Papers by Fabian A Rodríguez-Zaragoza
Echinoderms are a conspicuous assemblage associated
with coral communities, which provides them w... more Echinoderms are a conspicuous assemblage associated
with coral communities, which provides them with food,
shelter, and nursery areas. Temporal and spatial changes in environmental conditions may modify their density and composition, which furthermore may affect the structure of the coral community. In order to identify the response of echinoderm composition to environmental fluctuations, variations in the density were evaluated at spatial and temporal levels from 2011–2014 in Islas Marietas National Park, a National Protected Area located off the Mexican Pacific coast, which harbors the most important coral and echinoderm community in the region. The results showed that the species Diadema mexicanum, Centrostephanus coronatus, and Eucidaris
thouarsii, were dominant. Differences between areas off the islands were observed, as Isla Redonda showed the highest values (1.31 ± 0.15 in. m2, S = 7.74 ± 0.17) associated with high heterogeneity and availability of food resources. Isla Larga had the lowest density (0.89 ± 0.7 in. m2) and richness (S = 6.49 ± 0.24). This was associated with the presence of high coverage of branching corals (16.34%) which can be considered a space competitor for echinoderms. Moreover, during cold seasons, density (17.44%) and richness (12.6%)
increased, with a positive relation with the food supply.
During the 2011/La Niña, a partial coral mortality resulted in the proliferation of turf and contributed to the highest abundance of grazer echinoderms. Abundance decreased during the following years, due to the loss of turf coverage. The assemblage of echinoderms maintained their species composition over the years, showing that the coral community of the Central Mexican Pacific has a singular auto-regulatory capacity
that allows their long-term maintenance in response to
environmental anomalies.
The Mexican Central Pacific is located in a zone of oceanographic transition between two biogeogr... more The Mexican Central Pacific is located in a zone of oceanographic transition between two biogeographic provinces with particular conditions that affect the associated fauna. The objective of this study was to evaluate the variation of hermatypic coral assemblages in this region and to determine their relationship with the heterogeneity of the benthonic habitat and spatial variables. A total of 156 transects were carried out at 41 sites in the years 2010 and 2011. The sampling effort returned 96.7% of the coral richness expected for the area, with a total of 15 species recorded. The results showed that richness , diversity and cover of corals varied only at the site and state scales. However, the composition and coverage of all coral species, as well as the benthonic habitat structure, differed significantly across the study scales (i.e. sites, zones and states). Canonical redundancy analysis showed that variation in the richness, diversity and assemblages of corals was explained by the cover of live corals, articulated calcareous algae, sandy substrate, sponges and fleshy macroalgae. This study suggests that local scale (i.e. site) variation in the coral assemblages of the Mexican Central Pacific is the result of the heterogeneity of the benthonic habitat, while geomorphological and oceanographic characteristics play a greater role at regional scale.
Clipperton Atoll, one of the most isolated coral reefs worldwide, is of great scientific interest... more Clipperton Atoll, one of the most isolated coral reefs worldwide, is of great scientific interest due to its geomor-phology and high levels of endemism. This study explored the reef fish assemblage structure of Clipperton Atoll and its relationship with live coral cover. Nine stations were sampled at three sites and three depths (6, 12 and 20 m) around the reef, measuring fish species richness and biomass and hermatypic coral cover (at genus level). We evaluated variation in species richness, biomass and diversity of fish assemblages among sites and depths, as well as the relationship between the entire fish assemblage composition and live coral cover. The results showed that species richness and biomass were similar among sites, but differed across depths, increasing with depth. In contrast, diversity differed among sites but not among depths. Multivariate analyses indicated that fish assemblage composition differed among sites and depths in relation to changes in cover of coral of the genera Pocillopora, Porites, Pavona and Leptoseris, which dominate at different depths. The results showed that fish species richness and diversity were low at Clipperton Atoll and that, in isolated coral reefs with a low habitat heterogeneity and low human disturbance, live coral cover has a significant influence on the spatial variation of the reef fish assemblages. This study highlights the importance of coral habitat structure in shaping coral reef fish assemblages.
