Resumo O Seybouse é um rio no nordeste da Argélia, é o segundo maior rio, tem uma área de captação de cerca de 6.500 km2 que acolhe cerca de 1,5 milhões de habitantes. Importantes atividades agrícolas e industriais são desenvolvidas nesta bacia hidrográfica. O uso de macroinvertebrados bentônicos como indicadores biológicos tem uma longa tradição em países desenvolvidos e está integrado em todas as avaliações da qualidade ecológica dos sistemas fluviais. O objetivo deste estudo foi revisar o inventário e o papel ecológico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos nas águas interiores do rio Seybouse e determinar o impacto da poluição em suas distribuições. Resultados semelhantes foram relatados para outros países e rios argelinos. Este estudo enfoca a macrofauna bentônica de Wadi Seybouse e seus afluentes. Foram prospectados 03 locais, um no alto Seybousse Bouhamdane em Medjez Amar e dois no meio Seybousse Salah Salah Salah e Oued Zimba. Entre dezembro de 2019 e maio de 2020, dez parâmetros físico-químicos (pH, CE, DO, velocidade da água, NO3, Salinidade, NO2, MES, turbidez, deth) foram medidos para estabelecer um diagnóstico do estado de saúde desses ecossistemas aquáticos. A abordagem biológica complementar pela análise de populações de macroinvertebrados identificou 7.482 indivíduos e 40 táxons divididos em cinco classes: Crustáceos que são os mais dominantes, Insetos com as ordens principais (Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Heteroptera e Odonata), Moluscos, Nematóides e Anelídeos. As análises físico-químicas e a aplicação dos índices de poluição orgânica, indicaram uma poluição forte a excessiva para todos os locais especialmente Salah Salah Salah.

Abstract The Seybouse is the second largest river basin in Algeria, hosting an important biodiversity and providing various ecosystem services. This watershed is highly influenced by agricultural and industrial activities, which threaten its biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. The use of benthic macroinvertebrates as biological indicators has a long tradition in developed countries and integrated into all assessments of the ecological quality of river systems. However, the macroinvertebrates of many North African regions are still not well studied, including those of the Seybouse river. The aim of this study is to assess the inventory and ecological role of benthic macroinvertebrates in inland waters of the Seybouse River and determine the impact of pollution on their spatial distributions. We sampled the benthic macrofauna of Wadi Seybouse and its affluents using regular surveys in three sites, of which one was in the upper Seybouse Bouhamdane in Medjez Amar and two in the middle Seybouse. Between December 2019 and May 2020, 10 physico-chemical parameters (pH, EC, OD, water speed, NO3, Salinity, NO2, MES, turbidity, depth) were measured in order to establish a health state diagnosis of these aquatic ecosystems. The complementary biological approach by the analysis of populations of macroinvertebrates identified 7482 individuals and 40 taxa divided into five classes: Crustaceans which were the most dominant, insects with the main orders (Ephemeroptera, Diptera, Trichoptera, Heteroptera and Odonata), Molluscs, Nematodes and Annelids. The physico-chemical analyzes and the application of the organic pollution indices indicated a strong to excessive pollution for all sites, especially in Seybouse upstream

Abstract The study of benthic meiofauna has been undertaken in Latin America since the beginning of the 20th century, recently gaining attention due to its recognized role on the ecological functioning of meiofauna assemblages. Bibliometric data provide information regarding research results, explain the degree to which a subject has advanced, and identify its major strengths and weaknesses. In Latin American countries, this type of review is scarce for meiofauna communities. This study analyzes knowledge of marine meiofauna by focusing on the documents Latin American authors published from 1990 to 2021. Documents from three bibliographic databases were analyzed to obtain the most relevant bibliometric indicators. Moreover, the interrelationships between authors, countries, and concepts were analyzed using science mapping techniques. Latin American research on marine meiofauna has increased since the 1990s, producing a total of 399 documents over three decades by almost 1,000 authors. Brazil produced the majority of these documents (predominantly published by Brazilian authors and institutions). The number of documents by country was associated with five development indicators. Their main sources and keywords indicate that ecology, oceanography, and biogeography were the main addressed topics, especially on deep marine environments. Most productive authors were clustered into main research groups with varying degrees of links. We conclude that research efforts on marine meiofauna are gaining importance despite the small number of documents by a relatively low number of research groups. We found a high centralization of documents by countries and a relation with four indicators, such as country size and research spending. Greater regional collaboration could further expand the knowledge of marine meiofauna in Latin America.

