Resumen Introducción: Las comunidades de arrecifes de coral se consideran uno de los ecosistemas marinos con mayor biodiversidad, pero también los más amenazados, y la pérdida acelerada de hábitat en las últimas décadas justifica la implementación de una intervención activa. Objetivo: El presente estudio demuestra la implementación exitosa de una técnica de restauración de bajo impacto basada en la fragmentación natural (''fragmentos de oportunidad”) del coral ramificado Pocillopora spp., la cual es la especie coralina más abundante y principal productora de carbonato del Pacífico Oriental Tropical. Métodos: El programa de restauración se implementó en dos sitios lejos de la costa y un sitio cercano a la costa, con comunidades coralinas degradadas. Las relaciones entre la temperatura del agua de mar y la supervivencia, el crecimiento y la tasa de adhesión de los corales se evaluaron durante un año con 183 fragmentos monitoreados cada mes. Resultados: La tasa media de crecimiento coralino fue de 3.3 ± 0.1 mm mo-1, con tasas de crecimiento anual en largo y ancho de 39.9 ± 14.2 y 36.5 ± 19.5 mm año-1, respectivamente. La eficiencia de la auto-adherencia fue del 78 % y la tasa de supervivencia fue alta (84 %). La tasa de crecimiento difirió significativamente entre los arrecifes. Conclusiones: Al monitorear directamente los corales fragmentados durante un año, las tasas de crecimiento se consideraron lo suficientemente altas como para merecer una restauración activa en la región. Sin embargo, nuestros datos muestran que las diferencias estructurales y abióticas y la variabilidad estacional deben considerarse en general en las iniciativas exitosas de restauración de comunidades de coral a largo plazo en la región del Pacífico oriental.

Abstract Introduction: Coral-reef communities are considered one of the most biodiverse, but also most threatened, marine ecosystems, and the accelerating loss of habitat over the past decades warrants active intervention. Objective: The present study demonstrates the successful implementation of a low-impact restoration technique in three Central Mexican Pacific degraded coral communities, using a protocol based on natural fragmentation (''fragments of opportunity”) of the branching coral Pocillopora spp., considered the most abundant and primary carbonate-producing coral species of the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Methods: The restoration program was implemented in two offshore and one inshore coraline areas. The relationships between seawater temperature and coral survival, growth, and attachment rate were assessed over one year, with 183 fragments monitored each month. Results: The mean coral growth rate was 3.3 ± 0.1 mm mo-1, with annual growth rates in length and width of 39.9 ± 14.2 and 36.5 ± 19.5 mm yr-1, respectively. Self-attachment efficiency was 78 % and the survival rate was high (84 %). The growth rate differed significantly among reefs. Conclusions: Upon monitoring directly fragmented corals over a year, growth rates were deemed high enough to merit active restoration in the region. However, our data show that structural and abiotic differences and seasonal variability must be considered overall in successful long-term coral community restoration initiatives in the eastern Pacific region.

RESUMEN El microfitobentos es una comunidad que agrupa a los microorganismos fotosintéticos bentónicos. En Venezuela y el resto de los países del mar Caribe, este grupo ha sido escasamente estudiado, por lo que se desconoce su diversidad. Así, se propuso describir las variaciones espaciales y temporales de su composición y abundancia en la zona costera central de Venezuela. Los muestreos fueron realizados mensualmente desde junio 2014 hasta marzo 2015, en estaciones aleatorias con profundidades inferiores a 20 m. Los datos de riqueza y abundancia fueron procesados mediante pruebas de hipótesis multivariadas (Anosim - SIMPER - nMDS). Se identificaron 327 especies, dominadas por diatomeas y dinoflagelados, sin variaciones espaciales y temporales notables. En términos de abundancia, el grupo más representativo fue el de las diatomeas (68 %), seguido por las cianobacterias (28 %). El microfitobentos presentó una variabilidad temporal en la que se alcanzaron densidades mayores entre julio y agosto, mientras que el resto de los meses presentaron abundancias similares. En términos generales, se obtuvo abundancia estándar de acuerdo con lo encontrado en otras áreas del mundo, con diferencias notables entre el microfitobentos de los sustratos evaluados y una riqueza específica alta que se mantiene constante durante todo el año.

ABSTRACT Microphytobenthos is a community that groups benthic photosynthetic microorganisms. In Venezuela and the other countries in the Caribbean Sea, this group has been scarcely studied, so its diversity is unknown. This study aims to describe the spatial and temporal variations of its composition and abundance in the central coastal zone of Venezuela. Samplings were conducted monthly from June 2014 to March 2015, in random stations at depths less than 20 m. Richness and abundance data were processed through multivariate hypothesis tests (Anosim - SIMPER - nMDS). A total of 327 species were identified, with a dominance of diatoms and dinoflagellates, without significant spatial and temporal variations. In terms of abundance, the most representative group was diatoms (68 %), followed by cyanobacteria (28 %). The microfitobenthos presented a temporal variability in which the highest densities were reached between July and August, while the rest of the months presented similar abundances. Thus, standard abundances were obtained in all the samples according to that found in other areas of the world, with notable differences between the microphytobenthos of the evaluated substrates, and a high and constant specific richness throughout the year.

