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The fish community inhabiting mesophotic coral ecosystems (MCE) at Corales de Profundidad National Natural Park (CPNNP), Colombian Caribbean Sea was described. Most of the species (89%) are common in shallow reef environments of an adjacent Marine Protected Area. Halichoeres maculipinna, Prognathodes aculeatus, Serranus luciopercanus and Lactophrys trigonus were recorded for the first time at CPNNP. The healthy and highly resilient characteristics of MCE is confirmed with the taxonomic composition of the found fishes. The information presented in this study provides data and techniques that help to complement the baseline of fish's assemblages associated with mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Colombian Caribbean Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Populations of the coral Orbicella annularis have shown low recruitment in the Caribbean. One of the demographic bottlenecks is the high mortality in the early stages of development. Detailed knowledge of the cycle and survival rates of these phases will allow us to assist in population recovery and reef restoration. Objective: To describe the embryogenesis and larval stages obtained by assisted fertilization and measure the settlement and survival rates of larvae on artificial substrates, before being outplanted to the reef. Methods: Six days after the full moon in September 2021, gamete bundles were collected from eight O. annularis colonies in Los Corales del Rosario and San Bernardo National Natural Park, Colombia and brought to the laboratory. Cross fertilization was carried out and embryonic and larval development were followed until larval settlement and survival was recorded until day 41. The larvae were kept in three tanks with filtered sea water with 126 tagged substrates, previously conditioned with crustose coralline algae. The substrates were then outplanted to the reef. Results: The onset of embryonic development occurred 1.11 hAF (hours after fertilization), when cells showed signs of the first cleavage, and lasted until 104.59 hAF when they began to metamorphose. Larvae settlement was observed on the sixth day AF. Twenty-one days after fertilization, zooxanthellae were found. Post-settlement larval survival was 27.5 %. Conclusions: In this first sexual propagation effort using O. annularis in Colombia, 1.4 % of competent larvae completed the entire development process. Although low survival rate, these results add to coral restoration efforts in the Caribbean in which species are assisted to increase the survival of corals in their early stages of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Trinational Initiative (http://www.trinationalinitiative. org/), a platform for cooperation in marine sciences between Cuba, Mexico and the USA, emerged in 2007. The main objective of this joint work platform is to establish alliances and collaborations between researchers and decision-makers from the three countries to address common challenges in the Gulf of Mexico. In this context, one priority is the training of young doctoral researchers in coastal-marine issues faced by the three countries. To address this need, professors from Harte Research Institute from the University Texas A&M (HRI-TAMUCC, USA), Center of Marine Research at the University of Havana (CIM-UH, Cuba) and Science Faculty of National Autonomous University of México (FC-UNAM, México) began running a series of continuing tripartite doctoral workshops. During 2017 and 2018, the doctoral workshops took place in Caguanes National Park (PNC), located in the province of Sancti Spíritus. The joint work of four Cuban entities (CIM-UH, Montané Anthropological Museum, PNC and the rural La Picadora community) provided the group of students with experiences from very different angles. Given the above, the objective of this work is to demonstrate how the alliances and contributions of the national and foreign institutions involved in the doctoral school allowed us to successfully train student participants from the three countries. Caguanes National Park has extensive work experience with conserving and managing its natural values. This constituted an excellent demonstration setting that allowed the students not only to delve into the successes and pitfalls of the area, but also to propose new management measures for it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the research is to characterize three coastal lagoons and two lagoon systems of Caguanes National Park by monitoring the biotic and abiotic indicators, in campaigns, twice a year, between 2015-2019, as well as the description of the main impacts, natural and anthropic associated with these ecosystems. The methods used are related to the evaluation of water quality, the predominant vegetation and the presence of associated fauna. The main results show that although the chemical-physical parameters of water quality evaluate these ecosystems as of poor quality, are the result of the natural processes that occur in them. These lagoons present favorable conditions for the promotion and development of biodiversity, where ornithological groups stand out. Some lagoons have favorable conditions for the development of tourism variants. Illegal fishing, tourism in neighboring areas, dumping of solid waste, agricultural and livestock activities in nearby areas, a wrong management of the water courses have been identified as threats to this ecosystem. This ecosystem has undergone changes in its ecological integrity associated with different factors, especially extreme natural events: prolonged periods of drought, strong hurricanes and intense rains, which have caused changes in the sediments, effects on mangroves, changes in indicators such as pH and salinity, turbidity and suspended material in the water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was carried out in the marine area of Caguanes National Park (PNC). Main objective was the evaluation of the water quality, based on the systematic monitoring of the marine area and the determination of abiotic indicators such as: salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical demand oxygen (COD). The results show that despite being evaluated as a body of water of doubtful quality, there is a rehabilitation of the environmental indicators, with fluctuations in the values of salinity, but with an upward trend, as well as temperature. On the other hand, there are dissolved oxygen values that present some stability, those that exceed 5 mg/l in most determinations. pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), are