Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coral reefs from Southwestern Atlantic: A seascape approach using tissue and skeleton of the coral Montastraea cavernosa (Cnidaria; Scleractinia).

Coastal marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs, are severely threatened by climate changes, overexploitation, and marine pollution. Particularly, environmental pollution caused by petroleum-derived substances is poorly studied in coral reefs in tropical developing countries, with a total absence of data about these contaminants in some regions. In this work, we determined the levels of conventional and unconventional PAHs in the tissue and skeleton of the coral Montastraea cavernosa in a seascape scale of the Southwest Atlantic. We sampled in 12 coral reefs adjacent to the coast along approximately 200 km. We found 14 PAHs, 2 Oxy-PAHs, and 15 Nitro-PAHs in the samples, and among them, benzo[a]pyrene, chrysene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene and dibenz[a,h]anthracene, which are mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic substances. Skeletons presented predominantly lower quantities of ∑PAHs than the respective tissue, except for the skeletons from one reef severely impacted by oil spills. The ∑PAHs levels were lower in a bay near an urbanized region than in open sea reefs. Diagnostic ratios indicate mixogenic sources, with the predominance of petrogenic origin. Our study provides the first occurrence of PAHs, Nitro-PAHs, and Oxy-PAHs distribution in corals from the Southwest Atlantic Ocean, and we expect that these data will help to evaluate any future impacts and management of this ecosystem.

Differences in mercury (THg) levels in Brown booby (Sula leucogaster) feathers from two environmentally distinct Brazilian archipelagos.

Mercury pollution is a matter of global concern due to its detrimental effects on ecosystems and human well-being. Seabirds generally occupy high levels within trophic chains and are often used as valuable indicators of marine pollution, including mercury contamination. We examined the concentrations of total mercury (THg) in the ventral feathers of Brown boobies (Sula leucogaster) from two distinct Brazilian archipelagos: one coastal and subtropical (Moleques do Sul) and one tropical and oceanic (São Pedro and São Paulo). We hypothesized that there would be differentiation in mercury levels between these archipelagos due to differences in geographical location and environmental conditions, where higher Hg levels would be found in Brown boobies from the coastal one since they are more exposed to anthropogenic sources from the continent. Additionally, we also investigated whether there were any differences in mercury levels based on sex and age. We found significantly higher THg levels in Brown boobies from São Pedro and São Paulo compared to those from Moleques do Sul, indicating differential levels of exposure to mercury sources. No significant differences between sexes or age classes, although juvenile individuals showed the lowest values. We suggest that the THg higher levels found in individuals from São Pedro e São Paulo can be due to the geological peculiarities of this archipelago, formed by mantle peridotites considered mercury hotspots. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering spatial and environmental factors in mercury biomonitoring and highlight the potential use of seabird feathers as a proxy for mercury contamination in marine environments.

Exploring steric sea level variability in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic Ocean: a three-decade study (1993-2022).

Sea level rise (SLR) poses a significant threat to coastal regions worldwide, particularly affecting over 60 million people living below 10 m above sea level along the African coast. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal trends of sea level anomaly (SLA) and its components (thermosteric, halosteric and ocean mass) in the Eastern Tropical Atlantic Ocean (ETAO) from 1993 to 2022. The SLA trend for the ETAO, derived from satellite altimetry, is 3.52 ± 0.47 mm/year, similar to the global average of 3.56 ± 0.67 mm/year. Of the three upwelling regions, the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) shows the highest regional trend of 3.42 ± 0.12 mm/year. Using the ARMORD3D dataset, a positive thermosteric sea level trend of 0.88 ± 0.04 mm/year is observed, particularly in the equatorial and southern Atlantic regions. The steric component drives the interannual SLA variability, while the ocean mass component dominates the long-term trends, as confirmed by the GRACE and GRACE-FO missions for 2002-2022. For those two decades, the total SLR from altimetry amounts to 3.80 ± 0.8 mm/year, whilst the steric component is reduced to only 0.19 ± 0.05 mm/year, leaving a residual increase in the ETAO of 3.69 ± 0.5 mm/year. The independent mass change from GRACE amounts to 2.78 ± 0.6 mm/year for this region, which just closes the sea level budget within present uncertainty levels. Spatial analysis of the steric components indicates a warming along the equatorial African coast including the GoG and a freshening near Angola. Strong correlations with regional climate factors, particularly the Tropical South Atlantic Index, highlight the influence of persistent climate modes. These findings underscore the urgent need for mitigation and adaptation strategies to SLR in the ETAO, especially for densely populated coastal communities.

