Resumen Introducción: Rhizophora mangle se considera un nicho para microorganismos con enzimas degradantes potencialmente novedosas y complejas. Objetivo: Caracterizar poblaciones de Vibrio con métodos dependientes de cultivo, provenientes de muestras de sedimentos y de agua recolectadas a lo largo de un transecto de R. mangle compuesto por tres sitios. Métodos: Las cepas se caracterizaron según su distribución, diversidad, degradación de materia orgánica y parámetros ambientales. Resultados: Las densidades bacterianas estuvieron fuertemente asociadas con la temperatura y la salinidad. Un total de 87 secuencias de buena calidad que representan los aislamientos de los tres sitios se agruparon en 8 OTUs (Unidad taxonómica operativa). La asignación taxonómica indicó que los miembros dominantes eran Vibrionaceae. Los análisis de diversidad beta mostraron que las comunidades bacterianas se agruparon por fuente de la muestra en lugar de distribución espacial, y se encontró que la diversidad alfa era mayor en el agua que en los sedimentos. El 3 % de las cepas de muestras de agua fueron capaces de degradar carboxi-metilcelulosa con índices enzimáticos más bajos en comparación con el 4 % de las cepas de muestras de sedimentos que mostraron los índices enzimáticos más altos. Dos cepas identificadas como Vibrio agarivorans degradaron celulosa y agarosa, produciendo los índices enzimáticos más altos. Conclusiones: Encontramos mayor densidad bacteriana y diversidad en comunidades bacterianas de muestras de agua que en las de sedimento, con diferentes OTUs, incluyendo aquellos similares a Ferrimonas, Providencia, o Shewanella, que no fueron aislados en el sedimento. OTUs de Vibrio degradaron celulosa en ambos tipos de muestras. Los resultados del estudio resaltan la importancia de mangle rojo como hábitat de Vibrio y reservorio de fuentes potenciales de enzimas con aplicaciones biotecnológicas.

Abstract Introduction: Rhizophora mangle is considered an ecological niche for microorganisms with potentially novel and complex degrading enzymes. Objective: To characterize Vibrio populations using culture-dependent methods, using samples collected from sediments and water along a red mangrove transect composed of three sites. Methods: Strains were characterized according to their distribution, capacity to degrade of organic matter and other environmental parameters. Additionally the sequence diversity was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results: Bacterial densities were strongly associated with temperature and salinity. A total of 87 good-quality sequences representing the isolates from the three sites, were binned into eight OTUs (Operational taxonomic units). Taxonomic assignment indicated that the dominant members were Vibrionaceae. Beta diversity analyses showed that bacterial communities clustered by sample source rather than spatial distribution, and that alpha diversity was found to be higher in water than in sediment. Three percent of the strains from water samples could degrade carboxyl-methyl cellulose with the smallest enzymatic indexes compared to 4 % of the strains from sediment samples that showed the highest enzymatic indexes. Two strains identified as Vibrio agarivorans degraded cellulose and agarose, producing the highest enzymatic indexes. Conclusions: We found higher bacterial densities and diversity in the bacterial communities of the water samples compared to the sediment, with different OTUs including those similar to Ferrimonas, Providencia, or Shewanella which were not isolated in the sediment. Vibrio OTUs were shown to degrade cellulose in both sample types. The results of this study highlight the importance of red mangroves as Vibrio habitats and as reservoirs of potential enzyme sources with biotechnological applications.

ABSTRACT The biological importance of rhizosphere sediment-associated fungi in mangroves is poorly understood, especially when they are affected by high salinity and anaerobiosis in disturbed areas. This study evaluated the fungal diversity in the rhizosphere sediments of three mangrove species associated with three conservation conditions of mangrove forests in preserved, semi-preserved, and deteriorated areas. In addition, fungal bioactivity was correlated to the fungal diversity found in mangrove species from each area. We isolated 50 fungal strains belonging to three phyla, seven classes, and 10 orders. The fungal diversity was higher in the preserved area (H’ = 2.22) than in the semi-preserved (H’ = 1.73) and deteriorated areas (H’ = 1.68); the redundancy analysis showed a tendency of fungal accumulation towards the rhizosphere of Rhizophora mangle and Avicennia germinans in the preserved and semi-preserved areas. In addition, the redundancy analysis showed that 10 bioactive fungi genera tended to accumulate on the rhizosphere of R. mangle and A. germinans in the preserved and semi-preserved areas. The preserved area is related to the semi-preserved area, with a 28% Jaccard similarity coefficient. The diversity and bioactivity of the isolated fungi encourage the need to conserve and restore mangrove ecosystems considering their current and potential services, such as bioprospecting new pharmacological compounds.

