Knowledge about the diversity of coastal amphipods in the eastern tropical Pacific, including the Pacific coast of Colombia, is scarce. We characterized amphipod diversity in Bahía Málaga (intertidal and subtidal rocky shores, and sandy beaches) and Bahía Buenaventura (intertidal rocky shores, mangrove roots, and sandy beaches), two important estuaries in the central Pacific coast of Colombia. Sixteen species in eleven families were found; Hourstonius baciroa, Leptocheirus rhizophorae, Leucothoe alata, Elasmopus ocoroni, Melita bousfieldi, and Neomegamphopus heardi represent new records for Colombia.

El conocimiento acerca de la diversidad de los anfípodos costeros en el Pacífico Oriental Tropical, incluyendo las costas del Pacífico de Colombia, es escaso. Por esto, caracterizamos la diversidad de anfípodos en Bahía Málaga (costas rocosas intermareales y submareales, playas arenosas) y Bahía Buenaventura (costa rocosa intermareal, raíces de manglares, playas arenosas), dos estuarios importantes de la costa central del Pacífico de Colombia. Se encontraron 16 especies en once familias, de las cuales Hourstonius baciroa, Leptocheirus rhizophorae, Leucothoe alata, Elasmopus ocoroni, Melita bousfieldi y Neomegamphopus heardi representan nuevos registros para Colombia.

Resumo Estuários recebem entradas diárias de elementos químicos, que podem impactar a qualidade de água e do sedimento, assim como a saúde da biota. Além do sedimento, moluscos bivalves têm sido utilizados no monitoramento químico desses sistemas. Neste estudo investigou-se a presença e os teores de As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb e Zn no sedimento superficial e em bivalves (Crassostrea gasar, C. rhizophorae e Mytella guyanensis) de estuários do sul / extremo sul do estado da Bahia, Nordeste do Brasil. As amostras foram avaliadas por espectrometria de emissão óptica de plasma indutivamente acoplado (ICP-OES, Varian 710). Exceto Cd, todos os demais elementos foram encontrados nas amostras, sendo que Co foi exclusivo no sedimento. Os estuários equivalentes às estações amostrais #1 - Valença, #2 - Taperoá, #3 - Ilhéus e #4 - Belmonte mostraram níveis de metais compatíveis com os estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira, porém, a #5 - Santa Cruz Cabrália, além da presença de As, apresentou alto nível de Pb e de Cu em C. gasar, o que foi atribuído aos impactos por atividades náuticas nesse local.

Abstract Estuaries receive daily inputs of chemical elements which can impact the quality of water and sediment, as well as the health of biota. In addition to the sediment, bivalve mollusks have been used in the chemical monitoring of these systems. This study investigated the presence and contents of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in superficial sediment and in bivalves (Crassostrea gasar, C. rhizophorae and Mytella guyanensis) from estuaries in the south / extreme south of Bahia State, northeast Brazil. The samples were evaluated with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES, Varian 710). Except for Cd, all other elements were found in the samples, being that Co was exclusive in the sediment. The estuaries equivalent to sampling stations #1 - Valença, #2 - Taperoá, #3 - Ilhéus and #4 - Belmonte showed levels of metals compatibles with those established by the Brazilian legislation, however, the #5 - Santa Cruz Cabrália, in addition to the presence of As, presented a high level of Pb and Cu in C. gasar, which was attributed to the impacts of nautical activities in that locality.

Abstract This study evaluated the effectiveness of Federal Protected Areas on the coast of the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil with regard to the preservation of mangrove forests. The study area encompassed remaining mangrove forests distributed in four federal protected areas (PAs) located in Paraíba: Area of Relevant Ecological Interest (AREI) of Mangroves of the Mamanguape River, Environmental Protection Area (EPA) of the Mamanguape River, the Restinga de Cabedelo National Forest (NATFOR), and the Acaú-Goiana Extractive Reserve (EXTRES). The methods consisted of a spatiotemporal analysis considering the year of creation of each PA, with mapping and quantification as well as the assessment of impacts and effectiveness. NATFOR and EXTRES had the most conserved mangrove areas on the temporal scale, whereas AREI and EPA had the largest reductions in areas of mangrove forest. Urban expansion, sugarcane monoculture, and shrimp farming represented the main negative impacts spatially identified in these PAs. Based on the results of this study, the mangrove forests analyzed have continually suffered anthropogenic pressures since their creation as protected areas. The greatest effectiveness in the preservation of mangrove forests was found in Acaú-Goiana EXTRES and the least effectiveness was found in the AREI of Mangroves of the Mamanguape River.

