Resumen. Muchos metazoos contienen moléculas capaces de fluorescencia, absorción y reemisión de luz. Dado que la distribución anatómica, o el patrón, de estas moléculas es variable entre taxones, los patrones de fluorescencia pueden servir como una poderosa herramienta diagnóstica en taxonomía y ecología. Sin embargo, los patrones de fluorescencia específicos de especie entre invertebrados marinos están poco comprendidos. Aquí, mostramos que los hidrozoos tienen diversos patrones de fluorescencia, que pueden ser el resultado de moléculas producidas intrínsecamente u obtenidas de fuentes dietéticas. Estudiamos hidrozoos, incluidos sifonóforos, hidromedusas e hidroides, en 5 órdenes de ambientes marinos pelágicos y bentónicos en Bocas del Toro, Panamá. Nuestros hallazgos muestran que los patrones de fluorescencia son muy prevalentes y pueden variar entre especies de hidrozoos y a lo largo del desarrollo. La mayoría de los taxa de hidrozoos examinados exhibieron alguna forma de fluorescencia, con variación observada entre las etapas de vida y las partes del cuerpo. Se documentó fluorescencia en el 88% de las hidromedusas (Leptothecata, Anthoathecata, Limnomedusae y Narcomedusae), el 50% de los hidroides y el 75% de los sifonóforos que se observaron en este estudio. Nuestros resultados ilustran cómo los patrones de fluorescencia pueden servir como una herramienta diagnóstica útil para explorar la biodiversidad marina, resaltando la necesidad de una mayor documentación de los patrones de fluorescencia en la diversidad marina y de investigar las moléculas que subyacen a este fenómeno.

Abstract. Many metazoans contain molecules capable of fluorescence, which is the absorption and re-emission of light. As the anatomical distribution, or patterning, of these molecules varies across taxa, fluorescence patterns may serve as a powerful diagnostic tool in taxonomy and ecology. However, species-specific fluorescence patterns in marine invertebrates are poorly understood. Here, we show that hydrozoans exhibit diverse fluorescence patterns, which may result from molecules that are produced intrinsically or obtained from dietary sources. We surveyed 5 orders of hydrozoans, including siphonophores, hydromedusae, and hydroids, from pelagic and benthic marine environments in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Our findings show that fluorescence patterns are highly prevalent and may vary across hydrozoan species throughout development. Most hydrozoan taxa exhibited some form of fluorescence, with variation observed among life stages and body parts. Fluorescence was documented in 88% of hydromedusae (Leptothecata, Anthoathecata, Limnomedusae, and Narcomedusae), 50% of hydroids, and 75% of siphonophores. Our results illustrate how fluorescence patterns can serve as a useful diagnostic tool to explore marine biodiversity, highlighting the need for further documentation of fluorescence patterns across marine taxa and research into the molecules that underlie this phenomenon.

ABSTRACT. Kelp forests support species-rich food webs that predator-prey interactions may sustain. Here, we analyze prey availability and stomach contents of the predatory fish Prolatilus jugularis in an unexplored subtidal kelp forest of Lessonia trabeculata in south-central Chile. In the kelp forest, 42 invertebrate taxa and 1016 individuals were observed. In the diet of P. jugularis, 21 taxa and 130 individuals were identified. Crustacea, particularly amphipods, were the dominant and more frequent taxa in the kelp forest and stomach contents. Annelida and Mollusca were also present in the kelp forest and diets but were less abundant. We did not find a statistically significant correlation between kelp forest and stomach-content prey abundances and frequencies. Also, dominance structure significantly differed between kelps and stomach contents. Our results indicate that P. jugularis could feed in other habitats outside the survey area. Seven predatory fish were sampled in the kelp forest. Pinguipes chilensis was the dominant fish, with 65% of the total fish biomass, followed by P. jugularis with 20%.

