Strengthening Marine Species Protections in Cuba: A Case Study on the Critically Endangered Smalltooth Sawfish

The Smalltooth Sawfish (Pristis pectinate), a critically endangered species of ray, is in urgent need of strong legal protection and conservation action in the Wider Caribbean Region, particularly in Cuba. Cuba has a long history of conservation initiatives for other marine species and is a signatory to multiple multinational agreements that direct the country to protect sawfish. Nevertheless, sawfish are only just beginning to be a species of concern on the island. Here we review existing domestic laws relevant to biodiversity and endangered species protection in Cuba, with a focus on safeguarding sawfish. We offer specific recommendations to improve sawfish protection in Cuba through clear prohibitions on killing and harassment, as well as safe release requirements for incidentally captured individuals.

Distribution and status of living colonies of Acropora spp. in the reef crests of a protected marine area of the Caribbean (Jardines de la Reina National Park, Cuba)

The reef crests of the Jardines de la Reina National Park (JRNP) are largely formed by Acropora palmata, but colonies of A. cervicornis and the hybrid A. prolifera are also present. This study shows spatial distribution of colonies, thickets and live fragments of these species in the fore reefs. Snorkeling was used to perform the direct observations. The maximum diameter of 4,399 colonies of A. palmata was measured and the health of 3,546 colonies was evaluated. The same was done to 168 colonies of A. cervicornis and 104 colonies of A. prolifera. The influence of the location and marine currents on a number of living colonies of A. palmata was analyzed. For such purpose, reef crests were divided into segments of 500 m. The marine park was divided into two sectors: East and West. The Caballones Channel was used as the reference dividing line. The park was also divided into five reserve zones. We counted 7,276 live colonies of Acropora spp. 1.4% was A. prolifera, 3.5% A. cervicornis and 95.1% A. palmata. There were 104 thickets of A. palmata, ranging from eight to 12 colonies, and 3,495 fragments; 0.6% was A. cervicornis and the rest A. palmata (99.4%). In the East sector, 263 colonies (3.8% of the total), six thickets (5.8%) and 32 fragments (1%) of A. palmate were recorded. In the same sector, there were 11 fragments (50%) of A.cervicornis and two (2%) colonies of A. prolifera. Health of A. palmata was evaluated as good and not so good in the study area. Health of A. cervicornis was critical and health of A. prolifera was good in all five reserve zones. There was a significant increase in the number of colonies from east to west (Χ2 = 11.5, gl = 3.0, p = 0.009). This corroborates the existence of an important abundance differences between the eastern and the western region of the JRNP. A negative relationship was observed between the number of colonies and the distance from the channel (Χ2 = 65.0, df = 3.0, p < 0.001). The influence of the channel, for the live colonies of A. palmata is greater within the first 2,000 m. It then decreases until approximately 6,000 m, and no significant increase beyond. The orientation of the reef crests significantly influenced the abundance of the colonies (Χ2 = 15.5, df = 2.9, p = 0.001). The results presented here provide a baseline for future research on the status of the populations of Acropora spp., considering that there has been a certain recovery of the species A. palmata during the last 10–16 years. Given the current status of the populations of Acropora spp., conservation actions focusing A. cervicornis should be prioritized

Efeito da dragagem de um canal de comunicação ao mar (esteiro) sobre a associação de peixes na Lagoa Larga, Cayo Coco, Cuba

