Reef Health Index (RHI) in the Coral Reefs from Miskitos Cayos

Abstract

The coral reefs from Miskito Cays are located in the Autonomous Region of the North Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast. They form an underwater mosaic of marginal reefs, patch reefs, distant reef ridges oriented from north to south, seagrass beds, seaweed and octocoral gardens. Corals are a kind of animals’ colony that are related to hydrozoans, jellyfish and sea anemones. The health status of these coral reefs has been diagnosed, taking as bioindicators the status of marine coral colonies, the cover of fleshy algae, the diversity and abundance of herbivorous fish and fish of commercial interest. The study is quantitative and the evaluation was carried out through the linear transept method. To this end, sampling was carried out through diving in 18 preselected coral reefs, with an effort of two 30-meter long transepts in each of those reefs. 50% of the sampled reefs have a good to very good health condition; 33% have a regular condition; while 17% are in a condition of bad to critical. In general, the results are satisfactory, since the coral reefs in Miskito cays maintain the function and structure, providing high values ​​of aquatic biodiversity that favor the work and food of the coastal indigenous communities, which all their lives have survived their benefits. However, what are the proposals to improve self-sustainability?