Effects of Hurricane Gilbert on Coral Reefs, Fishes and Sponges at Cozumel, Mexico
Fenner DP. 1991. Effects of Hurricane Gilbert on Coral Reefs, Fishes and Sponges at Cozumel, Mexico. Bulletin of Marine Science. 48(3):719-730
Hurricane Gilbert, the strongest hurricane on record in the Western Hemisphere, passed directly over Cozumel, Mexico on 14 September 1988. It produced relatively minor damage to the coral reef and fish populations. Coral damage was patchy, with most damage confined to three delicate species. Regrowth of most patches was underway 14 months later. Sponge damage from coverage by a thin layer of sand was largely superficial, and followed by rapid recovery. Fish populations were unaffected, except in one shallow zone-thai was heavily damaged. Nearby land masses protected the reefs from the largest waves, limiting damage.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Fenner, Douglas
- Units
- BISC
- Keywords
- Coral Reef, Fish, Hurricanes, Mexico, Mortality, Sponges (Porifera)