Resumo: Corais invasores do gênero Tubastraea apresentam maturidade precoce, rápido crescimento e plasticidade em relação ao substrato que utilizam, o que permitiu ao gênero obter rapidamente sucesso e expandir sua distribuição não nativa. Para o estado de Sergipe existem 23 registros de Tubastraea spp. na zona offshore; aqui relatamos os primeiros registros do coral-sol T. coccinea na costa da zona estuarina do rio Vaza-Barris, expandindo sua área de invasão offshore para o onshore. Plataformas petrolíferas, navios e naufrágios contaminados podem ter fornecido o caminho como vetores, agindo como trampolins que ligam as regiões oceânicas à costa. A dispersão também pode ocorrer através de correntes responsáveis pelo transporte de organismos da plataforma continental para a costa, embora isto pareça menos provável. Assim, reforçamos a importância do monitoramento constante dos vetores e da costa para minimizar os efeitos adversos dos corais invasores sobre a fauna nativa. Resumo precoce utilizam nativa 2 spp coralsol coral sol T VazaBarris, VazaBarris Vaza Barris, Barris Vaza-Barris onshore petrolíferas provável Assim

Abstract: Invasive corals of the genus Tubastraea exhibit early maturity, rapid growth, and plasticity regarding the substrate they use, which has enabled the genus to quickly become successful and expand its non-native range. For the state of Sergipe there are 23 records of Tubastraea spp. on oil platforms; here we report the first records of the sun coral T. coccinea on the coast in the estuarine zone of the Vaza-Barris River, expanding its invasive range from offshore to onshore. Contaminated oil platforms, vessels, and shipwrecks may have provided a pathway as vectors, acting as stepping stones that connect oceanic regions to the coast. Dispersal may also occur through currents responsible for transporting organisms from the continental shelf to the coast, although this seems unlikely. Thus, we reinforce the importance of constant monitoring of vectors and the coast to minimize the adverse effects of invasive corals on native fauna. Abstract maturity growth use nonnative non 2 spp platforms T VazaBarris Vaza Barris River onshore vessels unlikely Thus fauna

Resumo: O artigo revela como os relatos de naufrágios, ocorridos no século XVI, publicados na forma de panfletos e, no século seguinte, transcritos por Bernardo Gomes de Brito, na História trágico-marítima (1735), foram fundamentais para que os sobreviventes dos sucessivos naufrágios ocorridos na costa da África Sul-Oriental encontrassem os meios de subsistência, o caminho em terra a ser percorrido e os povos nativos a serem contatados de modo a serem salvos, a que denomino de Rota da Salvação. Em meio à tragédia e às perdas de vidas humanas e de materiais, os relatos de naufrágio desempenharam um papel positivo ao divulgar o conhecimento necessário à peregrinação dos sobreviventes.

Abstract: This article reveals how sixteenth century shipwreck reports, originally published in the form of pamphlets and transcribed by Bernardo Gomes de Brito, in the following century, in the História trágico-maritima (1735), were fundamental in enabling successive survivors of shipwrecks along the coast of Southeast Africa to find the means of subsistence, the route to be followed on land, and the native peoples to be contacted in order to be saved, which I call the Route of Salvation. Amidst the tragedy and the loss of human life and materials, reports of shipwrecks played a positive role in disseminating the knowledge necessary for the journeys or pilgrimages of survivors.

Resumen El texto trata sobre las acciones para la atención de libros anegados en dos momentos históricos distintos. El primero, encontrado en el diario de viaje de fray Bartolomé De las Casas, cuando en el siglo XVI salió de Salamanca (España) hacia Ciudad Real, en Chiapas (Nueva España), escrito por fray Tomás de la Torre. En él se describen detalladamente el viaje y el rescate y recuperación de los libros que naufragaron con los dominicos en la bahía de Términos. El segundo momento comprende las labores de rescate y recuperación llevadas a cabo en Florencia en 1966, después del gran aluvión. Se analizan y comparan los objetivos y las acciones de rescate realizadas en esos dos sucesos, así como su relación con el tipo de encuadernación de los libros recuperados. Se establece la interrogante de determinar el valor histórico del manuscrito de De la Torre como el primer documento conocido hasta hoy que registra los pasos seguidos para el rescate y recuperación de libros anegados en México.