Abstract The exploited mangrove crab Ucides cordatus, an important ecosystem engineer in South American mangroves, has a biphasic lifecycle with pelagic larvae developing offshore. Megalopae return to the mangrove forest to settle, i.e., metamorphose into benthic juveniles but its environmental drivers remain poorly understood. We postulate that conspecific crabs facilitate recruitment. In the field, we investigated whether the number of recruits is higher near conspecific burrows than in areas without conspecific bioturbation. Recruit sampling was conducted monthly from April 2008 to May 2009 along an environmental gradient. First, U. cordatus recruits of that year emerged from March to July. Intraspecific facilitation was indicated by significantly higher recruit numbers in bioturbated than in non-bioturbated substrates. Recruits were most abundant in zones with intermediate conditions of inundation, leaf litter standing stock, sediment consistency, luminosity, temperature, salinity, and pH. Avoidance of more inundated zones likely reduces predation by fishes and of less inundated zones helps individuals escape more stressful, drier environmental conditions. The observed habitat-specific recruitment pattern must be considered when designing field assessments of the population structure of U. cordatus (which should include sampling recruits) and enhancing stocks by releasing laboratory-cultivated larvae and first juveniles into the wild.

Abstract. Marine mollusks provide important ecosystem services. They create habitats for benthic organisms, filter water, biodeposit organic carbon in the seafloor, and serve as food sources for other organisms. Studies of mollusk diversity require time-consuming methods to process samples and identify species. Thus, it is not surprising that most studies have focused on macromollusks that can be collected and processed easily, ignoring micromollusk species. Without understanding the ecology and distributions of micromollusks properly, it is impossible to assess their populations and implement adequate conservation measures. Here we present microgastropods collected in Bahia de los Angeles at the family level for September 2013 (summer) and February 2014 (winter). During each season, we sampled 6 coastal sediment stations, and analyzed depth, salinity, temperature, granulometry, and organic matter. A total of 20,353 specimens were collected: 15,310 in summer and 5,043 in winter. Seven micromollusk families were identified: Barleeidae, Caecidae, Cerithiidae, Eulimidae, Pyramidellidae, Rissoidae, and Tornidae. Caecidae and Barleeidae exhibited the highest densities among all families in summer and winter, respectively (278,044 ind·m-2, 142,222 ind·m-2). The lowest densities for summer and winter were observed for the Tornidae family (~1,867 ind·m-2, ~1,411 ind·m-2). Barleeidae, Caecidae, Cerithiidae, Rissoidae, and Tornidae were classified as herbivorous and detritivorous; Eulimidae and Pyramidellidae, as carnivorous and ectoparasitic. Tornidae and Eulimidae showed symbiotic relationships with various invertebrate species. The Bayesian analysis of variance indicated a high probability of differences only in summer (BF > 3). When comparing the stations in both periods, all stations, except station 6, showed differences between periods (BF > 3). The canonical correlation analysis indicated some associations between family abundances and temperature. This study provides valuable information that expands the knowledge of micromollusk biodiversity in the coastal area of Bahia de los Angeles, an important site for conservation in Mexico.

