Search

Characterising the spatial distribution and variation of species communities and validating these characteristics with data from the field are key elements for an ecosystem‐based approach to management. However, models of species distributions that yield community structure are usually not linked to models of community dynamics, constraining understanding and management of the ecosystem, particularly in data‐poor regions. Here we use a qualitative network model to predict changes in Antarctic benthic community structure between major marine habitats characterised largely by seafloor depth and slope, and use multivariate mixture models of species distributions to validate the community dynamics. Further, we then assess how future increases in primary production associated with anticipated loss of sea‐ice may affect the ecosystem. Our study shows how both spatial and structural features of ecosystems in data‐poor regions can be analysed and possible futures assessed, with direct relevance for ecosystem‐based management.

22 pages, 9 figures, 4 tables, 3 appendices, We evaluated seasonal patterns of biodiversity of the megabenthic non-crustacean invertebrates on soft bottoms of the continental shelf and slope of the Catalan Sea (Balearic Sea, Northwestern Mediterranean). Scientific demersal trawls were carried out between 30 and 400 m during winter and summer of 2013 in 37 and 45 stations respectively. Among a total of 188 species, a limited number of echinoderms, cephalopods and occasionally ascidians dominated the bulk of the community, covering up to 95% of the total wet weight. Seasonal and bathymetric variations were found in the different biodiversity patterns, with higher values in summer and in shallower depths, regarding overall wet weight (>14,000 kg/km2), density (>1 million ind/km2), richness and diversity (143 species; H’=1.74). The statistical differences in density and wet weight between bathymetric strata reflected in particular groups of species typifying each environment, but without any exclusiveness in depth preferences, since generalist species were the main components of the community. Depth was the main driver of statistical differences in the community structure, but a combined influence of geographic location was also identified from an interaction effect. Sediment type may be influencing habitat preferences, with echinoderms (especially crinoids Leptometra and Antedon), dominating on sandy substrates, and cephalopod mollusks (especially cephalopods Illex, Eledone, Octopus) dominating on muddy substrates. Trawling activity may also influence the dominance of some target and non-target species. Several infrequent bivalves, opistobranchs and species from phyla Porifera, Cnidaria, Bryozoa and Sipuncula constituted an important understudied component of the richness of this community. This is the first study dealing with bathymetric variation of the megabenthic non-crustacean community of the Catalan Sea within this gradient of depths above the middle slope and also considering seasonal variability, Financial support to conduct this research was provided by the Spanish National Project ECOTRANS, whose members participated in the in study design and the collection, analysis and interpretation of data

International audience; Cephalopod assemblages at the scale of the entire Mediterranean Sea were analysed using information from 2 decades of standardized scientific bottom trawl surveys. Western and eastern assemblages (6 yr of data) were compared using a combined approach of multivariate ordination techniques and non-linear regressions. These methods enabled us to distinguish assemblages and simultaneously analyse the influence of geographic, bathymetric and environmental (sea surface temperature and chlorophyll a concentration) gradients on observed community patterns. Despite few differences in species composition between sub-basins, the relative contribution of species differed. Bathymetry was the primary structural driver for the cephalopod communities of both basins, and contributed to 3 assemblages (shallow water, upper slope and middle slope). Winter temperature influenced community assemblages more strongly in the western than in the eastern basin, in contrast to a small but consistent winter productivity influence on community assemblages in both basins. Thus, the environmental parameters analysed did not cause an immediate change in cephalopod assemblages, but rather an effect lagged by several months. Differences in the relative importance of environmental drivers show that different processes operate in the 2 basins. These results demonstrate similarities and differences between Mediterranean basins regarding important cephalopod functional groups. This information should help integrative ecosystem management approaches currently used in fisheries and conservation management.

