Maná sobre el océano: los viajes del árbol del pan / Manna over the ocean: the breadfruit's voyages

Ending the nineteenth century the King of England sent Captain Bligh with orders to take from Tahiti to Jamaica plants of the breadfruit tree, searching for a chip and nutritive food for his slaves in the New World. The first voyage failed because the famous Bounty's mutiny; in the second, with the Providence and the Assistance, Bligh did successfully his task and today the tree growths well all around the Caribbean Sea, being not only a popular food, but also, in hands of a good chef, a gourmet's dish.

Foraging behavior and at-sea distribution of White-Tailed Tropicbirds in tropical ocean / Comportamento de forrageio e distribuição no mar do Rabo-de-palha-de-bico-laranja em oceano tropical

Abstract We used miniaturized GPS loggers and site observations to access foraging patterns and nest behaviour of the White-tailed Tropicbird Phaethon lepturus (WTTB), an endangered species at its South Atlantic breeding colony. Dual foraging pattern was observed with alternation between long and short foraging trips. Birds responsible for nest attendance engaged in short foraging trips with mean distance from colony of 25 ± 17 km, total distance covered of 79 ± 65 km and mean duration of 4.02 ± 5.28 hours. Birds flew by dawn and returned before dusk while partners were at sea for long foraging trips that ranged from four to 11 days, with mean maximum distance from colony of 105 ± 47.48 km. Chicks were usually left alone for hours and chick predation by Land Crab Johngartia lagostroma, egg consumption by Goniopsis cruentata and intra-specific competition are suspected to be responsible for high chick mortality rates.

Resumo Utilizamos aparelhos de GPS miniaturizados e observações de campo para determinar padrões de forrageio e comportamento em ninho da espécie ameaçada Rabos-de-palha-de-bico-laranja Phaethon lepturus em sua colônia reprodutiva do Atlântico Sul. Padrão dual de forrageio foi observado, com alternância entre viagens longas e curtas. Aves responsáveis por cuidado parental efetuaram viagens curtas de forrageio com em média 25 ± 17 km de distância da colônia, distância total percorrida média de 79 ± 65 km e duração média de 4.02 ± 5.28 horas. As aves saíram da colônia entre o amanhecer e o entardecer, enquanto seus parceiros estavam em alto-mar em viagens longas de quatro a 11 dias de duração, com média de distância máxima da colônia de 105 ± 47.48 km. Filhotes foram constantemente deixados sozinhos por várias horas, e predação por Johngartia lagostroma, consumo de ovos por Goniopsis cruentata e competição intra-específica possivelmente foram responsáveis por sua morte.

Marine drugs for cancer: surfacing biotechnological innovations from the oceans

This review will discuss the contributions of marine natural molecules, a source only recently found to have pharmaceutical prospects, to the development of anticancer drugs. Of the seven clinically utilized compounds with a marine origin, four are used for the treatment of cancer. The development of these drugs has afforded valuable knowledge and crucial insights to meet the most common challenges in this endeavor, such as toxicity and supply. In this context, the development of these compounds will be discussed herein to illustrate, with successful examples provided by cytarabine, trabectedin, eribulin and brentuximab vedotin, the steps involved in this process as well as the scientific advances and technological innovation potential associated with developing a new drug from marine resources.

Implicaciones sedimentológicas sobre el cambio en la cobertura del bosque de manglar en Boca Zacate, Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe, Costa Rica / Sedimentological implications of the change in the coverage of mangrove forest in Boca Zacate, Térraba-Sierpe National Wetlands, Costa Rica

Resumen:En los últimos sesenta años han ocurrido cambios en el Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe, Costa Rica. Los cambios en la geomorfología costera están asociados a la erosión o acreción de sedimentos, lo que ha favorecido la eliminación de sectores de bosque o a la formación de bancos de sedimentos que han sido colonizados por árboles de mangle. El estudio se realizó en los sectores Bocón, Brujo e isla Coco en Boca Zacate, Humedal Nacional Térraba-Sierpe, Costa Rica, entre 2008-2013, cuyo objetivo consiste en analizar el aporte de sedimentos y las implicaciones en la cobertura del bosque de mangle en el sector de Boca Zacate. Es este estudio se realizó un análisis multitemporal de la morfología litoral con fotografías aéreas e imágenes satelitales de 1948, 1960, 1974, 1978, 1984, 1992 y 2011. Y además, se cuantificó la tasa de sedimentación mensual (g/cm2/día) en los canales de los estuarios, la composición granulométrica y la concentración de elementos químicos en los sedimentos (mgL-1) en época seca y lluviosa durante los años de estudio. Los resultados indican que Boca Zacate ha mantenido en los últimos 60 años una tendencia hacia la erosión, perdiendo un 10.6 % de su espacio emergido entre 1948 y 2011 y aproximadamente un 8.9 % de su cobertura forestal; también ha experimentado una acreción en la zona de la isla Coco, uniéndose al continente por este sector. La tasa de sedimentación cuantificada en los esteros presentó diferencias con respecto al sitio y a la época. La mayor cantidad se presentó en el estero el Brujo y la menor cantidad en el estero Camíbar. Con respecto a la granulo-metría, el tipo de sedimento dominante es la arena, seguido por la arcilla y en menor cantidad el limo en todos los sitios de estudio. La mayor distribución de los elementos químicos corresponde al magnesio, calcio, potasio; mientras que el manganeso, hierro, aluminio, fósforo, zinc y cobre se encontraron en menor cantidad. El transporte, composición y cantidad de sedimentos en Boca Zacate aportados por el río Grande de Térraba asociados a las corrientes, mareas y oleaje, son factores determinantes en los cambios que han ocurrido en el litoral de la Boca, conllevando a un paisaje de bosque de mangle muerto en la zona. Por consiguiente, este tipo de análisis es importante para la recomendación de lineamientos y acciones en la conservación y la gestión integrada del espacio marino-costero en el Humedal Nacional Térraba Sierpe.

