Local and foreign people visit the Panamanian islands to do diving and snorkeling because this country has 250 km of coral reefs with a diversity of 58 species in the Caribbean and 19 species in the pacific. Panamanian coral reefs date back 10,000 years to the time of glaciers. 

Charactieristics of coral reefs in Panama

These reefs usually serve as a breakwater, protecting the coastal areas during storms. They establish a good fishing environment and are also a very good source of protein for the natives that make their living by fishing. Even the pharmaceutical industry gains since coral reefs are very important organic substances for that industry.

The Caribbean is rich in coral reefs

The Caribbean has different types of escleractinian corals such as: Acropora, Agariicidae, Diplora, Favia, Millepora, Porites y Stephanocoenia.  You can also observe 9 species of octocorals and ahermatipic corals. The most important coral in the Caribbean are located in Bocas del Toro, Colon and San Blas. These coral reefs are well developed due to their large extension, reach high depth and there are mostly associated with mangrove swamps and marine plants.

The coral reefs in the region have a diverse variety of species and associated fauna, were we can find mollusks, crustaceans, fishes and invertebrates. For beginners and children you can practice snorkeling at Isla Mamey, which offers a sandy line with shells and from the shore you can look a large variety of corals and fishes.

Bright and colorful corals on the Pacific coast

Coiba, the Archipielago de las Perlas and the gulf of Chiriqui offer the largest extension of coral reefs in the American continent. These corals surround the islands and they are located just below the surface of water. Despite that there are just a few species, its fauna is numerous.

The predominant coral specie in the Pacific is the Pocillopora damicomis along with Pocillopora elegans, Pocillopora capitata, Porites lobata, Pavona spp, Psammocora stellata and Gardinoseris planulata. There are also 11 octocoral species and seven ahermatipics.

Deterioration of coral reefs

There are several factors that affect the coral reefs such as extreme low tides which clear up  the color of the coral where it becomes exposed. Hurricanes and typhoons also affect the corals formation while sedimentation on the coast, deforestation and building construction can all cause the death of coral. There have even been oil spills in certain areas which of course will have their effect.