Primeros registros de Echiophis brunneus (Teleosteo; Ophichthidae) "anguila pecosa" en el norte del Perú

Echiophis brunneus, comúnmente conocida como anguila pecosa, es una especie bentónica costera de la familia Ophichthidae. Su distribución se reporta para el Pacífico Oriental desde el Golfo de California (EE. UU.) hasta el Golfo de Guayaquil (Ecuador). Se reporta por primera vez la presencia de E. brunneus en el norte del Perú a partir de tres ejemplares capturados. Así mismo se registra una nueva talla máxima para la especie y se adiciona la secuencia COI a la base de datos BoldSystems. Una de las principales características para su determinación fue la presencia del diente canino grande localizado en la zona distal del vómer. Las distancias genéticas entre E. brunneus con E. punctifer y E. intertinctus fueron de 0.087±0.013 y 0.095±0.014 respectivamente. Con este trabajo se amplía la distribución geográfica de E. brunneus hasta Salaverry (08°13'28"S, 78°59'22"W), así mismo sugerimos el posible establecimiento de una población de esta especie en la costa norte del Perú.

Echiophis brunneus, commonly known as fangjaw eel, is a coastal benthic species belonging to the Ophichthidae family. Its distribution is reported to be in the Eastern Pacific from the Gulf of California (USA) to the Gulf of Guayaquil (Ecuador). In this study, we report for the first time the presence of E. brunneus based on three specimens captured in northern Peru. Additionally, a new maximum size for the species is recorded, and the first COI sequence is added to the BoldSystems database. One of the main characteristics for its determination was the presence of a large canine tooth located in the distal area of the vomer. The genetic distances between E. brunneus with E. punctifer and E. intertinctus were 0.087±0.013 and 0.095±0.014 respectively. With this work the geographical distribution of E. brunneus is extended to Salaverry (08°13'28"S, 78°59'22"W). We also suggest the possible establishment of a population of this species on the northern coast of Peru.

Primer registro del pez joya rosada Anthias noeli (Perciformes, Serranidae) en el litoral del Perú

En este trabajo se registra a Anthias noeli Anderson & Baldwin, 2000 por primera vez en el Perú. Entre el 2016 y 2019, se capturaron 15 ejemplares en el litoral del departamento de Tumbes, en el extremo norte del Perú. Los ejemplares fueron fotografiados en fresco, se realizaron los análisis merísticos y morfométricos para su identificación. Además, de cinco individuos se obtuvieron tejido muscular para determinar las secuencias del gen COI. Los análisis filogenéticos confirmaron su identificación como A. noeli. Las secuencias fueron depositadas en la base de datos públicos BOLD Systems, siendo las primeras secuencias depositadas de esta especie. Con este registro se amplía la distribución sur de A. noeli.

This work documents the first record of Anthias noeli Anderson & Baldwin, 2000 in Peru. Between 2016 and 2019, fifteen specimens were captured from the littoral of the Tumbes Department, located in the northernmost of Peru. Fresh photographs were taken of the specimens and meristic and morphometric analyses were conducted for species identification. Additionally, muscle tissue was extracted from five individuals to determine COI gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the specimens' identity as A. noeli, and the sequences were deposited in the public database BOLD Systems, representing the first deposited sequences for this species. This record expands the southern distribution of A. noeli.

First use of baited remote underwater video stations to assess fish diversity in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Northeastern Brazil / Primer uso de Sistemas de Videos Remotos Submarinos Cebados para evaluar la diversidad de peces en la Región Metropolitana de Recife, noreste de Brasil