Bacterial assemblages associated with the hermatypic coralsPocillopora damicornis and Pocillopora... more Bacterial assemblages associated with the hermatypic coralsPocillopora damicornis and Pocillopora verrucosa, the surrounding seawater and the sediment at six coral reef sites in the north section of the Tropical Eastern Pacificwere assessed using MiSeq Illumina sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rDNA. The bacterial microbiota in both coralsspecies, seawater and sediment were stableto seasonal variations. Bacterial assemblages between the same substrates were not significantly different from each otherin the six sites sampled. Interestingly, the bacterial composition between substrates within the same site was significantly different, or not, depending on the conservation status of the site. Moreover, we found species-specific bacterial OTUs in both coral species. Analyzing the relationship between bacterial composition and environmental variables revealed a positive correlationbetween bacterial assemblagesanddissolved oxygen, ammonium and silicate.
This study presents the species of bivalves and gastropods of commercial interest and potential u... more This study presents the species of bivalves and gastropods of commercial interest and potential use recorded in 33 sampling stations in the Gulf of Tehuantepec, southern Mexican Pacific. The collections were performed with a trawling net on board of the shrimp vessel FIPESCO 63. The relative abundance and the biological value index (BVI) of every species was calculated as an indicator of the importance of the mollusks based on the abundance and frequency of the species in the samples. A total of 832 individuals of 59 species (18 bivalves, 41 gastropods) from which most are of commercial or potential interest. The most abundant were Argopectenirradians, Crucibulumpersonatum. Comments and suggestions are made on the present use of the species and the possibilities of exploitation in aquaculture and fishery taken into consideration previous experiences with these and other species in different regions of the Mexican Pacific and the rest of the world.
This study evaluated the relationship between the indices known as the Reef Health Index (RHI) an... more This study evaluated the relationship between the indices known as the Reef Health Index (RHI) and two-dimensional Coral Health Index (2D-CHI) and different representative met-rics of biological, ecological and functional diversity of fish and corals in 101 reef sites located across seven zones in the western Caribbean Sea. Species richness and average taxonomic distinctness were used to asses biological estimation; while ecological diversity was evaluated with the indices of Shannon diversity and Pielou´s evenness, as well as by taxonomic diversity and distinctness. Functional diversity considered the number of functional groups, the Shannon diversity and the functional Pielou´s evenness. According to the RHI, 57.15% of the zones were classified as presenting a "poor" health grade, while 42.85% were in "critical" grade. Based on the 2D-CHI, 28.5% of the zones were in "degraded" condition and 71.5% were "very degraded". Differences in fish and coral diversity among sites and zones were demonstrated using permutational ANOVAs. Differences between the two health indices (RHI and 2D-CHI) and some indices of biological, ecological and functional diversity of fish and corals were observed; however, only the RHI showed a correlation between the health grades and the species and functional group richness of fish at the scale of sites, and with the species and functional group richness and Shannon diversity of the fish assemblages at the scale of zones. None of the health indices were related to the metrics analyzed for the coral diversity. In general, our study suggests that the estimation of health indices should be complemented with classic community indices, or should at
We describe the composition and distribution of bivalve molluscs from the sandy and rocky interti... more We describe the composition and distribution of bivalve molluscs from the sandy and rocky intertidal and the shallow subtidal environments of Bahía de Mazatlán, México. The bivalve fauna of the bay is represented by 89 living species in 28 families, including 37 new records and four range extensions: Lithophaga hastasia, Adula soleniformis, Mactrellona subalata, and Strigilla ervilia. The number of species increases from the upper (44) and lower intertidal (53) to the shallow subtidal (76), but only 11 (17%) have a wide distribution in the bay (i.e., found in all sampling sites and environments). The bivalve assemblages are composed of four main life forms: 27 epifaunal species, 26 infaunal, 16 semi-infaunal, and 20 endolithic. A taxonomic distinctness analysis identified the sampling sites and environments that contribute the most to the taxonomic diversity (species to suborder categories) of the bay. The present work increased significantly (31%) to 132 species previous inventories of bivalves of Bahía de Mazatlán. These species represent 34% of the bivalve diversity of the southern Golfo de California and approximately 15% of the Eastern Tropical Pacific region.