ABSTRACT: In the present research, satellite images have been used, which with the appropriate processing have allowed to evaluate the existing vegetation cover in the territorial space of the protected natural area The Mangroves of Tumbes National Sanctuary - Peru and that was verified with a face-to-face tour. It was possible to determine the presence of 7 types of areas inside, 2 without water cover bodies and salty zones - sandbanks; and 5 with vegetation cover such as semi-dense dry forest, dense dry forest, low strip mangrove, middle strip mangrove and high strip mangrove. Mangrove covers occupy most of the interior of the natural area. Likewise, in the mangrove ecosystem the species with the highest value of index of importance (IVI) is the species Rhizophora mangle and in the dry forest ecosystem it is the species Caesalpinia paipai.

RESUMEN: En la presente investigación se ha utilizado imágenes satelitales, que con el adecuado procesamiento han permitido evaluar la cobertura vegetal existente el espacio territorial del área natural protegida Santuario Nacional Los Manglares de Tumbes - Perú y que se verificó con recorrido presencial. Se pudo determinar la presencia de 7 tipos de áreas en su interior, 2 sin cobertura cuerpos de agua y zonas salitrosas - bancos de arena; y 5 con cobertura vegetal como bosque seco semidenso, bosque seco denso, manglar de franja baja, manglar de franja media y manglar de franja alta. Las coberturas de manglar ocupan la mayor parte del interior del área natural. Así mismo, en el ecosistema manglar la especie con mayor valor de índice de importancia (IVI) es la especie Rhizophora mangle y en el ecosistema bosque seco lo es la especie Caesalpinia paipai.

Mangroves are highly productive and rich ecosystems that thrive at the interface of land and sea. They provide a wide range of essential goods and services, contribute highly to coastal protection and the livelihood of coastal communities, and are also carbon-rich biomes contributing to carbon sequestration. Mangroves are primarily threatened by anthropogenic activities; a loss in biodiversity has been observed in the past years in many countries including Mauritius. Given their value to the ecosystem, it is important to have effective continuous monitoring of mangrove dynamics. We studied the rate of increase of canopy coverage of planted Rhizophora mucronata forests in two selected sites (Le Morne and Grande Rivière Noire) on a southern African island - Mauritius - using Google Earth Pro historical Landsat 7 and Landsat 8 images. Data were processed using ImageJ software. To our knowledge, this technique has not yet been applied for monitoring mangrove growth. The mangrove sites were classified into four zones based on water level and tidal variations. On average, the rate of increase of canopy coverage expressed by a coefficient 'b at Le Morne (b = 1.901) was higher than that at Grande Rivière Noire (b = 1.823). The coefficient 'b' positively correlated with the zonations (r ~ 0.8). Higher 'b values (2.319-2.886) were observed in Zone 1, where the substrate is always covered with water at low tide. The use of remote sensing data along with image processing analysis proved to be an effective tool to obtain relevant information, not only for mapping mangroves but also for monitoring the canopy growth rates of planted mangroves. SIGNIFICANCE: • We describe a novel technique whereby remote sensing data are processed through image processing using ImageJ software, to effectively monitor planted mangrove canopy growth by pixel count. • This study highlights the successful application of the technique to obtain relevant information for mapping and monitoring the canopy growth rates of planted mangroves. • This technique can be further extended to identify potential areas for mangrove propagation worldwide based on tidal level variations.

Abstract Polyphenolics from Rhizophora mangle (R. mangle) have shown wound healing and anti- inflammatory effects that may be potentiated by being associated with ascorbic acid, an important substance for collagen and elastin synthesis that plays a role in tissue repair. In our study, we aimed to formulate an association of R. mangle and ascorbic acid in hydrogels and evaluate the association’s cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects. In a pre-formulation study, three gelling polymers (i.e.xanthan gum, poloxamer and hydroxyethyl cellulose) were tested. The selected polymer (i.e. xanthan gum) was used to evaluate cytotoxic and immunomodulatory effects using flow cytometry. Xanthan gum (1.5%) had a homogeneous appearance, an orange colour, a smooth surface, intense brightness and the typical odour, as well as non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour. With a pH of 5.0-5.3 and a non-cytotoxic profile, xanthan gum induced the proliferation and activation of CD4 +, CD8+ and NK T lymphocytes and the production of IL- 2, IL-4, IL-10, IL-17 and TNF-α cytokines in stimulated splenocytes. The results suggest that the association of R. mangle and ascorbic acid in 1.5% xanthan gum hydrogel may be promising in preparations for wound-healing processes.

