MONITOREO REEF CHECK EN EL ARRECIFE CORALINO "RINCÓN DE GUANABO", CUBA.

The results of the monitoring Reef Check in the coral reef of Rincón de Guanabo protected area during 2000, 2001, 2002 are presented. This survey was carried out to evaluate the coral reef's health, to obtain the basic scientific information for establishing the management plans and to involve the community volunteers in the conservation activities. Fixed stations in 3 and 10 m deep were settled down. Besides the Reef Check monitoring, in the 2002 a 1 m² frame was used so as to analyze the coral species composition and the abundance of sponges and gorgonians. Alive coral cover was superior to 20% in the crest and in the front reef but didn't show variations in the 3 years. Twenty five species of scleractinian corals were identified, and the most abundant were Agaricia agaricites, Porites astreoides, Siderastraea siderea y Montastraea annularis. Coral density was 13.8 col./m², and higher than gorgonians and sponges density. The low density of Diadema urchin and the almost total absence of commercial fish was significant. The results indicated that the coral reef of Rincón de Guanabo is in good health condition, however, there are serious impacts by over fishing that can bear future ecological dysfunctions. Because of this, it is necessary to continue with Reef Check monitoring that will give reliable scientific information to prevent coral reef destruction and will involve local community to the conservation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]