Resumen. Los moluscos marinos brindan importantes servicios ecosistémicos debido a que generan hábitats para organismos bentónicos, filtran agua, biodepositan carbono orgánico en el fondo marino y sirven como fuente de alimento para otros organismos. Los estudios de diversidad de moluscos requieren métodos de muestreo e identificación de especies muy tardados. Por lo tanto, no sorprende que la mayoría de los estudios se centren en los macromoluscos, los cuales son fácilmente recolectados y procesados, ignorando las especies de micromoluscos cuya identificación es difícil y tardada. Si no se comprende la ecología y distribución de los micromoluscos, es imposible evaluar sus poblaciones e implementar medidas de conservación. Aquí presentamos microgasterópodos recolectados en Bahía de los Ángeles a nivel de familia en 2 muestreos, en septiembre de 2013 (verano) y en febrero de 2014 (invierno). En cada temporada, muestreamos 6 estaciones costeras y realizamos mediciones de profundidad, salinidad, temperatura, granulometría y contenido de materia orgánica. Se recolectaron 20,353 ejemplares: 15,310 en verano y 5,043 en invierno. Se identificaron 7 familias: Barleeidae, Caecidae, Cerithiidae, Eulimidae, Pyramidellidae, Rissoidae y Tornidae. Caecidae y Barleeidae presentaron la máxima densidad en verano e invierno, respectivamente (278,044 ind·m-2, 142,222 ind·m-2). Tornidae presentó las densidades más bajas para verano e invierno (~1,867 ind·m-2, ~1,411 ind·m-2). Barleeidae, Caecidae, Cerithiidae, Rissoidae y Tornidae se clasificaron como herbívoros y detritívoros; Eulimidae y Pyramidellidae, como carnívoros y ectoparásitos. Tornidae y Eulimidae muestran relaciones simbióticas con varias especies de invertebrados. El análisis bayesiano indicó una alta probabilidad de diferencias para verano (BF > 3). Al comparar la misma estación entre muestreos, solo la estación 6 mostró diferencias entre periodos (BF > 3). Este estudio brinda información valiosa que amplía el conocimiento de la biodiversidad de micromoluscos en la zona costera de Bahía de los Ángeles, un importante sitio de conservación en México.

Given a growing global population and shift to embrace the blue economy, a need for marine spatial planning (MSP) has emerged in South Africa to sustainably resolve the rising conflicts over the use of marine and seabed resources and services. A well-developed marine spatial plan yields numerous ecological, social and economic benefits. These are achieved through mediating between spatially conflicting economic drivers' interests (e.g. commercial fishing, tourism, mining), preventing their activities from compromising thresholds of an environment's sustainability. Within the MSP framework, high-resolution geospatial datasets are required to document and describe the seabed in the highest possible detail. At any scale, integrated analysis of seabed geomorphology and habitats is anticipated to greatly improve the understanding of ecosystem functioning from a multidisciplinary perspective, whilst improving MSP procedures and management of marine space. South Africa is the first of few African countries to have an approved and implemented MSP framework, but is still somewhat behind globally in implementing large-scale regional hydroacoustic surveys to cover the country's vast offshore territory. The deficiency of hydroacoustic surveys is perhaps due to a relative lack of funds and poor communication about the value of multibeam echo-sounder (MBES) derived data, whilst marine geoscience remains a scarce skill in the country. This review paper presents a geological perspective of MSP and explores (1) the value that seabed mapping offers MSP specifically and (2) the need to increase seabed mapping with MBES, using a recently initiated project from the South African east coast as a case study. SIGNIFICANCE: The collected MBES data (our case study) provides unprecedented seabed detail of the complex reef habitat and adjacent areas within specific management zones of the uThukela Banks Marine Protected Area. We reveal seabed features and their spatial distribution at a scale not possible using earlier (singlebeam) seabed mapping techniques. These high-resolution data will enable a better understanding of east coast marine habitats whilst contributing to improved spatial management of areas within and around the uThukela Banks Marine Protected Area.

ABSTRACT Background. Coastal environments such as the intertidal zone and rocky and coral reefs are exposed to natural disturbances such as tides, storms, hurricanes, and cyclones and human activities such as fishing, tourism, and pollution. The deep reef refuge hypothesis posits that organisms that can inhabit greater depths would be less vulnerable to anthropogenic impacts, greenhouse warming of the sea surface, and ocean acidification caused by the increased partial pressure of CO2. Consequently, deep rocky or coral reefs can function as “insurance” against the effects of climate change. Objective. To analyse biotic and abiotic variables of the mesophotic ecosystem of Archipelago Espíritu Santo to assess it as a refuge against climate change-related disturbances. Methods. Bathymetry, profiles of temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen; determination of the euphotic zone, sampling in shallow and deep waters collecting water for analysis of carbonate system, video transects with remotely operated vehicles for the identification of benthic species and estimation of their abundance including those of commercial importance or conservation. Calculation of ecological indices and the reef-functional index. Results. Deepest recorded point was 78m, shallowest mesophotic zone was 11m. Temperature does not show a stratification either in April or in October 2021, but the salinity registers a peak near 30 m depth, and the dissolved oxygen decreases at 20 m. Ω Aragonite is below 3.0; there is spatial variation in the structural indices of the benthic community, and the reef-functional index is between 0.16 and 0.65. Conclusions. There are sharp spatial variations within the same locality, limiting the assertion that mesophotic ecosystems can serve as a refuge from climate change.

