Stable isotope analysis reveals partitioning in prey use by Kajikia audax (Istiophoridae), Thunnus albacares, Katsuwonus pelamis, and Auxis spp. (Scombridae) in the Eastern Tropical Pacific of Ecuador

Kajikia audax, Thunnus albacares, Katsuwonus pelamis, and Auxis spp. occupy high and middle-level trophic positions in the food web. They represent important sources for fisheries in Ecuador. Despite their ecological and economic importance, studies on pelagic species in Ecuador are scarce. This study uses stable isotope analysis to assess the trophic ecology of these species, and to determine the contribution of prey to the predator tissue. Isotope data was used to test the hypothesis that medium-sized pelagic fish species have higher δ15N values than those of the prey they consumed, and that there is no overlap between their δ13C and δ15N values. Results showed higher δ15N values for K. audax, followed by T. albacares, Auxis spp. and K. pelamis, which indicates that the highest position in this food web is occupied by K. audax. The stable isotope Bayesian ellipses demonstrated that on a long time-scale, these species do not compete for food sources. Moreover, δ15N values were different between species and they decreased with a decrease in predator size.(AU)

Kajikia audax, Thunnus albacares, Katsuwonus pelamis e Auxis spp. ocupam posições tróficas intermedias e/ou elevadas nas cadeias alimentares. Estas espécies representam um importante recurso pesqueiro no Ecuador. Apesar da sua importância económica e ecológica, estudos nestas espécies pelágicas no Ecuador são raras. Este estudo usa isótopos estáveis para avaliar o seu nível trófico de modo a determinar a contribuição das suas presas para os tecidos destes predadores. Dados dos isótopos foram usados para testar a hipótese de que estas espécies de peixes pelágicos possuem valores mais elevados de δ15N do que daqueles das presas consumidas, e que não existe uma sobreposição entre os valores de δ13C e δ15N. Resultados mostram que valores mais elevados de δ15N para K. audax, seguidos por T. albacares, Auxis spp. e K. pelamis, indicam que a posição mais elevada na cadeia alimentar é ocupada por K. audax. Elipses Bayesianas de isótopos estáveis demonstram que, a uma escala de longo-termo, estas espécies de peixes não competem pelos recursos. Adicionalmente, os valores de δ15N são diferentes entre espécies de peixe estudadas e estes valores decrescem com a diminuição do tamanho do predador.(AU)

Investigación para la toma de decisiones de manejo en áreas marinas protegidas como la Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Introducción: En la práctica de la conservación biológica, a menudo se necesita de información científica para guiar las decisiones de manejo, pero esta información es especialmente escasa en áreas marinas protegidas. Las áreas marinas protegidas enfrentan el desafío de proteger especies pelágicas que se desplazan entre zonas protegidas de distintos países y zonas de pesca. En general, un obstáculo para generar la información que requieren las áreas protegidas es que comúnmente existe una disociación entre el sector académico y el sector de gestión, los cuales difieren en sus objetivos, forma de trabajo, y sistemas de recompensa. Esta situación se ve agravada en áreas marinas protegidas que se encuentran lejos de la costa, ya que los costos económicos y logísticos para realizar investigación son muy elevados. Objetivos: Utilizar el contexto del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco para ilustrar dificultades al momento de definir y recopilar la información necesaria para la gestión, y proponer posibles soluciones a este problema. Resultados: Para producir la información relevante, creemos que es necesario tomar en cuenta los siguientes aspectos: i) distinguir entre información biológica e información requerida para la gestión, ii) generar información sobre las amenazas a las especies, aún en ausencia de datos sobre las especies, iii) direccionar los planes de monitoreo, y iv) establecer una coordinación entre dos grupos de personas: las que frecuentan el área y las que están lejos del área en centros académicos. Además, debido a la naturaleza de la información que se requiere, y a la remotidad del sitio, se necesita de una articulación entre sectores (incluido el sector pesquero) para generar los datos. Conclusión: Parece indispensablelograr esta articulación entre sectores, lo cual conlleva grandes retos. Aún así, esta opción parece ser más viable desde el punto de vista logístico y económico que el intentar generar esta información desde una plataforma exclusivamente académica. Además, dicha articulación parece ser la única forma de generar información que es requerida para regular el manejo pesquero; por ejemplo la caracterización adecuada del esfuerzo de captura y de la biomasa extraída.