Abstract:In the last sixty years many geomorphological changes have occurred in Costa Rica's Térraba-Sierpe National Wetlands. Changes in coastal geomorphology are generally associated with erosion or accretion of sediment, which has led to the removal of sections of mangrove forests or sediment banks colonized by mangroves. The aim of this study was to analyze sedimentation as a leading process in the dynamics of coastal morphology and its implications for mangrove forest cover in the Boca Zacate area of Térraba-Sierpe wetlands. The study was conducted in the sectors of Bocón, Brujo and Coco Island in Boca Zacate, from 2008 to 2013. The research was based on a multi-temporal analysis of coastal morphology using aerial photographs from the years 1948, 1960, 1974, 1978, 1984, 1992 and 2011. The following measurements were also performed: monthly sedimentation rate (g/cm2/day), and granulometric composition and content of chemical elements in the sediments of the study area. These last two measurements were performed once each in the dry and rainy seasons during the years of study. The results indicated that over the past 60 years, Boca Zacate has witnessed a process of sustained erosion; from 1948 through 2001, losing 10.6 % of its land and approximately 8.9 % of its forest cover. It has also experienced accretion in the area of Coco Island. The Brujo sector showed the highest sedimentation rate and the Camibar estuary, the lowest. The dominant type of sediment in all study sites was sand, followed by clay and silt. The most widespread chemical elements (mg/L) included magnesium, calcium and potassium; others, such as manganese, iron, aluminum, phosphorus, zinc and copper, were measured in smaller amounts. Transport, composition and quantity of sediment in Boca Zacate are crucial to the changes that have occurred on the coastal area of La Boca, where the presence of dead trees was evident. This geomorphological analysis holds great importance for future guidelines and actions for the conservation and integrated management of the mangrove in Terraba- Sierpe National Wetlands.

Offshore work and the work of nurses on board: an integrative review / El trabajo offshore y la actuación del enfermero embarcado: una revisión integradora / Trabalho offshore e a atuação do enfermeiro embarcado: uma revisão integrativa

OBJECTIVETo know the production of theoretical approaches on issues related to offshore work and the work of offshore nurses.METHODIntegrative literature review conducted in the databases of LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, SciELO and Index PSI.RESULTSWe selected 33 studies published in national and international journals between 1997 and 2014. The thematic analysis corpus resulted in four central themes: offshore work environment; amid work adversities, an escape; structuring of offshore health and safety services; in search of safe practices.CONCLUSIONThis study contributes to the offshore work of nurses in relation to the nature of work, acting amid adversities and the restless search for safe practices in the open sea.

OBJETIVOConocer la producción de abordajes teóricas acerca de los aspectos relacionados con el trabajo offshore y la actuación del enfermero embarcado.MÉTODORevisión integradora de la literatura realizada en las bases de datos LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, SciELO e Index PSI.RESULTADOSFueron seleccionados 33 estudios publicados en periódicos nacionales e internacionales, entre 1997-2014. Del corpus del análisis temático resultaron cuatro temas centrales: ambiente laboral offshore; en medio de las adversidades del trabajo, una fuga; estructuración de los servicios de salud y seguridadoffshore; en búsqueda de prácticas seguras.CONCLUSIÓNEl presente estudio brinda contribuciones al trabajo offshore del enfermero en cuanto a la naturaleza del trabajo, la actuación en medio de las adversidades y la incesante búsqueda de prácticas seguras en alta mar.

OBJETIVOConhecer a produção de abordagens teóricas sobre aspectos relacionados ao trabalho offshore e a atuação do enfermeiro embarcado.MÉTODORevisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bases de dados LILACS, BDENF, MEDLINE, SciELO e Index PSI.RESULTADOSForam selecionados 33 estudos publicados em periódicos nacionais e internacionais, entre 1997-2014. Do corpus da análise temática resultaram quatro temas centrais: ambiente de trabalho offshore; em meio às adversidades do trabalho, uma fuga; estruturação dos serviços de saúde e segurança offshore; em busca de práticas seguras.CONCLUSÃOO presente estudo traz contribuições ao trabalho offshore do enfermeiro quanto à natureza do trabalho, o agir em meio às adversidades e a incessante busca por práticas seguras em alto-mar.

The planktonic communities of the Jamaican south-east coast; a comparison of harbor, shelf and oceanic areas / Comunidades planctónicas de la costa sudoriental jamaiquina; una comparación de puerto, estante y áreas oceánicas

Few studies have compared water quality and plankton along the eutrophication gradient from Kingston Harbour to oceanic waters around Jamaica. To compare the planktonic community along the expected nutrient gradient, we sampled every two weeks at four stations, from eutrophic Kingston Harbour to oceanic California Bank. Phytoplankton was assessed from whole water Niskin bottle casts and zooplankton by vertical hauls with plankton nets of three different mesh sizes: 64µm, 200µm, and 600µm. Total phytoplankton biomass declined sharply away from the harbour (1.0 μg L-1 at the Harbour Shoal Beacon to 0.2 μg L-1 at California Bank). Characteristic estuarine phytoplankton genera -such as Ceratium, Gonyaulax, Gyrodinium and Rhizosolenia- dominated harbour samples while genera characteristic of offshore locations -such as Asterionelliopsis, Navicula, Nitzschia, Rhizosolenia and Thalassionema- dominated California Bank. Highest phytoplankton densities (mean values of 34 174 cells L-1) were found at the harbor mouth. Mean zooplankton abundances ranged from maximum (5 858.5m-3) at Beacon to minimum (2 124.2 m-3) at California; 171 species of zooplankton were identified and copepods dominated with 76 species. Overall, 75 species of zooplankton were identified from Beacon, 107 from Port Royal Cays- South East Cay, 110 from the exposed shelf edge- Windward Edge, and 95 from the oceanic California Bank. Larval forms dominated; copepod nauplii, fish eggs and echinoderm larvae occurred at all sites. Lucifer faxoni and Penilia avirostris were indicative of harbor waters and Microsetella sp. and Farranula carinata of offshore waters. Some zooplankton taxa, like L. faxoni, Paracalanus parvus and copepod nauplii, despite showing gradual decline with distance from Beacon to the Edge, increased in abundance at the furthest station, California. California Bank clearly experiences enrichment which at times can be as high as near-shore areas, but the planktonic community is unique and similar only to those at other offshore station. To be reliable, characterization of water masses must involve a range of physicochemical and biological parameters.