Historically the majority of Mediterranean trawl fisheries occur on the continental shelf with a smaller proportion focused on the shelf slope and deep sea areas. Understanding how trawl fisheries affect the wider ecosystem is an important component of the ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. In this context the current study examined the impact of the otter trawl fishery on the infaunal communities found on the continental shelf and upper slope off the coast of Sicily and Calabria, Italy. A total of thirty six sites were sampled across a gradient of fishing intensity and from within a large bay from which trawling has been excluded for 22 years. Fishing intensities were ascertained post-hoc from vessel monitoring system data. Seabed characteristics of the sites studied were uniform across the continental shelf and slope areas that were studied, such that the only factor that varied was fishing intensity. The density index (DI) and total number of species ( S ) were significantly higher in the fishery closure area compared with other continental shelf sites. In particular, bioturbating decapod fauna occurred only within the fishery closure area. Fished sites were dominated primarily by burrowing deposit feeding worms, small bivalves and scavenging biota. In contrast, the response to fishing on the upper slope was less clear. This observation was treated with caution as the power to detect fishing effects was lower for the upper slope sites as a result of possible illegal fishing that had compromised two of the four replicate sites within the closed area. While the present study was able to quantify the effect of the demersal trawl fleet on the benthic infauna of the continental shelf, the effects of trawling on the upper shelf slope remain unclear and warrant further study.

Taxonomic list of the asteroids (Echinodermata: Asteroidea) from the shelf and superior slope from the Colombian Caribbean. Between 1998 and 2001 we surveyed the benthic macrofauna of the continental shelf and its upper slope in the Colombian Caribbean. The INVEMAR-MACROFAUNA I-II expeditions used a “semi-ballon” net were for 10 minutes bottom drags from Punta Gallinas (Guajira) to Arboletes (Antioquia). These covered seven ecological sectors from the Colombian Caribbean: Guajira (GUA), Palomino (PAL), Tayrona (TAY), Magdalena (MAG), Archipiélagos Coralinos (ARCO), Morrosquillo (MOR), and Darién (DAR). We collected 4109 Asteroidea individuals belonging to six orders, 13 families, 26 genera, four subgenera, 35 species and eight subspecies. Luidia barbadensis, Luidia heterozona barimae, Luidia ludwigi scotti, Luidia sarsi elegans, Prionaster elegans, Cheiraster (Cheiraster) planus, Cheiraster (Cheiraster) sepitus, Cheiraster (Barbadosaster) echinulatus, Pseudarchaster gracilis gracilis, Rosaster alexandri, Pteraster acicula, Pteraster militarioides militarioides, Doraster constellatus, Mammaster sigsbeei and Coronaster briareus are first records for the Colombian Caribbean. Luidia sarsi elegans, Marginaster pectinatus, Tamaria halperni and Stephanasterias albula are first records for the south Caribbean and Pteraster personatus and Dipsacaster antillensis are first records for the Caribbean sea. Rev. Biol. Trop. 53(Suppl. 3): 171-194. Epub 2006 Jan 30. Entre 1998 y 2001 se investigó la macrofauna béntica de la plataforma y el talud superior del Caribe colombiano. Con una red tipo “semi-ballon” las expediciones INVEMAR-MACROFAUNA I-II hicieron arrastres de fondo de 10 minutos de duración, desde Punta Gallinas (Guajira) hasta Arboletes (Antioquia). Estas cubrieron siete sectores ecológicos del Caribe Colombiano: Guajira (GUA), Palomino (PAL), Tayrona (TAY), Magdalena (MAG), Arcos Coralinos (ARCO), Morrosquillo (MOR) y el Darien (DAR). Se recolectaron 4 109 individuos de la clase Asteroidea pertenecientes a seis órdenes, trece familias, 26 géneros, cuatro subgéneros, 35 especies y ocho subespecies. Luidia barbadensis, Luidia heterozona barimae, Luidia ludwigi scotti, Prionaster elegans, Cheiraster (Cheiraster) planus, Cheiraster (Cheiraster) sepitus, Cheiraster (Barbadosaster) echinulatus, Pseudarchaster gracilis gracilis, Rosaster alexandri, Tosia parva, Pteraster acicula, Pteraster militarioides militarioides, Doraster constellatus, Mammaster sigsbeei y Coronaster briareus son primeros registros para el Caribe colombiano. Luidia sarsi elegans, Marginaster pectinatus, Tamaria halperni y Stephanasterias albula son primeros registros para el Caribe sur, y Pteraster personatus y Dipsacaster antillensis para el Caribe.

