Gorgonian octocoral community at Varadero coral reef in the Colombian Caribbean: diversity and spatial distribution

A study of Varadero coral reef in Cartagena, Colombia, reveals that the gorgonian octocoral community exhibits lower species richness and abundance compared to other Caribbean regions. This is attributed to the unique ecological characteristics of the area, including sedimentation processes and the influence of dredging activities for a large vessel access channel, which pose significant risks to this fragile ecosystem. Researchers analyzed seven sites within the mixed coral reef zone, typically found at depths between 6 and 10 meters, highlighting the vulnerability of these sessile benthic communities to environmental pressures.

Manrique Rodríguez, N., Agudelo, C., & Sanjuan-Muñoz, A. (2019). Gorgonian octocoral community at Varadero coral reef in the Colombian Caribbean: diversity and spatial distribution. Bulletin of Marine and Coastal Research, 48(1). https://doi.org/10.25268/bimc.invemar.2019.48.1.757