Introduction: Scientific information is often needed to guide management decisions, but marine protected areas usually lack such information. Further, these protected areas face the challenge of protecting highly-mobile pelagic species that move between protected areas in different countries and across fishing zones. In general, the dissociation that commonly exists between academic and conservation groups, which work under different objectives and reward systems, serves as an obstacle for producing the information that is needed by wildlife managers. This limitation is further enhanced in oceanic islands, such as Isla del Coco because of their mere remoteness, a condition that dramatically increases the economic and operational costs for doing research. Objective: To illustrate the challenge of generating useful scientific information for conservation decision making in protected areas, using Isla del Coco National Park in Costa Rica as a case study, and to propose possible solutions. Results: In order to produce the scientific information that these areas require, it is necessary to: i) distinguish between biologically relevant information, and information required for decision-making, ii) generate information about the threats to biodiversity, even in the absence of information about the species themselves, iii) establish clear goals and objectives for monitoring plans, and iv) build strong links between two types of groups: those that work from mainland and those that operate offshore; this includes working alongside fishing vessels. Conclusions: It will be a great challenge to articulate such relationships between groups, but this option seems more viable (in terms of associated logistic and economical costs) than attempting to collect the required data from an isolated academic platform. Also, this articulation appears to be the only way of generating information that is crucial for stock management, such as the accurate characterization of the fishing activity.

Composición, densidad y distribución de los poliquetos planctónicos (Phyllodocida: Tomopteridae) en el Domo Térmico de Costa Rica, Pacífico Tropical Oriental

Introducción: Los tomoptéridos son poliquetos holopelágicos ampliamente distribuidos en todos los océanos, sin embargo, han sido pobremente estudiados, a pesar de sus importantes implicaciones en las redes tróficas como depredadores de varios grupos de animales de la comunidad del plancton, incluyendo huevos y larvas de peces. Objetivo: Describir la estructura de la comunidad de estos gusanos pelágicos en un área de surgencia en el Pacífico oriental centroamericano. Métodos: Las muestras de zooplancton fueron obtenidas durante la campaña oceanográfica "DOMO IV" organizada por la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México en julio-agosto de 1982. Los poliquetos de la familia Tomopteridae fueron separados e identificados, aportando datos de su composición específica, abundancia y distribución. Resultados: Se determinaron cuatro especies del género Tomopteris siendo T. elegans y T. planktonis dominantes, T. nationalis constante y T. euchaeta rara. Tomopteris nationalis, T. elegans and T. euchaeta tienen afinidades tropical y subtropical, mientras que T. planktonis ha sido considerada como una especie cosmopolita. Tomopteris elegans presento la abundancia relativa mayor (62%) y T. euchaeta la menor (2.5). Conclusión: En general, T. elegans y T. planktonis mostraron un notable incremento en su abundancia relacionado con la región de la surgencia en el domo térmico de Costa Rica.

Introduction: The tomopterids are holopelagic polychaetes widely distributed in all oceans, nevertheless they have been poorly studied despite their important implications in the trophic webs, as predators of various groups of zooplankton, including eggs and fish larvae. Objective: To describe the structure of the community of these pelagic worms in an upwelling area in the Central American Pacific. Methods: The zooplankton samples were obtained during the oceanographic campaign DOMO IV organized by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, in July-August, 1982. The polychaetes of the Tomopteridae family were sorted out and identified providing data on their specific composition, abundance and distribution. Results: Four species of the genus Tomopteris were determined, being T. elegans and T. planktonis dominant, T. nationalis constant and T. euchaeta rare. T. nationalis, T. elegans and T. euchaeta have tropical and subtropical affinies, while T. planktonis have been considered as cosmopolitan species. T. elegans had the higher relative abundance (62%) and T. euchaeta the lower (2.5%). Conclusion: Overall, T. elegans and T. planktonis showed a notable rise in the abundance related to upwelling in the thermal dome of Costa Rica.

