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Unraveling the spatial distribution and the factors that modulate biodiversity can help us better understand community dynamics and ecosystem functioning. Here, we tested the hypothesis that taxonomic diversity (TD), functional diversity (FD), and phylogenetic diversity (PD) follow a latitudinal trend driven by environmental factors, and investigated the associations among these metrics in mangrove crabs (11 species in the Ocypodidae family) of the Southwestern Atlantic (7,000 km along the Brazilian coast). Based on occurrence data, species traits, and phylogenetic information, we calculated diversity indices (TD, FD and PD) for 3° grid cells (latitude/longitude, approx. 333 km edge length) along the coast of Brazil. We built models to investigate whether latitude and nine environmental factors influence taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic indices of mangrove crabs in the Southwestern Atlantic. We also investigated the correlation among diversity indices TD × FD × PD. We observed a congruence in the latitudinal patterns of TD, FD, and PD of mangrove crabs along the Southwestern Atlantic. Specifically, we observed that all indices have higher values at intermediate latitudes, which are congruent to habitat transition zones along the Southwestern Atlantic coast. Our results also showed that air temperature, chlorophyll, and nitrate concentration are the main environmental factors that influence taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of mangrove crabs in this region. When analyzing the correlation between indices, our results suggest that targeting conservation efforts towards one specific diversity component can lead to preserving other types of diversity, at least considering our system and the set of species analyzed. This study highlights the usage of multiple metrics to unveil large-scale biodiversity patterns in one of the most abundant groups in mangrove forests, the crabs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coral reefs worldwide are under severe threat due to their inherent fragility and urgent need for conservation. The escalating tourism in coral reefs significantly impacts the marine ecosystem's biodiversity and conservation. This study analyzed the diversity and conservation status of macrobenthos in the Seixas coral reef, located in northeastern Brazil, and proposed a zoning plan. We employed monitoring protocols adapted from the Reef Check Program, the Rapid Assessment Protocol for Atlantic and Gulf Reefs, and the Protocol for Monitoring Coastal Benthic Habitats. Species identification was carried out by analyzing 25 transects, each divided into 1 m2 grids, with photos recorded for each grid, totaling 625 photos. Margalef, Shannon-Weaver, Simpson, and Pielou indices were used to analyze species distribution and diversity. The results indicated Dictyotaceae , Sargassaceae , and Corallinaceae as prevalent families. This research offers decision-makers a snapshot of species distribution in the Seixas coral reefs, providing a non-destructive, efficient methodology for assessing environmental impacts on coastal coral reefs. [Display omitted] • Examines macrobenthos diversity in Seixas coral reef (northeastern Brazil) • Applies non-destructive monitoring techniques • Features Dictyotaceae , Sargassaceae , and Corallinaceae as prevalent groups • Zoning based on macrobenthos diversity to understand biological conservation • Supports decision-makers in coral reef conservation strategies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An international multi-disciplinary group of 24 researchers met to discuss ocean acidification (OA) during the Brazilian OA Network/Surface Ocean-Lower Atmosphere Study (BrOA/SOLAS) Workshop. Fifteen members of the BrOA Network () authored this review. The group concluded that identifying and evaluating the regional effects of OA is impossible without understanding the natural variability of seawater carbonate systems in marine ecosystems through a series of long-term observations. Here, we show that the western South Atlantic Ocean (WSAO) lacks appropriate observations for determining regional OA effects, including the effects of OA on key sensitive Brazilian ecosystems in this area. The impacts of OA likely affect marine life in coastal and oceanic ecosystems, with further social and economic consequences for Brazil and neighboring countries. Thus, we present (i) the diversity of coastal and open ocean ecosystems in the WSAO and emphasize their roles in the marine carbon cycle and biodiversity and their vulnerabilities to OA effects; (ii) ongoing observational, experimental, and modeling efforts that investigate OA in the WSAO; and (iii) highlights of the knowledge gaps, infrastructure deficiencies, and OA-related issues in the WSAO. Finally, this review outlines long-term actions that should be taken to manage marine ecosystems in this vast and unexplored ocean region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article focuses on the underwater interpretative trail and provides guidance to improve education and decrease ecological damage. Studies of environmental education on trails in the sea and their impact are scarce, especially as regards the Brazilian coast. Herein is analyzed an implemented model of an interpretative guided underwater trail, undertaken in the Anchieta Island's Park, southeast Brazil. The activity consisted of a preparatory lecture, followed by a 350 meters trail along the rocky shore. The results there from were evaluated through the application of questionnaires and by tabulation of the visitor's behavior and impact. A high degree of satisfaction with the activity was recorded.