Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in human mobility, known as “anthropause.” Few studies have compared birds’ community patterns between lockdown and “new normal” periods, especially in extremophile environments. This study presents the first baseline by monitoring coastal birds on 10 beaches along the largest hypersaline lagoon in South America. The birds were counted in September and October 2021 (during a lockdown period) and in October 2022 (after the lockdown – “new normal”) during the morning. The continuous route transect methodology was applied by the same observer in all beaches. The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to investigate the response of community abundance to urbanization (raster-based variable) and time of COVID-19 pandemic (lockdown vs. new normal). Rarefaction curve and Permutational Analysis of Variance (PERMANOVA) were used to compare community richness and composition, respectively, between lockdown and new normal periods. Generalized Linear Models (GLM) with negative binomial distribution were applied to test the effect of the same predictors on the three more abundant species. The bird community structure and composition did not change when comparing lockdown and new normal periods, mainly due to dominance of synanthropic species. Among species-specific responses to lockdown, the Southern Lapwing Vanellus chilensis was more abundant during the lockdown on six of the nine beaches where it occurred. Oppositely, the Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus and the Neotropic Cormorant Nannopterum brasilianus were more abundant in new normal period, reinforcing that these species benefit from human subsidies. This may provide a unique opportunity for science-based sustainable ecotourism activities in urban areas with synanthropic species, capitalizing activities such as birdwatching, that would certainly contribute to environmental education actions. COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 mobility anthropause. anthropause “anthropause. periods environments 1 America 202 period after morning ANCOVA (ANCOVA rasterbased raster based variable vs normal. . normal) PERMANOVA (PERMANOVA respectively GLM (GLM speciesspecific specific occurred Oppositely subsidies sciencebased science birdwatching actions COVID1 COVID- “anthropause 20 2

ABSTRACT Along the coast of the state of Pernambuco, NE Brazil, the presence of coastal outcrops aligned with the shoreline and distributed above and below the mean sea level is remarkable. These outcrops were sampled, and petrological, isotopic, and geochronological analyses were integrated to investigate the local effects of the Holocene sea-level fluctuations. The results indicate that the rocks are recent (< 8ka), formed by cementation of beach sands (magnesian calcite cement, predominance of quartz and presence of marine bioclasts, signs of compaction, fractures, and dissolution), in a tropical climate and warm waters, which allows to classify them as typical examples of beachrocks. The carbonate cement consisted of Mg-rich calcite with values ranging from −1.1‰ to 3.5‰ for δ13C and from −0.9‰ to 0.5‰ for δ18OVPDB. These isotopic values are typical of marine carbonate cemented deposits in shallow marine environments under freshwater influence (meteoric vadose environment). In these conditions, the cementing processes occurred in the intertidal zones, which reinforce the use of these data as indicators of ancient sea levels. The sea level fluctuations could be divided, in chronological order, into three different phases, starting with a rapid sea level rise followed by a relative stabilization at a maximum level and, finally, a decreasing phase. Recent sea level fluctuations in Pernambuco are represented by beachrocks with ages between 8 ka and 800 years and a maximum level of 2 to 3 meters above the present mean level. In scenarios of a near future with a general global sea level rise pattern, significant local geomorphological changes may occur, which means a great future challenge to society. Brazil remarkable sampled petrological sealevel < ( 8ka, 8ka , 8ka) magnesian bioclasts compaction fractures dissolution, dissolution dissolution) waters Mgrich Mg rich 11 1 −1.1 35 5 3.5 δC δ C 09 0 9 −0.9 05 0.5 δ18OVPDB δOVPDB OVPDB meteoric environment. environment . environment) conditions zones levels divided order phases finally phase 80 pattern occur society −1. 3. −0. 0. −1 −0 −