Successful rehabilitation of Macronectes halli and Macronectes giganteus in southeastern Brazil / Sucesso na reabilitação de Macronectes halli e Macronectes giganteus no sudeste do Brasil

This report describes the successful rehabilitation of two species of pelagic seabirds (Macronectes halli and Macronectes giganteus) rescued on the southern coast of the state of São Paulo, Brazil, and taken to the IPeC rehabilitation center (S25°023258 W-47°928737). Data on the enclosures, diet, clinical management and laboratory tests were detailed during the 75 d of treatment, during which the birds remained at the center. This report demonstrates that a combination of environmental and nutritional management with a proper diagnosis and adequate clinical treatment naturally lead to a shorter period in captivity, which is crucial to the successful rehabilitation of these birds. The enclosures should have visual isolation and animals kept separate from other birds. The form of offering food differs based on the feeding habits and taxon. At the time of release back into the wild, the site chosen should be isolated to enable the bird to feel more secure when taking flight. The present report describes the first record of the rehabilitation and release of these two species in Brazil.(AU)

Este relato descreve a reabilitação bem-sucedida de duas espécies de aves marinhas pelágicas (Macronectes halli e Macronectes giganteus) resgatadas no litoral sul de São Paulo e levadas ao Centro de Reabilitação IPeC (S-25°023258 W-47°928737). As medidas de ambientação dos recintos, dieta, manejo clínico e exames laboratoriais, implementadas nos 75 dias em que as aves permaneceram no Centro, foram detalhadamente descritas. Este relato demonstrou que a combinação de um correto manejo ambiental e nutricional com o diagnóstico e tratamento clínico adequados leva naturalmente à uma brevidade nos dias de cativeiro, todos considerados fatores essenciais para o sucesso na reabilitação dessas aves. Os recintos devem ter isolamento visual, e os animais devem ser mantidos separados de outras aves. A alimentação e a forma de ofertar o alimento variam de acordo com hábitos alimentares e táxon. No momento da soltura, o lugar deve ser isolado, deixando o animal mais seguro para alçar voo. Este relato descreve o primeiro registro de reabilitação e soltura de ambas as espécies no Brasil.(AU)

Length-weight Relationships of Four Commercially Important Fish Species in Indonesia

Length-frequencies and length-weight relationships of the four economically important fish species Encrasicholina heteroloba (Rüppel 1837), E. punctifer Fowler 1938, Katsuwonus pelamis (Linnaeus 1758) and Rastrelliger kanagurta (Cuvier 1816) were analysed to assess the condition of the respective stocks. Length-frequency data were analysed to estimate the theoretical maximum size of fish in a stock (L∞) and the coefficient K, indicating how fast fish reach that size. A power model approach was used with length and weight data to estimate the condition factor a and allometry coefficient b. The two anchovy species (Encrasicholina) showed similar values with = 9.45 cm, K = 1.10 year-1, a = 0.00672 and b = 2.919 for E. heteroloba and L∞ = 10.78 cm, K = 1.00 year-1, a = 0.01031 and b = 2.871 for E. punctifer. For both species, the allometry coefficient was below 3, implying allometric growth. The estimated parameters for the skipjack tuna K. pelamis and the Indian mackerel R. kanagurta were L∞= 72.32 cm, K = 0.38, a = 0.0395 and b = 2.766 and L∞= 27.83 cm, K = 0.92, a = 0.00556 and b = 3.216, respectively. All data were collected in Pasir Kendang, Padang, West-Sumatra in 1993 and 1994.