Resumen. El tiburón sedoso Carcharhinus falciformis es una de las especies de tiburón más importantes en las capturas de la pesquería de pequeña escala de la costa mexicana del Pacífico. En el presente trabajo reportamos los principales componentes alimentarios de C. falciformis capturados por la flota pesquera de pequeña escala en Acapulco, Guerrero, México, de acuerdo con la talla (neonatos y juveniles) y el sexo (machos y hembras), así como la amplitud de su nicho y nivel trófico. Se recolectaron en total 165 estómagos de C. falciformis, de los cuales 57 presentaron contenido estomacal y 108 se encontraron vacíos. Se identificaron en total 11 componentes alimentarios: 4 crustáceos, 3 peces, 2 cefalópodos, 1 tortuga marina y 1 ave. De acuerdo con el índice de importancia relativa especifica de la presa (%IIREP), el grupo de los crustáceos representó el 77.17% de la dieta. El cangrejo Portunus xantusii fue el componente más importante de la dieta de neonatos, juveniles, machos y hembras. Las dietas entre neonatos y juveniles y entre machos y hembras no presentaron grandes diferencias (índice de Morisita-Horn: 0.86 y 0.80, respectivamente). El tiburón sedoso presentó una amplitud de nicho estrecha en todas las categorías, lo que indicó una estrategia de alimentación de tipo especialista (índice de Levin <0.60). De acuerdo con el modelo de Amundsen, C. falciformis mostró una preferencia por P. xantusii. El nivel trófico determinado para C. falciformis indicó que es un depredador secundario.

Abstract. The silky shark, Carcharhinus falciformis, is one of the most important shark species in the small-scale fishery landings on the Pacific coast of Mexico. In the present work, we report the main food components of C. falciformis caught by small-scale fisheries in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico, according to size (neonates and juveniles) and sex (males and females), as well as reporting the niche breadth and trophic level. A total of 165 stomachs of C. falciformis were collected, of which 57 contained food and 108 were empty. A total of 11 prey groups were identified: 4 crustaceans, 3 fish, 2 cephalopods, 1 sea turtle, and 1 bird. According to the prey-specific index of relative importance (%PSIRI), crustaceans accounted for 77.17% of the diet. The crab Portunus xantusii was the most important component of the diet of neonates, juveniles, males, and females. The diets did not show great differences between neonates and juveniles and between males and females (Morisita-Horn index: 0.86 and 0.80, respectively). The silky shark presented a narrow niche breadth in all categories, indicating a specialist-type feeding strategy (Levin’s index <0.60). According to Amundsen’s model, C. falciformis showed preference for P. xantusii. The trophic level determined for C. falciformis indicated that it is a secondary predator.

ABSTRACT The present study determined the distribution and biomass of the Peruvian anchovy and pelagic red squat lobster related to the oceanographic characteristics in the marine protected area of the Paracas National Reserve in the Northern Humboldt Current System. Acoustic, biological, and oceanographic information was collected on the pelagic habitat in surveys carried out by the Peruvian Marine Research Institute during the summer and spring of 2018, 2019, and 2020. The results obtained indicated that the spatial occupation of the pelagic habitat of Peruvian anchovy and pelagic red squat lobster were influenced by the dynamics of upwelling, water masses, and a shallow and intense Oxygen Minimum Zone. Spatial overlap of high biomass of Peruvian anchovy and pelagic red squat lobster were recorded in the surface layer during the night. Although, with the presence of dense swarms of múnida in anoxic intermediate waters of the Oxygen Minimum Zone during the day. The Marine Protected Area off the Paracas National Reserve functions as a protection zone for the structure and functioning of the pelagic-neritic ecosystem and strengthens the fishery production of Peruvian anchovy stock in the Northern Humboldt Current System.

RESUMEN El presente estudio determinó la distribución y biomasa de la anchoveta y múnida relacionadas a las características oceanográficas en el Área Marina Protegida de la Reserva Nacional de Paracas en el Sistema Norte de la Corriente de Humboldt. Se recolectó información acústica, biológica y oceanográfica del hábitat pelágico en cruceros de investigación efectuados por el Instituto del Mar del Perú durante el verano y primavera de 2018, 2019 y 2020. Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que la ocupación espacial del hábitat pelágico de la anchoveta y múnida estuvieron influenciados por la dinámica de afloramientos, masas de aguas y una somera e intensa Zona Mínima de Oxígeno. Se registró una sobreposición espacial de altas biomasas de anchoveta y múnida en la capa superficial durante la noche. Aunque con presencia de enjambres densos de múnida en aguas intermedias anóxicas de la Zona Mínima de Oxigeno durante el día. El Área Marina Protegida de la Reserva Nacional de Paracas funciona como zona de protección de la estructura y funcionamiento del ecosistema pelágico nerítico y fortalece la producción pesquera del stock de anchoveta en el Sistema Norte de la Corriente de Humboldt.

Resumen Este estudio representa un esfuerzo sin precedentes para evaluar la diversidad de los decápodos Brachyura y Anomura del infralitoral rocoso del Parque Estatal Marino Laje de Santos, un área preservada y protegida localizada en la costa sureste de Brasil. Las muestras se tomaron trimestralmente durante 1 año con la combinación de sustrato de refugio artificial para captura pasiva y buceo autónomo para captura activa. Se determinaron un total de 987 individuos distribuidos en 32 especies, 22 géneros y 11 familias. Presentamos un reporte taxonómico de las especies y se discuten sus registros de distribución. El ermitaño Pagurus brevidactylus y el cangrejo Mithraculus forceps fueron las especies más abundantes de Anomura y Brachyura, respectivamente. Como se esperaba, la combinación de los métodos de muestreo mostró un valor más alto del índice de diversidad de Shannon (H = 5.7) que los métodos individuales de captura pasiva (H = 5.6) y captura activa (H = 4.4). Este estudio provee el primer reporte de crustáceos decápodos para el parque, por lo tanto, puede ser usado como línea base para programas de monitoreo de fauna local y en los planes de conservación.