ABSTRACT Seaweed blooms pose a compelling governance challenge caused by the new environments of the Anthropocene. Along the Quintana Roo coastline, nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the onset of extensive Sargassum infestations began in late 2014, posing a formidable environmental management dilemma for state and federal authorities. This study describes the institutional responses elicited by the Sargassum influx on Mexico’s Caribbean shoreline, particularly focusing on Cancún and the Riviera Maya. It proposes ecological reflexivity as a promising governance principle for institutions faced with increasingly complex and unforeseeable circumstances, such as the massive arrivals of Sargassum. Based on a comprehensive analysis of national press reports, active participation in forums and seminars, and in-depth interviews, our research identifies three distinct governance phases. We explore these phases considering the concept of ecological reflexivity. Our findings make a strong case for acknowledging institutional errors and shortcomings as an indispensable aspect of formulating effective strategies to combat unexpected and unfamiliar phenomena such as seaweed blooms. Moreover, governance strategies for dealing with Sargassum in Quintana Roo should not only consider responding to human interests and sustaining the tourist industry. Instead, they should encompass an approach that considers the interplay between human and non-human components within the socio-ecological system. Anthropocene coastline 2014 authorities Mexicos Mexico s shoreline Maya circumstances reports seminars indepth depth interviews Moreover industry Instead nonhuman non socioecological socio system 201 20 2

Abstract Drones have proven to be versatile tools for scientific studies aimed at assessing the environmental quality of various ecosystems. This study diagnosed the restinga vegetation in the coastal municipality of Pontal do Paraná, in the state of Paraná, Southern Brazil. This vegetation, which extends over 21.72 km of the coastline of the municipality, was grouped into eight sectors to optimize 27 drone flight plans. The images obtained were transformed into orthomosaics and classified into eight classes, following the random forest classifier: herbaceous, shrubby, arboreal, sand, degraded area, irregular construction, water, and other. We observed 289.11 ha of restinga, of which 183.66 ha (63.5%) corresponded to conserved areas and 105.45 ha (36.5%), to a total degraded area with irregular constructions, vegetation suppression, and introduction of exotic species. Sectors 1 and 5 showed the lowest (8.19 ha) and highest (21.00 ha) values of degraded areas, respectively. Sectors 6 and 8 were the most critical: their degraded areas exceeded the conserved areas of restinga by 4.15 and 3.95 ha, respectively. The main causes of the degradation n in this study refer to irregular occupation. Drone images are a valuable tool for environmental management and vegetation analysis of difficult-to-access sites. ecosystems Paraná Brazil 2172 21 72 21.7 2 plans classes classifier herbaceous shrubby arboreal sand construction water other 28911 289 11 289.1 18366 183 66 183.6 63.5% 635 63 (63.5% 10545 105 45 105.4 36.5%, 365 36.5% , 36 (36.5%) constructions suppression species 8.19 819 19 (8.1 21.00 2100 00 (21.0 respectively critical 415 4 15 4.1 395 3 95 3.9 occupation difficulttoaccess difficult access sites 217 7 21. 2891 28 289. 1836 18 183. 63.5 (63.5 1054 10 105. 36.5 (36.5% 8.1 81 (8. 21.0 210 0 (21. 41 4. 39 9 3. 63. (63. 36. (36.5 8. (8 (21 (63 (36. ( (2 (6 (36 (3

ABSTRACT Several studies have reported on the presence of litter on beaches and in the oceans, but this represents the smallest part of the litter that ends up in the sea. Little is known about the litter that settles on the ocean floor, especially near coastal regions. Thus, this study quantified, classified and determined possible sources of subtidal benthic marine litter input off the coast of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Different sites were selected in Guanabara Bay, an area with the greatest industrial and population concentration in the state of Rio de Janeiro, and on the coasts of Costa do Sol and Costa Verde, where tourism represents the main economic activity. Material was collected by scuba diving at depths of between 5 and 15 meters at 31 sites distributed among the study areas. A total of 1, 209 items was found, with Guanabara Bay having the highest average concentration (92.40 items/km2), followed by Costa do Sol and Costa Verde (14.15 items/km2 and 9.91 items/km2, respectively). Plastic materials are the most representative solid waste (55.08%), followed by metals (14.97%) and fishing gear (12.48%). Results indicated that local activities affected the composition of the marine litter on Costa do Sol and Costa Verde, whereas in Guanabara Bay, anthropogenic material carried by rivers influenced the marine litter composition at certain locations in addition to local activities. Environmental education actions associated with tourism and fishing activities and better waste management are necessary to minimize the presence of litter in subtidal benthic environments. oceans sea floor regions Thus quantified Janeiro Brazil activity 1 3 areas 20 found 92.40 9240 92 40 (92.4 itemskm2 itemskm , km2 km items/km2) 14.15 1415 14 (14.1 items/km 991 9 91 9.9 respectively. respectively . respectively) 55.08%, 5508 55.08% 55 08 (55.08%) 14.97% 1497 97 (14.97% 12.48%. 1248 12.48% 12 48 (12.48%) environments 2 92.4 924 4 (92. 14.1 141 (14. 99 9. 550 55.08 0 (55.08% 14.97 149 (14.97 124 12.48 (12.48% 92. (92 14. (14 55.0 (55.08 14.9 (14.9 12.4 (12.48 (9 (1 55. (55.0 12. (12.4 ( (55. (12. (55 (12 (5

