The Jardines de la Reina (JR) archipelago includes one of the largest marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Caribbean Sea. However, there is limited understanding about the assemblage structure of its coral reef fishes. We aim to (1) describe the spatial patterns of fish assemblages and their potential drivers along the reef system and (2) compare several metrics of assemblages inside and outside the MPA. We surveyed the ichthyofauna at 12 sites (inside and outside the MPA) along ~200 km of reef tract using a diver-operated stereo-video system. We identified 31323 fishes, represented by 95 species and 24 functional groups, including large rare and threatened species of parrotfishes and groupers. The biomass of fishes from the Lutjanidae, Serranidae, and Scaridae families was higher than that in other Caribbean reefs. Site and depth explained the larger fraction of variance in most of the evaluated metrics, suggesting the importance of local environmental heterogeneity. Fish assemblages did not show a significant gradient along the JR tract from the center of the MPA to the periphery. Distance to the center of the MPA explained some of the variability in the abundance, functional richness, and multivariate structure of assemblages. Our results do not show that fish assemblages inside the MPA are healthier than those outside. Instead, the ichthyofauna is abundant and both taxonomically and functionally diverse both inside and outside the MPA probably as a result of a spillover effect. The successful combination of natural and management-associated features likely results in an overall good ecological status of fish assemblages in JR.

Distribution and abundance of the lionfish Pterois volitans (Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae) and associated native species in Parque Marino Cayos de San Felipe, Cuba. The first lionfish sighting at the National Park "Cayos de San Felipe" was in 2009 and could be a threat to its marine ecosystem diversity and their capacity to generate services. To analyze the incidence of the lionfish invasion in the area, an annual sampling was conducted between 2013 and 2015. Lionfish abundance and size was investigated on mangroves through visual census on ten transects of 30x2 m/station, and on coral reefs (15 and 25 m deep) with stereo video on six transects of 50x2 m/station. Additionally, incidence of potential native competitors and predators on coral reefs were also estimated. Over the three years, the average density of lionfish varied between 0.0-1.3 indiv./100 m 2 per sample stations and it was not significantly different among habitats (mangroves with 0.6 indiv./100 m 2 , reefs at 15 m -0.4 indiv./100 m 2 and reef at 25 m with 0.3 indiv./100 m 2 ). Lionfish's density was equal to or lower than competitors' density, and was equal to or higher than predator's density in both depths. While lionfish density on mangroves and on reefs at 25 m remained temporally stable, it decreased on reefs at 15 m. Temporary increase in the competitor's density was observed and the predator´s density did not change during the monitored time. Lionfish size varied between 5 and 39 cm; the average fish size from mangroves (12.6 cm) was consistently lower than from reefs (25.2 cm) and showed no variations among years. Lionfish size in reefs was higher than competitor's size and lower than that of predator. Results showed that in the park: 1) mangroves represent lionfish nursery areas; 2) incidence of reef lionfish was not as high as in other areas of Cuba and the Caribbean; and 3) lionfish abundance in reefs tended to decrease over the years, without the intervention of extractive activities or high abundance of large size native groupers. In this sense, recommendations are made to continue monitoring and to investigate lionfish effects and factors that are regulating its incidence in the park. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 117-125. Epub 2017 March 01.

RESUMENLa Península de Guanahacabibes fue propuesta como Área Protegida de Recursos Manejados (APRM) en el Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas de Cuba. Para validar esta propuesta se realizó un estudio de caracterización al área, en el marco del proyecto "Aplicación de un enfoque regional al manejo de las áreas protegidas marinas y costeras en los archipiélagos del sur de Cuba", con el objetivo de caracterizar los ecosistemas costeros y reafirmar que la ubicación y extensión diseñada del APRM responden a la protección de los principales valores naturales. Se evaluaron los manglares, las lagunas costeras y los pastos marinos, así como los sitios más importantes para las comunidades de aves marinas y acuáticas y las poblaciones de manatíes. Los muestreos se realizaron con metodologías validadas en el marco del proyecto. Se presentan los resultados, que constituyen la línea base del área, identificándose 149 especies de algas, 4 especies de fanerógamas marinas, 53 especies de peces del manglar y 39 especies de aves marinas y acuáticas. Los sitios seleccionados como prioridades de conservación y manejo de hábitats y especies incluyen los sitios de alimentación y nidificación de las aves marinas y acuáticas y la ubicación de dos zonas importantes para el monitoreo del manatí. Se identificaron las principales problemáticas del área, con el objetivo de realizar futuras acciones de conservación y manejo de los recursos naturales. ABSTRACTThe Guanahacabibes Peninsula was proposed as a Managed Resource Protected Area (APRM) in the Cuban National System of Protected Areas. In order to validate this proposal a study was conducted as part of the project "Implementation of a Regional Approach to the Management of Marine and Coastal Protected Areas in Southern Cuban Archipelagos", with the purpose of characterizing coastal ecosystems and reassuring that the APRM designed location and extension correspond to the protection of the main natural resources of the region. Mangroves, coastal lagoons and seagrass were assessed as well as important sites for seabird and waterfowl communities and manatee populations. Sampling was conducted with methods validated in the project. Results included the baseline of the area and identified 149 algae species, 4 seagrass species, 53 mangrove fish species, and 39 seabird and waterfowl species. The sites selected as priority for habitat and species conservation and management include feeding and nesting sites for seabirds and waterfowl and two important sites for the manatee. The main problems for the area were identified for future conservation and management actions.

Understanding the impact of marine protected areas on the distribution and composition of fishes is key to the protection and management of coral reef ecosystems, and especially for fish-based activities such as SCUBA diving and recreational fishing. The aim of this research is to compare the ichthyofauna structure in three areas in the eastern part of Los Canarreos archipelago in Cuba with different management schemes: Cayo Campos-Cayo Rosario Fauna Refuge (CCCR), Cayo Largo Ecological Reserve (CL) and non-protected area (nMPA), and considering habitat differences and depth variation. A total of 131 video transects were conducted using diver operated stereo-video (stereo-DOV) in November, 2015 in backreef and forereef along the CCCR, CL and the adjacent nMPA. We recorded 84 species and 27 functional groups suggesting high complementarity of functions. Several multispecies schools were observed along surveys, which explain the biomass peaks in some sites, mainly for Lutjanidae, Haemulidae and Carangidae. A concerning issue was the bare representation of critical functional groups and threatened species. The effect of sites nested within habitats was significant and the most important driver structuring fish assemblages, while MPA condition was not evident. Favorable habitat features (habitat heterogeneity and surrounding coastal ecosystems) are likely enhancing fish assemblages and counteracting the effects of pouching derived from insufficient management. We recommend immediate actions within a strategy of precautionary management including, but not limited to, the appointment of staff for the administration of CL, frequent monitoring and effective enforcement.

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