reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa sand reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage sand mixed assemblage

130

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

9 7 23 19 3 39 8 1 14 4 8 44 3 2 6 82 13 6 3 4 2 10 10 13 8 9 8 2 11 18 12 10 2 4 6 20 6 8

0.13 0.10 0.32 0.27 0.04 0.55 0.11 0.01 0.20 0.06 0.11 0.62 0.04 0.03 0.08 1.16 0.18 0.08 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.14 0.14 0.18 0.11 0.13 0.11 0.03 0.16 0.25 0.17 0.14 0.03 0.06 0.08 0.28 0.08 0.11

APPENDIX 1.12 Continued 38 MAS COR 39 TURF ALG 40 MAS COR 41 TURF ALG 42 RO 43 MAS COR 44 MAS COR 45 RO 46 TURF ALG 47 ENC GOR 48 FOL COR 49 ERE SPO 50 ENC GOR 51 FOL COR 52 ENC GOR 53 TURF ALG 54 RO 55 TURF ALG 56 ENC GOR 57 TURF ALG 58 FOL COR 59 GORG 60 FOL COR 61 TURF ALG 62 RO 63 MAS COR 64 RO 65 FOL COR 66 TURF ALG 67 ERE SPO 68 TURF ALG 69 FOL COR 70 TURF ALG 71 ENC GOR 72 RO 73 TURF ALG 74 RO 75 TURF ALG 76 RO 77 TURF ALG 78 ENC GOR 79 ENC SPO 80 ENC GOR 81 MAS COR 82 RO 83 FOL COR 84 TURF ALG

Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Leptoseris cucullata erect sponge Briareum asbestinum Agaricia sp. Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. gorgonian base Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum encrusting sponge Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage

131

5 7 17 4 18 10 24 4 21 4 4 1 6 7 8 8 2 10 6 4 4 2 3 5 6 3 4 6 6 3 8 9 11 4 4 6 12 50 8 4 4 4 4 9 3 10 5

0.07 0.10 0.24 0.06 0.25 0.14 0.34 0.06 0.30 0.06 0.06 0.01 0.08 0.10 0.11 0.11 0.03 0.14 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.03 0.04 0.07 0.08 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.11 0.13 0.16 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.17 0.71 0.11 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.13 0.04 0.14 0.07

APPENDIX 1.12 Continued 85 FOL COR 86 ZOAN 87 MAS COR 88 ZOAN 89 TURF ALG 90 MAS COR 91 TURF ALG 92 MAS COR 93 RO 94 MAS COR 95 TURF ALG 96 MAS COR 97 TURF ALG 98 ENC GOR 99 ERE SPO 100 RO 101 MAS COR

Agaricia sp. Palythoa caribaeorum Montastrea annularis Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum erect sponge reef overhang Montastrea annularis

132

5 3 4 7 6 28 3 6 6 40 2 36 4 3 2 6 28

0.07 0.04 0.06 0.10 0.08 0.39 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.56 0.03 0.51 0.06 0.04 0.03 0.08 0.39

APPENDIX 1.13 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, SOUTHWEST OF CAYO DIABLO. JULY 9, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.602' N; 065° 31.942' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 3.89 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR ERE SPO MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR BRA COR TURF ALG ENC GOR SAND TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR SAND MAS COR TURF ALG SAND MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO ENC COR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis erect sponge Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum Porites porites mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum sand mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa sand Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage sand Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites astreoides Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage

133

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

18 6 13 7 4 9 11 4 21 3 12 10 6 89 4 30 4 12 3 7 12 15 122 26 7 25 12 37 18 10 10 25 12 10 8 20 4 4

0.25 0.08 0.18 0.10 0.06 0.13 0.16 0.06 0.30 0.04 0.17 0.14 0.08 1.25 0.06 0.42 0.06 0.17 0.04 0.10 0.17 0.21 1.72 0.37 0.10 0.35 0.17 0.52 0.25 0.14 0.14 0.35 0.17 0.14 0.11 0.28 0.06 0.06

APPENDIX 1.13 Continued 38 FOL COR 39 TURF ALG 40 MAS COR 41 TURF ALG 42 MAS COR 43 TURF ALG 44 MAS COR 45 TURF ALG 46 ENC COR 47 TURF ALG 48 RO 49 MAS COR 50 TURF ALG 51 MAS COR

Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

134

14 10 5 3 44 4 10 30 6 35 30 30 21 93

0.20 0.14 0.07 0.04 0.62 0.06 0.14 0.42 0.08 0.49 0.42 0.42 0.30 1.31

APPENDIX 1.14 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, SOUTHWEST OF CAYO DIABLO. JULY 9, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.602' N; 065° 31.942' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 4.55 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO FOL COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO SAND RO MAS COR RO MAS COR RO MAS COR RO FOL COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR

TAXA

mixed assemblage Dendregyra cylindrus mixed assemblage Dendregyra cylindrus mixed assemblage Dendregyra cylindrus reef overhang Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Dendregyra cylindrus mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang sand reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

135

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

36 5 8 6 13 50 15 3 10 10 14 3 9 3 3 7 12 6 108 3 62 30 23 7 17 3 11 6 5 6 11 10 10 18 5 10 3 5

0.51 0.07 0.11 0.08 0.18 0.71 0.21 0.04 0.14 0.14 0.20 0.04 0.13 0.04 0.04 0.10 0.17 0.08 1.52 0.04 0.87 0.42 0.32 0.10 0.24 0.04 0.16 0.08 0.07 0.08 0.16 0.14 0.14 0.25 0.07 0.14 0.04 0.07

APPENDIX 1.14 Continued 38 TURF ALG 39 ENC SPO 40 TURF ALG 41 FOL COR 42 FOL COR 43 TURF ALG 44 MAS COR 45 TURF ALG 46 BRA COR 47 FOL COR 48 BRA COR 49 TURF ALG 50 FOL COR 51 ENC GOR 52 TURF ALG 53 BRA COR 54 BRA COR 55 TURF ALG 56 ZOAN 57 TURF ALG 58 RO 59 ENC SPO 60 TURF ALG 61 RO 62 TURF ALG 63 RO 64 TURF ALG 65 RO 66 SAND 67 RO 68 MAS COR 69 TURF ALG 70 ENC GOR 71 GORG 72 FOL COR 73 TURF ALG 74 FOL COR 75 TURF ALG 76 ENC GOR 77 RO 78 c 79 MAS COR 80 RO 81 MAS COR 82 RO 83 ENC GOR 84 TURF ALG

mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Leptoseris cucullata Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites porites Agaricia sp. Porites porites mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites porites Madracis decactis mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage reef overhang encrusting sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang sand reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum gorgonian base Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage

136

5 4 10 5 4 8 19 6 12 3 9 3 4 2 15 5 5 2 4 37 7 3 34 5 4 3 10 12 17 19 10 15 7 4 6 5 2 13 11 10 8 27 2 4 6 9 20

0.07 0.06 0.14 0.07 0.06 0.11 0.27 0.08 0.17 0.04 0.13 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.21 0.07 0.07 0.03 0.06 0.52 0.10 0.04 0.48 0.07 0.06 0.04 0.14 0.17 0.24 0.27 0.14 0.21 0.10 0.06 0.08 0.07 0.03 0.18 0.16 0.14 0.11 0.38 0.03 0.06 0.08 0.13 0.28

APPENDIX 1.14 Continued 85 FOL COR 86 TURF ALG 87 MAS COR 88 TURF ALG

Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage

137

3 20 3 5

0.04 0.28 0.04 0.07

APPENDIX 1.15 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, SOUTHWEST OF CAYO DIABLO. JULY 9, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18°21.602' N; 065° 31.942' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 5.61 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ENC SPO RO MAS COR ENC COR TURF ALG RO BRA COR RO TURF ALG RO FOL COR GORG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR RO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR BRA COR TURF ALG

TAXA

Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage encrusting sponge reef overhang Siderastrea siderea Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites porites reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia sp. gorgonian base Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites Erythropodium caribaeorum reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Leptoseris cucullata mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea Porites porites mixed assemblage

138

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

12 20 13 12 19 6 4 17 21 8 3 14 5 9 60 17 10 10 15 18 16 3 5 3 22 7 12 20 4 5 13 14 22 14 10 5 8 4

0.17 0.28 0.18 0.17 0.27 0.08 0.06 0.24 0.30 0.11 0.04 0.20 0.07 0.13 0.85 0.24 0.14 0.14 0.21 0.25 0.23 0.04 0.07 0.04 0.31 0.10 0.17 0.28 0.06 0.07 0.18 0.20 0.31 0.20 0.14 0.07 0.11 0.06

APPENDIX 1.15 Continued 38 FOL COR 39 BRA COR 40 TURF ALG 41 BRA COR 42 MAS COR 43 TURF ALG 44 ENC GOR 45 TURF ALG 46 MAS COR 47 TURF ALG 48 FOL COR 49 TURF ALG 50 ERE SPO 51 TURF ALG 52 BRA COR 53 FOL COR 54 BRA COR 55 FOL COR 56 TURF ALG 57 MAS COR 58 TURF ALG 59 MAS COR 60 MAS COR 61 TURF ALG 62 MAS COR 63 TURF ALG 64 RO 65 SAND 66 TURF ALG 67 MAS COR 68 ERE SPO 69 MAS COR 70 TURF ALG 71 RO 72 TURF ALG 73 RO 74 TURF ALG 75 MAS COR 76 TURF ALG 77 BRA COR 78 MAS COR 79 TURF ALG 80 ENC SPO 81 TURF ALG 82 MAS COR

Agaricia sp. Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites porites Agaricia sp. Porites porites Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang sand mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea erect sponge Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa

139

15 6 16 12 11 21 4 7 23 22 7 5 5 6 12 12 6 19 2 13 6 5 13 2 5 10 15 10 20 16 11 34 56 18 18 23 18 16 5 4 27 8 5 22 36

0.21 0.08 0.23 0.17 0.16 0.30 0.06 0.10 0.32 0.31 0.10 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.17 0.17 0.08 0.27 0.03 0.18 0.08 0.07 0.18 0.03 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.14 0.28 0.23 0.16 0.48 0.79 0.25 0.25 0.32 0.25 0.23 0.07 0.06 0.38 0.11 0.07 0.31 0.51

APPENDIX 2.1 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, WINDWARD REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.341' N; 066° 29.810' W DEPTH : 9.1 m RUGOSITY : 0.11 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Anthosigmella varians mixed assemblage

140

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

41 15 15 6 123 3 36 6 28 5 40 5 53 22 52 9 43 4 119 70 22

0.58 0.21 0.21 0.08 1.73 0.04 0.51 0.08 0.39 0.07 0.56 0.07 0.75 0.31 0.73 0.13 0.61 0.06 1.68 0.99 0.31

APPENDIX 2.2 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, WINDWARD REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.341' N; 066° 29.810' W DEPTH : 9.1 m RUGOSITY : 0.21 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22

TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MILLE TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Dichocoenia stokesii mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage

141

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

8 5 7 2 176 8 159 8 32 9 79 5 49 13 28 4 86 5 18 10 6 3 4

0.11 0.07 0.10 0.03 2.48 0.11 2.24 0.11 0.45 0.13 1.11 0.07 0.69 0.18 0.39 0.06 1.21 0.07 0.25 0.14 0.08 0.04 0.06