Abstract This study represents an unprecedented effort to assess the diversity of rocky infralittoral decapods Brachyura and Anomura from the Marine State Park of Laje de Santos, a preserved and protected area located in the southeastern Brazilian coast. Sampling was carried out quarterly for 1 year, using the combination of artificial refuge substrate (ARS) for the passive capture of specimens, and SCUBA diving for active capture. A total of 987 individuals distributed into 32 species, 22 genera, and 11 families were determined. We present a taxonomic account of the species and their distribution records are discussed. The hermit crab Pagurus brevidactylus and the crab Mithraculus forceps were the most common species of Anomura and Brachyura, respectively. As expected, the combination of the sampling methodologies showed a higher Shannon diversity index value (H = 5.7), than the individual methods of ARS (H = 5.6) and active capture (H = 4.4). This study provides the first record of decapod crustaceans for the park, therefore it can be used as a baseline for local fauna monitoring programs and conservation planning.

Abstract Interactions between plant and pollinators are associated with the origin and maintenance of species diversity, as well as ecosystem functioning. The potential of pollination as an ecosystem service is evidenced by its association with food production. Understanding pollination at the landscape scale is essential for characterizing the pollination service for several crops that depend on pollinators for fruit and seed set that make up the human diet. Our aim was to carry out a literature review of studies and projects funded by BIOTA/FAPESP to illustrate the main research approaches developed in the field of Pollination Biology, especially related to plant-pollinator interactions. Plant-pollinator interactions in the Atlantic forest were leveraged as a result of this long-term research program, during which several papers were published in international journals. Pollination by bees (melittophily) was the most representative pollination system studied. In addition to melittophily, other interactions were studied such as pollination by hawkmoths (sphingophily), by hummingbirds (ornithophily) and by bats (chiropterophily). The specific mutualistic relationships between fig trees and fig wasps were also subject of studies within the Program. At the beginning of the BIOTA/FAPESP Program, there were many gaps in basic information about pollination and breeding systems of Brazilian native plant species. Thus, the Program was fundamental to fuel research on the natural history of plants and pollinators from the Atlantic forest. Overall, the Program funded studies that investigated themes such as functional pollination ecology, pollinator effectiveness, plant population genetics, structure and dynamics of plant-pollinator interaction networks, as well as geographic distribution and macroevolution of pollination systems, as well as genetic and molecular studies of native plant populations focusing on pollen flow and genetic structure of populations. Additionally, studies on pollination in the context of landscape ecology had the aim of assessing the effects of forest fragmentation on the functioning of plant populations and their interactions with pollinators and the relationships between landscape structure and ecological processes, biodiversity, and ecosystem service. Therefore, the Program had a prominent role in producing basic data with great implications for understanding the ecology and promoting the conservation of plant-pollinator interactions.

Resumo A interação planta-polinizador está associada à origem e manutenção da diversidade de espécies de plantas e ao funcionamento dos ecossistemas. O potencial da polinização como serviço ecossistêmico é destacado quando associado à produção de alimentos. Compreender esta interação na escala da paisagem é essencial para caracterizar o serviço de polinização para muitos cultivos que dependem dos polinizadores para a formação de frutos e sementes que integram a dieta humana. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão bibliográfica de estudos e projetos financiados pelo BIOTA/FAPESP para ilustrar as principais abordagens de pesquisa desenvolvidas no campo da Biologia da Polinização, especialmente relacionadas à interação planta-polinizador. As interações planta-polinizador na Mata Atlântica foram alavancadas como resultado desse programa de pesquisa de longo prazo, durante o qual vários artigos foram publicados em revistas internacionais. A polinização por abelhas (melitofilia) foi o sistema de polinização mais representativo estudado. Além da melitofilia, outras interações foram estudadas, como a polinização por mariposas (esfingofilia), por beija-flores (ornitofilia) e por morcegos (quiropterofilia). As relações mutualísticas específicas entre figueiras e vespas do figo também foram objeto de estudos no âmbito do Programa. No início do Programa BIOTA/FAPESP, havia muitas lacunas sobre informações básicas sobre polinização e sistemas de reprodução de espécies vegetais nativas brasileiras. Assim, o Programa foi fundamental para desenvolver pesquisas sobre a história natural de plantas e polinizadores da Mata Atlântica. No geral, o Programa financiou estudos que investigaram temas como ecologia funcional da polinização, eficácia de polinizadores, genética de populações de plantas, estrutura e dinâmica de redes de interação planta-polinizador, bem como distribuição geográfica e macroevolução dos sistemas de polinização, além de estudos genéticos e moleculares de populações de plantas nativas com foco no fluxo de pólen. Adicionalmente, estudos sobre polinização no contexto da ecologia da paisagem tiveram como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da fragmentação florestal no funcionamento das populações de plantas e suas interações com os polinizadores e as relações entre a estrutura da paisagem e os processos ecológicos, biodiversidade e serviços ecossistêmicos. Portanto, o Programa teve um papel de destaque na produção de dados básicos com grandes implicações para o entendimento da ecologia e promoção da conservação das interações planta-polinizador.