RESUMEN Antecedentes: Los ecosistemas estuarinos tropicales y subtropicales se encuentran entre los ecosistemas más productivos del planeta, sus fluctuaciones estacionales, su conexión permanente o efímera con el océano y las descargas de agua dulce, generan una alta biodiversidad que proporciona numerosos servicios ecosistémicos. En estos ecosistemas, la investigación de la biodiversidad se ha centrado en los macroorganismos y se ha prestado menor atención a los procariontes, particularmente el grupo de las arqueas. Objetivo: A partir de una revisión bibliográfica del Dominio Archaea en estuarios, lagunas costeras y manglares ubicados en zonas tropicales y subtropicales, proporcionar una síntesis de los factores que influyen en la presencia y distribución de las arqueas en estos ecosistemas y el papel que desempeñan en los ciclos biogeoquímicos. Métodos: Se efectuó una búsqueda de los artículos publicados con las palabras clave Archaea + ecosistemas costeros tropicales y Archaea + ecosistemas costeros subtropicales. Resultados: El análisis de las secuencias ambientales obtenidas, a partir de técnicas moleculares, en los estudios de diversidad de los procariontes en lagunas costeras, estuarios y manglares tropicales y subtropicales, han revelado una alta diversidad de arqueas pertenecientes principalmente a metanógenos y metanotrofos anaeróbicos (Phyla Euryarchaeota), arqueas oxidantes del amonio (Thaumarchaeota) y representantes del Superphyllum Asgard. Estos grupos pueden potencialmente participar en los ciclos del carbono, nitrógeno y azufre, en condiciones aerobias o anaerobias, con metabolismos heterótrofos o autótrofos y su abundancia y distribución están relacionadas con las condiciones fisicoquímicas de los ecosistemas. Conclusiones: La diversidad de Archaea en ecosistemas costeros tropicales y subtropicales es mayor de la registrada previamente. Estos microorganismos desempeñan un papel vital en diversos ciclos biogeoquímicos así como en el cambio climático.

ABSTRACT Background: Tropical and subtropical estuarine ecosystems are among the most productive ecosystems on the planet, their seasonal fluctuations, their permanent or ephemeral connection with the ocean and freshwater discharges, generate a high biodiversity that provides numerous ecosystem services. In these ecosystems, biodiversity research has focused on macro-organisms and less attention has been paid to prokaryotes, particularly the archaea group. Goal: Based on a bibliographic review of the Archaea Domain in estuaries, coastal lagoons and mangroves located in tropical and subtropical zones, to provide a synthesis of the factors that influence the presence and distribution of archaea in these ecosystems and the role they play in biogeochemical cycles. Methods: A search was made of the articles published with the keywords Archaea + tropical coastal ecosystems and Archaea + subtropical coastal ecosystems. Results: The analysis of the environmental sequences obtained, from molecular techniques, in studies of the diversity of prokaryotes in coastal lagoons, estuaries and tropical and subtropical mangroves, have revealed a high diversity of archaea belonging mainly to methanogens and anaerobic methanotrophs (Phyla Euryarchaeota), ammonium-oxidizing archaea (Thaumarchaeota) and representatives of the Superphyllum Asgard. These groups can potentially participate in the carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur cycles, in aerobic or anaerobic conditions, with heterotrophic or autotrophic metabolisms, and their abundance and distribution are related to the physicochemical conditions of the ecosystems. Conclusions: The diversity of Archaea in tropical and subtropical coastal ecosystems is greater than previously recorded. These microorganisms play a vital role in various biogeochemical cycles as well as climate change.

ABSTRACT The Panama Bight ecoregion (PBE) in the eastern Pacific contains probably the best developed mangrove forests in the American continent. Fishes inhabiting the mangrove-estuary mosaic play fundamental ecological roles and sustain the artisanal fishery operating there. Here, using data collected along ~300 km between 2012 and 2017, we examine the spatial dynamics of mangrove fish assemblages that undertake intertidal migrations in the southern part of the PBE (southern Colombian Pacific coast), where the largest and least disturbed mangroves of Colombia are located. Sixty-one fish species used intertidal mangrove habitats in these areas, constituting ~30% of all fishes inhabiting the whole mosaic of mangrove habitats in this ecoregion. Species within Clupeidae, Ariidae, Centropomidae and Tetraodontidae, all common in mangroves of the eastern Pacific, were the most dominant. Half of the fish species found are commercially important to the artisanal fishery. Differences in fish community structure could be related to salinity differences, but other environmental and ecological factors could also play a role in explaining these differences. A better understanding of the ecological role of mangrove fishes in the region could be gained by examining the ichthyofauna of other habitats within the mosaic and their trophic relationships.

