Benthic coverage map of the marine ecosystems in Mexican Caribbean: Cabo Catoche - Xcalak

The map represents the spatial distribution of benthic cover in shallow waters of the Mexican Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, from Cabo Catoche to Xcalak, in an area of 1001 km², with an average maximum depth of 18 m. Bottom reflectance, relief, bathymetry, were obtained from the analysis of 23 WorldView-2 satellite images (2009-2015). The coverage map was generated and validated by applying techniques supported with expert knowledge, and from the analysis of field data. Nine classes were defined: sediments, seagrass community, seagrasses and macroalgae, macroalgae, coraline structure, stumps and boulder, octocorals, octocorals and corals, and rocky reef. The map has an overall accuracy of 82.3%. This product is the result of the ArrecifeSAM project, coordinated by CONABIO as part of the Marine-Coastal Information and Analysis System (SIMAR) (https://simar.conabio.gob.mx)<br><br><b>Acknowledgement:</b>The authors acknowledge the logistical and technical support provided by National Financial Trust Fund for Biodiversity, the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity (CONABIO), National Commission of Natural Protected Areas Mexico (CONANP), and National Autonomous University of Mexico - UNAM (Marine Science and Limnology Institute UASA-ICMyL-UNAM, Science Faculty - Academic Unit Sisal).<br>