RESUMEN Antecedentes. Los ambientes costeros como la zona entremareal y los arrecifes rocosos y coralinos están expuestos a perturbaciones naturales como las mareas, tormentas, huracanes y ciclones y actividades humanas como la pesca, turismo y contaminación. La hipótesis del refugio profundo postula que los organismos que pueden habitar a mayores profundidades serían menos vulnerables a los impactos antropogénicos, el calentamiento superficial del mar derivado del efecto invernadero y a la acidificación del océano provocada por el incremento en la presión parcial de CO2. En consecuencia, los arrecifes rocosos o coralinos profundos podrían funcionar como un “seguro” contra los efectos del cambio climático. Objetivos. Analizar variables abióticas y bióticas del ecosistema mesofótico del archipiélago Espíritu Santo, BCS para considerarlo como refugio ante perturbaciones relacionadas con el cambio climático. Métodos. Batimetría, determinación de la zona euofótica, perfiles de temperatura, salinidad y oxígeno disuelto, muestreos en aguas someras y profundas, recolección de agua para análisis del sistema de carbonatos, videotransectos con vehículos de operación remota para la identificación de especies bénticas y estimación de su abundancia, incluyendo las de importancia comercial o de conservación. Cálculo de índices ecológicos y del índice de función arrecifal. Resultados. La profundidad máxima registrada fue de 78 m y el inicio de la zona mesofótica (10% de penetración luminosa) más somero fue de 11 m; la temperatura no muestra una estratificación ni en abril ni en octubre de 2021, pero la salinidad registra un pico cerca de los 30 m de profundidad y el oxígeno disuelto disminuye a los 20 m. La Ω aragonita está por debajo de 3.0; hay variación espacial en los índices estructurales de la comunidad béntica y el índice de función arrecifal se encuentra entre 0.16 y 0.65. Conclusiones. Hay variaciones espaciales que limitan afirmar que el ecosistema mesofótico pueda servir de refugio ante el cambio climático en esta localidad.

ABSTRACT Background. Ecological Network Analysis has been used for defining aspects concerning the structure, health, and dynamics of marine ecosystems. Objectives. Evaluate the ecosystem’s structure, organization, and maturity in the shallow rocky reef ecosystem in Yelapa. Also, we determine the most affected functional groups by disturbances simulated and those which generate less resilience in the ecosystem. Methods. A mass-balance trophic model Ecopath with Ecosim, was constructed, and Ascendency›s theory was used to evaluate the ecosystem properties. A Mixed Trophic Impacts matrix was used to assess direct and indirect trophic effects on the network. The functional groups more sensitive to disturbances were determined using Ecosim dynamics simulations in the short and long term with two mortality scenarios (an increase of 25 % and 50 %). Finally, the System Recovery Timewas used as a measure of resilience. Results. The Yelapa rocky-reef ecosystem exhibits the feature of a mature, organized, and developing ecosystem but is less resistant to disturbances. Several fish groups, zooplankton, and phytoplankton produced the most remarkable effects in the trophic network. In addition, the phytoplankton, chlorophyta, and the group of other benthic invertebrates propagated more effects on other model components. Conclusions. Yelapa rocky reef would lose resilience if the functional groups eels & morays, other benthic invertebrates, snappers, and phytoplankton were disturbed.