Tamaño óptimo de muestra del programa de observadores a bordo de la flota dirigida a la explotación de la anchoveta peruana (Engraulis ringens) / Optimum sample size for a program of observers on board fishing vessels targetting Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens)

El monitoreo de la pesquería de anchoveta en el Perú es de suma importancia para la sostenibilidad del ecosistema de Humboldt. El Programa de observadores a bordo Bitácoras de Pesca constituye una rica plataforma de recolección de datos de las embarcaciones durante sus viajes de pesca, y donde se recopila información acerca de las capturas en cada lance, distribuciones de tallas, descartes, captura incidental, captura por unidad de esfuerzo, entre otros. Para que los indicadores obtenidos a partir de esta información tengan robustez es preciso contar con un método de solidez estadística para el cálculo del número necesario de viajes a muestrear. Este trabajo presenta un método con estas características, para calcular el número óptimo de viajes de manera independiente para cada una de las variables y a diferentes escalas de tiempo. Se muestra que, dependiendo del objetivo y de la escala temporal, la cantidad óptima de viajes a muestrear varía. A partir de estos resultados, se proporcionan recomendaciones prácticas sobre el tamaño de muestra para el Programa Bitácoras de Pesca. También se discute la aplicabilidad de esta metodología para otros recursos pelágicos.

Monitoring the anchovy fishery is of great importance for assuring the sustainability of the Humboldt ecosystem. The on-board observers program constitutes a rich platform for data collection for monitoring, as it consists of the collection of data from vessels during their fishing trips, regarding catches, size distribution, discards, catch per unit of effort, among others. To get robust indicators from these data, it is necessary to use a solid statistical procedure for computing the number of fishing trips to sample. This work presents a method with those characteristics, for computing each indicator independently and at different time scales. We show that the optimum size varies depending on the objective (indicator) and the time scale. Based on these results, practical recommendations for fixing the sample size are given. We finally discuss the aplicability of this methodology for other pelagic resources.

Reproduction of Brevoortia aurea (Spix & Agassiz, 1829) (Actinopterygii: Clupeidae) in the Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Reproductive biology of the Brazilian menhaden, Brevoortia aurea (Clupeiformes), was studied in Mar Chiquita Coastal Lagoon. Its abundance was analysed in relation to environmental variables, and the main biological-reproductive parameters were estimated: size at first maturity, batch and relative fecundity, frequency distribution of oocyte diameters and gonadosomatic index (GSI). Moreover, its reproductive cycle was analysed histologically. Samples were collected from May 2012 to April 2013. Once the spawning period was detected, extra samples were added (October and November 2013). The specimens were caught with gillnets, at a distance of 2,300 meters from the mouth of the lagoon. The highest abundances were observed in the months of October and November. Both macroscopic and microscopic analysis allowed to confirm that in these months the saraca spawn in the mixo-eurihaline area of the lagoon. Females were recorded in the five phases of ovarian development. Histological and frequency distribution of oocyte diameters characterized this species as a batch spawner with undetermined fecundity. The fecundity varied between 19,900 and 178,508 oocytes/female. Relative fecundity ranged between 41 and 381 oocytes/g female ovary free. The size at first maturity was estimated on 277 and 265 mm total length for females and males, respectively.

Se estudió la biología reproductiva de la saraca, Brevoortia aurea (Clupeiformes), en la Laguna Costera Mar Chiquita. Se analizó su abundancia, en relación con las variables ambientales y se estimaron los principales parámetros biológico-reproductivos: talla de primera madurez (longitud total), fecundidad parcial y relativa, distribución de frecuencias de diámetros oocitarios e índice gonado-somático (IGS). Además, se analizó su ciclo gonadal desde un aspecto histológico, en función de un ciclo anual. Las muestras se colectaron desde Mayo 2012, hasta Abril 2013. Una vez detectado el período de desove se duplicó el muestreo durante dichos meses (Octubre y Noviembre 2013). Los ejemplares se capturaron con redes de enmalle, a 2.300 metros de la desembocadura de la laguna con el mar. Las mayores abundancias se observaron en los meses de Octubre y Noviembre. Tanto el análisis macroscópico como el microscópico permitieron afirmar que en dichos meses la saraca realiza desoves en la zona mixo-eurihalina de esta laguna. Se registraron hembras en las cinco fases del desarrollo ovárico. Los análisis histológicos y de distribución de la frecuencia de diámetros ovocitarios caracterizaron a esta especie como un desovante parcial con fecundidad indeterminada. La fecundidad parcial varió entre 19.900 y 178.508 oocitos/hembra. La fecundidad relativa varió entre 41 y 381 oocitos/gr hembra libre de ovario. La talla de primera madurez se estimó en 277 y 265 mm de longitud total para hembras y machos, respectivamente.