in ranges that establish the international water quality standards for these environments. The main sources of pressure to which the marine area of Caguanes National Park is exposed are: inadequate practices in the agricultural sector, with areas dedicated to intensive and extensive cattle raising, and extensive areas dedicated to rice cultivation, a wrong management of the water courses that reach the coast, canalization; control of rivers, streams and modification of their flows. Other sources of pressure that influence the water quality are an excessive land clearing, the influence of the urban centers, and extreme natural events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of the faunistic study of the marine mollusks of the Caguanes National Park are presented, including 95 species (69 gastropods, 25 bivalves and one scaphopod) of which 85,3% is mega mollusks and 14,7% is micro mollusks. According to their trophic habits, 32 species are herbivores, 29 carnivores, 25 filter feeders and eighth parasites. This illustrated catalogue is a basic guide for future marine studies in this protected area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jardines de la Reina National Park is the largest marine protected area in the Caribbean Basin. Our objective was to describe the waterbirds assemblage during the Fall and Spring migration in this protected area. Seven cays of the protected area were surveyed during the Fall (November-2017 and September-2018, N=25) and Spring (April-2018, N=14) migratory periods. In each cay, we surveyed 1 to 3 one-hour routes, where all birds seen or heard were identified and counted. The recorded species were classified according to their permanence status and trophic guild. Thirty-three species were recorded corresponding to 69 % of waterbirds reported for the archipelago. The Fall migration showed the highest values of species richness and occurrence, adding supporting evidence towards the importance of Cuban wetlands as important stopover sites for migratory waterbirds. Pelecanus occidentalis, Charadrius wilsonia and Arenaria interpres had the greatest values of relative abundance and could be used as bioindicators of the area preservation status. We suggest increasing waterbirds surveys and research in the region, which could constitute a new Important Bird Area in Cuba, due to the bird aggregations it hosts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this essay we will analyze the suitability of the establishment of the Marine Protected Area (MPA) of the Tropical Pacific Sea, which would be located off the coast of Piura and Tumbes. Based on an analysis of the literature regarding the design and implementation of MPAs, we will point out some aspects that should be taken into account by administrators and decision makers in all the stages related to the process of assigning the MPA figure to a specific geographical area. Also, we will review the official documentation developed in the proposal process by various state agencies. The objective of this essay is to provide insights into the correct preparation of a proposal that changes the legal system on which the geographical area chosen to be protected rests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocky intertidal are important sites for fish, birds, invertebrates and algae, among others, which are used for the extraction of food resources for coastal communities. We present the results of conservation assessment of a rocky shore in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica (Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge) using the biological indicators proposed by the National Environmental Ministry. This study aims to analyze the influence of surveillance, between two sites, over the rocky shore habitat. The sampling was carried out during both the dry and rainy seasons in 2015. Our data shows that Nerita scabricosta-harvested in small-scale fisheries- presents a high number of colonies formed by few individuals. Moreover, the abundance varied between seasons, probably due to a storm surge. Macroalgae differed slightly among sites, where turf had higher percentage coverage in low surveillance areas, while brown algae had higher coverage in high surveillance areas. Mechanical damage (abrasion due to rocks overturning) associated with tourism and harvesting could be influencing the low surveillance area, explaining these differences. Macroalgae presented a seasonal change, probably related to the storm surge. The density of the Tetraclita stalactifera did not exhibit variations. The surveillance level and enforcement influenced some bioindicators of the rocky shore, and therefore could be used to assess the extractive pressure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isla del Coco National Park (ICNP), Costa Rica, is renowned for its large aggregations of pelagic species, especially sharks (Carcharhinidae and Sphyrnidae), billfish (Istiophoridae) and tuna (Scombridae). The high abundance of these sought after species, attracts commercial fishing vessels that enter the protected waters of the Park. Illegal fisheries thus represent one of the biggest threats to the ecological integrity of this World Heritage Site. The ICNP dedicates important resources to protection and control via regular surveillance patrols, along the 12 nautical miles that have Marine Protected Area (MPA) status. During 2012, 2013 and between January and August 2014, 405 surveillance patrols within the MPA found 108 fishing lines, more than 13 000 hooks, seized more than 500 km of fishing line and 257 pelagic individuals. The yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) was the most abundant species, representing more than 72.3 % of the total catch; seized individuals had a mean total length of 153.35±23.19 cm (Min=90 cm; Max=190 cm); which indicates that most individuals were adults. Analysis of monthly CPUE showed that the highest relative abundance of illegally caught T. albacores was between May and August of each year, with a mean relative abundance of 26.13±54.71, 11.63±23.79, 13.71±24.52 tunas per 1 000 hooks in 2012, 2013, 2014, respectively. This species had a high survival rate (nearly 80 % of the individuals found on the lines were still alive), probably due to the short fishing lines used by illegal fishermen, combined with the swift intervention of rangers. The CPUE of T. albacares found in this study is greater than records in Costa Rica's Exclusive Economic Zone (0.74 and 0.44 per 1 000 hooks respectively). These results highlight the importance