APPENDIX 2.3 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, WINDWARD REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.341' N; 066° 29.810' W DEPTH : 9.1 m RUGOSITY : 0.83 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27

TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO FLE ALG TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG ERE SPO FLE ALG TURF ALG ENC SPO MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage erect sponge fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage

142

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

43 5 58 5 10 3 8 3 71 3 68 3 6 15 4 32 8 124 10 13 8 6 25 3 6 165 35 28

0.61 0.07 0.82 0.07 0.14 0.04 0.11 0.04 1.00 0.04 0.96 0.04 0.08 0.21 0.06 0.45 0.11 1.75 0.14 0.18 0.11 0.08 0.35 0.04 0.08 2.33 0.49 0.39

APPENDIX 2.4 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, WINDWARD REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.341' N; 066° 29.810' W DEPTH : 9.1 m RUGOSITY : 0.42 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG RO FLE ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Anthosigmella varians mixed assemblage Anthosigmella varians mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang fleshy brown algae Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage

143

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

20 11 28 6 66 11 87 5 9 3 101 5 13 25 159 5 76 4 79 2 24

0.28 0.16 0.39 0.08 0.93 0.16 1.23 0.07 0.13 0.04 1.42 0.07 0.18 0.35 2.24 0.07 1.07 0.06 1.11 0.03 0.34

APPENDIX 2.5 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, WINDWARD REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.341' N; 066° 29.810' W DEPTH : 9.1 m RUGOSITY : 1.20 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34

TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG FLE ALG SAND

TAXA

mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage fleshy brown algae mixed assemblage fleshy brown algae sand

144

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

56 8 25 4 12 6 3 4 64 4 23 4 7 4 46 16 88 14 19 7 17 3 33 3 123 4 10 8 116 5 4 12 7 15 20

0.79 0.11 0.35 0.06 0.17 0.08 0.04 0.06 0.90 0.06 0.32 0.06 0.10 0.06 0.65 0.23 1.24 0.20 0.27 0.10 0.24 0.04 0.47 0.04 1.73 0.06 0.14 0.11 1.64 0.07 0.06 0.17 0.10 0.21 0.28

APPENDIX 2.6 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, WEST REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 19, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.701' N; 066° 31.703' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 5.04 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC COR RO ENC COR TURF ALG MILLE ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RUBB RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia lamarckiana mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage P. astreoides, S. siderea mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Porites astreoides reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Millepora alcicornis encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites rubble reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage

145

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 12 8 9 7 3 15 3 3 61 26 49 3 10 6 14 22 8 25 4 13 9 4 6 4 4 10 33 63 11 16 10 66 75 13 9 22 15 32

0.17 0.11 0.13 0.10 0.04 0.21 0.04 0.04 0.86 0.37 0.69 0.04 0.14 0.08 0.20 0.31 0.11 0.35 0.06 0.18 0.13 0.06 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.14 0.47 0.89 0.16 0.23 0.14 0.93 1.06 0.18 0.13 0.31 0.21 0.45

Appendix 2.6 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59

BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ERE SPO RO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR RUBB RO ENC SPO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ERE SPO ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR

Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage erect sponge reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. rubble/silt reef overhang encrusting sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage erect sponge Xestospongia muta mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

146

2 9 4 26 11 22 4 16 36 7 29 8 58 15 13 2 18 50 10 10 3 11

0.03 0.13 0.06 0.37 0.16 0.31 0.06 0.23 0.51 0.10 0.41 0.11 0.82 0.21 0.18 0.03 0.25 0.71 0.14 0.14 0.04 0.16

APPENDIX 2.7 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, WEST REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 19, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.701' N; 066° 31.703' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 6.20 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO RUBB TURF ALG RO ERE SPO MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG RO RUBB RO MAS COR TURF ALG RUBB TURF ALG MAS COR

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites rubble mixed assemblage reef overhang erect sponge Siderastrea siderea Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites rubble reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites rubble mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa

147

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 8 9 10 55 3 20 43 65 14 5 20 50 4 14 4 18 5 18 3 3 16 8 11 2 6 29 8 8 5 33 15 10 6 28 20 28 17 14

0.11 0.13 0.14 0.78 0.04 0.28 0.61 0.92 0.20 0.07 0.28 0.71 0.06 0.20 0.06 0.25 0.07 0.25 0.04 0.04 0.23 0.11 0.16 0.03 0.08 0.41 0.11 0.11 0.07 0.47 0.21 0.14 0.08 0.39 0.28 0.39 0.24 0.20

APPENDIX 2.7 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68

TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR ERE SPO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG RUBB RO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG RUBB TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR RO TURF ALG RO ENC COR

mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis erect sponge Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites rubble/silt reef overhang mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites rubble mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites astreoides

148

9 2 3 17 7 10 20 20 30 13 39 20 40 11 12 5 23 25 37 54 13 6 16 24 4 6 20 6 6 10 6

0.13 0.03 0.04 0.24 0.10 0.14 0.28 0.28 0.42 0.18 0.55 0.28 0.56 0.16 0.17 0.07 0.32 0.35 0.52 0.76 0.18 0.08 0.23 0.34 0.06 0.08 0.28 0.08 0.08 0.14 0.08

APPENDIX 2.8 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, WEST REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 19, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.701' N; 066° 31.703' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 6.33 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR GORG GORG MILLE TURF ALG SAND TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG RO ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO FOL COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR FLE ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG GORG

mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis gorgonian base Briareum asbestinum Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage sand mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang Xestospongia muta mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Agaricia sp. Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis fleshy brown algae Dichocoenia stokesii mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum

149

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 12 4 144 17 5 12 3 42 70 17 8 35 10 15 8 14 7 3 78 5 3 4 12 3 3 33 38 6 9 6 105 7 17 8 10 5 3 8

0.17 0.06 2.03 0.24 0.07 0.17 0.04 0.59 0.99 0.24 0.11 0.49 0.14 0.21 0.11 0.20 0.10 0.04 1.10 0.07 0.04 0.06 0.17 0.04 0.04 0.47 0.54 0.08 0.13 0.08 1.48 0.10 0.24 0.11 0.14 0.07 0.04 0.11

APPENDIX 2.8 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG RO SAND RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang sand reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

150

34 13 25 10 11 8 10 11 13 4 7 20 90 45 4 57 7

0.48 0.18 0.35 0.14 0.16 0.11 0.14 0.16 0.18 0.06 0.10 0.28 1.27 0.63 0.06 0.80 0.10

APPENDIX 2.9 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, WEST REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 19, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.701' N; 066° 31.703' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 8.39 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO ENC COR RO MAS COR ERE SPO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO ENC SPO RO TURF ALG MAS COR RO ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO MAS COR MAS COR RO SILT RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG RO SILT RO TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang Porites astreoides reef overhang Diploria strigosa erect sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang encrusting sponge reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge Diploria labyrinthiformis Colpophyllia natans reef overhang silt reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang silt reef overhang mixed assemblage

151

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 28 28 47 5 11 13 5 8 10 6 5 25 2 95 10 50 20 2 18 38 4 11 6 6 6 10 99 10 26 9 18 55 3 18 9 3 38 4

0.39 0.39 0.66 0.07 0.16 0.18 0.07 0.11 0.14 0.08 0.07 0.35 0.03 1.34 0.14 0.71 0.28 0.03 0.25 0.54 0.06 0.16 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.14 1.40 0.14 0.37 0.13 0.25 0.78 0.04 0.25 0.13 0.04 0.54 0.06

APPENDIX 2.9 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR RO SILT RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG BRA COR RO ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR

Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage reef overhang Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang silt reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Madracis sp. reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

152

5 3 2 19 13 19 11 6 3 10 12 5 8 19 18 10 7 10 11 44 9 20 58 23 15 25 10 83 5 5 8 6 13 5 10 5 8

0.07 0.04 0.03 0.27 0.18 0.27 0.16 0.08 0.04 0.14 0.17 0.07 0.11 0.27 0.25 0.14 0.10 0.14 0.16 0.62 0.13 0.28 0.82 0.32 0.21 0.35 0.14 1.17 0.07 0.07 0.11 0.08 0.18 0.07 0.14 0.07 0.11

APPENDIX 2.10 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, WEST REEF, CAJA DE MUERTOS. MAY 19, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 53.701' N; 066° 31.703' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 7.34 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO RO SAND RO MAS COR TURF ALG COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR GORG TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO FOL COR RO

mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge reef overhang sand reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage unident. coral mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis gorgonian base mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Agaricia sp. reef overhang

153

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 12 7 6 5 8 4 10 9 5 5 8 6 4 4 12 45 15 24 40 11 6 4 5 12 4 10 8 5 34 5 3 4 15 4 15 4 11 9

0.17 0.10 0.08 0.07 0.11 0.06 0.14 0.13 0.07 0.07 0.11 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.17 0.63 0.21 0.34 0.56 0.16 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.17 0.06 0.14 0.11 0.07 0.48 0.07 0.04 0.06 0.21 0.06 0.21 0.06 0.16 0.13

APPENDIX 2.10 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82

SAND RO FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO GORG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR GORG RO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MILLE TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG

sand reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage encrusting sponge gorgonian base Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa Briareum asbestinum reef overhang mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage

154

55 26 6 18 7 26 4 38 12 7 3 17 12 3 10 5 5 7 10 26 3 23 5 28 8 17 23 69 4 2 12 5 127 8 8 9 20 22 39 2 18 26 43 11 3

0.78 0.37 0.08 0.25 0.10 0.37 0.06 0.54 0.17 0.10 0.04 0.24 0.17 0.04 0.14 0.07 0.07 0.10 0.14 0.37 0.04 0.32 0.07 0.39 0.11 0.24 0.32 0.97 0.06 0.03 0.17 0.07 1.79 0.11 0.11 0.13 0.28 0.31 0.55 0.03 0.25 0.37 0.61 0.16 0.04

APPENDIX 2.11 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, SOUTHEAST OF BERBERIA. MAY 20, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 55.191' N; 066° 27.190' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 2.94 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

FLE ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR FLE ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG CAL ALG FLE ALG SAND CAL ALG TURF ALG ERE SPO CAL ALG ERE SPO RO CAL ALG TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ENC COR RO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR CAL ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG ENC COR

Dictyota sp. erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa Dictyota sp. erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. Dictyota sp. sand red calcareous algae mixed assemblage erect sponge Halimeda sp. erect sponge reef overhang Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Halimeda sp. Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides

155

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 62 4 21 13 3 7 9 2 6 3 7 17 67 8 18 10 10 34 3 7 6 5 9 7 3 10 6 5 10 6 10 18 9 12 4 36 31 5

0.87 0.06 0.30 0.18 0.04 0.10 0.13 0.03 0.08 0.04 0.10 0.24 0.94 0.11 0.25 0.14 0.14 0.48 0.04 0.10 0.08 0.07 0.13 0.10 0.04 0.14 0.08 0.07 0.14 0.08 0.14 0.25 0.13 0.17 0.06 0.51 0.44 0.07

APPENDIX 2.11 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79

TURF ALG MAS COR ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG MAS COR RO ENC COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG ZOAN ERE SPO ZOAN RO SAND COR TURF ALG ENC SPO ERE SPO ERE SPO FLE ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR CAL ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG COR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage red calcareous algae mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum erect sponge Palythoa caribaeorum reef overhang sand juvenile coral mixed assemblage encrusting sponge erect sponge erect sponge Dictyota sp. encrusting sponge mixed assemblage red calcareous algae mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Halimeda sp. erect sponge mixed assemblage juvenile coral mixed assemblage

