Rioja-Nieto, Rodolfo, Chiappa-Carrara, Xavier and Sheppard, Charles (Charles R. C.). (2012) Effects of hurricanes on the stability of reef-associated landscapes [Efectos de los huracanes sobre la estabilidad de paisajes asociados con arrecifes coralinos]. Ciencias Marinas, Vol.38 (No.1). pp. 47-55. ISSN 0185-3880

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Abstract

The effects of Hurricane Emily (July 2005, Category 4) on nine different benthic substrates in the reef-associated landscape along the west coast of Cozumel (Mexico) were evaluated by comparing the cover of nine types of substrate on ground-truthed sites before (ten months) and after (two months) the hurricane. Four substrates showed significant differences (Wilcoxon signed-rank test, P < 0.05). Coverage of sand and sand over rock increased, while that of seagrass and hard corals decreased. The effects of the hurricane on soft corals diminished below 10 m depth. Sites between 0.5 and 5.5 m were less affected towards the southwest of the island, where the reefs are more developed. Algal cover was similar to pre-hurricane values after two months, which suggests fast algal recolonization. Cozumel reefs are considered to be healthy; however, a possible increase in the abundance of macroalgae as a result of hurricanes coupled with poorly regulated tourism activities could eventually favor a phase shift in the system.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Science > Life Sciences (2010- ) > Biological Sciences ( -2010)
Journal or Publication Title:	Ciencias Marinas
Publisher:	Universidad Autonoma de Baja California * Instituto de Investigaciones Oceanologicas
ISSN:	0185-3880
Date:	2012
Volume:	Vol.38
Number:	No.1
Page Range:	pp. 47-55
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/44363

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