Variabilidad de la Concentración de Clorofila Alfa en el Coral Pocilloporadamicornis (Linneaus, 1758) del Islote El Pelado, Santa Elena

Abstract

Reef-building hermatypic coral species of the family Pocilloporidae—such as *Pocillopora damicornis*—have been recorded within the El Pelado Marine Reserve (REMAPE) in Ayangue, Santa Elena Province, specifically at the El Pelado Islet. The symbiotic interaction between *P. damicornis* and algae of the genus *Symbiodinium* (zooxanthellae) allows for an assessment of the coral's condition based on chlorophyll-alpha (chl *a*) concentrations during both the dry and rainy seasons. This pigment is found in the thylakoid membranes of zooxanthellae and serves as an effective biological indicator of their physiological state. Furthermore, the study aims to determine how environmental variations associated with each season influence the chlorophyll-zooxanthellae relationship and, consequently, the coral itself. Relationships such as the amount of pigment (chl *a*) per unit area and the concentration of chl *a* per zooxanthella—both analyzed in relation to population density—will be examined using data obtained from seasonal sampling. Coral status will be categorized as normal, discolored, or bleached based on chlorophyll-alpha concentration. Finally, while this study seeks to establish and document detailed information regarding the status of *P. damicornis* in REMAPE, further research at the site is necessary to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its overall conservation status. This will enable the implementation of effective restoration measures for the most affected species, thereby fostering sustainable development pathways and improving the public health of surrounding communities through the proper management of natural resources.