ABSTRACT Monstrilloid copepods are endoparasites of marine benthic invertebrates (i.e., polychaetes, molluscs) during their juvenile stages. A final copepodite stage V preadult leaves the host and moults into a non-feeding, reproductive planktonic adult. The taxonomy of Monstrilloid copepods has been historically complex. The current list of species of Brazilian Monstrilloida is available from the “Catálogo Taxonômico da Fauna do Brasil” website (CTFB), an on-line database with taxonomic information on the species known to occur in Brazil. Based on current taxonomical contributions, a total of 14 valid nominal species of Monstrilloida have been recorded from Brazil, including six endemic species (43%). Species of Cymbasoma (five species: 36%) and Monstrilla (six species: 43%) total up to 78% of the Brazilian monstrilloid species diversity. Monstrillopsis and Caromiobenella are both represented by three species. Records of Monstrilloida are concentrated in the East, Southeast, and Northeast regions of the country, with an absence of records for the Rio Grande region. The records of Monstrilloid copepods should be revised in the light of evidence suggesting that widespread nominal species like Cymbasoma longispinosum Bourne, 1890, Cymbasoma rigidum Thompson I.C., 1888, Monstrillopsis dubia (Scott T., 1904), and Monstrilla grandis Giesbrecht, 1891 probably represent species complexes. A better knowledge of the taxonomy, distribution, and biology of the Brazilian Monstrilloida taxa is important to support their conservation. The revision of previous records, the occurrence of species complexes among the Brazilian monstrilloid fauna, the discovery of hosts, and reliably matching males and females of monstrilloids are pending assignments to significantly improve our knowledge of the group. i.e., ie i e (i.e. polychaetes molluscs stages nonfeeding, nonfeeding non feeding, feeding non-feeding adult complex Catálogo Brasil CTFB, CTFB , (CTFB) online line Brazil contributions 1 43%. 43 43% . (43%) five 36% 36 78 diversity East Southeast country region Bourne 1890 IC I C I.C. 1888 Scott T T. 1904, 1904 1904) Giesbrecht 189 distribution conservation fauna hosts group i.e. (i.e (CTFB 4 (43% 3 7 I.C 188 190 18 i.e (43 19 (4 (

ABSTRACT The Tunicata, despite the relatively low species diversity among the invertebrates, has always received attention not only due to their ecological importance, especially in fouling communities, but also for several species that are studied as models for genetics and the evolution of development, as well as being a prolific source of natural products. In Brazil, research during the last 60 years has considerably increased our knowledge of benthic and planktonic tunicates, resulting from the work of several research teams. In this review, we provide information on the biodiversity of coastal Brazil along with an analysis of geographic distribution, sampling effort, the locations and status of taxonomic collections, and research specialists working on this group. Tunicata invertebrates importance communities development products 6 tunicates teams review distribution effort collections group

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.

Abstract Aim In the present study, the structure of the benthic invertebrates in ponds in the presence and absence of Nile tilapia was evaluated. Methods The benthic macroinvertebrates and physicochemical parameters were analyzed for a period of eight weeks, every 15 days, in two ponds (one with fish and the other without fish). Benthic invertebrates were sampled with artificial substrate samplers, made with cheap and common materials, like expanded clay, loofah leaves and gravel. Results With the exception of turbidity, the other physical and chemical variables of water quality were within the ideal limits for tilapia farming. Despite that, there was a significant difference for all physical-chemical parameters monitored, and the average turbidity was much higher in pond with fish. The use of artificial substrate samplers for biomonitoring was effective in the colonization of several taxa in a short period of time (15 days). For benthic community metrics, organism richness, diversity and evenness were significantly higher in the pond without fish. On the other hand, the dominance of Chironomidae and the abundance of Glossiphonidae were much higher in the pond with fish. For Chironomidae, this family was dominant in both treatments, but reached a higher frequency in the pond with fish (98.49%) than in pond without fish (92.87%). The presence of sensitive families, like Leptoceridae (Order Trichoptera), was higher in the pond with no fish, as well as the metric of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera families (% EPT). Conclusions The presence of fish altered the macrobenthic community, since metrics of richness and diversity presented lower values in pond with fish. study evaluated weeks 1 days one . fish) materials clay gravel farming that physicalchemical monitored (1 days. days) hand treatments 98.49% 9849 98 49 (98.49% 92.87%. 9287 92.87% 92 87 (92.87%) Order Trichoptera, , Trichoptera) Ephemeroptera % ( EPT. EPT EPT) 98.49 984 9 4 (98.49 928 92.87 8 (92.87% 98.4 (98.4 92.8 (92.87 98. (98. 92. (92.8 (98 (92. (9 (92