Pocos estudios han comparado la calidad de agua y plancton a lo largo de un gradiente de eutrofización en el Puerto Kingston con aguas oceánicas en Jamaica. Para comparar la comunidad de plancton a lo largo del gradiente de nutrientes esperado, muestreamos cada dos semanas en cuatro estaciones, desde el eutrófico Puerto Kingston hasta el Banco oceánico California. Evaluamos el fitoplancton de agua entera en botellas de molde tipo Niskin usando la biomasa total y y zooplancton por arrastres verticales con redes de plancton de tres tamaños de malla diferente: 64µm, 200µm y 600µm. La biomasa total de fitoplancton mostró una fuerte caída al aumentar la distancia desde el puerto Kingston (1.0µg L-1 en el Puerto Shoal Beacon a 0.2µg L-1 en el Banco California). Géneros característicos estuarinos como Ceratium, Gonyaulax, Gyrodinium y Rhizosolenia dominaron en las muestras del Puerto Kingston mientras que géneros característicos de costa afuera como Asterionelliopsis, Navicula, Nitzschia, Rhizosolenia y Thalassionema dominaron en el Banco California. Las densidades más altas de fitoplancton (valores promedio de 34 174 células L-1) se encontraron en la boca del puerto. Valores promedio de zooplancton oscilaban entre un máximo (5 858.5m-3) en el Puerto Shoal Beacon (HSB) a un mínimo (2 124.19m-3) en el Banco California (CB), 171 especies del zooplancton fueron identificadas, de los cuales los copépodos dominaban con 76 especies. En general, se identificaron 75 especies del zooplancton en HSB, 107 de los Cayos Port Royal (SEC), 110 del borde de la plataforma expuesta (WE) y 95 del Banco oceánico (CB). Las formas larvarias eran numéricamente dominantes con nauplios de copépodos, huevos de peces y larvas de equinodermos que ocurren en todos los sitios. La dominancia de especies individuales fue utilizada para caracterizar las masas de agua. Lucifer faxoni y Penilia avirostris fueron indicativos de las aguas del puerto y Microsetella sp. y Farranula carinata fueron identificados como indicadores de aguas costa afuera. Taxones seleccionados de de zooplancton, como L. faxoni, Paracalanus parvus y nauplios de copépodos, a pesar de mostrar un decline gradual con la distancia desde el puerto de Kingston a la otra estación costa afuera, aumentan su abundancia en la estación más lejana, Banco California. Banco California es claramente una zona que experimenta un enriquecimiento que a veces puede ser tan alto como las áreas cerca de la costa, pero la comunidad planctónica es única y similar únicamente a las estaciones costa afuera. Para ser confiable, la caracterización de masas de agua debe implicar una serie de parámetros físico-químicos y biológicos.

“ Un souvenir de los paisajes submarinos”: la fotografía subacuática y los límites de la visibilidad fotográfica, 1890-1910 / “ A souvenir of undersea landscapes”: underwater photography and the limits of photographic visibility, 1890-1910 / “ A souvenir of undersea landscapes:”: underwater photography and the limits of photographic visibility, 1890-1910

Los primeros intentos conocidos por tomar fotografías bajo la superficie del agua fueron llevados adelante poco después de la aparición del daguerrotipo en 1839. Los más antiguos registros datan de la década de 1850. Hacia fines de ese siglo y con el propósito de auxiliar a los estudios científicos de la vida marina se obtuvo lo que se consideran las primeras fotografías subacuáticas. En estos intentos se valoró la fotografía en tanto productora de evidencia al mismo tiempo que se discutían los límites y alcances de su visibilidad. Aquí compararemos algunas experiencias europeas y norteamericanas, particularmente aquellas emprendidas por los biólogos Louis Boutan y Jacob Reighard en sus estudios de la fauna marina realizados entre 1890 y 1910.

The first known attempts to take photographs below the surface of the water were carried out shortly after the appearance of the daguerreotype in 1839. The earliest records date from the 1850s. Towards the end of that century, in order to help advance scientific study of marine life, what are considered to be the first underwater photographs were taken. In these attempts, photography was valued as producing evidence, while at the same time the limits of its range of visibility were debated. Here we compare some European and American experiments, particularly those of biologists Louis Boutan and Jacob Reighard in their studies of marine fauna from 1890 to 1910.

Entre mares e continentes: aspectos da trajetória científica de Hermann von Ihering, 1850-1930 / Between seas and continents: aspects of the scientific career of Hermann von Ihering, 1850-1930

Este artigo considera momentos da trajetória científica de Hermann von Ihering: sua formação em zoologia em instituições alemãs e em Nápoles, sua atuação internacional a partir do Brasil e retorno à Alemanha. Aborda aspectos da elaboração de suas teorias sobre pontes continentais. Destaca as redes de sociabilidade construídas prioritariamente com Florentino Ameghino e com emigrantes alemães como ele, que lhe permitiram interagir nos círculos científicos internacionais. Menciona fragmentos de suas cartas e de suas publicações nos períodos em que inicia a correspondência com Ameghino (1890); viaja à Europa em busca de apoio para suas teorias (1907); e publica um livro sobre a história do oceano Atlântico (1927).

This paper covers some periods in Hermann von Ihering’s scientific trajectory: his training in zoology in Germany and Naples, his international activities based in Brazil, and his return to Germany. It deals with aspects of the formulation of his theories on land bridges. It focuses on the network of contacts he maintained with German émigrés like himself, and primarily with Florentino Ameghino, which allowed him to interact in international scientific circles. It mentions excerpts of his letters and his publications in the periods when he began corresponding with Ameghino (1890), when he travelled to Europe in search of support for his theories (1907), and when he published his book on the history of the Atlantic Ocean (1927).

Molluscs associated with the macroalgae of the genus Gracilaria (Rhodophyta): importance of algal fronds as microhabitat in a hypersaline mangrove in Northeastern Brazil / Moluscos associados a macroalgas do gênero Gracilaria (Rhodophyta): importância das frondes algais como microhabitat em um manguezal hipersalino no Nordeste do Brasil

The fronds of marine macroalgae play an important role in coastal ecosystems because the algae banks are utilized as a microhabitat by different taxa, including molluscs, one of the most abundant and diverse animals of marine ecosystems. In this study, we characterized the malacofauna associated with the macroalgae Gracilaria domingensis (Kützing) Sonder ex Dickie 1874 and Gracilaria cuneata Areschoug 1854 of a hypersaline mangrove on the northern coast of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Northeastern Brazil. The first alga dominates in the rainy season and it is substituted by second one in the dry period. A total of 1,490 molluscs were surveyed, representing 56 species in 29 families: 1,081 were associated with G. domingensis and 409 with G. cuneata, the latter showing the greater diversity (H′=1.25). Columbellidae, Neritidae, Pyramidellidae and Cerithiidae were among the most representative families in the number of species and individuals. The micromolluscs were dominant in the algal microhabitat, constituting 74.63% of the malacofauna recorded. The columbellid Parvanachis obesa (C. B. Adams, 1845) was the dominant species followed by the neritid Neritina virginea (Linnaeus, 1758) in both algae. In spite of the annual alternated succession of the algae species, at least 15 mollusc species are common for these algae. Furthermore, juveniles of P. obesa were recorded in both seasons, indicating a continuous reproduction. Possible reasons for difference in abundance, diversity and dominance of molluscs living on these algae are discussed. Both species of substrate-algae represent an important microhabitat for refuge, feeding and the reproduction of small-sized mollusc species during rainy and dry seasons.