RESUMEN La ecorregión del Panama Bight (EPB) en el océano Pacifico oriental contiene probablemente los bosques de manglar más desarrollados de America. Los peces que habitan el mosaico estuario-manglar juegan papeles ecológicos fundamentales y sostienen las pesquerías artesanales que operan allí. Usando datos colectados a lo largo de ~300 km entre 2012 y 2017, examinamos la dinámica espacial de ensamblajes de peces de manglar que realizan migraciones intermareales en el EPB sur (costa sur del Pacífico colombiano), donde se encuentran los manglares más grandes y menos intervenidos de Colombia. Sesenta y un especies de peces ingresaron en zonas intermareales de manglar, constituyendo ~30% de todos los peces que pueden ser encontrados en el mosaico de hábitats de manglar de esta ecoregión. Especies de Clupeidae, Ariidae, Centropomidae y Tetraodontidae, todas comunes en manglares del Pacífico oriental, fueron las más dominantes. La mitad de los peces encontrados son importantes comercialmente para la pesquería artesanal. Las diferencias en la estructura de la comunidad pueden estar relacionadas con diferencias en salinidad, pero otros factores ambientales y ecológicos podrían también jugar un rol explicando las diferencias encontradas. Un mejor entendimiento del rol ecológico de los peces de manglar de la región podría alcanzarse examinando la ictiofauna de otros hábitats de este mosaico y sus relaciones tróficas.

The concentrations of trace metals Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn and V were measured in gills, muscle and hepatopancreas of G. cruentata caught from South of Bahia in order to assess the potential health risk by the consumption of mangrove crabs. The highest metal concentrations in gills, and hepatopancreas were Cu, and Zn in muscles, while the lowest metal concentration in three tissues was Cd and Mo. With the results, it is possible to suggest that the high concentrations of some elements, especially of the Cu, may present risks to the Aratu consumers of the mangrove areas studied, or to other populations where these animals may be transported, same for other cities. The mean concentration of Pb in gills in Una and Jequitinhonha is above the value allowed by the legislation, 3,08 μg g-1 and 3,49 μg g-1, respectively. The concentration of Mn in the females in the three estuaries studied was 1.5 to 4.2 times higher than in the males. In general, detected mean metal concentrations in crab tissues were (in decreasing order) gills > hepatopancreas > muscles. Through the PCA analysis, differentiation between the tissues studied was observed due to its elemental composition. The target hazard quotient (QR) of all trace metals in muscle was less than 1.0 of the provisional tolerable daily intake (IDE) adopted by the USEPA. These results imply that G. cruentata caught from South of Bahia do not have an adverse impact on the consumer health.

Resumo A costa da região semi-árida do Brasil é conhecida pela presença de grandes estuários habitados por numerosas espécies de moluscos bivalves comestíveis. A ostra Crassostrea rhizophorae é encontrada naturalmente em ambientes estuarinos ao longo da costa brasileira, fixados em substratos, principalmente nas raízes dos manguezais. Os protozoários do gênero Perkinsus são parasitos importantes de bivalves marinhos, às vezes causando danos patológicos significativos em todo o mundo. Este estudo relata a ocorrência de parasitos Perkinsus sp. nas ostras de mangue do estuário de Porto do Mangue (estado do Rio Grande do Norte) e estuário de Icapuí (estado do Ceara), duas regiões do semiárido do Brasil. No estuário de Porto do Mangue as amostragens de ostras ocorreram nos meses de dezembro de 2016, janeiro e fevereiro de 2017. No estuário de Icapuí as amostragens de ostras ocorreram nos meses de setembro, outubro e novembro de 2017. Dois fragmentos branquiais foram incubados em Ray's Fluid Thioglycollate Medium (RFTM). Os parâmetros ecológicos e parasitários foram calculados. Cinco das noventas ostras coletadas no estuário de Porto do Mangue estavam parasitadas, que correspondeu a uma prevalência média de 5,6%. No estuário de Icapuí estavam parasitadas dezoito das cento e vinte ostras, correspondendo a uma prevalência média de 15,0%. As intensidades de infecção por Perkinsus sp. variaram de muito leve a leve nas duas localidades.