Abstract Introduction: Video techniques are used worldwide to study marine communities. As elsewhere, the use of remote underwater videos has recently increased in Brazil and there is a need for information about their advantages, disadvantages, and reliability in tropical habitats. Objective: To evaluate the use of baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) in fish diversity research in a tropical habitat. Methods: We used baited video stations to record the fishes and their relationship with habitat type, underwater visibility and depth, in 79 random sites in the Metropolitan Region of Recife, Northeastern Brazil (11 days in November 2017). Results: We recorded 3 286 individuals (65 taxa, 29 families) along a 25 km section of the shoreline, 10.2 to 28.6 m depth. The Clupeidae dominated numerically, followed by Haemulidae, Carangidae, and Lutjanidae; by species, Haemulon aurolineatum, Opisthonema oglinum, Haemulon steindachneri, Lutjanus synagris and Caranx crysos. The highest mean number of species was detected over sediment close to shipwrecks, but we found no differences among the mean number of individuals between habitat types. More species and individuals were observed at a depth of 20-25 m depth. The highest mean number of species was in 2-3 m of visibility, and the highest number of individuals within 4-5 m. Conclusions: Video recording seemed to be a valid method, and indicated that -besides being relatively diverse- the local fish community is dominated by a few species of small and medium-sized mesopredators, and a few top predators.

Resumen Introducción: Las técnicas de video se utilizan en todo el mundo para estudiar las comunidades marinas. Como en otros lugares, el uso de videos submarinos remotos ha aumentado recientemente en Brasil y existe la necesidad de información sobre sus ventajas, desventajas y confiabilidad en los hábitats tropicales. Objetivo: Evaluar el uso de estaciones de video subacuáticas remotas cebadas en la investigación de la diversidad de peces en un hábitat tropical. Métodos: Utilizamos estaciones de video cebadas para registrar los peces y su relación con el tipo de hábitat, la visibilidad submarina y la profundidad, en 79 sitios aleatorios en la Región Metropolitana de Recife, noreste de Brasil (11 días en noviembre de 2017). Resultados: Registramos 3 286 individuos (65 taxones, 29 familias) a lo largo de una sección de 25 km de la costa, de 10.2 a 28.6 m de profundidad. Los Clupeidae dominaron numéricamente, seguidos de Haemulidae, Carangidae y Lutjanidae; por especies, Haemulon aurolineatum, Opisthonema oglinum, Haemulon steindachneri, Lutjanus synagris y Caranx crysos. El mayor número medio de especies se detectó sobre sedimentos cerca de naufragios, pero no encontramos diferencias entre el número medio de individuos entre tipos de hábitat. Se observaron más especies e individuos a una profundidad de 20-25 m. El mayor número medio de especies se registró en 2-3 m de visibilidad, y el mayor número de individuos en 4-5 m. Conclusiones: La grabación en video pareció ser un método válido e indicó que, además de ser relativamente diversa, la comunidad local de peces está dominada por unas pocas especies de mesodepredadores de tamaño pequeño y mediano, y pocos depredadores superiores.

In vitro and in vivo genotoxicity and cytotoxicity analysis of protein extract from Aplysina fulva sponges

This study evaluated the physicochemical and morphological properties of a marine sponge protein extract (PE) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), analysis of mass loss and pH and in vitro and in vivo. Scanning electron microscopy showed that PE fibers present a granular aspect and irregular structure and the element carbon followed by oxygen was detected in the EDS analysis. Moreover, a 29% of mass loss was observed after 14 days and the pH slightly modified after 14 days. Cell viability of fibroblast cells (L929) of control and PE at a concentration of 25% demonstrated higher values compared to the groups. Osteoblast cell viability of PE at 25 and 50% was significantly higher. Comet assay on day 1 showed higher values for PE at 25%. In addition, in vivo experiments demonstrated that in the treated animals, the bone defects were filled with biomaterial particles, granulation tissue and some areas of newly formed bone. Furthermore, similar immunoexpression of Runx-2 and Cox-2 was observed. Taken together, all results suggest that PE is biocompatible, present non-citotoxicity in the in vitro studies (at the lower concentration) and in the in vivo studies and it can be considered as an alternative source of collagen for tissue engineering proposals.