The Commerson's dolphin as Subantarctic sentinel of POPs: Insights into the pollutant status in one of the southernmost coastal areas of the globe.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are halogenated contaminants found globally. Cetaceans are impacted by these pollutants, and nowadays, it is essential to understand their presence to mitigate their impacts. This study aimed to establish baseline levels of POPs in the blubber of Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) within the Subantarctic ecosystem. A wide range of POPs concentrations were measured among individuals: ΣPCBs from 289.5 to 15264 ng g-1 lw and ΣDDTs from 540.4 to 17657 ng g-1 lw. Levels of HCB and mirex ranged from 48 to 1703.7 ng g-1 lw and 5.1-1917.4 ng g-1 lw, respectively. The predominant POPs were mid-to high molecular weight PCBs (hexa-PCBs), consistent with other findings in cetaceans of the southern hemisphere. The mean ratio of ΣDDT/ΣPCB was 0.44, with p,p'-DDE/ΣDDT at 0.56, indicating p,p'-DDE as the dominant DDT isomer. Furthermore, differences in POP concentrations were observed based on sexual maturity, with mature males exhibiting higher levels of Æ©PCBs, HCB, Æ©DDT, and mirex. Age and total body length of animals were strongly correlated with POP concentrations. Our study provides valuable insights into the pollutant status of POPs in the Subantarctic population of Commerson's dolphins inhabiting the southernmost coastal regions of South America.

Phthalates and fatty acid markers in free-ranging cetaceans from an insular oceanic region: Ecological niches as drivers of contamination.

Plastic additives, such as phthalates, are ubiquitous contaminants that can have detrimental impacts on marine organisms and overall ecosystems' health. Valuable information about the status and resilience of marine ecosystems can be obtained through the monitoring of key indicator species, such as cetaceans. In this study, fatty acid profiles and phthalates were examined in blubber biopsies of free-ranging individuals from two delphinid species (short-finned pilot whale - Globicephala macrorhynchus, n = 45; common bottlenose dolphin - Tursiops truncatus, n = 39) off Madeira Island (NE Atlantic). This investigation aimed to explore the relations between trophic niches (epipelagic vs. mesopelagic), contamination levels, and the health status of individuals within different ecological and biological groups (defined by species, residency patterns and sex). Multivariate analysis of selected dietary fatty acids revealed a clear niche segregation between the two species. Di-n-butylphthalate (DBP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) were the most prevalent among the seven studied phthalates, with the highest concentration reached by DEHP in a bottlenose dolphin (4697.34 ± 113.45 ng/g). Phthalates esters (PAEs) concentration were higher in bottlenose dolphins (Mean ∑ PAEs: 947.56 ± 1558.34 ng/g) compared to pilot whales (Mean ∑ PAEs: 229.98 ± 158.86 ng/g). In bottlenose dolphins, DEHP was the predominant phthalate, whereas in pilot whales, DEP and DBP were more prevalent. Health markers suggested pilot whales might suffer from poorer physiological conditions than bottlenose dolphins, although high metabolic differences were seen between the two species. Phthalate levels showed no differences by ecological or biological groups, seasons, or years. This study is the first to assess the extent of plastic additive contamination in free-ranging cetaceans from a remote oceanic island system, underscoring the intricate relationship between ecological niches and contaminant exposure. Monitoring these chemicals and their potential impacts is vital to assess wild population health, inform conservation strategies, and protect critical species and habitats.