Resumo A sustentabilidade ou a degradação de um ambiente podem ser estimadas, entre outros, pela avaliação e monitoramento de atributos do solo, os quais podem evidenciar alterações relacionadas ao uso e manejo ao longo do tempo. Compreender alterações decorrentes de manejo, empregados em diferentes sistemas, pode auxiliar no entendimento dos processos que preconizam a ecologia da restauração. Assim, avaliou-se a qualidade do solo com base em seus atributos químicos em diferentes usos, sendo cinco áreas em processo de restauração ecológica (REC1 a REC5), uma área de vegetação nativa (MATA) e uma de cultivo de cana-de-açúcar (CN), todas localizadas em uma propriedade rural particular no município de Rio Brilhante, MS, Brasil, em uma área de transição entre os Biomas Cerrado-Mata Atlântica. Os atributos químicos avaliados foram: matéria orgânica (MO), pH, capacidade de trocas catiônicas (CTC), soma de bases (SB), potássio (K), fósforo (P), magnésio (Mg), cálcio (Ca), saturação por base (V%) e acidez potencial (H+Al). Os dados foram submetidos à análise multivariada, incluindo a análise de componentes principais (PCA) e análise de agrupamento. A PCA indicou que, dentre as áreas estudadas, a área em restauração ecológica 1 (REC1) apresentou relação negativa com os atributos químicos do solo (exceto com a acidez potencial na camada superficial) e demonstrou maior similaridade com a área de cultivo de cana-de-açúcar. Em contrapartida, a área em restauração ecológica 3 (REC3) apresentou a melhor qualidade química do solo e maior similaridade com área de vegetação nativa, evidenciando, dessa forma, que o desenvolvimento da cobertura vegetal e a ausência de mecanização foram importantes para promover a melhoria da qualidade do solo. Os dados obtidos sugerem que as novas formas de manejo nas áreas em restauração implicam em diferentes níveis de qualidade do sistema solo, tendendo ao aumento da estabilidade e integridade biológica, alterações estas que fazem parte dos processos ecológicos comuns a ecossistemas preservados.

Abstract The sustainability or degradation of the environment can be estimated, among others, for the evaluation and monitoring of sensitive soil attributes for the use and management over time. Understanding the changes resulting from management uses in different systems can assist in the knowledge of ecological processes that advocate restoration ecology. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the soil quality based on its chemical attributes in different uses, being five areas in ecological restoration, an area of native vegetation and a sugarcane crop, all locations in a rural property in Rio Brilhante city, MS, in a transition area between the Cerrado-Mata Atlântica Biomes. The chemical attributes evaluated were: organic matter (OM), pH, cation exchange capacity (CTC), sum of bases (SB), potassium (K), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), calcium (V%) and potential acidity (H + Al). The data were submitted to multivariate analysis, among them: the principal component analysis (PCA) and clustering. The PCA indicated, among the studied areas, the areas under ecological restoration 1 (REC1) presented a lower relation with soil chemical attributes (except for the potential acidity in the surface layer) and showed greater similarity with a sugarcane cultivation area. On the other hand, REC3 presented a better soil chemical quality and greater similarity with native vegetation area, thus evidencing that the vegetation cover development and a mechanization absence were important to promote an improvement of soil quality. The data obtained suggest that the new forms of management in restoration areas imply different levels of soil system quality, tending to increase stability and biological integrity, changes that are part of the ecological processes common to preserved ecosystems.

Abstract: The barred sand bass Paralabrax nebulifer is a commercially important fish off the west coast of Baja California Sur. To assess the diet of this species and variations as a function of sex and reproductive condition, 60 specimens were captured using traps during seven seasonal sampling trips from August 2016 to August 2018 in an adjacent area to Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The stomach contents of 50 specimens were obtained (23 males and 27 females). Sex was diagnosed by direct observation of the gonads. Based on the gonadosomatic index, hepatosomatic index, and histological analyses, the reproductive season of the barred sand bass was corroborated for August 2016, April, August, and September 2017, and August 2018, and the non-reproductive season was corroborated for November 2016 and March 2018. The Index of Relative Importance (IRI) was used to classify the main diet components, which comprised three fish species, seven crustacean species, and one mollusk species. According to the IRI, the South American pilchard Sardinops sagax and the red pelagic crab Pleuroncodes planipes were the prey that contributed the most (55%) to the barred sand bass diet. The ANOSIM showed that there were significant differences in the amount and type of prey consumed by sex; the SIMPER analysis revealed that the species contributing the most to differences between the sexes were S. sagax (16.58%), Euphylax dovii (15.95%), Stenocionops ovata (12%), and P. planipes (11.82%) for females. There were significant differences in the amount and type of prey consumed between types of reproductive season; the species contributing the most to differences between seasons were Anchoa spp. (27.76%), and P. planipes for non-reproductive season (22.67%), and S. sagax (11.08%) for reproductive season. The feeding strategy of the barred sand bass was that of a specialist carnivorous predator that fed mainly on the fish Sardinops sagax during the reproductive season, which supply the dietary nutritional requirements of the lipids HUFA (arachidonic acid, 20:4n-6; eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5n-3; docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6n-3), nutrients required to achieve reproductive success.

Resumen: El verdillo Paralabrax nebulifer es un pez comercialmente importante en la costa occidental de Baja California Sur. Para evaluar la dieta de esta especie y su variación en función del sexo y su condición reproductiva, se capturaron 60 especímenes durante siete muestreos estacionales utilizando trampas de agosto 2016 a agosto 2018 en un área adyacente a Bahía Magdalena, Baja California Sur, México. Se obtuvieron los contenidos estomacales de 50 especímenes (23 machos y 27 hembras). El sexo fue diagnosticado por observación directa de las gónadas. De acuerdo a los índices gonadosomático, hepatosomático y mediante análisis histológico, se corroboró la condición reproductiva del verdillo durante agosto 2016; abril, agosto y septiembre 2017 y agosto 2018; así como la temporada no reproductiva de noviembre 2016 y marzo 2018. El Índice de Importancia Relativa (IRI) se utilizó para clasificar los principales componentes de la dieta, que incluyeron: tres especies de peces, siete especies de crustáceos y una especie de molusco. Según el IRI, la sardina Sardinops sagax y la langostilla Pleuroncodes planipes fueron las presas que más contribuyeron (55%) a la dieta del verdillo. El análisis ANOSIM mostró que hubo diferencias significativas en la cantidad y tipo de presa consumida por sexo; el análisis SIMPER reveló que la mayoría de las especies que contribuyeron a las diferencias entre sexos, fueron producidas por S. sagax (16,58%), Euphylax dovii (15,95%), Stenocionops ovata (12%) y P. planipes (11,82%) para hembras. Hubo diferencias significativas en la cantidad y tipo de presa consumida por tipo de temporada reproductiva; la mayoría de las especies que contribuyeron a las diferencias entre temporadas fueron producidas por Anchoa spp. (27,76%) y P. planipes (22,67%) para la temporada no reproductiva, y por S. sagax (11,08%) para la temporada reproductiva. La estrategia de alimentación del verdillo fue la de un depredador carnívoro especialista, que durante la temporada reproductiva se alimenta principalmente de los peces Sardinops sagax, que cubren los requerimientos nutricionales dietéticos de los lípidos AGAI (ácido araquidónico, 20:4n-6; ácido eicosapentaenoico, 20:5n-3; ácido docosahexaenoico 22:6n-3), nutrientes necesarios para lograr el éxito reproductivo.