Abstract The coast of the semi-arid region of Brazil is known for the presence of large estuaries inhabited by numerous species of edible bivalve mollusks. The oyster C. rhizophorae is naturally found in estuarine environments along the Brazilian coast, fixed on substrates, mainly in the roots of mangroves. Protozoa of the genus Perkinsus are important parasites of marine bivalves, sometimes causing significant pathological damage throughout the world. This study reports the occurrence of parasites Perkinsus sp. in mangrove oysters from Porto de Mangue estuary (Rio Grande do Norte state) and Icapuí estuary (Ceará state), two estuaries of the semi-arid region of Brazil. In Porto do Mangue estuary, oysters were collected in December 2016, January and February 2017. In Icapuí estuary, oyster sampling occurred in September, October and November 2017. Two fragments of the gills were incubated in Ray's Fluid Thioglycollate Medium - RFTM. The ecological and parasitological parameters were calculated. Five of the ninety oysters collected in Porto do Mangue estuary were parasitized, which corresponded to a mean prevalence of 5.6%, and in Icapuí estuary 18 of the 120 oysters collected were parasitized, which corresponded to a mean prevalence of 15.0%. The intensity of infection by Perkinsus sp. ranged from very mild to mild.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate for the first time the ecological interactions between species of Agaricomycetes and their host plants in Brazilian mangroves. Thirty-two field trips were undertaken to four mangroves in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, from April 2009 to March 2010. One 250 x 40 m stand was delimited in each mangrove and six categories of substrates were artificially established: living Avicennia schaueriana (LA), dead A. schaueriana (DA), living Rhizophora mangle (LR), dead R. mangle (DR), living Laguncularia racemosa (LL) and dead L. racemosa (DL). Thirty-three species of Agaricomycetes were collected, 13 of which had more than five reports and so were used in statistical analyses. Twelve species showed significant values for fungal-plant interaction: one of them was host-exclusive in DR, while five were host-recurrent on A. schauerianna; six occurred more in dead substrates, regardless the host species. Overall, the results were as expected for environments with low plant species richness, and where specificity, exclusivity and/or recurrence are more easily seen. However, to properly evaluate these relationships, mangrove ecosystems cannot be considered homogeneous since they can possess different plant communities, and thus different types of fungal-plant interactions.

Nereididae Blainville, 1818, es una de las familias de gusanos poliquetos errantes más representativas, con cerca de 535 especies descritas en 43 géneros, y de gran importancia biológica y económica. El objetivo de esta investigación fue realizar un análisis taxonómico de los neréidido asociados a las raíces de mangle rojo, Rhizophora mangle, en el archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina. El archipiélago forma parte de la Reserva de Biosfera Seaflower. San Andrés es la isla más importante en el archipiélago, con 27 km² de área emergida, mientras que isla Providencia, localizada a 95 km al norte de San Andrés, posee 17 km²; ambas islas tienen buen desarrollo de bosque de manglar, compuesto principalmente por R. mangle. Los neréididos, depositados en la Colección de Invertebrados Marinos de la Universidad de Antioquia (CEMUA), fueron identificados con la ayuda de claves actualizadas, mediante disección y extracción de estructuras con valor taxonómico. Se encontraron cuatro especies de poliquetos de la familia Nereididae: Neanthes acuminata, Neanthes succinea, Neanthes sp., y Platynereis mucronata. De las especies identificadas, N. succinea y N. acuminata habían sido registradas para el Caribe colombiano, y solo N. succinea había sido registrada para el archipiélago. Consideraciones sistemáticas, ecológicas y biogeográficas fueron adicionadas para cada especie.