Abstract: Background: In the Yucatan Peninsula, some mangrove areas were filled with rubble and residential areas were latter developed. Questions: Can the knowledge of the forest structure and carbon storage be used to establish a baseline for urban mangrove conservation? Study species: Rhizophora mangle L., Laguncularia racemosa Gaertn f., Avicennia germinans L. y Conocarpus erectus L. Location and study year: Isla del Carmen, Campeche, 2017. Methods: Sampling units were established for assessing vegetation structure and measuring above-ground and below-ground carbon stock in two mangrove zone; the first one was filled with rubble and the second without land use changes. Results: The site filled with rubble had a basal area of 25.4 m2 ha-1, where A. germinans was the dominant species with stand density of 675 trees ha-1, with average height of 5.5 m and average diameter at breast height of 13.4 ± 1.6 cm. The site without land use changes had a basal area of 27.8 m2 ha-1 and A. germinans was also the most abundant species with 731 trees ha-1, but individuals were smaller (5.0 m tall) and with greater diameter at breast height (15.2 cm), as compared with the other site. The estimated total carbon stored in the second site (383 Mg C ha-1) was higher than in the first one (321 Mg C ha-1). Conclusions: The ecological value of carbon sequestration and forest structure contributed to strengthening the conservation and protection measures against invasions of urban mangroves.

Resumen: Antecedentes: En la península de Yucatán, algunas zonas del manglar han sido rellenadas con escombros y basura, donde posteriormente se establecieron zonas habitacionales. Preguntas: ¿Puede usarse el conocimiento de la estructura forestal y el almacén de carbono para establecer la línea base para la conservación de los manglares urbanos? Especies de estudio: Rhizophora mangle L., Laguncularia racemosa Gaertn f., Avicennia germinans L. y Conocarpus erectus L. Sitio y años de estudio: Isla del Carmen, Campeche, año 2017. Métodos: Se establecieron unidades de muestreo para evaluar la vegetación y medir el carbono aéreo y subterráneo en dos zonas de manglar, la primera fue rellenada con escombros y otra sin cambios del suelo. Resultados: La zona rellenada con escombros presentó un área basal de 25.4 m2 ha-1, donde A. germinans fue la especie dominante con 675 árboles ha-1, con promedios de 5.5 m en altura y 13.4 cm de diámetro. La otra zona sin cambios del suelo presentó un área basal de 27.8 m2 ha-1, siendo también A. germinans la especie más abundante con 731 árboles ha-1, pero su altura fue más baja (5.0 m) y su diámetro a la altura del pecho mayor (15.2 cm) que en la otra zona. El carbono total almacenado en la segunda zona (383 Mg C ha-1) fue mayor que en la primera (321 Mg C ha-1). Conclusiones: El valor ecológico de la vegetación y la captura de carbono contribuye en el fortalecimiento de medidas de conservación y protección del manglar ante las invasiones urbanas.

Abstract Background: Mangrove plant species have distinctive anatomical and physiological responses to cope with a wide range of salinities and inundations. These strategies pertain a safe and efficient water use and transport, essential for survival. Questions: How are the anatomical and physiological attributes of the hydraulic architecture of seedlings and adults of Rhizophora mangle? what are the changes in hydraulic architecture of seedlings and adults of R. mangle in contrasting microenvironments? Studied species: Rhizophora mangle L. (Rhizophoraceae). Study site and dates: Scrub and fringe mangroves in Ria Celestún Biosphere Reserve, during the rainy season of 2013 (July to October). Methods: Hydraulic conductivity and leaf water potential, as well as xylem vessel density, length, transversal and radial diameter, and area were measured for seedlings and adults from both sites. The prevailing environmental conditions (soil water potential, salinity, photon flux density, air temperature and relative humidity) were also characterized. Results: A safer hydraulic conduction system, with narrow and more grouped vessels, was observed in seedlings than in adults of R. mangle in both sites. Adult individuals from the scrub mangrove, in the hyper saline microenvironment, had a safer hydraulic conduction system than adults in the fringe mangrove. Conclusions: The seedling stage of R. mangle showed a safer hydraulic system than adults in both types of mangroves. However, over time this hydraulic conduction system could become more efficient or remain safe depending on the microenvironment in which individuals are growing.

