Review
Environmental Sciences
Carolina Oyarzo-Miranda, Ricardo Otaiza, Alexis Bellorin, J. M. Alonso Vega, Fadia Tala, Nelson A. Lagos, Fernanda X. Oyarzun, Rodrigo A. Estevez, Nicolas Latorre-Padilla, Ana Maria Mora Tapia, Luis Figueroa-Fabrega, Roddy Jara-Yanez, Cristian Bulboa, Loretto Contreras-Porcia
Summary: Several seaweed species are widely commercialized globally due to their demand in food, feed, and the extraction of phycocolloids. Chile is the leading producer, but overexploitation has caused a decrease in natural stocks. Various strategies have been implemented to restore seaweed stocks, with varying success rates. However, technological improvements are needed to develop cost-effective restocking strategies that are scalable, transferable, and socio-ecologically sustainable.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oceanography
Feng Gao, Lintao Liu, Huiwen Hu, Zhimin Shi, Dong Ren, Guocheng Wang, Xinghui Liang, Xuepeng Sun
Summary: Sea level rise increases flood frequency caused by forces like spring tides or storm surges. However, future flooding may be driven only by astronomical tides due to the evolution of global ocean tides. An inaction method is introduced to accurately extract tidal components and analyze the long-term trends and spatial evolution of tides along the East Coast of the United States. The results show upward trends in most sites with M-2 exhibiting the most significant rise in North Carolina.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-OCEANS
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Loretto Contreras-Porcia, Andres Meynard, Florentina Pina, Manoj Kumar, Carlos Lovazzano, Alejandra Nunez, Maria Rosa Flores-Molina
Summary: The tolerance strategies to desiccation stress of Porphyra and Pyropia species differ among populations inhabiting different latitudes. The intertidal plants from the northern region of Chile show stronger antioxidant enzyme activities and transcriptional activities, higher lipoperoxide and carbonyl contents compared to those from the southern region.
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Cristina Rocha, Marta Ressurreicao, Alexandra Baeta, Helena Verissimo, Barbara Camarao, Sergio Fernandez-Boo, Ana Pombo, Silvia Lourenco, Ana Sofia Gomes, Pedro Moreira Santos, David Jacinto, David Mateus, Francesco Maresca, Carolina Mourato, Ester Serrao, Tiago Verdelhos
Summary: Using stable isotopes analysis, this study assessed temporal and spatial differences in isotopic composition of Paracentrotus lividus' gonads and intestines and explored its application as a management tool. The results revealed significant spatial and temporal fluctuations among sea urchins collected along the Portuguese coast, which may be associated with latitudinal gradients and environmental conditions.
MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Alejandro Simeone, Cristobal Anguita, Maximiliano Daigre, Paulina Arce, Rodrigo Vega, Guillermo Luna-Jorquera, Matias Portflitt-Toro, Cristian G. Suazo, Diego Miranda-Urbina, Mauricio Ulloa
Summary: This study utilized data on beached seabirds to illustrate the spatial and temporal patterns of fishery-related seabird mortality along the Chilean coast, with a focus on the Sooty shearwater. The research found higher mortality rates of seabirds in different seasons and specific regions, showing significant correlations with the timing and locations of purse-seine fishing targeting anchovy and herring. This information can be used by authorities to regulate fishing activities and focus conservation efforts on the most affected species at appropriate spatial and temporal scales.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Frederique M. S. A. Kirkels, Hugo J. de Boer, Paulina Concha Hernandez, Chris R. T. Martes, Marcel T. J. van der Meer, Sayak Basu, Muhammed O. Usman, Francien Peterse
Summary: The large fractionation difference of stable carbon isotopes between C-3 and C-4 plants is useful in vegetation reconstructions, with C-3 plants indicating wetter conditions and C-4 plants suggesting drier conditions. The study in the Godavari River basin showed that the control of precipitation on C-3 and C-4 plant delta C-13 values can help understand vegetation changes in response to environmental factors like mean annual precipitation. The information highlighted the importance of considering regional vegetation characteristics and environmental factors when choosing plant delta C-13 end-members for vegetation reconstructions in monsoonal regions.
Article
Fisheries
Luisa M. Saavedra, Gonzalo S. Saldias, Bernardo R. Broitman, Cristian A. Vargas
Summary: This study characterized the oceanographic and carbonate system variability in three bivalve aquaculture areas along the Humboldt Current System, showing different impacts of ocean conditions on shellfish aquaculture at different latitudes. The results are important for improving management strategies and aiding adaptation of aquaculture to climate change.
