Respostas das assembleias de peixes recifais ao zoneamento de uso em uma área marinha protegida no atlântico sul ocidental

Abstract

Reef environments stand out for their diversity, richness, ecological and economic importance. Despite this importance, these reefs constantly suffer from anthropic influences, such as disordered tourism and poorly managed fishing, which make these environments less and less resilient. The creation of Marine Protected Areas and their zoning, in addition to these regular impacts, is essential for the protection and management of reef ecosystems. The objective of this work was to evaluate the structure of reef fish assemblages in the Costa dos Corais Environmental Protection Area (APACC), in Maragogi, north coast of Alagoas, using the following metrics: richness, abundance and biomass, in different use zones ( Visitation Zone - ZV, Sustainable Use - ZUS and Preservation of Marine Life ZPVM) and in two geomorphological areas of the reef (Back Reef Lagoon BRL and Flat Reef - RF) in the short and medium term of reopening after suspension of activities due to the COVID19 pandemic. 180 underwater visual censuses were carried out, recording 5,946 individuals of 52 species, 33 genera and 21 families. The ZV showed greater richness both in the medium and short term after the reopening of activities. This also showed the highest density of individuals in the two geomorphological areas, in addition to the highest biomass in the BRL in the short term and in the RF in the medium term. The highest values of evenness and diversity were recorded in the RF of the ZV, while the lowest values were observed in the BRL of the ZPVM. The geomorphological areas showed significant differences in density and biomass only in the ZV. The ZV obtained a greater estimate of the value of species of fishing interest, when compared to the other zones of use. The results obtained highlight the importance of zoning for the conservation of reef fish, including important species for the local economy, as well as other endangered species. It is suggested that in order to maintain and increase positive results, education and inspection programs should be intensified in these areas.