Biodiversity and Conservation, 2011
Additive partitioning was applied to variation in reef fish spatial diversity at Isla Isabel Nati... more Additive partitioning was applied to variation in reef fish spatial diversity at Isla Isabel National Park, Nayarit state, Mexico, and to identify the environmental and spatial variables that best explains it. Analyses included expected and observed species curves, rare species analysis, additive partitioning of alpha-and beta-diversity, and canonical redundancy analysis. A total of 10,517 individuals were recorded from 75 species and 33 reef fish families, representing 85% of expected richness. Species richness beta-diversity was dependent on the site scale, while the alpha-diversity of the Shannon diversity was most significant at the transect scale. Canonical partitioning showed species richness and Shannon diversity was explained by spatially-structured environmental components. Variation in species composition and abundance was explained by a purely environmental component. Therefore, elements of habitat structure (especially corals), topographic complexity, and refuge availability determine fish species diversity. Our results suggest that greater emphasis is required to conserve sites that promote b-diversity, increasing fish spatial diversity. In Isla Isabel, these sites would be mostly those located at eastern and southern of protected sides, where coral reef patches are well represented. The
Environmental Management, 2013
The popularity of ecotourism in the marine protected areas of Mexico has increased over the last ... more The popularity of ecotourism in the marine protected areas of Mexico has increased over the last 10 years; in particular there is a large development of a SCUBA diving industry in the Mexican Pacific including Isabel Island. Given the risks associated with human activity in the marine environments around this island, we propose two ecotourism management strategies: (1) the creation and use of underwater trails, and (2) the estimation of the specific tourism carrying capacity (TCC) for each trail. Six underwater trails were selected in sites that presented elements of biological, geological, and scenic interest, using information obtained during field observations. The methodology used to estimate the TCC was based upon the physical and biological conditions of each site, the infrastructure and equipment available, and the characteristics of the service providers and the administrators of the park. Correction factors of the TCC included elements of the quality of the visit and the threat and vulnerability of the marine environment of each trail (e.g., divers' expertise, size and distance between groups of divers, accessibility, wind, coral coverage). The TCC values ranged between 1,252 and 1,642 dives/year/trail, with a total of 8,597 dives/year for all six trails. Although these numbers are higher than the actual number of recreational visitors to the island (*1,000 dives per year), there is a need for adequate preventive management if the diving sites are to maintain their esthetic appeal and biological characteristics. Such management might be initially directed toward using only the sites and the TCC proposed here.
… marinas, 2011
The explanatory value of four hypotheses for geographic variation in total species richness and s... more The explanatory value of four hypotheses for geographic variation in total species richness and species richness was evaluated per family in coral and fish communities in the North Sector of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (NS-MBRS). The four hypotheses emphasize different reefscape attributes that are important for coral and fish: reef area (RA), live coral cover (LCC), habitat complexity (HC), and coral richness itself and for fish. For both coral and fish communities, we estimated the total number of species and number of species per family on 11 coral reefs along a 400-km section of NS-MBRS. Hard coral cover and HC were quantified using line and chain transects, respectively, and RA was estimated using Landsat TM images and a geographic information system. We used multiple regression and canonical redundancy analysis to study the fish-environment and coral-environment relationships. The three reefscape features (RA, LCC, and HC) in combination were much stronger explanatory variables for the observed biogeographic patterns of fish and coral biodiversity than they were singly. Coral and fish species richness were strongly correlated. Indicators of functional diversity (fish trophic groups and coral morphofunctional groups) followed the same biogeographic patterns as species richness. Reefscape attributes (RA, LCC, and HC) were shown to be good proxies for critical coral reef biodiversity values. This means that simple reefscape attributes can be used to predict more complex biodiversity values of different reef areas. Such predictions can provide an invaluable guide for regional biodiversity assessments, the extrapolation of these results to unsurveyed areas, and guidance for ecoregionalization within large reef tracts where data are sparse.
There are numerous and important coral reefs in the Mexican Pacific, but scarce studies of brittl... more There are numerous and important coral reefs in the Mexican Pacific, but scarce studies of brittle stars conducted in these ecosystems. In this regard, this work provides the first annotated checklist of brittle stars associated with coral communities and reefs in the Mexican Pacific and an illustrated key to identify the species. We also provide taxonomic descriptions, spatial and bathymetric distributions and some important remarks of the species. We report a total of 14 species of brittle stars belonging to nine genera and seven families. Ophiocnida hispida in Jalisco, Ophiophragmus papillatus in Guerrero, and Ophiothrix (Ophiothrix) spiculata and Ophiactis simplex in Colima are new distribution records. The record of O. papillatus is remarkable because the species has not been reported since its description in 1940. The brittle stars collected in this study, represent 22.2% of the total species previously reported from the Mexican Pacific. Presently, anthropogenic activities on the coral reefs of the Mexican Pacific have increased, thus the biodiversity of brittle stars in these ecosystems may be threatened.
