A framework for the development of a global standardised marine taxon reference image database (SMarTaR-ID) to support image-based analyses.

Video and image data are regularly used in the field of benthic ecology to document biodiversity. However, their use is subject to a number of challenges, principally the identification of taxa within the images without associated physical specimens. The challenge of applying traditional taxonomic keys to the identification of fauna from images has led to the development of personal, group, or institution level reference image catalogues of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) or morphospecies. Lack of standardisation among these reference catalogues has led to problems with observer bias and the inability to combine datasets across studies. In addition, lack of a common reference standard is stifling efforts in the application of artificial intelligence to taxon identification. Using the North Atlantic deep sea as a case study, we propose a database structure to facilitate standardisation of morphospecies image catalogues between research groups and support future use in multiple front-end applications. We also propose a framework for coordination of international efforts to develop reference guides for the identification of marine species from images. The proposed structure maps to the Darwin Core standard to allow integration with existing databases. We suggest a management framework where high-level taxonomic groups are curated by a regional team, consisting of both end users and taxonomic experts. We identify a mechanism by which overall quality of data within a common reference guide could be raised over the next decade. Finally, we discuss the role of a common reference standard in advancing marine ecology and supporting sustainable use of this ecosystem.

Riqueza y abundancia de peces arrecifales en el Caribe de Guatemala utilizando Estaciones Remotas de Video Subacuático con Carnada / Richness and abundance of reef fish in the Caribbean of Guatemala using Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations

El mar Caribe de Guatemala forma parte del Sistema Arrecifal Mesoamericano (SAM), el cual alberga una alta diversidad de especies marinas. Dichas poblaciones son importantes para el bienestar de las comunidades humanas que habitan en la zona marino-costera de los países que conforman el SAM, y que dependen de manera directa o indirecta de estos recursos. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la riqueza y abundancia tanto de las especies de peces herbívoros presentes en el área, como de aquellas que son atraídas por carnada de sábalo y atún, utilizando la metodología de Estaciones Remotas de Video Subacuático con Carnada BRUVS en sitios con presencia de arrecifes. El muestreo se realizó en siete sitios ubicados fuera de la Bahía de Amatique, Izabal, en abril, junio y septiembre de 2016. Se grabaron 26.06 h, en 21 sets de BRUVS. Se contabilizaron 778 organismos, correspondientes a dos clases, 20 familias, 31 géneros y 59 especies. Las especies más abundantes en el estudio fueron Scarus spp. (19.67 %), Clepticus parrae (9.64 %), Aluterus scriptus (6.04 %), Scarus iserti (5.14 %) y Caranx ruber (5.01 %). Los sitios Quetzalito 1 y 2 presentaron una riqueza de especies significativamente mayor (p < 0.006) al resto de sitios de muestreo. Quetzalito 1, 2 y King Fish presentaron una abundancia significativamente mayor (p < .038) al resto de sitios. El dendrograma derivado de la abundancia por especie para los sitios de muestreo, mostró cinco agrupaciones (similaridad de Bray-Curtis del 43 %). Finalmente se observó una baja presencia de peces de importancia comercial en los siete puntos evaluados.

The Guatemalan Caribbean Sea forms part of the Mesoamerican Reef System (MAR), which harbors a great marine biodiversity. These populations are important for the wellness of humans who live in communities at coastal areas located in the MAR region, and who directly or indirectly depend on these resources to survive and thrive. The main objective of this study was to determine not only species richness and abundance of herbivorous fish, but also those who are attracted by shad and tuna bait when used in the Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations (BRUVS) in sites with coral reef presence. Monitoring was held at seven spots located outside Bahía de Amatique, Izabal, in April, June and September 2016. In 21 sets of BRUVS, 26.06 h of video were recorded, counting a total of 778 organisms which belongs to two classes, 20 families, 31 genera and 59 species. The most abundant species were Scarus spp. (19.67 %), Clepticus parrae (9.64 %), Aluterus scriptus (6.04 %), Scarus iserti (5.14 %) and Caranx ruber (5.01 %). The sites that presented higher richness of species were Quetzalito 1 y 2 (p < 0.006 compared to the rest of the sampled sites). Quetzalito 1, 2 and King Fish showed higher abundance (p < .038) compared to the rest of the sites. Abundance per specie dendrogram showed five groups (Bray-Curtis similarity of 43 %). Finally, low presence of commercial fish species was seen at the seven monitored sites.

