Abstract Understand the origin, transport, and character of organic matter entering Antarctic fjords is essential as they are major components of the global carbon cycle and budget. Macromolecular pools of particulate organic matter, bulk organic geochemistry, major and trace elements in surface sediments from Collins Bay were analysed as source indicators. Oceanographic conditions, bathymetry (multibeam) and grain size were considered as environmental controlling factors. Sediment samples were taken with a van Veen grab, during the ANTAR XXV Peruvian expedition (February 2018), onboard the R/V “BAP Carrasco” from the Peruvian Navy. Biopolymeric composition revealed the predominance of fresh marine protein-rich organic matter in the seafloor of Collins Bay, denoting high quality food resource for marine benthic heterotrophs. Based on Igeo values (between 0 and 1) Collins Bay can be considered unpolluted with natural levels of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Distribution of most of these elements with a gradient of decrease from the shallow inner fjord towards the outer deepest fjord, suggest their association with the deposition of detrital material and lithogenic particles supplied by Collins Glacier frontal ablation and runoff. This first comprehensive baseline information would assist in interpreting downcore sedimentary reconstructions and future climate-induce changes.

RESUMEN En las últimas décadas, las esponjas se han perfilado como la mayor fuente de principios activos de origen animal, con fines farmacéuticos. En el Perú, la información sobre estos animales es incipiente y dispersa, lo cual limita la toma de medidas correctas para su adecuado manejo, aprovechamiento y conservación. El objetivo de este estudio es brindar una actualización sobre los alcances y perspectivas de la investigación sobre esponjas en el Perú, con énfasis en la riqueza de especies y su potencial antibacteriano. Asimismo, se revisan las iniciativas de investigación de otros países del Pacífico sudamericano. Los esfuerzos de investigación en el Perú han permitido la descripción de 46 especies; sin embargo, se considera que la riqueza se encuentra aún subestimada. Por otro lado, en otras latitudes, se han aislado principios activos con actividad antimicrobiana de por lo menos 36 especies pertenecientes a 11 de los 25 géneros registrados para el Perú (44 %), sugiriendo el alto potencial de las esponjas peruanas como fuente de metabolitos antibacterianos. Se concluye que la implementación de proyectos que integren la investigación de esponjas a diferentes escalas es necesaria para contribuir al desarrollo de planes de innovación y bionegocios en las industrias pesquera, acuícola, y farmacéutica.

ABSTRACT In the last decades, sponges have emerged as the largest source of active compounds of animal origin for pharmaceutical purposes. In Peru information on these animals is incipient and scattered, which limits taking the right measures for their adequate management, exploitation, and conservation. The aim of this study is to provide an update on the scope and perspectives of sponge research in Peru, with an emphasis on species richness and their antibacterial potential. Likewise, research initiatives carried out in other South American Pacific countries are reviewed. Research efforts in Peru have allowed the description of 46 species; however, the sponge richness is underestimated. On the other hand, in other latitudes, active principles with antimicrobial activity have been isolated from at least 36 species belonging to 11 of the 25 genera recorded in Peru (44 %), suggesting the high potential of Peruvian sponges as a source of antibacterial metabolites. It is concluded that the implementation of projects that integrate sponge research at different scales is necessary to contribute to the development of innovation plans and bio-businesses in the fishing, aquaculture, and pharmaceutical industries.