In Vivo Biological Effects of Marine Biosilica on a Tibial Bone Defect in Rats

Abstract Research on biomaterials of natural origin has gained prominence in the literature. Above all, marine sponges, due to their architecture and structural components, present a promising potential for the engineering of bone tissue. In vitro studies demonstrate that a biosilica of marine sponges has osteogenic potential. However, in vivo works are needed to elucidate the interaction of biosilica (BS) and bone tissue. The objective of the study was to evaluate the morphological and chemical characteristics of BS compared to Bioglass (BG) by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray dispersive energy (EDX) spectroscopy. In addition, to evaluate the biological effects of BS, through an experimental model of tibial bone defect using histopathological, histomorphometric, immunohistochemical (IHC) and mechanical tests. SEM and EDX demonstrated the successful extraction of BS. Histopathological analysis demonstrated that Control Group (GC) had greater formation of newly formed bone tissue compared to BG and BS, yet BG bone neoformation was greater than BS. However, BS showed material degradation and granulation tissue formation, with absence of inflammatory process and formation of fibrotic capsule. The results of histomorphometry corroborate with those of histopathology, where it is worth emphasizing the positive influence of BS in osteoblastic activity. IHQ demonstrated positive VEGF and TGF-β immunoexpression for GC, BS and BG. In the mechanical test no significant differences were found. The present results demonstrate the potential of BS in bone repair, further studies are needed other forms of presentation of BS are needed.

The deep sea teleost fish fauna of the Brazilian North Coast

Data on the deep sea fishes found off the northern Brazilian coast are restricted to the results of the surveys of the RV Oregon, a research vessel of the North American National Marine Fisheries Service, and the REVIZEE Program. The REVIZEE Score-Norte Program focused on commercial fish species and natural resources with potential for exploitation on the continental shelf and slope off the northern coast of Brazil. In this sense, the REVIZEE Score-Norte Program generated little information on species of no commercial value, did not catalog its inventory in zoological collections, and did not publish species lists. Given this considerable knowledge gap on the deep-sea fish found off the North coast of Brazil, we compiled all the available data on the deep-sea fish of this region and also retrieved photographic records from the REVIZEE Score-Norte Program, including the PRODEMERSAL and PROTUNA projects. Considering the published records, specimens deposited in zoological collections, and the interpretation of photographic records, we compiled a list of 63 species of deep-sea fish from the North coast of Brazil. An additional 30 species were found in the published records from the PRODEMERSAL and PROTUNA, but were considered to be doubtful or pending confirmation.(AU)

Os dados sobre peixes de profundidade encontrados na costa Norte do Brasil são restritos aos resultados de coletas realizadas pelo RV Oregon, um navio do Serviço Nacional de Pesca Marítima da América do Norte, e do Programa REVIZEE. O Programa REVIZEE Score-Norte teve como foco as espécies de peixes com valor comercial e recursos naturais com potencial para exploração na plataforma continental da costa Norte do Brasil. Contudo, o REVIZEE Score-Norte gerou pouca informação sobre as espécies sem valor comercial, não catalogou o material da biodiversidade inventariada, assim como não gerou listas de espécies. Dada a lacuna no conhecimento sobre os peixes de profundidade da costa norte do Brasil, nós compilamos todos os dados disponíveis e recuperamos registros fotográficos do Programa REVIZEE Score-Norte, incluindo os projetos PRODEMERSAL e PROTUNA. Considerando os registros publicados, espécimes depositados em coleções zoológicas e os registros fotográficos, apresentamos uma lista de 63 espécies de peixes de profundidade na costa Norte do Brasil. Outras 30 espécies encontradas nos registros publicados do PRODEMERSAL e PROTUNA, foram consideradas duvidosas, carecendo de confirmação.(AU)

Some intertidal and shallow water polychaetes of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica / Poliquetos de la zona intermareal y aguas someras de la costa del Caribe costarricense

Abstract:The polychaete fauna of the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has been inadequately characterized with only nine species previously reported. Collections of polychaetes from intertidal coralline rocks and several shallow sub-tidal sites on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica have been examined and 68 species were identified. Of these, 66 are new records for Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 127-152. Epub 2017 March 01.

ResumenLa fauna de poliquetos en la costa del Caribe costarricense se ha descrito inadecuadamente con solo 9 especies reportadas anteriormente. Se estudiaron los poliquetos de de las rocas coralinas intermereales y varios sitios submareales someros en la costa del Caribe costarricense y se identificaron 68 especies, de las cuales 66 son nuevos registros para Costa Rica.