Crustacean communities in coastal ephemeral pools in the Araucanía region (38° S, Chile) / Comunidades de crustáceos em lagoas efêmeras costeiras na região de Araucanía (38° S, Chile)

Abstract The fauna communities of ephemeral pools in southern Chile are characterized by heterogeneity of crustacean taxa; nevertheless, no detailed studies exist of their community structure. The aim of the present study was to analyze the crustacean community structure in two groups of ephemeral pools (Puaucho and Nigue pools) in the coastal zone of the Araucanía region. A correlation matrix was made by species abundance against temperature, conductivity, pH and total dissolved solids. In a second step, a null model for species co-occurrence was applied to the total data and to each group. The results for total data revealed a significant direct relation between the abundance of H. costera, C. dubia and Mesocyclops. For the Puaucho pools, the same results were found together with direct associations with total dissolved solids, conductivity and pH. Finally, different results were found for the Nigue pools, with no clear significant associations, either direct or indirect, between the abundance of different crustacean taxa and abiotic parameters. These results were supported by the co-occurrence null model analysis, which revealed the presence of regulator factors for the total data, and for each of the two groups. Ecological topics are discussed with emphasis on meta-community dynamics.

Resumo As comunidades faunísticas das lagoas efêmeras do sul do Chile são caracterizadas pela heterogeneidade dos seus táxons. Entretanto, estudos detalhados da sua estrutura de comunidade ainda não existem. O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a estrutura da comunidade de crustáceos em dois grupos de lagoas efêmeras (Puaucho e Nigue) na zona costeira da região de Araucanía. A matriz de correlação foi feita com a abundância das espécies em função da temperatura, condutividade, pH e sólidos totais dissolvidos. Num segundo passo, um modelo nulo para as espécies de coocorrência foi aplicado aos dados totais e para cada grupo. Os resultados para os dados totais revelaram uma relação direta e significativa entre a abundância de H. costera, C. dubia e Mesocyclops. Para as lagoas Puaucho, os mesmos resultados foram encontrados, juntamente com associações diretas com sólidos totais dissolvidos, condutividade e pH. Finalmente, diferentes resultados foram encontrados para as lagoas Nigue, sem associações significativas claras, diretas ou indiretas entre a abundância de diferentes táxons de crustáceos e parâmetros abióticos. Estes resultados foram suportados pela análise de modelo de coocorrência nula, a qual revelou a presença de fatores reguladores para o total de dados, e para cada um dos dois grupos. Temas ecológicos são discutidos com ênfase na dinâmica de meta-comunidade.

Crustacean communities in coastal ephemeral pools in the Araucanía region (38° S, Chile).

The fauna communities of ephemeral pools in southern Chile are characterized by heterogeneity of crustacean taxa; nevertheless, no detailed studies exist of their community structure. The aim of the present study was to analyze the crustacean community structure in two groups of ephemeral pools (Puaucho and Nigue pools) in the coastal zone of the Araucanía region. A correlation matrix was made by species abundance against temperature, conductivity, pH and total dissolved solids. In a second step, a null model for species co-occurrence was applied to the total data and to each group. The results for total data revealed a significant direct relation between the abundance of H. costera, C. dubia and Mesocyclops. For the Puaucho pools, the same results were found together with direct associations with total dissolved solids, conductivity and pH. Finally, different results were found for the Nigue pools, with no clear significant associations, either direct or indirect, between the abundance of different crustacean taxa and abiotic parameters. These results were supported by the co-occurrence null model analysis, which revealed the presence of regulator factors for the total data, and for each of the two groups. Ecological topics are discussed with emphasis on meta-community dynamics.

