Coral reefs from the APA Ponta da Baleia, Bahia

Abstract

This paper is a general characterization of the present conditions of coral reefs that are within the Environmental Protection Area of Ponta da Baleia, in the Coastal Arc of Abrolhos. The reef description is based on the morphology of their structures and growth. Coral knolls, patch and bank reefs and pinnacles are found, Fauna end flora that build rock structures and contribute to the sediment around reefs are analyzed quantitatively. Sediment accumulation rates data of the reef environment are obtained from previous studies. This information will support environmental management of reefs that are found in the APA of Ponta da Baleia, in the southern coast of the Bahia State. In these reefs occur the majority of coral species found in the Western South Atlantic Ocean. Six of them are endemic of the eastern continental shelf of Brazil. Most of the reefs studied in this work live in conditions of sedimentation rate that are considered higher than expected to a healthy growth of reefs. The live coral and hydrocoral and coralline algae cover are the smallest in Leste and Lixa reefs, and it is where there are a smaller number of coral colonies greater than 20 cm in diameter. In these reefs sedimentation rates are higher than 10 mg.cm-2.day-1. Timbebas and Pedra Grande do Sul reefs, where sedimentation rates are lower than 10 mg.cm-2.day-1, showed a greater percentage of coral and hydrocoral live cover and a greater number of colonies greater than 20 cm in diameter. Key words: EPA Ponta da Baleia. Coral Reefs. Abrolhos. Sedimentation. Reef Morphology. Reef Vitality.