Abstract: The objectives of this research were to estimate the abundance of the main groups of planktonic mollusks (meroplanktonic larvae, holoplanktonic gastropods and cephalopod paralarvae), and relate these groups to the physical-chemical water properties along a longitudinal gradient between Caldera, on the coast of mainland Chile and the Easter Island ecoregion (Rapa Nui Island and Salas y Gómez Island), in the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Plankton samples were collected over the course of the CIMAR 21-Islas Cruise, from October to November 2015, at 33 oceanographic stations via vertical hauls of a WP2 net (180-µm mesh size) from a maximum depth of 300 m to the sea surface. Mollusks were sorted, counted and initially assigned to Class rank, later being identified to lower taxonomic ranks. Planktonic mollusks were obtained at all stations, and were composed of 92.7% of Gastropoda and 7.3% of Bivalvia. The total abundance of mollusks varied between 55 and 4,922 individuals 100 m-3. Euthecosomate gastropods exhibited the highest occurrence within the oceanic area. Meanwhile, no paralarvae were captured. Differences in the composition of planktonic mollusks between the continental and oceanic zones were evident. Bivalve larvae increased their abundance in warmer, salty and vertically mixed waters. These results are the first record of meroplanktonic mollusks in waters near the Chilean oceanic islands, and suggest that planktonic mollusks display spatial variation at the scale of the South Pacific Basin, which could be related to the hydrographic conditions and the water column structure.

Resumen: Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron estimar la abundancia de los principales grupos de moluscos planctónicos (larvas meroplanctónicas, gasterópodos holoplanctónicos y paralarvas de cefalópodos) y relacionarla con las propiedades fisicoquímicas del agua, a lo largo de un gradiente longitudinal entre Caldera en la costa continental de Chile la ecorregión de Isla de Pascua (Isla de Rapa Nui e Isla Salas y Gómez), en el sureste del océano Pacífico. Se recolectaron muestras de plancton durante el Crucero CIMAR 21-Islas, en octubre y noviembre de 2015, en 33 estaciones oceanográficas con una red WP2 (180 µm de abertura de malla) en lances verticales entre los 300 m de profundidad y la superficie del mar. Los moluscos se clasificaron, contaron y asignaron inicialmente a nivel de Clase, para su posterior identificación en niveles taxonómicos inferiores. Se obtuvieron moluscos planctónicos en todas las estaciones, con 92,7% de Gastropoda y 7,3% de Bivalvia. La abundancia total de moluscos varió entre 55 y 4.922 individuos 100 m-3. Los gasterópodos Euthecosomata exhibieron la mayor ocurrencia en el área oceánica. No se obtuvieron paralarvas. Las diferencias en la composición de los moluscos planctónicos entre las zonas continental y oceánica se hicieron evidentes. Las larvas de bivalvos aumentaron su abundancia en aguas más cálidas, saladas y verticalmente mezcladas. Estos resultados son el primer registro de moluscos meroplanctónicos en aguas cercanas a las islas oceánicas chilenas. Los moluscos planctónicos presentan una variación espacial a escala de la cuenca del Pacífico Sur, relacionada con las condiciones hidrográficas y la estructura de la columna de agua.

Abstract: The lionfish invasion, Pterois volitans, in the US Atlantic coast and the Caribbean Sea waters represents a threat to the functioning of native marine ecosystem. This species was first reported in the Venezuelan coast in 2010, and by 2013 was very common in reef areas. This study aims to evaluate the abundance and trophic ecology of the lionfish in the Morrocoy National Park, and compare its abundance with other native species. In 2013, visual censuses were carried out and lionfish specimens were collected in different habitats (reefs, seagrass and mangroves) at different depth levels (1-3, 6-9, 12-15 m). Results showed high variability in the abundance of the lionfish populations, with an average density of 46.30 (± 42.31 SD) fishes* ha-1 in reefs, while in seagrass and mangroves no specimens were recorded. The density in reefs of this species was no different between depth levels and was significantly higher than other native species surveyed (families Muraenidae and Serranidae). The diet of P. volitans was composed of fish and crustaceans, with a higher proportion of fishes in larger individuals. The most abundant fish families within the park, Labridae, Haemulidae and Gobiidae, were part of its diet. Given the generalist predator behavior of the lionfish, an increase in their populations could significantly affect the abundances of native fish families and the structure and functioning of the reef ecosystems.