The angular crab Goneplax rhomboides is native to the north-eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. It has rarely been reported from the North Sea, with no evidence of sustain- able populations. Compiled survey data, however, revealed an increasing abundance of this spe- cies in the North Sea since 2000. The data were used to (1) describe the range expansion of the angular crab into the North Sea; and (2) to apply species distribution modeling (maximum entropy approach-MAXENT) to predict the potential habitats of this species. Habitats of species with a similar ecology were modeled to analyse habitat overlap and potential competition. The spatial and temporal patterns of records revealed that the expansion of the angular crab into the North Sea is due to natural larval dispersal rather than anthropogenic vectors. Modeled habitats of the angular crab showed a core distribution area along the Scottish coastline and in the southern North Sea. Sea bottom temperatures in February had the highest influence on the model results. We concluded that the angular crab has extended its distribution range from the north-eastern Atlantic to the North Sea, which was facilitated by an increase in water temperature and the pre- vailing hydrodynamics over the last decade. This was the first time that a benthic range expansion was observed in quasi real time for the North Sea. Habitats of the angular crab overlapped those of possible competitors to a large extent. However, co-existence of the species is expected rather than any negative effects resulting from the range expansion of the angular crab.

ブナの分布を低山地帯において地質の違いから検討した．埼玉県外秩父山地に位置するブナ分布地において現地調査を行い，ブナ個体と基盤岩，傾斜，土壌の分布を図化した．この結果，ブナは秩父中古生層(チャート，砂岩など)と御荷鉾緑色岩類(変斑レイ岩)の急峻な斜面上部にのみ分布した．その他の御荷鉾緑色岩類(変玄武岩類と火山性砕屑岩)と三波川結晶片岩類は，緩やかな斜面上部を形成し，ブナは分布しなかった．秩父中古生層と変斑レイ岩は，急峻な地形を形成する作用から斜面上部では薄い土層となる．しかし撹乱の少ない安定した地表であるため，極相樹種であるブナの分布が可能となる．この地域の優占樹種となるミズナラやコナラは侵入せず，ブナは個体サイズが大きく寿命が長いことから優占できると考えられる．ブナが低山地帯において種として分布できる要因は，基盤岩によって地形がコントロールされているからであると結論付けた．, Effects of different geological conditions and landform patterns on the distribution of Fagus crenata were investigated in the lower montane forest zone. The distribution of vegetation and surrounding environmental conditions of the F. crenata habitat in the Sotochichibu Mountains, central Japan, were mapped by field surveys. F. crenata trees were distributed only on the steep upper slope in the Chichibu Paleo-Mesozoic area (e.g., chert and sandstone) and the Mikabu greenstone area (e.g., metagabbro). No F. crenata trees were distributed along the gentle upper slope in the Mikabu greenstone area (metabasalt and pyroclastic rock) and the Sambagawa crystalline schist area. The Chichibu Paleo-Mesozoic and Mikabu metagabbro areas had a region of thin regolith especially in the steep landform of the upper slope. F. crenata, however, thrive on these bedrocks because of minimal disturbance and a stable regolith region in the upper slope. Moreover, F. crenata has a tendency to invade the habitat of the local dominant species (Quercus crispula and Q. serrata) in the upper slope, during drought conditions. The predominance of F. crenata trees can be ascertained by factors such as individual size and greater longevity in the plant community inhabiting this region. For this reason, we concluded that the F. crenata population can attain a metapopulation level because of the effects of different geological conditions and landforms on its distribution in the lower montane forest zone., 論説

A first evaluation of the sedimentary changes, including accumulation of inorganic and organic carbon on the upper slope off Southeastern Brazil under different climatic conditions, based on the analysis of a sedimentary core, is here presented. Results indicate that sedimentation rate as well sedimentary characteristics, including the nature of the organic carbon deposited during the LGM (Last Glacial Maximum), were different from the present deposition, indicating higher primary productivity during the LGM, to be accounted for by the higher values of marine organic carbon. Nevertheless, the higher values of Accumulation Rate of calcium carbonate and organic carbon can be credited to the higher values of the sedimentation rates. Conditions prevailing during Isotope Stage 3 may be considered intermediate as between the LGM and the present day. The conditions for a higher primary productivity associated with the deposition of finer terrigenous sediments may be explained as a response to the off shoreward displacement of the main flow of the Brazil Current.Este trabalho apresenta uma primeira avaliação das mudanças sedimentares, incluindo a acumulação de carbono orgânico e inorgânico, no talude continental superior do Brasil, sob diferentes condições climáticas, baseadas em análises de um testemunho. Os resultados indicam que a taxa de sedimentação, assim como as características sedimentares, incluindo a natureza do carbono orgânico depositado durante o UMG (Último Máximo Glacial), foram diferentes dos processos deposicionais atuais, indicando maior produtividade primária durante o UMG, como determinado pelos maiores valores de carbono orgânico marinho. Entretanto, os maiores valores de Taxa de Acumulação de carbonato de cálcio e carbono orgânico podem ser creditados aos valores mais altos de taxas de sedimentação. As condições prevalentes durante o Estágio Isotópico 3 podem ser consideradas intermediárias entre o UMG e as condições atuais. As condições para maior produtividade primária, associada à deposição de sedimentos mais finos, podem ser explicadas como uma resposta ao deslocamento, em direção ao mar aberto, do fluxo principal da Corrente do Brasil.