Fish community and habitat of the estuarine channel connecting to the sea at Laguna Larga were characterized before and after the dredging conducted in 2012. For this purpose, the channel was divided into four sections: two initial sections near the sea (IA, IB) and two final sections near the lagoon (FA, FB). A total of 112 visual surveys were conducted by free diving. Shelter area, shade, water temperature, salinity, as well as current depth and velocity were measured in order to characterize the habitat. Spatial and temporal distribution of fish, species richness, density, and relative frequency were determined in each section, and results were related to habitat characteristics. A total of 22 species of fish distributed in 14 families were recorded.  The following were the dominant species: Abudefduf saxatilis, Halichoeres bivittatus, Stegastes leucostictus, and Lutjanus griseus. Fish density and richness were higher at the beginning of the channel than at the end, particularly Lutjanus griseus, which changed its niche preferences from the end of the channel (FB) to the beginning (IB). In addition, fish communities varied spatially and temporally. The restoration process resulted in decreased availability of shelter and consequently determined the decrease in density and species richness at the beginning of the channel. The most drastic changes in fish spatial and temporal pattern were associated with the final sections of the canal, which suffered the greatest changes in habitat.Neste trabalho se caracterizaram o hábitat e a comunidade de peixes no canal de comunicação ao mar de Lagoa Larga, antes e depois de um processo de dragagem realizado em 2012. Para isso o canal foi divido em quatro seções, duas iniciais próximas ao mar e duas finais próximas à lagoa. Foram realizados 112 censos visuais através de mergulho livre. Para caracterizar o hábitat foram medidas a área de refúgio, sombra, temperatura da água, salinidade, profundidade e velocidade da corrente. Foram determinadas a distribuição espaço-temporal os peixes, riqueza de espécies, densidade e frequência relativa em cada seção e relacionadas com as características do hábitat. Registraram-se 22 espécies de peixes distribuídas em 14 famílias. As espécies Abudefduf saxatilis, Halichoeres bivittatus, Stegastes leucostictus e Lutjanus griseus foram dominantes. Encontrou-se que as densidades e riquezas de peixes no início do canal eram mais altas do que no extremo, particularmente a espécie Lutjanus griseus, que trocou suas preferências de nichos, desde o final do canal até o início. Encontrou-se que as comunidades de peixes variaram espacial e temporalmente. O processo de restauração produziu uma diminuição na disponibilidade de refúgios e, consequentemente, determinou a diminuição da densidade e riqueza de espécies somente no canal de entrada para a lagoa. As mudanças mais drásticas no padrão espacial e temporal dos peixes estiveram associadas às seções finais do canal, que sofreram as maiores alterações de hábitat. En este trabajo se caracterizaron el hábitat y la comunidad de peces en el canal de comunicación al mar de Laguna Larga, antes y después de un proceso de dragado realizado en el año 2012. Para ello el canal se dividió en cuatro secciones, dos iniciales cercanas al mar y dos finales cercanas a la laguna. Se realizaron 112 censos visuales mediante buceo libre. Para caracterizar el hábitat se midieron el área de refugio, sombra, temperatura del agua, salinidad, profundidad y velocidad de la corriente. Se determinaron la distribución espacio-temporal de los peces, riqueza de especies, densidad y frecuencia relativa en cada sección y se relacionaron con las características del hábitat. Se registraron 22 especies de peces distribuidas en 14 familias. Las especies Abudefduf saxatilis, Halichoeres bivittatus, Stegastes leucostictus y Lutjanus griseus fueron dominantes. Se encontró que las densidades y riquezas de peces en el inicio del canal eran más altas que en el extremo, particularmente la especie Lutjanus griseus, la cual cambió sus preferencias de nichos, desde el final del canal hacia el inicio. Se encontró que las comunidades de peces variaron espacial y temporalmente. El proceso de restauración produjo una disminución en la disponibilidad de refugios y, en consecuencia determinó la disminución de la densidad y riqueza de especies solo en el canal de entrada a la laguna. Los cambios más drásticos en el patrón espacial y temporal de los peces estuvieron asociados a las secciones finales del canal, las cuales sufrieron las mayores alteraciones de hábitat