ICES JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. Vijay Prakash, Ch. S. Geetha Vimala, T. Preethi Latha, Chiranjivi Jayaram, P. V. Nagamani, Ch. N. V. Laxmi
Summary: The stringent lockdown in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decrease in suspended matter and particulate matter concentrations in the coastal waters near Chennai, improving water quality in the region.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hoin Lee, Sae Yun Kwon, Jonghun Kam, Kitack Lee, Xuewu Fu, In-Gyu Cho, Sung-Deuk Choi
Summary: Understanding sources and processes affecting atmospheric mercury (Hg) is essential for targeted Hg management. This study used stable isotopes and air trajectories to characterize sources and processes of total gaseous Hg (TGM) and particulate bound Hg (PBM) in a coastal city in South Korea. The results showed that TGM evasion from the coastal surface of the East Sea and high latitude regions are important sources, while PBM is mainly sourced from local anthropogenic emissions and undergoes Hg2+ photo-reduction on particles. The study also identified a regional isotopic end-member that can be used to quantify the relative influence of local anthropogenic Hg emissions and complex processes affecting PBM in East Asia and other coastal regions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xuan Lu, Chao Huang, Fajin Chen, Shuwen Zhang, Qibin Lao, Chunqing Chen, Junhui Wu, Guangzhe Jin, Qingmei Zhu
Summary: The study revealed that during summer, suspended particulate organic matter (POM) off the east coast of Hainan Island in the South China Sea is influenced by coastal upwelling, coastal current, and freshwater discharge. Stable isotope analysis can reflect the sources of POM and their cycling in the marine ecosystem.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vreni Haussermann, Stacy Anushka Ballyram, Gunter Forsterra, Claudio Cornejo, Christian M. Ibanez, Javier Sellanes, Aris Thomasberger, Juan Pablo Espinoza, Francine Beaujot
Summary: The phenomenon of deep-water emergence has been observed along the Chilean coast, with previously 'deep' species being found at shallow depths in some parts of Chilean Patagonia. Researchers have conducted surveys on over 1000 invertebrate species along the Chilean coast, identifying certain deep-sea species also present in shallow waters.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Javier Paredes-Mella, Jorge Mardones, Luis Norambuena, Gonzalo Fuenzalida, Gissela Labra, Oscar Espinoza-Gonzalez, Leonardo Guzman
Summary: Since its first detection in 1972 in Chile's Magallanes Region, the toxic dinoflagellate A. catenella has shown an apparent oceanic range expansion from south to the north. In 2018-2019, A. catenella was detected for the first time in the northern areas off the Bio-Bio Region, marking the northernmost detection of this species on the Pacific coast of Chile. This discovery has important implications for species monitoring and governmental management in the Bio-Bio Region.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Review
Oceanography
Simona Laukaityte, Rodrigo Riera
Summary: Kelp forests are the most important marine coastal ecosystem in the Chilean coast. This review is based on ecological studies, highlighting the biology of subtidal kelp in Chile, habitats formed by kelp, and the successful examples and promising results in kelp as an industrial resource. The impact of El Nino-Southern Oscillation on the kelp ecosystem and the knowledge gaps on subtidal kelp along the Southeast Pacific Coast of Chile are also discussed.
ACTA OCEANOLOGICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Shaoyin Wang, Jiping Liu, Xiao Cheng, Tobias Kerzenmacher, Hua Li, Riyu Lu, Yongyun Hu, Zhuoqi Chen, Peter Braesicke
Summary: In winter 2020/2021, cold air outbreaks resulted in unusually low temperatures in large parts of northern-to-southeastern China. The anomalous circulation patterns causing the cold wave were a strengthening of the Siberian high, a deepening of the East Asian trough, and a weakening of the stratospheric polar vortex. The substantial sea ice loss along the Siberian coast was found to contribute significantly to the cold wave, with strong coherence between Arctic sea ice coverage and temperatures in the central-to-east Asian region. The mechanism behind this contribution involves favorable circulation patterns on climate timescale and subsequent disruptive chain reactions on weather timescale.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLIMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Joaquin Garcia-Sansegundo, Pedro Farias, Gloria Gallastegui, Nemesio Heredia, Andres Cuesta, Alvaro Rubio-Ordonez, Fidel Martin-Gonzalez, Jennifer Santos-Martinez, Camilo Palape, Olga Garcia-Moreno
Summary: During the late Carboniferous-middle Permian, the Chilean Coastal Cordillera experienced deformation due to the Gondwanan Orogeny caused by the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate. In the Maule sector, metamorphic rock units including Western Series and Eastern Series were identified, with different lithology and deformation style. Three Gondwanan deformation episodes affected these rock units unevenly. D1 and D2 structures were present in the Western Series and Eastern Pelitic Series, while D3 deformation event was primarily observed in the Eastern Sandy Series.