Biomasa acústica y distribución del jurel Trachurus murphyi en el Perú

Se analizan los resultados de las evaluaciones hidroacústicas del recurso jurel Trachurus murphyi Nichols 1920 realizadas en aguas peruanas entre 1983 - 2012. Desde 1983 se incluyó al T. murphyi como especie de estudio durante los cruceros de evaluación de recursos pelágicos ejecutados por el Instituto del Mar del Perú. Debido al énfasis en la estimación de biomasa de la anchoveta Engraulis ringens y de la sardina Sardinops sagax cuando esta última es más abundante, los cruceros se llevan a cabo durante el verano austral y las áreas de evaluación están circunscritas a las zonas más costeras hasta 100 mn, con sólo algunas exploraciones en otras estaciones y hasta 200 millas. El máximo valor de biomasa de 8.51 millones de toneladas de T. murphyi en aguas peruanas estimado con las evaluaciones hidroacústicas fue encontrado durante el crucero realizado en otoño (marzo-mayo) de 1983. En los años siguientes los estimados de biomasa acústica fluctuaron entre 180 mil toneladas en 1985 y otro máximo de 8.47 millones de toneladas en 1993, para luego disminuir gradualmente hasta un mínimo de 1239 t en 2010, con una ligera recuperación en los años 2011 y 2012. El área de distribución de T. murphyi fue muy fluctuante en todo el periodo observado.

This paper analyzes the results of acoustic stock assessment surveys for Jack mackerel Trachurus murphy Nichols 1920 conducted in Peruvian waters between 1983 and 2012. Since 1983 Jack mackerel T. murphyi was included as a target species to be assessed during the pelagic stock assessment surveys executed by the Peruvian Institute of Marine Research. Due to the emphasis on the assessment of anchovy Engraulis ringens and sardine Sardinops sagax when this species was abundant, these surveys usually took place during the austral summer and only covered the first 100 nautical miles from the coast, and only occasional surveys were conducted in other seasons or surveyed as far as 200 nm offshore. A maximum biomass of 8.51 million t of T. murphyi in Peruvian waters estimated through acoustics during a survey carried out in autumn (March-May) 1983. In the following years acoustic biomass estimates ranged between 180 thousand t in 1985 and another maximum of 8.47 million t in 1993, to then decreased gradually to a minimum of 1239 t in 2010, with a slight recovery in 2011 and 2012. The areas of ​​distribution of T. murphyi have been fluctuating markedly throughout the observed period.

Análisis de la pesquería del jurel Trachurus murphyi en el Perú

La presencia del jurel Trachurus murphyi ha sido registrado en los desembarques de la pesca artesanal en Perú desde 1907. A partir del año 2000, las capturas de T. murphyi se ubicaron en el tercer lugar después de la anchoveta Engraulis ringens y el calamar gigante Dosidicus gigas. Las capturas de T. murphyi son realizadas por la flota artesanal, industrial cerquera y barcos arrastreros factoría. En el año 2011, la flota industrial cerquera con permiso de pesca para T. murphyi en la costa peruana estaba constituida por 62 embarcaciones industriales de acero (30177 m³) y 42 industriales de madera (3082 m³). Las capturas de T. murphyi tuvieron un notable incremento a partir de 1972, alcanzando sus máximos valores en 1977, 1996-97 y 2001, a los que siguieron años de muy baja disponibilidad que llevó al mínimo registro en las capturas en 2010. Sin embargo en el 2011 se revirtió esta baja disponibilidad y las capturas alcanzaron casi las 260000 toneladas. En el periodo 1972 - 2012 se observó una relación inversa entre los estimados de biomasa acústica del jurel T. murphyi y los desembarques anuales de anchoveta E. ringens. Las capturas mensuales de T. murphyi por la flota industrial y artesanal antes del 2002 fueron altas en la zona norte de Perú (Mancora-Chimbote), mientras que después del 2002 las capturas fueron altas en la zona centro-sur (Huacho-Ilo).