Ichthyoplankton of arvoredo biological marine reserve, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Arvoredo Island, located in Santa Catarina state - south Brazil, and its surrounding area were defined as a Conservation Unit (CU) in the category of Biological Reserve since 1990. This research aimed to analyze the inter-annual and seasonal (winter and summer) variations of ichthyoplankton densities at Arvoredo Biology Marine Reserve (ABMR), and their relationship with environmental variables in 1997/1998 (Campaign 1), 2007/2008 (Campaign 2) and 2008/2009 (Campaign 3). Fish eggs and larvae were sampled using a WP-2 net with 200 µm mesh size. The study area was influenced by three water masses, (i) Coastal Water throughout the whole year, (ii) Subtropical Shelf Water during the winter, and (iii) South Atlantic Central Water mainly in summer. A total of 4,891 eggs were collected and classified as Engraulidae and Sardinella brasiliensis (Clupeidae). The total number of larvae was 467 belonging to 5 orders, 19 families, and 21 species. Taxonomic composition demonstrated a seasonal pattern among periods, with the highest densities of Engraulidae occurring in winter and the families Carangidae, Clupeidae and Gerreidae in summer. The high number of families and abundance of ichthyoplankton observed in ABMR may be important in supplying the adjacent coastal areas impacted by fishing.

A Ilha do Arvoredo, localizada em Santa Catarina, Brasil, e sua região de entorno foram definidas como Unidade de Conservação, na Categoria de Reserva Biológica Marinha, em 1990. Este trabalho teve como objetivo analisar as variações sazonais (inverno e verão) e interanuais das densidades do ictioplâncton na região da Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo (RBMA), e suas relações com as variáveis ambientais em 1997/1998 (Campanha 1), 2007/2008 (Campanha 2) e 2008/2009 (Campanha 3). Os ovos e larvas de peixes foram coletados com uma rede WP-2 de 200 µm. A área de estudo foi influenciada por três massas d'água, (i) Água Costeira durante o ano todo, (ii) Água de Plataforma Subtropical durante o inverno, e (iii) Água Central do Atlântico Sul principalmente no verão. Um total de 4.891 ovos foram amostrados e classificados como Engraulidae e Sardinella brasiliensis (Clupeidae). Um total de 467 larvas foram coletadas e identificadas em 5 ordens, com 19 famílias e 21 espécies. A composição taxonômica mostrou sazonalidade entre os períodos, com as maiores densidades de Engraulidae no inverno e de Carangidae, Clupeidae e Gerreidae no verão. O número elevado de famílias e a abundância do ictioplâncton observada na RBMA podem ser importantes para o enriquecimento das áreas costeiras adjacentes impactadas pela pesca.

[Diversity of bacteria isolated from the South China Sea sediments].

OBJECTIVE: To isolate bacteria from Nansha area of South China sea, METHODS: Sediment samples of 22 sites were used. Bacterial isolation was conducted on plates of marine medium, followed by 16S rRNA identification and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: In total 349 bacteria were obtained, belonging to 87 species. Analyses of 16S rRNA sequence showed that Bacillus and other spore-forming bacteria occupied the majority of isolates in 10 sites. Bacillus was the most abundant bacterium and of high diversity; with 34 species and 8 possible novel species. Halobacillus also occurred frequently while other spore-forming bacteria including Brevibacillus, Paenibacillus, Pontibacillus and Thalassobacillus were also found, but less occurred in this area. In addition to these low-G+C-content bacteria, gamma-Proteobacteria were the second subgroup of high occurrence, among which Pseudomonas, Marinobacter and Alcanivorax were relatively abundant. Generally, isolates of 750-2000 m deep mainly consist of low-G+C-content bacteria, while mainly composed of gamma-Proteobacteria when the depth is over 2000 m. CONCLUSION: Marine sediments of South China Sea are rich in spore-forming bacteria, which deserve further study and exploitation.