RESUMEN Antecedentes. Los análisis ecológicos de redes han sido usados para definir aspectos relacionados a la estructura, salud y dinámica de los ecosistemas marinos. Objetivos. Evaluar la estructura, organización y madurez en el ecosistema de Yelapa, un arrecife rocoso somero. También, se determinaron los grupos funcionales que podrían ser más sensibles a perturbaciones simuladas y aquellos que generan menor resiliencia en el ecosistema. Métodos. Se construyó un modelo trófico de balance de masas Ecopath con Ecosim y se usó la teoría de Ascendency para evaluar las propiedades ecosistémicas. La matriz de Impacto Trófico Mixto evaluó los efectos tróficos directos e indirectos en la red. Se determinaron los grupos funcionales más sensibles a perturbaciones usando simulaciones dinámicas Ecosim de corto y largo tiempo con dos escenarios de mortalidad (incremento del 25 % y 50 %). Finalmente, se empleó el Tiempo de Recuperación del Sistema como una medida de resiliencia. Resultados. El ecosistema arrecifal rocoso de Yelapa exhibió características de un ecosistema maduro, organizado y desarrollado, pero a su vez menos resistente a perturbaciones. Diferentes grupos de peces, zooplancton y fitoplancton generaron los mayores efectos en la red trófica. Además, el fitoplancton, clorofitas y el grupo de otros invertebrados bentónicos propagaron los mayores efectos hacia los otros componentes del sistema. Yelapa es menos resiliente cuando son perturbados los grupos funcionales de anguilas y morenas, otros invertebrados bentónicos, pargos y fitoplancton. Conclusiones. Grupos funcionales de distintos niveles tróficos fueron prioritarios para preservar la integridad estructural del ecosistema, las condiciones de madurez, desarrollo y resiliencia. Este estudio representa el primer paso para analizar las propiedades de la red trófica y especies ecológicamente relevantes entre el ecosistema de coral somero y profundo en Yelapa.

Resumen Introducción: La restauración de ecosistemas facilita la sucesión ecológica. Cuando un arrecife de coral experimenta una perturbación, la comunidad de organismos sésiles bentónicos puede seguir una trayectoria de sucesión que favorezca la dominancia del coral o un cambio de estado a un ecosistema dominado por algas. Objetivo: Comprender mejor el impacto de los trasplantes de coral en la sucesión de la comunidad bentónica sésil. Métodos: Para medir y monitorear la cobertura de coral (cm2) de Pocillopora spp. y la composición de la comunidad bentónica asociada se establecieron parches de arrecifes de coral experimentales y de control en el sitio de restauración de coral en Golfo Dulce, Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica. Treinta colonias de Pocillopora spp., se trasplantaron a los clavos en el sustrato en el parche experimental. El parche de coral de control contenía clavos sin colonias trasplantadas. Ambos tratamientos fueron fotografiados mensualmente durante un periodo de ocho meses. Los cambios en la cobertura de coral y otros organismos bentónicos sésiles se midieron a partir de las imágenes y se compararon a lo largo del tiempo entre los parches experimentales y de control. Resultados: Los trasplantes de coral experimentaron eventos de blanqueamiento de agosto a septiembre de 2019 y de enero a febrero de 2020. El primer evento de blanqueamiento puede haber sido el resultado de la sedimentación y el segundo puede deberse a las altas temperaturas. Al final del experimento, el 83 % de las colonias habían sobrevivido. Las colonias vivas crecieron significativamente después del trasplante; > 67 % de su área de cobertura inicial después de ocho meses. En el parche experimental, las áreas de Pocillopora spp., algas coralinas costrosas (ACC) y cianobacterias aumentaron mientras que el tapete de algas disminuyó. El aumento en la cobertura de coral y ACC, y la disminución en tapetes de algas en el parche experimental podría deberse a los herbívoros atraídos por los trasplantes. El aumento de cianobacterias en el parche experimental podría ser el resultado de temperaturas más altas y puede haber sido un factor en la muerte de las colonias. Conclusiones: El trasplante de las colonias de Pocillopora spp. en Golfo Dulce cambiaron la trayectoria de sucesión temprana de la comunidad bentónica sésil para favorecer la dominancia del coral en el parche experimental. Estos resultados pueden ser útiles para informar las expectativas de futuros esfuerzos de restauración.

