Cayos Cochinos Research Station
The Cayos Cochinos Biological Reserve, located approximately 35 kilometers south of Roatan, has an area of 500 square kilometers encompassing two small islands and 12 sand keys. Since 1995 only artisanal fishing has been permitted within the reserve. The area experienced extensive bleaching during September-October, 1998 followed by the passage of hurricane Mitch in late October. The AGRRA protocol was carried out to determine the condition of the reefs following these impacts and to form a baseline for zoning and management plans. During September, 1999 a team surveyed 9 fringing reefs at three depths (1-3 m, 8-12 m, and 15-20 m) around the main islands. Surveys revealed that many of the shallow sites contained substantial quantities of old standing dead Acropora palmata and A. cervicornis. Intermediate-depth sites were dominated by large colonies of Montastraea annularis and Diploria spp. displaying low to moderate pale bleaching and a prevalence of diseases (BB and WP). Recent partial mortality was moderate to high for these species. Significant quantities of macro algae were found at many of the sites and is believed to result from continued input of sediment/nutrient loads following heavy rains from mainland rivers heavily eroded by Mitch. Reef fish populations and individual sizes are moderate to large due to the protected status of the area. Overall, the reefs around Cayos Cochinos are have experienced moderate disturbance and will be closely monitored to document their recovery.
For more information contact Carlos Garcia at cgsaez@ibm.net.
Page layout and design by Monika Gurnée