Development of an ecologic marine classification in the new zealand region.

We describe here the development of an ecosystem classification designed to underpin the conservation management of marine environments in the New Zealand region. The classification was defined using multivariate classification using explicit environmental layers chosen for their role in driving spatial variation in biologic patterns: depth, mean annual solar radiation, winter sea surface temperature, annual amplitude of sea surface temperature, spatial gradient of sea surface temperature, summer sea surface temperature anomaly, mean wave-induced orbital velocity at the seabed, tidal current velocity, and seabed slope. All variables were derived as gridded data layers at a resolution of 1 km. Variables were selected by assessing their degree of correlation with biologic distributions using separate data sets for demersal fish, benthic invertebrates, and chlorophyll-a. We developed a tuning procedure based on the Mantel test to refine the classification's discrimination of variation in biologic character. This was achieved by increasing the weighting of variables that play a dominant role and/or by transforming variables where this increased their correlation with biologic differences. We assessed the classification's ability to discriminate biologic variation using analysis of similarity. This indicated that the discrimination of biologic differences generally increased with increasing classification detail and varied for different taxonomic groups. Advantages of using a numeric approach compared with geographic-based (regionalisation) approaches include better representation of spatial patterns of variation and the ability to apply the classification at widely varying levels of detail. We expect this classification to provide a useful framework for a range of management applications, including providing frameworks for environmental monitoring and reporting and identifying representative areas for conservation.

Taxonomic level as a determinant of the shape of the Phanerozoic marine biodiversity curve.

Key aims of recent paleobiological research have been the construction of Phanerozoic global biodiversity patterns and the formulation of models and mechanisms of diversification describing such patterns. Two conflicting theories of global diversification have been equilibrium versus expansionist growth of taxonomic diversity. These models, however, rely on accurate empirical data curves, and it is not clear to what extent the taxonomic level at which the data are analyzed controls the resulting pattern. Global Phanerozoic marine diversity curves are constructed at ordinal, familial, and generic levels using several fossil-range data sets. The fit of a single logistic model reduces from ordinal through familial to generic level, while conversely, that of an exponential growth model increases. Three sequential logistic equations, fitted to three time periods during which diversity appears to approach or reach an equilibrium state, provide the best description of the data at familial and generic levels. However, an exponential growth curve describes the diversification of marine life since the end-Permian extinction equally as well as a logistic. A species-level model of global Phanerozoic marine diversification, constructed by extrapolation of the trends from familial to generic level, suggests growth in numbers of marine species was broadly exponential. When smaller subsets of the data are analyzed, the effect of taxonomic level on the shape of the diversity curve becomes more pronounced. In the absence of species data, a consistent signal at more than one higher taxonomic level is required to predict a species-level pattern.

Estudos microbiológicos e químicos do fungo marinho Scolecobasidium arenarium / Microbiological and chemical studies of the marine fungus Scolecobasidium arenarium

A micologia marinha e uma fonte promissora para a descoberta de novas moleculas bioativas, so que muito pouco explorada. Por este motivo nos incentivamos a dar inicio ao primeiro projeto no Brasil no estudo de um fungo marinho, frente a descoberta de novos produtos naturais provenientes de fungos marinhos. Uma linhagem desconhecida de um fungo marinho, denominado SS99F-6, foi isolada de sedimentos marinhos coletados no litoral norte do Estado de Sao Paulo; Posteriormente foi identificada como sendo o fungo marinho Scolecobasidium arenarium. O fungo foi submetido a fermentacao de pequena escala, objetivando a producao de metabolitos secundarios. Os metabolitos secundarios. Os metabolitos secundarios produzidos foram isolados atraves de varias tecnicas cromatograficas, resultando em 5 moleculas. Tres moleculas foram identificadas como dicetopiperazinas, sendo: a conhecida ciclo [Pro-Val] e duas novas na literatura, a ciclo [Phe-Leu] e a ciclo [Ile-Val]. As outras duas moleculas contem compostos aromaticos, no entanto nao puderam ser caracterizadas totalmente.