Chemical elements in mussels: Insights into changes in coastal environments due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The concentrations of macro elements (Ca, K, Mg, and Na), essential trace elements (Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, and Zn), and nonessential trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Pb, and Ti) in the shell and soft tissues of Perna perna (L. 1758) mussels from Southeast Brazil are presented as a baseline reference for understanding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the quality of coastal environments. For shells, the macro elements load was greater during the pandemic period at all sampling sites; however, for soft tissues, the opposite trend was recorded. On the contrary, the concentrations of trace elements in the shell were below the limit of quantification in most samples, and they tended to decrease in the soft tissues during the pandemic. Thus, the COVID-19 was a short-term conservation event that positively impacted the mussels. The results are relevant for monitoring the coastal environment in a post-COVID-19 scenario.

Relationship between skin and body condition in three species of baleen whales.

The assessment of free-ranging cetacean health through the study of skin conditions using photographs has gained prominence in recent years. However, little attention has been given to the relationships between cetacean skin conditions, species, and body condition. To explore this relationship among baleen whale species along the northwestern coast of Spain, we employed a non-invasive method involving photograph analysis. In this study, we examined skin conditions (including injuries, epizoites and ectoparasites, pigmentation disorders, skin lesions, and anatomical malformations) and body condition (overall physical contours and form, as an indicator of nutritional status and health) in 3 species of whales (blue, fin, and minke whales). This methodology facilitated the identification of 29 subcategories of distinct skin conditions and an assessment of body condition over a 5 yr period (2017 to 2021). In our study, we present evidence linking hypopigmentation, protruding pieces of tissue, and tattoo-like lesions to 'Poor' body condition in the 3 baleen whale species. Fin whales exhibited a higher susceptibility to mottling (prevalence = 17.7%), while blue whales were more prone to starbursts (prevalence = 90.5%). Additionally, we found a significant relationship between skin condition diversity and individual body condition. Our findings contribute valuable information to the broader understanding of the health status of baleen whales. Further investigations are necessary to delve into the etiology of the documented skin conditions and their potential implications for individual survival. This study serves as a foundation for ongoing research aimed at advancing our comprehension of these findings.

Checklist of marine macroalgae in two contiguous Marine Protected Areas in the south-western Atlantic.

Background: The Costa das Algas Environmental Protection Area (EPA) and the Santa Cruz Wildlife Refuge (WR), located in the Espírito Santo Continental Shelf, Brazil, are outstanding marine protected areas due to their high biodiversity, particularly of macroalgae. Together, these two relatively small protected areas (1,150 and 177 km2, respectively) harbour about a quarter of all macroalgal species recorded in Brazil.The checklist presented herein updates the algal flora of these two protected areas with data obtained until 2019. Two hundred and sixty-five macroalgal taxa were recorded, most of which with vouchers. Checklists based on the collections of each protected area were published on: "Catálogo de Plantas das Unidades de Conservação do Brasil" (https://catalogo-ucs-brasil.jbrj.gov.br/). New information: Besides specimens collected between 2018 and 2019, the algal flora presented herein includes previous records from different Brazilian herbaria (e.g., SP, SPF, ALCB). Herbaria records may include species that do not occur in intertidal reefs (e.g., Laminaria). Overall, 249 macroalgal taxa and one marine angiosperm were recorded in the Costa das Algas EPA (87 new records) and 136 macroalgal taxa and one marine angiosperm in the Santa Cruz WR (46 new records). All taxa are native to Brazil and nine are endemic to Brazil. Our results provide a taxonomic foundation to support management, long-term monitoring and conservation in these protected areas.

Global warming and coastal protected areas: A study on phytoplankton abundance and sea surface temperature in different regions of the Brazilian South Atlantic Coastal Ocean.