There are records of the presence of Jack mackerel Trachurus murphyi in the artisanal fishery landings in Peru since 1907. Since 2000 Jack mackerel T. murphyi catches are ranked third after anchovy Engraulis ringens and jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas. Artisanal, industrial purse seine and offshore (factory trawlers) fleets take part in the Peruvian catches of T. murphyi. In 2011 the industrial purse-seine fleet with license to fish for T. murphyi along the Peruvian coast comprised of 62 industrial steel vessels (30177 m³) and 42 industrial wood vessels (3082 m³). Catches of T. murphyi had a significant increase after 1972, with maximum catches in 1977, 1996-97 and 2001, after which several years of low availability followed, with the lowest catches in 2010. However, this low availability trend was reversed in 2011, and catches reached almost 260 thousand tons that year. A general inverse relationship has been observed between the T. murphyi estimated acoustic biomass and the annual landings of anchovy E. ringens during the the period 1972 - 2012. The monthly catches of T. murphyi by the industrial and artisanal fleets before 2002 were higher in the northern part of Peru (Mancora-Chimbote) while after 2002 the catches were higher in the south-central zone (Huacho-Ilo).

Algunos poliquetos holoplanctónicos (Annelida: Polychaeta) del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica / Some holoplanktonic polychaetes (Annelida: Polychaeta) from the Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

The holoplanktonic polychaetes have not been surveyed in the oceanic waters adjacent to Isla del Coco. These pelagic forms are studied based on the analysis of zooplankton samples collected in the area. Samples were obtained both at night and daytime by standard plankton nets (0.2-0.5 mm meshes, 0.49 m mouth diameter) hauled horizontally and vertically off the oceanic island Isla del Coco, Costa Rica in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Pelagic polychaetes were collected in one of the night samples and were taxonomically analyzed. The material obtained includes representatives of six species and five families: Alciopidae, Lopadorrhynchidae, Tomopteridae, Polynoidae, and Typhloscolecidae. Brief diagnoses, synonymies, comparative morphological comments, taxonomic illustrations, and data on the distribution of the species collected in the plankton of Isla del Coco are provided. The record of Drieschia pellucida Moore is the first of the species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific; our specimen shows some differences with respect to the original description. The rest of the species have been recorded previously in waters of the Eastern Tropical Pacific, but are the first records of this important protected area.

Los poliquetos holoplanctónicos no han sido estudiados en las aguas oceánicas adyacentes al Parque Isla del Coco. Se estudiaron estas formas pelágicas a partir del análisis de muestras de zooplancton recolectadas en esta área protegida. Las muestras fueron obtenidas mediante redes de plancton estándar (0.2-0.5mm de malla, 0.49m de diámetro de boca) en arrastres horizontales y verticales en la isla oceánica Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, en el Pacífico Tropical Oriental. Los poliquetos pelágicos de esta zona fueron analizados taxonómicamente. El material obtenido incluye representantes de seis especies y cinco familias: Alciopidae, Lopadorhynchidae, Tomopteridae, Polynoidae y Typhloscolecidae. Se presentan diagnosis breves, sino- nimias, análisis morfológicos comparativos, ilustraciones taxonómicas y la distribución conocida de las especies recolectadas en el plancton de Isla del Coco. El registro de Drieschia pellucida Moore es el primero en el Pacífico Tropical Oriental; nuestro espécimen muestra algunas diferencias respecto a la descripción original. El resto de las especies han sido encontradas previamente en aguas del Pacífico Tropical Oriental y en el Domo de Costa Rica, pero son los primeros registros para esta área protegida.

