Recruitment of Porites (Scleractinia) on artificial substrate in reefs affected by the 1997–98 El Niño in Banderas Bay, Mexican Pacific

• DOI: 10.7773/cm.v31i11.75
• Publication Date: 2017-08-15T18:04:18Z
• Authors: P Medina-Rosas; J Carriquiry; AL Cupul-Magaña
• Keywords: Porites; Scleractinia; Atoll; Full moon; Propagule

Mexican Pacific coral reefs were severely damaged by the sea surface warming observed during 1997–98 El Niño. In Banderas Bay, massive mortality was as high 97%, and surviving colonies exposed to sublethal temperatures thermal stress. this recruitment study we attempted estimate recovery potential repopulation of corals in Pacific. After Niño event, used terracotta tiles monitor settlement larval propagules at nine region. The took place from December 1998 July 1999. Settlements specimens Porites recorded two localities. This is first record for genus eastern tropical one with largest number recruited a involving artificial substrate. results indicate that these do not totally depend on arrival allocthonous other regions maintain their development. also shows reproductive activity despite environmental disturbances. Therefore, sexual reproduction reef region provides an effective alternative reefs.