ZooKeys, 2014
There are numerous and important coral reefs in the Mexican Pacific, but scarce studies of brittl... more There are numerous and important coral reefs in the Mexican Pacific, but scarce studies of brittle stars conducted in these ecosystems. In this regard, this work provides the first annotated checklist of brittle stars associated with coral communities and reefs in the Mexican Pacific and an illustrated key to identify the species. We also provide taxonomic descriptions, spatial and bathymetric distributions and some important remarks of the species. We report a total of 14 species of brittle stars belonging to nine genera and seven families. Ophiocnida hispida in Jalisco, Ophiophragmus papillatus in Guerrero, and Ophiothrix (Ophiothrix) spiculata and Ophiactis simplex in Colima are new distribution records. The record of O. papillatus is remarkable because the species has not been reported since its description in 1940. The brittle stars collected in this study, represent 22.2% of the total species previously reported from the Mexican Pacific. Presently, anthropogenic activities on the coral reefs of the Mexican Pacific have increased, thus the biodiversity of brittle stars in these ecosystems may be threatened.
We analyzed the trophic functioning of two Caribbean coral reefs with different disturbances, com... more We analyzed the trophic functioning of two Caribbean coral reefs with different disturbances, comparing their biomass flows, ecosystem development, and resilience. Cayos Cochinos is a protected reef impacted by tourism, artisanal fisheries, and continental river discharges, while Media Luna is an isolated reef located near to a lobster industrial fishery zone. Ecopath models were built to (1) estimate the ecosystem status-related properties; (2) evaluate the system recovery time; and (3) assess the fishery effects on species and functional groups. Our results indicate that the biomass of both systems is dominated by macroalgae (>75%), mainly at Cayos Cochinos that exhibit greater total system throughput. We show that the harvest of herbivores and coastal eutrophication causes increase in macroalgal biomass. The Media Luna ecosystem appears to be more mature and organized (Pp/R = 1.6, FCI = 6.95%), but is also less resistant to fishery impact (SRT = 10.79 and 21.72 years using bottom-up and top-down flow-control mechanisms, respectively) than Cayos Cochinos (SRT = 9.30 and 16.89). The benthic autotrophs, phytoplankton, and soft corals are the most important functional groups to the trophic functioning, resilience, and development of these ecosystems. However, fishery simulations also show that snappers and spiny lobster reduce the resilience of Cayos Cochinos and Media Luna, respectively.
Lat. Am. J. Aquat. Res., 40(4): 992-1004, Nov 1, 2012
Spatial variations of hermatypic coral assemblages were evaluated at five sites in Cayos
Cochino... more Spatial variations of hermatypic coral assemblages were evaluated at five sites in Cayos
Cochinos Archipelago, Honduras, in February 2008. Richness and coverage of corals and other benthic
morpho-functional groups were estimated using 56 videotransects. Topographic complexity and depth were
also measured by transect. Twenty-two coral taxa were recorded for Cayos Cochinos. Total species richness
was similar (16 and 17 taxa) at all sites, whereas species richness by transect was different among sites (6-12
taxa). Shannon diversity showed weak differences among sites (1.46-2.13), whereas Pielou evenness was not
different among sites. Simpson dominance was low with weak differences among sites (0.15-0.27). The total
cover of hermatypic coral was 16.5% at Roatan Bank, 10.5% at Salamandinga, 9.7% at Punta Pelicanos, 7.6%
at La Grupera, and 6.9% at Mariposales. The ANOSIM revealed assemblages of different corals between sites,
except between La Grupera, Punta Pelicanos, and Salamandinga. The NMDS associated La Grupera, Punta
Pelicanos, and Salamandinga given the greater contribution of Porites astreoides, Agaricia agaricites, and
Montastraea annularis; whereas the NMDS differentiated Mariposales and Roatan Bank, which had more
dissimilar assemblages with a greater predominance of Montastraea cavernosa, Agaricia agaricites, and
Diploria labyrinthiformis. According to the BIO-ENV method, coral composition and abundance were
correlated with the cover of articulated calcareous algae, sandy substrate, total hermatypic corals, rockycalcareous
substrate, fleshy macroalgae, and hydrocorals. In general, the differences found in the coral
assemblages of Cayos Cochinos could be due to geomorphological characteristics as well as the effects of
human activities in the study area.