Resumen Antecedentes: Los manglares presentan respuestas anatómicas y fisiológicas distintivas para enfrentar una amplia variación de condiciones ambientales. Éstas están relacionadas con la seguridad y eficiencia en el uso y transporte del agua para su supervivencia. Preguntas: ¿Cómo son los atributos anatómicos y fisiológicos de la arquitectura hidráulica de las plántulas y los adultos de R. mangle? ¿Cuáles son los cambios en la arquitectura hidráulica de plántulas y adultos de R. mangle, en microambientes contrastantes? Especies de estudio: Rhizophora mangle L. (Rhizophoraceae). Sitio y años de estudio: Manglares chaparros y de franja en la Reserva de la Biósfera Ria Celestún, durante la estación lluviosa de 2013. Métodos: Se realizaron mediciones de la conductividad hidráulica y el potencial hídrico foliar, así como aspectos anatómicos de los vasos del xilema, en plántulas y los adultos de ambos sitios. También se caracterizaron las condiciones ambientales (potencial hídrico del suelo, salinidad, densidad de flujo de fotones, temperatura del aire y humedad relativa del aire). Resultados: El sistema de conducción hidráulica de las plántulas de ambos sitios fue más seguro, con vasos estrechos y más agrupados, que en adultos. Los adultos del manglar chaparro tuvieron un sistema de conducción más seguro que en los adultos del manglar de franja. Conclusiones: Las plántulas de R. mangle mostraron un sistema de conducción hidráulico más seguro que los adultos en ambos tipos de manglar. Sin embargo, con el tiempo, el sistema de conducción puede revertir en un sistema más eficiente o permanecer seguro, dependiendo del microambiente en el que se desarrollen los individuos.

RESUMO Os manguezais são ecossistemas costeiros comuns em regiões tropicais de todo mundo. As interações ecológicas são recorrentes nesses ambientes florestais, entre elas, a herbivoria. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo objetivou avaliar a herbivoria foliar em três espécies vegetais, Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia schaueriana e Rhizophora mangle e compará-la entre as estações seca e chuvosa, em um manguezal na Praia de Arpoeiras, em Acaraú, Ceará. Inicialmente, foram selecionadas e marcadas dez árvores de cada espécie vegetal com uma distância mínima de cinco metros uma da outra. Foram coletadas aleatoriamente dez folhas de cada árvore, 100 por espécie, contabilizando 300 por coleta e um total de 1800 folhas. Foram realizadas três coletas no período seco (agosto, setembro e outubro) e mais três no período chuvoso (janeiro, fevereiro e março). Em laboratório, as folhas foram mensuradas com relação à largura, comprimento e obtido o peso delas. As folhas foram classificadas quanto à injúria de herbivoria e tiveram sua área foliar e herbivorada restituída e calculada. As injúrias mais frequentes foram: raspagem, buraco I, buraco II, mancha I, mancha II, galha e mina. Contudo, outras estiveram presentes, entretanto, com baixa representatividade. As classificações buraco I e mina estiveram com maior frequência nas folhas de Laguncularia racemosa. Em Avicennia schaueriana foi mais frequente raspagem, mancha I e galha. Já em Rhizophora mangle, ocorreu com frequência buraco II, com grande perda da superfície da folha e injúrias indefinidas. Conclui-se que os herbívoros apresentam preferência entre as espécies vegetais e algumas injúrias são mais frequentes. A salinidade do ambiente de estudo foi um fator determinante para a herbivoria, pois foi na estação chuvosa que houve os maiores valores de herbivoria foliar nas espécies de mangues.