Abstract This piece covers the actions taken for the care of waterlogged books in two diffe rent historical contexts. The first, found in the travel diary of friar Bartolomé De las Casas, when in the XVI century he left Salamanca (Spain) for Ciudad Real, in Chia pas (New Spain), as written by friar Tomás de la Torre. It describes in detail the trip and the rescue and recovery of the books that were shipwrecked with the Dominicans in the Bahía de Términos. The second context includes the rescue and recovery work carried out in Florence in 1966, after they suffered a great flood. The objectives and the rescue actions carried out in these two events are analyzed and compared, as well how their actions were determined by the types of bindings of the recovered books. The question of determining the historical value of De la Torre’s manuscript as the first document currently known that records the steps followed for the rescue and recovery of flooded books in Mexico is established.

Abstract: Shipwrecks are artificial reefs that can enhance local diversity. In this study, the macrobenthic community associated with a shipwreck in the Strait of Magellan, the DAP Mares, is described for the first time. Species richness and functional group richness were estimated, and general linear models were used to test the prediction that diversity varied systematically with depth. The most speciose and abundant groups were echinoderms, molluscs, sponges, and tunicates. The most abundant trophic type was suspension feeders. Species richness changed significantly with depth, being similar between the upper and middle zones but decreasing at the deepest zone. Neither functional group richness nor functional dispersion (Rao’s quadratic entropy) varied with depth, suggesting that not all aspects of macrobenthic diversity respond equally to this variable. The biodiversity observed was consistent with that described for natural hard substrates in the Strait of Magellan. Thus, this vessel could represent a good model to study patterns of community structure.

Resumen El artículo presenta los aspectos más significativos de una tesis de antropología que demostró que los naufragios marítimos coloniales ocurridos en el mar Caribe fueron sucesos con importantes repercusiones sociales y económicas pocas veces analizadas por las ciencias humanas en Colombia. Se reseña la relevancia que han tenido para este país los naufragios marítimos coloniales, con el fin de propiciar el desarrollo de la disciplina de la arqueología subacuática y establecer en el ámbito legal que puede ser considerado o no, como patrimonio cultural subacuático. Igualmente, se demuestra cómo en el desproporcionado afán por recuperar las cargas de los barcos hundidos, en Colombia, se han financiado expediciones, otorgado permisos de exploración y promulgado leyes, sin que pareciese claro el fin cultural de dichas empresas.

Abstract The article presents the most significant aspects of an anthropology thesis that demonstrated that the colonial maritime shipwrecks in the Caribbean Sea were events with important social and economic repercussions rarely analyzed by the human sciences in Colombia. The relevance that colonial maritime shipwrecks have had for this country is reviewed in order to propitiate the deve lopment of the discipline of underwater archaeology and to establish in the legal scope that may or may not be considered as underwater cultural heritage. Likewise, it is demonstrated how in the disproportionate eagerness to recover or rescue the cargoes of sunken ships, in Colombia, expeditions have been financed, exploration permits granted and laws enacted, without it seeming clear the cultural purpose of these companies.

Resumo O artigo apresenta os aspectos mais significativos de uma tese de antropologia que demonstrou que os naufrágios marítimos coloniais ocorridos no Mar do Caribe, foram acontecimentos com importantes repercussões sociais e econômicas poucas vezes analisadas pelas ciências humanas na Colômbia. Evidênciase a relevância que traz para este país os naufrágios marítimos coloniais para propiciar o desenvolvimento da disciplina da arqueologia subaquática e estabelecer no plano legal que pode ser considerado ou não, como patrimônio cultural subaquático. Igualmente, demonstra-se como a pressa por recuperar ou resgatar as cargas dos barcos afundados na Colômbia, tem contribuído a financiar expedições, a conceder permissões de explorações, e a promulgar leis sem que parecesse evidente a finalidade cultural destas.

Abstract New records of subtidal benthic marine algae from the State of Veracruz, the southern Gulf of Mexico, are presented, which include 7 species and 2 forms. The material was collected from 6 sampling forays at 4 locations between October 2013 and September 2017. The collection sites included the “Ana Elena” and “Riva Palacio” shipwrecks and some poorly explored reefs in the State of Veracruz, Mexico. The morphological characteristics of Hypoglossum simulans, Halymenia hancockii, Dictyota humifusa, Caulerpa sertularioides f. longiseta, Avrainvillea levis f. translucens, Udotea caribaea, U. dixonii, U. unistratea, and Anadyomene saldanhae are described. Information about the habitats and geographic distributions of these taxa is provided.

