Spatial distribution, management zoning and depth effects on reef biodiversity and productivity at the largest Brazilian coastal marine protected area

Abstract

The spatial distribution of coral reef biodiversity is regulated by a series of natural variables and human-induced factors such as depth, habitat availability, spatial variation, and management policies. However, spatial distribution patterns and management zoning strategy outcomes of coral reefs biodiversity are still scarce in several areas, such as Southwestern Atlantic Ocean Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). It has been previously demonstrated that better management strategies worldwide could be supported by better species distribution data. In the present study, a total of 94 reefs spatially distributed around the MPA Costa dos Corais (Northeastern Brazil) under different zoning strategies and ranging from 1 to 30 m depth were sampled. Our study is the first one to characterize biodiversity spatial distribution of the largest Brazilian coastal MPA Costa dos Corais biodiversity and the importance of management zoning as a major coral reef conservation strategy in Brazil. Highest coral cover (48.33%) and coral richness (6.31 species/20 m) have been recorded for North of Alagoas (NAL), and highest fish abundance (75.22 individuals/100 m²), richness (11.45 species/100 m²) and biomass (395.60 g/100 m²) were recorded for South of Alagoas (SAL). Yet, only fish richness and biomass were significantly different compared with other regions. Compared to other management zones, no-take zones had the highest coral cover and richness, and fish abundance, richness and biomass. Additionally, our findings have shown that depth positively influences fish and negatively influences coral biodiversity. Hence, management and zoning strategies have influenced the structure of coral reef communities with a series of different ecological effects highlighting the importance of those strategies for Southwestern Atlantic Ocean MPAs.