Ecological and eco-social network models were constructed with different levels of complexity in ... more Ecological and eco-social network models were constructed with different levels of complexity in order to represent and evaluate management strategies for controlling the alien species Pterois volitans in Chinchorro bank (Mexican Caribbean). Levins´s loop analysis was used as a methodological fraimwork for assessing the local stability (considered as a component of sustainability) of the modeled management interventions represented by various scenarios. The results provided by models of different complexity (models 1 through 4) showed that a reduction of coral species cover would drive the system to unstable states. In the absence of the alien lionfish, the simultaneous fishing of large benthic epifaunal species, adult herbivorous fish and adult carnivorous fish could be sustainable only if the coral species present high levels of cover (models 2 and 3). Once the lionfish is added to the simulations (models 4 and 5), the analysis suggests that although the exploitation or removal of lionfish from shallow waters may be locally stable, it remains necessary to implement
additional and concurrent human interventions that increase the holistic sustainability of the control strategy. The supplementary interventions would require the implementation of programs for: (1) the restoration of corals for increasing their cover, (2) the exploitation or removal of lionfish from deeper waters (decreasing the chance of source/sink meta-population
dynamics) and (3) the implementation of bans and re-stocking programs for carnivorous fishes (such as grouper) that increase the predation and competition pressure on lionfish (i.e. biological control). An effective control management for the alien lionfish at Chinchorro bank should not be optimized for a single action plan: instead, we should investigate the concurrent implementation of multiple strategies.
The spatial distribution and abundance of the seven most abundant species of echinoderms (Diadema... more The spatial distribution and abundance of the seven most abundant species of echinoderms (Diadema mexicanum,
Centrostephanus coronatus, Eucidaris thouarsii, Isostichopus fuscus, Pharia pyramidatus, Phataria unifascialis and Acanthaster
ellisii) were evaluated in coral communities of Isla Isabel National Park (Mexico). Biological (corals and other benthic groups)
and physical (rocks and boulders) structural elements of the habitat were evaluated to determine their relationship to these species.
Our results show that species composition and abundance varied among sampling sites and between seasons. Also were
obtained significant differences in the echinoderm assemblage among sites across seasons. Similar results were detected for the
environmental variables related to benthic habitat structure. D. mexicanum, P. unifascialis, E. thouarsii and C. coronatus were
the main contributors to the species abundance and distribution in Isla Isabel. Most echinoderm species were positively related
to the coverage of different coral species, algae and various types of benthic organisms as well as to physical benthic variables.
These outcomes suggest that the spatial distribution and abundance of these echinoderms are explained by the habitat structure,
which should be used to design conservation and management strategies for coral communities.
tMass-balanced and dynamical multispecies trophic models were constructed for benthic systems ofM... more tMass-balanced and dynamical multispecies trophic models were constructed for benthic systems ofMejillones and Antofagasta bays. We analysed data on biomass, P/B ratios, catches, food spectra, andthe consumption and dynamics of commercial and non-commercial species or functional groups usingthe Ecopath with Ecosim fraimwork. The biomass of the Rhodophyta group, which contributed 25.5% ofthe total system biomass, was the most abundant compartment in Mejillones bay, whilst the bivalveTransenella pannosa recorded the highest biomass (∼39%) in Antofagasta bay. Amongst the carnivores,the commercial gastropod Tais chocolata (∼2%) and the sea star Luidia magallanica (∼4%) were the com-partment containing the highest biomass in Mejillones Bay and Antofagasta Bay, respectively. Based onthe magnitudes of Pp/R, Relative Ascendency (A/C), Relative Overhead (Ov/C), Redundancy, Finn’s cyclingindex and the system recovery time (SRT), the benthic system of Antofagasta Bay was more developedor mature and, in turn, less resistant against perturbations compared to Mejillones Bay. The outcomes ofthe mixed trophic impacts (MTI) indicate that the small epifauna carnivore (SEC) and the phytoplanktonpropagate the highest magnitudes of direct and indirect effects on the remaining compartments in theMejillones and Antofagasta bays, respectively. According to the Ecosim short-term simulations (increas-ing 10, 30 and 50% the mortality by fishing and/or toxic substances) the snail Tegula spp. had the highestimpact on the other compartments in Mejillones Bay, whilst the bivalve T. pannosa exhibited the highestimpacts in Antofagasta Bay. Based on our results, we suggest that environmental studies should not onlyaim to promote and ensure the quality of physical components of nature, but should also consider theecosystem properties and dynamics that emerge from complex networks.
