Submarine outfall effect on subtidal macrobenthic communities in a southwestern Atlantic coastal city.

Submarine outfalls are an effective alternative for the final discharge of wastewater. The aim was to evaluate the subtidal macrobenthic community's responses and the changes in bottom sedimentary dynamics due to submarine outfall (SO) location. Sampling stages were: before SO (BSO), after SO (ASO) and after treatment plant (AEDAR). Sampling sites were determined at different distances from the coastline (coastal, oceanic, and reference) on both sides of the pipe (North and South). Species shifts (from tolerant to sensitive) were observed along with a decrease in organic matter in the AEDAR Stage. There were changes in the sedimentary dynamic with sediment accumulation on the South side of the SO (finest sediments) and erosion on the North side (coarsest sediments) in the ASO and AEDAR Stages. Species turnover was higher than nesting in all stages. Functional trait analysis allowed the identification of temporal variations in benthic communities. The body size, development mode, feeding mode, habit, adult mobility and tolerance to pollution were useful functional traits to detect changes through Stages (BSO, ASO, and AEDAR). Biotic indices classified the sites as slightly disturbed, indicating a slight improvement in the AEDAR Stage.

A systematic evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in South Atlantic subtropical mangrove wetlands under a coastal zone development scenario.

Mangrove forests worldwide are threatened environments considered vulnerable to chronic contamination by hydrophobic contaminants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These ecosystems have a key role in the dynamics of biogenic and anthropogenic carbon storage and provide proper conditions for accumulation. One of most important subtropical mangrove swamps in the South Atlantic is located in the Paranaguá Estuarine System (PES), the largest bay of South Brazil surrounded by well-preserved Atlantic rainforests; however, the PES is under imminent risks of damage, e.g., due to incidental oil spills during port operations. In this scenario, PAHs were assessed for the first time in the mangrove sediments of the PES. The concentrations of 16 priority PAHs (EPA) (

First record of the suborder Colomastigidea (Amphipoda) from Brazilian waters, with description of a new species of Colomastix Grube, 1861.

The suborder Colomastigidea consists essentially of small commensal amphipods and, to the date, no species are known from Brazilian waters. Here, a new species (Colomastix trispinosa sp. nov.) of the genus Colomastix is described from the Northeastern Brazilian coast, Ceará state. The new species is distinguished from the others in the genus especially by the male morphology of the palm of gnathopod 2 and the apex of inner ramus of uropod 1, as well as for the combination of other characters. In addition, it is the first Atlantic species to have a pleated apex on dactylus of female gnathopod 2.

Three new species of Colomastix Grube, 1861 (Amphipoda: Colomastigidea) from Todos-os-Santos Bay, northeastern Brazilian coast, br />with identification keys to Atlantic Ocean species.

Colomastigids are small, commensal marine amphipods distributed worldwide. Here we present descriptions of three new species of Colomastix Grube, 1861 from Todos-os-Santos Bay (Bahia state), and separately identification keys to males and females of all known Colomastix species from the Atlantic Ocean. Males of Colomastix iemanja sp. nov. can be distinguished from all others in the genus especially by the bifurcate apex of inner ramus of uropod 1, with highly asymmetric branches surrounded by a membranous-like structure. Males of Colomastix tubulosa sp. nov. can be distinguished from all others in the genus especially by the tube-like morphology of the apex of inner ramus of uropod 1, the morphology of the distalmost palmar process of gnathopod 2 and by the expanded inner ramus of uropod 2. Females of Colomastix iemanja sp. nov. and Colomastix tubulosa sp. nov. are the only species in the Atlantic with a pleated apex on dactylus of gnathopod 2, besides Colomastix trispinosa Silvany, Alves Senna, 2019. Colomastix marielle sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other species in the genus by the elongate carpus of pereopod 5 of females and by the rudder-like morphology of the apex of inner ramus of uropod 1 of males. These three new species increase the number of Colomastix in the Atlantic from 18 to 21, and are amongst the first records of the suborder Colomastigidea Lowry Myers, 2017 from Brazilian waters.