[The return of the Red Queen, or the law of the growth in the mean duration of the existence of genera during evolution]. / Vozvrashchenie Chernoi korolevy, ili zakon rosta srednei prodolzhitel'nosti sushchestvovaniia rodov v protsesse évoliutsii.

Phanerozoic marine genera apparently do not become less extinction-prone with age. Higher extinction probability in "young" cohorts of genera is better explained by initially different levels of extinction-tolerance of genera in the cohort. This fact agrees with one of the two basic statements of the "Red Queen" hypothesis (Van Valen, 1973). In the second statement (the idea that the increase in fitness lowers extinction probability) the term "fitness" should be changed to "adaptability". The increase of extinction-tolerance, that can be interpreted as the increase of adaptability to unpredictable changes of environment, is found in succession of "generations" of genera that replace one another through time. This increase reveals itself, firstly, in the growth of mean duration of genera, as well as in the decrease of extinction/origination rates, gradual accumulation of long-lived genera and origination of genera with higher duration. The increase of adaptability may be caused by selective extinction of stenotopic, ecologically specialized forms; Cope's law; evolution of ecosystems that involves development of more effective mechanisms of sustaining homeostasis which may stimulate the recovery of a genus after partial extinction.

Metazoan parasite infracommunities in five sciaenids from the central Peruvian Coast.

Parasitological analysis of 237 Menticirrhus ophicephalus, 124 Paralonchurus peruanus, 249 Sciaena deliciosa, 50 Sciaena fasciata and 308 Stellifer minor from Callao (Perú) yielded 37 species of metazoan parasites (14 Monogenea, 11 Copepoda, 4 Nematoda, 3 Acanthocephala, 1 Digenea, 1 Aspidobothrea, 1 Eucestoda, 1 Isopoda and 1 Hirudinea). Only one species, the copepoda Bomolochus peruensis, was common to all five hosts. The majority of the components of the infracommunities analyzed are ectoparasites. The Brillouin index (H) and evenness (J') were applied to the fully sampled metazoan parasite infracommunities. High values of prevalence and mean abundance of infection are associated to the polyonchoinean monogeneans; the low values of J' reinforce the strong dominance of this group in the studied communities. The paucity of the endoparasite fauna may be a consequence of the unstable environment due to an upwelling system, aperiodically affected by the El Niño Southern Oscillation phenomena.

Biotic transitions in global marine diversity.

Long-term transitions in the composition of Earth's marine biota during the Phanerozoic have historically been explained in two different ways. One view is that they were mediated through biotic interactions among organisms played out over geologic time. The other is that mass extinctions transcended any such interactions and governed diversity over the long term by resetting the relative diversities of higher taxa. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that macroevolutionary processes effecting biotic transitions during background times were not fundamentally different from those operating during mass extinctions. Physical perturbations at many geographic scales combined to produce the long-term trajectory of Phanerozoic diversity.

A compendium of fossil marine animal families, 2nd edition.

A comprehensive listing of 4075 taxonomic families of marine animals known from the fossil record is presented. This listing covers invertebrates, vertebrates, and animal-like protists, gives time intervals of apparent origination and extinction, and provides literature sources for these data. The time intervals are mostly 81 internationally recognized stratigraphic stages; more than half of the data are resolved to one of 145 substage divisions, providing more highly resolved data for studies of taxic macroevolution. Families are classified by order, class, and phylum, reflecting current classifications in the published literature. This compendium is a new edition of the 1982 publication, correcting errors and presenting greater stratigraphic resolution and more current ideas about acceptable families and their classification.