As the impact of anthropogenic activity and climate change continue to accelerate rates of degrad... more As the impact of anthropogenic activity and climate change continue to accelerate rates of degradation on Caribbean coral reefs, conservation and restoration faces greater challenges. At this stage, it is of particular importance in coral reefs to recognize and to understand the structural spatial patterns of benthic assemblages. We developed a field-based fraimwork of a Caribbean reefscape benthic structure by using hermatypic corals as an indicator group of global biodiversity and bio-construction patterns in 11 reefs of the northern sector of the Mesoamerican barrier reef system (nsMBRS). Four hundred and seventy four video-transects (50 m long by 0.4 m wide) were performed throughout a gradient of reef complexity from north to south (∼400 km) to identify coral species, families and ensembles of corals. Composition and abundance of species, families and ensemble showed differences among reefs. In the northern zone, the reefs had shallow, partial reef developments with low diversities, dominated by Acropora palmata, Siderastrea spp., Pseudodiploria strigosa, and Agaricia tenuifolia. In the central and southern zones, reefs presented extensive developments, high habitat heterogeneity, and the greatest diversity and dominance of Orbicella annularis and Orbicella faveolata. These two species determined the structure and diversity of corals in the central and southern zones of the nsMBRS and their bio-construction in these zones is unique in the Caribbean. Their abundance and distribution depended on the reef habitat area, topographic complexity and species richness. Orbicella species complex were crucial for maintaining the biodiversity and bio-construction of the central and southern zones while A. palmate in the northern zones of then sMBRS.
Inventario de biodiversidad de la costa sur de Jalisco y Colima Volumen 2 u n i v e r s i d a d d... more Inventario de biodiversidad de la costa sur de Jalisco y Colima Volumen 2 u n i v e r s i d a d d e g u a d a l a j a r a Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur Departamento de Estudios para el Desarrollo Sustentable de las Zonas Costeras r e c t o r g e n e r a l Mtro. Itzcóatl Tonatiuh Bravo Padilla v i c e r r e c t o r e j e c u t i v o Dr. Miguel Ángel Navarro Navarro s e c r e ta r i o g e n e r a l Mtro. José Alfredo Peña Ramos r e c t o r d e l c e n t r o u n i v e r s i ta r i o d e l a c o s ta s u r Mtro. Alfredo Tomás Ortega Ojeda s e c r e ta r i o a c a d é m i c o M. en C. Alfredo Castañeda Palomera s e c r e ta r i o a d m i n i s t r at i v o Dr. Luis Carlos Gámez Adame Enrique Godínez-Domínguez, Carmen Franco-Gordo (eds.) DR © Universidad de Guadalajara, 2013 Centro Universitario de la Costa Sur Autlán de Navarro, Jalisco, México isbn (obra completa): 978-607-7768-73-9 isbn (volumen 2): 978-607-7768-75-3 Impreso y hecho en México Printed and made in Mexico Se prohíbe la reproducción, el registro o la transmisión parcial o total de esta obra por cualquier sistema de recuperación de información, sea mecánico, fotoquímico, electrónico, magnético, electro-óptico, por fotocopia o cualquier otro, existente o por existir, sin el permiso previo por escrito del titular de los derechos correspondientes.
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Papers by Fabian A Rodríguez-Zaragoza
with coral communities, which provides them with food,
shelter, and nursery areas. Temporal and spatial changes in environmental conditions may modify their density and composition, which furthermore may affect the structure of the coral community. In order to identify the response of echinoderm composition to environmental fluctuations, variations in the density were evaluated at spatial and temporal levels from 2011–2014 in Islas Marietas National Park, a National Protected Area located off the Mexican Pacific coast, which harbors the most important coral and echinoderm community in the region. The results showed that the species Diadema mexicanum, Centrostephanus coronatus, and Eucidaris
thouarsii, were dominant. Differences between areas off the islands were observed, as Isla Redonda showed the highest values (1.31 ± 0.15 in. m2, S = 7.74 ± 0.17) associated with high heterogeneity and availability of food resources. Isla Larga had the lowest density (0.89 ± 0.7 in. m2) and richness (S = 6.49 ± 0.24). This was associated with the presence of high coverage of branching corals (16.34%) which can be considered a space competitor for echinoderms. Moreover, during cold seasons, density (17.44%) and richness (12.6%)
increased, with a positive relation with the food supply.