Resumen Se presentan nuevos registros de algas marinas bentónicas submareales del estado de Veracruz, sur del golfo de México, que incluyen 7 especies y 2 formas. El material fue recolectado en 6 muestreos de 4 localidades, entre octubre de 2013 y septiembre de 2017. Entre los sitios de recolección se encuentran los pecios “Ana Elena” y “Riva Palacio”, así como algunos arrecifes poco explorados en el estado de Veracruz, México. Se describen las características morfológicas de Hypoglossum simulans, Halymenia hancockii, Dictyota humifusa, Caulerpa sertularioides f. longiseta, Avrainvillea levis f. translucens, Udotea caribaea, U. dixonii, U. unistratea y Anadyomene saldanhae. Se proporciona información sobre los hábitats y la distribución geográfica de estos taxones.

In Valdes peninsula, 22 km north of the Punta Delgada lighthouse, lie the remains of the steamship Presidente Roca. Since 1904, this vessel was used for transport along Patagonian courses. The ship was lost in 1909 because of a fire (Kludas, 1976). The boat remains woefully inadequate in relation to material that survived the catastrophe this paper seeks to address this problem. Metal-hulled and steam-powered shipwrecks have been studied within maritime archeology. This paper intends to address the formation processes that affected the steamship from before its sinking until present time. The main focus will be human action on the wreck. With this in mind, we apply the theoretical model of M. Gibbs (2006), which systematically organizes events concerning the loss of the ship and any further events that may affect a shipwreck

En la Península Valdés, 22 km al norte del faro de Punta Delgada, se encuentra el naufragio del vapor Presidente Roca. Desde 1904 esta embarcación estuvo destinada a las rutas de cabotaje patagónico. El buque se perdió en 1909, a causa de un incendio (Kludas, 1976). Sus restos son sumamente escasos en relación a los materiales que sobrevivieron a la catástrofe. En este trabajo se busca dar respuesta a dicha problemática. El estudio de embarcaciones de casco metálico y propulsadas a vapor ha sido una temática acotada dentro de la arqueología marítima. En este trabajo se propone abordar los procesos de formación de sitio en este tipo de pecios desde los momentos previos al naufragio hasta el presente. El foco apuntará principalmente a la acción humana sobre el pecio. Para tal fin se propone retomar el modelo teórico de M. Gibbs (2006), que sistematiza los sucesos en torno a la pérdida de un buque y los posibles eventos posteriores

Las Mercedes, La Galga, Juno, y San José, are only a few of many shipwrecks that had been sunken for centuries; their legal characterization and the determination of their ownership are object of repeated legal battles. One of those battles appears when two states claim the ownership over the same objects that constitute underwater cultural heritage (UCH). This article analysis the possibilities that the Colombian and the Spanish states have before the national and international laws, in order to protect objects that are considered by both states as part of their own UCH. Likewise, the role that the jurisdictional immunities of states play in those possibilities is analyzed.

Las Mercedes, La Galga, Juno, y San José, son solo algunos de los pecios que han permanecido por siglos sumergidos; su naturaleza jurídica y la determinación de su propiedad son objeto de repetidos conflictos. Uno de esos conflictos se presenta cuando dos Estados reclaman como suyos los mismos bienes que constituyen patrimonio cultural subacuático (PCS). En este artículo se analizan las posibilidades que tienen los Estados colombiano y español, a partir de las legislaciones internas y disposiciones internacionales, para proteger bienes que son considerados por ambos como parte de su PCS. Igualmente se analiza el rol que tiene la figura de la inmunidad de jurisdicción de los Estados, en dichas posibilidades.

Abstract: Background: The Veracruz Reef System is a protected area that gives shelter to the port of Veracruz and, therefore, has been subject to vessel groundings since the arrival of the Spanish in America. In the past century, at least 126 vessels ran aground and some of them now lie as shipwrecks where they are undergoing processes of recruitment and colonization. Goals: We studied the dominant community of algae in the Ana Elena shipwreck, Anegada de Afuera reef, Veracruz. Methods: Samples and observations are made by scuba diving and digital photograph on the bathymetric gradient of 5 to 12 m, from the captain´s bridge to the hull. Results: The dominant macroalgal assemblages from this wreck were described for the first time, and various algal community outcrops were observed (8 species of red macroalgae, 3 brown, and 6 green). The dominant species in each zone of the Ana Elena shipwreck at the captain´s bridge, corridor, and hull were Lithophyllum congestum (30%), Peyssonnelia inamoena (48%), and Lobophora variegata (50%), respectively. Conclusions: Light is a limiting factor in the settlement and dominance of these algae. Two new records for Mexico are reported: Dictyota friabilis Setchell and Anadyomene saldanhae A. B. Joly et E. C. Oliveira.