Stable continental margins experience submarine landslides relatively frequently and some of the largest slides on record have been shed from these relatively passive terrains. Despite this, and the obvious accompanying tsunami hazard, slides from passive margins such as Australia are poorly understood when compared to other settings, such as the flanks of volcanic islands, active subduction-zone margins and submarine fans. This work presents an investigation into the submarine landslides occurring along east Australia’s (EA) continental margin, with a focus on investigating the causes, timing, and mechanisms responsible for these features. It has focused on analysing gravity core samples and interpreting of high-resolution multibeam and subbottom profiles. The age, morphology, composition, and origin of particular submarine landslides on the EA continental margin offshore New South Wales/Queensland has been described and the mechanical characteristics of sediments from the EA continental slope has been presented. The hazard posed by these submarine landslides has also been evaluated by investigating their potential to generate tsunamis along this margin. The widespread occurrence of slides across the EA margin indicates that submarine sliding should be considered to be a common characteristic of this margin. Engineering properties imply that the sediment forming the margin is reasonably strong and inherently stable and classical limit-equilibrium modeling indicates that submarine landslides should not be a common occurrence. This indicates that a pre-conditioning trigger, or some other mechanism, is required to destabilise the slope and enable failure. The most likely suspected processes include: 1) dramatic reduction of the shear strength of the sediments to extremely low values; 2) long-term modification of the slope-geometry; and/or 3) seismic events large enough to trigger sediment liquefaction or a sudden increase of pore-fluid pressure.

The analysis of 79 hauls performed by commercial bottom trawlers from 50 to 800 m depth in the Balearic Sea (north-western Mediterranean) from June 1995 to September 1996 yielded a total of 30 cephalopod species belonging to 12 families. Cluster analysis of these data gave as a result two main groups 50–200 m and 200–800 m each subdivided into two other groups (50–100 vs. 100–200 m and 200–600 vs. 600–800 m). These results suggested the existence of two assemblages that could be associated to the continental shelf (50–100 m) and the upper slope (600–800 m) separated by a wide transitional zone (100–600 m) representing a region of overlapping shelf and slope faunas (ecotone). The faunistic bathymetric gradient showed a continuous substitution of species with depth rather than discrete assemblages separated by distinct boundaries. The more coastal species such as Eledone moschata, Loligo vulgarisSepia officinalis and Octopus vulgaris were found on the continental shelf; on the transitional zone, apart from species characteristic of this zone (Illex coindetii, Sepietta oweniana, Rossia macrosoma, Scaeurgus unicirrhus and Pteroctopus tetracirrhus), we also observed species from both the continental shelf and slope. The upper slope was characterized by typical species of deeper waters, such asBathypolypus sponsalis , Histioteuthis reversa, H. bonnellii, Ancistroteuthis lichtensteinii andOnychoteuthis banksii . The octopod O. vulgaris was the dominant species on the continental shelf and upper transitional zone, being substituted by T. sagittatus on the lower transitional zone and upper slope. Mean biomass decreased abruptly from the continental shelf to the transitional zone and from there to the upper slope. Mean species richness and species diversity were higher in the transitional zone than in the continental shelf and upper slope. Finally, some biological aspects of the more abundant deep-sea cephalopod species are studied: Bathypolypus sponsalis, Octopus salutii,Pteroctopus tetracirrhus , Histioteuthis reversa and H. bonnellii., Sí

