| ABSTRACT Coral reefs have experienced an extensive degradation over the last decades as a result of anthropogenic and natural disturbances. This study presents an historical characterization (1989-2015) of changes in composition of the substrate in coral formations in the San Bernardo Archipelago. In addition, in 2015 coral reef health (presence of deterioration signs) was evaluated, and satellite temperature data were analyzed. In general, coral cover showed a stable trend between 1989 and 2010. The observed differences in the coral reef formations in 2013 and 2015 could have been due to the increase in coverage of species of the genus Orbicella, Porites, Agaricia, Siderastrea and the hydrocoral Millepora complanata. The lower coverage in 1989, 1991 and... |