ABSTRACT Magnetic experiments have provided insight into the preservation of magnetite in sediments of the Inner Sea of the Maldives during early diagenesis. In this study, we present high-resolution remanence data on the upper 15 meters of the sedimentary record and a detailed magnetic characterization of discrete samples from the top 5.5 meters of the International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Site U1471 record. Based on magnetic experiments, it can be concluded that magnetite is rapidly reduced, with a large decrease in natural remanent magnetization (NRM) related to destruction of primary NRM below the upper two meters of the sedimentary record. In thermomagnetic experiments, the appearance of a greigite signal at 3.06 meters below sea floor (mbsf) suggests that current diagenesis could imprint nearly 100 kry of error on the chronology based on magnetostratigraphy. Furthermore, based on X-ray fluorescence data, it can be concluded that magnetite reduction did not affect the Fe record. study highresolution high resolution 1 55 5 5. IODP (IODP U U147 reduced (NRM 306 3 06 3.0 mbsf (mbsf 10 magnetostratigraphy Furthermore Xray X ray U14 30 0 3. U1

ABSTRACT In this study, the length-weight relationships (LWRs) and length-length relationships (LLRs) of 16 marine fish species-important component of fishery production models-were estimated. The specimens were collected monthly from commercial gillnet fisheries from November 6, 2018 to October 30, 2019 in Vietnamese waters. In total, 7,426 individuals had their total length (TL), fork length (FL) and total body weight (W) measured. LWRs were calculated using the logarithmic transformation of the linear regression equation logW = loga + b*logTL, while LLRs were determined using a linear regression model: TL = a + b*FL. In addition, 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for the model parameters. The results showed that all regression parameters were highly significant (p < 0.001), with coefficients of determinations (R 2 ) > 0.9412 for all species. The a (intercept) values ranged from 0.0025 to 0.4, and the b (slope) values ranged from 2.53 to 3.28. TL and FL were highly correlated (p < 0.001 and R 2 > 0.9422 for all parameters), and a and b ranged from -9.12 to 15.85 and 0.87 to 1.45, respectively. The results provide the key morphology parameters, which are beneficial for fishery researchers and managers in stock assessment, administration and conservation. study lengthweight (LWRs lengthlength (LLRs 1 speciesimportant species important modelswere models 6 201 30 waters 7426 7 426 7,42 TL, , (TL) (FL W (W measured blogTL logTL b*logTL bFL b*FL addition 95 CIs (CIs p 0.001, 0001 0 001 0.001) 09412 9412 0.941 intercept (intercept 00025 0025 0.002 04 4 0.4 slope (slope 253 53 2.5 328 3 28 3.28 0.00 09422 9422 0.942 parameters) 9.12 912 9 12 -9.1 1585 15 85 15.8 087 87 0.8 145 45 1.45 respectively assessment conservation 20 742 42 7,4 (TL 000 00 0941 941 0.94 0002 002 0. 25 5 2. 32 3.2 0.0 0942 942 9.1 91 -9. 158 8 15. 08 14 1.4 74 7, 094 94 0.9 3. 9. -9 1. 09 -