Se realizó un estudio taxonómico de los hidrozoos de la familia Aglaopheniidae colectados sobre fondos blandos del Caribe colombiano entre 20 y 500 m de profundidad en marzo de 2001 por la expedición INVEMAR MACROFAUNA II. Fueron encontrados dos géneros y seis especies destacándose Aglaophenia elongata, A. lophocarpa y A. tridentata como nuevos registros para aguas colombianas y además se amplió la distribución batimétrica de Aglaophenia latecarinata y A. tridentata. En general los caracteres morfológicos de las especies estudiadas no presentaron diferencias significativas con respecto a las descripciones taxonómicas realizadas por otros autores En esta publicación se consignan las fichas taxonómicas e imágenes de las especies respectivas y se realizan anotaciones generales sobre su distribución y sustrato. A taxonomic study of hydroids of the Aglaopheniidae family collected on soft bottoms of Colombian Caribbean Sea between 20 and 500 m depth in March 2001 was made. Two genera and six species were found, highlighting Aglaophenia elongata, A. lophocarpa and A. tridentata as new records for Colombian waters. Additionally, the bathymetric distribution for Aglaophenia latecarinata and A. tridentata was expanded. In general, morphological characters of the species studied did not show significant differences regarding the taxonomic descriptions made by other authors. This report contains taxonomic files and images of the species described and annotations about general composition, distribution and substrate.

Submitted by Vitor Silverio Rodrigues (vitorsrodrigues@reitoria.unesp.br) on 2014-05-27T11:23:57Z No. of bitstreams: 0Bitstream added on 2014-05-27T14:41:03Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 2-s2.0-68349139677.pdf: 225328 bytes, checksum: cb282d6b711f762ea066c81fab5691fc (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2014-05-27T11:23:57Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-08-14 One specimen of the lophiid white anglerfish, Lophiodes beroe was collected for the second time in Brazilian waters, which far extends the limit distribution of the species to southeastern region (25°00'08). Acervo Zoológico da UNISANTA (AZUSC) Rua Oswaldo Cruz, 266 - Bloco B - 3 andar/sala B-31A, CEP:11045-907, Santos SP Laboratório de Elasmobrânquios, UNESP, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n, CEP: 11330-900 São Vicente SP Laboratório de Elasmobrânquios, UNESP, Praça Infante Dom Henrique s/n, CEP: 11330-900 São Vicente SP

En 1998 y 1999 se llevó a cabo la expedición INVEMAR MACROFAUNA I a lo largo del Caribe colombiano desde Punta Estrella en La Guajira hasta Cabo Tiburón en límites con Panamá. Se hicieron 80 arrastres entre los 200 y 500 m de profundidad en la porción superior del talud continental, por medio de una red para faenas de arrastre demersal tipo semibalón. Se listan 17 nuevos registros de peces para el Caribe colombiano de los órdenes Myctophiformes, Polymixiiformes, Gadiformes, Ophidiiformes y Lophiiformes. Diplacanthopoma brachysoma es primer registro para el Caribe y Neoscopelus microchir, Chaunax pictus y Malthopsis gnoma lo son para el Caribe sur. Neobythites gilli incluye otras dos especies que habían sido recientemente validadas, N. ocellatus y N. monocellatus. Between 1998 and 1999, the expedition INVEMARMACROFAUNA I was conducted through the Colombian Caribbean slope, from Punta Estrella (Guajira) to Cabo Tiburón, near the Panamá border. Eighty trawls were performed between 200 and 500 m depth, with a semi balloon net. Seventeen first records of fishes for the Colombian Caribbean of the orders Myctophiformes, Polymixiiformes, Gadiformes, Ophidiiformes, and Lophiiformes are listed here. Diplacanthopoma brachysoma is a first record for the Caribbean and Neoscopelus microchir, Chaunax pictus and Malthopsis gnoma are also first records for the southern Caribbean. Neobythites gilli includes other two species that were recently validated, N. ocellatus y N. monocellatus.