In this study, we examined the relationship between sea surface temperature (SST) and phytoplankton abundance in coastal regions of the Brazilian South Atlantic: São Paulo, Paraná, and Santa Catarina, and the Protection Area of Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis) in Santa Catarina (APA), a conservation zone established along 130 km of coastline. Using SST and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) data from 2002 to 2023, we found significant differences in SST between the regions, with São Paulo having the highest SST, followed by Paraná and Santa Catarina. All locations showed a consistent increase in SST over the years, with North Santa Catarina, APA and São Paulo experiencing the lowest rate of increase. Correlation analyses between SST and Chl-a revealed a stronger inverse relationship in North Santa Catarina and APA, indicating an increased response of Chl-a to SST variations in this region. The presence of protected area appears to play an essential role in reducing the negative impacts of increasing SST. Specifically, while there is a wealth of research on the consequences of global warming on diverse coastal and oceanic areas, heterogeneity among different settings persists and the causes for this necessitating attention. Our findings have implications for both localized scientific approaches and broader climate policies, emphasizing the importance of considering coastal ecosystem resilience to climate change in future conservation and adaptation strategies.

Bivalves of superfamily Galeommatoidea (Mollusca, Bivalvia) from western South Africa, with observations on commensal relationships and habitats.

The Galeommatoidea are a diverse but little-studied group of small bivalves, well known for the symbiotic relationships many species have with a range of invertebrate taxa. Four species collected from the Western Cape region of South Africa were examined and illustrated, providing new details on their habitat preferences, and depicting the mantle structure of live specimens for the first time. Brachiomyaducentiunus sp. nov., is described herein, and an additional record of Montacutasubstriata (Montagu, 1808) is reported from South Africa. Brachiomyaducentiunus and Montacutasubstriata have obligate symbiotic relationships with different burrowing echinoids, while Kelliabecki (WH Turton, 1932) and Melliteryxmactroides (Hanley, 1857) are free-living. DNA data and phylogenetic analyses are provided for three of the species.

Microplastic pollution in the North-east Atlantic Ocean surface water: How the sampling approach influences the extent of the issue.

A lack of standardization in monitoring protocols has hindered the accurate evaluation of microplastic (MP) pollution in the open sea and its potential impacts. As sampling techniques significantly influence the amounts of MPs contained in the sample, the aim of this study was to compare two sampling methods: Manta trawl (size selective approach) and grab sampling (volume selective approach). Both approaches were applied in the open sea surface waters of the North-east Atlantic Ocean. Onshore sample processing was carried out using the innovative tape lifting technique, which affords a series of advantages, including prevention of airborne contamination during analysis, without compromising integrity of the results. The results obtained indicated an MP concentration over four orders of magnitude higher using grab sampling compared to the Manta net approach (mean values equal to 0.24 and 4050 items/m3, respectively). Consequently, the sole quantification of MPs using results obtained with the Manta trawl resulted in a marked underestimation of abundance. Nevertheless, the grab sampling technique is intricately linked to a risk of collecting non-representative water volumes, consequently leading to an overestimation of MPs abundance and a significant inter-sample variability. Moreover, the latter method is unsuitable for use in sampling larger MPs or in areas with low concentrations of MP pollution. The optimal sampling method therefore is dependent on the specific objectives of the study, often resulting in a combination of size and volume selective methods. The results of this study have the potential to contribute to the standardization of monitoring protocols for microplastics, both during the sampling phase and sample processing.

Bacterial septicemia and herpesvirus infection in Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) stranded in the São Paulo coast, Brazil.