Resumo Objetivo No presente estudo, avaliou-se a estrutura de invertebrados bentônicos em viveiros escavados na presença e ausência de tilápia do Nilo. Métodos Os macroinvertebrados bentônicos e os parâmetros físico-químicos foram analisados por um período de oito semanas, a cada 15 dias, em dois viveiros (um com peixes e outro sem peixes). Os invertebrados bentônicos foram coletados com amostradores de substrato artificial, feitos com materiais baratos e comuns, tais como argila expandida, folhas de taboa e brita. Resultados Com exceção da turbidez, as demais variáveis físicas e químicas da qualidade da água estiveram dentro dos limites ideais para o cultivo de tilápia. Apesar disso, houve diferença significativa para todos os parâmetros físico-químicos monitorados, sendo que a turbidez média foi bem maior no tanque com peixes. Para as métricas dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos, riqueza, diversidade e uniformidade de organismos foram significativamente maiores no tanque sem peixes. Por outro lado, a dominância de Chironomidae e a abundância de Glossiphonidae foram muito maiores no tanque com peixes. Para Chironomidae, esta família foi dominante em ambos os tratamentos, mas atingiu maior frequência no viveiro com peixes (98,49%) do que no viveiro sem peixes (92,87%). A presença de famílias sensíveis, como Leptoceridae (Ordem Trichoptera), foi maior no viveiro sem peixes, assim como a métrica das famílias Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera e Trichoptera (% EPT). Conclusões O uso de amostradores de substrato artificial para biomonitoramento mostrou-se eficaz na colonização de diversos táxons em um curto período de tempo (15 dias). Por fim, a presença de peixes alterou a comunidade macrobentônica, já que as métricas de riqueza e diversidade apresentaram valores mais baixos no viveiro escavado com peixes. estudo avaliouse avaliou se Nilo físicoquímicos físico químicos semanas 1 dias . peixes) comuns expandida brita disso monitorados lado tratamentos 98,49% 9849 98 49 (98,49% 92,87%. 9287 92,87% 92 87 (92,87%) sensíveis Ordem Trichoptera, , Trichoptera) Ephemeroptera % ( EPT. EPT EPT) mostrouse mostrou (1 dias. dias) fim macrobentônica 98,49 984 9 4 (98,49 928 92,87 8 (92,87% 98,4 (98,4 92,8 (92,87 98, (98, 92, (92,8 (98 (92, (9 (92

Resumen El Caribe mexicano es la sección más extensa del mar Caribe mesoamericano con 16 áreas marinas protegidas. Durante 2015 y 2016, fueron realizadas 2 campañas de muestreo en el Parque Nacional Arrecife Puerto Morelos y la Reserva de la Biosfera Arrecife de Sian Ka’an, para determinar la biodiversidad de los anfípodos bentónicos. Además, las especies documentados previamente en éstos fueron incluidos para completar el primer listado de especies a lo largo del Caribe mexicano. El presente estudio incluye 35 familias, 70 géneros y 121 especies, dentro de las cuales, 41 no habían sido registradas en esta área y 5 correspondieron a registros nuevos de anfípodos. A la fecha y de acuerdo con la información sintetizada en este listado de especies, tanto el área natural arrecife Puerto Morelos y el arrecife de Sian Ka’an, localizados en la zonas norte y central del mar Caribe mexicano, son las 2 áreas naturales protegidas con la mayor cantidad de especies de anfípodos bentónicos.