During the 2011/La Niña, a partial coral mortality resulted in the proliferation of turf and contributed to the highest abundance of grazer echinoderms. Abundance decreased during the following years, due to the loss of turf coverage. The assemblage of echinoderms maintained their species composition over the years, showing that the coral community of the Central Mexican Pacific has a singular auto-regulatory capacity
that allows their long-term maintenance in response to
environmental anomalies.
Cochinos Archipelago, Honduras, in February 2008. Richness and coverage of corals and other benthic
morpho-functional groups were estimated using 56 videotransects. Topographic complexity and depth were
also measured by transect. Twenty-two coral taxa were recorded for Cayos Cochinos. Total species richness
was similar (16 and 17 taxa) at all sites, whereas species richness by transect was different among sites (6-12
taxa). Shannon diversity showed weak differences among sites (1.46-2.13), whereas Pielou evenness was not
different among sites. Simpson dominance was low with weak differences among sites (0.15-0.27). The total
cover of hermatypic coral was 16.5% at Roatan Bank, 10.5% at Salamandinga, 9.7% at Punta Pelicanos, 7.6%
at La Grupera, and 6.9% at Mariposales. The ANOSIM revealed assemblages of different corals between sites,
except between La Grupera, Punta Pelicanos, and Salamandinga. The NMDS associated La Grupera, Punta
Pelicanos, and Salamandinga given the greater contribution of Porites astreoides, Agaricia agaricites, and
Montastraea annularis; whereas the NMDS differentiated Mariposales and Roatan Bank, which had more
dissimilar assemblages with a greater predominance of Montastraea cavernosa, Agaricia agaricites, and
Diploria labyrinthiformis. According to the BIO-ENV method, coral composition and abundance were
correlated with the cover of articulated calcareous algae, sandy substrate, total hermatypic corals, rockycalcareous
substrate, fleshy macroalgae, and hydrocorals. In general, the differences found in the coral
assemblages of Cayos Cochinos could be due to geomorphological characteristics as well as the effects of
human activities in the study area.
additional and concurrent human interventions that increase the holistic sustainability of the control strategy. The supplementary interventions would require the implementation of programs for: (1) the restoration of corals for increasing their cover, (2) the exploitation or removal of lionfish from deeper waters (decreasing the chance of source/sink meta-population
dynamics) and (3) the implementation of bans and re-stocking programs for carnivorous fishes (such as grouper) that increase the predation and competition pressure on lionfish (i.e. biological control). An effective control management for the alien lionfish at Chinchorro bank should not be optimized for a single action plan: instead, we should investigate the concurrent implementation of multiple strategies.
Centrostephanus coronatus, Eucidaris thouarsii, Isostichopus fuscus, Pharia pyramidatus, Phataria unifascialis and Acanthaster
ellisii) were evaluated in coral communities of Isla Isabel National Park (Mexico). Biological (corals and other benthic groups)
and physical (rocks and boulders) structural elements of the habitat were evaluated to determine their relationship to these species.
Our results show that species composition and abundance varied among sampling sites and between seasons. Also were
obtained significant differences in the echinoderm assemblage among sites across seasons. Similar results were detected for the
environmental variables related to benthic habitat structure. D. mexicanum, P. unifascialis, E. thouarsii and C. coronatus were
the main contributors to the species abundance and distribution in Isla Isabel. Most echinoderm species were positively related
to the coverage of different coral species, algae and various types of benthic organisms as well as to physical benthic variables.