In August 2021, two juvenile male Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) stranded in the southeastern Brazilian coast and were referred to rehabilitation centers. The animals presented increased body temperature, prostration, respiratory distress and despite treatment died. A necropsy following a standardized protocol was performed, and formalin-fixed tissues were processed for microscopic examination. Samples were screened for morbillivirus, herpesvirus, and Brucella spp. by molecular analyses (PCR, RT-PCR). Bacteriological culture was performed in samples collected from the lungs, trachea, and lymph nodes of both cases. The main histopathologic findings were of infectious nature, including multifocal necrotizing and fibrinous mixed interstitial pneumonia, bronchiolitis, and bronchitis, with intralesional myriad bacteria associated with vascular fibrinoid necrosis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from tracheal and lung swabs of Case 1, and Klebsiella oxytoca was found in nostril swabs, tracheobronchial lymph nodes, and lung of Case 2. Gammaherpesvirus infection was detected in both cases, and the sequences retrieved were classified into the genus Percavirus. All tested samples were PCR-negative for Brucella spp. and morbillivirus. We hypothesize that the deficient immunological status in association with starvation predisposed the reactivation of herpesvirus and secondary bacterial co-infections. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first molecular detection of herpesvirus in an Antarctic pinniped. These findings reinforce that Otariid gammaherpesvirus circulating in the Southern Hemisphere are likely endemic in the Arctocephalus genus. This report contributes to the current knowledge of health aspects affecting wild pinnipeds, especially in the poorly studied Antarctic species.

Persistent organic pollutants and chlorpyrifos in tissues of a histotrophic viviparous species, the Southern Eagle Ray Myliobatis goodei.

Elasmobranchs are good indicators of marine pollution as they accumulate pollutants from water and food, and occupy different trophic levels. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorpyrifos were quantified in muscle, liver, gonads, gills, and brain in both sexes and maturity stages of the Southern Eagle Ray, Myliobatis goodei, captured in Argentine coastal waters. Moreover, possible histological alterations in the liver and gonads were analyzed. Pollutant concentrations were pervasive across all tissues, with PCBs > OCPs > chlorpyrifos. Elevated pollutant levels were notably found in the liver and gills. We identified thirty-six PCB congeners in tissues, with low-chlorine congeners prevailing. Among OCPs, ∑DDT and ∑endosulfan were predominant. Females exhibited higher pollutant levels in most tissues compared to males, except in the gonads, and adults generally displayed elevated pollutant levels. Histological analysis revealed the presence of atretic follicles and melanomacrophages (MM). Continuous monitoring of pollutant levels, alongside their effects on physiological and ecological traits, is imperative for effective management and conservation efforts.

Differential expression analyses and detection of SNP loci associated with environmental variables: Are salinity and temperature factors involved in population differentiation and speciation in Odontesthes?

Environmental factors play a key role in individual adaptation to different local conditions. Because of this, studies about the physiological and genetic responses of individuals exposed to different natural environments offer clues about mechanisms involved in population differentiation, and as a subsequent result, speciation. Marine environments are especially suited to survey this kind of phenomena because they commonly harbor species adapted to different local conditions along a geographic continuum. Silversides belonging to Odontesthes are commonly distributed in tropical and temperate regions of South America and exhibit noticeable phenotypic plasticity, which allows them to adapt to contrasting environments. In this study, the genetic expression of O. argentinensis sampled along the Uruguayan Atlantic coast and estuarine adjacent areas was investigated. In addition, the correlation between individual genotypes and environmental variables was also analysed in O. argentinensis and O. bonariensis. Results obtained suggest a differential expression pattern of low magnitude among individuals from the different areas sampled and a correlation between several SNP loci and environmental variables. The analyses carried out did not show a clear differentiation among individuals sampled along different salinity regimens, but enriched GOTerms seem to be driven by water oxygen content. On the other hand, a total of 46 SNPs analysed in O. argentinensis and O. bonariensis showed a correlation with salinity and temperature. Although none of the correlated SNPs and corresponding genes from our both analyses were directly associated with hypoxia, genes related to the cardiovascular system and muscle cell differentiation were found. All these genes are interesting candidates for future studies since they are closely related to the differentially expressed genes. Although salinity was also mentioned as an important parameter limiting introgression between O. argentinensis and O. bonariensis, it was found that salinity does not drive differential expression in O. argentinensis, but rather oxygen levels. Moreover, salinity does not directly affect the structure and genetic divergence of the populations, they appear to be structured based on their degree of isolation and geographical distance between them. Further studies, like genome-wide analyses, could help to elucidate additional genes adapted to the different environments in these silverside species.