Resumen: La invasión del pez león, Pterois volitans, en la costa Atlántica de los Estados Unidos y el mar Caribe representa una amenaza al funcionamiento del ecosistema marino. En 2010, fue reportado por primera vez en las costas venezolanas, y en 2013 ya era común en zonas arrecifales. El objetivo del presente estudio, fue evaluar la abundancia y la ecología trófica del pez león en el Parque Nacional Morrocoy, y comparar su abundancia con la de otras especies nativas. En el 2013, se realizaron censos visuales y recolectaron especímenes en diferentes hábitats (arrecifes, praderas de fanerógamas y manglares) y estratos de profundidad (1-3, 6-9, 12-15 m). Los resultados mostraron una alta variabilidad en la abundancia, con una densidad promedio de 46,30 (± 42,31 DE) peces∙ha-1 en arrecifes, mientras que en praderas de fanerógamas y manglares no se observó la presencia de la especie. Su densidad no difirió entre estratos de profundidad y fue significativamente mayor a la de las especies nativas censadas (familias Muraenidae y Serranidae). Su dieta estuvo compuesta de peces y crustáceos, con una mayor proporción de peces en especímenes de mayor tamaño. Las familias de peces más abundantes dentro del parque, Labridae, Haemulidae y Gobiidae, formaron parte de su dieta. Dadas las características del pez león como depredador generalista, un aumento de su población posiblemente afectaría significativamente la abundancia de peces nativos de las familias más representadas en su dieta, y la estructura y funcionamiento de estos sistemas arrecifales.

Resumen Las carreteras generan impactos negativos sobre la biodiversidad, dentro de los cuales los atropellamientos configuran una de las causas directas más relevantes. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer la distribución temporal y evaluar los patrones espaciales relacionados con el atropellamiento de vertebrados silvestres en las rutas Yopal-Quebradaseca y Yopal-variante Jagüeyes, en Casanare, Colombia. Entre 2017 y 2018 se realizaron 18 recorridos a 40 km/h en los que se registraron eventos de atropellamiento. Se determinaron tasas de atropellamiento, puntos calientes, así como variables del paisaje (humedales, vegetación nativa, construcciones) y de la vía (forma y presencia de señales de paso) relacionadas con este tensor. Se registraron 139 eventos de colisión, que incluyeron ocho especies de mamíferos, 13 de reptiles, 20 de aves y una de anfibio. Caiman crocodilus (n = 17), Rhinella marina (n = 13) y Tamandua tetradactyla (n = 13) fueron las especies más atropelladas. Myrmecophaga tridactyla fue la única especie amenazada reportada dentro de este grupo de vertebrados. La mayor tasa de atropellamiento en ambas vías fue encontrada para los reptiles. Para el total de datos, se identificaron 15 puntos calientes de atropellamiento. De forma general, los atropellamientos estuvieron asociados a tramos curvos de la vía, cercanos a humedales cercanos y en zonas sin infraestructura. El 64 % de los individuos atropellados se encontraron una distancia menor a 2 km a una señal de tránsito, lo que indica una baja efectividad de esta medida. Este es el primer reporte de atropellamiento de fauna para la sabana inundable y se espera que sea una herramienta de mitigación de esta amenaza en el departamento.

Abstract Road have impacted negatively the biodiversity and running-over the animals is one of the most relevant direct causes. This study aims to determine the time distribution and evaluate the spatial patterns related to running-over of wild vertebrates in the roads Yopal-Quebradaseca and Yopal-variante Jagüeyes, in Casanare (Colombia). between 2017 and 2018, running-over events were recorded in 18 trips at 40 km/h. Running-over rates and hotspots were determined as well as some landscape variables (wetlands, native vegetation, buildings) and road variables (shape and use of traffic signs) related to this issue. This way, 139 collision events were recorded including 8 mammal species, 13 reptiles, 20 birds and one amphibian. Caiman crocodilus (n = 17), Rhinella marina (n = 13) and Tamandua tetradactyla (n = 13) were the most run-over species. Myrmecophaga tridactyla was the only threatened species reported in this vertebrate group. Reptiles were the animals with higher running-over rates in both road directions. Based on the total data, 15 hotspots were identified. In general, running-over events were associated with going through curve sections, getting close to a wetland, and driving in areas without any infrastructure. In these events, 64% of the run-over animals were found at a distance lower than 2 km from traffic sign, which indicates a poor effectiveness of these signs. This is the first report of animal running-over in this flooded savanna and is expected to be used as a tool to mitigate the impact on this province.

Abstract The objective of this research was to characterize halotolerant bacteria isolated from the ripened salty process of Engraulis ringens from a fishing company at Chimbote (Peru). For this, three fish samples were collected at the beginning and at the end of the process. 14 halotolerant bacteria were isolated, 12 from medium containing 5% NaCl and two from 10% NaCl. Its growth capacity was evaluated from 4 to 50 ° C and 2.5 to 12.5% NaCl, as well as its biochemical activity by oxidase, urease, indole and citrate tests, carbohydrate fermentation, hydrolysis of starch, casein and gelatin, and sensitivity to penicillin, chloramphenicol, gentamicin, tetracycline, rifampicin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim, streptomycin, nalidixic acid, and novobiocin. 71% of strains grew from 25 to 44 ° C, up to 10% NaCl, and showed proteolytic and amylolytic activities. The molecular characterization was carried out by amplification and sequencing the 16S ribosomal genes and these were analyzed using BioEdit and BLASTn programs. From this characterization, the genera Bacillus (2), Staphylococcus (6), Oceanobacillus (1), Salinococcus (1), Psychrobacter (2) and Sporosarcina (2) were obtained. Five genera of isolated halotolerant bacteria (Bacillus, Oceanobacillus, Salinicoccus, Psychrobacter and Sporosarcina) were of marine origin, they are non-pathogenic or no pollution indicators. Conversely, BH1 strain of Staphylococcus showed sensitivity only to nalidixic acid, while BH14 was resistant to all antimicrobials. Therefore, it is necessary to implement measures that ensure the safety of anchovies.