Polychaetes from Burdwood Bank: "Namuncurá I" Marine Protected Area and slope, SW Atlantic Ocean

Introduction: The first open-sea (non-coastal) Marine Protected Area in Argentina, named "Namuncurá I" (NMPA), was created in 2013 at Burdwood Bank (BB), an undersea plateau located about 200 km south from Malvinas Islands (Falkland Islands) and 150 km east from Staten Island, SW Atlantic Ocean. It comprises three different management areas: the central one ("core", strict protection, only control and monitoring activities), surrounded by a "buffer" area (authorized activities, e.g. scientific research) and an external "transition" area (productive and extractive activities contemplated in the Management Plan). Beyond the transition area, only the southern shelf-break is protected, after the creation of the "Namuncurá II" MPA in December 2018. Objective: Provide the inventory of polychaetes collected during 2016 and 2017 at the core (98 m depth), buffer (128 m depth), transition (133 m-189 m depth) areas of the Namuncurá I MPA, together with slope areas (220 m-798 m depth). Methods: Taken with a trawl net used to characterize the faunal assemblages and to compare results with other Magellan areas. Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were applied to a Bray-Curtis similarity index to assess polychaete assemblages in the NMPA - BB slope and Magellan region respectively; SIMPER (Similarity Percentage Analyses) and ANOSIM (Analysis of Similarities) were performed. Results: A total of 918 individuals, which correspond to 39 taxa distributed in 22 families, were recorded in samples from NMPA and BB slope, mainly epibenthic or associated with the large corals collected. Ampharete kerguelensis McIntosh, 1885; Hyalinoecia artifex Verrill, 1880; Idanthyrsus macropaleus (Schmarda, 1861); Laetmonice producta Grube, 1877; Onuphis pseudoiridescens Averincev, 1972; Pista mirabilis McIntosh 1885 and Terebellides malvinensis Bremec & Elias, 1999 constitute new records for Burdwood Bank. A similar polychaete assemblage characterized the three areas of NMPA and slope locations, while H. artifex characterized locations at the NW deepest slope of the bank. Conclusions: These results indicate strong connections between the fauna collected at NMPA and the polychaetes assemblage in other Magellan areas dominated by soft bottoms. The biogeographic importance of the BB as connection for benthic polychaete species between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula merits future investigation.

Introducción: La primera Área Marina Protegida de mar abierto (no costera) en Argentina, llamada "Namuncurá I" (AMPN), fue creada en 2013 en el Banco Burdwood (BB), una plataforma sumergida ubicada unos 200 km al sur de las Islas Malvinas y 150 km al Este de la Isla de los Estados. En el Océano Atlántico SO. El área comprende tres diferentes áreas de manejo: la central ("el núcleo", con protección estricta, solo Control y actividades de monitoreo), rodeada por un área "de amortiguación" (solo actividades autorizadas, como investigación científica) y un área externa de "transición" (se contemplan actividades productivas y extractivas en el Plan de Manejo). Más allá del área de transición, el talud y las áreas adyacentes no presentan medidas de protección. Objetivos: Proporcionar un inventario de poliquetos colectados durante 2016 y 2017 en el Núcleo (98 m de profundidad), de Amortiguación (128 m), de Transición (133 m-189 m) y Talud (220 m-798 m). Métodos: Las muestras fueron obtenidas con una red de arrastre para caracterizar las asociaciones faunísticas y para compararlas con otras áreas Magallánicas. Análisis de Escalamiento Multidimensional y de agrupamiento aglomerativo jerárquico fueron aplicados a una matriz de similaridad de Bray-Curtis para determinar las asociaciones de poliquetos en el AMP - Talud del BB y región Magallánica, respectivamente. Resultados: Un total de 918 individuos, que corresponden a 39 taxones distribuidos en 22 familias, fueron registrados en las muestras del AMPN y talud del BB, mayormente epibentónicos o asociados a grandes corales. Ampharete kerguelensis McIntosh, 1885; Hyalinoecia artifex Verrill, 1880; Idanthyrsus macropaleus (Schmarda, 1861); Laetmonice producta Grube, 1877; Onuphis pseudoiridescens Averincev, 1972; Pista mirabilis McIntosh 1885 y Terebellides malvinensis Bremec & Elias, 1999 constituyen nuevos registros para el Banco Burdwood. Un ensamble de poliquetos similar caracteriza a las tres áreas del AMPN y talud, mientras que H. artifex caracteriza los sitios más profundos del talud del banco. Conclusiones: Estos resultados indican una fuerte conexión entre la fauna colectada en el NMPA y los ensambles de poliquetos de sustratos blandos de otras áreas Magallánicas. La importancia biogeográfica del BB como una conexión entre Sudamérica y la Península Antártica justifican futuras investigaciones.

