Unprecedented sighting of coral populations and associated fauna in the High Sedimentation Waters of Puerto Velero, Atlantico, Colombia

The marine coastal zone of Atlantico, Colombia, faces significant anthropogenic impact due to sediment and organic matter from the Magdalena River. This study reports the presence of two distinct coral patches in Puerto Velero, Atlantico, an area previously considered unfavorable for coral growth. Located at depths of 1-6 meters, these patches harbor a variety of marine species, extending the known distribution of 15 species in the Colombian Caribbean. Despite high sedimentation rates, the larger coral colonies show resilience, surviving mass mortality events and diseases. These findings highlight the adaptive capacity of corals in adverse conditions, emphasizing the importance of systematic monitoring and conservation efforts to understand their response to environmental changes and support marine biodiversity in the Colombian Caribbean.