Most reefs undergo periodic damage from typhoons. The present study focuses on the impact that Super-Typhoon Rai (that hit the Philippines in 2021) had on coral reef health along the coast of Moalboal, in Cebu Island.
Coral reef surveys, implementing Point Intercept Method (PIT), coral fish census and key invertebrate census were conducted and compared to previous surveys collected in 2019. Even though site-specific variations were observed, an overall shift from live coral-dominated reefs to those dominated by abiotic rubble and algae was evident. Comparison between marine protected areas and non-protected sites revealed greater coral damage and algae colonization in protected areas. Surprisingly, fish species richness and evenness index increased in every site. Protected sites exhibited higher fish diversity, indicating their potential for supporting the recovery of a fish community. Contrastingly, the invertebrate community showed significant decreases in diversity and evenness after the typhoon, with site-specific variations. Protected sites experienced a higher decrease in invertebrate diversity, while non-protected sites exhibited a stronger reduction in species dominance.
These findings emphasize the need for protective measures and further research to understand the mechanisms of resilience and recovery in coral reefs.
KEYWORDS: Coral Reef, Typhoon Rai, Philippines, Point Intercept Survey, Fish Census, Key Invertebrate Survey
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