Resumen: Antecedentes: El Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano es un área protegida que da abrigo al puerto de Veracruz y, que, desde la llegada de los españoles a América, ha estado sujeto a encallamientos. Durante el siglo pasado, encallaron al menos 126 embarcaciones; algunas yacen actualmente en calidad de pecios, y en ellas se llevan a cabo procesos de reclutamiento y colonización. Objetivos: Estudiar la comunidad algal dominante del pecio Ana Elena, situado en el arrecife Anegada de Afuera, en Veracruz. Métodos: Las coletas y observaciones se realizaron mediante buceo autónomo y toma de fotografía digital sobre el gradiente batimétrico de 5 a 12 m, desde el puente de mando hasta el casco. Resultados: Por primera vez, se describe la estructura de los ensambles macroalgales dominantes del pecio y se observan los florecimientos de diversas comunidades algales (8 especies de macroalgas rojas, 3 pardas y 6 verdes). Las especies dominantes en cada zona de muestreo del pecio Ana Elena son: Lithophyllum congestum (30%) en el puente de mando, Peyssonnelia inamoena (48%) en el pasillo y Lobophora variegata (50%), en el casco. Conclusiones: La luz es el factor limitante para el establecimiento y la dominancia de estas algas. Se dan a conocer dos nuevos registros para la flora algal de México: Dictyota friabilis Setchell y Anadyomene saldanhae A. B. Joly et E. C. Oliveira.

Historical maritime archaeology was established as a scientific specialty in Argentina in the mid-1990s. Since then studies of metal artifacts from historic shipwrecks (17th to 20th century) have occupied a remarkable place within this field. In the early 2000s analytical methods and instrumentation for the physicochemical characterization of evidence recovered began to be implemented. These studies allowed new information to be obtained for the study of issues relating to the production of artifacts, as well as for the identification and spatial-temporal assignment of sites. Nonetheless, such interdisciplinary research is still at an early stage, its potential only partially explored. This study presents an analysis of the research carried out so far, and explores ideas on how future studies could be oriented in order to reach a deeper understanding of the shipwrecks and society of the period.

La arqueología marítima histórica en Argentina se constituyó como especialidad a mediados de la década de 1990. Los estudios sobre piezas metálicas provenientes de naufragios (siglos XVII-XX) ocuparon años más tarde un espacio relevante dentro de este campo. A principios de 2000 comenzaron a implementarse métodos e instrumental de análisis para la caracterización físico-química de la evidencia recuperada. Estos trabajos permitieron obtener información novedosa para el estudio de cuestiones relativas a la producción de los artefactos, así como para la identificación y adscripción espacio-temporal aproximada de los sitios. No obstante, las investigaciones interdisciplinarias se encuentran todavía en una instancia prematura, en la que su potencial ha sido parcialmente explorado. En este trabajo se presenta un análisis de las investigaciones realizadas hasta la fecha y se exploran algunas ideas en torno a cómo podrían orientarse los futuros estudios, con el fin de alcanzar un conocimiento más profundo de los sitios de naufragio y la sociedad de la época.

The HMS Swift was a British Navy sloop-of-war that sank off the Patagonia coast in 1770. The Swift shipwreck site, on the northern coast of Santa Cruz Province (Argentina), is a well-preserved underwater archaeological site. The high frequency of wooden artifacts at the site permitted the development of specific research designed to identify the primary natural and cultural post-depositional processes related to the preservation and spatial distribution of those artifacts. This paper presents the methodological framework for this research, which included both direct observations and experimental studies that led to the characterization of the organisms related to the shipwreck site and their interaction with archaeological materials. Results confirm that sedimentary conditions have played a central role in the preservation of wooden materials and their spatial distributions. Furthermore, the archaeological consequences of organisms' damaging activities (mainly those of marine wood-borer mollusks) are assessed.

