RESUMO
Microplastics are emerging pollutants that have been found in different environmental matrices of marine and coastal ecosystems, where they can generate harmful ecological impacts. Little is known about the current state of microplastic pollution in fragile tropical lagoon ecosystems, such as Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM) in the Caribbean coast of Colombia. This study assesses microplastic pollution in surface waters and sediments, and the occurrence of microplastic ingestion in commercially important fish species from CGSM. In waters, microplastic abundances ranged from 0.0 to 0.3 items L-1 while in sediments they varied from 0.0 to 3.1 items kg-1. The most abundant types of microplastics are fibers and fragments, with polypropylene, polyethylene and high-density polyethylene as the most abundant polymers. Also, 100 (i.e. 21.1%) out of 474 individuals from nine fish species had microplastics in their digestive tracts. Microplastics present in water and sediments and in the digestive tract of the analyzed fish species have similar characteristics, also showing a moderate and statistically significant association. Microplastic abundances are higher near river mouths and in urban areas with a high density of fishing activities and aquaculture infrastructures, which are important sources of contaminants. Microplastic pollution in CGSM represents a threat to the lagoon ecosystem and to local people depending on artisanal fishing. Consequently, effective actions to reduce pollution and its socio-environmental impacts are urgently required.
Assuntos
Microplásticos , Poluentes Químicos da Água , Animais , Colômbia , Ecossistema , Monitoramento Ambiental , Humanos , Plásticos , Polietileno , Água , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análiseRESUMO
Given the potential interest in targeting Solenocera acuminata in a new deep-sea fishery in the Colombian Caribbean, biological information is needed to support the management of this species. The objective of this study is to provide biological information about size structure, size at sexual maturity, morphometric relationships, abundances and spatial and bathymetric distribution of S. acuminata in the Colombian Caribbean. Specimens of S. acuminata were collected during four deep-sea prospecting surveys in the Colombian Caribbean Sea, which were conducted between Punta Gallinas and the Gulf of Uraba. A total of 87 exploratory fishing trawls were made between 100 and 550 m depth. Sexual dimorphism was evident, with males being smaller than females. The size at sexual maturity of the females was 95.2 mm total length (23.82 mm CL). Relatively high biomass values were found in the northern zone of the Colombian Caribbean, between Santa Marta and Riohacha. In the southern zone, higher biomass was found between Cartagena and Morrosquillo Gulf. The biomass of S. acuminata was higher at night (mean 1.82 kg/km2) than during daylight (mean 0.15 kg/km2). This species was distributed between 150 and 400 m depth and the highest biomass was associated with depths between 330 and 380 m. Before starting a new fishery, more research is needed to understand the life cycle parameters of deep-sea resources, such as growth, reproduction, recruitment, mortality, spawning areas and times, nursery areas and associated biodiversity.
RESUMO
Abstract This paper describes the morphometric relationships and size at sexual maturity of deep-sea Caribbean lobster. Data were obtained in the Colombian Caribbean in four trawling surveys in November and December 2009 between 200 and 550 m depth. 709 individuals with sizes between 53.65 and 191.00 mm (TL) (mean 121.17 ± 27.13 mm) were measured. M. binghami had a positive allometric growth. Lobsters of the family Nephropidae have a worldwide distribution and economic importance. High levels of biomass of Metanephrops binghami have been reported in the Colombian Caribbean and this species could become a potential new resource for the Western Atlantic fishery. However, prior to the development of a new fishery, more biological research is needed to understand the life cycle of this species. Aspects such as growth, spawning, recruitment, mortality, nursery areas and associated biodiversity should be carefully studied.
Resumen Este artículo describe las relaciones morfométricas y la talla de madurez sexual de la langosta de aguas profundas del Caribe. Los datos se obtuvieron en el Caribe colombiano en 4 campañas de pesca de arrastre en noviembre y diciembre de 2009, entre los 200 y 550 m de profundidad. Se midieron 709 individuos, con tamaños entre 53.65 y 191.00 mm (TL) (promedio 121.17 ± 27.13 mm). M. binghami presentó crecimiento alométrico positivo. Las langostas de la familia Nephropidae tienen una amplia distribución mundial e importancia económica, y en el Caribe colombiano se han reportado altos niveles de biomasa de Metanephrops binghami. Esta especie podría representar un nuevo recurso para las pesquerías del Atlántico occidental; sin embargo, antes de desarrollar una nueva explotación pesquera, es necesario entender el ciclo de vida de esta especie en aspectos tales como crecimiento, reproducción, reclutamiento, mortalidad y áreas de crianza y diversidad asociada.
Resumo Lagostas da familia Nephropidae tem uma ampla distribuição e importância comercial em todo o mundo. Metanephrops binghami tem sido reportada com elevados níveis de biomassa no Caribe Colombiano. Este artigo descreve as relaces morfométricas e tamanho na maturidade sexual de lagostas de profundidade do Caribe. Os dados foram obtidos no Caribe Colombiano em quatro pesquisas de arrasto em novembro e dezembro de 2009, entre 200 e 550 metros de profundidade. Foram medidos 709 indivíduos com tamanhos entre 53,65 e 191,00 mm (TL) (média 121,17 ± 27,13 mm). M. binghami teve um crescimento alométrico positivo. Esta espécie pode converter-se em uma nova fonte potencial para a pesca Atlântica-ocidental. Entretanto, previamente ao desenvolvimiento de uma nova atividade de pesca, mais pesquisas biológicas sao necessárias para compreender os parâmetros do ciclo de vida de esta espécie, tais como seu crescimento, desova, recrutamento, mortalidade, áreas de desova e de berçário e biodiversidade associada.