Spatial-temporal variations of macroalgae were analyzed
in a study conducted in Cueva de Los Peces (CP) and Punta Perdiz (PP), two dive
sites located on the eastern coast of Bahía de Cochinos. The most conspicuous species
found from 3 to 20 m depths were present in the biotopes of ridges and shallow and
deep terraces. Sampling was carried out in September 2014, and March and October
2016 by autonomous diving and direct methods. Qualitative visual censuses and quantitative
analyzes were used to estimate the coverage (%) of the genera according to the AGRRA
methodology with the use of the 10 m linear transect and quadrats as the sampling
unit. The first list of macroalgae for the area
is offered that includes 49 taxa of which 10 were Rhodophyta, 10 Ochrophyta (Phaeophyceae), and 29 Chlorophyta. The dominant genera during the study
period were Halimeda, Dictyota, Lobophora, and Udotea. Spatial differences were found regarding the specific
composition. Temporal variations were evidenced in terms of the relative abundance
of the genera present, which reveals temporal changes in the qualitative structure,
where some species replace others. The information obtained is pioneering and can
serve as a comparative baseline for future monitoring of the area.
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