Abstract The Mexican Caribbean Sea is the longest section of the Mesoamerican Caribbean Sea, with 16 protected marine areas. During 2015 and 2016, 2 sampling campaigns in the Puerto Morelos Coral Reef National Park and the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, Quintana Roo, Mexico, were carried out to determine the biodiversity of benthic amphipods. In addition, the previously documented amphipod data were included to summarize the first checklist of such amphipods along the Mexican Caribbean Sea. The present study found 35 families, 70 genera, and 121 species, of which 41 species had not been previously reported in the Mexican Caribbean Sea, and 5 species represented new records of amphipods from the Caribbean Sea. According to the information summarized in this amphipod’s inventory, both the coral reefs Puerto Morelos and Sian Ka’an, located in the north and central Mexican Caribbean Sea, represented the protected natural areas with the largest amounts of benthic amphipod species thus far.

Abstract Fifteen species of sea anemones (Cnidaria, Actiniaria) have been recorded so far in the Colombian Caribbean, comprising approximately 28% of the total number of known species in the Caribbean Sea. Most species recorded are associated with coral reef communities. However, in the region, no records of sea anemones are known from areas with high sedimentation conditions as is characteristic along the coastline of the Atlántico Department, in Colombia. In this area, organisms are exposed to a high degree of turbidity and sedimentation (~143.9x106 t year-1) as a result of their proximity to the Magdalena River mouth and the 26 micro-basins that flow along its coastline. Several observations and collections were made on soft bottoms, rocky, and artificial substrates in the sectors of Puerto Velero and Caño Dulce to determine the fauna that exist under these conditions. Four species of sea anemones were found belonging to the families Actiniidae and Aiptasiidae, and images from living specimens and cnidae are provided. Bunodosoma cavernatum and Exaiptasia diaphana are here recorded for the first time from the Colombian Caribbean. An updated list of sea anemones in the Colombian Caribbean, now comprising 34 taxa (i.e., 21 species and 13 identified at supra-specific levels), is provided.

Resumo Um dos indicadores biológicos mais utilizados para determinar a saúde de um ecossistema fluvial são os macroinvertebrados bentônicos. A presença de espécies recorrentes em um amplo gradiente de latitudes domina o padrão biogeográfico dos macroinvertebrados bentônicos nas águas doces do Chile; no entanto, o conhecimento sobre a ecologia comunitária destes nos rios chilenos continua escasso. Os modelos nulos se tornaram uma poderosa ferramenta estatística para descrever os mecanismos ecológicos que orientam a estrutura de uma comunidade ecológica e os padrões subjacentes da diversidade. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a estrutura da comunidade de invertebrados bentônicos no rio Allipén, descrevendo sua composição, riqueza e abundância de espécies através de modelos de riqueza e modelos nulos baseados na presença / ausência. Os resultados revelam alta riqueza de espécies e baixa diversidade, sendo identificados três filos, cinco classes, 11 ordens e 28 famílias na área de estudo durante as quatro estações do ano. O filo de Arthropoda foi o mais representativo em abundância e riqueza. Em relação à riqueza, Trichoptera (7) e Diptera (6) seguidos por Ephemeroptera (3) foram as ordens que mostraram a maior diversidade de famílias, no entanto, uma baixa diversidade com H’≤ 1,5 nit foi registrada na área de estudo. Demonstramos através dos modelos nulos, a randomização nas associações de espécies correspondentes aos três locais analisados. As informações aqui fornecidas contribuem para a compreensão dos padrões ecológicos das comunidades de invertebrados no rio Allipén, estabelecendo a base para estudos ecológicos mais complexos.

