Arrecifes coralinos de Bocas del Toro, Panamá: III. Distribución, estructura, diversidad y estado de conservación de los arrecifes de las islas Pastores, Cristóbal, Popa y Cayo Agua

Abstract

Previous studies reported low coral diversity and poor reef development inside the marine protected area of Isla Bastimentos (PNMIB), and it was recommended to widen the survey further east into other areas of the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. This study describes reef distribution, structure and status in 24 reefs along ca. 107 km of coastline in Pastores, Cristobal, Popa and Agua islands. We define for the first time the main center of diversity or "hot spot" zone for important sessile reef-building organisms. Coral diversity increases to 57 species for the archipelago (89 % of Panama), adding up to 64 records for the country. There was also an increase to 29 and 53 species for octocorals and sponges, respectively. For local diversity, 96 %, 94 % and 97 % of the total number of coral, octocoral and sponge species, respectively, are recorded inside the "hot spot." Based on our results, we recommend the modification of the existing limit of the PNMIB to include reef areas with highest diversity and abundance of threatening species (e.g. Acropora palmata, A. cervicornis), or the creation of a network of marine protected areas within the archipelago.