The family Nereididae Blainville, 1818, is one of the most representative group of errant polychaete worms, with about 535 described species in 43 genera, with great biological and ecological importance. The aim of this research was to make a taxonomic analysis of the nereidids associated to red mangrove roots, Rhizophora mangle, in the San Andrés, Old Providence and Santa Catalina Archipelago. This archipelago is part of the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. San Andrés is the largest island, having 27 km² of landmass area, while Old Providence Island, located 95 km to the north of San Andrés, has 17 km²; both islands have well developed mangrove forests, composed mainly by R. mangle. The nereidids, deposited in the Coleccion Estuarina y Marina de la Universidad de Antioquia (CEMUA), were identified with updated keys, by performing dissections and extracting parts with taxonomic value. Four species of polychaetes from the family Nereididae were found: Neanthes acuminata, Neanthes succinea, Neanthes sp., and Platynereis mucronata. Only N. succinea and N. acuminata had been reported from the Colombian Caribbean, being N. succinea the only species previously reported from the archipielago. In addition, systematic, ecological and biogeographical considerations were added for each species.

Resumen Se describe la composición florística del manglar y la distribución espacial de las principales especies de mangle y otras especies vegetales asociadas, presentes en el sector estuarino del Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe, mediante el levantamiento de campo de 1 127 puntos y 77 parcelas de muestreo de 60x10m. Por otra parte, se explora la relación entre el tipo de sedimento subyacente y las especies de mangle establecidas sobre éste. Los resultados de composición, estructura y distribución de la vegetación del HNTS, muestran que el manglar exhibe un modelo o zonación, consistente en la variación desde la costa al continente y de las márgenes de los canales o esteros al interior de las llanuras de marea, de las distintas especies. Rhizophora racemosa y Pelliciera rhizophorae son las especies que muestran una mayor distribución espacial o distribución continua, con los mayores valores de abundancia (45.44% y el 39.92%, respectivamente), frecuencia (88.31% y 74.03%) y área de manglar (7 670.73ha y 5 824.94ha). Se confirmó la dependencia entre la presencia de especies de mangle y el tipo de sedimento del sustrato, de modo que las especies Avicennia spp. y L. racemosa tienden a distribuirse en los sustratos arenosos con mayor facilidad que las otras especies cuya distribución es más homogénea sobre los sustratos lodosos.

Abstract This research describes the floristic composition and spatial distribution of the main mangroves species and other associated flora present in the estuarine sector of Térraba-Sierpe National Wetland, Costa Rican Pacific. Field survey consists of 1 127 points and 77 sampling points of 60x10m. Results of composition, structure and distribution of mangrove in HNTS exhibits a pattern or species zonation. We found variation from the coast to mainland and from the fringe or estuaries to the interior tidal flats. The species Rhizophora racemosa and Pelliciera rhizophorae showed greater spatial and continuous distribution, with the highest values of abundance (45.44% and 39.92% respectively), frequency (88.31% and 74.03%) and mangrove area (7 670.73ha and 5 824.94ha). The mangrove fern, Acrostichum aureum, was the third most important species, meanwhile, Avicennia spp., Rhizophora mangle y Laguncularia racemosa showed a segregated distribution or a tendency to local conglomeration, Talipariti tiliaceum var. pernambucense, Mora oleifera y Conocarpus erectus were found in very localized areas and other species were considered companions with low contribution to the total coverage. The dependence was confirmed between the presence of mangrove species and sediment type substrate. The species Avicennia spp. and L. racemosa tend to be distributed in sandy substrates more easily than the other species whose distribution is more homogeneous on muddy substrates. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 1): 47-60. Epub 2015 April 01.

Los manglares son ecosistemas de transición entre los ambientes terrestres y marinos, y se distinguen por la gran abundancia de animales, plantas y hongos. Aunque los macrohongos se encuentran en diferentes tipos de hábitat, incluidos los manglares, poco se sabe acerca de la estructura de su comunidad y dinámica. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la diversidad de macrohongos en los manglares de Brasil y su relación con la precipitación y área de recolección. Se realizaron un total de 32 salidas de campo entre 2009 y 2010, y los macrohongos fueron estudiados en cuatro transectos de 250×40m: Timbó y Canal de Santa Cruz en la costa norte y Maracaípe y Ariquindá en la costa sur. Todos los basidiomas encontrados a lo largo de los transectos se colocaron deshidratados en bolsas de papel, y se identificaron con ayuda de la literatura preexistente. Se encontró que las zonas del norte predominantemente presentaron Avicennia schaueriana, mientras Rhizophora mangle domina en transectos del sur. Se recolectaron un total de 275 especímenes y 33 especies, 28 géneros, 14 familias y seis órdenes estuvieron representados. Abundancia y riqueza de especies en general no varió significativamente entre las áreas, pero si varió en el tiempo, siendo mayor durante la estación lluviosa. Se observaron diferencias sutiles en la composición a través del tiempo y entre áreas, probablemente debido a las variaciones en la presencia de las especies de plantas. Otros estudios con recolectas durante los meses de mayor precipitación en transectos dominados por diferentes plan- tas de manglar en el mismo ecosistema son deseables para acceder a la diversidad de la micobiota.