ABSTRACT Mangroves are common coastal ecosystems in tropical regions around the world. Ecological interactions are recurrent in these forest environments, including herbivory. In this sense, the present study aimed to evaluate leaf herbivory in three mangrove species, Laguncularia racemosa, Avicennia schaueriana and Rhizophora mangle, in a mangrove forest at Arpoeiras Beach, in Acaraú, Ceará and to compare it between the dry and rainy seasons in the region. Initially, ten trees of each mangrove species were selected and marked with a minimum distance of five meters apart. Next, ten leaves were randomly collected from each tree, 100 per species, i.e., 300 per collection, and a total of 1800. Three collections were made in the dry period (August, September and October) and three more in the rainy period (January, February and March). In the laboratory, the leaves were measured for width and length and weighed. They were classified according to herbivory damage and had their leaf area and herbivorous restored area were determined. The damages that were more frequent were scraping, hole I, hole II, spot I, spot II, gall and mine. Other damage was present but with low representativeness. Hole I and mine were more frequently in the leaves of Laguncularia racemosa. In Avicennia schaueriana, scraping, spot I and gall were more frequent. In Rhizophora mangle, hole II frequently occurred, with great loss of leaf surface and undefined damage. It is concluded that herbivores show preference among plant species and some injuries are more frequent. The salinity of the environment was a determining factor for herbivory, since it was in the rainy season that there were the highest values of leaf herbivory in mangrove species.

Resumo Este estudo detalha a diversidade e distribuição de Caryocaraceae, Hypericaceae e Rhizophoraceae ocorrentes no estado do Ceará. Um tratamento florístico foi realizado com base na análise de caracteres morfológicos de espécimes de diferentes herbários (ALCB, EAC, HCDAL, HST, HUEFS, HVASF, IAN, MBM, MOSS, SP, UEC e UFMT), bibliografias e fotos de coleções-tipos. Cada família está representada por uma espécie. Caryocar coriaceum ocorre predominantemente na porção sul do estado do Ceará na savana (cerrado) e savana florestada (cerradão). Vismia guianensis apresenta distribuição mais ampla ocorrendo em diferentes tipos de vegetação, mas, principalmente em floresta ombrófila (mata úmida) e savana. Rhizophora mangle é mais restrita ao litoral e foi registrada somente em vegetação sob influencia fluvial e/ou lacustre (manguezais). As três espécies foram registradas em Unidades de Conservação do Ceará. Chave de identificação das espécies, descrições morfológicas, comentários sobre conservação, habitat e fenologia, bem como fotos e ilustrações são fornecidos.

Abstract We examined the diversity and distribution of Caryocaraceae, Hypericaceae, and Rhizophoraceae in Ceará State, Brazil. Floristic treatments were carried out based on comparative analyses of the morphological characters of specimens from several Brazilian herbaria (ALCB, EAC, HCDAL, HST, HUEFS, HVASF, IAN, MBM, MOSS, SP, UEC and UFMT), the scientific literature, and photographs of type collections. Each family is represented here by a single species. Caryocar coriaceum occurs predominantly in the southern portion of Ceará State in typical open (cerrado) and forested savannas (cerradão). Vismia guianensis is widely distributed and occurs in several vegetation types, but mainly ombrophilous forests and savannas. Rhizophora mangle has a narrow distribution range, being recorded in coastal vegetation with fluvial and/or lacustrine influences (mangrove swamps). All three species were recorded in designated Conservation Areas. An identification key for the species, morphological descriptions, commentaries on their conservation, habitats and phenologies, as well as photographs and illustrations are provided.

Resumo Littoraria angulifera (Lamarck, 1822) é um gastrópode estuarino, de ocorrência tropical, que vive principalmente sobre troncos de espécies arbóreas de mangue. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os atributos populacionais dessa espécie, como abundância, distribuição espaço-temporal, razão sexual e recrutamento em manguezais do estado da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil. Os espécimes foram coletados mensalmente ao longo de 2018, em troncos do mangue vermelho Rhizophora mangle L. em duas alturas e em dois níveis horizontais. Também foram coletados espécimes que estavam na grama marinha Spartina alterniflora Loisel. Após contagem, biometria e sexagem, os espécimes foram devolvidos vivos ao ambiente. O tamanho e peso médios de L. angulifera foram maiores (p<0,05) em locais com árvores mais altas e menos esparsas e a distribuição vertical nos troncos mostrou preferência por estratos próximos ao solo. Ambos os resultados estão relacionados ao sombreamento e proteção contra a dessecação. As fêmeas foram mais abundantes que os machos, em uma proporção sexual aproximada F: M de 1,4: 1. Recrutas foram observados ao longo do período, mostrando reprodução contínua da espécie, com um pico de recrutamento na primavera (setembro a novembro). O estudo revelou a importância de manter os manguezais intactos para permitir a manutenção dos estoques naturais da espécie.

