Evidence of plastics contamination and sewage-derived residues in a Brazilian Hope Spot for conservation of marine biodiversity - Cagarras Islands and surrounding waters.

Cagarras Islands Archipelago, a no-take MPA in Southeast Brazil, was designated as Natural Monument (MONA Cagarras) and, more recently, recognized as Hope Spot for biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to assess plastic contamination by analyzing marine litter and microplastics in MONA Cagarras and surrounding waters. Marine litter (34.12 kg) was caught by artisanal fishermen in MONA Cagarras proximities, and plastics represented ∼79 %. Personal hygiene items and strains of hair were found, suggesting sewage-derived contamination from Ipanema SSO. Microplastics were detected in MONA Cagarras surface waters. Fragments and black particle were the most frequently found microplastic shape and color, respectively. µ-FTIR analysis identified, in descending order of occurrence, polystyrene-PS, polyethylene-PE, polyvinyl chloride-PVC, polypropylene-P, and polyamide-PA. Our integrated results of macro and microplastic contamination highlight an issue of effective conservation and health of marine biodiversity in MONA Cagarras and surrounding waters and a concern for better management of Brazilian MPAs.

Benthic macrofauna associated to the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Dreissenidae) in a coastal lagoon in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The invasion record for the estuarine bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata in Brazil is in Rio de Janeiro city, including the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, where high densities of this invader were registered. This work aimed to (1) assess the composition and structure of the benthic macrofauna associated with this invader in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, (2) analyze the spatiotemporal variation of richness, density and diversity of the associated benthic community, and (3) correlate changes on the density of the associated benthic species with some water quality variables and the density of M. leucophaeata. Clusters of M. leucophaeata were collected monthly (two years) in four sites. Nine taxa associated with M. leucophaeata were found; Heleobia sp. (Gastropoda) and Melita mangrovi (Amphipoda) showed the highest densities. The structure of the benthic macrofauna slightly differed among sampling sites, but not between dry and wet seasons. The water quality parameters, specific patterns of each taxon and high densities of M. leucophaeata contribute to variations in density of the associated species. Oscillations in the densities of M. leucophaeata and the native bivalve Brachidontes darwinianus suggest some agonistic relationship between them, such as a competition for space.

The spreading of the invasive bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata (Dreissenidae) into estuaries of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

An extensive field survey was conducted to evaluate the spreading of the invasive estuarine bivalve Mytilopsis leucophaeata into the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), in which the single invaded site so far recorded is Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. A novel record is made to the Marapendi coastal lagoon, where M. leucophaeata mainly colonizes mangrove roots. A reef composed of druses above the unconsolidated substratum is recorded for the first time for this species. The fauna associated to agglomerates of M. leucophaeata was composed of eight taxa: polychaetes Alitta succinea and Polydora sp., amphipods Melita mangrovi and Elasmopus sp., barnacles Amphibalanus eburneus and A. improvisus, the crab Eurypanopeus cf. dissimilis and the gastropod Heleobia spp. Based on COI sequences, the haplotype diversity of M. leucophaeata invasion in Marapendi Lagoon is high, like that previously recorded in Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon. The expansion of M. leucophaeata demands a continuous investigation, including the knowledge of its impacts on the biota.

Non-marine invasive gastropods on Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil): distribution and implications for conservation / Moluscos continentais invasores na Ilha Grande (Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil): distribuição e implicação para a conservação

Abstract Invasive species are one of the main causes of biodiversity loss and the knowledge of their distribution is essential for conservation efforts. The present study inventoried the land and freshwater invasive molluscs of 25 villages of Ilha Grande (Rio de Janeiro, Brazil), an island with Atlantic Rainforest remnants. Three invasive species are found: Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774), Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, both on two localities; and Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822, on 16 localities. Most records were done on the island continental side, in anthropic areas, probably due to ease of access. One record was inside a conservation area, that calls concern about the spread of those species on the island and possible effects.

Resumo As espécies invasoras são uma das maiores causas de perda de biodiversidade e o conhecimento acerca da sua distribuição é essencial para os esforços de conservação. O presente estudo inventariou os moluscos continentais invasores em 25 vilas da Ilha Grande (Rio de Janeiro, Brasil), uma ilha com remanescentes de Mata Atlântica. Três espécies invasoras foram encontradas: Melanoides tuberculata (Müller, 1774), Physa acuta Draparnaud, 1805, ambas em duas localidades; e Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822, em 16 localidades. A maior parte dos registros foi no lado continental da ilha, provavelmente devido a facilidade de acesso. Um dos registros foi dentro de uma área de conservação, o que chama a atenção para a dispersão destas espécies na ilha, e seus possíveis efeitos.