Status ecológico de recifes de coral sujeitos a múltiplos estressores em Área Marinha Protegida através de indicadores ecológicos e respostas bioquímicas

Abstract

Coral reefs are ecosystems with high biomass and high productivity, providing support for the growth and development of marine organisms. Thus they are of high ecological importance, providing numerous services to the marine environment. In recent years, major changes are occurring in the structure and ecological processes of coral reefs as a consequence of increasing anthropogenic disturbances on a global and local scale, in the short or long term, characterizing a "crisis of functionality" on the reefs, increasing coral mortality rates and undermining the resilience potential of this ecosystem, giving rise to reef systems with low rates of coral cover. There is increasing use of biota and ecological systems information as quality indicators to understand the ecological status that reefs are in. The present study aimed to assess the health of the coral community and the quality of reef areas through ecological and biochemical indicators. The efficiency of using these indicators as a tool for monitoring and as an effective instrument for decision making in the management of these areas was evidenced in this dissertation throughout two chapters. In the first one, the results suggest that the management of use through spatial zoning and the enforcement of regulations in these areas can contribute to the resilience of coral reefs, maintenance and efficiency of ecosystem, socioeconomic and cultural services in APACC, also indicating that the creation of this zoning was an assertive decision that must be maintained and expanded. In the second chapter, it is suggested that the antioxidant enzyme activities differ by seasonal effect, due to the increase in river discharge and the concentration of some inorganic nutrients, and that even though these zones are exclusion areas, they are subject to impact and the corals are under stress. Attention is drawn to a more detailed monitoring of these areas to assist in management and ensure efficiency in conservation and maintenance of reef ecosystems.