Abstract Littoraria angulifera (Lamarck, 1822) is an estuarine gastropod of tropical occurrence, which lives mainly on trunks of mangrove tree species. This study aimed to evaluate the population attributes of this species, such as abundance, space-time distribution, sex ratio and recruitment in mangroves in Bahia State, northeastern Brazil. The specimens were collected monthly throughout 2018, on trunks of the red mangrove Rhizophora mangle L. at two heights and on two horizontal levels. Specimens that were on the marine grass Spartina alterniflora Loisel were also collected. After counting, biometrics and sexing, the specimens were returned alive to the environment. The average size and weight of L. angulifera was higher (p<0.05) in places with taller and less sparse trees and the vertical distribution on the trunks showed a preference for strata close to the soil. Both results are related to shading and protection against desiccation. Females were more abundant than males, at an approximate sex ratio F: M of 1.4: 1. Recruits were observed throughout the period, showing continuous reproduction of the species with a recruitment peak in spring (September to November). The study revealed the importance of keep the mangroves intact to allow the maintenance of the natural stocks of the species.

Resumen Introducción: Los manglares están en declive en el mundo, conocer su estructura y regeneración en diferentes niveles de alteración puede ayudar a comprender la dinámica poblacional ante situaciones de estrés. Objetivo: La meta principal del estudio fue analizar la estructura comunitaria y estimar la trayectoria de las poblaciones de Avicenia germinans en diferentes sitios de manglar que presentan tres niveles de alteración. Métodos: Ocho transectos de aproximadamente 500 m de largo y colocados de manera perpendicular a la laguna de Tampamachoco, Veracruz, interceptaron tres niveles de alteración en los sitios estudiados del bosque de manglar. En cada transecto, cuadrantes de 10 x 10 m, 5 x 5 m, y 1 x 1 m sirvieron para contar todos los árboles de mangle por especie y estadio de madurez en 2017 y 2018. Resultados: La especie más abundante fue: A. germinans seguida de Rhizophora mangle y Laguncularia racemosa. Con base en su abundancia, se encontraron diferencias significativas según los tres grados de alteración (AM R = 0.6, P < 0.001), ilustrado en un análisis de ordenación no métrico (nMDS). Una tabla de vida para A. germinans permitió un análisis poblacional que mostró una tasa intrínseca de incremento poblacional (r) negativa para los sitios que presentan alteración (-0.0027 u -0.0774) y positiva (0.0289) en el sitio sin alteración aparente. La supervivencia del estadio de plántula a juvenil varia de 50 % en el sitio no alterados a 5 y 4 % en los otros dos sitios. Conclusiones: Se necesitan medidas para incrementar la sobrevivencia de las plántulas y revertir la disminución de las trayectorias en los sitios con alteración, de otra forma el manglar tendrá una viabilidad reducida en el término medio.

Abstract Introduction: Globally, mangroves are declining; characterizing their structure and regeneration at different disturbance levels can help understand their responses to stressful situations. Objective: The study’s primary goal was to analyze the mangrove community structure and to estimate the populations’ trajectories of Avicenia germinans at different mangrove sites that present three levels of disturbance. Methods: Eight transects of approximately 500 m in length and laid perpendicular to the Tamapamchoco lagoon, Veracruz, intersected three levels of disturbance currently present on the mangrove forest. On each transect, 10 x 10 m, 5 x 5 m, and 1 x 1 m quadrants served to account for all mangrove trees by species and stage of maturity in 2017 and 2018. Results: The most abundant species was: A. germinans followed by Rhizophora mangle and Laguncularia racemosa. Based on their abundance, we found significant differences for the three levels of disturbance (ANOSIM R = 0.6, P < 0.001) presented in a non-metric ordination (nMDS). A life table for A. germinans allowed a population analysis that showed an intrinsic rate of population increase (r) that was negative at the disturbed sites (-0.0027 and -0.0774) and positive (0.0289) at the apparently undisturbed site. Seedling to juvenile stage survival ranged from 50 % at the undisturbed site to 5 and 4 % at the disturbed sites. Conclusions: Measures to increase the survival of seedlings are necessary to reverse the decreasing population trajectories at the disturbed sites; otherwise, the mangrove will have reduced viability in the medium term.

