Cortés, Jorge and Jiménez, Carlos (2003) Corals and coral reefs of the Pacific of Costa Rica: history, research and status. In: Latin American Coral Reefs. , ed. by Cortés, Jorge. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 361-385. ISBN 978-0-444-51388-5 DOI https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-044451388-5/50017-5.

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Abstract

Coral communities, reefs, and isolated coral colonies can be found along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and offshore islands. In this chapter a brief history of research, and descriptions of the coral communities and reefs of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica are presented. On the north, the reefs are exposed to seasonal upwelling but they are well-developed and the growth rates of several species are higher than in non-upwelling areas. On the south, some reefs have been growing for over 5,000 years, resulting in thick accumulations. There are also reefs at Isla del Coco, 500 km from the coast. Species that are absent or rare in other eastern Pacific sites are found in Costa Rica, e.g. Porites rus and Leptoseris papyracea. The main impact on Pacific reefs has been bleaching and death of corals associated with El Niño warming events. Other reefs exposed to high sediment loads are greatly degraded. Most coral reefs and coral communities of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica are located within protected areas.

Document Type:	Book chapter
Programme Area:	PA Not Applicable
Research affiliation:	ZMT All
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-044451388-5/50017-5
Date Deposited:	19 May 2026 15:47
Last Modified:	19 May 2026 15:47
URI:	https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/6122

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