VARIABILIDADE ESPACIAL DE SAZONAL DA THALASSIA TESTUDINUM NA BAÍA NUEVITAS, CUBA

Se realizó un estudio de la variación de la biomasa, la densidad de vástagos y la producción de hojas en tres praderas de Thalassia testudinum con diferentes características ambientales en la bahía de Nuevitas, Cuba, en diferentes épocas del año. El primer sitio tiene sedimentos fango-arenosos y está afectado por pesquería de arrastre; en el segundo, el sedimento es arenoso y se vierten aguas residuales en su cercanía, y el tercero, con sedimentos arenoso-fangosos, no está afectado por impactos antropogénicos. La biomasa de hojas, rizomas y raíces, la producción diaria de hojas, la densidad de vástagos, y el largo y ancho de las hojas fueron estimadas cinco veces en un año. Se observaron variaciones estacionales, con los valores más altos de biomasa de hojas y de rizomas, densidad de vástagos y de la producción diaria de hojas en primavera y verano. Las variaciones espaciales parecen estar relacionadas con las características de cada sitio: La producción diaria de hojas, la biomasa de hojas y su longitud fueron menores, y la biomasa de raíces mayor, donde los sedimentos están impactados por la pesquería con arrastre; la densidad de vástagos y la biomasa de rizomas fueron mayores en el sitio no afectado por ninguna acción antrópica. Los menores valores de la biomasa de raíces aparecieron donde se realiza la descarga de residuales.A study was carried out on biomass, shoot density and leaf production variability in three Thalassia testudinum meadows under different environmental characteristics in Nuevitas Bay, Cuba, in different seasons. The first site has muddy-sandy sediments and it is affected by bottom trawl fishing; the second has sandy sediments and it is affected by waste-water discharges, and the third has sandy-muddy sediments and no human impacts are present. Leaf, rhizome, and root biomass, daily production of leaves, density of short shoots, and length and width of leaves were estimated five times in a year. Seasonal variations were observed, with higher values of leaf and rhizome biomass, short shoot density, and daily production of leaves occurring in spring and summer. Spatial differences seem to be related to the environmental characteristics of each site: Leaf daily production, leaf biomass and leaf length were lower, and root biomass was higher in the site where sediments are impacted by fishing with bottom trawls; short shoot density and rhizome biomass were higher in the nonaffected site. Lower values of root biomass appeared where waste-water discharges occurred.Realizou-se um estudo da variação da biomassa, a densidade de hastes e a produção de folhas em três prados de Thalassia testudinum com diferentes características ambientais na baia de Nuevitas, Cuba, em diferentes épocas do ano. O primeiro lugar tem sedimentos lama-arenosos e está afetado pela pesca de arrasto; no segundo, o sedimento é arenoso e em suas proximidades são despejadas águas residuais, e o terceiro, com sedimentos areia-lamosos, não está afetado por impactos antropogênicos. A biomassa de folhas, rizomas e raízes, a produção diária de folhas, a densidade de hastes, e o comprimento e a largura das folhas foram estimados cinco vezes em um ano. Observaram-se variações estacionais, com os valores mais altos de biomassa de folhas e de rizomas, densidade de hastes e da produção diária de folhas na primavera e no verão. As variações espaciais parecem estar relacionadas com as características de cada lugar: A produção diária de folhas, a biomassa de folhas e sua longitude foram menores, e a biomassa de raízes maior, onde os sedimentos estão impactados pela pesca de arrasto; a densidade de hastes e a biomassa de rizomas foram maiores no lugar que não foi afetado por nenhuma ação antrópica. Os menores valores da biomassa de raízes apareceram onde se realiza o despejo de residuai

Spatial and seasonal variability of thalassia testudinum in Nuevitas Bay, Cuba

A study was carried out on biomass, shoot density and leaf production variability in three Thalassia testudinum meadows under different environmental characteristics in Nuevitas Bay, Cuba, in different seasons. The first site has muddy-sandy sediments and it is affected by bottom trawl fishing; the second has sandy sediments and it is affected by waste-water discharges, and the third has sandy-muddy sediments and no human impacts are present. Leaf, rhizome, and root biomass, daily production of leaves, density of short shoots, and length and width of leaves were estimated five times in a year. Seasonal variations were observed, with higher values of leaf and rhizome biomass, short shoot density, and daily production of leaves occurring in spring and summer. Spatial differences seem to be related to the environmental characteristics of each site: Leaf daily production, leaf biomass and leaf length were lower, and root biomass was higher in the site where sediments are impacted by fishing with bottom trawls; short shoot density and rhizome biomass were higher in the nonaffected site. Lower values of root biomass appeared where waste-water discharges occurred.Se realizó un estudio de la variación de la biomasa, la densidad de vástagos y la producción de hojas en tres praderas de Thalassia testudinum con diferentes características ambientales en la bahía de Nuevitas, Cuba, en diferentes épocas del año. El primer sitio tiene sedimentos fango-arenosos y está afectado por pesquería de arrastre; en el segundo, el sedimento es arenoso y se vierten aguas residuales en su cercanía, y el tercero, con sedimentos arenoso-fangosos, no está afectado por impactos antropogénicos. La biomasa de hojas, rizomas y raíces, la producción diaria de hojas, la densidad de vástagos, y el largo y ancho de las hojas fueron estimadas cinco veces en un año. Se observaron variaciones estacionales, con los valores más altos de biomasa de hojas y de rizomas, densidad de vástagos y de la producción diaria de hojas en primavera y verano. Las variaciones espaciales parecen estar relacionadas con las características de cada sitio: La producción diaria de hojas, la biomasa de hojas y su longitud fueron menores, y la biomasa de raíces mayor, donde los sedimentos están impactados por la pesquería con arrastre; la densidad de vástagos y la biomasa de rizomas fueron mayores en el sitio no afectado por ninguna acción antrópica. Los menores valores de la biomasa de raíces aparecieron donde se realiza la descarga de residuales