Plastic ingestion and trace element contamination of Manx shearwaters Puffinus puffinus on the Faroe Islands.

Procellariiform seabirds can accumulate high levels of plastic in their gastrointestinal tracts, which can cause physical damage and potentially provides a contamination route for trace elements. We examined plastic ingestion and trace element contamination of fledgling Manx shearwaters Puffinus puffinus that were harvested for human consumption in 2003 and 2018 on Skúvoy, Faroe Islands (North Atlantic Ocean). Overall, 88% of fledglings contained plastic in their gastrointestinal tracts, with a mean (± SD) of 7.2 ± 6.6 items weighing 0.007 ± 0.016 g. Though the incidence was similar, fledglings ingested significantly more plastic in 2018 compared to 2003. Hepatic trace element concentrations were unrelated to plastic ingestion. Hepatic carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope values were significantly lower in birds sampled in 2018 versus 2003, potentially reflecting further offshore feeding at lower trophic levels. Future research is needed to understand the extent of plastic ingestion by Faroe Islands seabirds.

Regurgitated skua pellets containing the remains of South Atlantic seabirds can be used as biomonitors of small buoyant plastics at sea.

Using seabirds as bioindicators of marine plastic pollution requires an understanding of how the plastic retained in each species compares with that found in their environment. We show that brown skua Catharacta antarctica regurgitated pellets can be used to characterise plastics in four seabird taxa breeding in the central South Atlantic, even though skua pellets might underrepresent the smallest plastic items in their prey. Fregetta storm petrels ingested more thread-like plastics and white-faced storm petrels Pelagodroma marina more industrial pellets than broad-billed prions Pachyptila vittata and great shearwaters Ardenna gravis. Ingested plastic composition (type, colour and polymer) was similar to floating plastics in the region sampled with a 200 µm net, but storm petrels were better indicators of the size of plastics than prions and shearwaters. Given this information, plastics in skua pellets containing the remains of seabirds can be used to track long-term changes in floating marine plastics.

Hydroids from a reef system under the influence of the Amazon River plume, Brazil.

The Amazon Reef System (ARS) is one of the most important shallow and mesophotic reef ecosystems in the South Atlantic Ocean. The ARS consists mainly of extensive beds of calcareous algae interspersed by assemblages of octocorals and sponges. The enormous freshwater discharge from the Amazon River forms a plume along the extensive Amazon continental shelf, for which the hydroid community is still largely unknown. The aim of this study is to document the diversity and distribution of hydroids from the ARS, as well as to infer the influence of the plume on species composition in the different zones. Samples were collected at ninety-six stations between 15 and 240 m deep on the Amazon shelf. A total of 37 species were recorded in the studied area. Hydroid assemblages are richer in zones under lower river plume influence, and species composition differs significantly between zones with and without plume influence (PERMANOVA, p = 0.0025). The dissolved oxygen and nitrate ranges were the environmental variables significantly correlated with the hydroid distribution. This study is the first surveying the hydroid species composition and richness in the ARS, highlighting the presence of a typical reef biota and that further faunal studies in underexplored areas of the Atlantic should reveal the distribution of many poorly known hydroids species.

Variation in genomic vulnerability to climate change across temperate populations of eelgrass (Zostera marina).