Macrofauna bentónica de las playas de arena del Área de Conservación Osa, Puntarenas, Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica / Benthic macrofauna found in Sandy beaches from Osa Conservation Area, Puntarenas, Southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Resumen Se describe la diversidad y composición de especies las playas de arena del Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica. En las playas de arena de la región, se colectó individuos de la infauna por medio de barrenos. Para la zona de entre mareas arenosa el número de especies estrictamente marina varió de 5 a 13 taxones, número que es intermedio con los reportados previamente para estos ambientes en Costa Rica. En la zonas de arena, el supralitoral lo dominó el isópodo Cirolana salvadorensis, mientras nereidos y un gusano de la Familia Pisionidae dominaron en el infralitoral. Otros organismos encontrados en las playas fueron cangrejos del género Uca, cangrejos anomuros (Emerita), galletas de mar (Mellita longifissa) y varios grupos de poliquetos tubícolas permanentes o temporales de la familias Onuphidae, Spionidae, Magelonidae y Glyceridae. Las playas mostraron variación en su fauna atribuible en ciertos casos a la exposición al oleaje, teniendo menos fauna en las playas más reflectivas. Se mencionan acitivades humanas que pueden explicar la baja riqueza de especies encontrada en algunas de las playas analizadas.

Abstract The diversity and species composition of the intertidal sandy beaches in the southern Pacific coast of Costa Rica were studied by means of cores collected along perpendicular transects to the beaches. The numbers of strictly marine species varied between 5 to 13 taxa, representing an intermediate value compared to those previously reported for these environments in Costa Rica. The isopod Cirolana salvadorensis was the dominant species in the supralittoral zone, whereas polychaete worms belonging to the families Nereididae and Pisionidae dominated the low intertidal zone. Others organisms collected in the beaches were the crabs of the genus Uca, anomurans crabs (Emerita), sand dollars (Mellita longifissa) and several taxa of polychaete tubeworms, such as the Onuphidae, Spionidae, Magelonidae, and Glyceridae. The high faunal difference among the sites is possibly explained by their exposure to the wave energy, with fewer individuals in the more reflective beaches. In addition, human activities might also be responsible for the low infaunal diversity found in some of these beaches. This is the first effort to describe the benthonic fauna of beaches from this area. Rev. Biol. Trop. 63 (Suppl. 1): 273-285. Epub 2015 April 01.

DNA barcoding of a new record of epi-endophytic green algae Ulvella leptochaete (Ulvellaceae, Chlorophyta) in India.

Epi-endophytic green algae comprise one of the most diverse and phylogenetically primitive groups of green algae and are considered to be ubiquitous in the world’s oceans; however, no reports of these algae exist from India. Here we report the serendipitous discovery of Ulvella growing on intertidal green algae Cladophora glomerata and benthic red algae Laurencia obtusa collected from India. DNA barcodes at nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcriber Spacer (nrDNA ITS) 1 and 2 regions for Indian isolates from the west and east coasts have been generated for the first time. Based on morphology and DNA barcoding, isolates were identified as Ulvella leptochaete. Phylogenetic reconstruction of concatenated dataset using Maximum Likelihood method differentiated Indian isolates from other accessions of this alga available in Genbank, albeit with low bootstrap support. Monophyly of Ulvella leptochaete was obvious in both of our phylogenetic analyses. With this first report of epi-endophytic algae from Indian territorial waters, the dire need to catalogue its cryptic diversity is highlighted and avenues of future research are discussed.