Petroleum biomarkers as tracers of low-level chronic oil contamination of coastal environments: A systematic approach in a subtropical mangrove.

Petroleum biomarkers (hopanes, terpanes and steranes) are frequently assessed in estuarine sediments as tracers of oil input. In order to compare distinct patterns of hydrocarbon accumulation in mudflats, salt marsh and mangrove, sediments from two transects (control and impacted areas) were sampled in Paranaguá Bay, SW Atlantic. Concentrations of n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and petroleum biomarkers (hopanes, terpanes and steranes) were determined, as well as bulk parameters (TOC, grain size and δ13C). N-alkanes concentrations were similar between control and impacted sites (respectively, 3.03 ±â€¯1.20 µg g-1 and 4.11 ±â€¯3.02 µg g-1) and reflected a high biogenic input. Conversely, PAHs and petroleum biomarker concentrations were three to six times higher in impacted site than the control site (respectively, 60.4 ±â€¯23.3 ng g-1 and 22.0 ±â€¯25.0 ng g-1 for PAHs and 197.7 ±â€¯51.8 ng g-1 and 40.2 ±â€¯32. ng g-1 for hopanes). Despite these differences, concentrations were lower than those reported for highly impacted areas worldwide. Diagnostic ratios and hydrocarbon parameters (e.g. total PAHs and total petroleum biomarkers) helped to distinguish human impact in the ecological zones, suggesting different sources and/or levels of weathering, confirmed by ANOVA tests. TOC played a fundamental role to the concentration of hydrocarbons, showing similar distributions along the transects. Petroleum biomarkers could clearly indicate the preferential sites of deposition and assign different levels of anthropic contamination by hydrocarbons, thus providing clear information about the chronic petroleum pollution in coastal sediments.

Marine debris in beaches of the Southwestern Atlantic: An assessment of their abundance and mass at different spatial scales in northern coastal Argentina.

Argentina is currently undergoing an intensive development of coastal-oriented tourism due to the temperate climate and coastal sceneries of the Southwestern Atlantic and particularly its wide ocean-open sandy beaches, which may turn into an important contributor of marine debris to the beaches. This study was designed to assess at four spatial scales (i) the variation of the abundance and mass of marine debris and (ii) the composition and sources of these items in sandy-tourist beaches of coastal zones of the province of Buenos Aires, in northern Argentina. The abundance and mass of marine debris shifted between sampling localities (separated by ~1.5×105m) and beaches (~3×104m). Debris was primarily from recreational and fishing activities and over 20mm in size. Tackling the complications associated with marine debris in northern Argentina may include intensive educational and advertising campaigns oriented chiefly to beach users and fisherman.

Energy direct inputs and greenhouse gas emissions of the main industrial trawl fishery of Brazil.

This study provides first-time estimates of direct fuel inputs and greenhouse gas emissions produced by the trawl fishing fleet operating off southeastern and southern Brazil. Analyzed data comprised vessel characteristics, landings, fishing areas and trawling duration of 10,144 fishing operations monitored in Santa Catarina State from 2003 to 2011. Three main fishing strategies were differentiated: 'shrimp trawling', 'slope trawling' and 'pair trawling'. Jointly these operations burned over 141.5millionl of diesel to land 342.3millionkg of fish and shellfish. Annually, 0.36-0.48l were consumed for every kg of catch landed. Because all fishing strategies relied on multispecific catches to raise total incomes, estimates of fuel use intensity were generally low but increased 316-1025% if only nominal targets were considered. In nine years, trawling operations emitted 104.07GgC to the atmosphere, between 36,800-49,500tons CO2 per year.

Coupling spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for evaluation of the depositional history of hydrocarbons in a subtropical estuary.

Spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques can be used together to evaluate hydrocarbon inputs to coastal environments such as the Paranaguá estuarine system (PES), located in the SW Atlantic, Brazil. Historical inputs of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed using two sediment cores from the PES. The AHs were related to the presence of biogenic organic matter and degraded oil residues. The PAHs were associated with mixed sources. The highest hydrocarbon concentrations were related to oil spills, while relatively low levels could be attributed to the decrease in oil usage during the global oil crisis. The results of electron paramagnetic resonance were in agreement with the absolute AHs and PAHs concentrations measured by chromatographic techniques, while near-infrared spectroscopy results were consistent with unresolved complex mixture (UCM)/total n-alkanes ratios. These findings suggest that the use of a combination of techniques can increase the accuracy of assessment of contamination in sediments.