Habitat partitioning, habits and convergence among coastal nektonic fish species from the São Sebastião Channel, southeastern Brazil

Based on a fish survey and preliminary underwater observations, 17 "morphotypes" were identified that characterize the morphological diversity found within 27 nektonic fish species sampled at São Sebastião Channel. Such "morphotypes" were studied using an ecomorphological approach, with the intention to investigate similarities and differences in shape and habits. Underwater field observations were also performed, to verify if the lifestyle of these species, such as vertical occupation of the water column and the habitat use, are in accordance with their distribution in the morphospace. The results, complemented with data from scientific literature on the taxonomy and phylogenies of these species, allowed discussing some of the typical cases of convergent and divergent evolution. Some of the ecomorphological clusters had no phylogenetic support although this is probably due to the environmental conditions in which theirs members have evolved. The body shape and fins positions of a fish clearly influence its ecological performance and habitat use, corroborating the ecomorphological hypothesis on the intimate link between phenotype and ecology.

Com base em um levantamento ictiofaunístico realizado com diversos métodos de captura e em observações subaquáticas preliminares foram selecionados 17 "morfótipos" representativos da diversidade morfológica apresentada dentre 27 espécies de peixes nectônicos amostradas no Canal de São Sebastião. Tais "morfótipos" foram estudados por meio de uma abordagem ecomorfológica com o intuito de investigar semelhanças e diferenças quanto às suas formas e hábitos. Observações diretas no ambiente também foram realizadas para verificar se o modo de vida dessas espécies, assim como a ocupação vertical da coluna d'água e o uso do habitat, condizem com suas distribuições pelo espaço morfológico. Os resultados obtidos, complementados com dados da literatura científica sobre taxonomia e relações de parentesco evolutivo dessas espécies, permitiram discutir alguns típicos casos de convergência e divergência evolutiva. Alguns agrupamentos ecomorfológicos não tiveram qualquer suporte filogenético tendo sido resultantes, provavelmente, das condições ambientais na qual seus membros evoluíram. A forma do corpo e a posição das nadadeiras de um peixe claramente influenciam seu desempenho ecológico e o uso do habitat, corroborando a hipótese ecomorfológica sobre a estreita relação entre fenótipo e ecologia.

Spatial distribution and species composition of small pelagic fishes in the Gulf of California

Traditional regionalization methods in fisheries based on provinces or major fishing areas, includes large and arbitrary grids in which basic statistics or inferences on distribution or abundance are made. We describe a method for regionalization and analysis of fishing activities for small pelagic fisheries in the Gulf of California based on spatial patterns of landing and catch data in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. A fisheries database from logbooks with spatial attributes from October 2002 to June 2007 was analyzed. Landings and catching data were transformed to a Weighted Region Index (WRI) by using fuzzy logic operators. The WRI revealed fishing action centers characterized by areas with the highest WRI values, and a hierarchy for the relative importance of the regions was established. Guaymas, Desemboque de Caborca, Isla Patos, and Bahía San Rafael they were the most prominent ones. An analysis of the relative frequency of species composition showed that the Pacific sardine had an over 80 % abundance in the midriff islands, and remained as the most important in the upper gulf regions, while in the central part of the gulf, relative abundances of Pacific sardine and Northern anchovy were more balanced. Relative abundance of mackerel was significantly larger around Isla Patos than in any other place. Guaymas had the largest relative composition of Northern anchovy and the lowest values for Pacific sardine. Desemboque de Caborca showed the largest homogeneity in species relative composition. It is important to highlight that this results come from in situ data, while the results previously reported come from landing statistics by port. Therefore, the present method acknowledges the spatial differences of species by regions, additional to the traditional time series analysis. Rev. Biol. Trop. 56 (2): 575-590. Epub 2008 June 30.