Abstract One of the biological indicators most used to determine the health of a fluvial ecosystem are the benthic macroinvertebrates. The presence of recurrent species in a wide gradient of latitudes, dominates the biogeographic pattern of the benthic macroinvertebrates in Chilean fresh waters, nevertheless the knowledge on the communitarian ecology of these in the Chilean rivers continues to be scarce. Null models became a powerful statistical tool for describing the ecological mechanisms that drive the structure of an ecological community and the underlying patterns of diversity. The objective of this study was to determine the community structure of benthic invertebrates in the Allipén River by describing their composition, richness and abundance of species through richness models and null models based on presence/absence. The results reveal a high family richness and low diversity, three phyla, five classes, 11 orders and 28 families were identified in the study area during the four seasons of the year. The Arthropoda phylum was the most representative in abundance and richness. Regarding to richness, Trichoptera (7 families) and Diptera (6 families) followed by Ephemeroptera (3 families) were the orders that showed the greatest diversity of families, however, a low diversity with a H’≤ 1.5 nit was registered in the study area. We demonstrated through the null models, the randomization in the species associations corresponding to the three analyzed sites. The information provided here contributes to the understanding of the ecological patterns of the invertebrate communities in the Allipén River, establishing the basis for more complex ecological studies.

Resumo Este estudo investigou a ocorrência de partículas plásticas no trato digestivo de peixes de riachos de cabeceira em uma região de baixa densidade humana da bacia subtropical do rio dos Sinos no sul do Brasil. No total, 258 indivíduos de 17 espécies foram coletados por meio da pesca elétrica. Trinta e oito por cento (38%) dos espécimes continham partículas de plástico. Todos eram fibras, com contagem máxima de 43 por indivíduo. As fibras plásticas foram a quarta categoria de alimentos mais abundante. Os resultados mostraram que a absorção dessas partículas plásticas foi proporcional ao número de itens alimentares ingeridos. A contagem de fibras nos intestinos se correlacionou com a absorção de Trichoptera, que são invertebrados que usam partículas de plástico para construir suas capas protetoras. Nenhuma diferença significativa na absorção de plástico foi detectada entre peixes bentônicos e de coluna d'água. Nenhuma evidência de bioacumulação de partículas plásticas foi encontrada nos intestinos. A distância das áreas urbanas não foi relacionada ao número de partículas plásticas ingeridas, concluindo que os plásticos são ubíquos e disponíveis para a biota, mesmo em locais remotos. A fonte mais provável dessas partículas são as residências próximas aos córregos que descarregam os esgotos das máquinas de lavar sem nenhum tratamento.

Abstract This study investigated the occurrence of plastic particles in the digestive tracts of fish from headwater streams in a human-thinly populated region of the subtropical Sinos River basin in southern Brazil. In total, 258 individuals from 17 species were collected using electric fishing. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of the specimens contained plastic particles. All of them were fibers, with a maximum count of 43 per individual. Plastic fibers were the fourth most abundant food category. Results showed that the uptake of these plastic particles was proportional to the number of ingested food items. Fiber counts in the guts correlated with the uptake of Trichoptera, which are invertebrates using plastic particles to construct their protective cases. No significant difference in plastic uptake was detected between benthic and water column fish. No evidence of bioaccumulation of plastic particles was found in the intestines. The distance from urban areas was not related to the number of ingested plastic particles, concluding that plastics are ubiquitous and available to biota, even in remote locations. The most probable source of these particles is residences close to the streams which discharge the sewage of washing machines without any treatment.