O conhecimento da fauna marinha bentônica brasileira através dos tempos / Knowledge of Brazilian benthic marine fauna throughout time / Knowledge of Brazilian benthic marine fauna throughout time

Ambientes com características geomorfológicas, geofísicas e com organismos peculiares compõem os ecossistemas da plataforma continental e as ilhas oceânicas da costa brasileira. A extensão da costa, a biodiversidade, a alta taxa de endemismos e a escassez de especialistas dificultam o conhecimento da fauna marinha. Apresentamos o estado atual de conhecimento da biodiversidade marinha e as perspectivas para a área no Brasil, com base em revisão bibliográfica sistemática. Constatamos que iniciativas governamentais em diferentes âmbitos têm permitido maior conhecimento das espécies da fauna marinha brasileira, abrindo perspectivas que incluem o uso de ferramentas complexas na descrição dos habitats bentônicos marinhos quanto à sua composição geológica, geofísica e biótica.

The ecosystems of Brazil’s continental shelf and oceanic islands comprise a variety of environments that display unique geomorphological and geophysical features and biotic components. The quest to attain knowledge of Brazilian marine fauna is hampered by coastline length, biodiversity, a high rate of endemism, and a shortage of specialized researchers. Based on a systematic bibliographic review, the article offers an overview of the history, current knowledge, and outlook for the field of marine biodiversity in Brazil. Our findings show that government initiatives have afforded greater knowledge of Brazilian marine fauna species and opened new perspectives, including reliance on complex tools to describe benthic marine habitats in terms of their geological, geophysical, and biotic composition.

Chemical and biological aspects of octocorals from the Brazilian coast

This review explores the chemical and biological aspects/results reported in the literature of the octocoral species collected at the Brazilian Coast. This article summarizes the biological activities (including pharmacological, antifouling and others related to chemical ecology) for the compounds and/or extracts described elsewhere. Data and references of compounds isolated from species belonging to the same genus, which have not been investigated in Brazil yet, are presented, emphasizing the importance for research in this area.

Genomic Approaches in Marine Biodiversity and Aquaculture

Recent advances in genomic and post-genomic technologies have now established the new standard in medical and biotechnological research. The introduction of next-generation sequencing, NGS,has resulted in the generation of thousands of genomes from all domains of life, including the genomes of complex uncultured microbial communities revealed through metagenomics. Although the application of genomics to marine biodiversity remains poorly developed overall, some noteworthy progress has been made in recent years. The genomes of various model marine organisms have been published and a few more are underway. In addition, the recent large-scale analysis of marine microbes, along with transcriptomic and proteomic approaches to the study of teleost fishes, mollusks and crustaceans, to mention a few, has provided a better understanding of phenotypic variability and functional genomics. The past few years have also seen advances in applications relevant to marine aquaculture and fisheries. In this review we introduce several examples of recent discoveries and progress made towards engendering genomic resources aimed at enhancing our understanding of marine biodiversity and promoting the development of aquaculture. Finally, we discuss the need for auspicious science policies to address challenges confronting smaller nations in the appropriate oversight of this growing domain as they strive to guarantee food security and conservation of their natural resources.

Primer registro de Heterocucumis godeffroyi (Semper, 1868) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) en el mar peruano

Se registra por primera vez para el Perú la especie de pepino de mar Heterocucumis godeffroyi (Semper, 1868) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea). La especie fue recolectada a 19 m de profundidad en Pucusana, departamento de Lima. Este registro representa el límite más norteño de distribución de la especie reconocido hasta el momento. Material de referencia se encuentra depositado en la Colección de Zoología Acuática, del Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.

This is the first record of Heterocucumis godeffroyi (Semper, 1868) (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) for Peruvian waters. The species was collected at19 m deep, in Pucusana, off Lima Departamento. This record represents the northern most distribution limit knowing to the present. Reference material has been deposited at the Colección de Zoología Acuática, Laboratorio de Biología Marina, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas y Fisiológicas, at Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Perú.