Mangroves are transitional ecosystems between terrestrial and marine environments, and are distinguished by a high abundance of animals, plants, and fungi. Although macrofungi occur in different types of habitat, including mangroves, little is known about their community structure and dynamic. Therefore the aim of this study was to analyze the diversity of macrofungi in a number of Brazilian mangroves, and the relationship between such diversity, precipitation and area of collection. A total of 32 field trips were undertaken from 2009 to 2010, and macrofungi were studied in four 250×40m transects: Timbó and Santa Cruz Channel on the Northern coast, and Maracaípe and Ariquindá on the Southern coast. All basidiomata found along the transects were placed in paper bags, air-dried and identified using existing literature. It was found that Northern areas predominantly featured Avicennia schaueriana mangroves, while Rhizophora mangle dominated in Southern transects. A total of 275 specimens were collected, and 33 species, 28 genera, 14 families and six orders were represented. Overall abundance and species richness did not vary significantly among areas, but varied according to time, being higher during the rainy season. Subtle differences in composition were observed over time and between areas, probably due to variations in plant species occurrence. Further studies with collections during months of greater precipitation in transects dominated by different mangrove species of the same ecosystem are suggested to assess the overall diversity of mycobiota in these ecosystems.

A lagoa Mundaú faz parte de um complexo estuarino de grande importância econômica para a população que vive em seu entorno. Porém, ao longo do tempo, esse ecossistema vem sendo afetado por uma variedade de impactos antrópicos, o que tem comprometido a atividade pesqueira na região. Registramos, neste trabalho, o processo de declínio da pesca artesanal em Fernão Velho, comunidade localizada na malha urbana da cidade de Maceió, estado do Alagoas, Nordeste do Brasil. Para a coleta de informações, foram utilizadas entrevistas livres e semiestruturadas, e, para a seleção dos entrevistados, foi utilizada a técnica Snowball Sampling. Os resultados mostram que a pesca artesanal já não garante o sustento dos pescadores tradicionais e de suas famílias, o que tem contribuído para o declínio do conhecimento evidenciado para a captura e construção das artes de pesca, que já não está sendo transmitido aos descendentes. Assim, constata-se o processo de marginalização e as consequentes mudanças na utilização e construção dos aparelhos de pesca e os riscos do desaparecimento dessa atividade nos próximos anos.

One of the major issues in ethnobiology is the quality of life of coastal communities who traditionally survive by artisanal fishing. Due to uncontrolled exploitation of fisheries resources and irregular urban sprawl, fishing in estuaries and mangroves is undergoing widespread decline. A good example is the Mundaú Lagoon, Alagoas state, northeast Brazil, part of a highly productive estuarine complex where fishing is a vital component of livelihoods of many communities, including the village of Fernão Velho. This lagoon has been affected by different anthropogenic activities that have reduced fish stocks and negatively impacted the social and economic conditions of the surrounding communities. The present study assesses the current state of fisheries in Fernão Velho. The study was conducted between June 2007 and November 2012, through open and semi-structured interviews, observations and photographic records. Fishermen were selected by a snowball sampling technique. The results indicate that about 95 % of the respondents have low levels of education. Young people do not aspire to become fishers, being enrolled in public schools or developing other activities. Thus, the culture of artisanal fishing is no longer being transmitted to the new generation, potentially leading to its eventual disappearance. Current fishing vessels include canoes, boats and vogue boats. Between fish attractor are the caiçaras e pitimbóias, little used today. Fishing methods includes gillnetting, casting net, shrimp traps and jereré, beyond reducho and fishing beat, classified as illegal methods. Despite the decline of fish stocks in the Mundaú lagoon, Fernão Velho still harbors a community of traditional fishermen with considerable knowledge about the construction and use of fishing gear, as well as detailed information about the ecological state of the local fish fauna.