Abstract This study presents the initial stages of the macrofouling community on artificial substrate exposed to the offshore subtropical marine environment, and the contribution of depth (3 and 22m), exposure time (1-2-4-7-10-13-weeks), UV-radiation, rainfall, temperature, pH, salinity, water chlorophyll-a, and zooplankton supply to organism establishment. Steel substrates were placed horizontally on the structure of a pipeline monobuoy off the southern shore of Brazil (Tramandaí beach), and the ecological succession was monitored by six random removals per depth during the summer-autumn of 2011. Approximately 88.5% of the quantified settled individuals comprised fouling fauna and 11.5% vagile and sedentary fauna, although the taxa richness was higher for non-sessile invertebrates. Species richness and organism density up to four weeks were significantly higher at 3m-depth. After this period, a higher density of organisms was found at 22m, while during the whole study the species richness and diversity remained higher at 3m-depth. Zooplankton composition did not show a simultaneous temporal relationship with invertebrate recruitment at any depth; however, increasing the exposure time, the similarity between the planktonic and benthic communities also increased. Meroplankton, tychoplankton, and holoplankton were recorded on the substrates. This study showed that the depth of available substrates affects the macrofouling establishment, which is mainly associated with UV-radiation, exposure time, and ecological interspecific interactions. environment 3 ( 22m m , 22m) 12471013weeks, 12471013weeks 1 2 4 7 10 13 (1-2-4-7-10-13-weeks) UVradiation, UVradiation UV radiation, radiation UV-radiation rainfall temperature pH salinity chlorophylla, chlorophylla chlorophyll a, chlorophyll-a establishment Tramandaí beach, beach beach) summerautumn summer autumn 2011 885 88 5 88.5 115 11 11.5 nonsessile non sessile invertebrates 3mdepth. 3mdepth mdepth 3m depth. 3m-depth period however increased Meroplankton tychoplankton interactions (1-2-4-7-10-13-weeks 201 8 88. 11. 20

Meiobenthos (or meiofauna) are microscopic invertebrates that inhabit biofilms and interstitial spaces in rivers. They are diverse and extremely abundant, and they perform essential ecological functions by linking microbial production to higher trophic levels (e.g. macrobenthic invertebrates and fishes). However, meiobenthic communities remain poorly studied in Africa. Here, we sampled meio- and macrobenthic invertebrate communities associated with biofilms and sediments across an upstream-downstream gradient along the Olifants, Sabie and Crocodile rivers flowing through the Kruger National Park (KNP). We expected to link differences in community structure to environmental gradients as those rivers show different degrees of anthropogenic stress as they enter the park. Both meio- and macrobenthic communities differed across rivers and also structured along an upstream-downstream gradient. The upstream sites, which were the closest to the park borders, consistently showed a lower diversity in all three rivers. There, the invasive snail Tarebia granifera strongly dominated (making up 73% - 87% of the macrobenthos), crowding hard substrates, while concomitantly the abundances of biofilm-dwelling meiobenthos like nematodes and rotifers were substantially reduced. Nevertheless, the diversity and evenness of communities then tended to increase as water flowed downstream through the park, suggesting a beneficial effect of protected river reaches on benthic invertebrate diversity. However, for the Crocodile River, which makes up the southern border of the park, this trend was less conspicuous, suggesting that this river may experience the greatest threats. More generally, benthic invertebrate communities were driven by the concentrations of phosphates, sulphates, ammonium and organic matter and by substrate characteristics. CONSERVATION IMPLICATIONS: Meiobenthic organisms are very abundant in KNP rivers and react to environmental gradients; thus, they should be more considered for bio-monitoring or conservation of comprehensive assemblages of animals. Interestingly, protected reaches tended to show a reduced dominance of the invasive T. granifera and a higher diversity of benthic invertebrates

Resumo O Brasil é caracterizado como um país megadiverso e uma das prioridades no conhecimento e conservação dessa biodiversidade é seguramente a melhoria das coleções biológicas. Estas representam patrimônio biológico, científico, cultural e genético de um país, e sua preservação depende de um esforço coletivo de pesquisadores, instituições e do poder público. Com relação às coleções biológicas marinhas de invertebrados e algas, o estado de São Paulo representa uma alta porcentagem do acervo nacional, com cinco principais coleções depositadas em instituições estaduais. Atualmente estas coleções salvaguardam a grande maioria do acervo marinho estadual e compõem um dos maiores do país. Assim sendo, o objetivo desta pesquisa é o de apresentar informações sobre as coleções biológicas marinhas do estado de São Paulo, estado atual, financiamentos e perspectivas futuras, criando oportunidades de comunicação e considerando os fatores que impactam o desenvolvimento das mesmas. O apoio financeiro da Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) às instituições paulistas extravasa os limites do estado, visto que muitas pesquisas abordam áreas mais abrangentes e/ou estabelecem parcerias diversas com outras instituições não paulistas. Isso se reflete inclusive na abrangência taxonômica e geográfica das coleções biológicas do Estado, uma vez que estas mantêm espécimes/espécies de diferentes regiões do país, ou mesmo de outros países. No entanto, vale ressaltar que não basta investir em expedições de coleta para enriquecimento das coleções sem valorizar a formação de pessoal qualificado, tanto para a curadoria dos acervos quanto para o refinamento taxonômico.