As frondes de macroalgas marinhas exercem um importante papel nos ecossistemas costeiros, tendo em vista que os bancos de algas são utilizados como microhabitat por diferentes táxons, incluindo os moluscos, que estão entre os mais abundantes e diversos animais dos ecossistemas marinhos. Neste estudo, caracterizou-se a malacofauna associada às macroalgas Gracilaria domingensis (Kützing) Sonder ex Dickie 1874 e Gracilaria cuneata Areschoug 1854 de um manguezal hipersalino da costa norte do estado do Rio Grande do Norte, Nordeste do Brasil. A primeira alga domina no período chuvoso e é substituída pela segunda no período seco. Foram inventariados 1.490 moluscos, representando 56 espécies em 29 famílias: 1.081 estavam associados a G. domingensis e 409 a G. cuneata, esta última apresentando maior diversidade (H′=1,25). Columbellidae, Neritidae, Pyramidellidae e Cerithiidae estiveram entre as famílias mais representativas em número de espécies e indivíduos. Os micromoluscos foram dominantes no microhabitat algal, constituindo 74,63% da malacofauna registrada. O columbelídeo Parvanachis obesa (C. B. Adams, 1845) foi a espécie dominante, seguida pelo neritídeo Neritina virginea (Linnaeus, 1758) em ambas as algas. Apesar da sucessão alternada anual das espécies de algas, pelo menos 15 espécies de moluscos são comuns a estas algas. Além disso, os jovens de P. obesa foram registrados em ambas as estações, indicando uma reprodução contínua. São discutidas possíveis razões para a diferença na abundância, diversidade e dominância dos moluscos habitantes destas algas. Ambas as espécies de alga-substrato representam um importante microhabitat para refúgio, alimentação e reprodução para pequenas espécies de moluscos durante as estações chuvosa e seca.

An assessment of oceanic seabird abundance and distribution off the southern Brazilian coast using observations obtained during deep-water fishing operations / Uma avaliação da abundância de aves marinhas oceânicas e distribuição do Sudeste e Sul do Brasil a partir de observações durante operações de pesca em águas profundas.

The use of discarded fish over baited hooks used in longline fishery, and fish caught in gillnets, as a food source for gulls, albatrosses and petrels has been intensively studied in northern and southern oceans. This study describes the occurrence and abundance of seabirds observed from 20 foreign vessels which operated during the period between July 2001 and May 2005, off the southeastern and southern Brazilian coast. A total of 353,557 seabirds were observed; comprising eight families and 28 species. The most abundant species was Procellaria conspicillata followed by Daption capense, Puffinus gravis, Thalassarche melanophrys and Oceanites oceanicus. Ten species of seabirds (392 individual birds) were incidentally captured in gillnets; and 122 birds (9 species) by longline hooks, with P. gravis, D. capense and Procellaria aequinoctialis having the largest capture rates.

A utilização dos descartes sobre as iscas dos anzóis em pescarias de espinheis e peixes capturados por redes de deriva como fonte de alimento por gaivotas, petréis e albatrozes têm sido intensamente estudados nos Oceanos Norte e Sul. Este trabalho tem como objetivo registrar a ocorrência e abundância das aves marinhas observadas a partir de 20 embarcações estrangeiras arrendadas que atuaram durante o período de julho de 2001 a maio de 2005 na costa sudeste-sul do litoral brasileiro. Foi registrada a ocorrência de 353.557 aves marinhas distribuídas em oito famílias e 28 espécies, com a maior participação de Procellaria conspicilatta, seguido de Daption capense, Puffinus gravis, Thalassarche melanophrys e Oceanites oceanicus. Foram capturadas incidentalmente 392 exemplares de aves marinhas pelas redes de emalhe e 122 pelos anzóis dos espinhéis, distribuídos em dez e nove espécies, respectivamente, com as maiores taxas de captura sobre P. gravis, D. capense e Procellaria aequinoctialis. Este estudo mostra uma pequena parcela das aves capturadas no litoral brasileiro, uma vez que as embarcações fiscalizadas representam a minoria das que estão em atividade. O acompanhamento de Observadores de bordo capacitados deve ser intensificado para avaliar o impacto das pescarias nas populações de aves marinhas, bem como implementar ações para diminuir suas capturas.

Inter-cohort growth patterns of pharaoh cuttlefish Sepia pharaonis (Sepioidea: Sepiidae) in Eastern Arabian Sea

Sepia pharaonis is an important commercial species endemic to the tropical Indo-Pacific region. Despite its commercial significance, only few information on natural populations is available. This study was aimed to describe the aspects of size-composition, length-weight relationship, catch rates, seasonal recruitment and inter-cohort growth patterns of S. pharaonis population (Clade C), distributed along the Eastern Arabian Sea (South-West coast of India). For this, the Dorsal Mantle Length (DML) and weight of cuttlefishes was obtained from commercial trawl catches, from April 2002 to October 2006. Data was analyzed by normal length-weight methods such as von Bertalanffy. A total of 12 454 cuttlefishes, ranging in length from four to 41cm were analyzed. Size-composition patterns discriminated two pulses in recruitment to the fishery, discernible by a decrease in the monthly mean size of the population. The DMLs of the two seasonal cohorts were subjected to modalprogression analysis using the Bhattacharya’s method for the estimation of growth. The estimated parameters L∞ and K in von Bertalanffy Growth Function (VBGF) were used to model growth curves in length for the cohorts. The first cohort, (post-monsoon cohort) which supports the major fishery, was composed of mediumsized, fast growing individuals, whereas the second cohort (pre-monsoon cohort), comprised of slow growing and large-sized individuals. There were differential growth characteristics between the sexes and the life span was estimated at less than 2.3years for males and 2.1years for females. Negative allometric growth in weight (W) with length (L) was observed for males (W=0.33069.L2.5389) and females (W=0.32542.L2.6057). The females were heavier compared to males at any given mantle length, and the males were found to attain larger ultimate lengths. The major fishing season for cuttlefish was from May to November, when higher monthly catch rates of 1.67-13.02kg/h were observed in comparison with 0.03-0.85kg/h in December-April. Seasonal catch rates indicated a migratory life cycle of S. pharaonis between offshore and inshore coastal zones.