Abstract Introduction: Ecosystem restoration facilitates ecological succession. When a coral reef experiences a disturbance, the community of sessile benthic organisms can follow a successional trajectory that favors the dominance of coral or a change of state to an ecosystem dominated by algae. Objective: To better understand the impact of coral transplants on succession of the sessile benthic community. Methods: To measure and monitor the coral cover (cm2) of Pocillopora spp., and the composition of the associated benthic community, experimental and control coral reef patches were established at the coral restoration site in Golfo Dulce, South Pacific Costa Rica. Thirty Pocillopora spp. colonies were attached to nails on the substrate in an experimental patch. The control coral patch contained nails with non-transplanted colonies. Both treatments were photographed monthly during a period of eight months. Changes in the coverage of coral and other sessile benthic organisms were measured from the images and compared over time between the experimental and control patches. Results: The coral transplants experienced bleaching events in August through September 2019 and January through February 2020. The first bleaching event possibly due to sedimentation, and the second to high temperatures. By the end of the experiment, 83 % of the colonies had survived. The live colonies grew significantly following transplantation; > 67 % of their initial coverage area after eight months. In the experimental patch, the areas of Pocillopora spp., coralline crustose algae (CCA), and cyanobacteria increased while the area of algal turf decreased. The increase in coral coverage and CCA, and decrease in algal turf in the experimental patch could be due to herbivores attracted to transplants. The increase in cyanobacteria in the experimental patch could be the result of higher temperatures and may have been a factor in the death of colonies. Conclusions: The transplantation of Pocillopora spp. colonies in Golfo Dulce changed the early successional trajectory of the sessile benthic community to favor the dominance of coral dominance in the experimental patch. These results may be useful in informing expectations for future restoration efforts.

ABSTRACT Quarterly collections of demersal fish were conducted between 2014 and 2018 on the adjacent continental shelf and in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC). Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to determine the abundance, richness, and composition of demersal fish assemblages and to list predictor variables responsible for the variability in these ecological descriptors by applying generalized linear models. The collected specimens of demersal fish (n = 25,179) were distributed across 19 orders, 31 families, and 72 species. Fish richness was explained by the following predictor variables: the percentage of fine sand in the sediment, the richness of the benthic megafauna, and sampling sites. The abundance was associated with the predictor variables of the percentage of very fine sand in the sediment, percentage of silt in the sediment, salinity, and sampling sites. Canonical correspondence analysis showed that the fish assemblage composition was strongly associated with the salinity gradient and positively correlated with benthic megafaunal species richness. As it is one of the last remnants of the Atlantic Forest, declared by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage of Humanity, the patterns observed in this study will support PEC's coastal management of current developmental demands, particularly related to port activities.

Abstract Marginal reefs can provide meaningful information about the structure and dynamics of ecosystems under suboptimal environmental conditions. In addition to their different characteristics, these environments can also occur in urbanized areas. In this note, we characterize marine animal forests (MAFs) on turbid-zone reefs on an urban coast in the equatorial southwestern Atlantic. Overall, the sandstone ferruginous reefs (6-10 m depth) exhibited a flat topography and gentle slope (1-2 m above the seabed). Benthic cover is composed mainly of sponge gardens and ascidians. In addition, we found a low-relief coral carpet with only one massive reef-building coral (Siderastrea stellata) and Zoantharia. The ascidians and sponges had a higher diversity (at least 15 species) than the cnidarians (two species) in these forests. The main animals forming this seascape are weedy and stress-tolerant species adapted to challenging environmental conditions, such as swell waves, mesotidal regimes, moderate turbidity waters, and periodic burial. In this regard, these conditions and human impacts have shaped a unique MAF. Remarkably, the studied formations seem similar to high-latitude marginal reefs or low-latitude reefs under the influence of upwelling, which sustains soft corals and non-framework building coral communities along with sponges and ascidians. In particular, the shallow MAFs along the semi-arid coast of Brazil seem to lack some of the characteristics of low-latitude reefs under high sedimentation, whose structure was described as coral rubble within sedimentary matrices. This suggests that factors other than periodic burials and low light availability affected these MAFs. These overlooked forests are widespread in this area and have been neglected in studies, despite their richness (> 31 taxa) and valuable ecosystem goods and services. In the context of urbanized areas subject to climate change and pollution impacts, jetties, and dredging activities, it is necessary to consider these lush forests in impact assessments and conservation policies.