Abstract Brazil is characterized as a megadiverse country, and one of the factors that guarantees the knowledge and preservation of this biodiversity is an improvement in the biological collections. They represent a country's biological, scientific, cultural, and genetic heritage and their preservation depends on a joint effort of researchers, institutions, and public authorities. Marine biological collections of invertebrates and algae of the state of São Paulo represent a high percentage of the national collections, with five biological collections deposited in state institutions. Currently, these collections safeguard the vast majority of the state's marine collection and make up one of the largest in the country. Therefore, the objective of this research is to present information on marine biological collections in the state of São Paulo, their current status, funding, and future perspectives, creating communication opportunities and considering the factors that impact their development. Support from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) surpasses state limits, since many studies address broader areas and/or establish diverse partnerships with other institutions from outside São Paulo. This is reflected in the taxonomic and geographic scope of the biological collections in the state, since these host specimens/species from different regions of the country, or even from other countries. However, it is worth mentioning that it is not enough to invest in expeditions to enrich the collections without valuing the training of qualified personnel, both for the collections maintenance and for their taxonomic refinement.

Resumo Objetivo Planícies de inundação apresentam elevada complexidade ambiental e sustentam a biodiversidade da região. Assim, esforços globais são necessários para preservar essas áreas. Este trabalho sumariza o resultado de três décadas de programas de monitoramento de espécies de macroinvertebrados da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná, a qual é uma expressiva área de conservação neotropical. Métodos Foi realizada uma busca bibliográfica na literatura de 1990 a 2020 e foram selecionados os estudos que abordavam questões relacionadas a macroinvertebrados bentônicos ou associados às macrófitas aquáticas na área de estudo. Resultados Foram selecionados 92 artigos, os quais seguiam os critérios da busca. Observou-se que o número de publicações aumentou após o ano 2009, e a maioria dos estudos encontrados estava relacionada aos ambientes lênticos. Dentre os substratos analisados nos trabalhos, o sedimento foi o mais estudado, apresentando maior registro e diversidade de taxa, seguido pelas macrófitas aquáticas. No total foram encontrados registros de 517 taxa, sendo que as famílias Chironomidae, Cyprididae e Naididae foram as que apresentaram a maior riqueza taxonômica. A riqueza de taxa observada no estudo foi inferior à estimada pelo Bootstrap. Conclusões A falta de sinais de estabilização da curva ao longo do tempo para a riqueza de táxons observada e estimada pode indicar que a riqueza de macroinvertebrados da planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná deve estar subestimada. Dessa forma, uma vez que a maioria dos estudos reportou resultados relacionados a pesquisas ecológicas de longa duração, defendemos a continuidade de tais estudos em planícies de inundação como uma poderosa ferramenta para avaliar a biodiversidade, os quais podem fornecer dados úteis para a criação de estratégias de conservação que melhorem a manutenção da biodiversidade em tais áreas.