156

4 10 2 10 3 3 8 6 21 3 3 15 2 5 20 4 12 6 9 6 32 5 3 22 5 8 6 6 3 7 4 24 8 6 15 8 6 35 12 32 4 12

0.06 0.14 0.03 0.14 0.04 0.04 0.11 0.08 0.30 0.04 0.04 0.21 0.03 0.07 0.28 0.06 0.17 0.08 0.13 0.08 0.45 0.07 0.04 0.31 0.07 0.11 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.10 0.06 0.34 0.11 0.08 0.21 0.11 0.08 0.49 0.17 0.45 0.06 0.17

APPENDIX 2.12 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, SOUTHEAST OF BERBERIA. MAY 20, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 55.191' N; 066° 27.190' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 2.06 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

ENC SPO FLE ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG FLE ALG CAL ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG FOL COR FLE ALG TURF ALG ENC SPO FLE ALG GORG ZOAN MAS COR CAL ALG GORG MAS COR CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG ENC SPO GORG TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG MAS COR

encrusting sponge Dictyota sp. Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage unident. anemone mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. coralline red algae Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Dictyota sp. Erythropodium caribaeorum Palythoa caribaeorum Montastrea annularis Halimeda sp. Erythropodium caribaeorum Montastrea cavernosa coralline red algae mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. encrusting sponge Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage coralline red algae mixed assemblage Dichocoenia stokesii

157

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 8 12 3 44 10 4 8 5 11 40 4 17 9 15 20 12 8 10 6 3 7 4 22 5 2 8 3 9 16 8 17 4 6 5 20 12 6 10

0.11 0.17 0.04 0.62 0.14 0.06 0.11 0.07 0.16 0.56 0.06 0.24 0.13 0.21 0.28 0.17 0.11 0.14 0.08 0.04 0.10 0.06 0.31 0.07 0.03 0.11 0.04 0.13 0.23 0.11 0.24 0.06 0.08 0.07 0.28 0.17 0.08 0.14

APPENDIX 2.12 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG TURF ALG ENC SPO CAL ALG TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO BRA COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG FLE ALG CAL ALG ERE SPO CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG CAL ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG GORG CAL ALG TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Dichocoenia stokesii mixed assem.+ Erythropo. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge Porites porites mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. Halimeda sp. erect sponge coralline red algae mixed assemblage coralline red algae Halimeda sp. Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage

158

9 5 13 14 6 4 8 10 22 4 6 23 9 15 6 10 10 5 7 8 34 8 9 32 8 6 35 20 6 24 10 4 6 4 12 10 10 10

0.13 0.07 0.18 0.20 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.31 0.06 0.08 0.32 0.13 0.21 0.08 0.14 0.14 0.07 0.10 0.11 0.48 0.11 0.13 0.45 0.11 0.08 0.49 0.28 0.08 0.34 0.14 0.06 0.08 0.06 0.17 0.14 0.14 0.14

APPENDIX 2.13 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, SOUTHEAST OF BERBERIA. MAY 20, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 55.191' N; 066° 27.190' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 3.13 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

CAL ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG GORG CAL ALG GORG CAL ALG CAL ALG CAL ALG FLE ALG MAS COR CAL ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO FLE ALG RUBB TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG CAL ALG RO MAS COR RO CAL ALG MILLE TURF ALG GORG CAL ALG

TAXA

Halimeda sp. Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum Halimeda sp. Erythropodium caribaeorum Halimeda sp. calcareous red algae Halimeda sp. Dictyota sp. Siderastrea siderea Halimeda sp. Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang Dictyota sp. Porites rubble mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage calcareous red algae mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. calcareous red algae reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Halimeda sp. Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum Halimeda sp.

159

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 35 12 10 15 5 6 5 8 11 4 28 5 31 3 5 33 2 49 10 40 9 14 3 3 11 29 8 14 10 39 10 14 16 24 3 17 6 28

0.49 0.17 0.14 0.21 0.07 0.08 0.07 0.11 0.16 0.06 0.39 0.07 0.44 0.04 0.07 0.47 0.03 0.69 0.14 0.56 0.13 0.20 0.04 0.04 0.16 0.41 0.11 0.20 0.14 0.55 0.14 0.20 0.23 0.34 0.04 0.24 0.08 0.39

APPENDIX 2.13 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67

RO TURF ALG ENC SPO CAL ALG ENC SPO ENC COR GORG TURF ALG MAS COR CAL ALG BRA COR TURF ALG RO GORG MAS COR CAL ALG ZOAN TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG ENC SPO ENC COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG CAL ALG ENC SPO CAL ALG

reef overhang mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Halimeda sp. encrusting sponge Porites astreoides Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Halimeda sp. Porites porites mixed assemblage reef overhang Erythropodium caribaeorum Montastrea annularis Halimeda sp. Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. encrusting sponge Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Halimeda and calcareous red Halimeda sp. encrusting sponge Halimeda sp.

160

6 6 13 15 11 4 11 18 20 30 3 10 13 5 6 22 5 9 2 12 9 7 5 7 10 15 56 16 3 7

0.08 0.08 0.18 0.21 0.16 0.06 0.16 0.25 0.28 0.42 0.04 0.14 0.18 0.07 0.08 0.31 0.07 0.13 0.03 0.17 0.13 0.10 0.07 0.10 0.14 0.21 0.79 0.23 0.04 0.10

APPENDIX 2.14 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, SOUTHEAST OF BERBERIA. MAY 20, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 55.191' N; 066° 27.190' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 3.65 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

ENC COR CAL ALG MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG GORG TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG BRA COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG BRA COR CAL ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FLE ALG BRA COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG

Porites astreoides Halimeda sp. Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. Porites porites mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites porites Halimeda sp. Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage coralline red algae

161

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 6 4 8 6 9 6 8 6 22 10 8 8 4 16 4 13 3 3 3 15 10 10 5 12 5 24 3 15 34 58 9 6 37 9 14 7 55 4

0.08 0.06 0.11 0.08 0.13 0.08 0.11 0.08 0.31 0.14 0.11 0.11 0.06 0.23 0.06 0.18 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.21 0.14 0.14 0.07 0.17 0.07 0.34 0.04 0.21 0.48 0.82 0.13 0.08 0.52 0.13 0.20 0.10 0.78 0.06

APPENDIX 2.14 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG BRA COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG FLE ALG RO BRA COR FLE ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG GORG FLE ALG TURF ALG MILLE TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. Porites porites mixed assemblage coralline red algae mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. reef overhang Porites porites Dictyota sp. encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Erythropodium caribaeorum Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage

162

15 27 44 6 13 25 16 17 14 12 9 3 2 15 30 20 22 90 10 40 10 20 12 3 14

0.21 0.38 0.62 0.08 0.18 0.35 0.23 0.24 0.20 0.17 0.13 0.04 0.03 0.21 0.42 0.28 0.31 1.27 0.14 0.56 0.14 0.28 0.17 0.04 0.20

APPENDIX 2.15 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, SOUTHEAST OF BERBERIA. MAY 20, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 55.191' N; 066° 27.190' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 2.48 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

FLE ALG TURF ALG MAS COR FLE ALG ENC SPO FLE ALG MAS COR FLE ALG MAS COR CAL ALG CAL ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG CAL ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO BRA COR TURF ALG CAL ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG

Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Dictyota sp. encrusting sponge Dictyota sp. Montastrea annularis Dictyota sp. Montastrea annularis Halimeda sp. coralline red algae encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage coralline red algae mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage coralline red algae Halimeda sp. encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage erect sponge Porites porites mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. coralline red algae mixed assemblage coralline red algae

163

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 15 5 8 3 4 4 10 10 11 8 12 3 28 5 18 5 6 7 4 5 4 3 9 13 5 6 39 4 16 7 4 15 4 11 31 4 97 10

0.21 0.07 0.11 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.14 0.14 0.16 0.11 0.17 0.04 0.39 0.07 0.25 0.07 0.08 0.10 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.04 0.13 0.18 0.07 0.08 0.55 0.06 0.23 0.10 0.06 0.21 0.06 0.16 0.44 0.06 1.37 0.14

APPENDIX 2.15 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

SAND BRA COR CAL ALG BRA COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG BRA COR CAL ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG CAL ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

sand Porites porites coralline red algae Porites porites mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage coralline red algae mixed assemblage Porites porites coralline red algae encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. coralline red algae reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

164

4 14 13 4 14 3 12 4 20 10 15 9 6 18 10 6 55 10 10 10 16 60 8 13 15 10 60 3

0.06 0.20 0.18 0.06 0.20 0.04 0.17 0.06 0.28 0.14 0.21 0.13 0.08 0.25 0.14 0.08 0.78 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.23 0.85 0.11 0.18 0.21 0.14 0.85 0.04

APPENDIX 3.1 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, PUNTA VENTANA, GUANICA. JUNE 16, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.484' N; 066° 49.380' W DEPTH : 16.7 m RUGOSITY : 4.33 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR ENC GOR MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO MAS COR TURF ALG FLE ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR

mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis Diploria labyrinthiformis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage erect sponge Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum

165

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 10 5 7 11 10 8 38 12 8 10 30 8 35 12 5 11 6 7 19 5 29 8 7 30 10 9 4 9 10 7 9 11 35 6 37 4 40 6

0.14 0.07 0.10 0.16 0.14 0.11 0.54 0.17 0.11 0.14 0.42 0.11 0.49 0.17 0.07 0.16 0.08 0.10 0.27 0.07 0.41 0.11 0.10 0.42 0.14 0.13 0.06 0.13 0.14 0.10 0.13 0.16 0.49 0.08 0.52 0.06 0.56 0.08

APPENDIX 3.1 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC COR SOL COR ENC SPO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG COR TURF ALG ENC GOR RO TURF ALG FOL COR

Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Diploria labyrinthiformis Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Mussa sp. Xestospongia muta Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa Diploria labyrinthiformis Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage juvenile coral mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites

166

11 26 6 12 14 28 8 20 3 12 7 9 50 7 6 6 9 7 14 9 20 5 13 12 8 46 6 7 28 4 5 9 30 21 10

0.16 0.37 0.08 0.17 0.20 0.39 0.11 0.28 0.04 0.17 0.10 0.13 0.71 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.13 0.10 0.20 0.13 0.28 0.07 0.18 0.17 0.11 0.65 0.08 0.10 0.39 0.06 0.07 0.13 0.42 0.30 0.14

APPENDIX 3.2 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, PUNTA VENTANA, GUANICA. JUNE 16, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.484' N; 066° 49.380' W DEPTH : 16.7 m RUGOSITY : 3.30 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO FOL COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ENC SPO ENC GOR RO TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Briareum asbestinum reef overhang mixed assemblage

167

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 14 18 13 37 8 24 4 4 4 21 5 3 4 5 3 6 5 9 5 16 48 2 40 6 22 7 40 6 8 5 10 8 2 38 31 4 5 67

0.20 0.25 0.18 0.52 0.11 0.34 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.30 0.07 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.08 0.07 0.13 0.07 0.23 0.68 0.03 0.56 0.08 0.31 0.10 0.56 0.08 0.11 0.07 0.14 0.11 0.03 0.54 0.44 0.06 0.07 0.94