Los métodos tradicionales de regionalización en pesquerías, basados en provincias o grandes regiones, incluyen áreas arbitrarias y homogéneas sobre las cuales se realiza estadística básica o inferencias relacionadas con la distribución y la abundancia de estos recursos. El presente trabajo describe una metodología para la regionalización y el análisis de la actividad pesquera de pelágicos menores en el Golfo de California basado en los patrones espaciales de la información de lances y capturas utilizando herramientas de Sistemas de Información Geográfica (SIG). La información pesquera, con atributos espaciales, provino de bitácoras de pesca para el periodo comprendido de octubre 2002 a junio 2007. Los datos de lances y capturas fueron transformados a un Índice de Región Ponderada (WRI) utilizando operadores de lógica difusa. El WRI reveló centros de actividad pesquera caracterizados por áreas con los valores más altos de WRI y se obtuvo un orden jerárquico para denotar la importancia relativa de cada región, siendo las regiones de Guaymas, el Desemboque de Caborca, Isla Patos y Bahía San Rafael, los más prominentes. El análisis de la frecuencia relativa de la composición de especies mostró que la sardina Monterrey tuvo una abundancia relativa mayor al 80% en la región de las Grandes Islas y permaneció como la especie más importante en las regiones del alto golfo, mientras que en la parte central del golfo las abundancias de la sardina Monterrey y la ancho-veta norteña estuvieron más equilibradas. La abundancia relativa de la macarela fue significativamente mayor en la región de la Isla Patos, respecto a cualquier otra región. La región de Guaymas mostró la mayor composición relativa de anchoveta norteña, en contraste con los más bajos valores de sardina Monterrey. El Desemboque de Caborca mostró la mayor homogeneidad en la composición relativa de especies. Estos resultados provienen de datos in situ, mientras que los resultados previamente reportados provienen de estadísticas de lances por puerto. En consecuencia, el presente método reconoce las diferencias espaciales en la composición de especies por regiones (adicionales a los tradicionales análisis de series de tiempo).

Biodiversidad marina de Costa Rica, los microcrustáceos: Subclase Copepoda (Crustacea: Maxillopoda) / Marine biodiversity of Costa Rica, the microcrustacea: Copepoda Subclass (Crustacea: Maxillopoda)

This report is part of a series that summarizes the species and localities of Costa Rican marine taxa. A review of the literature on copepods, both pelagic and benthic for the Pacific and Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, includes eighty species. Sixty seven pelagic species have been found, distributed between sixteen calanoid, one cyclopoid, three harparticoid and four poecilostomatoid families. Moreover, thirteen benthonic species distributed into six families, all harparticoids, are reported. Among the pelagic families, Pontellidae has six species, while Paracalanidae and Eucalanidae had five each. Other families, like Calanidae, Pseudodiaptomidae and Acartiidae had four species and most families only one. Forty five species are reported only for the Pacific coast, thirteen for the Caribbean coast, only nine species occurred in both coasts; being a direct consequence of the more intensive research effort in the Pacific. Pelagic copepod biodiversity reflects different oceanographic conditions in both coasts. Typical estuarine species were found in the lower region of the Gulf of Nicoya, while a mixture of estuarine and oceanic species were found in Golfo Dulce. Diversity in the Caribbean, specially at the Cahuita coral reef is lower in comparison with the copepod diversity found in other regions in the Caribbean sea. This may be due to the high sediment resuspension rate characteristic of the Cahuita coral reef, which could affect the reproduction of many holozooplankters, specially copepods. Although sixty seven pelagic copepod species appears to be in low numbers, in terms of specific biodiversity it is as high when compared to numbers found in other tropical areas. Thirteen species are reported in the literature, all harparticoids. Five species, three sub-species and one genera were new to science. Balacopsylla is reported for the first time from a neotropical regions, while the genus Karllangia, represented by two coexisting species in the Caribbean coast