Abstract Aim Wetland areas have high environmental complexity and support high biodiversity. Therefore, global efforts are required to preserve these areas. Here, we show the results of three decades of monitoring programs regarding macroinvertebrate species from the upper Paraná River floodplain, which is an important wetland conservation area in the neotropics. Methods We searched the literature from 1990 to 2020 and selected studies that addressed questions related to benthic or macrophyte-associated macroinvertebrates in the study area. Results We retained 92 articles that matched the criteria. We noticed that the number of publications increased after 2009, and most studies were related to lentic environments. Sediment was the most studied substrate, showing the highest taxa record and diversity, followed by aquatic macrophytes. We found records of 517 taxa, from which the families Chironomidae, Cyprididae, and Naididae presented the highest taxonomic richness. The taxa richness observed in our study was lower than the bootstrap richness estimated. Conclusions The lack of signs of curve stabilisation through time for both observed and estimated taxa richness could indicate the macroinvertebrate richness from the upper Paraná River floodplain must be underestimated. In this way, once most of the studies reported results related to long-term ecological research, we argue for the continuity of such studies in floodplains as a powerful tool to assess biodiversity, which can provide useful data for the creation of conservation strategies that enhance the maintenance of biodiversity in such areas.

RESUMO As atividades humanas afetam a disponibilidade e a qualidade da água em muitos ecossistemas aquáticos. A Barragem Santa Bárbara é um importante manancial de abastecimento público do município de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, que vem sofrendo um processo de eutrofização acelerado, tornando importante o uso de monitoramentos ambientais como ferramenta de controle desses mananciais. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a comunidade de macroinvertebrados bentônicos presentes nas raízes de macrófitas aquáticas flutuantes e suas relações com a qualidade da água na bacia de acumulação da Barragem Santa Bárbara. Em 2018, foram realizadas quatro amostragens em dois ambientes desse ecossistema. As análises físico-químicas foram realizadas para correlacionar com as análises biológicas. Os macroinvertebrados bentônicos retirados das raízes das macrófitas aquáticas flutuantes foram triados e identificados ao menor nível taxonômico possível. Para análise de dados, foram utilizadas análises de regressão múltipla, análise de variância (ANOVA) e Análise de Componentes Principais. Os macroinvertebrados bentônicos foram analisados também quanto à ocorrência de frequência, riqueza e abundância, e ao índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener. Foi possível registrar 13.154 espécimes de macroinvertebrados bentônicos associados a 100 g de peso seco de macrófitas aquáticas flutuantes, divididos em 35 táxons e distribuídos em nove ordens e 27 famílias. Os grupos mais abundantes foram Amphipoda, Chironomidae e Oligochaeta. O índice de diversidade apresentou média de H’ = 1,67, classificando o ecossistema aquático como moderadamente poluído. As ferramentas utilizadas neste estudo são úteis para ações de gerenciamento e preservação de mananciais, principalmente os utilizados para abastecimento público.

ABSTRACT Human activities affect the availability and quality of water in many aquatic ecosystems. The Santa Bárbara Dam is an important source of public water supply in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, which has been undergoing an accelerated eutrophication process, thus making it important to use environmental monitoring as a control tool for these sources. The aim of this study was to evaluate the community of benthic macroinvertebrates in the roots of floating aquatic macrophytes and their connection with water quality in the Santa Bárbara Dam accumulation basin. Four samples were taken in 2018, in two environments of this ecosystem. Physical-chemical analyses were conducted to correlate with biological analyses. Benthic macroinvertebrates taken from the roots of floating aquatic macrophytes were screened and identified at the lowest possible taxonomic level. For data analysis, multiple regression analysis, ANOVA, and Principal Component Analysis were used. Benthic macroinvertebrates were also analyzed for frequency, richness and abundance, and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index. It was possible to register 13.154 specimens of benthic macroinvertebrates associated with 100 g of dry weight of floating aquatic macrophytes, divided into 35 taxa, and distributed in 09 orders and 27 families. The most abundant groups were Amphipoda, Chironomidae, and Oligochaeta. The diversity index showed an average of H ‘= 1.67, classifying the aquatic ecosystem as moderately polluted. The tools used in this study are useful for managing and preservation of water sources, especially those used for public supply.