Sepia pharaonis es una importante especie endémica comercial del trópico Indo-Pacífico. A pesar de su valor comercial, hay muy poca información de sus poblaciones naturales disponible. En este estudio se describen aspectos como composición de tallas, relación longitud-peso, tasas de captura, reclutamiento estacional y patrones de crecimiento entre cohortes de la población (Clado C), distribuidos a lo largo del Mar Arábigo del Este (costa Suroeste de India). Se obtuvo la Longitud del Manto Dorsal (LMD) y el peso de las capturas de los arrastres comerciales, de Abril 2002 a Octubre 2006. Los datos fueron analizados mediante FiSAT y von Bertalanffy. Se capturó un total de 12 454 sepias, con una longitud entre 4-41cm. Los patrones de composición de tallas discriminaron dos pulsos en el reclutamiento de la pesquería, perceptibles por una disminución en el tamaño promedio mensual de la población. Los LMD de las dos cohortes estacionales se sometieron a un análisis de progresión modal mediante el método de Bhattacharya para la estimación del crecimiento. La primera cohorte (después de los monzones) mantiene la principal pesquería, se compone de individuos medianos de rápido crecimiento, mientras que el segundo grupo (pre-monzón) está compuesto por individuos de crecimiento lento y de gran tamaño. Se encontraron diferencias en las características de crecimiento entre sexos y la duración de vida útil se estima en menos de 2.3 años para machos y 2.1 años para hembras. Se observó crecimiento alométrico negativo entre el peso (W) y la longitud (L) para machos (W=0.33069. L2.5389) y hembras (W=0.32542.L2.6057). Las hembras fueron más pesadas en comparación con los machos en cualquier longitud de manto. La temporada de pesca más importante fue de mayo a noviembre, cuando se tuvieron las tasas de captura mensual más altas, de 1.67-13.02kg/h en comparación con 0.03-0.85kg/h entre diciembre y abril. Las tasas de captura estacional indican un ciclo de vida migratorio de S. pharaonis entre las zonas marinas y costeras de las áreas someras.

Deepwater fish assemblages at Isla del Coco National Park and Las Gemelas Seamount, Costa Rica / Conjuntos de peces de aguas profundas en el Parque Nacional Isla del Coco y el Monte Submarino Las Gemelas, Costa Rica

The deepwater faunas of oceanic islands and seamounts of the Eastern Tropical Pacific are poorly known. From 11-22 September 2009 we conducted an exploration of the deepwater areas of the Isla del Coco Marine Conservation Area, Costa Rica and a nearby seamount using a manned submersible. The goal of the exploration was to characterize the habitats and biota, and conduct quantitative surveys of the deepwater portions of Isla del Coco National Park and Las Gemelas Seamount, located about 50km southwest of Isla del Coco. We completed a total of 22 submersible dives, spanning more than 80hr underwater, and collected a total of 36hr of video. We surveyed habitats from 50-402m and observed more than 45 species of fishes, some of which have not yet been described and are likely new to science. The diversity of fish species in deep water at Isla del Coco National Park was lower than the diversity of fishes in shallow water, and eight species groups accounted for more than 95% of the total fish biomass. The combined density of all fish species was higher at Las Gemelas Seamount (253 fishes/100m²) than at Isla del Coco National Park (138 fishes/100m²). The combined density of fishes in habitats comprised primarily of bedrock or large boulders outcrops was more than three times as high at Las Gemelas Seamount as it was at Isla del Coco National Park. This discrepancy was caused by the extremely high concentration of Anthiinae fishes in rocky habitats at Las Gemelas Seamount. Densities of fishes in the other habitats were similar between the two sites. Similarly, when estimates of fish density were plotted by slope categories the density was much greater on steep slopes, which were usually comprised of rock habitats. Also, the density of fishes was greatest on high rugosity habitats. Results of these submersible surveys indicate that seamounts in the tropical eastern Pacific Ocean may be an important source of biodiversity and that more quantitative surveys are needed to characterize the fauna of the region.

Las faunas de aguas profundas de islas oceánicas del Pacífico Tropical Oriental se conocen poco y de los montes submarinos nada. Del 11 al 22 de septiembre de 2009 llevamos a cabo una exploración de zonas profundos del Área de Conservación Marina Isla del Coco utilizando un submarino tripulado. El objetivo del estudio fue caracterizar los hábitats y las comunidades, y cuantificar las poblaciones de peces de profundidad en la Isla del Coco y los montes submarinos Las Gemelas, situados a 50km al suroeste de la Isla del Coco. Realizamos 22 inmersiones con el submarino, con más de 80 horas de observación submarina, y filmamos 30 horas de video. Investigamos hábitats entre 50-402m de profundidad y observamos más de 45 especies de peces, algunas de las cuales son especies nuevas para la ciencia. La diversidad de peces profundos en la Isla del Coco fue menor que en aguas someras, y ocho grupos de especies representaron más del 95% de la biomasa total de peces. La densidad combinada de peces fue 253 peces/100m² en Las Gemelas y 138 peces/100m² en la Isla del Coco.

Marco geológico y tectónico de la Isla del Coco y la región marítima circunvecina, Costa Rica / Geological and geotectonic framework of Isla del Coco and the marine zone off the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica

The Isla del Coco (also known as Cocos Island), in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, has a rough topography, an area of 24km², and is the only sub-aerial topographic height of the summit of a volcano located in the margin of the Cordillera Volcánica del Coco (also known as Cocos Ridge). The Cocos Ridge is a well defined linear bathymetric height, issued from the active volcanism of the Galápagos hotspot during the last 15 million years (Ma); it is the largest geographic feature of Costa Rica, as a volcanic range of 780km long in its territorial seawaters. Isla del Coco is part of a submarine shield volcano of complex evolution, which erupted several times above sea level during the Lower Pleistocene (2.2-1.5Ma). The island and other seamounts are the result from a mantle thermal anomaly that erupted through volcano-tectonic fissures in the oceanic crust. The rocks consist mainly of alkali basaltic lava flows (aa, pahoehoe, blocky lavas) and dikes, minor trachyte lava flows, volcanic domes and dikes, with subordinate pyroclastic and epivolcanic rocks. Colluvial, soils and local littoral deposits such as sand and gravel beaches are also present. The island has a juvenile erosive stadium, but their submarine erosive arcs and platforms (90-110m and 183m depth) are probably the result of the erosion occurred during last two glacial maxima, besides slow subsidence events of the island due the thermal cooling of the volcanic shield and its oceanic crust. The most important current external geodynamic hazards are landslides, tsunamis and rare seismic events, Mw ≤ 5.8 in a 300km radio associated to N-S right lateral strike slip faults. However, the limited seismic data available, and geomorphological alignments, indicates that there is some seismic activity related to local faults oriented N-S, ENE and in a lesser extend NW trend. Seismicity and rainfall have triggered landslides; liquefaction is restricted to Chatham and Wafer bays’ beaches. Moderate historical and prehistorical tsunamis were related to regional seismic events. The relative young age of Isla del Coco makes it an interesting place to study the evolution and migration of species, and their genetic features. More detailed studies related to tephrostratigraphy, neotectonics, marine geomorphology, evolution of seamounts, lava flow morphology, and submarine hydrothermal activity, are still necessary to understand the expression of internal geodynamic processes in this region.

La Isla del Coco es la única isla oceánica y el único afloramiento subaéreo de la Cordillera Volcánica del Coco, el rasgo geográfico y geológico más extenso en aguas territoriales costarricenses. Desde el punto de vista geológico, está conformada por rocas volcánicas, predominantemente coladas de lavas basálticas y traquíticas en menor cantidad, con rocas piroclásticas y epiclásticas subordinadas. Posee suelos, coluvios y depósitos de playas (arenas y cantos) superficiales; su topografía es muy variable pero predomina el relieve quebrado y rugoso. La Isla del Coco es la parte emergida de un volcán submarino de evolución compleja, desarrollado a partir y durante el Pleistoceno Inferior (entre 2.2 y 1.5 millones de años, Ma), producto de una anomalía térmica en el manto a través de varias fisuras, que originaron varios alineamientos de volcanes submarinos. La Isla del Coco se encuentra en un estadio de erosión activo, y sus arcos y plataformas sumergidas (90-110m y 183m) son probablemente el producto de una erosión subaérea durante las dos últimas máximas glaciaciones, combinados quizás con la subsidencia debida al enfriamiento del escudo volcánico y de la corteza oceánica. Al ser la isla geológicamente joven, posee importantes implicaciones para la comprensión de la evolución y el endemismo de su biodiversidad. Las amenazas en la geodinámica principales identificadas son los deslizamientos, los tsunamis y, en menor grado, la sismicidad, poco frecuente y con magnitudes moderadas (≤ 5.8 Mw hasta la fecha) dentro de un radio de alrededor de 300km, predominantemente asociada con fallas dextrales de rumbo N-S. Los pocos datos obtenidos hasta el momento indican que hay un cierto grado de actividad sísmica en los alrededores de la Isla del Coco, relacionados con las fallas locales. Algunos pequeños tsunamis históricos y prehistóricos han afectado a la Isla del Coco y los sismos así como la precipitación pluvial elevada han generado deslizamientos. La licuefacción está restringida a las dos playas arenosas (bahías Chatham y Wafer).

Bioprospection of marine microorganisms: potential and challenges for Argentina / Bioprospección de microorganismos marinos: potencialidades y desafíos para Argentina

The marine environments of Argentina have a remarkable extension, as well as high biological productivity and biodiversity of both macro- and microorganisms. Despite having a great potential for biotechnological applications, the microorganisms inhabiting these ecosystems remain mostly unexplored and unexploited. In this review, we study the research topics and the interactions among Argentinean laboratories, by analyzing current articles published on biotechnology-related marine microbiology by researchers of this country. In addition, we identify the challenges and opportunities for Argentina to take advantage of the genetic potential of its marine microorganisms. Finally, we suggest possible actions that could improve the development of this research field, as well as the utilization of this knowledge to solve societal needs.

El medio ambiente marino de la Argentina tiene una notable extensión, como así también una alta productividad biológica y biodiversidad de macro y microorganismos. A pesar de presentar un gran potencial para aplicaciones biotecnológicas, los microorganismos que habitan estos ecosistemas permanecen mayormente inexplorados y sus propiedades aún no explotadas. En este trabajo de revisión, estudiamos los temas de investigación y las interacciones entre grupos de investigación argentinos, por medio del análisis de los artículos publicados hasta el momento en temáticas relacionadas con la aplicación biotecnológica de microorganismos marinos. Además, identificamos los desafíos y las oportunidades para que la Argentina tome ventaja del potencial genético de sus microorganismos marinos. Por último, sugerimos posibles acciones que podrían mejorar el desarrollo de este campo de estudio, como así también la utilización de este conocimiento para resolver las necesidades de la sociedad.

Respuesta ambiental en el Pacífico frente a la subducción de la dorsal asísmica de Cocos (Panamá y Costa Rica) / Environmental response in the Pacific to aseismic Cocos Ridge subduction (Panama and Costa Rica)

Environmental response in the Pacific to aseismic Cocos Ridge subduction (Panama and Costa Rica). The evolution of the marine communities along the Pacific coast of Central America, may have changed in response to the formation of the Isthmus of Panama. To evaluate the effect of the Aseismic Cocos Ridge (DAC) subduction on the marine benthic communities, we reconstructed benthic assemblages from Neogene fossiliferous formations in Burica and Nicoya peninsulas of Panama and Costa Rica. Paleoecological and paleoenvironmental conditions were reconstructed by comparing community structure from bulk fossil samples with dredge collections from modern Tropical American seas, using principal component analysis. Our results indicate that during the early Pliocene, before the closing of the Isthmus, some oceanic islands existed with moderate upwelling in the Burica region. After the closure, during the late Pliocene and early Pleistocene the collision of the DAC caused an uplift of the seafloor, where water depth of 2 300m became shallow waters of less than 40m depth. Meanwhile, upwelling intensified in the open ocean the uplift that had formed small islands in coastal areas of Burica, creating protected areas and limiting the upwelling effect that was given in open ocean. The subduction of the DAC continued until the islands were joined to the mainland and gradually disappeared, allowing the return of the upwelling. During the middle Pleistocene a second process of accelerated uplift ith speeds of 8m/1 000 years provoked again the elevation of the seafloor and later the elevation of the Talamanca Range. The new range formed a barrier that blocked the passage of the Trade winds, created new ecological conditions and optimized and allowed the growth of the best coral reefs in the coasts of the tropical Eastern Pacific (POT) between Panama and Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (2): 893-908. Epub 2012 June 01.

