Assessing the extinction risk of insular, understudied marine species.

Hydrothermal vents are rare deep-sea oases that house faunal assemblages with a similar density of life as coral reefs. Only approximately 600 of these hotspots are known worldwide, most only one-third of a football field in size. With advancing development of the deep-sea mining industry, there is an urgent need to protect these unique, insular ecosystems and their specialist endemic faunas. We applied the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List criteria to assess the extinction risk of vent-endemic molluscs with varying exposure to potential deep-sea mining. We assessed 31 species from three key areas under different regulatory frameworks in the Indian, West Pacific, and Southern Oceans. Three vent mollusc species were also examined as case studies of different threat contexts (protected or not from potential mining) to explore the interaction of local regulatory frameworks and IUCN Red List category assignment. We found that these assessments were robust even when there was some uncertainty in the total range of individual species, allowing assessment of species that have only recently been named and described. For vent-endemic species, regulatory changes to area-based management can have a greater impact on IUCN Red List assessment outcomes than incorporating additional data about species distributions. Our approach revealed the most useful IUCN Red List criteria for vent-endemic species: criteria B and D2. This approach, combining regulatory framework and distribution, has the potential to rapidly gauge assessment outcomes for species in insular systems worldwide.

Evaluación del Riesgo de Extinción de Especies Marinas Insulares Poco Estudiadas Resumen Los respiraderos hidrotermales son oasis poco comunes en las profundidades del mar en donde se encuentran conjuntos de fauna con una densidad similar a la de los arrecifes de coral. A nivel mundial, sólo se conocen aproximadamente 600 de estos puntos calientes, la mayoría solamente del tamaño de un tercio de una cancha de fútbol. Conforme avanza el desarrollo de la industria minera en mares profundos, también hay una urgente necesidad por proteger estos ecosistemas únicos e insulares y a su fauna endémica especialista. Aplicamos el criterio de la Lista Roja de la UICN (Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza) para evaluar el riesgo de extinción que tienen los moluscos endémicos de los respiraderos ante una exposición variable a la potencial minería de mar profundo. Evaluamos 31 especies de tres áreas importantes bajo diferentes marcos regulatorios en los océanos Índico, Pacífico Occidental y del Sur. Analizamos tres especies de moluscos de los respiraderos como estudios de caso para diferentes contextos de amenazas (protegidas o no de la minería potencial) para explorar la interacción de los marcos regulatorios locales y la clasificación categórica dentro de la Lista Roja de la UICN. Descubrimos que estos análisis eran sólidos incluso cuando existía algo de incertidumbre en cuanto a la extensión total de la especie individual, lo que permite la valoración de especies que han sido descritas y nombradas recientemente. Para las especies endémicas de las chimeneas, los cambios regulatorios a un manejo basado en el área pueden tener un mayor impacto sobre los resultados de evaluación de la Lista Roja de la UICN que la incorporación de datos adicionales sobre la distribución de las especies. Nuestra estrategia reveló los criterios más útiles de la Lista Roja de la UICN para las especies endémicas de las chimeneas: los criterios B y D2. Esta estrategia, que combina un marco regulatorio con la distribución, tiene el potencial para medir rápidamente los resultados de las evaluaciones para las especies que se encuentran en sistemas insulares en todo el mundo.

Morphology of endoskeleton and spination in the sea star Midgardia xandaros (Brisingida: Brisingidae) from the Gulf of Mexico / Morfología del endoesqueleto y ornamentación de la estrella de mar Midgardia xandaros (Brisingida: Brisingidae) en el Golfo de México

Introduction: The deep-sea asteroid species of Brisingida have a nearly global distribution but have remained poorly understood due to their deep bathymetric distributions and fragile skeletons. Objective: To describe the external and internal morphology of Midgardia xandaros including the skeletal arrangement, through multifocal and SEM techniques. Methods: We examined a total of 21 specimens, including 27 arm fragments, from the Gulf of Mexico and Honduras. Two specimens were dissected. Results: Detailed descriptions of pedicellariae, abactinal, intercostal, inferomarginal, adambulacral, ambulacral, odontophore, and oral ossicles, and their spines are provided, emphasizing the articulations and muscle attachments. C-shaped valves pedicellariae and small pedicellariae valves with shorter denticulation areas were recognized. Conclusions: The morphological description of M. xandaros is expanded, providing the most extensive description of abactinal, first adambulacral, first and subsequent inferomarginal ossicles, abactinal spines, and C-shaped, crossed pedicellariae, as well as the distal arm plates, for a brisingid species using SEM to date.