APPENDIX 3.2 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75

ENC SPO ENC COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG MAS COR ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR ERE SPO FOL COR ERE SPO TURF ALG

encrusting sponge Porites astreoides mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa erect sponge mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia aliciae mixed assemblage erect sponge Mycetophyllia aliciae mixed assemblage erect sponge erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum erect sponge Agaricia agaricites erect sponge mixed assemblage

168

6 11 3 1 7 7 5 5 17 4 7 5 8 5 8 16 26 14 15 14 9 6 7 25 6 8 31 11 23 8 7 8 18 9 3 6 3 14

0.08 0.16 0.04 0.01 0.10 0.10 0.07 0.07 0.24 0.06 0.10 0.07 0.11 0.07 0.11 0.23 0.37 0.20 0.21 0.20 0.13 0.08 0.10 0.35 0.08 0.11 0.44 0.16 0.32 0.11 0.10 0.11 0.25 0.13 0.04 0.08 0.04 0.20

APPENDIX 3.3 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, PUNTA VENTANA, GUANICA. JUNE 16, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.484' N; 066° 49.380' W DEPTH : 16.7 m RUGOSITY : 2.69 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR MAS COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO FOL COR TURF ALG ZOAN ENC SPO TURF ALG FLE ALG ENC COR RO ERE SPO MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage unident. anemone encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. Porites astreoides reef overhang erect sponge Colpophyllia natans Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis mixed assemblage reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage

169

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 29 6 11 12 6 4 7 8 88 6 10 3 4 2 3 12 7 3 8 7 13 6 3 9 17 12 15 5 10 15 23 3 3 2 9 8 6 8

0.41 0.08 0.16 0.17 0.08 0.06 0.10 0.11 1.24 0.08 0.14 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.04 0.17 0.10 0.04 0.11 0.10 0.18 0.08 0.04 0.13 0.24 0.17 0.21 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.32 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.13 0.11 0.08 0.11

APPENDIX 3.3 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83

MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR MAS COR RO FOL COR FLE ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO FOL COR MAS COR TURF ALG GORG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG

Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum Meandrina meandrites reef overhang Agaricia agaricites Dictyota sp. Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Agaricia agaricites Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage gorgonian base Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage

170

13 30 32 10 5 4 3 6 21 10 11 10 3 8 10 6 8 9 60 17 8 13 8 4 5 6 4 26 7 6 4 8 10 4 4 22 8 4 10 7 11 3 18 6 6 9

0.18 0.42 0.45 0.14 0.07 0.06 0.04 0.08 0.30 0.14 0.16 0.14 0.04 0.11 0.14 0.08 0.11 0.13 0.85 0.24 0.11 0.18 0.11 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.06 0.37 0.10 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.06 0.06 0.31 0.11 0.06 0.14 0.10 0.16 0.04 0.25 0.08 0.08 0.1269

APPENDIX 3.4 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, PUNTA VENTANA, GUANICA. JUNE 16, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.484' N; 066° 49.380' W DEPTH : 16.7 m RUGOSITY : 2.42 m TRANSITION 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36

SUBSTRATE TAXA CODE TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Meandrina meandrites TURF ALG mixed assemblage ENC COR Porites astreoides TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Diploria labyrinthiformis TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Diploria labyrinthiformis RO reef overhang FOL COR Agaricia agaricites TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Montastrea annularis TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Montastrea annularis TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Montastrea annularis TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Montastrea annularis ENC GOR Briareum asbestinum ENC COR Porites astreoides ERE SPO erect sponge TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Montastrea annularis TURF ALG mixed assemblage MAS COR Meandrina meandrites TURF ALG mixed assemblage FOL COR Agaricia agaricites TURF ALG mixed assemblage FOL COR Agaricia agaricites MAS COR Siderastrea siderea TURF ALG mixed assemblage RO reef overhang TURF ALG mixed assemblage FOL COR Leptoseris cucullata TURF ALG mixed assemblage RO reef overhang MAS COR Siderastrea siderea

171

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 24 0.34 12 0.17 3 0.04 5 0.07 7 0.10 8 0.11 1 0.01 4 0.06 5 0.07 7 0.10 19 0.27 9 0.13 19 0.27 31 0.44 6 0.08 23 0.32 6 0.08 4 0.06 5 0.07 7 0.10 12 0.17 6 0.08 9 0.13 71 1.00 11 0.16 4 0.06 5 0.07 16 0.23 5 0.07 24 0.34 13 0.18 7 0.10 9 0.13 5 0.07 5 0.07 8 0.11 7 0.10

APPENDIX 3.4 Continued 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82

TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR FLE ALG RO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR

mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Madracis decactis encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Dictyota sp. reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

172

2 6 13 13 6 21 2 1 6 10 7 13 10 13 7 5 8 1 14 4 7 6 14 8 3 10 7 11 11 2 31 15 34 9 1 10 36 4 22 4 8 4 10 11 7 12

0.03 0.08 0.18 0.18 0.08 0.30 0.03 0.01 0.08 0.14 0.10 0.18 0.14 0.18 0.10 0.07 0.11 0.01 0.20 0.06 0.10 0.08 0.20 0.11 0.04 0.14 0.10 0.16 0.16 0.03 0.44 0.21 0.48 0.13 0.01 0.14 0.51 0.06 0.31 0.06 0.11 0.06 0.14 0.16 0.10 0.17

APPENDIX 3.5 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, PUNTA VENTANA, GUANICA. JUNE 16, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.484' N; 066° 49.380' W DEPTH : 16.7 m RUGOSITY : 2.61 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR FOL COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage

173

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 28 10 2 11 4 6 2 14 3 12 6 28 2 24 12 2 6 3 53 16 18 3 79 4 4 2 2 19 3 6 3 6 3 9 8 5

0.39 0.14 0.03 0.16 0.06 0.08 0.03 0.20 0.04 0.17 0.08 0.39 0.03 0.34 0.17 0.03 0.08 0.04 0.75 0.23 0.25 0.04 1.11 0.06 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.27 0.04 0.08 0.04 0.08 0.04 0.13 0.11 0.07

APPENDIX 3.5 Continued 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82

FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC SPO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR RO ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG

Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Madracis decactis mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia lamarckiana mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage gorgonian base Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis encrusting sponge mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage

174

5 2 4 28 4 26 3 16 5 10 5 32 8 16 6 26 10 7 5 8 5 5 8 2 4 8 10 3 13 2 5 5 6 6 6 16 6 10 8 10 4 3 2 3 2 3 8

0.07 0.03 0.06 0.39 0.06 0.37 0.04 0.23 0.07 0.14 0.07 0.45 0.11 0.23 0.08 0.37 0.14 0.10 0.07 0.11 0.07 0.07 0.11 0.03 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.04 0.18 0.03 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.23 0.08 0.14 0.11 0.14 0.06 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.11

83 84 85 86 87 88 89

RO FOL COR RO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC GOR

reef overhang Agaricia agaricites reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum

175

4 18 9 40 4 7 5

0.06 0.25 0.13 0.56 0.06 0.10 0.07

APPENDIX 3.6 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, CANA GORDA REEF, GUANICA. JUNE 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.380'N; 066° 51.633'W DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 2.70 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

ZOAN TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG RO ZOAN COR ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ZOAN MAS COR ZOAN TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG

TAXA

Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Diploria strigosa Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Anthosigmella varians Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage reef overhang Palythoa caribaeorum Amphiroa sp. encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum Diploria clivosa Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Diploria clivosa mixed assemblage gorgonian base Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage

176

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 8 30 15 6 10 4 20 11 13 9 24 11 12 36 4 51 5 19 4 5 3 20 3 4 12 10 6 8 4 3 10 13 3 4 10 15 4 16

0.11 0.42 0.21 0.08 0.14 0.06 0.28 0.16 0.18 0.13 0.34 0.16 0.17 0.51 0.06 0.72 0.07 0.27 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.28 0.04 0.06 0.17 0.14 0.08 0.11 0.06 0.04 0.14 0.18 0.04 0.06 0.14 0.21 0.06 0.23

APPENDIX 3.6 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79

MILLE TURF ALG ZOAN ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR ZOAN TURF ALG ENC SPO FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ZOAN MAS COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Xestospongia muta mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage

177

8 31 4 6 5 16 9 30 13 2 20 20 5 15 2 8 12 5 15 5 3 8 3 7 7 4 10 13 3 5 46 8 25 4 5 4 9 18 15 3 17 8

0.11 0.44 0.06 0.08 0.07 0.23 0.13 0.42 0.18 0.03 0.28 0.28 0.07 0.21 0.03 0.11 0.17 0.07 0.21 0.07 0.04 0.11 0.04 0.10 0.10 0.06 0.14 0.18 0.04 0.07 0.65 0.11 0.35 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.13 0.25 0.21 0.04 0.24 0.11

APPENDIX 3.7 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, CANA GORDA REEF, GUANICA. JUNE 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 2.75 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ZOAN RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO MAS COR ERE SPO RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG FOL COR RO TURF ALG ERE SPO MAS COR GORG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ZOAN

TAXA

mixed assemblage Palythoa caribbaea mixed assemblage Palythoa caribbaea reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage erect sponge Montastrea cavernosa erect sponge reef overhang mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia sp. (juv) mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites reef overhang mixed assemblage erect sponge Montastrea cavernosa gorgonian base Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Palythoa caribbaea

178

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 8 4 9 17 17 14 4 3 14 2 8 3 4 5 46 13 3 10 22 4 33 14 6 3 6 3 10 10 8 23 3 11 17 3 12 6 20 8

0.11 0.06 0.13 0.24 0.24 0.20 0.06 0.04 0.20 0.03 0.11 0.04 0.06 0.07 0.65 0.18 0.04 0.14 0.31 0.06 0.47 0.20 0.08 0.04 0.08 0.04 0.14 0.14 0.11 0.32 0.04 0.16 0.24 0.04 0.17 0.08 0.28 0.11

APPENDIX 3.7 Continued 38 TURF ALG 39 GORG 40 TURF ALG 41 MAS COR 42 TURF ALG 43 RO 44 SILT 45 ENC GOR 46 TURF ALG 47 FOL COR 48 TURF ALG 49 MAS COR 50 ENC SPO 51 ENC GOR 52 TURF ALG 53 GORG 54 TURF ALG 55 MAS COR 56 TURF ALG 57 ERE SPO 58 TURF ALG 59 MAS COR 60 TURF ALG 61 MAS COR 62 TURF ALG 63 MAS COR 64 TURF ALG 65 ENC COR 66 TURF ALG 67 ENC COR 68 TURF ALG 69 ENC GOR 70 TURF ALG 71 GORG 72 MAS COR 73 TURF ALG 74 ENC GOR 75 TURF ALG

mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage reef overhang silt Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis encrusting sponge Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia lamarckiana mixed assemblage Xestospongia muta mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia lamarckiana mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage gorgonian base Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage

179

18 4 3 12 4 20 32 5 4 4 8 7 5 9 20 3 27 7 37 20 30 3 3 15 8 3 6 4 4 7 34 16 21 2 13 15 3 62

0.25 0.06 0.04 0.17 0.06 0.28 0.45 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.11 0.10 0.07 0.13 0.28 0.04 0.38 0.10 0.52 0.28 0.42 0.04 0.04 0.21 0.11 0.04 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.10 0.48 0.23 0.30 0.03 0.18 0.21 0.04 0.87