Caracterización de los pastos marinos de Paredón Grande, norte de la provincia de Ciego de Ávila, Cuba/ Characterization of seagrass Paredon Grande key, north Ciego de Avila, Cuba

Con el objetivo de establecer una línea base para detectar cambios posteriores en los pastos marinos en cayo Paredón Grande, debido a factores de origen antrópico y natural, se caracterizaron 10 sitios, tres de forma cuantitativa y siete de manera cualitativa. Para la caracterización cuantitativase utilizó un marco cuadrado de 25 x 25 cm2 de lado, colocado al azar 15 veces en cada sitio; y para la caracterización cualitativa de los sitios, se estimó visualmente la abundancia relativa y la densidad de las angiospermas, que constituyeron los parches de pastos marinos, mediante buceo libre. La angiosperma con mayor densidad y abundancia en los sitios muestreados fue Thalassia testudinum y entre las macroalgas predominaron las especies de los géneros Halimeda, Penicillus, Udotea, Caulerpa y Batophora y las especies Acetabularia calyculus, Dasycladus vermicularis Dictyosphaeria cavernosa y Valonia macrophysa. Se determinaron colonias de corales pétreos en buen estado de salud pertenecientes a las especies Manicina areolata, Siderastrea radians y al género Porites. Los peces de mayor abundancia fueron Halichoeres bivittatus y Lutjanus griseus, y entre los invertebrados predominaron las medusas del género Cassiopea y el molusco Lobatus gigas. Los pastos marinos de cayo Paredón Grande se encuentran conservados, sin observarse en ellos evidencias de impactos negativos, lo que demuestrala necesidad de implementar un monitoreo sistemático para evaluar el comportamiento de este ecosistema ante el futuro desarrollo turístico en esta región. ABSTRACT In order to establish a baseline to detect subsequent changes by seagrass in Paredon Grande key, due to factors of anthropogenic and natural origin, 10 sites were characterized, three quantitatively and seven were analyzed qualitatively. For the quantitative characterization was used a square frame of 25 x 25 cm2 side, which was placed randomly 15 times at each site; and qualitative characterization of the sites the relative abundance and density of angiosperms that constituted seagrass patches were visually estimated by free diving. Angiosperms with higher density and abundance in the sampled sites was Thalassia testudinum and between macroalgae, the predominant species were of the genus Halimeda, Penicillus, Udotea, Caulerpa, Batophora and Acetabularia calyculus, Dasycladus vermicularis, Dictyosphaeria cavernosa and Valoniama crophysa. Stony coral colonies were determined in good health of the species Manicina areolata, Siderastrea radians and Porites genus. The most abundant fish were Halichoeres bivittatus and Lutjanus griseus, and among invertebrates dominated the jellyfish of the genus Cassiopea genus and the mollusk Lobatus gigas. Seagrasses of Paredon Grande key are preserved, evidence of negative impacts were not seen, demonstrating the need to implement a systematic monitoring to evaluate the performance of this ecosystem for the future touristic development in this region

Efectos del Huracán Paloma sobre los pastos marinos del archipiélago Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