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue caracterizar bacterias halotolerantes aisladas del proceso de salado-madurado de Engraulis ringens provenientes de una empresa pesquera de Chimbote (Perú). Para ello, se recolectaron tres muestras de pescado al inicio y término del proceso. Se aislaron 14 bacterias halotolerantes, 12 aisladas en medio con NaCl al 5% y dos al 10%. Se evaluó su capacidad de crecimiento a temperaturas de 4 a 50 °C y de 2.5 a 12.5% de NaCl, así como su actividad bioquímica con las pruebas de oxidasa, ureasa, indol, utilización de citrato, fermentación de carbohidratos, hidrólisis de almidón, caseína y gelatina, y su sensibilidad a penicilina, cloranfenicol, gentamicina, tetraciclina, rifampicina, sulfametoxazol/trimetoprima, estreptomicina, ácido nalidíxico y novobiocina. El 71% de las cepas creció entre 25 y 44 °C y hasta 10% de NaCl, y presentaron actividad proteolítica y amilolítica. La caracterización molecular se realizó amplificando los genes ribosómicos 16S, los que se secuenciaron y analizaron mediante los programas BioEdit y BLASTn. De esta caracterización se obtuvieron los géneros Bacillus (2), Staphylococcus (6), Oceanobacillus (1), Salinococcus (1), Psychrobacter (2) y Sporosarcina (2). Cinco géneros de bacterias halotolerantes aisladas (Bacillus, Oceanobacillus, Salinicoccus, Psychrobacter y Sporosarcina) fueron de procedencia marina y no patógenas ni indicadoras de contaminación. Al contrario, se identificaron cepas del género Staphylococcus, como BH1 que presentó sensibilidad solo al ácido nalidíxico, mientras que BH14 fue resistente a todos los antimicrobianos. Por lo tanto, es necesario implementar medidas que garanticen la inocuidad de las anchoas.

Resumo: A urbanização aumenta significativamente as taxas de perturbação ambiental, sendo está uma das principais causas da perda de habitat e biodiversidade. A tendência crescente de conversão da paisagem natural em áreas para especulação imobiliária na região costeira do extremo sul do Brasil é uma preocupação atual, pois a região abriga ecossistemas únicos, como dunas, áreas úmidas e grandes lagoas salobras. Como são organismos sensíveis às alterações ambientais, as variações na estrutura das comunidades de Odonata são utilizadas como indicadores de qualidade do habitat refletindo o impacto humano no ambiente. Nós avaliamos como a comunidade de Odonata é afetada pela crescente urbanização em torno de lagoas naturais no litoral do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, testando a hipótese de que o aumento do percentual de urbanização influencia negativamente a comunidade de Odonata, seguindo o mesmo padrão encontrado para outros grupos de invertebrados. As coletas ocorreram em 28 lagoas costeiras, que foram classificadas como urbanizadas e não urbanizadas com base na cobertura do solo no entorno. A riqueza, abundância e composição de Anisoptera foram influenciadas pela urbanização, mas o mesmo não foi encontrado para Zygoptera. A análise de espécies indicadoras especifica três espécies associadas a áreas não urbanizadas: Erythrodiplax sp.1, Erythemis credula e Telebasis corallina. Nosso estudo destaca a importância dos Odonata como organismos indicadores de integridade ambiental e reforça a necessidade de estratégias de planejamento urbano que favoreçam a conservação e manutenção dos ambientes afetados pela urbanização.

Abstract: Urbanization significantly increases the rates of environmental disturbance, being one of the main causes of habitat loss and biodiversity. The growing trend of converting the natural landscape into areas for real estate speculation in the coastal region of the southernmost part of Brazil is a current concern, as the region is home to unique ecosystems, such as dunes, wetlands and large brackish lagoons. As they are organisms sensitive to environmental changes, variations in the structure of Odonata communities are used as indicators of habitat quality reflecting the human impact on the environment. Here we assessed how the Odonata community is affected by the growing urbanization around natural ponds on the coast of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, testing the hypothesis that the increase in the percentage of urbanization negatively influences the Odonata community, following the same pattern found for other groups of invertebrates. The collections took place in 28 coastal ponds, which were classified as urbanized and non-urbanized based on the surrounding ground cover. Anisoptera’s richness, abundance and composition were influenced by urbanization, but the same was not found for Zygoptera. The analysis of indicator species specifies three species associated with non-urbanized areas: Erythrodiplax sp.1, Erythemis credula and Telebasis corallina. Our study highlights the importance of Odonata as organisms that indicate environmental integrity and reinforces the need for urban planning strategies that favor the conservation and maintenance of the environments affected by urbanization.

Abstract: The vaquita (Phocoena sinus), an endemic porpoise of the Gulf of California, México, was first described scientifically in 1958, from three skulls. It is considered a sister taxon of an ancestor of the Southern Hemisphere Burmeister’s porpoise (P. spinipinnis) and spectacled porpoise (P. dioptrica), a case of antitropical distribution and speciation. Vaquita in modern times seem to have existed largely in waters 10 to 30 m deep of the very northern Gulf of California, and may have already existed in relatively low numbers by the 1950s and 1960s. The external appearance of the vaquita was not described until the late 1970s, and not until the 1980s and 1990s did additional information about ecology and biology emerge. Those studies and more recent shipboard and aerial visual line transect surveys, as well as stationary and boat-towed acoustic arrays, mapped occurrence patterns and approximate numbers in greater detail than before. The first credible estimates of abundance appeared in the 1990s, with numbers in the mid-hundreds and declining. While several reasons for the decline were originally postulated, mortality due to entanglement in nets has been established as the only known cause of decline, especially due to bycatch in large-mesh gillnets set for the endangered croaker fish totoaba (Totoaba macdonaldi). This fish is prized in China for human consumption of its swim bladder, generally ground up for purported therapeutic purposes. An extensive, lucrative fishery for totoaba, now illegal for many decades, has existed since at least the 1920s, and has recently increased. Although there have been laudable attempts to stem or halt totoaba fishing, these have largely been unsuccessful, and as of this writing the vaquita is on the brink of extinction. However, rapid concentrated action against illegal fishing with gillnets may yet save the species, and hope (with attendant action) must be kept alive. This overview is followed by an appendix of a previously unpublished popular essay by K.S. Norris describing when, where, and how he first discovered the species, and subsequent early work relative to this newly-described porpoise.