Introducción: Las estrellas de mar de profundidad del orden Brisingida tienen una distribución casi global, sin embargo, han sido poco estudiadas debido a su profunda distribución batimétrica y esqueleto frágil. Objetivo: Describir la morfología externa e interna de Midgardia xandaros incluyendo el arreglo de las placas del esqueleto mediante técnicas de microscopía multifocal y electrónica de barrido (MEB). Métodos: Se examinó un total de 21 ejemplares, incluyendo 27 fragmentos de brazos, provenientes del Golfo de México y Honduras. Dos de estos ejemplares fueron disectados. Resultados: Se presenta la descripción de pedicelarios; placas abactinales, intercostales, inferomarginales, adambulacrales, ambulacrales, orales y odontóforo, y sus espinas, enfatizando los sitios de articulaciones e inserción de músculos. Se reconocieron pedicelarios con valvas con forma de C, y pequeños pedicelarios cuyas valvas poseen áreas de denticulación cortas. Conclusiones: La descripción morfológica de M. xandaros es ampliada, presentado por primera vez la morfología de las placas abactinales, primera adambulacrales, primera y subsecuentes inferomarginales, espinas abactinales y pedicelarios con valvas con forma de "C", así como las placas distales de los brazos para una especie del orden Brisingida.

Heart urchins from the depths: Corparva lyrida gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotropidae), and new records for the southwestern Atlantic Ocean / Erizos corazón de las profundidades: Corparva lyrida gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotropidae) y nuevos registros para el Océano Atlántico sudoccidental

Introduction: Sea urchins in the order Spatangoida are the most diverse group of extant echinoids. Objective: Describe a new genus and species of Spatangoida from abyssal depths, and add new records for known species. Methods: Specimens were collected during several cruises at different areas of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean (SWAO), among 37-55° S latitude at depths ranging from 55 to 3 000 m. We present morphological and ultrastructure analyses. Results: Corparva lyrida gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotropidae) is described from the Mar del Plata Canyon on the Argentine continental slope (2 950 m depth), the first record of this family from Argentina. Corparva gen. nov. differs in having an apical system semi-ethmolytic, and labrum reaching to rear part of second adjacent ambulacral plate. We also report the northernmost distribution and deepest record for Brisaster moseleyi (38° S latitude, 2 212 m depth), the northward extension of the distribution range of Tripylus excavatus (39° S latitude, 74 m depth), and the first record of Abatus philippii and Abatus agassizii at the Burdwood Bank/MPA Namuncurá. Conclusions: The present work brings novel and updated data about the diversity and distribution of spatangoids from the SWAO, including the description of C. lyrida gen. et sp. nov., and new records of species. This shows how much remains to be known about the diversity and distribution of heart urchins in the SWAO, especially from the deep-sea.

Introducción: Los erizos de mar del orden Spatangoida son el grupo más diverso de equinoideos recientes. Objetivo: Describir un nuevo género y una nueva especie de Spatangoida de profundidades abisales, y reportar nuevos registros para especies conocidas. Métodos: Los ejemplares fueron recolectados durante varias expediciones a diferentes áreas del Océano Atlántico sudoccidental (OAS), entre las latitudes 37-55° S y abarcando profundidades desde 55 a 3 000 metros. Presentamos análisis morfológicos y de ultraestructura. Resultados: Corparva lyrida gen. et sp. nov. (Palaeotropidae) fue descripta para el cañón submarino Mar del Plata en el talud continental de Argentina (2 950 m de profundidad), el primer registro de esta familia para Argentina. Corparva gen. nov. difiere en tener un sistema apical semi-etmolítico y labrum que llega a la parte posterior de la segunda placa ambulacral adyacente. También informamos la distribución más septentrional y el registro más profundo para Brisaster moseleyi (latitud 38° S, 2 212 m de profundidad), la extensión hacia el norte del rango de distribución de Tripylus excavatus (latitud 39° S, 74 m de profundidad) y el primer registro de Abatus philippii y Abatus agassizii en el Banco Burdwood/AMP Namuncurá. Conclusiones: El presente trabajo aporta datos novedosos y actualizados sobre la diversidad y distribución de erizos de mar espatangoideos del OAS, incluyendo la descripción de C. lyrida gen. et sp. nov., y nuevos registros para especies conocidas. Esto muestra cuánto queda por conocer sobre la diversidad y distribución de los erizos corazón en el OAS, especialmente de las profundidades marinas.