JOURNAL OF SOUTH AMERICAN EARTH SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Rocio Alvarez-Varas, Maike Heidemeyer, Cynthia Riginos, Hugo A. Benitez, Eduardo Resendiz, Monica Lara-Uc, Daniel A. Godoy, Juan Pablo Munoz-Perez, Daniela E. Alarcon-Ruales, Gabriela M. Velez-Rubio, Alejandro Fallabrino, Susanna Piovano, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Clara Ortiz-Alvarez, Jeffrey C. Mangel, Damien Esquerre, Patricia Zarate, Carol Medrano, Fabiola Leon Miranda, Felipe Guerrero, Juliana A. Vianna, David Veliz
Summary: In highly mobile marine vertebrates like the green turtle, genetic and phenotypic differentiation patterns are congruent between lineages, with adaptive divergence suggested at fine scales. Connectivity among Pacific foraging grounds may be influenced by ocean surface current temperatures, shaping the genetic structure of C. mydas at broad scales. Factors like vicariance, dispersal, life-history traits, and ecological conditions in foraging grounds have shaped the intraspecific morphology and genetic diversity of this species.
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Elliott Emma A. Smith, Chris Harrod, Felipe Docmac, Seth D. Newsome
Summary: Our study demonstrates how advanced isotopic techniques can characterize energy flow dynamics in coastal food webs, showing evidence of multichannel feeding within a kelp forest consumer community in northern Chile. Our findings suggest the potential for investigating similar patterns in other ecosystems, highlighting the importance of understanding multichannel feeding in nearshore communities.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Andre E. Punt, Margaret C. Siple, Tessa B. Francis, Philip S. Hammond, Dennis Heinemann, Kristy J. Long, Jeff Moore, Maritza Sepulveda, Randall R. Reeves, Gudjon Mar Sigurdsson, Gisli Vikingsson, Paul R. Wade, Rob Williams, Alexandre N. Zerbini
Summary: The study addresses the challenge of determining acceptable rates of human-caused mortality in low-data situations for marine mammals and conservation species. Three alternative methods are developed to identify acceptable levels of human-caused mortality for long-lived, slowly reproducing species, using relative abundance indices and estimates of bycatch mortality in fisheries. The study shows that these methods can achieve conservation performance similar to the traditional PBR approach, but are more sensitive to uncertainties in estimating bycatch mortality.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
German Zapata-Hernandez, Javier Sellanes, Yves Letourneur, Chris Harrod, Naiti A. Morales, Paula Plaza, Erika Meerhoff, Beatriz Yannicelli, Sergio A. Carrasco, Ivan Hinojosa, Carlos F. Gaymer
Summary: The study used stable isotope analysis to characterize the trophic structure and organic matter pathways supporting food webs in the Rapa Nui coastal marine ecosystem. Results showed distinct patterns of C-13 and N-15 enrichment across different consumer groups, indicating varying trophic positions and exploitation of different trophic resources. This provides key insights for conservation efforts, management planning, and the implementation of marine protected areas.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Melanie Bon, Jacques Grall, Joao B. Gusmao, Maritza Fajardo, Chris Harrod, Aldo S. Pacheco
Summary: This study utilized a trait-based approach to assess macrobenthic community functioning along a depth gradient in the upwelling zone of northern Chile. The results showed an increasing dominance of opportunistic biological traits associated with hypoxia and high organic matter content, with habitat filtering as the main process affecting the communities. Functional diversity patterns remained consistent over time despite the occurrence of oxygenation pulses, contributing to our understanding of how natural hypoxia impacts macrobenthic communities.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Barbara Zorica, Daria Ezgeta-Balic, Olja Vidjak, Vedran Vuletin, Marija Sestanovic, Igor Isajlovic, Vanja Cikes Kec, Nedo Vrgoc, Chris Harrod
Summary: The study examined how the trophic ecology of nine economically important marine taxa varied across three distinct areas of the Adriatic Sea. The results showed that although there were spatial differences in what each species consumed, each species fed at a similar trophic position across locations, indicating a similar ecological function. The study also provided a first estimate of the predator-prey body mass ratio for this area.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Maritza Sepulveda, Pablo Carrasco, Renato Quinones
Summary: The study conducted in the most important breeding colony of South American sea lions in central Chile over a twelve-year period revealed that these long-lived species are indicators of ecosystem quality, with the highest numbers observed during the breeding season and the most abundant age-class being adult females. The population size in the colony showed an increase over the study period, especially in the number of pups, highlighting the importance of developing effective long-term protection measures for the conservation of the South American sea lion in this location.