of ICNP as an aggregation site for T. albacares and the need for its effective protection. It is important that ranger intervention continue to be as rapid and effective as possible, in order to decrease the impact of illegal fishing on the marine biodiversity of the ICNP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evaluation of the performance of the management is essential to fulfill the objectives in a Marine Protected Area (MPA). Therefore, Robert Pomeroy in 2004 presents a manual to evaluate the development of the marine protected areas through time, by using of indicators which measure the biophysical state, socioeconomic state and governance. The present work adopts the use of those indicators to evaluate the performance of the management in the Marine Reserve Chañaral Island, Atacama region. The results of the evaluation show a partial level of protection objectives fulfillment, suggesting the lack of efficient management of the reserve to ensure its suitable development. This work also presented a descriptive model, that interprets the behavior that area would facein front of two opposed scenarios, and the expected due to inefficient management of the area and otherwise an adaptive management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reproductive and population parameters of Thais chocolata that would contribute to the validation of the current extraction standards were obtained by performing a study in the protected area of La Rinconada Marine Reserve, Antofagasta, Chile, from December 2008 to January 2010. In terms of reproduction, the results revealed asynchronic gonad development in the population, with specimens in different stages of maturity throughout the year. Mature individuals were distributed between 5 and 13 m depth, forming aggregations at 5 m depth during much of the year. Periods of greater maturity were observed from July to August and November to January, with the most important aggregations at the end of both periods. A relationship was observed between the months with the greatest maturity and aggregations and the months with the highest daily temperature fluctuations. At the population level, the results allowed us to estimate 2.3*106 individuals, with 39% of this population over the minimum legal size (55 mm). The relatively slow growth estimated for this population was probably influenced by the high variability of the bottom temperature in this area. The critical size and size at first maturity of the population were higher than the minimal legal size, making it is necessary to review the current fishing regulation for this species. The effectiveness of the State marine reserves in the conservation of this marine resource was demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the effectiveness of two marine reserves (MRs) in the Canary Islands (eastern Atlantic), called ‘Punta La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas’ (El Hierro Island) and ‘Isla La Graciosa e islotes del norte de Lanzarote’ (Chinijo Archipelago). Specifically, we evaluated the variability in the abundances and biomasses of four commercially-targeted fish species: the parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense), the island grouper (Mycteroperca fusca), the white sea-bream (Diplodus sargus cadenati) and the zebra sea-bream (Diplodus cervinus cervinus). Four fishing management categories were established within and around each MR: (1) a no-take or integral area (collection of all animals is not permitted), (2) a buffer area (fishing is permitted with traditional fishing gears), (3) a neighbouring fishing area (<20 km), and (4) a fishing area off a neighbouring island. Two randomly selected sites were sampled within each management category and MR in October and March 2004. Univariate tests provided evidence of a moderate ‘reserve effect’ for both MRs consistent through time. Differences in abundances and biomasses of each species among management categories were clearly species-specific and inconsistent between both MRs. Species of the genus Diplodus showed greater abundances and biomasses within protected locations compared to unprotected locations at El Hierro Island. Moreover, the four selected species showed greater abundances and biomasses in the locations surveyed at El Hierro Island compared to unprotected locations at the neighbouring island. In contrast, S. cretense appeared to be the only species that benefited from protection in the Chinijo MR. Differences in the sizes of the MRs, the fishing effort around the MRs and the effectiveness of the enforcement within each MR, appeared to be possible explanations for the patterns observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the effectiveness of two marine reserves (MRs) in the Canary Islands (eastern Atlantic), called "Punta La Restinga-Mar de Las Calmas" (El Hierro Island) and "Isla La Graciosa e islotes del norte de Lanzarote" (Chinijo Archipelago). Specifically, we evaluated the variability in the abundances and biomasses of four commercially-targeted fish species: the parrotfish (Sparisoma cretense), the island grouper (Mycteroperca fusca), the white sea-bream (Diplodus sargus cadenati) and the zebra sea-bream (Diplodus cervinus cervinus). Four fishing management categories were established within and around each MR: (1) a no-take or integral area (collection of all animals is not permitted), (2) a buffer area (fishing is permitted with traditional fishing gears), (3) a neighbouring fishing area (<20 km), and (4) a fishing area off a neighbouring island. Two randomly selected sites were sampled within each management category and MR in October and March 2004. Univariate tests provided evidence of a moderate "reserve effect" for both MRs consistent through time. Differences in abundances and biomasses of each species among management categories were clearly species-specific and inconsistent between both MRs. Species of the genus Diplodus showed greater abundances and biomasses within protected locations compared to unprotected locations at El Hierro Island. Moreover, the four selected species showed greater abundances and biomasses in the locations surveyed at El Hierro Island compared to unprotected locations at the neighbouring island. In contrast, S. cretense appeared to be the only species that benefited from protection in the Chinijo MR. Differences in the sizes of the MRs, the fishing effort around the MRs and the effectiveness of the enforcement within each MR, appeared to be possible explanations for the patterns observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]