En los ambientes subacuáticos marinos, bajo ciertas condiciones, puede preservarse una diversidad de materiales arqueológicos de origen orgánico e inorgánico. Uno de estos casos es el sitio Swift, embarcación de la Armada Británica que en 1770 naufragó en la costa norte de la actual provincia de Santa Cruz. La existencia de una gran cantidad de artefactos de madera brindó una interesante oportunidad para realizar investigaciones dirigidas a identificar los principales procesos posdepositacionales de índole natural y cultural involucrados en la preservación y en la distribución de estos materiales. En este trabajo se presenta el enfoque metodológico aplicado, el cual incluyó la realización de observaciones y estudios experimentales que permitieron caracterizar las comunidades de organismos asociados al sitio y su interacción con los materiales arqueológicos. Los resultados obtenidos confirman que las condiciones sedimentarias han desempeñado un rol fundamental para la preservación de los materiales y sus relaciones contextuales. Asimismo, se analizan las consecuencias arqueológicas de la actividad de organismos que ejercen una acción destructiva, entre los que se destacan los moluscos marinos perforantes de madera.

A ocorrência de naufrágios pode ser atribuída a vários fatores. Contudo, embarcações de pequeno porte usadas na pesca costeira, são geralmente mais suscetíveis aos fatores meteorológicos e oceânicos. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar o comportamento da velocidade do vento e altura significativa de onda em relação à ocorrência de naufrágios na costa brasileira, entre os estados de Sergipe e Rio Grande do Sul. As frequências trimestral e mensal de naufrágios registrados entre Janeiro/2004 e Junho/2008 foram comparados com os ventos e com a altura significativa de ondas. As velocidades médias e máximas do vento nos dias e áreas de ocorrência, bem como a altura significativa de onda, foram comparadas aos valores históricos dessas variáveis. Foram observados ventos e ondas acima da climatologia em 54% e 46% das ocorrências de naufrágio, respectivamente. Em vários casos, o vento atingiu velocidades muito elevadas, sendo a provável causa para a ocorrência desses naufrágios. Os resultados apontaram para uma maior incidência de naufrágios em ambientes costeiros das regiões sudeste e sul do Brasil, com maior ocorrência entre os meses de março e agosto, envolvendo principalmente embarcações de pequeno porte (94%), utilizadas na pesca costeira. Os resultados encontrados reforçam a necessidade do envio de informações meteorológicas e oceanográficas para pequenas embarcações, em especial àquelas empregadas na atividade de pesca costeira.

Shipwrecks may occur due to several factors. However, small vessels used in coastal fisheries are more vulnerable to the weather and ocean conditions. The aim of this study is to analyze wind speed and significant wave height data during the shipwrecks recorded along the Brazilian coast, between the states of Sergipe and Rio Grande do Sul. Quarterly and monthly frequencies of shipwrecks recorded from January 2004 to June 2008 were compared to wind speeds as well as significant wave heights. The average and maximum speed of the wind at the days of the shipwrecks, as well as the significant wave height were compared to the historical data of these variables. Wind speeds and wave heights higher than the climatology were observed in about 54% and 46% of shipwreck occurrences, respectively. In several cases, the strong wind may have been the main cause for the shipwreck. Most shipwrecks occurred in the south and southeastern offshore regions between March and August, involving small vessels (94%) used in coastal fisheries. The results reinforce the need to provide meteorological and oceanographic forecasts to small vessels, especially those employed in coastal fisheries.

This study describes the macrofaunal assemblages of subtidal rocky reefs off Mar del Plata in order to compare the macro invertebrate assemblages settled on shipwrecks with those of nearby reef sand to characterize the fish fauna associated with natural (NR) and artificial (AR) reefs. Topographic characterizations and surveys of invertebrates and fishes were performed in November and December 2005, using SCUBA diving. A non-parametric multivariate analysis was used to analyze the environmental and biological data. The reefs were mainly distinguished by their depth and the position of the substrate. The red calcareous algae, Corallina officinalis, dominated the shallowest NR, whereas conspicuous mytilid assemblages of Mytilus platensis were present at depths over 3 m, sea anemones, Anthothoe chilensis, were more abundant between 6 and 10 m, and the soft coral, Tripalea clavaria, was found at nearly 20 m depth. No differences were found between horizontal ARs and the adjacent NRs. The greatest differences were found between the communities of vertical and horizontal substrates, both in NRs and ARs. Fifteen fish species were recorded in the analyzed area. Species having strong site fidelity, e.g., Acanthistius brasilianus and Pseudopercis semifasciata, were clearly more abundant and/or frequent in ARs (shipwrecks) than in NRs. This pioneer study in the surveyed area showed that reef sallow the settlement of diverse benthic assemblages. ARs also provide refuge for fishes. As sport fishing and diving are activities being carried out in Mar del Plata, where tourism is one of the main economic resources, the protection of such areas should be considered in conservation plans.