Abstract Formed during marine regression periods, shelf valleys (SVs) are preterit river flows on the exposed continental shelf. This study investigates the influence of tectonic activity on forming these important morphological features. This research combines bathymetric, magnetometry, and seismic data to analyze the role of tectonic events in SV genesis and positioning. The bathymetric dataset provides information on SV locations and geometries along the continental shelf, whereas the 2D seismic sections illustrate that SVs formed above post-rift faults that reached Quaternary deposits. Aeromagnetic data indicates that the shallow and deep structures of the basement and sedimentary column-controlled SV locations and evolution. The multi-data integration demonstrates a strong correlation between neotectonic structures and SV location and geometries from the inner shelf (−25 m) to the shelf break (−55 m). The analysis of the 2D seismic data indicated that high-angle faults, formed under a strike-slip tectonic regime, primarily affected the Middle Miocene deposits beneath the shelf valleys. The formation of “negative flower pattern structures” was identified as a primary structural mechanism that contributed to SV formation. Reactivation events that occurred from the Late Cretaceous onwards, gave rise to these faults, which control SV formation and the capture of preterit drainage on the exposed continental shelf. The SV geometries display straight patterns and abrupt changes in direction (90°) due to the interplay of the NE-SW and NW-SE aligned faults. The results reinforce the importance of considering tectonic activity in the formation and evolution of shelf valleys. periods (SVs features magnetometry positioning D postrift post rift columncontrolled column controlled multidata multi −25 25 (−2 m −55 55 (−5 m. . highangle high angle strikeslip strike slip regime negative onwards 90° 90 (90° NESW NE SW NWSE NW SE −2 2 (− −5 5 9 (90 − ( (9

ABSTRACT We present the first report of plastic biomedia contamination on Brazilian beaches based on evidence collected from 14 beaches of the Paraná state coastline (southern Brazil). Plastic biomedia, also called biocarriers, are small, perforated plastic pieces used worldwide in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) that apply the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) process. Accidental release of these particles into the environment adds to Ocean’s long-term plastic pollution problem. A high amount of plastic biomedia presence in the coastal areas of Paraná was first noticed by a community member, who found 411 plastic particles on a beach located in Pontal do Paraná, bringing this issue to our attention. In this study, plastic biomedia was retrieved from drift line alongshore transects (0.3 to 1 km long) and cross-shore transects (5 m wide) from the water line to the backshore zone. A total of 749 items were collected from 11 of the 14 sampled beaches, including the Mel and Superagui Islands nature reserves. The decreasing trend in plastic biomedia abundance with the increase in distance of the PEC southern outlet suggests that these particles probably originate from a WWTP in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex (PEC). Once in the water, these floating plastic particles that followed the suspended sediment transport pattern were exported to coastal waters and were transported by longshore currents. Highlighting the potential role of the PEC as a substantial vector for marine debris to the Paraná coastline. The most likely source of this novel plastic contaminant to the Brazilian coastline are WWTP with MBBR systems. Therefore, stakeholders need to discuss and establish a reporting system so that plastic biomedia spillovers or losses are reported, and its dispersal in the environment is reduced. Brazil. Brazil . Brazil) biocarriers small (WWTP (MBBR process Oceans Ocean s longterm long term problem member 41 attention study 0.3 03 0 3 (0. crossshore cross shore 5 ( wide zone 74 reserves PEC. (PEC) currents systems Therefore reported reduced 4 0. (0 7 (PEC