APPENDIX 3.8 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, CANA GORDA REEF, GUANICA. JUNE 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.380'N; 066° 51.653'W DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 2.21 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR ENC SPO TURF ALG BRA COR GORG TURF ALG ENC GOR ENC SPO ENC GOR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC SPO TURF ALG ZOAN ENC GOR TURF ALG

TAXA

mixes assemblage Montastrea cavernosa encrusting sponge mixes assemblage Porites porites gorgonian base mixes assemblage Briareum asbestinum encrusting sponge Briareum asbestinum mixes assemblage gorgonian base mixes assemblage encrusting sponge mixes assemblage encrusting sponge Montastrea cavernosa mixes assemblage encrusting sponge mixes assemblage Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis mixes assemblage encrusting sponge Porites astreoides mixes assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixes assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixes assemblage Montastrea annularis mixes assemblage Agaricia sp. encrusting sponge mixes assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum Briareum asbestinum mixes assemblage

180

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 3 12 6 18 11 4 10 12 6 3 4 4 6 3 22 3 9 20 4 6 10 16 13 5 29 10 13 28 6 34 27 40 5 6 25 17 16 18

0.04 0.17 0.08 0.25 0.16 0.06 0.14 0.17 0.08 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.08 0.04 0.31 0.04 0.13 0.28 0.06 0.08 0.14 0.23 0.18 0.07 0.41 0.14 0.18 0.39 0.08 0.48 0.38 0.56 0.07 0.08 0.35 0.24 0.23 0.25

APPENDIX 3.8 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58

MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MILLE ZOAN ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR ZOAN TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ENC GOR ENC SPO ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR

Diploria strigosa mixes assemblage Diploria strigosa Millepora alcicornis Palythoa caribaeorum Porites astreoides mixes assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixes assemblage Briareum asbestinum Palythoa caribaeorum mixes assemblage gorgonian base mixes assemblage Briareum asbestinum encrusting sponge Briareum asbestinum mixes assemblage Porites astreoides mixes assemblage Diploria strigosa

181

18 4 10 8 9 9 30 17 8 24 20 2 8 90 8 3 6 5 8 83 12

0.25 0.06 0.14 0.11 0.13 0.13 0.42 0.24 0.11 0.34 0.28 0.03 0.11 1.27 0.11 0.04 0.08 0.07 0.11 1.17 0.17

APPENDIX 3.9 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, CANA GORDA REEF, GUANICA. JUNE 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 3.40 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR ZOAN RO MAS COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG SAND TURF ALG ZOAN ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR ERE SPO TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG

TAXA

Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Palythoa caribaeorum reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Isophyllia sinuosa mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage sand mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum erect sponge mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage

182

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 15 8 8 3 38 32 15 18 28 12 77 10 37 16 8 17 5 11 99 10 6 11 8 24 18 154 8 8 4 5 3 3 4 15 6 10 8 32

0.21 0.11 0.11 0.04 0.54 0.45 0.21 0.25 0.39 0.17 1.09 0.14 0.52 0.23 0.11 0.24 0.07 0.16 1.40 0.14 0.08 0.16 0.11 0.34 0.25 2.17 0.11 0.11 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.04 0.06 0.21 0.08 0.14 0.11 0.45

APPENDIX 3.9 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51

ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR MAS COR TURF ALG

erect sponge mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage

183

2 2 3 14 3 7 14 28 5 21 6 13 10 28

0.03 0.03 0.04 0.20 0.04 0.10 0.20 0.39 0.07 0.30 0.08 0.18 0.14 0.39

APPENDIX 3.10 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, CANA GORDA REEF, GUANICA. JUNE 18, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 2.32 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR FOL COR GORG TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ZOAN MAS COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR RO SAND RO ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO GORG

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Agaricia agaricites gorgonian base mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang sand reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge gorgonian base

184

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 10 68 72 15 5 11 5 3 20 3 3 8 24 10 15 4 5 3 11 12 3 8 6 5 12 2 7 10 10 7 26 22 78 26 2 7 2 3

0.14 0.96 1.02 0.21 0.07 0.16 0.07 0.04 0.28 0.04 0.04 0.11 0.34 0.14 0.21 0.06 0.07 0.04 0.16 0.17 0.04 0.11 0.08 0.07 0.17 0.03 0.10 0.14 0.14 0.10 0.37 0.31 1.10 0.37 0.03 0.10 0.03 0.04

APPENDIX 3.10 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64

TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ZOAN RO MAS COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR ERE SPO ZOAN ENC GOR ZOAN RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum erect sponge Palythoa caribaeorum Briareum asbestinum Palythoa caribaeorum reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

185

5 8 6 2 30 18 7 34 16 8 10 23 7 3 10 11 6 8 2 16 10 34 15 4 18 9 11

0.07 0.11 0.08 0.03 0.42 0.25 0.10 0.48 0.23 0.11 0.14 0.32 0.10 0.04 0.14 0.16 0.08 0.11 0.03 0.23 0.14 0.48 0.21 0.06 0.25 0.13 0.16

APPENDIX 3.11 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, CAYO CORAL, GUANICA. JUNE 21, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.173' N; 066° 53.303' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 2.85 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO RUBBLE RO ENC SPO ZOAN GORG ENC SPO RO TURF ALG FOL COR ENC SPO

Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage reef overhang Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites rubble reef overhang encrusting sponge Palythoa caribaeorum gorgonian base encrusting sponge reef overhang mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. encrusting sponge

186

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 18 3 10 7 4 4 7 14 27 11 10 7 13 5 22 12 8 4 8 4 7 5 18 4 4 7 23 7 5 7 6 11 3 7 10 13 5 3

0.25 0.04 0.14 0.10 0.06 0.06 0.10 0.20 0.38 0.16 0.14 0.10 0.18 0.07 0.31 0.17 0.11 0.06 0.11 0.06 0.10 0.07 0.25 0.06 0.06 0.10 0.32 0.10 0.07 0.10 0.08 0.16 0.04 0.10 0.14 0.18 0.07 0.04

APPENDIX 3.11 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81

TURF ALG ENC GOR GORG TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ERE SPO GORG TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RUBBLE SAND TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO ENC COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum gorgonian base mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage erect sponge gorgonian base mixed assemblage Lebrunia danae mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites rubble sand mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites astreoides reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia sp.

187

3 14 2 4 15 6 10 7 2 1 25 5 33 4 18 14 13 7 16 30 10 3 5 4 12 28 3 41 22 29 11 18 6 6 3 11 45 3 23 7 5 7 34 3

0.04 0.20 0.03 0.06 0.21 0.08 0.14 0.10 0.03 0.01 0.35 0.07 0.47 0.06 0.25 0.20 0.18 0.10 0.23 0.42 0.14 0.04 0.07 0.06 0.17 0.39 0.04 0.58 0.31 0.41 0.16 0.25 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.16 0.63 0.04 0.32 0.10 0.07 0.10 0.48 0.04

APPENDIX 3.12 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, CAYO CORAL, GUANICA. JUNE 21, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.173' N; 066° 53.303' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 3.35 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR BRA COR ENC GOR BRA COR ENC GOR ZOAN TURF ALG ZOAN ENC GOR RO ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR SAND ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC SPO MAS COR

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum Porites porites Briareum asbestinum Porites porites Briareum asbestinum Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum sand Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Montastrea cavernosa

188

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 44 3 26 17 6 12 12 5 3 6 19 15 6 28 14 19 3 5 12 6 16 4 3 12 5 20 10 6 13 30 5 8 7 20 5 10 4 5

0.62 0.04 0.37 0.24 0.08 0.17 0.17 0.07 0.04 0.08 0.27 0.21 0.08 0.39 0.20 0.27 0.04 0.07 0.17 0.08 0.23 0.06 0.04 0.17 0.07 0.28 0.14 0.08 0.18 0.42 0.07 0.11 0.10 0.28 0.07 0.14 0.06 0.07

APPENDIX 3.12 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG ENC SPO MAS COR TURF ALG SAND TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO ENC GOR ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC COR ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage sand mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Anthosigmella varians mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang Briareum asbestinum encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

189

24 54 10 5 4 25 15 12 22 6 50 6 48 23 13 9 6 11 7 3 10 4 26 10 4 21 8 15 10 12 27 3

0.34 0.76 0.14 0.07 0.06 0.35 0.21 0.17 0.31 0.08 0.71 0.08 0.68 0.32 0.18 0.13 0.08 0.16 0.10 0.04 0.14 0.06 0.37 0.14 0.06 0.30 0.11 0.21 0.14 0.17 0.38 0.04

APPENDIX 3.13 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, CAYO CORAL, GUANICA. JUNE 21, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.173' N; 066° 53.303' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 2.97 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG RO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO RUBBLE TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ZOAN ERE SPO TURF ALG

TAXA

Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Leptoseris cucullata mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites rubble mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum erect sponge mixed assemblage

190

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 36 16 9 5 3 15 3 19 19 4 11 13 38 2 2 3 37 7 11 30 2 150 23 38 10 6 16 13 6 14 52 2 27 4 18 3 2 4

0.51 0.23 0.13 0.07 0.04 0.21 0.04 0.27 0.27 0.06 0.16 0.18 0.54 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.52 0.10 0.16 0.42 0.03 2.12 0.32 0.54 0.14 0.08 0.23 0.18 0.08 0.20 0.73 0.03 0.38 0.06 0.25 0.04 0.03 0.06

APPENDIX 3.13 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67

ZOAN FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR RO MAS COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MILLE ERE SPO ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG

Palythoa caribaeorum Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Madracis decactis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage reef overhang Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Millepora alcicornis erect sponge Briareum asbestinum Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage

191

7 3 2 2 5 2 6 9 10 10 3 5 3 5 6 5 16 12 9 21 20 8 7 6 18 1 4 4 13 25

0.10 0.04 0.03 0.03 0.07 0.03 0.08 0.13 0.14 0.14 0.04 0.07 0.04 0.07 0.08 0.07 0.23 0.17 0.13 0.30 0.28 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.25 0.01 0.06 0.06 0.18 0.35

APPENDIX 3.14 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, CAYO CORAL, GUANICA. JUNE 21, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.173' N; 066° 53.303' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 5.23 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG RO ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC GOR BRA COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR ENC GOR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa Agaricia sp. reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Anthosigmella varians mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Acropora cervicornis reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage

192

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 30 4 16 12 10 6 8 6 4 8 10 12 56 3 2 7 72 8 10 15 4 13 3 16 10 7 10 15 8 9 6 20 5 6 3 5 4 8

0.42 0.06 0.23 0.17 0.14 0.08 0.11 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.14 0.17 0.79 0.04 0.03 0.10 1.02 0.11 0.14 0.21 0.06 0.18 0.04 0.23 0.14 0.10 0.14 0.21 0.11 0.13 0.08 0.28 0.07 0.08 0.04 0.07 0.06 0.11

APPENDIX 3.14 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75

ENC COR ZOAN MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG MAS COR RO ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR SAND BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR

Porites astreoides Palythoa caribaeorum Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Palythoa caribaeorum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites sand Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

193

7 19 8 8 6 4 5 11 14 15 8 4 124 4 20 17 6 4 30 15 7 13 33 5 12 8 12 5 7 8 13 26 13 7 22 3 93 13

