ABSTRACT
The UNESCO GEBCO-08 bathymetric data was used to study the marine provinces around Isla del Coco. Seamounts with depths of less than 1000m from the sea surface were analyzed. Seamounts southward, south- eastward and westward of the island, were identified at depths of 300m from the sea surface, and with heights up to 2700m from the marine bottom. The ecological interconnection of these mountains with Isla del Coco has to be effective, as it could also be within the biological corridor of Eastern Tropical Pacific. A better resolution study around Isla del Coco was done to identify details of the insular platform. A seamount to 14.8km northeast of the island was found, with measured depths of 30-40m, and so far, not reported. This feature explains the presence of fishermen around this site, which is known by them as a place with high productivity. Although more studies are needed, the limits and environmental policies should be modified so as to adequately protect these seamounts, which probably have an important ecological connection with Isla del Coco. Citation: Lizano, O.G. 2012. Rasgos morfológicos alrededor de la Isla del Coco y de sus montes submarinos vecinos, Pacífico de Costa Rica.
Se utilizaron los datos batimétricos GEBCO-08 de la UNESCO para estudiar las provincias marinas alrededor de la Isla del Coco. Se analizaron las montañas submarinas que tuvieran menos de 1000m de profundidad en esta cordillera. Montes submarinos localizados al sur, sureste y oeste de la isla, fueron identificados con profundidades de 300m desde la superficie del mar, y con alturas de hasta 2700m desde el fondo marino. La interconexión ecológica con la Isla del Coco de estos montes debe ser efectiva, como lo serán también dentro del corredor biológico del Pacifico Tropical Este. Se realizó un estudio particular de mayor resolución alrededor de la Isla del Coco para identificar los alcances de la plataforma de la isla. Se encontró un monte submarino a 14.8km al noreste de la isla, con profundidades medidas de 30-40m, que no había sido reportado. Con este rasgo submarino se explica la presencia de pescadores alrededor del este sitio, un sitio conocido en el ambiente de los pescadores, pero que aún no se había asociado a algún fenómeno oceánico en particular. Aunque más estudio es necesario, de comprobarse la conectividad biológica entre los montes submarinos y la Isla del Coco, los límites y las políticas ambientales deberán ser modificados, de manera que se proteja adecuadamente este sistema ecológico.
Subject(s)
Map , Geomorphology , Geographic Mapping , Costa RicaABSTRACT
The bathymetry of Coco's Island (UNESCO Natural and Cultural World Patrimony), located approximately 500 km from the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is not well known. It has a high marine biodiversity and also represents a meeting site for many species traveling throughout the Pacific Ocean. The insular shelf is irregular in extension and also in bathymetric features. The northeast limit is defined by the 109.8-128.1 m contours (60-70 fathoms) while the 183 m contour (100 fathoms) practically defines the rest of the island, from which the depth gradient is steep. The maximum extension is to the northeast with a longitude of 13 km. In this context the present limits of the marine park (5 km), are insufficient to protect the whole insular shelf. Current regulation should be modified to prevent fishing activities less than 15 km from the Island.