Biodiversidad de ofiuroideos (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) del talud de la Península de Yucatán, México / Biodiversity of ophiuroids (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from the slope of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Introduction: The Ophiuroidea class is the most diverse of the Phylum Echinodermata, with 2 064 described species, which can be found from intertidal zones to abyssal depths, but the fauna of Yucatan peninsula needs more study. Objective: To describe the diversity of ophiuroids in the Yucatan continental slope. Methods: Information was compiled from four oceanographic surveys carried out in August 2005, June 2007 (BIOREPES 1 and 2: BRP1 and BRP2), April 2011 and August 2014 (COBERPES 2 and 6: CBP2 and CBP6). The specimens were obtained by trawling with a shrimp net in soft substrates and with a skimmer-type trawl dredge at a depth range of 200 to 1 071 m off the states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo, Mexico. Results: We found members of two superorders, five orders, six suborders, five superfamilies, 18 families, 28 genera and 43 species. Conclusions: The northeast zone Yucatan Peninsula has at least 43 species, of which 19 are new records for the area.

Introducción: La clase Ophiuroidea es la más diversa del Phylum Echinodermata, con 2 064 especies descritas, que se pueden encontrar desde zonas intermareales hasta profundidades abisales, pero la fauna de la península de Yucatán necesita más estudio. Objetivo: Describir la diversidad de ofiuroideos en el talud continental de Yucatán. Métodos: Se recopiló información de cuatro estudios oceanográficos llevados a cabo en agosto de 2005, junio de 2007 (BIOREPES 1 y 2: BRP1 y BRP2), abril de 2011 y agosto de 2014 (COBERPES 2 y 6: CBP2 y CBP6). Los especímenes se obtuvieron mediante la pesca de arrastre con una red camaronera en sustratos blandos y con una draga de arrastre tipo skimmer en un rango de profundidad de 200 a 1 071 m frente a los estados de Yucatán y Quintana Roo, México. Resultados: Encontramos miembros de dos superórdenes, cinco órdenes, seis subórdenes, cinco superfamilias, 18 familias, 28 géneros y 43 especies. Conclusiones: La zona noreste de la Península de Yucatán tiene al menos 43 especies, de las cuales 19 son nuevos registros para el área.

Annotated checklist for the Gorgonocephalidae family (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) from the National Echinoderm Collection "Dra. Ma. E. Caso M." of the Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, UNAM / Lista anotada de la familia Gorgonocephalidae (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) de la Colección Nacional de Equinodermos "Dra. Ma. E. Caso M." del Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, UNAM

Introduction: The order Euryalida is represented by fragile ophiuroids with long and slender arms that can be ramified. Species within the family Gorgonocephalidae are characterized by the presence of tiny hooklets on the dorsal aspect of their arms. There are very few published studies referring to species of the family Gorgonocephalidae inhabiting Mexican waters. Objective: To review the taxonomic status of the species belonging to this taxonomic family, identifying their diagnostic taxonomic characteristics to create an illustrated guide of species kept at the CNE, UNAM. Methods: Specialized bibliography of the Gorgonocephalidae family was gathered. Subsequently, all the specimens from the CNE were photographed using Scanning Electron and Multifocal Microscopy photography, to show the structures of taxonomic relevance. Results: A total of 193 specimens corresponding to eight genera and nine species were reviewed. The genus Astrocaneum presented the highest species richness. Conclusions: For the species identified in this study and for the sake of accurate identification, morphological characters such as the shape of hooklets and arm plates were highlighted.