Review
Biology
Mattia Sacco, Nicole E. White, Chris Harrod, Gonzalo Salazar, Pablo Aguilar, Carolina F. Cubillos, Karina Meredith, Bonnie K. Baxter, Aharon Oren, Elena Anufriieva, Nickolai Shadrin, Yeri Marambio-Alfaro, Victor Bravo-Naranjo, Morten E. Allentoft
Summary: This article explores the ecological dynamics of hypersaline ecosystems, addressing unique features of hypersaline lakes from biological and geochemical perspectives, the biota inhabiting these systems and their adaptations, strategies for protecting biodiversity, and scientific tools for future preservation efforts. It sheds light on the understudied ecosystems and advocates for the importance of conserving hypersaline lakes for their unique biodiversity.
BIOLOGICAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Fisheries
Heide Heredia-Azuaje, Edwin J. Niklitschek, Maritza Sepulveda
Summary: This review discusses the main interactions affecting salmon farming and pinniped populations worldwide, highlighting potential negative effects and recommending further research on the impacts of these interactions. It emphasizes the importance of implementing an ecosystem approach to reduce negative impacts and calls for reliable and independent records of intended and unintended killings as well as affected population demographics.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Mauricio Seguel, Blanca E. Molina-Burgos, Diego J. Perez-Venegas, Gustavo Chiang, Chris Harrod, Eugene DeRango, Hector Paves
Summary: This study examines the impact of maternal foraging strategies during pregnancy on neonatal health and survival in South American fur seals. The results show that mothers who shift towards a benthic-nearshore foraging strategy during late pregnancy give birth to pups with greater body mass, higher glucose levels, and lower blood urea nitrogen levels. These pups are more likely to survive compared to those born to mothers using a pelagic-offshore foraging strategy. The findings suggest that maternal foraging strategies during late pregnancy can influence neonatal survival through the transfer of glucose to the fetus.
Review
Fisheries
Doris Soto, Ivan Arismendi, J. Andres Olivos, Cristian B. Canales-Aguirre, Jorge Leon-Munoz, Edwin J. Niklitschek, Maritza Sepulveda, Felipe Paredes, Daniel Gomez-Uchida, Yuri Soria-Galvarro
Summary: In Chile, the environmental risks of escaped non-native salmonids vary among species, with Atlantic salmon having the lowest risk due to lower survival, feeding ability, and reproductive capacity in the wild. The overall risks are highest in areas with high farming intensity and low ability to mitigate escapes, such as the Aysen District. Risk is also higher in areas with high farming intensity and suitable habitats for reproduction and rearing of juvenile salmonids.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2022)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
David Jofre Madariaga, Maria Teresa Gonzalez, Christopher Dias Borquez, Erasmo C. Macaya, Chris Harrod, Martin Thiel
Summary: Codium fragile, an invasive seaweed, has successfully colonized coastal habitats in temperate regions but is rarely found in lower latitudes. In a study conducted in Chile, Codium was primarily found in mid and high tidepools, with larger individuals in the high intertidal pools and reproductive individuals in mid tidepools. The presence of Codium in these habitats can be attributed to lower consumer pressure and its tolerance to extreme environmental conditions.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
J. A. Canseco, L. Chavez, E. J. Niklitschek, C. Yarnes, C. Harrod
Summary: Diet studies are important for understanding predator-prey dynamics and diet changes in marine ecosystems. However, there is limited research on the sensitivity and variability of different diet estimation methods, especially for fishes in the Southern Ocean. This study compared stomach content analysis and stable isotope analysis to characterize the diet of Champsocephalus gunnari. The results showed that the estimates from stable isotope analysis were highly sensitive to assumptions about trophic enrichment factors and nitrogen isotope values.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Macarena Santos-Carvallo, Frederick Toro, Maria Jose Perez-Alvarez, Maritza Sepulveda, Jonathan Gonzalez
Article
Biology
Daniel Carcamo, Marlene Pizarro, Muriel Orellana, Anahi Canto, Pablo Herrera, Lily Munoz, Piera Vasquez-Calderon, Alicia Guerrero, Maritza Sepulveda, L. Rene Duran, Doris Oliva
Summary: This study presents the first record of stable colonies of the South American fur seal in central Chile and updates the current distribution range of this species in the region. Aerial and maritime surveys conducted in 2019 and 2020 confirmed the presence of fur seals in the well-known distribution gap. The study suggests the need to investigate the origin of these established colonies and determine whether there has been an increase in the distribution range from the northern, southern, or both populations simultaneously.
BMC RESEARCH NOTES
(2021)