Elasmobranchs observed in deepwaters (45-330m) at Isla del Coco National Park, Costa Rica (Eastern Tropical Pacific) / Elasmobranquios observados en aguas profundas (45-330m) en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, Costa Rica (Pacífico Tropical Oriental)

Isla del Coco is an oceanic island 500km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is a National Park and its marine fauna has been relatively well protected. The island is famous for its elasmobranch (sharks, rays and skates) sightings in shallow waters. Here we present a catalogue of the deepwater elasmobranchs observed with the DeepSee submersible. Five species of sharks, six species of skates and one ray have been observed between 45 and 330m depth. Triaenodon obesus, the white tip reef shark, was commonly observed between 80 and 301m, but only in the afternoons. Sphyrna lewini, the scalloped hammerhead shark, was observed as deep a 303m, but commonly between 45 and 90m, and close to the island. Odontaspis ferox, the smalltooth sand tiger shark, was observed between 82 and 316m. Echinorhinus cookei, the prickly shark, was observed between 91 and 320m. Rhincodon typus, the whale shark, was observed only close to the island, between 77 and 80m. Taeniura meyeni, the marbled ray, was observed only close to the island, between 45 and 90m. A Dasyatis sp., similar to the the diamond stingray, was observed only once close to the island at 60m; this is the first report of this genus at Isla del Coco National Park. Manta birostris, the giant manta, was only observed close to the island at 90m. Mobula tarapacana, the sicklefin devil ray, was observed between 60 and 326m, extending its maximum depth almost 10 times what has been reported. Aetobatus narinari, the spotted eagle ray, was observed only close to the island between 60 and 82m. Torpedo peruana, the Peruvian torpedo ray, was observed only once at 313m, and is the first record of this species from Isla del Coco National Park.

La Isla del Coco es una isla oceánica a 500km de la costa Pacífica de Costa Rica. Es un Parque Nacional donde la fauna marina ha estado relativamente bien protegida. La isla es famosa por los elasmobranquios (tiburones y rayas) en aguas poco profundas. Aquí presentamos un catálogo de elasmobranquios observados con el sumergible DeepSee. Cinco especies de tiburones y siete especies de rayas han sido observadas entre 45 y 330m de profundidad. Triaenodon obesus, tiburón punta blanca de arrecifes o tiburón cazón coralero, observado comúnmente entre 80 y 301m pero solo en las tardes. Sphyrna lewini, el tiburón martillo o cornuda común, registrado hasta 303m, pero comúnmente entre 45 y 90m, y cerca de la Isla del Coco. Odontaspis ferox, tiburón solrayo, visto entre 82 y 316m. Echinorhinus cookei, tiburón negro espinoso, avistado entre 91 y 320m. Rhincodon typus, tiburón ballena, observado solamente cerca de la isla, entre 77 y 80m. Taeniura meyeni, raya moteada, vista solamente cerca de la isla, entre 45 y 90m. Dasyatis sp., parecida a la raya látigo, registrada solamente una vez, cerca de la isla a 60m; este es el primer informe de esta especie en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco. Manta birostris, manta gigante, observada únicamente cerca de la isla a 90m. Mobula tarapacana, manta cornuda o manta moruma, vista entre 60 y 326m, extendiendo su profundidad máxima casi 10 veces a lo informado en la literatura. Aetobatus narinari, chucho pintado o raya águila, observada solamente cerca de la isla entre 60 y 82m. Por último, Torpedo peruana, raya torpedo eléctrico o raya peruana, solamente vista una vez a 313m y es el primer informe de esta especie en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco.

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.

Marine biodiversity of an Eastern Tropical Pacific oceanic island, Isla del Coco, Costa Rica / Biodiversidad marina de una isla oceánica del Pacífico Oriental Tropical, Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Isla del Coco (also known as Cocos Island) is an oceanic island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific; it is part of the largest national park of Costa Rica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island has been visited since the 16th Century due to its abundance of freshwater and wood. Marine biodiversity studies of the island started in the late 19th Century, with an intense period of research in the 1930’s, and again from the mid 1990’s to the present. The information is scattered and, in some cases, in old publications that are difficult to access. Here I have compiled published records of the marine organisms of the island. At least 1688 species are recorded, with the gastropods (383 species), bony fishes (354 spp.) and crustaceans (at least 263 spp.) being the most species-rich groups; 45 species are endemic to Isla del Coco National Park (2.7% of the total). The number of species per kilometer of coastline and by square kilometer of seabed shallower than 200m deep are the highest recorded in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. Although the marine biodiversity of Isla del Coco is relatively well known, there are regions that need more exploration, for example, the south side, the pelagic environments, and deeper waters. Also, several groups of organisms, such as the flatworms, nematodes, nemerteans, and gelatinous zooplankton, have been observed around the Island but have been poorly studied or not at all.