A global decline in seagrass populations has led to renewed calls for their conservation as important providers of biogenic and foraging habitat, shoreline stabilization and carbon storage. Eelgrass (Zostera marina) occupies the largest geographic range among seagrass species spanning a commensurately broad spectrum of environmental conditions. In Canada, eelgrass is managed as a single phylogroup despite occurring across three oceans and a range of ocean temperatures and salinity gradients. Previous research has focused on applying relatively few markers to reveal population structure of eelgrass, whereas a whole-genome approach is warranted to investigate cryptic structure among populations inhabiting different ocean basins and localized environmental conditions. We used a pooled whole-genome re-sequencing approach to characterize population structure, gene flow and environmental associations of 23 eelgrass populations ranging from the Northeast United States to Atlantic, subarctic and Pacific Canada. We identified over 500,000 SNPs, which when mapped to a chromosome-level genome assembly revealed six broad clades of eelgrass across the study area, with pairwise F ST ranging from 0 among neighbouring populations to 0.54 between Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Genetic diversity was highest in the Pacific and lowest in the subarctic, consistent with colonization of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans from the Pacific less than 300 kya. Using redundancy analyses and two climate change projection scenarios, we found that subarctic populations are predicted to be potentially more vulnerable to climate change through genomic offset predictions. Conservation planning in Canada should thus ensure that representative populations from each identified clade are included within a national network so that latent genetic diversity is protected, and gene flow is maintained. Northern populations, in particular, may require additional mitigation measures given their potential susceptibility to a rapidly changing climate.

Microplastics in the Indian and South Atlantic oceans translocate to gills, digestive glands, and muscle of the chokka squid Loligo reynaudii.

Comparative microplastic (MP) data for cephalopods between oceans is scarce. Our aim was to quantify, characterise, and compare MPs in gills, digestive gland, and mantle of chokka squid from the South Atlantic Ocean (SAO) and Indian Ocean (IO) off the coast of South Africa. South African squid had more MPs compared with other studies (means = 2.0 and 0.4 in SAO and IO squid mantle, respectively). Blue fibres were dominant. Identifiable MPs were polyethylene. Despite IO water having higher MP concentrations than the SAO, SAO squid had higher MP concentrations. Dilution by growth is the likely reason for the lower MP concentrations. Fibres were shorter in SAO than IO squid. However, we could not explain why fibre and mantle lengths from both oceans were positively correlated. Squid may not be the best indicator of marine MPs. The characteristics of MPs in squid can be used to track stocks and migrations.

Standardised inventories of spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) of Macaronesia III: dry habitats of Cabo Verde Archipelago (São Vicente and Santo Antão).

Background: With this publication, we contribute to the knowledge of the arachnofauna of Cabo Verde, focusing specifically on the Islands of Santo Antão and São Vicente. Data were obtained from samples collected as part of the project "Macaronesian Islands as a testing ground to assess biodiversity drivers at multiple scales" (FCT - MACDIV, 2015-2018). This project aimed to identify the factors influencing community assembly in Macaronesian islands. For the Cabo Verde Islands, we focused on dry habitats with the additional aim to revise the aracnofauna of this poorly-known fauna. We applied the COBRA (Conservation Oriented Biodiversity Rapid Assessment) sampling protocol in ten 50 m x 50 m dry shrub plots, with five on each of the two islands, using pitfall traps, sweep-netting and active search. Additional ad-hoc samples were also collected and reported. New information: Our sampling of spiders from Cabo Verde (Santo Antão and São Vicente) yielded a total of 3,368 specimens, of which 1300 (39%) were adults. The samples include 21 families, 87 species, 18 of which are morphospecies awaiting formal identification or description at species level. Species in the families Oxyopidae (2 spp.) and Araneidae (8 spp.) were the most abundant, making up 49% of the specimens. From the 68 named species, 14 are endemic to Cabo Verde, 40 are native non-endemic and 14 are introduced. The colonisation status of Cithaeronreimoseri Platnick, 1991 is unknown. Endemic species accounted for 24% (n = 818) of the specimens and native non-endemic for 63% (n = 2122). A total of 29 species were new records for Cabo Verde, with 15 for Santo Antão, seven for São Vicente and seven for both Islands.