Resumen: La vaquita marina (Phocoena sinus), una marsopa endémica del Golfo de California, México, fue descrita científicamente por primera vez en 1958, a partir de tres cráneos. Se considera un taxón hermano de un ancestro de la marsopa de Burmeister del hemisferio sur (P. spinipinnis) y la marsopa de anteojos (P. dioptrica), un caso de distribución y especiación antitropical. En los tiempos modernos, la vaquita marina parece haber existido principalmente en aguas de 10 a 30 m de profundidad en el extremo norte del Golfo de California, y es posible que ya existiera en cantidades relativamente bajas en las décadas de 1950 y 1960. La apariencia externa de la vaquita no se describió hasta fines de la década de 1970, y no fue hasta las décadas de 1980 y 1990 cuando surgió información adicional sobre ecología y biología. Esos estudios y los estudios más recientes de transectos de líneas visuales aéreas y a bordo, así como los arreglos acústicos estacionarios y remolcados por bote, cartografiaron patrones de ocurrencia y números aproximados con mayor detalle que antes. Las primeras estimaciones creíbles de abundancia aparecieron en la década de 1990, con cifras de alrededor de cientos y en declive. Si bien originalmente se postularon varias razones para la disminución, la mortalidad debida al enredo en las redes se ha establecido como la única causa conocida de disminución, especialmente debido a la captura incidental en redes de enmalle de malla grande colocadas para la totoaba corvina (Totoaba macdonaldi), en peligro de extinción. Este pescado es apreciado en China para el consumo humano de su vejiga natatoria, generalmente molido con supuestos propósitos terapéuticos. Una pesquería extensa y lucrativa de totoaba, ahora ilegal durante muchas décadas, ha existido desde al menos la década de 1920 y ha aumentado recientemente. Aunque ha habido loables intentos de detener o detener la pesca de totoaba, en gran parte no han tenido éxito y, al momento de escribir este artículo, la vaquita está al borde de la extinción. Sin embargo, una acción rápida y concentrada contra la pesca ilegal con redes de enmalle aún puede salvar a la especie, y la esperanza (con la acción correspondiente) debe mantenerse viva. A esta descripción general le sigue un apéndice de un ensayo popular inédito de K.S. Norris describiendo cuándo, dónde y cómo descubrió la especie por primera vez, y los primeros trabajos posteriores relacionados con esta marsopa recién descrita.

Abstract: The network of Long-term Socio-ecological Research sites within the Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve (LTSER-Cape Horn) extends today to the Gonzalo Island (56°31’S), Diego Ramírez Archipelago, as its southernmost site. This is also the southernmost island of the American continent and of the sub-Antarctic ecoregion of Magallanes, housing a huge diversity of marine fauna that was intensely exploited after its discovery, exactly 400 years ago. The general objective of the LTSER-Cape Horn network is to detect the impacts of global socio-environmental change and contribute to their mitigation. The specific objective of this work is to provide an updated description of the vascular flora present on Gonzalo Island, a critical monitoring site for the new Diego Ramírez Islands-Paso Drake Marine Park. The Diego Ramírez Archipelago is part of the sub-Antarctic phytogeographic region, harboring vegetation formations that are unique in the Chilean territory. Our work updated the list of vascular plant species of Gonzalo Island, the only one that is permanently inhabited. The records include eight species of vascular plants that comprise all the species of vascular plants previously recorded in the islets as well as in the three major islands of the archipelago (Gonzalo, Bartolomé and North). None of the eight collected species has conservation problems. Our sampling confirmed that there has been no establishment of exotic vascular flora in Gonzalo Island. Even places that have been disturbed near the base maintained by the Chilean Navy had no presence of exotic species. Strict monitoring is recommended to prevent the establishment and dissemination of exotic plants that could potentially arrive on this island, and the Diego Ramírez Archipelago.

Resumen: La red de sitios de estudios socio-ecológicos a largo plazo en la Reserva de la Biósfera Cabo de Hornos (LTSER-Cabo de Hornos) se extiende hoy hasta la isla Gonzalo (56°31’S), archipiélago Diego Ramírez, como su sitio más austral. Ésta es también la isla más meridional del continente americano y de la ecorregión subantártica de Magallanes, albergando una enorme diversidad de fauna marina que fue intensamente explotada luego de su descubrimiento, hace 400 años. El objetivo general de la red LTSER- Cabo de Hornos es detectar impactos del cambio socio-ambiental global y contribuir a su mitigación. El objetivo específico de este trabajo es proveer una descripción actualizada de la flora vascular presente en la isla Gonzalo, que es un sitio de monitoreo crítico para el nuevo Parque Marino Islas Diego Ramírez-Paso Drake. El archipiélago Diego Ramírez forma parte de la región fitogeográfica subantártica, albergando formaciones vegetacionales únicas en el territorio chileno. Se actualiza la lista de especies de plantas vasculares registradas en la isla Gonzalo, la única habitada del archipiélago. El registro incluye ocho especies de plantas vasculares que comprenden la totalidad de especies previamente registradas en los islotes y las tres islas mayores del archipiélago (Gonzalo, Bartolomé y Norte). Ninguna de las especies colectadas tiene problemas de conservación. El muestreo confirmó que en la isla Gonzalo no ha ocurrido establecimiento de flora vascular exótica, incluso en lugares intervenidos alrededor del Faro de la Armada de Chile. Se recomienda un monitoreo estricto para prevenir el establecimiento y diseminación de plantas exóticas que potencialmente podrían alterar la vegetación de este archipiélago.