0.10 0.27 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.16 0.20 0.21 0.11 0.06 1.75 0.06 0.28 0.24 0.08 0.06 0.42 0.21 0.10 0.18 0.47 0.07 0.17 0.11 0.17 0.07 0.10 0.11 0.18 0.37 0.18 0.10 0.31 0.04 1.31 0.18

APPENDIX 3.15 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, CAYO CORAL, GUANICA. JUNE 21, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 17° 56.173' N; 066° 53.303' W DEPTH : 7.6 m RUGOSITY : 4.40 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG RO RUBBLE RO MAS COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC GOR FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR RO TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites rubble/sand reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang mixed assemblage

194

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 37 9 54 22 40 21 37 5 69 15 4 13 10 4 3 4 2 9 4 28 3 12 13 20 4 3 7 4 9 14 36 4 49 6 7 7 6 4

0.52 0.13 0.76 0.31 0.56 0.30 0.52 0.07 0.97 0.21 0.06 0.18 0.14 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.13 0.06 0.39 0.04 0.17 0.18 0.28 0.06 0.04 0.10 0.06 0.13 0.20 0.51 0.06 0.69 0.08 0.10 0.10 0.08 0.06

APPENDIX 3.15 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR RO RUBBLE RO ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR RO MAS COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang Porites rubble/sand reef overhang encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Isophyllia sinuosa mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

195

18 5 17 5 5 16 9 13 118 10 2 27 6 37 5 8 4 6 3 10 4 10 11 7 10 6 4 5 4 4 27 7

0.25 0.07 0.24 0.07 0.07 0.23 0.13 0.18 1.66 0.14 0.03 0.38 0.08 0.52 0.07 0.11 0.06 0.08 0.04 0.14 0.06 0.14 0.16 0.10 0.14 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.38 0.10

APPENDIX 4.1 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, NORTH DROP OF EL TOURMALINE. JUNE 23, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 09.794' N; 067° 16.418' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 3.71 m TRANSITION SUBSTRAT E CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42

ZOAN TURF ALG ENC COR ERE SPO ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR GORG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC COR ERE SPO TURF ALG CAL ALG ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG GORG ERE SPO OH TURF ALG OH MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO OH ENC SPO ZOAN TURF ALG ENC COR ZOAN TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

TAXA

Palythoa caribaeorum mixes assemblage Porites astreoides erect sponge Briareum asbestinum mixes assemblage Montastrea annularis gorgonian base encrusting sponge mixes assemblage Porites astreoides erect sponge mixes assemblage Halimeda sp. Porites astreoides mixes assemblage Agaricia sp. mixes assemblage Lebrunia danae mixes assemblage gorgonian base erect sponge reef overhang mixes assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixes assemblage encrusting sponge reef overhang encrusting sponge Palythoa caribaeorum mixes assemblage Porites astreoides Palythoa caribaeorum mixes assemblage Dictyota sp. mixes assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixes assemblage Montastrea annularis mixes assemblage Montastrea annularis mixes assemblage

196

CHAIN

LINEAR

LINKS

COVER (m)

10 2 4 8 4 7 18 2 8 2 3 2 4 3 8 4 3 7 3 2 3 5 8 10 4 12 11 2 6 6 11 4 11 5 12 3 6 6 2 6 2 4 1

0.14 0.03 0.06 0.11 0.06 0.10 0.25 0.03 0.11 0.03 0.04 0.03 0.06 0.04 0.11 0.06 0.04 0.10 0.04 0.03 0.04 0.07 0.11 0.14 0.06 0.17 0.16 0.03 0.08 0.08 0.16 0.06 0.16 0.07 0.17 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.03 0.08 0.03 0.06 0.01

43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97

MAS COR MAS COR OH TURF ALG BRA COR CAL ALG ENC COR TURF ALG OH TURF ALG OH MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR FOL COR GORG TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG OH MAS COR MILLE FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR RUBBLE BRA COR FOL COR RUBBLE BRA COR MILLE OH TURF ALG BRA COR

Montastrea annularis Colpophyllia natans reef overhang mixes assemblage Porites porites Amphiroa sp. Porites astreoides mixes assemblage reef overhang mixes assemblage reef overhang Dendrogyra cylindrus mixes assemblage Dendrogyra cylindrus mixes assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixes assemblage Porites astreoides mixes assemblage Porites astreoides mixes assemblage Montastrea annularis mixes assemblage Porites astreoides Agaricia sp. gorgonian base mixes assemblage Porites astreoides mixes assemblage mixes assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixes assemblage Agaricia sp. mixes assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixes assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixes assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis Millepora squarrosa Agaricia sp. mixes assemblage Agaricia sp. mixes assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites rubble Porites porites Agaricia sp. Porites rubble Porites porites Millepora squarrosa reef overhang mixes assemblage Acropora cervicornis

197

10 17 14 13 8 3 10 9 6 13 15 6 3 101 2 36 2 3 5 8 14 10 12 5 9 3 6 9 13 15 6 2 19 15 8 16 7 4 5 16 5 2 2 3 14 5 125 25 3 30 10 10 7 5 4

0.14 0.24 0.20 0.18 0.11 0.04 0.14 0.13 0.08 0.18 0.21 0.08 0.04 1.42 0.03 0.51 0.03 0.04 0.07 0.11 0.20 0.14 0.17 0.07 0.13 0.04 0.08 0.13 0.18 0.21 0.08 0.03 0.27 0.21 0.11 0.23 0.10 0.06 0.07 0.23 0.07 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.20 0.07 1.76 0.35 0.04 0.42 0.14 0.14 0.10 0.07 0.06

APPENDIX 4.2 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, NORTH DROP OF EL TOURMALINE. JUNE 23, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 09.794' N; 067° 16.418' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 3.31 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR ENC COR ENC COR MAS COR MAS COR BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR RUBBLE TURF ALG MAS COR FLE ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR BRA COR CAL ALG MAS COR FLE ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR BRA COR MAS COR

TAXA

mixed assemblage Madracis mirabilis mixed assemblage Madracis mirabilis Porites astreoides Porites astreoides Montastrea annularis Montastrea annularis Madracis mirabilis mixed assemblage Madracis mirabilis mixed assemblage Madracis mirabilis Porites rubble mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Dictyota sp. reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Madracis mirabilis Amphiroa sp. Montastrea annularis Dictyota sp. Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Madracis mirabilis Montastrea annularis

198

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 4 4 13 39 6 5 11 5 14 12 7 4 3 19 7 54 14 6 54 1 2 68 3 18 6 4 4 3 4 8 2 10 5 5 18 8

0.06 0.06 0.18 0.55 0.08 0.07 0.16 0.07 0.20 0.17 0.10 0.06 0.04 0.27 0.10 0.76 0.20 0.08 0.76 0.01 0.03 0.96 0.04 0.25 0.08 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.11 0.03 0.14 0.07 0.07 0.25 0.11

APPENDIX 4.2 Continued 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR FLE ALG TURF ALG BRA COR BRA COR BRA COR BRA COR BRA COR TURF ALG EREN SPO ENC GOR BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG RO BRA COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC COR

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites astreoides Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Madracis mirabilis Porites porites Madracis mirabilis Porites porites Madracis mirabilis mixed assemblage erect sponge Briareum asbestinum Madracis mirabilis mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites porites mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Madracis mirabilis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides

199

3 12 2 2 7 5 6 6 5 9 13 4 3 2 61 5 8 9 20 11 7 1 3 2 6 4 9 7 3 2 4 6 3 8 2 3 10 13 8 2 9 4 10 9 6 9 14

0.04 0.17 0.03 0.03 0.10 0.07 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.13 0.18 0.06 0.04 0.03 0.86 0.07 0.11 0.13 0.28 0.16 0.10 0.01 0.04 0.03 0.08 0.06 0.13 0.10 0.04 0.03 0.06 0.08 0.04 0.11 0.03 0.04 0.14 0.18 0.11 0.03 0.13 0.06 0.14 0.13 0.08 0.13 0.20

APPENDIX 4.2 Continued 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103

TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR RO ENC COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR RO ENC COR TURF ALG ENC GOR ENC COR RO ENC COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Diploria labirynthiformis reef overhang Porites astreoides Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Porites astreoides reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp.

200

10 4 17 6 6 3 11 7 4 16 8 3 7 4 7 2 4 4 3 4 7

0.14 0.06 0.24 0.08 0.08 0.04 0.16 0.10 0.06 0.23 0.11 0.04 0.10 0.06 0.10 0.03 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.10

APPENDIX 4.3

REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, NORTH DROP OF EL TOURMALINE. JUNE 23, 1999.

LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 09.794' N; 067° 16.418' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 4.00 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

FLE ALG TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR RO ENC COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR RUBBLE MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR ZOAN ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR BRA COR RUBBLE TURF ALG MAS COR

TAXA

Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Colpophyllia natans reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Eusmilia fastigiata mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites rubble Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Porites porites Palythoa caribaeorum Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Montastrea annularis Porites porites Porites rubble mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans

201

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 5 20 14 73 12 7 15 6 4 3 4 2 2 30 10 17 21 4 28 18 5 6 5 4 53 18 25 6 8 7 12 9 4 4 20 10 5 5

0.07 0.28 0.20 1.03 0.17 0.10 0.21 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.03 0.42 0.14 0.24 0.30 0.06 0.39 0.25 0.07 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.75 0.25 0.35 0.08 0.11 0.10 0.17 0.13 0.06 0.06 0.28 0.14 0.07 0.07

APPENDIX 4.3 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84

TURF ALG MAS COR ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ERE SPO RO ENC COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC COR ENC SPO ENC COR RO BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR RO MILLE TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR RUBBLE RO ENC COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG ENC COR

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage erect sponge reef overhang Porites astreoides Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides encrusting sponge Porites astreoides reef overhang Acropora cervicornis mixed assemblage Porites porites reef overhang Millepora alcicornis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Porites rubble reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides

202

8 10 14 10 6 31 2 8 5 12 5 2 6 8 1 7 7 2 12 5 5 2 3 11 2 17 8 4 4 22 14 9 22 6 9 4 8 3 6 16 8 4 6 8 4 9 7

0.11 0.14 0.20 0.14 0.08 0.44 0.03 0.11 0.07 0.17 0.07 0.03 0.08 0.11 0.01 0.10 0.10 0.03 0.17 0.07 0.07 0.03 0.04 0.16 0.03 0.24 0.11 0.06 0.06 0.31 0.20 0.13 0.31 0.08 0.13 0.06 0.11 0.04 0.08 0.23 0.11 0.06 0.08 0.11 0.06 0.13 0.10

APPENDIX 4.3 Continued 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR RO ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG

Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage

203

6 7 12 9 8 4 5 6 7 4 7 4 17 8 4 2

0.08 0.10 0.17 0.13 0.11 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.10 0.06 0.10 0.06 0.24 0.11 0.06 0.03

APPENDIX 4.4 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, NORTH DROP OF EL TOURMALINE. JUNE 23, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 09.794' N; 067° 16.418' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 4.38 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO ENC GOR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC COR RO TURF ALG GORG ENC COR TURF ALG

TAXA

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea Briareum asbestinum Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang mixed assemblage gorgonian base Porites astreoides mixed assemblage

204

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 4 5 4 6 11 10 2 18 3 25 10 6 8 4 4 22 6 17 5 4 5 17 24 4 6 10 10 8 30 4 4 4 3 10 5 3 10 15