Resumo Os manguezais se configuram em um dos ecossistemas mais produtivos do planeta, entretanto eles vêm sofrendo progressivas alterações ambientais, devido às pressões antrópicas. Informações sobre o comportamento fenológico podem ser utilizadas como instrumento na construção de projetos de conservação de recursos naturais. O presente estudo foi realizado em quatro áreas estuarinas em Acaraú, Ceará, objetivando analisar o comportamento fenológico dos componentes reprodutivos de três espécies de mangue em diferentes áreas sujeitas a diferentes tipos de impactos ambientais (resíduos sólidos, desmatamento e efluentes da carcinicultura) e uma área de baixo impacto no período de um ano. A fim de se caracterizar os padrões fenológicos foi realizada observação direta, registrando-se a presença e a intensidade da floração e frutificação. Dois métodos de análise foram aplicados para entender os padrões de floração e frutificação: percentual de intensidade de Fournier e o índice de atividade. As florações de Avicennia spp. e Rhizophora mangle L, em condições naturais, ocorrem o ano todo, e nas áreas impactadas mostraram padrões irregulares. Quanto à frutificação, Laguncularia racemosa (L.) C. F. Gaertn foi a espécie que apresentou os mais altos percentuais para os dois índices fenológicos analisados. A pluviosidade e a salinidade parecem exercer maior força seletiva quando as espécies estão sujeitas a algum tipo de impacto antrópico. A análise comparativa dos diferentes métodos de avaliação fenológicos realizados neste estudo indicou que estes fornecem dados distintos e complementares sobre o comportamento reprodutivo vegetal e de como os impactos a que estes ambientes estão sujeitos pode estar interferindo negativamente sobre a flora deste ecossistema.

Abstract Mangroves are one of the most productive ecosystems on the planet however they have undergone progressive environmental changes due to anthropic pressures. Information on phenological behavior can be used as an instrument in the construction of conservation projects of natural resources. The present study was carried out in four estuarine areas in Acaraú, Ceará, Brazil, with the aim of analyzing of phenological behavior regarding reproductive components of three mangrove species in different areas subject to different environmental impacts (solid waste, deforestation and shrimp farm effluent) and a low impacted area, during a period of one year. patterns of flowering and fruiting: Fournier Index (percentage of intensity) and the index of activity. The flowering of Avicennia spp. and Rhizophora mangle, under natural conditions, occurred all year round, and it showed irregular patterns. Regarding fruiting, Laguncularia racemosa was the species that presented the highest values for the two phenological indices analyzed. Rainfall and salinity seemed to exert a more selective force when species were subjected to an anthropic impact. The comparative analysis of the different phenological evaluation methods carried out in this study indicated that they provide different and complementary data about the reproductive behavior of the plant and how the impacts to which these environments are subjected may be negatively interfering with the flora of this ecosystem.

RESUMEN Las raíces de Rhizophora mangle proveen un hábitat de guardería para muchas especies debido a la estructura tridimensional que forman, lo cual delimita un área de difícil acceso para depredadores grandes. Adicionalmente, proveen un sustrato duro para muchas especies bentónicas, que se atan a las raíces y contribuyen a la estructura tridimensional del ecosistema. Entre esos organismos, encontramos varias macroalgas, que contribuyen a la productividad primaria del ecosistema y proveen alimento y refugio a los herbívoros. En el presente estudio se identificaron las macroalgas asociadas a las raíces de Rhizophora mangle, en playa Cholón, en las islas del Rosario, Caribe colombiano. Se reportan 36 especies of macroalgas: 21 Rhodophyta, once Chlorophyta y cuatro Phaeophyceae. De esas 36 especies, 19 son nuevos registros para las islas, y otros seis son nuevos registros para Colombia. Este es el primer estudio sobre las macroalgas asociadas a las raíces de manglar en el Caribe colombiano, e ilustra tanto la alta diversidad de la flora marina en el Caribe suroccidental, como la falta de estudios sobre el tema.