Con el fin de evaluar el efecto de la Subducción de la Dorsal Asísmica de Cocos (DAC) durante las etapas finales de la formación del Istmo. Realizamos muestreos con bultos en afloramientos fosilíferos en las penínsulas de Burica y Nicoya. Las condiciones paleoecológicas y paleoambientales fueron reconstruidas a partir de la comparación entre la estructura de las comunidades fósiles, con las comunidades modernas dragadas de los mares de Panamá, usando análisis de componentes principales. Los resultados indican que antes del cierre del Istmo, existieron islas oceánicas y un afloramiento moderado en Burica. Posterior al cierre, el choque de la DAC provocó la elevación del fondo marino y las aguas que se encontraban a 2 300m pasaron a 40m. El afloramiento se intensificaba en mar abierto pero la dorsal había formado islas en Burica que limitaban el efecto del afloramiento en la costa. La subducción de la DAC continuó y las islas se unieron gradualmente a tierra firme y desaparecieron, permitiendo el afloramiento. Durante el Pleistoceno medio un segundo proceso de levantamiento acelerado continuó elevando el fondo marino y formó la Cordillera de Talamanca. La cordillera creó una barrera que bloqueó el paso de los vientos Alisios y originó condiciones ecológicas y optimas que permiten el crecimiento de los mejores arrecifes de coral costeros del Pacífico oriental tropical (POT) entre Panamá y Costa Rica.

Preliminary results with a torsion microbalance indicate that carbon dioxide and exposed carbonic anhydrase in the organic matrix are the basis of calcification on the skeleton surface of living corals / Los resultados preliminares con una microbalanza de torsión indican que el dióxido de carbono y la anhidrasa carbónica expuesta en la matriz orgánica son la base de la calcificación en la superficie del esqueleto de los corales vivos

Ocean acidification is altering the calcification of corals, but the mechanism is still unclear. To explore what controls calcification, small pieces from the edges of thin plates of Agaricia agaricites were suspended from a torsion microbalance into gently stirred, temperaturecontrolled, seawater. Net calcification rates were monitored while light, temperature and pH were manipulated singly. The living coral pieces were sensitive to changes in conditions, especially light, and calcification was often suspended for one or two hours or overnight. The mean calcification rate increased from 0.06 in the dark to 0.10 mg.h-1.cm-2 (T test, n=8, p<0.01) in low light (15 μmol.s-1.m-2) and showed a positive linear relationship with temperature. With a reduction of mean pH from 8.2 to 7.6 the mean calcification rate in the light (65 μmol.s-1.m-2) increased from 0.19 to 0.28 mg.h-1.cm-2 (T test, n=8, p<0.05) indicating a dependency on carbon dioxide. After waterpiking and exposure of the skeletal surface/organic matrix to seawater, calcification showed an astonishing initial increase of more than an order of magnitude then decreased following a non-linear generalised Michaelis-Menten growth curve and reached a steady rate. Calcification rate of the freshly waterpiked coral was not influenced by light and was positively correlated with temperature. For a mean pH reduction from 8.1 to 7.6 the mean calcification rate increased from 0.18 to 0.32 mg.h-1.cm-2 (T test, n=11, p<0.02) again indicating a dependency on carbon dioxide. Calcification ceased in the presence of the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor azolamide. Staining confirmed the presence of carbonic anhydrase, particularly on the ridges of septae. After immersion of waterpiked corals in seawater for 48 hours weight gain and loss became linear and positively correlated to temperature. When the mean pH was reduced from 8.2 to 7.5 the mean rate of weight gain decreased from 0.25 to 0.13 mg.h-1.cm-2 (T test, n=6, p<0.05) indicating a dependence on carbonate. At a pH of 6.5 the skeleton lost weight at a rate of 1.8 mg.h-1.cm-2. The relationship between net calcification and pH (n=2) indicates that wt gain turns to loss at pH 7.4. These experiments confirm that calcification is a two-step process, involving secretion of a layer of organic matrix incorporating carbonic anhydrase to produce an active calcifying surface which uses carbon dioxide rather than carbonate. It is also unlikely that the calcifying surface is in direct contact with seawater. Inorganic deposition or dissolution of the skeleton in exposed dead areas of coral is a different phenomenon and is carbonate related. The wide range in results from this and other studies of calcification rate and carbon dioxide may be explainable in terms of the ratio of “live” to “dead” areas of coral.

La acidificaión de los océanos está alterando la calcificón de los corales. Sin embargo, el mecanismo no es todavía claro. Para explorar que controla la calcificación piezas pequeñas del borde de láminas delgadas de Agaricia agaricites fueron suspendidas de una microbalanza de torsión en agua de mar ligeramente agitada y con temperatura controlada. La tasa neta de calcificación fue monitoreada mientras se manipulaba la luz, temperatura y pH. Las piezas de coral vivo fueron sensibles a cambios en las condiciones, especialmente de luz, y la calcificación se suspendía por una o dos horas o de un día para otro. La tasa media de calcificación aumentó de 0.06 en la oscuridad a 0.10 mg h-1 cm-2 (prueba T, n=8, p<0.01) en luminosidad baja (15 μmol s-1 m-2) y mostró una relación lineal positiva con la temperatura. Con una reducción en el pH promedio de 8.2 a 7.6 la tasa de calcificación media en la luz (65 μmol.s-1.m-2) aumentó de 0.19 a 0.28 mg h-1 cm-2 (prueba T, n=8, p<0.05) indicando una dependencia de dióxido de carbono. Después de remover el tejido y exponer la superficie de los esqueletos/matriz orgánica a agua de mar, la calcificación tiene un marcada aumento inicial de más de un orden de magnitud y después decrese siguiendo una curva generalizada Michaelis-Menten de crecimiento no-lineal hasta alcanzar una tasa estable. La tasa de calcificación de esqueletos recién limpiados no estaba influenciada por la luz y estaba positivamente correlacionado con la temperatura. Pra una reducción media de pH de 8.1 a 7.6 la tasa media de calcificaión aumentó de 0.18 a 0.32 mg h-1 cm-2 (prueba T, n=11, p<0.02) de nuevo indicando la dependencia en el dióxido de carbono. La calcificación cesó en la presencia de azolamida un inhibidor de la anhidrasa carbónica. Tinciones confirmaron la presencia de anhidrasa carbónica, particularmente en las crestas de los septos. Después de sumergir esqueletos sin tejido en agua de mar por 48 horas la ganancia y pérdida de peso se volvió lineal y relacionada positivamente con la temperatura. Cuando el pH promedio se reducía de 8.2 a 7.5 la tasa media de ganacia de peso decrecía de 0.25 a 0.13 mg h-1 cm-2 (prueba T, n=6, p<0.05) indicando una dependencia en carbonato. A un pH de 6.5 la tasa de pérdida de peso esquelético fue de 1.8 mg h-1 cm-2. La relación entre calcificaión neta y pH (n=2) indican que la gancia de peso se vuele pérdida a pH 7.4. Estos experimentos confirman que la calcificación es un proceso de dos pasos, involucrando la secreción de la capa de matriz orgánica que incorpora anhidrasa carbónica para producir una superficie de calcificación activa que usa dióxido de carbono en vez de carbonato. Es también poco probable que la superficie de calcificación esté en contacto directo con el agua de mar. La depositación o disolución inorgánica del esqueleto en áreas expuestas de corales muertos en un fenómeno diferente y está relacionado a los carbonatos. El gran ámbito de resultados de este y otros estudios sobre tasas de calcificación y dióxido de carbono pueden ser explicados en términos de la razón entre las zonas vivas y muertas de los corales.