El cangrejo Ucides cordatus es un importante recurso pesquero de las regiones de estuarios a lo largo de la costa brasileña. Disminuciones de las poblaciones han sido reportadas en diferentes regiones del país. El presente estudio evaluó aspectos de la estructura poblacional, proporción sexual y talla en la madurez sexual. Se analizó un total de 977 ejemplares capturados mensualmente, por 24 meses, en lo manglar del río Jaguaribe, en el municipio de Aracati, en la costa este de Ceará, nordeste del Brasil. El área de estudio tiene un clima semiárido tropical, con temperaturas medias entre los 26 y 28°C. La estructura poblacional fue evaluada para determinar la distribución de frecuencia de clases de talla. Para analizar diferencias significativas respecto a la proporción sexual se aplicó la prueba Chi-quadrado. La talla de la madurez sexual morfológica fue estimada con base en la alometría del propodito del quelípedo de los machos y de la anchura del abdomen de las hembras, utilizando el programa REGRANS. La distribución de frecuencia de talla fue unimodal para los dos sexos. La proporción sexual total (M:H)(1:0.6), se desvió significativamente de la igualdad. El análisis de la proporción entre sexos, relativo a las clases de tallas mostró que la proporción de machos se tornó significativamente más alta desde la clase de 55-60mm de talla, y este se mantuvo en las clases de talla más grande. No obstante, en las clases más pequeñas la proporción entre los sexos no fue distinta de 1:1. La talla de la madurez sexual morfológica fue de 52mm de ancho del caparazón y 45mm para los machos y hembras, respectivamente. Los resultados de los atributos analizados permitieran deducir que la población de U. cordatus en el manglar del río Jaguaribe se encuentran en una situación de estabilidad. Sin embargo, el monitoreo constante de la población es necesario para detectar alteraciones en los atributos de la población que puedan afectar esta situación de estabilidad.

The mangrove crab Ucides cordatus is an important resource of estuarine regions along the Brazilian coast. U. cordatus is distributed from Florida, USA, to the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The species plays an important role in processing leaf litter in the mangroves, which optimizes the processes of energy transfer and nutrient cycling, and is considered a keystone species in the ecosystem. Population declines have been reported in different parts of the Brazilian coast. In the present study we evaluated aspects of the population structure, sex ratio and size at morphological sexual maturity. We analyzed 977 specimens collected monthly over 24 months (2010-2012), in a mangrove of the Jaguaribe River, in the municipality of Aracati on the East coast of Ceará state, Northeastern Brazil. The study area has a mild semiarid tropical climate, with mean temperatures between 26 and 28oC. The area is located within the eco-region of the semiarid Northeast coast, where mangroves occur in small areas and estuaries are affected by mesomareal regimes. The population structure was evaluated by the frequency distribution of size classes in each month, and the overall sex ratio was analyzed using the chi-square test. Size at morphological sexual maturity was estimated based on the allometry of the cheliped of the males and the abdomen width of the females, using the program REGRANS. The size-frequency distribution was unimodal in both sexes. The overall sex ratio (M: F) (1:0.6) was significantly different from 1:1. Analysis of the sex ratio by size class showed that the proportion of males increased significantly from size class 55-60mm upward, and this pattern persisted in the larger size classes. In the smaller size classes the sex ratio did not differ from 1:1. The size at morphological sexual maturity was estimated at a carapace width (CW) of 52mm and 45mm for males and females, respectively. Analysis of the population parameters indicated that the population of U. cordatus in the Jaguaribe River mangrove is stable. However, constant monitoring of the population is required to detect any changes in the population attributes that may affect this stability. Rev. Biol. Trop. 61 (4): 1721-1735. Epub 2013 December 01

Mangrove forests worldwide are under threat. Ecuador is no exception to this trend, with substantial mangrove deforestation across almost all regions. This paper synthesizes a literature review of Ecuadorian mangroves, a remote sensing analysis of the past and present extent of mangrove forests conducted for another paper, and ethnographic field research conducted in the major estuaries of northern Ecuador to present the role of mangrove wetlands in supporting local livelihoods in Ecuador's coastal communities. This paper takes a macro-micro approach, examining the global questions of mangroves and then discussing the micro situation of mangroves in Ecuador before moving onto estuarine specific profiles. All the major mangrove regions of northern Ecuador are examined with a particular emphasis on deforestation / reforestation trends, the estuarine specific forces driving and responding to these trends, as well as the livelihood response of the impacted communities. The research relies on the most current estimates of mangrove forests as well as historic calculations of mangrove area.