El orden Cheilostomatida es el grupo de briozoos marinos vivientes más diverso de la actualidad, siendo común encontrar sus especies en todos los ecosistemas marinos del mundo. Sin embargo, la información del grupo en Colombia es escasa y se restringe a pocas localidades. Con la iniciativa de explorar la biodiversidad de los fondos blandos y complementar los inventarios de fauna marina en Colombia, se llevó a cabo la campaña INVEMAR-Macrofauna II, realizada en marzo de 2001, en la cual se recolectaron muestras a lo largo del Caribe colombiano sobre la plataforma continental y el talud superior entre 20 y 500 m de profundidad. Durante la expedición se encontraron 62 especies de cheilostomados pertenecientes a 39 familias, de las cuales 36 fueron primeros registros para el Caribe colombiano, cuatro para el Gran Caribe y una para el Atlántico Occidental Tropical, además se amplió la distribución batimétrica y geográfica de 13 especies. En esta revisión se consignan las fichas taxonómicas e imágenes de las cinco especies que constituyen primeros registros para el Gran Caribe y el Atlántico Occidental Tropical. Así mismo, se realizan anotaciones generales sobre la distribución, sustratos y tipos de crecimiento de los cheilostomados. The Cheilostomes are the most diverse existent bryozoans group. Its species are commonly found in all the marine ecosystems around the world. In Colombia, however, information about them is scarce and limited to few localities. With the initiative of exploring the soft bottom biodiversity and completing the Colombian marine fauna inventories, INVEMAR-Macrofauna II exploration took place in March 2001, during which samples were collected on soft bottoms throughout the Colombian Caribbean from the continental shelf and the upper slope (20 - 500 m depth) by trawling. 62 species of Cheilostomes that belong to 39 families were found, 36 are first records for the Colombian Caribbean, 4 for the Great Caribbean and 1 for the Tropical West Atlantic. Bathymetric and geographic ranges are extended for 13 species. Taxonomical notes and images of the five species that are first records for the Greater Caribbean and the Tropical West Atlantic are included in this survey. It also includes remarks about the distribution, substrata, and growth types of Cheilostomata studied.

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a distribuição batimétrica e variação do número de espécies de macroinvertebrados bentônicos, na área de plataforma continental e talude superior no extremo sul do Brasil (32° 10´ - 33° 45´ S) e sua relação com as condições ambientais. Foram coletadas 320 espécies em 90 estações realizadas com draga retangular de 1m de largura, entre 11 e 500m de profundidade. As áreas que apresentaram menor número de espécies (11-20m e 83-105m) corresponderam a zonas com maior homogeneidade de substratos e nas de maior número de espécies (33-45m e 150-200m) ocorreram substratos mais heterogêneos. O limite entre a plataforma interna e média (50m de profundidade) e a plataforma externa (100-200m) caracterizaram-se como zonas de câmbios faunísticos. O menor número de espécies na plataforma média foi relacionado com a homogeneidade de substratos e ao possível efeito limitante da baixa temperatura sobre as espécies termófilas, provocada pelo ingresso da Água Subantártica de Plataforma durante o inverno. A equitatividade de espécies aumentou a partir da plataforma externa atingindo o maior valor no talude superior (500m). This study analyzes the bathymetric distribution and diversity variation of macrobenthic invertebrates on the continental shelf and upper slope of southern Brazil (32° 10´ S to 33° 45´ S) as well as their relationship with environmental conditions. Three hundred twenty species were collected with a 1 m width rectangular dredge in 90 stations between depth of 11 and 500 m. Low species numbers at 11-20 m and 83-105 m depths coincided with homogeneous substrates, while areas of high richness (33-45 m and 150- 500 m) were related to heterogeneous substrate. The limit between inner and middle shelf, nearly 50 m depth, and the outer shelf (100-200 m) were characterized as zones of faunistic changes. Low species number in the middle shelf was probably related to substrate homogeneity and low temperatures, due to austral winter ingression of Sub Antarctic Shelf Water, over thermophylic species. The species equitativity increased from the outer shelf (100-200 m) to maximum values on the upper slope (500 m).