Abstract Alitta succinea (Leuckart, 1847) is an errant segmented worm from the Nereididae family (Annelida) and is broadly distributed around the greater Atlantic basin. A. succinea is a resilient mobile omnivore that plays an important role in connecting lower and upper levels of the food web. Like many other nereidids, A. succinea metamorphoses into reproductive swimming forms, called epitokes, before entering the water column to spawn. In Galveston, Texas the species A. succinea is commonly found in fouling communities attached to artificial structures in marinas. This study presents a two-year survey of a population found in the Texas A&M University at Galveston Boat Basin. Over the two-year period, we collected over 2,000 A.succinea individuals for a gross comparison of population dynamics and morphometrics. During the summer, we found high numbers of small individuals, indicating a primary recruitment period. This was further corroborated by the high number of epitokes in the summer compared to the winter and spring. During the summer and fall, the observed epitokes were significantly smaller than those found in the winter and spring, which supports previous research that shows a positive relationship between temperature and developmental rates. The continual presence of epitokes indicates the existence of a recruitment process that occurs continuously throughout the year. In terms of morphometrics, atokes and epitokes, both females and males, had their own unique profiles. As we expected, epitokes have larger eyes and wider posterior segments compared to atokes. Interestingly, we found females to be significantly larger than males, no matter the season. This study presents an updated approach to staging sexually reproductive individuals to help standardize taxonomic descriptions. Leuckart, Leuckart (Leuckart 1847 Annelida (Annelida basin A web nereidids forms spawn marinas twoyear two year AM M Basin period 2000 2 000 2,00 Asuccinea morphometrics spring fall rates males profiles expected Interestingly season descriptions 184 200 00 2,0 18 20 0 2, 1

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the biogenic composition of calcium carbonate (CaCO 3) in pelagic sediments in the Santos Basin over the past 140,000 years. The content and composition of CaCO 3 in different sediment fractions were evaluated, including the bulk sample, coarse fraction (foraminifera), medium fraction (juvenile foraminifera and fragments), and fine fraction (nannofossils), to determine the contribution of each fraction to the carbonated sediment composition. We found that variations in CaCO 3 levels were closely linked to glacial and interglacial periods, with higher values during interglacial periods and lower values during glacial periods. The main factor controlling the variation in CaCO 3 was dissolution, which was mainly linked to the influx of more corrosive southern water masses. Fluctuations in CaCO 3 levels were influenced by variations in productivity and dilution caused by terrigenous sediments. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that both processes held a relatively minor impact compared to dissolution. Productivity primarily contributed to increased dissolution rates. During periods of low sea levels, dilution by terrigenous sediments became significant (similarly, the influence of the La Plata River plume was notable). However, due to the limited presence of riverine supply in the study area, which contributes directly to major dilution influences, fluctuations in terrigenous materials were considered of lesser magnitude than those caused by dissolution. The nannofossils were found to be the largest contributor to the total CaCO 3 composition, as they were the fraction least affected by the dissolution process. Overall, our results provide insights into the factors influencing CaCO 3 accumulation in marine sediments and can be used as a tool to determine changes between climatic cycles over time. 140000 140 000 140,00 years evaluated sample foraminifera, , (foraminifera) juvenile fragments, fragments fragments) nannofossils, (nannofossils) masses Nevertheless rates similarly, similarly (similarly notable. notable . notable) However area influences process Overall time 14000 14 00 140,0 (foraminifera (nannofossils 1400 1 0 140,

Abstract Sponge-ophiuroid ecological associations, which are important in the dynamics of marine populations and communities, have been recorded for a long time. In this study, we report new records of interactions between sponges and ophiuroids, which were obtained by analyzing biological collections, to increase knowledge about the associations between these animals. The study observed 14 interactions between sponges and ophiuroids, eight of which are new to science: Ophiocnida scabriuscula and Agelas sp., Ophiothrix sp. and Monanchora arbuscula, Ophiactis quinqueradia and M. arbuscula, O. quinqueradia and Callyspongia ( Cladochalina) aculeata, Ophiactis savignyi and Agelas dispar, O. savignyi and M. arbuscula, O. savignyi and Topsentia ophiraphidites, and O. savignyi and Dysidea etheria. The specimens found were collected in four areas of the northeastern Brazilian coast (tropical southwestern Atlantic), including a conservation area and a mesophotic coral ecosystem. Thus, the continuation of studies and the implementation of conservation strategies for these environments are essential. Finally, the importance of biological collections as a crucial data source for biodiversity studies is reinforced. Spongeophiuroid Sponge ophiuroid communities time ophiuroids animals 1 science sp arbuscula M O Cladochalina aculeata dispar ophiraphidites etheria tropical Atlantic, Atlantic , Atlantic) ecosystem Thus essential Finally reinforced

