Research, monitoring and management for the conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs in the Guanahacabibes National Park

Abstract

Introduction. The most significant results obtained in the course of 10 years of research, monitoring and management in the coral reefs of the Guanahacabibes National Park (PNG) are presented. The most studied zoological groups have been the coral and fish communities. In the same way, the lionfish has been deeply investigated due to the negative impact caused on invertebrates and native fish due to its status as an exotic and invasive species. Methods. The samplings have been carried out based on methodologies developed and validated by experts at the national and international level. Results. The results show that the reefs are among the most conserved and diverse in the Caribbean, even though they do not escape the degradation process faced by most of these ecosystems due to the effects of climate change. Fish populations of commercial and ecological importance (groupers, snappers, sharks, parrotfish and surgeonfish) have high density and biomass values due to the protective effect of the area. Data on bleaching events in coral communities and their resilient power are presented. The results of the reef restoration project with the Acropora cervicornis species are presented as well as the positive effect that the holding of 5 lionfish fishing tournaments has had on the control of this invasive species. Also, the tools, strategies and regulations established in the PNG management plan are shown, focused on nature tourism that has been increasing in recent years.