Entre octubre de 1998 y agosto de 1999 se realizaron cinco cruceros a bordo del B/I Ancón, a lo largo del talud superior del Caribe colombiano desde Punta Estrella (Guajira), límites con Venezuela, hasta Cabo Tiburón (Chocó), límites con Panamá. Se hicieron 80 arrastres en total en las isóbatas de 300 y 500 m, por medio de una red para faenas de arrastre demersal tipo semi-balón. Se colectaron 12 nuevos registros de peces para el Caribe colombiano de los órdenes Beryciformes, Zeiformes, Perciformes y Tetraodontiformes. Plectranthias garrupellus (Serranidae), Benthodesmus tenuis y B. simonyi (Trichiuridae) son nuevos registros para el Caribe; Diplospinnus multistriatus (Gempylidae) es nuevo para el Caribe Sur. Between October and August 1999 five cruises were made on board of R/V Ancón, across the Colombian Caribbean slope, from Punta Estrella (Guajira), near the Venezuelan border, to Cabo Tiburón (Chocó), near the Panamá border. Eighty trawls were made between 200 and 500 m depth with a semi-balloon net. Twelve new records of fishes for the Colombian Caribbean in the orders Beryciformes, Zeiformes, Perciformes and Tetraodontiformes were collected. Plectranthias garrupellus (Serranidae), Benthodesmus tenuis and B. simonyi (Trichiuridae) are new records for the Caribbean; Diplospinnus multistriatus (family Gempylidae) is a new record for the southern Caribbean.

The study of two sedimentary Holocene cores from the upper slope of Cuianas (Central West Atlantic) allows for the identification of 139 species of benthic foraminifers. This microfauna is similar to those identified in recent materials from French Guiana and Venezuela. As differences with adjácent areas are the occurrence in this site of abundant individuals of Hoeglundina elegans (a cold-water, deep bathyal species, associated with the North Atlantic Deep Water) and the occasional occurrence of Planulina ariminensis (species associated with the North East Atlantic Deep Water). Dominant assemblage, which is constituted by Uvigerína peregrina, and Cassidulina carinata, besides of the occurrence of other species such as Brizalina subaenariensis, adapted to low-water oxygenation, seem to indicate upwelling during the Holocene times in this area

The study of two sedimentary Holocene cores from the upper slope of Cuianas (Central West Atlantic) allows for the identification of 139 species of benthic foraminifers. This microfauna is similar to those identified in recent materials from French Guiana and Venezuela. As differences with adjácent areas are the occurrence in this site of abundant individuals of Hoeglundina elegans (a cold-water, deep bathyal species, associated with the North Atlantic Deep Water) and the occasional occurrence of Planulina ariminensis (species associated with the North East Atlantic Deep Water). Dominant assemblage, which is constituted by Uvigerína peregrina, and Cassidulina carinata, besides of the occurrence of other species such as Brizalina subaenariensis, adapted to low-water oxygenation, seem to indicate upwelling during the Holocene times in this area

Ninety-three species of bony fishes were caught in 4 seasonal bottom-trawl surveys carried out between July 1986 and May 1987 on the outer shelf and upper slope (124 to 587 m depth) along the southern Brazilian coast (30°40' to 34"30' S). On the outer shelf (< 179 m), the demersalpelagic species Trichiurus lepturus, Trachurus lathami, Cynoscion guatucupa, Scomber japonicus, and Thyrsitops lepidopoides predominated and also to a lesser degree the demersal benthonic Umbrina canosai and Mullus argentinae. Antiyonia capros and Priacanthus arenatus were found associated with the relic coral hard bottoms of the shelf break (180 to 249 m). Further offshore, the demersal-pelagic species Ariomma bondi and Zenopsis conchifera and the demersal benthonic species Polyprion americanus and Helicolenus lahillei were abundant, both associated with rocky bottoms. The macrourids Coelorinchus marinii and Malacocephalus occidentalis characterized deep-water hauls p 4 5 0 m). Frequent and widespread, but less abundant in the catch, were Polymixia lowei, Urophycis mystacea and Merluccius hubbsi. Mean total catch (kg h-') decreased 6-fold and the number of species by more than half along the depth range, with a sharp step at 350 m. Both catch and number of species were slightly higher in the winter cruises. Most species occurred in both winter and summer-autumn cruises, but, with increasing depth, the relative abundance of species that occur year-round decreased, whereas fishes that occur mostly in winter increased. The catch of demersal-pelagic fish decreased sharply below 350 m and differed little among seasons; catches of demersal-benthonic fish were more evenly distributed across the depth range and were larger in winter and spring. The high number of species on the shelf break may be attributable to the higher variety of soft and consolidated substrates and the overlapping of different water masses along the water column. The north-south shift of the western boundary of the Subtropical Convergence appears to be mainly responsible for the seasonal changes in abundance of the species.