Abstract Integrating intricate environmental data within a unified analytical framework for extensive conservation and monitoring initiatives encounters several challenges. These challenges encompass defining a conceptual model outlining cause-and-effect relationships, addressing dissimilarities in data source quantity and information content, grappling with missing or noisy data, fine-tuning model optimization, achieving accurate predictions, and tackling the issue of imbalanced observations across factors. In the context of the Santos project, dedicated to comprehending the spatio-temporal dynamics of benthic, pelagic, and physical systems for the facilitation of conservation and monitoring programs, the application of machine learning’s random forest (RF) technique for modeling univariate data offers notable advantages. This approach adeptly handles non-linearity, covariation, and interactive effects among predictors. For modeling multivariate data sets, a hybrid strategy combining a self-organizing map (SOM) and RF is harnessed to effectively tackle the challenges. Addressing missing values, the bagging imputation technique demonstrated superior performance compared to other methods. Both machine learning techniques discussed herein exhibit resilience against the impact of noisy data, yet the identification of noisy data remains feasible based on model outputs. In scenarios of imbalanced data sets, we investigate the correlation between the RF model’s overall statistics and those of individual classes. The joint interpretation of these statistics aids in comprehending model limitations and facilitates discussions on the environmental mechanisms shaping observed patterns. We propose two analytical workflows that not only enable the exploration and enhancement of model accuracy but also facilitate the investigation of potential cause-and-effect relationships inherent in the data. Furthermore, these workflows lay the foundation for implementing long-term learning algorithms, a pivotal increment for monitoring initiatives. Notably, these workflows, alongside the discussed analytical challenges, can be seamlessly implemented within iMESc, an open-source application. causeandeffect cause effect content finetuning fine tuning optimization predictions factors project spatiotemporal spatio temporal benthic pelagic programs learnings s (RF advantages nonlinearity, nonlinearity non linearity, linearity non-linearity covariation predictors sets selforganizing self organizing SOM (SOM values methods outputs models classes patterns Furthermore longterm long term algorithms Notably iMESc opensource open

Abstract The iAtlantic Project has established an international collaborative strategy to improve mapping and characterization of deep and open ocean ecosystems in understudied regions of the Atlantic and evaluate their health. In December 2022, the first iAtlantic expedition in the South Atlantic set off to map and explore seafloor ecosystems in the Santos Basin slope (200-1,000 m depths) in collaboration with the Petrobras ‘Santos Basin - Regional Characterization Project.’ The 17-day ‘iAtlantic_BR10-Petrobras’ cruise was conducted on board the research vessel NPqHOc Vital de Oliveira (Brazilian Navy) and performed (a) water column structure characterization, (b) seafloor morphology mapping, (c) description of benthic habitats and communities by seafloor imagery and biological/ geological sampling, and (d) ex-situ experiments to assess the functioning of sedimentary ecosystems and their responses to climate-related environmental changes. This study describes the rationale behind the iAtlantic_BR10-Petrobras cruise science plan, reports its sampling strategy and methods, and summarizes its collected data and preliminary results.

ABSTRACT Environmental degradation from human pressures includes the conversion of native vegetation cover into pastures and cropland, as well as riparian deforestation, leading to river siltation, biotic homogenization, and loss of ecosystem services. The objective of our study was to evaluate water quality and benthic macroinvertebrate assemblage structure in response to changes in land use at local and buffer spatial extents. We assumed that human disturbances negatively affect water quality and macroinvertebrate assemblage condition. Greater human influence was observed at the local extent (Local Disturbance Index – LDI) than at the buffer (Buffer Disturbance Index – BDI) extent. Likewise, biological metric responses were stronger relative to the LDI than to the BDI or to the Integrated Disturbance Index (IDI). These results support establishing a biomonitoring program for assessing water body quality in the Doce River basin to facilitate conserving aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services in the upper Graipu River.

RESUMO A degradação ambiental causada por pressões antrópicas inclui a conversão de cobertura vegetal nativa em pastagens e terras agrícolas, bem como o desmatamento de zonas ripárias, levando ao assoreamento de rios, à homogeneização biótica e à perda de serviços ecossistêmicos. O objetivo do nosso estudo foi avaliar a qualidade de água e a estrutura de assembleia de macroinvertebrados bentônicos em resposta a mudanças no uso da terra em extensões espaciais locais e de microbacia (buffer). Para tanto, assumimos que os distúrbios humanos afetam negativamente a qualidade de água e a assembleia de macroinvertebrados bentônicos. Maior influência humana foi observada na escala local (Índice de Distúrbio Local – LDI) do que na escala de buffer (Índice de Distúrbio Buffer – BDI). Da mesma forma, as respostas das métricas biológicas foram mais correlacionadas ao LDI do que ao BDI ou o Índice Integrado de Distúrbio (IDI). Esses resultados apoiam o estabelecimento de um programa de biomonitoramento para avaliar a qualidade de corpos hídricos na bacia do rio Doce, fomentando a conservação de biodiversidade aquática e serviços ecossistêmicos no alto ribeirão Graipu.