La Isla del Coco es una isla oceánica en el Pacífico Tropical Oriental; es parte del Parque Nacional más grande de Costa Rica y es un sitio de Patrimonio Mundial. La isla ha sido visitada desde el Siglo XVI por su abundancia de agua dulce y árboles. Estudios de biodiversidad marina de la isla empezaron a finales del Siglo XIX, con un intenso período de investigación en la década de 1930, y de nuevo desde mediados de la década de 1990 al presente. La información sobre organismos marinos se encuentra dispersa y en algunos casos en publicaciones antiguas. En el presente trabajo se recopilan todos los registros publicados de organismos marinos de la isla. Al menos 1688 especies han sido registradas, con los gasterópodos (383 especies), peces óseos (354 spp.) y crustáceos (al menos 263 spp.) como los grupos con más especies; de esas, 45 son especies endémicas del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco (2.7% del total). El número de especies por kilómetro de costa y por kilómetro cuadrado de lecho marino de menos de 200m de profundidad son los más altos de cualquier sitio estudiado. Aunque se conoce relativamente bien la biodiversidad marina de la Isla del Coco, hay regiones, por ejemplo, el lado sur, los ambientes pelágicos, y las zonas más profundas que requieren de más exploración. También, varios grupos de organismos han sido observados en la isla pero muy poco estudiados o no del todo, por ejemplo los gusanos planos, nemátodos y el plancton gelatinosos.

Marine genome resource sustainability in Central America

In an effort to raise awareness of the major environmental challenges facing the region’s coastal and marine ecosystems, and to highlight the potential research and socioeconomic benefits of this program, the authors provide summaries of key lectures and conclusions presented in the international conference on Central American Marine Biodiversity and Genomics, in April of 2012, dedicated to “Genomic Archiving and Coastal Marine Biodiversity Exploration, Conservation and Sustainable Development”, and describe the main components of the initiative for the benefit of other actors, stakeholders and donors in the field of marine biodiversity.

Marine biodiversity of Bahía Culebra, Guanacaste, Costa Rica: published records / Biodiversidad marina de Bahía Culebra, Guanacaste, Costa Rica: registros publicados

A survey of the published records of marine organisms of Bahía Culebra, an enclosed embayment on the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, is analyzed resulting in a list of 577 species representing 22 phyla. The most diverse groups documented were crustaceans, cnidarians and mollusks in order of species number. The first published record of any marine organism from the area, a polychaete, occurred in 1922, with a peak of published records of species between 1940 and 1949 and, more recently, from 2000 to the present. Several additional taxa are known from the region but there are no published records of their occurrence. This is especially evident for such groups as the free living flatworms and black corals. Additionally, several habitats, including soft bottom sediments, have not been sampled. Because of the paucity of knowledge on the biodiversity of Bahia Culebra, much more research is needed in order to evaluate and understand the effect of climate change and increasing anthropogenic activities.

Bahía Culebra es una bahía semicerrada en el Pacífico norte de Costa Rica. Se recopilaron y analizaron publicaciones en que se mencionan especies marinas de la Bahía. Un total de 577 especies en 22 filos han sido registradas, la mayoría crustaceos, cnidarios y moluscos. El primer informe de una especie marina de Bahía Culebra fue en 1922, un poliqueto. Entre 1940 y 1949 hay un pico de publicaciones con especies de la Bahía, al igual que del 2000 al presente. Se han observado algunos grupos de animales de los cuales no hay publicaciones, por ejemplo corales negros y gusanos planos de vida libre. Igualmente, tampoco hay publicaciones sobre los organismos del bentos blando. Más investigación en Bahía Culebra como también continuar y ampliar el monitoreo de ecosistemas y organismos marinos, es necesario para poder evaluar los impactos por la actividad humana y los naturales, incluyendo el cambio climático.