First record of Caligus mutabilis (Copepoda: Caligidae), in sea-farmed Mycteroperca microlepis (Perciformes: Serranidae) in Brazil / Primeiro registro de Caligus mutabilis (Copepoda) em cultivos de Mycteroperca microlepis (Perciformes: Serranidae) no Brasil

Sea lice (copepods) are widespread pathogens in marine teleost cultivation around the world. The sea louse Caligus mutabilis Wilson, 1905, is recorded here for the first time in sea-farmed gag grouper, Mycteroperca microlepis, in Brazil.

Os piolhos marinhos (copépodes) são patógenos amplamente difundidos nos cultivos de teleósteos marinhos ao redor do mundo. O copépode Caligus mutabilis Wilson, 1905 é aqui registrado pela primeira vez em cultivos de badejo-de-areia, Mycteroperca microlepis, no Brasil.

Giant Eunicid Polychaetes (Annelida) in shallow tropical and temperate seas

Some species of Eunice might reach giant size, often being longer than 2m, and they are known from tropical and temperate seas. Despite their large size and recent internet notoriety, there remain some taxonomic problems in large-sized eunicids, especially since original descriptions were brief and type materials are often missing. As a mean to encourage the solution of this situation, we review the historical progress in the taxonomy of the group, including some comments on generic and specific delineation, and recommend some critical steps to solve the current confusion. These ideally would include collecting in type localities, evaluate ontogenetic morphological changes, and generate some molecular analysis to complement the morphological approach. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (4): 1463-1474. Epub 2011 December 01.

Algunas species de Eunice pueden alcanzar tamaño gigantesco, a menudo sobrepasan los 2m de largo, y se conocen de mares tropicales y templados. A pesar de su gran tamaño y de su reciente notoriedad en Internet, todavía hay problemas taxonómicos entre los eunícidos gigantes, especialmente dado que las descripciones originales fueron breves y a menudo se carece de materiales tipo. Para incentivar la solución del problema, revisamos el desarrollo histórico de la taxonomía del grupo y se incluyen algunos comentarios sobre la delineación de los géneros y de las especies y recomendamos algunos pasos críticos para alcanzar este fin. Idealmente, esto incluiría recolectar en las localidades tipo, evaluar cambios morfológicos durante la ontogenia y generar algunos análisis moleculares para complementar el enfoque morfológico.

Radiocarbon geochronology of the sediments of the São Paulo Bight (southern Brazilian upper margin)

The aim of this work was to generate an inventory of the data on radiocarbon datings obtained from sediments of the São Paulo Bight (southern Brazilian upper margin) and to analyze the data in terms of Late Quaternary sedimentary processes and sedimentation rates. A total of 238 radiocarbon datings from materials collected using differents ampling procedures was considered for this work. The sedimentation rates varied from less than 2 to 68 cm.kyr-1. The highest sedimentation rate values were found in a low-energy (ría type) coastal system as well as in the upwelling zones of Santa Catarina and Cabo Frio. The lowest rates were found on the outer shelf and upper slopes. Our results confirm the strong dependency of the shelf currents, with an emphasis to the terrigenous input from the Río de La Plata outflow which is transported via the Brazilian Coastal Current, as well as of the coupled Brazil Current - Intermediate Western Boundary Current (BC-IWBC) dynamics on the sedimentary processes. At least three indicators ofthe paleo sea level were found at 12200 yr BP (conventional radiocarbon age) (103 meters below sea level - mbsl),8300-8800 cal yr BP (13 mbsl) and 7700-8100 cal yr BP (6 mbsl).

O objetivo deste trabalho foi a geração de um inventário dos dados de datação de radiocarbono obtidos de sedimentos do Embaiamento de São Paulo (Margem Continental Superior do Sul do Brasil) e analisar os dados em termos de processos sedimentares quaternários e taxas de sedimentação. Um total de238 datações ao radiocarbono de materiais coletados com autilização de procedimentos amostrais diferentes foi considerado neste trabalho. As taxas de sedimentação variaram de menor que 2 a 68 cm.kyr-1. As taxas de sedimentação mais altas foram encontradas em um sistema costeiro de baixa energia (tipo ría), bem como nas zonas de ressurgência de Santa Catarina e Cabo Frio. As taxas mais baixas foram encontradas na plataforma externa e talude superior. Nossos resultados confirmam a forte dependência do sistema de correntes de plataforma, com ênfase no aporte terrígeno oriundo do Rio daPrata, transportado através da Corrente Costeira do Brasil, e da dinâmica da Corrente do Brasil - Corrente de Contorno Intermediária (CB-CCI) nos processos sedimentares. Pelo menostrês indicadores de paleo-níveis marinhos foram encontrados a 12200 anos AP (idade radiocarbônica convencional) (103 metros abaixo do nível do mar atual - manm), 8300-8800 cal anos AP (13 manm) e 7700-8100 cal anos BP (6 manm).