Introducción: El orden Euryalida está formado por ofiuros frágiles con brazos delgados, largos y a veces ramificados. Las especies de la familia Gorgonocephalidae se caracterizan por la presencia de diminutos ganchos en el lado dorsal de sus brazos. Los estudios que refieren especies de la familia Gorgonocephalidae que habitan en aguas mexicanas son escasos. Objetivo: Realizar la revisión taxonómica de dicha familia, reconociendo los caracteres taxonómicos diagnósticos para generar una guía ilustrada de cada una de las especies que se encuentran en la CNE del ICML, UNAM. Métodos: Se recopiló toda la bibliografía especializada de la familia, posteriormente con ayuda de fotografías de MEB y multifocal se fotografiaron los especímenes de la CNE para destacar las estructuras de importancia taxonómica. Resultados: se revisaron un total de 193 ejemplares correspondientes a ocho géneros, nueve especies, siendo el género Astrocaneum el de mayor riqueza específica. Conclusiones: Para las especies identificadas en este estudio, para dar una identificación más precisa, se destacaron los caracteres morfológicos forma de los ganchos y forma de las placas de los brazos.

Taxonomy of family Benthopectinidae (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) in the Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico

Introduction: The family Benthopectinidae is composed of deep-sea sea stars distributed in eight genera and approximately 70 valid species. So far, only five species of this family have been reported for the Mexican waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Objective: To provide an updated local taxonomy of this family. Methods: A total of 566 specimens deposited in the Echinoderm National Collection, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, collected from 1952 to 2015, were taxonomically examined. Results: We present descriptions, photographs, and an illustrated dichotomous key for Benthopecten simplex simplex, Cheiraster (Barbadosaster) echinulatus, Cheiraster (Cheiraster) planus, Cheiraster (Christopheraster) blakei, and Cheiraster (Christopheraster) mirabilis in the region. Conclusions: The five studied species represent 6 % of the world biodiversity of the family and can now be identified with the illustrated key.

Introducción: La familia Benthopectinidae está compuesta por estrellas de mar de profundidad distribuidas en ocho géneros y 70 especies válidas aproximadamente. Hasta el momento, se han reportado cinco especies de esta familia para las aguas mexicanas del Golfo de México. Objetivo: Realizar una actualización local de la taxonomía de esta familia. Métodos: Se examinaron un total de 566 especímenes depositados en la Colección Nacional de Equinodermos, Instituto de Ciencias del Mar y Limnología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México y el Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Smithsonian Institution, recolectados de 1952 a 2015. Resultados: Presentamos descripciones, fotografías y una clave dicotómica ilustrada para Benthopecten simplex simplex, Cheiraster (Barbadosaster) echinulatus, Cheiraster (Cheiraster) planus, Cheiraster (Christopheraster) blakei, y Cheiraster (Christopheraster) mirabilis en la región. Conclusiones: Las cinco especies estudiadas representan el 6 % de la diversidad mundial de la familia y ahora pueden ser identificadas con la clave ilustrada proporcionada.

Addisonia enodis (Vetigastropoda: Lepetelloidea) associated with an elasmobranch egg capsule from the South Atlantic Ocean and the discovery of the species from deep waters off northeastern Brazil / Addisonia enodis (Vetigastropoda: Lepetelloidea) associada a uma cápsula ovígera de elasmobrânquio no Oceano Atlântico sul e a descoberta da espécie em águas profundas no nordeste do Brasil

A gastropod specimen of the subfamily Addisoniinae Dall, 1882 is reported here for the first time associated with an elasmobranch egg capsule from the South Atlantic Ocean. A specimen of Addisonia enodis Simone, 1996 was found living inside an egg capsule of Atlantoraja castelnaui (Miranda Ribeiro, 1907) (Arhynchobatidae Fowler, 1934) from shallow waters off southeastern Brazil. Previous studies have reported the association of members of the genus Addisonia Dall, 1882 only with the egg capsules of sharks from the family Scyliorhinidae Gill, 1862 and skates from the family Rajidae de Blainville, 1816. Other specimens of A. enodis are also here reported to occur off northeastern Brazil based on shells found in deep waters off the state of Sergipe, which fills a gap in its distribution in the Southwestern Atlantic to the north of this region. Addisonia enodis was recognized as a synonym of A. excentrica (Tiberi, 1855). However, we consider A. enodis as a valid species until further data clarify this issue based on a large sample of Addisonia from Brazilian waters.