0.06 0.07 0.06 0.08 0.16 0.14 0.03 0.25 0.04 0.35 0.14 0.08 0.11 0.06 0.06 0.31 0.08 0.24 0.07 0.06 0.07 0.24 0.34 0.06 0.08 0.14 0.14 0.11 0.42 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.14 0.07 0.04 0.14 0.21

APPENDIX 4.4 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84

FOL COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR CAL ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR RO BRA COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC GOR BRA COR ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ZOAN TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC COR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG

Agaricia sp. Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis Amphiroa sp. Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Mycetophyllia sp. reef overhang Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Porites porites Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Dendrogyra cylindrus mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage unident. anemone mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage

205

4 3 24 4 25 8 10 10 19 7 6 18 4 10 13 4 24 6 6 5 21 8 10 7 79 3 5 15 9 20 13 10 20 6 10 6 23 10 8 5 3 13 20 10 6 5 4

0.06 0.04 0.34 0.06 0.35 0.11 0.14 0.14 0.27 0.10 0.08 0.25 0.06 0.14 0.18 0.06 0.34 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.30 0.11 0.14 0.10 1.11 0.04 0.07 0.21 0.13 0.28 0.18 0.14 0.28 0.08 0.14 0.08 0.32 0.14 0.11 0.07 0.04 0.18 0.28 0.14 0.08 0.07 0.06

APPENDIX 4.4 Continued 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96

ERE SPO ENC GOR CAL ALG MAS COR BRA COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC SPO FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR ZOAN

erect sponge Briareum asbestinum Amphiroa sp. Meandrina meandrites Porites porites Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Palythoa caribaeorum

206

10 4 3 17 4 14 26 6 10 3 10 8

0.14 0.06 0.04 0.24 0.06 0.20 0.37 0.08 0.14 0.04 0.14 0.11

APPENDIX 4.5 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, NORTH DROP OF EL TOURMALINE. JUNE 23, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 09.794' N; 067° 16.418' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 3.56 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG BRA COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG FOL COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MILLE MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO FOL COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR

Montastrea cavernosa Diploria labyrinthiformis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites porites Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Millepora alcicornis Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis

207

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 23 12 10 2 43 8 5 16 7 6 7 25 12 11 7 9 8 5 5 14 4 24 13 8 4 4 7 2 5 9 3 16 12 3 3 2 11 17

0.32 0.17 0.14 0.03 0.61 0.11 0.07 0.23 0.10 0.08 0.10 0.35 0.17 0.16 0.10 0.13 0.11 0.07 0.07 0.20 0.06 0.34 0.18 0.11 0.06 0.06 0.10 0.03 0.07 0.13 0.04 0.23 0.17 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.16 0.24

APPENDIX 4.5 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84

TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR RO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR BRA COR TURF ALG FLE ALG TURF ALG BRA COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR BRA COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG ENC GOR ENC COR ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG BRA COR ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR MAS COR ENC COR

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Amphiroa sp. Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites porites mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. mixed assemblage Porites porites Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Porites astreoides Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites porites Porites astreoides mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Diploria strigosa Porites astreoides

208

12 9 10 3 24 9 8 6 5 7 10 7 4 4 3 15 13 16 12 28 10 58 8 4 24 6 4 12 15 10 34 6 4 7 13 5 10 6 4 5 5 12 3 8 6 8 13

0.17 0.13 0.14 0.04 0.34 0.13 0.11 0.08 0.07 0.10 0.14 0.10 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.21 0.18 0.23 0.17 0.39 0.14 0.82 0.11 0.06 0.34 0.08 0.06 0.17 0.21 0.14 0.48 0.08 0.06 0.10 0.18 0.07 0.14 0.08 0.06 0.07 0.07 0.17 0.04 0.11 0.08 0.11 0.18

APPENDIX 4.5 Continued 85 86 87 88 89

TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

209

26 6 16 14 13

0.37 0.08 0.23 0.20 0.18

APPENDIX 4.6 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, WEST OF LAS CORONAS. JUNE 25, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 05.836' N; 067° 17.225' W DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 3.42 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ENC GOR ENC COR MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR ZOAN TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR RO ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR RO ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR RO MAS COR RO MAS COR

TAXA

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum Porites astreoides Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis unident. anemone mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa

210

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 20 3 11 13 3 1 10 8 2 2 3 4 3 34 5 2 3 5 11 5 38 7 11 51 4 2 6 2 5 13 10 21 6 6 8 17 8 10

0.28 0.04 0.16 0.18 0.04 0.01 0.14 0.11 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.48 0.07 0.03 0.04 0.07 0.16 0.07 0.54 0.10 0.16 0.72 0.06 0.03 0.08 0.03 0.07 0.18 0.14 0.30 0.08 0.08 0.11 0.24 0.11 0.14

APPENDIX 4.6 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84

RO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR RO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR CAL ALG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RUBBLE MAS COR RUBBLE BRA COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC GOR GORG TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC SPO ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO GORG

reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang mixed assemblage Leptoseris cucullata mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Halimeda discoidea mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Porites rubble Montastrea cavernosa Porites rubble Porites rubble mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Leptoseris cucullata Briareum asbestinum Gorgonian base mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage encrusting sponge encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Halimeda discoidea mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge Gorgonian base

211

4 27 4 4 4 2 9 3 6 15 3 4 6 24 5 33 17 21 4 12 4 5 7 3 2 11 2 6 8 15 12 11 5 5 2 1 14 5 3 10 18 8 27 6 4 3 5

0.06 0.38 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.03 0.13 0.04 0.08 0.21 0.04 0.06 0.08 0.34 0.07 0.47 0.24 0.30 0.06 0.17 0.06 0.07 0.10 0.04 0.03 0.16 0.03 0.08 0.11 0.21 0.17 0.16 0.07 0.07 0.03 0.01 0.20 0.07 0.04 0.14 0.25 0.11 0.38 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.07

APPENDIX 4.6 Continued 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107

BRA COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR ENC GOR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR GORG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR

Madracis decactis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Madracis decactis Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Madracis decactis mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. reef overhang mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Gorgonian base Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia aliciae

212

17 11 4 6 6 5 4 4 17 7 4 10 3 9 4 10 8 6 5 2 12 6 10

0.24 0.16 0.06 0.08 0.08 0.07 0.06 0.06 0.24 0.10 0.06 0.14 0.04 0.13 0.06 0.14 0.11 0.08 0.07 0.03 0.17 0.08 0.14

APPENDIX 4.7 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, WEST OF LAS CORONAS. JUNE 25, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 05.836' N; 067° 17.225' W DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 1.63 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ENC COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG RO ENC COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG RO MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR CAL ALG TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Porites astreoides reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage reef overhang Porites astreoides mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Halimeda discoidea mixed assemblage Halimeda discoidea mixed assemblage Halimeda discoidea mixed assemblage Halimeda discoidea mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Halimeda discoidea mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. reef overhang Montastrea annularis Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage

213

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 13 3 12 10 10 8 4 24 17 14 15 12 8 9 16 5 10 76 13 27 6 18 14 6 7 6 10 6 6 6 27 12 2 6 18 8 43 10

0.18 0.04 0.17 0.14 0.14 0.11 0.06 0.34 0.24 0.20 0.21 0.17 0.11 0.13 0.23 0.07 0.14 1.07 0.18 0.38 0.08 0.25 0.20 0.08 0.10 0.08 0.14 0.08 0.08 0.08 0.38 0.17 0.03 0.08 0.25 0.11 0.61 0.14

APPENDIX 4.7 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

CAL ALG MAS COR CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG BRA COR RO FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO RO TURF ALG CAL ALG ENC SPO CAL ALG MAS COR CAL ALG ENC GOR

Halimeda sp. Montastrea annularis Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. Porites porites reef overhang Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge reef overhang mixed assemblage Halimeda sp. encrusting sponge Halimeda sp. Montastrea annularis Halimeda sp. Briareum asbestinum

214

54 5 7 13 20 20 37 1 5 6 1 16 4 5 21 2 9 3 4 2 6 13 17 4 15 5 8 5

0.76 0.07 0.10 0.18 0.28 0.28 0.52 0.01 0.07 0.08 0.01 0.23 0.06 0.07 0.30 0.03 0.13 0.04 0.06 0.03 0.08 0.18 0.24 0.06 0.21 0.07 0.11 0.07

APPENDIX 4.8 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, WEST OF LAS CORONAS. JUNE 25, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 05.836' N; 067° 17.225' W DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 3.87 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

CAL ALG TURF ALG CAL ALG TURF ALG RO CAL ALG ENC GOR CAL ALG ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR ENC GOR FOL COR TURF ALG CAL ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR TURF ALG BRA COR MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR

TAXA

Amphiroa sp. mixed assemblage Amphiroa sp. mixed assemblage reef overhang Amphiroa sp. Briareum asbestinum Amphiroa sp. Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Briareum asbestinum Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Amphiroa sp. Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Porites porites Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Colpophyllia natans mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa

215

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 22 13 8 6 8 12 5 14 12 12 3 13 3 3 9 3 4 15 12 20 30 8 7 6 9 17 15 11 9 4 5 6 23 4 13 17 11 8

0.31 0.18 0.11 0.08 0.11 0.17 0.07 0.20 0.17 0.17 0.04 0.18 0.04 0.04 0.13 0.04 0.06 0.21 0.17 0.28 0.42 0.11 0.10 0.08 0.13 0.24 0.21 0.16 0.13 0.06 0.07 0.08 0.32 0.06 0.18 0.24 0.16 0.11

APPENDIX 4.8 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84

TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG RO TURF ALG MAS COR ZOAN FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG ENC GOR RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO ERE SPO ENC GOR MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR FOL COR FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR

mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea Palythoa caribaeorum Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang erect sponge Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis Agaricia sp. Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp.

216

2 5 24 20 10 8 12 10 9 15 8 3 8 20 23 24 25 18 3 12 3 10 11 2 17 5 10 8 26 37 3 6 14 2 3 3 3 7 10 10 25 13 18 3 5 8 6

0.03 0.07 0.34 0.28 0.14 0.11 0.17 0.14 0.13 0.21 0.11 0.04 0.11 0.28 0.32 0.34 0.35 0.25 0.04 0.17 0.04 0.14 0.16 0.03 0.24 0.07 0.14 0.11 0.37 0.52 0.04 0.08 0.20 0.03 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.10 0.14 0.14 0.35 0.18 0.25 0.04 0.07 0.11 0.08

APPENDIX 4.8 Continued 85 86 87 88 89 90

ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR FOL COR TURF ALG

Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea Briareum asbestinum Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage

217

2 20 10 10 7 8

0.03 0.28 0.14 0.14 0.10 0.11

APPENDIX 4.9 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, WEST OF LAS CORONAS. JUNE 25, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 05.836' N; 067° 17.225' W DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 4.23 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FOL COR BRA COR FOL COR TURF ALG ERE SPO BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC SPO TURF ALG BRA COR ENC SPO FOL COR ENC SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FOL COR

TAXA

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Porites porites Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage erect sponge Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Porites porites encrusting sponge Agaricia sp. encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp.