Seagrasses are one of the most important coastal ecosystems since they promote organic matter flow, nutrient cycling, food availability and refuge. Until now, reports on damages caused by storms and hurricanes on seagrass beds are uncommon and highly variable. The seagrass meadows of the East end of Jardines de la Reina archipelago were surveyed from Nov. 29th to Dec. 5th of 2008, in order to determinate the effects from the passing of Hurricane Paloma: a category three storm on the Saffir-Simpsom scale. A rapid field assessment of the affected areas was carried out using the manta tow technique. In six sites, seagrass was quantitatively evaluated using a 15cm diameter core (four sampling units per site) and shoot density was calculated. Remote sensing techniques were used to estimate seagrass cover. To estimate the percentage of affected areas, a Region of Interest (ROI) was first created over a Landsat image. The percentage of seagrass affected within the ROI was estimated through direct georeferentiation of the contours of the damaged area and with a comparison to the total seagrass extension. To find possible explanations for damages, a false colour image was created using the near infrared band, to highlight the differences between emerged and submerged zones. The direction of winds was estimated using ArcGis 9.2 creating circular buffers, from the centre of the hurricane and generating lines tangent to the buffers. Seagrass in the region was dominated by the angiosperm Thalassia testudinum. Regional mean density was 1 321±721 shoots/m2, a value regarded as high for the Caribbean area. Seagrass meadows were partly affected by sediment accumulation on the shoots of T. testudinum and uprooting rhizomes. The 7.6km2 disturbed area represented 1% of the total seagrass area. Other sites, closer to the centre of the hurricane, did not show any damages on the marine vegetation. The keys location with respect to the hurricane track was the most likely cause of the effects. To the North of the affected area there is an opening among the keys where the generation of waves, currents and turbulence could have occurred. Three years after the hurricane event, both vegetation cover loss and silt re-colonization by macroalgae species were observed within the affected area, by showing a patchily-vegetated landscape. This site is currently undergoing a temporal succession whose assessment demands a monitoring scheme, that will provide interesting information to document its future evolution and responsiveness against upcoming natural or anthropogenic events.Las descripciones de disturbios naturales, provocados por tormentas o huracanes, sobre las comunidades de pastos marinos son altamente variables. Del 29 de noviembre al 5 de diciembre 2008 se determinaron los efectos del huracán Paloma, categoría tres en la escala Saffir- Simpsom, sobre los pastos marinos del extremo oriental del Archipiélago Jardines de la Reina. Se llevó a cabo una evaluación rápida de campo mediante recorridos con arrastre (manta tow) y se muestreo cuantitativamente en seis sitios. Se utilizaron técnicas de teledetección para estimar la extensión de los pastos. La densidad media regional fue de 1 321±721vástagos/m2, valor considerado como alto para la zona del Caribe. El pasto marino sufrió afectaciones parciales provocadas por acumulación de sedimentos sobre los vástagos de Thalassia testudinum o desenterramiento de rizomas. El área bajo disturbios fue de 7.6km2 que representa el 1% del total de pastos marinos. Sitios más cercanos al ojo del huracán no mostraron afectaciones en la vegetación marina. La distribución de los cayos con respecto a la trayectoria del huracán se define como la causa más probable del patrón de afectación observado. Después de tres años del paso del huracán, la evolución del área afectada apunta hacia una pérdida de vegetación y re-colonización del sedimento por especies de macroalgas, se observa un paisaje con vegetación por parches. El sitio se encuentra en una sucesión temporal, por lo que se hace oportuno evaluar el área afectada mediante un programa de monitoreo para documentar su evolución futura y ante nuevos episodios naturales y/o antrópicos

Cambios en las comunidades de peces de los arrecifes coralinos del Archipiélago Sabana-Camagüey, Cuba