Um espécime de gastrópode da subfamília Addisoniinae Dall, 1882 é reportado aqui pela primeira vez associado a uma cápsula ovígera de elasmobrânquio encontrada no Oceano Atlântico sul. Um espécime de Addisonia enodis Simone, 1996 foi achado vivendo na parte interna da cápsula ovígera de Atlantoraja castelnaui (Miranda Ribeiro, 1907) (Arhynchobatidae Fowler, 1934) em águas rasas do sudeste do Brasil. Estudos prévios mencionaram a associação de membros do gênero Addisonia Dall, 1882 somente com desovas de tubarões da família Scyliorhinidae Gill, 1862 e raias da família Rajidae de Blainville, 1816. Outros espécimes de A. enodis também são aqui reportados para o nordeste do Brasil com base em conchas coletadas em águas profundas ao largo de Sergipe, as quais preenchem uma lacuna em sua distribuição no sudoeste do Atlântico. Addisonia enodis foi reconhecida como um sinônimo de A. excentrica (Tiberi, 1855). No entanto, essa espécie é considerada válida, neste estudo, até que mais dados demonstrem com clareza que tratam-se da mesma espécie.

Emerging conservation challenges and prospects in an era of offshore hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation.

Globally, extensive marine areas important for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem functioning are undergoing exploration and extraction of oil and natural gas resources. Such operations are expanding to previously inaccessible deep waters and other frontier regions, while conservation-related legislation and planning is often lacking. Conservation challenges arising from offshore hydrocarbon development are wide-ranging. These challenges include threats to ecosystems and marine species from oil spills, negative impacts on native biodiversity from invasive species colonizing drilling infrastructure, and increased political conflicts that can delay conservation actions. With mounting offshore operations, conservationists need to urgently consider some possible opportunities that could be leveraged for conservation. Leveraging options, as part of multi-billion dollar marine hydrocarbon operations, include the use of facilities and costly equipment of the deep and ultra-deep hydrocarbon industry for deep-sea conservation research and monitoring and establishing new conservation research, practice, and monitoring funds and environmental offsetting schemes. The conservation community, including conservation scientists, should become more involved in the earliest planning and exploration phases and remain involved throughout the operations so as to influence decision making and promote continuous monitoring of biodiversity and ecosystems. A prompt response by conservation professionals to offshore oil and gas developments can mitigate impacts of future decisions and actions of the industry and governments. New environmental decision support tools can be used to explicitly incorporate the impacts of hydrocarbon operations on biodiversity into marine spatial and conservation plans and thus allow for optimum trade-offs among multiple objectives, costs, and risks.

New records of Tindariopsis (Pelecypoda, Protobranchia) from Brazil - Campos Basin (off Rio de Janeiro) / Novos registros de Tindariopsis (Pelecypoda, Protobranchia) no Brasil - Bacia de Campos (Rio de Janeiro)

As a part of the Environmental Characterization of the Campos Basin project, we obtained samples from the continental slope benthos. As a consequence, specimens of Tindariopsis aeolata (Dall, 1889) and Tindariopsis agathida (Dall, 1889) were found. These species show prodissoconch surface sculpture patterns that were never seen for species of Tindariopsis. The presence of this kind of sculpture in the type species of the genus, T. agathida, adds diagnostic characters to the genus. T. agathida and T. aeolata are typical from the Caribbean Realm (Guyana and Tobago). This is the first record of T. aeolata in the southernmost area of the Atlantic Ocean, and also the shallowest record (1000 m) for this species. With this finding of specimens from the Bacia de Campos, the distribution of T. agathida can now be extended in the Brazilian coast from 7º to 22º S.

Como parte do projeto de Caracterização Ambiental da Bacia de Campos obtivemos uma série de amostras do talude continental. Como conseqüência foram encontrados exemplares de Tindariopsis aeolata (Dall, 1889) e Tindariopsis agathida (Dall, 1889). Ambas as espécies apresentam um padrão de escultura na superfície da prodissoconcha ainda não encontrado em espécies de Tindariopsis. A presença deste tipo de escultura na espécie tipo do gênero, T. agathida, adiciona características diagnósticas para o gênero. T. agathida e T. aeolata são espécies típicas do Domínio do Caribe (Guiana e Tobago). Este é o primeiro registro de T. aeolata na região mais ao sul do Oceano Atlântico, e também o registro batimétrico mais raso (1000 m) referido para a espécie. Com o encontro destes espécimes da Bacia de Campos, a distribuição geográfica de T. agathida pode ser então estendida, na costa brasileira, de 7º S até 22º S.