Effect of the invader Boccardia proboscidea (Polychaeta: Spionidae) on richness, diversity and structure of SW Atlantic epilithic intertidal community.

In Mar del Plata (Argentine, SW Atlantic), a large seaside resort, the sewage discharges impact the littoral ecosystem. The invader polychaete Boccardia proboscidea has developed reefs since spring of 2008. The effect of this species on the richness, diversity and structure of epilithic intertidal community was assessed through an MBACI design in both sewage-impacted and reference sites, and Before/After the invasion. The presence of reefs of B. proboscidea since spring 2008 has caused a significant reduction of total individuals, total taxa and diversity in sewage-impacted sites regarding the reference ones. The species analyzed showed a high variable response because patterns were dominated by small-scale variability. Occasional peaks in abundance were observed on a single sampling site and time and a large variation among replicates. The associated fauna, formerly rich and diverse in impacted sites, shows a tendency to disappear as the ecosystem engineer Brachidontes rodriguezii is replaced by monocultures of B. proboscidea.

Energy direct inputs and greenhouse gas emissions of the main industrial trawl fishery of Brazil.

This study provides first-time estimates of direct fuel inputs and greenhouse gas emissions produced by the trawl fishing fleet operating off southeastern and southern Brazil. Analyzed data comprised vessel characteristics, landings, fishing areas and trawling duration of 10,144 fishing operations monitored in Santa Catarina State from 2003 to 2011. Three main fishing strategies were differentiated: 'shrimp trawling', 'slope trawling' and 'pair trawling'. Jointly these operations burned over 9.1 million liters of diesel to land 342.3 million kilograms of fish and shellfish. Annually, 0.023-0.031 l were consumed for every kg of catch landed. Because all fishing strategies relied on multispecific catches to raise total incomes, estimates of fuel use intensity were generally low but increased 200-900% if only nominal targets were considered. In nine years, trawling operations emitted 6.69 GgC to the atmosphere, between 2300 and 3300 tons CO2 per year.

The glassy sweepers' way: seeking a versatile wrasse to be cleaned

Diurnal reef fishes compose the bulk of clients that seek cleaner fishes' services, but some nocturnal species that shelter at daytime also seek the cleaners. While doing so the nocturnal clients must leave their hiding places and thus they get exposed to potential diurnal predators. We report here on the cleaning interactions between a daytime cleaner wrasse (Thalassoma noronhanum) and a night time active client (Pempheris schomburgki) that usually remains sheltered at daytime. We recorded P. schomburgki leaving their shelter at daytime and heading towards T. noronhanum, whenever the cleaner swam by the shelter. Since T. noronhanum is able to tend temporary cleaning station near the safety of the shelters of its clients, P. schomburgki lessens a possible risk of predation by seeking this versatile cleaner.

Peixes recifais diurnos compõem a maioria dos clientes nas estações de peixes limpadores. Entretanto, algumas espécies com hábitos noturnos também procuram os peixes limpadores, ficando expostas a potenciais predadores diurnos quando precisam deixar seus abrigos. Registramos aqui as interações de limpeza entre um labrídeo diurno (Thalassoma noronhanum) e um cliente com hábitos noturnos (Pempheris schomburgki), que permanece abrigado durante o dia. Esta espécie de cliente deixa seu abrigo durante o dia e nada em direção a T. noronhanum quando este limpador desloca-se próximo aos esconderijos. Uma vez que T. noronhanum é capaz de manter estações de limpeza temporárias, próximas aos abrigos dos clientes, P. schomburgki diminui uma possível exposição aos predadores quando procura esta espécie versátil de limpador.

The glassy sweepers' way: seeking a versatile wrasse to be cleaned

Diurnal reef fishes compose the bulk of clients that seek cleaner fishes' services, but some nocturnal species that shelter at daytime also seek the cleaners. While doing so the nocturnal clients must leave their hiding places and thus they get exposed to potential diurnal predators. We report here on the cleaning interactions between a daytime cleaner wrasse (Thalassoma noronhanum) and a night time active client (Pempheris schomburgki) that usually remains sheltered at daytime. We recorded P. schomburgki leaving their shelter at daytime and heading towards T. noronhanum, whenever the cleaner swam by the shelter. Since T. noronhanum is able to tend temporary cleaning station near the safety of the shelters of its clients, P. schomburgki lessens a possible risk of predation by seeking this versatile cleaner.