218

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 6 4 4 4 8 5 17 6 5 20 16 4 10 3 3 50 16 7 4 53 4 20 4 4 3 8 4 3 3 11 5 6 4 8 17 6 55 4

0.08 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.11 0.07 0.24 0.08 0.07 0.28 0.23 0.06 0.14 0.04 0.04 0.71 0.23 0.10 0.06 0.75 0.06 0.28 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.11 0.06 0.04 0.04 0.16 0.07 0.08 0.06 0.11 0.24 0.08 0.78 0.06

APPENDIX 4.9 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84

TURF ALG ENC GOR ZOAN TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC COR ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO GORG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR MAS COR BRA COR TURF ALG MAS COR RO MAS COR ENC GOR MAS COR RO TURF ALG RO MAS COR RO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum unident. anamone mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum reef overhang Mycetophyllia sp. mixed assemblage Porites astreoides encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge gorgonian base encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. Montastrea annularis Porites porites mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis reef overhang Montastrea annularis Briareum asbestinum Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea annularis reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage

219

6 11 5 14 15 10 11 96 5 10 17 4 7 3 12 4 2 3 28 3 10 4 17 10 11 5 15 11 30 2 10 10 10 3 15 3 8 19 10 20 4 15 14 20 30 6 4

0.08 0.16 0.07 0.20 0.21 0.14 0.16 1.35 0.07 0.14 0.24 0.06 0.10 0.04 0.17 0.06 0.03 0.04 0.39 0.04 0.14 0.06 0.24 0.14 0.16 0.07 0.21 0.16 0.42 0.03 0.14 0.14 0.14 0.04 0.21 0.04 0.11 0.27 0.14 0.28 0.06 0.21 0.20 0.28 0.42 0.08 0.06

APPENDIX 4.9 Continued 85 86 87

FOL COR RO ENC SPO

Agaricia sp. reef overhang encrusting sponge

220

3 5 5

0.04 0.07 0.07

APPENDIX 4.10 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, WEST OF LAS CORONAS. JUNE 25, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 05.836' N; 067° 17.225' W DEPTH : 10.0 m RUGOSITY : 1.99 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ENC COR BRA COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG RO MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG FOL COR

mixed assemblage Porites astreoides Porites porites mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage reef overhang Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia sp.

221

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 12 10 3 6 4 15 47 4 17 27 6 42 7 10 12 4 15 4 10 4 7 10 14 3 20 12 13 10 43 12 9 33 10 6 34 4 30 30

0.17 0.14 0.04 0.08 0.06 0.21 0.66 0.06 0.24 0.38 0.08 0.59 0.10 0.14 0.17 0.06 0.21 0.06 0.14 0.06 0.10 0.14 0.20 0.04 0.28 0.17 0.18 0.14 0.61 0.17 0.13 0.47 0.14 0.08 0.48 0.06 0.42 0.42

APPENDIX 4.10 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC SPO FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Agaricia sp. mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage Montastrea annularis mixed assemblage

222

8 5 19 6 8 5 29 10 35 7 4 17 22 24 10 16 10 6 15 23 10 2

0.11 0.07 0.27 0.08 0.11 0.07 0.41 0.14 0.49 0.10 0.06 0.24 0.31 0.34 0.14 0.23 0.14 0.08 0.21 0.32 0.14 0.03

APPENDIX 4.11 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 1, MEDIA LUNA REEF. JUNE 28, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 06.079' N; 067° 18.731' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 1.82 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

TURF ALG ERE SPO ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO MAS COR ENC SPO RO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG RO MAS COR ASCI TURF ALG ENC GOR ERE SPO ENC SPO

mixed assemblage erect sponge erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Mycetophyllia aliciae mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa erect sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang Siderastrea siderea encrusting sponge reef overhang mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge erect sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage reef overhang Diploria strigosa Clavelina sp. mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum erect sponge encrusting sponge

223

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 7 2 2 19 2 10 2 8 5 3 1 21 1 21 10 2 30 6 4 3 43 9 6 39 4 9 3 7 6 6 35 7 7 4 4 3 4 3

0.10 0.03 0.03 0.27 0.03 0.14 0.03 0.11 0.07 0.04 0.01 0.30 0.01 0.30 0.14 0.03 0.42 0.08 0.06 0.04 0.61 0.13 0.08 0.55 0.06 0.13 0.04 0.10 0.08 0.08 0.49 0.10 0.10 0.06 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.04

APPENDIX 4.11 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79

TURF ALG GORG FOL COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR BRA COR

mixed assemblage gorgonian base Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa Porites porites

224

26 2 3 14 2 15 3 4 2 71 4 34 3 32 3 12 6 16 3 7 2 17 2 2 2 15 8 4 2 4 2 23 3 38 4 3 6 10 2 54 5 10

0.37 0.03 0.04 0.20 0.03 0.21 0.04 0.06 0.03 1.00 0.06 0.48 0.04 0.45 0.04 0.17 0.08 0.23 0.04 0.10 0.03 0.24 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.21 0.11 0.06 0.03 0.06 0.03 0.32 0.04 0.54 0.06 0.04 0.08 0.14 0.03 0.76 0.07 0.14

APPENDIX 4.12 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 2, MEDIA LUNA REEF. JUNE 28, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 06.079' N; 067° 18.731' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 1.38 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO ZOAN ENC SPO ENC GOR TURF ALG FLE ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG BRA COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO ENC SPO

encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Palythoa caribaeorum encrusting sponge Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Dictyota sp. erect sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites porites mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage gorgonian base erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge encrusting sponge

225

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 5 2 2 4 3 12 10 10 2 11 1 19 7 4 14 2 4 6 3 6 2 2 3 4 3 4 10 1 28 3 9 5 37 2 2 12 3 3

0.07 0.03 0.03 0.06 0.04 0.17 0.14 0.14 0.03 0.16 0.01 0.27 0.10 0.06 0.20 0.03 0.06 0.08 0.04 0.08 0.03 0.03 0.04 0.06 0.04 0.06 0.14 0.01 0.39 0.04 0.13 0.07 0.52 0.03 0.03 0.17 0.04 0.04

APPENDIX 4.12 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84

TURF ALG MAS COR ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ERE SPO GORG TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR

mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage erect sponge gorgonian base mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage erect sponge encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Porites astreoides mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa

226

5 2 4 37 3 7 3 9 2 6 1 4 28 1 7 1 79 3 4 4 13 18 10 3 2 8 4 4 1 5 3 21 2 24 6 33 4 24 6 17 1 32 2 11 5 42 4

0.07 0.03 0.06 0.52 0.04 0.10 0.04 0.13 0.03 0.08 0.01 0.06 0.39 0.01 0.10 0.01 1.11 0.04 0.06 0.06 0.18 0.25 0.14 0.04 0.03 0.11 0.06 0.06 0.01 0.07 0.04 0.30 0.03 0.34 0.08 0.47 0.06 0.34 0.08 0.24 0.01 0.45 0.03 0.16 0.07 0.59 0.06

APPENDIX 4.12 Continued 85 86 87 88 89 90

GORG TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG

gorgonian base mixed assemblage Meandrina brasiliensis mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage

227

4 7 3 14 1 3

0.06 0.10 0.04 0.20 0.01 0.04

APPENDIX 4.13 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 3, MEDIA LUNA REEF. JUNE 28, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 06.079' N; 067° 18.731' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 1.62 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO GORG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG BRA COR ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG

TAXA

erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge gorgonian base mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage Porites porites erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage

228

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 19 6 2 6 3 2 13 1 2 2 58 10 2 23 2 54 10 4 9 38 1 47 2 7 9 25 5 39 7 37 3 13 10 37 2 11 2 13

0.27 0.08 0.03 0.08 0.04 0.03 0.18 0.01 0.03 0.03 0.82 0.14 0.03 0.32 0.03 0.76 0.14 0.06 0.13 0.54 0.01 0.66 0.03 0.10 0.13 0.35 0.07 0.55 0.10 0.52 0.04 0.18 0.14 0.52 0.03 0.16 0.03 0.18

APPENDIX 4.13 Continued 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

ERE SPO RO TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ERE SPO MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG MAS COR ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG

erect sponge reef overhang mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage erect sponge Diploria srigosa mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Stephanocoenia michilini erect sponge mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage

229

20 3 40 3 12 4 1 6 6 13 10 3 3 3 35 2 14 6 30 3 7 3 6 6 2 17 7 23

0.28 0.04 0.56 0.04 0.17 0.06 0.01 0.08 0.08 0.18 0.14 0.04 0.04 0.04 0.49 0.03 0.20 0.08 0.42 0.04 0.10 0.04 0.08 0.08 0.03 0.24 0.10 0.32

APPENDIX 4.14 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 4, MEDIA LUNA REEF. JUNE 28, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 06.079' N; 067° 18.731' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 1.76 m TRANSITION SUBSTRATE TAXA CODE 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC GOR TURF ALG ENC SPO MAS COR TURF ALG FOL COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO MAS COR

mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Briareum asbestinum mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage Agaricia agaricites mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis mixed assemblage Diploria labyrinthiformis mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa Siderastrea siderea mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge Siderastrea siderea

230

CHAIN LINKS

LINEAR COVER (m)

3 4 16 4 32 18 51 4 97 4 12 19 5 111 11 2 4 3 19 19 22 10 5 19 10 9 10 18 4 12 125 11 8 3 77 14 27 10 2

0.04 0.06 0.23 0.06 0.45 0.25 0.72 0.06 1.37 0.06 0.17 0.27 0.07 1.57 0.16 0.03 0.06 0.04 0.27 0.27 0.31 0.14 0.07 0.27 0.14 0.13 0.14 0.25 0.06 0.17 1.76 0.16 0.11 0.04 1.09 0.20 0.38 0.14 0.03

APPENDIX 4.15 REEF BENTHIC COMMUNITY PROFILE ALONG LINEAR TRANSECT 5, MEDIA LUNA REEF. JUNE 28, 1999. LOCATION (D-GPS): 18° 06.079' N; 067° 18.731' W DEPTH : 10.6 m RUGOSITY : 1.87 m TRANSITION

SUBSTRATE CODE

TAXA

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35

TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG ERE SPO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG RO TURF ALG ERE SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG ENC SPO TURF ALG

mixed assemblage Diploria strigosa mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage Montastrea cavernosa mixed assemblage gorgonian base erect sponge mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage reef overhang mixed assemblage erect sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage encrusting sponge mixed assemblage

231

CHAIN LINEAR LINKS COVER (m) 14 12 23 7 5 5 17 2 37 4 38 8 12 3 16 4 30 18 7 8 16 46 5 28 8 130 10 34 22 5 3 17 3 10 5 2

0.20 0.17 0.32 0.10 0.07 0.07 0.24 0.03 0.52 0.06 0.54 0.11 0.17 0.04 0.23 0.06 0.42 0.25 0.10 0.11 0.23 0.65 0.07 0.39 0.11 1.83 0.14 0.48 0.31 0.07 0.04 0.24 0.04 0.14 0.07 0.03

APPENDIX 4.15 Continued 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

ENC SPO TURF ALG MAS COR RO TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG MAS COR TURF ALG GORG TURF ALG

encrusting sponge mixed assemblage Meandrina meandrites reef overhang mixed assemblage Dendrogyra cylindrus mixed assemblage Dendrogyra cylindrus mixed assemblage gorgonian base mixed assemblage

232

2 34 17 5 16 8 2 28 82 3 31

0.03 0.48 0.24 0.07 0.23 0.11 0.03 0.39 1.16 0.04 0.44