# Revealing the status of Orbicella: Main reef-builder of Morrocoy National Park and Cuare Wildlife Refuge, Venezuela, Southern Caribbean

## TL;DR

This study assesses the population status of two key reef-building corals in two Venezuelan marine protected areas, highlighting their importance and the threats they face.

## Contribution

The study provides new population data for Orbicella corals in under-researched southern Caribbean regions, supporting conservation efforts.

## Key findings

- Orbicella faveolata was more abundant and had higher live cover than Orbicella annularis in both MPAs.
- The central sector of Morrocoy and Cuare reefs showed the highest abundance of reproductive colonies.
- Diseases were identified as the main threat to both coral species.

## Abstract

Reef-building corals are the main basis of coral reef ecosystems, and the Orbicella genus is currently the most important in the Caribbean region. Although Orbicella species have been extensively studied, gaps in some southern Caribbean areas still exists on their status, which is crucial for management and conservation plans. In this study, we aimed to describe the population status of Orbicella faveolata and Orbicella annularis in two coastal Marine Protected Areas (MPA) of Venezuela: Morrocoy National Park and Cuare Wildlife Refuge. Between 2018-2020, 16 reefs in five sectors were surveyed using the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment Protocol. Among the two Orbicella species, O. faveolata was dominant in both MPA´s with higher densities and live cover, varying at both reefs and sectors. The central sector of Morrocoy and reefs from Cuare are the most relevant for Orbicella populations, due to the higher live cover and abundance of reproductive colonies. Diseases were the primary threat recorded for both species. Adequate MPA management is essential for the conservation of the Morrocoy-Cuare coral system, including the reduction of local anthropogenic stress sources, such as oil spills, uncontrolled tourism and sewage discharges.