Al comparar la estructura de las comunidades de peces en los arrecifes del Archipiélago Sabana-Camagüey entre 1988-89 y el año 2000, mediante iguales censos visuales (ocho transeptos lineales de 2x50 m en cada estación), se observó una notable disminución de la riqueza de especies y una reducción en dos tercios de la densidad y biomasa de peces. Tal disminución de las poblaciones de peces parece estar relacionada con la alarmante disminución de la cobertura de corales escleractínios y una gran proliferación de algas, las cuales actualmente cubren 7080% del sustrato duro, impidiendo la recuperación de los corales y otros organismos bénticos. Grandes mortalidades de corales ocurrieron entre los dos periodos de estudio, lo cual parece ser consecuencia de las altas temperaturas provocadas por los eventos ENOS de 1995, 1997 y 1998. Estos fenómenos climáticos provocaron el blanqueamiento masivo de los corales y como consecuencia se produjo una gran proliferación de las algas. Asimismo en el período entre ambos muestreos ocurrió el enriquecimiento de nutrientes desde las lagunas interiores y la sobreexplotación de los recursos pesqueros. El conjunto de estos factores provocaron una marcada degradación del hábitat en los arrecifes. Tales cambios parecen haber afectado la disponibilidad de refugios y la alimentación para los peces, limitando el crecimiento individual y el tamaño de las poblaciones.Changes in fish communities of coral reefs at Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago, Cuba. A comparison of fish community structure in the Sabana-Camagüey Archipelago (1988-1989 and 2000) using visual census surveys (eight belt transects 2x50 m in each site) suggests a notable decrease on species richness, and a two thirds reduction in fish density and biomass on coral reefs. This decrease in fish populations may be related to the alarming decrease of scleractinian coral cover, and an enormous proliferation of algae, which currently covers 70-80% of the hard substrate, impeding the recovery of corals and other benthic organisms. High coral mortalities occurred between the study periods, which correlate with the high temperatures caused by the ENSO events of 1995, 1997 and 1998. These events caused massive bleaching of corals and subsequent algae overgrowth. Evidence of nutrient enrichment from the inner lagoons and overfishing are also present. Collectively, these effects have provoked a marked degradation of reef habitats. These changes appear to have affected the availability of refuges and food for fishes, and may be constraining individual growth potential and population size. Rev. Biol. Trop. 55 (2): 537-547. Epub 2007 June, 29

Abundance, distribution and size structure of Diadema antillarum (Echinodermata: Diadematidae) in South Eastern Cuban coral reefs

The 1983-1984 mass mortality event of Diadema antillarum affected more than 93% of the total Caribbean population. Although there are no records about the status of Diadema populations before and after die-off on Cuban reefs, anecdotal information suggests that populations were struck. We analyzed spatial variation in the abundance and size structure of D. antillarum in 22 reefs sites in Jardines de la Reina, from June 2004 to September 2005. Counts of Diadema were performed in five 30x2m transects at each sampling site and sampling time, and test diameters were measured in September 2005 at the same fore reefs. Abundances were higher at reef crests (mean densities 0.08-2.18 ind./m2), while reef slope populations reached a maximum site level of 0.13 ind./m2 at only one site and showed values up to three orders of magnitude lower than those from reef crests. Highest abundance occurred at the west margin of major channels between keys where larval recruitment seems to be favored by local oceanographic features and facilitated by the abundance of Echinometra lucunter. The size frequency distribution of D. antillarum indicates that recruitment began to be noticeable three years before September 2005, suggesting these populations were depleted in the past and they are recovering now

Influence of Diadema antillarum populations (Echinodermata: Diadematidae) on algal community structure in Jardines de la Reina, Cuba

A pesar de la importancia del forrageo de Diadema en la estructuración de los arrecifes de coral, la información disponible sobre la actual abundancia de algas y de las interacciones de erizos en Cuba es escasa. Por lo tanto, se analizan las variaciones espaciales en la abundancia de Diadema antillarum y su influencia sobre las algas en 22 arrecifes en Jardines de la Reina, en junio/2004 y abril/2005. Los erizos se muestrearon en recorridos de 30x2m (5/sitio) y las algas en cuadrículas de 0.25m de lado (15/sitio). Las densidades de Diadema fueron mayores en las crestas arrecifales (0.013-1.553ind/m2) mientras que las pendientes mostraron valores hasta tres ordenes de magnitud menor y presentaron un cubrimiento excesivo de macroalgas (hasta 87%), siendo las más abundantes Dictyota, Lobophora y Halimeda. Las densidades de erizos estuvieron correlacionadas negativa y positivamente con el cubrimiento de macroalgas y algas costrosas, respectivamente, en el análisis global, pero no en hábitats separados (especialmente en crestas), sugiriendo, conjuntamente con la biomasa histórica de peces, que la estructura de las comunidades en las crestas está determinada por la acción sinérgica de otros factores (herbivoría de peces) más que por la influencia de Diadema solo. No obstante, se observaron indicios del forrajeo de Diadema, y el cubrimiento de macroalgas disminuyó desde 2001, lo cual sugiere que la intensidad de la herbivoría aumentó al mismo tiempo que el reclutamiento de Diadema