Peixes recifais diurnos compõem a maioria dos clientes nas estações de peixes limpadores. Entretanto, algumas espécies com hábitos noturnos também procuram os peixes limpadores, ficando expostas a potenciais predadores diurnos quando precisam deixar seus abrigos. Registramos aqui as interações de limpeza entre um labrídeo diurno (Thalassoma noronhanum) e um cliente com hábitos noturnos (Pempheris schomburgki), que permanece abrigado durante o dia. Esta espécie de cliente deixa seu abrigo durante o dia e nada em direção a T. noronhanum quando este limpador desloca-se próximo aos esconderijos. Uma vez que T. noronhanum é capaz de manter estações de limpeza temporárias, próximas aos abrigos dos clientes, P. schomburgki diminui uma possível exposição aos predadores quando procura esta espécie versátil de limpador.

Does the association of young fishes with jellyfishes protect from predation?A report on a failure case due to damage to the jellyfish

The fish-jellyfish association is regarded as a temporary symbiosis believed to protect the fishes from predators. Here we report on juvenile scads (Trachurus lathami) associated with the jellyfish Chrysaora lactea, opportunistically preyed on by the grouper Mycteroperca acutirostris while the medusa was being damaged. The predation instances occurred when a couple of the filefish Stephanolepis hispidus approached the jellyfish to nibble on its umbrella. The feeding of the filefish caused a momentary disturbance of the defensive association, perceived and capitalised on by the watchful grouper, an opportunistic and versatile hunter. Before and after the disturbance, the protection offered to the young fish by the jellyfish showed to be effective, which strengthens the hypothesis of defensive function of this association.

A associação entre peixes e medusas é considerada uma simbiose temporária que protegeria os peixes contra predadores. Relatamos aqui a predação oportunista de juvenis de xixarro Trachurus lathami, associados à medusa Chrysaora lactea, pelo badejo-mira Mycteroperca acutirostris enquanto a medusa estava sendo danificada. Os eventos de predação ocorreram quando um casal do peixe-porco Stephanolepis hispidus se aproximou da medusa para alimentar-se de pequenas porções da sua umbrela. A alimentação dos peixes-porcos causou um distúrbio momentâneo na associação defensiva, percebido e aproveitado pelo atento badejo-mira, um predador versátil e oportunista. Antes e depois do distúrbio, a proteção conferida aos peixes juvenis pela medusa mostrou ser efetiva, fortalecendo a hipótese de função defensiva desta associação.

Does the association of young fishes with jellyfishes protect from predation?A report on a failure case due to damage to the jellyfish

The fish-jellyfish association is regarded as a temporary symbiosis believed to protect the fishes from predators. Here we report on juvenile scads (Trachurus lathami) associated with the jellyfish Chrysaora lactea, opportunistically preyed on by the grouper Mycteroperca acutirostris while the medusa was being damaged. The predation instances occurred when a couple of the filefish Stephanolepis hispidus approached the jellyfish to nibble on its umbrella. The feeding of the filefish caused a momentary disturbance of the defensive association, perceived and capitalised on by the watchful grouper, an opportunistic and versatile hunter. Before and after the disturbance, the protection offered to the young fish by the jellyfish showed to be effective, which strengthens the hypothesis of defensive function of this association.

A associação entre peixes e medusas é considerada uma simbiose temporária que protegeria os peixes contra predadores. Relatamos aqui a predação oportunista de juvenis de xixarro Trachurus lathami, associados à medusa Chrysaora lactea, pelo badejo-mira Mycteroperca acutirostris enquanto a medusa estava sendo danificada. Os eventos de predação ocorreram quando um casal do peixe-porco Stephanolepis hispidus se aproximou da medusa para alimentar-se de pequenas porções da sua umbrela. A alimentação dos peixes-porcos causou um distúrbio momentâneo na associação defensiva, percebido e aproveitado pelo atento badejo-mira, um predador versátil e oportunista. Antes e depois do distúrbio, a proteção conferida aos peixes juvenis pela medusa mostrou ser efetiva, fortalecendo a hipótese de função defensiva desta associação.