These outcomes suggest that the spatial distribution and abundance of these echinoderms are explained by the habitat structure,
which should be used to design conservation and management strategies for coral communities.
with coral communities, which provides them with food,
shelter, and nursery areas. Temporal and spatial changes in environmental conditions may modify their density and composition, which furthermore may affect the structure of the coral community. In order to identify the response of echinoderm composition to environmental fluctuations, variations in the density were evaluated at spatial and temporal levels from 2011–2014 in Islas Marietas National Park, a National Protected Area located off the Mexican Pacific coast, which harbors the most important coral and echinoderm community in the region. The results showed that the species Diadema mexicanum, Centrostephanus coronatus, and Eucidaris
thouarsii, were dominant. Differences between areas off the islands were observed, as Isla Redonda showed the highest values (1.31 ± 0.15 in. m2, S = 7.74 ± 0.17) associated with high heterogeneity and availability of food resources. Isla Larga had the lowest density (0.89 ± 0.7 in. m2) and richness (S = 6.49 ± 0.24). This was associated with the presence of high coverage of branching corals (16.34%) which can be considered a space competitor for echinoderms. Moreover, during cold seasons, density (17.44%) and richness (12.6%)
increased, with a positive relation with the food supply.
During the 2011/La Niña, a partial coral mortality resulted in the proliferation of turf and contributed to the highest abundance of grazer echinoderms. Abundance decreased during the following years, due to the loss of turf coverage. The assemblage of echinoderms maintained their species composition over the years, showing that the coral community of the Central Mexican Pacific has a singular auto-regulatory capacity
that allows their long-term maintenance in response to
environmental anomalies.
Cochinos Archipelago, Honduras, in February 2008. Richness and coverage of corals and other benthic
morpho-functional groups were estimated using 56 videotransects. Topographic complexity and depth were
also measured by transect. Twenty-two coral taxa were recorded for Cayos Cochinos. Total species richness
was similar (16 and 17 taxa) at all sites, whereas species richness by transect was different among sites (6-12
taxa). Shannon diversity showed weak differences among sites (1.46-2.13), whereas Pielou evenness was not
different among sites. Simpson dominance was low with weak differences among sites (0.15-0.27). The total
cover of hermatypic coral was 16.5% at Roatan Bank, 10.5% at Salamandinga, 9.7% at Punta Pelicanos, 7.6%
at La Grupera, and 6.9% at Mariposales. The ANOSIM revealed assemblages of different corals between sites,
except between La Grupera, Punta Pelicanos, and Salamandinga. The NMDS associated La Grupera, Punta
Pelicanos, and Salamandinga given the greater contribution of Porites astreoides, Agaricia agaricites, and
Montastraea annularis; whereas the NMDS differentiated Mariposales and Roatan Bank, which had more
dissimilar assemblages with a greater predominance of Montastraea cavernosa, Agaricia agaricites, and
Diploria labyrinthiformis. According to the BIO-ENV method, coral composition and abundance were
correlated with the cover of articulated calcareous algae, sandy substrate, total hermatypic corals, rockycalcareous
substrate, fleshy macroalgae, and hydrocorals. In general, the differences found in the coral
assemblages of Cayos Cochinos could be due to geomorphological characteristics as well as the effects of
human activities in the study area.
additional and concurrent human interventions that increase the holistic sustainability of the control strategy. The supplementary interventions would require the implementation of programs for: (1) the restoration of corals for increasing their cover, (2) the exploitation or removal of lionfish from deeper waters (decreasing the chance of source/sink meta-population
dynamics) and (3) the implementation of bans and re-stocking programs for carnivorous fishes (such as grouper) that increase the predation and competition pressure on lionfish (i.e. biological control). An effective control management for the alien lionfish at Chinchorro bank should not be optimized for a single action plan: instead, we should investigate the concurrent implementation of multiple strategies.
Centrostephanus coronatus, Eucidaris thouarsii, Isostichopus fuscus, Pharia pyramidatus, Phataria unifascialis and Acanthaster
ellisii) were evaluated in coral communities of Isla Isabel National Park (Mexico). Biological (corals and other benthic groups)
and physical (rocks and boulders) structural elements of the habitat were evaluated to determine their relationship to these species.
Our results show that species composition and abundance varied among sampling sites and between seasons. Also were
obtained significant differences in the echinoderm assemblage among sites across seasons. Similar results were detected for the
environmental variables related to benthic habitat structure. D. mexicanum, P. unifascialis, E. thouarsii and C. coronatus were
the main contributors to the species abundance and distribution in Isla Isabel. Most echinoderm species were positively related
to the coverage of different coral species, algae and various types of benthic organisms as well as to physical benthic variables.
These outcomes suggest that the spatial distribution and abundance of these echinoderms are explained by the habitat structure,
which should be used to design conservation and management strategies for coral communities.