ABSTRACT The roots of the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, provide a nursery habitat for many species, due to the tridimensional structure they provide, which delimits an area difficult to access to large predators. Moreover, they provide a hard substrate for many benthonic species, which attach to the roots and contribute to the tridimensional structure of the ecosystem. Among these organisms, there are several macroalgae, which contribute to the primary productivity of the ecosystem and provide food and shelter to herbivores. In the present study we identified the macroalgae associated with the roots of Rhizophora mangle, in Cholón beach, Rosario Islands National Park, Caribbean Colombia. We report a total of 36 species of macroalgae: 21 Rhodophyta, eleven Chlorophyta, and four Phaeophyceae. Of these, 19 are new records for the islands, and six are new records for Colombia. This is the first study on the macroalgae associated with mangrove roots in the Colombian Caribbean, and it highlights both the high diversity of the marine flora of the Southwestern Caribbean, as well as the paucity of studies on the topic.

Resumen (Introducción): La heterogeneidad ambiental de los manglares está consistentemente relacionada con factores biofísicos y antrópicos locales. Debido a que estos ecosistemas están sometidos a distintas presiones naturales o antrópicas, es necesario comprender el efecto de estas prácticas de manejo sobre sus componentes, para guiar acciones conducentes a incrementar su grado de resiliencia ante fenómenos meteorológicos extremos. (Objetivo): La propuesta de esta investigación consistió en evaluar la condición ambiental de 4 comunidades de manglar a partir del estudio de los componentes suelo y vegetación, mediante un conjunto de propiedades edáficas y dasométricas, en la zona norte de la laguna de Coyuca, México. (Metodología): La selección de los sitios de estudio y muestreo consideró su representatividad espacial, grado de alteración y proximidad a la línea de costa. Se caracterizó la estructura y biomasa arbórea y se tomaron muestras de suelo a una profundidad de 30 cm para su análisis en laboratorio. (Resultados): El inventario forestal mostró la presencia de las especies Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa y Conocarpus erectus, cuya distribución está relacionada, principalmente, con el régimen hídrico del suelo, pH y salinidad. El almacén de carbono aéreo y edáfico fluctuó entre 41.5 y 165 Mg ha-1, siendo consistente con su grado de perturbación. (Conclusiones): Los principales efectos de las actividades antrópicas fueron la pérdida parcial de la estructura del bosque por tala y quema, compactación de la capa superficial del suelo, lo que deriva en el incremento de la densidad aparente y reducción del carbono almacenado en biomasa y suelo.

Abstract (Introduction) The environmental heterogeneity of mangroves is consistently related to local biophysical and anthropic factors. Because these ecosystems are subject to different natural or anthropic pressures, understanding the effect of these management practices on their components is necessary to take action to increase their degree of resilience to extreme weather events. (Objective) This research was aimed at evaluating the environmental condition of 4 mangrove communities based on the study of soil and vegetation components, through a set of edaphic and dasometric properties, in the Northern area of the Coyuca Lagoon, Mexico. (Methodology) The selection of study and sampling sites considered their spatial representativeness, degree of alteration, and proximity to the coastline. Tree structure and biomass were characterized, and 30 cm-deep soil samples were taken for lab analysis. (Results) Forest inventory showed the presence of the Rhizophora mangle, Laguncularia racemosa, and Conocarpus erectus species, whose distribution is mainly related to the soil hydric regimen, pH, and salinity. Air and soil carbon storage fluctuated between 41.5 and 165 Mg ha-1, being consistent with their degree of disturbance. (Conclusions) The main effects of the anthropic activities were partial loss of forest structure due to slash-and-burn, compaction of the soil’s surface layers, resulting in increased apparent density and reduced carbon stored in biomass and soil.

ABSTRACT Mangroves are salt tolerant plants that occur in tropical and sub-tropical sheltered coasts. Saltwater intrusions into terrestrial landscapes often occur due to either anthropogenic reasons or natural calamities such as tsunamis. We investigated the potential of using mangrove species for rehabilitation of high saline environments by revealing the capacities of species to remove salt from sediment. We established the salt retention capacity of common mangrove species in Sri Lanka i.e., Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata, Ceriops tagal, and Avicennia marina through ex-situ and in-situ measurements of NaCl content in plant tissue and soil samples, by titrating with 0.01 N AgNO3. The results revealed A. marina to be the most efficient in retaining salt within plant tissues while C. tagal is superior to R. mucronata but inferior to A. marina in performing this function. These findings were further confirmed by measuring salt uptake rates of hydroponically grown seedlings of the same species. Although R. mucronata is the most popular species used for restoration, A. marina appears the most suitable mangrove species not only for coastal mangrove restoration but also for rehabilitating salinity affected landscapes.