Los bosques de manglares en todo el mundo están en riesgo. Ecuador no escapa a esta tendencia, como lo demuestran los altos niveles de deforestación de manglares presentes en casi todas sus regiones. Este artículo está compuesto por: una revisión de los estudios sobre manglares ecuatorianos, un análisis de teledetección de las áreas de manglares presentes y pasadas, y por la investigación etnográfica realizada en los principales estuarios del norte de Ecuador para dilucidar el papel de los manglares para la subsistencia de sus comunidades costeras. Se propone adoptar un enfoque macro-micro con el fin de examinar la problemática global de los manglares, para luego discutir la situación a escala micro de los manglares en el Ecuador y, finalmente, proceder a analizar perfiles de estuarios específicos. Todas las regiones de manglares más importantes del norte de Ecuador son examinados con particular énfasis en las tendencias de deforestación-reforestación y en los factores específicos que producen y responden a dichas tendencias. Asimismo, se presentan las estrategias de subsistencia originadas como respuesta a estas tendencias en las comunidades afectadas. La investigación se basa en las estimaciones más actuales, así como en cifras históricas de la extensión de bosques de manglar.

O presente artigo apresenta a aplicação do aporte analítico dos sistemas agroalimentares associado à Sociologia Econômica na análise de questões afeitas à pesca artesanal, tendo como perspectiva uma abordagem sistêmica e territorializada, centrais à gestão costeira. Para tal, analisou a cadeia produtiva dos catados oriundos da mariscagem em oito municípios litorâneos da Bahia por meio de um aporte teórico-analítico diversificado que permitiu a compreensão dos diversos fenômenos que afetam a atividade das mulheres na produção de catados, incluindo aqueles oriundos da dinâmica territorial. A coleta de dados concatenou a análise de informações pretéritas com pesquisa-observante e realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas, no período de julho de 2009 a junho de 2010, envolvendo informações sobre 94 comunidades pesqueiras. Os resultados denotam a complexidade em torno das estratégias de comercialização, ainda que os fluxos de produção estejam predominantemente circunscritos à região. Verificou-se que, considerando as demais atribuições das mulheres, tanto na elaboração de outros produtos pesqueiros como frente aos afazeres domésticos, tem-se na degradação dos manguezais um processo que concatena sobrecarga de trabalho com perda de produção e renda. Degradação esta oriunda da expansão urbana, do turismo e da poluição relacionada à maricultura e à atividade petrolífera. Dois outros fatores são importantes entraves nesta cadeia produtiva: as exigências sanitárias que discriminam as práticas domésticas em torno do beneficiamento dos catados e a falta de saúde laboral associada à ausência de mecanismos de seguridade social. Em relação aos resultados obtidos, este conjunto de fatores representa uma ameaça às marisqueiras, no que tange à manutenção de sua reprodução social. Conclui-se, ainda, que o aporte teórico-analítico adotado é adequado à análise das questões afetas à atividade pesqueira, especialmente por contemplar uma abordagem capaz de inseri-la como parte da gestão costeira.

This research presents an application of the analytical frame of Localized Agrifood Systems associated to the Economic Sociology on the analysis of questions related to artisanal fishery, having as perspective a systemic and territorialized approach, which is central to coastal management. Thus, the extractivist shellfish production chain was analyzed on eight municipalities on the coast of Bahia in a varied theoretical and analytical way which allows the comprehension of different phenomenon that affect the work of women in this production, including those from the territorial dynamic. The analyzed information was collected on the basis of direct interviews and observational research carried out between July, 2009 and June, 2010, together with secondary sources from ninety four fishing communities. The results show the complexity around the commercial strategies, though most of the production fluxes are circumscribed in the region. We verified, considering the others attributions of the women, as far on elaboration of fishing products as the domestic work, the mangroves degradation is the process that relates overwork with losses on the production and income. This degradation derives from urban expansion and the pollution associated to mariculture and oil activities. Two other factors are also important in this production chain: the recommended sanitary conditions, which discriminate the domestic practices on the processing of the shellfish and the lack of labour healthy associated to absence of social security. In relation to the achieved results, this group of factors represents a threat to the women regarding their social reproduction. We concluded, also that the theoretical and analytical contributions here adopted are suitable to analyze the artisanal fishery activity, especially because include an approach able to insert it on the coastal management.