Using the first high-resolution geophysical data set collected from the uThukela Banks Marine Protected Area (MPA), we reveal a plethora of hitherto unknown or poorly resolved seabed features. In tandem with several remotely operated vehicle dives, we improve on the previous National Biodiversity Assessment map for the area and reveal a more complex picture of the seabed geology and geomorphology on which the MPA is predicated. The upper slope (-120 m and deeper) is dominated by small canyons, gullies and rills that occasionally extend to the shelf edge and form a series of slumps. Suspected cold-water corals were imaged on the interfluves of the Thukela Canyon. The mid to outer shelf (-60 to -100 m) is mostly rocky, and is composed of Pliocene-age siltstones for the most part. Aeolianite shorelines are found at depths of 60 m and 100 m, in which palaeo-lagoons and parabolic aeolian dune systems are also preserved. These features provide habitat for mesophotic corals and demersal fishes. Overlying and abutting hard rock substrates are unconsolidated sandy sediments that are mobilised by the inshore movement of the Agulhas Current. An inshore mud belt characterised by pockmarks associated with free gas expulsion is mapped for the first time. A well-developed palaeo-drainage pattern is also revealed, posing exciting new opportunities for the study of benthic communities associated with palaeo-estuaries and lagoons now exposed at the seabed. Several new habitats, both inside and out of the MPA boundaries, should form the basis for future research within the MPA, in addition to informing expansions of the MPA. SIGNIFICANCE: • Using a newly collected geophysical data set, we provide an unprecedented glimpse into the newly proclaimed uThukela Banks Marine Protected Area. • We reveal a complexity of marine habitats hitherto unknown from previous biodiversity surveys. These habitats include areas of possible expansion given the recognition of keystone species that occur just outside the MPA limits.

Resumo: Objetivo Avaliamos as mudanças na biomassa do perifíton e na composição das comunidades de diatomáceas bentônicas ao longo de um gradiente de urbanização em 10 riachos costeiros localizados na planície costeira do extremo sul do Brasil. Métodos Em cada riacho coletamos variáveis limnológicas e o material perifítico do estolão da macrófita aquática Hydrocotyle ranunculoides para posterior análises de clorofila a e de diatomáceas. Resultados Fósforo total foi a única variável limnológica selecionada pelos modelos, mostrando uma relação positiva com a biomassa e negativa com a riqueza de espécies de diatomáceas nesses riachos. A composição de espécies (para dados de presença e ausência e de abundância) também foi explicada pelas concentrações de fósforo total. Além disso, observamos uma distribuição aninhada de espécies ao longo dos riachos, de forma que as comunidades mais pobres de riachos com maiores concentrações de fósforo são subconjuntos de comunidades mais ricas com menores concentrações do nutriente. Conclusões Evidenciamos em nosso estudo que as modificações na qualidade da água causadas pela eutrofização estão levando à perda de espécies e mudanças na estrutura de comunidades em ecótonos como os riachos costeiros.

Abstract: Aim We evaluated changes in periphyton biomass and the composition of benthic diatom communities along a gradient of urbanization in 10 coastal streams located on the coastal plain of southernmost Brazil. Methods At each coastal stream, we obtained limnological variables and periphytic material from the stolon of the aquatic macrophyte Hydrocotyle ranunculoides for further analyses of chlorophyll a and diatoms. Results Total phosphorus was the only limnological variable selected by the statistical models, showing a positive relationship with periphyton biomass and a negative relationship with diatom species richness in these streams. Species composition (for both presence-absence and abundance data) was also explained by total phosphorus. Further, we observed a nested distribution of diatom species along the streams, in which poorer communities of streams with higher concentrations of phosphorous are subsets of richer communities from streams with lower concentrations of the nutrient. Conclusions Our study shows that water quality modifications caused by eutrophication are leading to the loss of species and changes in the structure of biological communities in ecotones such as coastal streams.