Assessment of macrobenthos diversity and a zoning proposal for Seixas coral reefs (northeastern Brazil)

Coral reefs worldwide are under severe threat due to their inherent fragility and urgent need for conservation. The escalating tourism in coral reefs significantly impacts the marine ecosystem's biodiversity and conservation. This study analyzed the diversity and conservation status of macroben...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Marine pollution bulletin 2023-10, Vol.195, p.115443-115443, Article 115443
Main Authors: Souza, Maria Cecilia Silva, Massei, Karina, Vianna, Pedro Costa Guedes, Santos, Celso Augusto Guimarães, Mishra, Manoranjan, Silva, Richarde Marques da
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Biodiversity
Conservation
Coral reefs
Marine ecosystems
Monitoring protocols
Spatial analysis
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Summary:Coral reefs worldwide are under severe threat due to their inherent fragility and urgent need for conservation. The escalating tourism in coral reefs significantly impacts the marine ecosystem's biodiversity and conservation. This study analyzed the diversity and conservation status of macrobenthos in the Seixas coral reef, located in northeastern Brazil, and proposed a zoning plan. We employed monitoring protocols adapted from the Reef Check Program, the Rapid Assessment Protocol for Atlantic and Gulf Reefs, and the Protocol for Monitoring Coastal Benthic Habitats. Species identification was carried out by analyzing 25 transects, each divided into 1 m2 grids, with photos recorded for each grid, totaling 625 photos. Margalef, Shannon-Weaver, Simpson, and Pielou indices were used to analyze species distribution and diversity. The results indicated Dictyotaceae, Sargassaceae, and Corallinaceae as prevalent families. This research offers decision-makers a snapshot of species distribution in the Seixas coral reefs, providing a non-destructive, efficient methodology for assessing environmental impacts on coastal coral reefs. [Display omitted] •Examines macrobenthos diversity in Seixas coral reef (northeastern Brazil)•Applies non-destructive monitoring techniques•Features Dictyotaceae, Sargassaceae, and Corallinaceae as prevalent groups•Zoning based on macrobenthos diversity to understand biological conservation•Supports decision-makers in coral reef conservation strategies
ISSN:0025-326X
1879-3363
DOI:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115443