Abstract

VEGA-CENDEJAS, Ma. Eugenia  and  HERNANDEZ-DE-SANTILLANA, Mirella. Ichthyofauna that inhabits coastal systems of the Contoy Island marine park. CienciaUAT [online]. 2014, vol.9, n.1, pp.44-59. ISSN 2007-7858.

Contoy Island, known as Bird Island, was declared a National Park in 1998 because it provides shelter, food and a nesting zone for seabirds and other biological components. Although there are studies about the flora and fauna, fish populations have not been well studied. This paper aims to contribute to the taxonomic and ecological fish populations inhabiting coastal and lagoon systems. This information is critical for the valuation of biodiversity, critical habitats, and as an auxiliary in decision making for the protected areas management. The environmental parameters were recorded (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nutrients and depth), and fish assemblages were determined in lagoon zone (Puerto Viejo, Pajarera Norte, Pajarera Central, Garzas) and coastal zone (Playa Puerto Viejo, Cocopatos, Pescadores, Punta Sur). A total of 92 species were recorded (62 genus and 40 families), with the first records for the coastal habitat. Dominant species, considering its density, biomass and occurrence frequency were: Floridichthys polyommus, Atherinomorus stipes, Acanthostracion quadricornis, Eucinostomus argenteus, Harengula jaguana and Lutjanus griseus. High species richness (43) and diversity by Shannon Weiner Index (2.6 bits/individual) were recorded in Pajarera Central (lagoon zone), while the highest density and biomass were found in coastal zone, because of the high abundance of F polyommus. The results highlight the importance of coastal areas for conservation of biodiversity by providing food, shelter, breeding and reproduction areas of a large number of species, some with commercial and/or ecological value. This information is essential for the establishment of the management plan guidelines of ther Natural Protected Area.

Keywords : Fish associations; lagoon systems; natural reserve; Natural Protected Area; Contoy Island.

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