Abstract Biomarkers of environmental contamination have been frequently used in the assessment of marine ecosystem quality because they provide quantitative measures of biological changes in organisms exposed to pollutants such as hydrocarbons from oil spills. Polychaetes have been tested as sentinel organisms of marine environmental health because they are abundant taxa of benthic assemblages and their sedentary lifestyle ensures chronic exposure to toxins in impacted areas. In this study, we evaluated whether the polychaete Scolelepis goodbodyi can be used as a reliable sentinel species for exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from an experimental diesel spill in a dissipative sand beach in the Southern Atlantic. The design used in this study comprised replicated control and diesel impact sites sampled four times (one, two, four and seven days) before and after the impact. Total PAH levels reached 114.0 ng g -1 in the impact site one day after the diesel spill; however, the pattern of biomarker responses in S. goodbodyi was primarily influenced by spatial variation rather than being attributed to the simulated diesel spill. The apparent absence of a contaminating effect may be linked to the low levels of the toxins retained in the sediment after the spill was simulated to elicit a response or to the presence of an efficient repair system within the organism. Furthermore, the sediments tested in this study, composed of sandy fractions, had a low capacity to concentrate PAHs after the simulated diesel spill, which may have contributed to the low significant changes in their biomarker activities. Based on our results, further studies testing other Polychaeta species and simulating oil spills in sedimentary environments composed of fine sediments such as salt marshes and mangroves may help produce evidence on more effective biomarker responses in these organisms. areas (PAHs Atlantic one, (one two days 1140 114 0 114. 1 - however S organism Furthermore fractions activities results 11

Abstract A new syllid species belonging to the genus Sphaerosyllis ( Claparède, 1863 ) was found in Southeast Brazil during the development of the project “Environmental, social and economic susceptibility of Ilha Grande Bay to spillage and the presence of oil at sea.” Hence, this paper contains its morphological description, obtained after careful examination of several specimens under light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species can be diagnosed by the presence of intersegmental brown stripes along all body segments, fused palps for most of its length, a prostomium semicircular with three antennae, one simple dorsal chaeta, one simple ventral chaeta and 3–4 falcigers bearing unidentate blades. Finally, an identification key and a comparative table are provided for all the species formally recorded in Brazil to date. Claparède 186 Environmental, Environmental “Environmental sea. sea Hence description microscopy segments length antennae 34 3 4 3– blades Finally date 18 1

Abstract “For more than two decades, the Philippine government has protected the giant clams (Bivalvia: Cardiidae: Tridacninae) from exploitation and trade. However, there still is lack of information on the impact of these protective measures in conserving the species richness and density, especially in Palawan, the country’s last stronghold of these reef-associated bivalves. Hence, to assess the species richness and density of giant clams in Palawan, we conducted 57 photo-transect surveys in six sites covering 12,325 m 2. Out of these transect, 15 measured 5 × 25 m and the rest measured 5 × 50 m. For historical trends in the population of giant clams in Palawan, we used six published papers obtained from online platforms, 13 reports, and five undergraduate theses archived in local libraries. Information derived from recent field surveys indicated high variations in species richness (2 to 5 species) and densities (0.1 to > 3.6 ind.100 m -2). Historical data starting from 1984, including recent fieldwork, indicated very low densities and a declining trend. The current status suggests that giant clam populations’ viability and the reefs’ health are threatened. Effective mechanisms are needed to safeguard and enhance the remaining giant clam populations.” decades Bivalvia (Bivalvia Cardiidae Tridacninae trade However Palawan countrys country s reefassociated reef associated bivalves Hence phototransect photo transect 12325 12 325 12,32 2 1 platforms reports libraries ( 0.1 01 0 (0. 36 3 6 3. ind100 ind 100 ind.10 . -2) 1984 fieldwork trend populations reefs threatened populations. 1232 32 12,3 0. (0 ind10 10 ind.1 -2 198 123 12, ind1 ind. - 19