Se describió la macrofauna de los arrecifes rocosos sublitorales, frente a Mar del Plata, para comparar las asociaciones de macro-invertebrados de los pecios con las de los arrecifes aledaños y caracterizar la fauna de peces tanto en los arrecifes naturales (NR) como artificiales (AR). Las caracterizaciones topográficas y los censos de invertebrados y peces se realizaron mediante buceo autónomo en noviembre y diciembre de 2005. Los datos ambientales y biológicos fueron analizados mediante análisis multivariados no paramétricos. Los arrecifes fueron principalmente discriminados acorde a su profundidad y posición del sustrato. El alga roja calcárea Corallina officinalis fue dominante en los NR poco profundos, mientras que conspicuas asociaciones del mitílido Mytilus platensis se encontraron a más de 3 m de profundidad; la anémona de mar Anthothoe chilensis fue más abundante a los 6-10 m y el coral blando Tripalea clavaria cerca de los 20 m de profundidad. No se evidenciaron diferencias entre los ARs de disposición horizontal y los NR aledaños. Las mayores diferencias fueron halladas en las comunidades de los sustratos verticales vs horizontales tanto en NRs y ARs. Se registraron 15 especies de peces. Aquellas con fuerte fidelidad por el habitat, e.g. Acanthistius brasilianus y Pseudopercis semifasciata, fueron claramente más abundantes y/o frecuentes en los ARs (pecios) en comparación con los NRs. Este estudio pionero en el área mostró que los arrecifes permiten la fijación de diversas asociaciones bentónicas. Los ARs aportan además refugio para los peces. Debido a que la pesca recreacional y el buceo son actividades que se están desarrollando en Mar del Plata, donde el turismo es uno de los principales recursos económicos, la protección de estas áreas debería considerarse en los planes de conservación.

Naufrágios são classificados como ambientes recifais artificiais, estruturas imersas em ecossistemas aquáticos (principalmente marinhos) que fornecem abrigo, substratos consolidados, áreas de crescimento, alimentação e de berçário. Este estudo objetivou pesquisar a biodiversidade bentônica animal do Naufrágio Pirapama, localizado a 23 m de profundidade e a seis milhas do Porto de Recife. Entre 2001 e 2007 mergulhos autônomos foram realizados para coletar, observar e fotografar as espécies. No laboratório, o material foi posteriormente classificado e identificado. Um total de 76 táxons foi registrado para a fauna séssil e sedentária, pertencentes aos seguintes filos: Porifera (Demospongiae e Calcarea), Cnidaria (Hydrozoa e Anthozoa), Mollusca (Bivalvia e Gastropoda), Annelida (Polychaeta), Arthropoda (Cirripedia), Bryozoa (Gymnolaemata), Echinodermata (Asteroidea e Echinoidea), e Chordata (Ascidiacea). A maior quantidade de espécies foi de Porifera e Bryozoa, com 13 espécies listadas para cada um. Onze novas ocorrências foram registradas para o Estado de Pernambuco, o hidróide Halopteris polymorpha e dez espécies de briozoários, uma deles sendo o primeiro registro para o Brasil (Scrupocellaria curacaoensis). A biodiversidade do Pirapama foi considerada típica quando comparada com a de outros naufrágios que foram estudados no mundo.

Shipwrecks are considered artificial reef environments - structures immersed in aquatic environments (especially marine ones) that provide fauna with shelter, hard substrates, food and nursery areas. This study aimed to survey the benthic animal biodiversity of the Pirapama shipwreck, located 23 m deep and six miles off Recife harbor. From 2001 to 2007, species were observed, photographed and collected through scuba diving. The material was later sorted and identified in the laboratory. A total of 76 sessile and sedentary animal taxa were recorded belonging to the following phyla: Porifera (Demospongiae and Calcarea), Cnidaria (Hydrozoa and Anthozoa), Mollusca (Bivalvia and Gastropoda), Annelida (Polychaeta), Arthropoda (Cirripedia), Bryozoa (Gymnolaemata), Echinodermata (Asteroidea and Echinoidea), and Chordata (Ascidiacea). The greatest richness was for Porifera and Bryozoa - 13 listed species for each. Eleven new occurrences were recorded for the state of Pernambuco, the hydroid Halopteris polymorpha and ten bryozoan species, one of them being the first record for Brazil (Scrupocellaria curacaoensis). The Pirapama's biodiversity was considered typical when compared to other shipwrecks that have been studied around the world.