Invasiones biológicas y dimensiones humanas: Aún necesitamos trabajar duro en nuestras perspectivas sociales

In this article, we analyze and challenge a long-held paradigm that reduces the field of biological invasions to its ecological components. We explore thirteen case studies grouped within three major human dimensions (values, traditions, and quality of life) to show how biological invasions interwove and interact with them. The group of human dimensions we explore in this work, although small, exposes a rich spectrum of interdisciplinary synergies between natural and social sciences that should receive more attention to make the field of biological invasions more sound and socially integrated.Invasiones biológicas y dimensiones humanas: Aún necesitamos trabajar duro en nuestras perspectivas sociales. En este artículo analizamos y desafiamos el paradigma que reduce el campo de las invasiones biológicas a sus componentes ecológicos. Para esto, revisamos trece casos de estudio agrupados dentro de tres dimensiones humanas principales (valores, tradiciones y calidad de vida) para mostrar cómo las invasiones biológicas se entretejen e interactúan con ellas. El grupo de dimensiones humanas que exploramos en este trabajo, aunque pequeño, expone un rico espectro de sinergias interdisciplinarias entre las ciencias naturales y sociales que deberían recibir más atención para hacer que el campo de las invasiones biológicas sea más sólido y socialmente integrado.Fil: Bortolus, Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; ArgentinaFil: Schwindt, Evangelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentin

Marismas patagónicas: Las últimas de Sudamérica

Varios siglos han pasado desde que los primeros exploradores y naturalistas europeos realizaron las descripciones iniciales de las especies y hábitats de la costa este de Sudamérica. Sin embargo, la existencia misma de marismas en la Patagonia austral permaneció virtualmente ignorada hasta hace muy poco. Durante los últimos años, mediante la realización de relevamientos por aire y tierra, así como por el análisis de fotografías históricas y de imágenes satelitales, se logró hallar, describir y clasificar esos ambientes, y comenzar a integrarlos al conocimiento ecológico. Estos estudios colocan a Sudamérica entre las regiones más ricas del mundo en cuanto a la variedad de sus marismas.Fil: Bortolus, Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin

The role of the physical structure of Spartina densiflora Brong. in structuring macroinvertebrate assemblages

In Patagonian rocky salt marshes, the presence of the austral cordgrass Spartina densiflora provide habitat for diverse faunal assemblages. Two different mechanisms may influence the distribution and abundance patterns of the associated organisms. Those generated by the biological properties of cordgrasses and those caused or mediated by the physical structure supplied by the plants. The aims of this study were: (1) to determine the effect of cordgrasses on macroinvertebrate assemblages dominating a rocky marsh; and (2) to determine how much of this effect is caused by the physical structure supply by the plants. In order to achieve these objectives we conducted two field manipulative experiments. In the first one we manipulated the presence of defaunated transplants of cordgrass, and in the second one, we did the same with plastic mimics cordgrasses simulating de architecture of Spartina densiflora. In both experiments, sessile and mobile assemblages were separately examined to evaluate whether they respond in the same way or not. Abundance and richness of mobile and sessile organisms were higher in transplant and mimic cordgrass plots compared to controls, indicating that the presence of cordgrasses, either transplanted or artificial, has a positive effect on sessile and mobile assemblages. Furthermore, we found that the composition of mobile and sessile macroinvertebrates assemblages did not differ between transplants and mimics. Therefore, the physical structure of cordgrass was found to be the major factor influencing macroinvertebrates assemblages in the studied Patagonia rocky salt marshes. Within the period of one year, mobile and sessile fauna colonized several times more abundantly transplant and artificial cordgrass than the control plots, highlighting the key role of cordgrasses in optimizing the colonization rate of macroinvertebrate communities in this rocky bottom environment. Since Spartina densiflora is invading different regions worldwide, our study may help to predict its potential effect on the invaded communities.Fil: Sueiro, Maria Cruz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Bortolus, Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Schwindt, Evangelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin

Invasive barnacle fouling on an endemic burrowing crab mobile basibionts as vectors to invade a suboptimal habitat

Neohelice (Chasmagnathus) granulata is an ecosystem engineer endemic of salt marshes and mudflats of the southwestern Atlantic coast, where several Patagonian salt marshes were invaded by the acorn barnacle Balanus glandula, a typical rocky shore species. In this work, we supply the first report of the occurrence of epibiosis of B. glandula on N. granulata in these salt marshes and we describe the major ecological features of this invader/native association in order to generate sound baseline for further investigations and management decisions. Our results show that barnacles are found in the entire dorsal and lateral surface of the crabs, and specially in vital zones such us the basal insertion of the chelipeds, walking appendages, ocular peduncles, jaws, mouth with the carapace. Furthermore, the size reached by barnacles suggest that they are sexually mature and can reproduce while fouling on the crabs, being the maximum size of barnacles tightly associated and determined by the duration of the crab's inter-molt span. Our results highlight the mechanisms by which an invasive rocky shore invader can exploit an unfavorable environment (i.e. mobile substratum) to persist on soft bottom systems.Neohelice (Chasmagnathus) granulata es un ingeniero de ecosistemas endémico de las marismas y planicies barrosas de la costa atlántica sud-occidental, donde varias marismas patagónicas han sido invadidas por el cirripedio Balanus glandula, una especie típica de intermareales rocosos. En este trabajo, se proporciona el primer reporte de la ocurrencia de epibiosis de B. glandula sobre N. granulata en estas marismas y se describen las principales características ecológicas de esta asociación invasor/nativo con el objetivo de generar información de línea de base adecuada para investigaciones futuras y la toma de desiciones de manejo. Nuestros resultados muestran que los cirripedios se encuentran en la superficie dorsal y lateral de los cangrejos y, en especial, en zonas vitales como la inserción basal de los quelípedos, los apéndices caminadores, los pedúnculos oculares, las mandíbulas y la boca, con el caparazón. Además, el tamaño medio de los cirripedios sugiere que alcanzan la madurez sexual y son capaces de reproducirse mientras se encuentran adheridos a los cangrejos. Por otra parte, el tamaño máximo de los cirripedios se encuentra fuertemente asociado y determinado por la duración del intervalo entre-mudas de los cangrejos. Así, nuestros resultados ponen de manifiesto los mecanismos por los cuales un invasor de intermareales rocosos es capaz de explotar un entorno desfavorable (es decir, sustratos móviles) para persistir en intermareales de fondos blandos.Fil: Mendez, María Martha. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Sueiro, Maria Cruz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Schwindt, Evangelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; ArgentinaFil: Bortolus, Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico; Argentin

Cleaning by beaching: Introducing a new alternative for hull biofouling management in Argentina

Recreational vessels favor the secondary spread of exotic marine species hosted on hull biofouling communities through coastal trips. Hull biofouling is also a problem for vessel owners because it reduces the efficiency and maneuverability of the vessel. This study documents a pioneer case of alternative hull biofouling management in a context where local regulations prohibit in-water cleaning operations and where there are no shore-based facilities. We designed and put into practice a method to manually clean a 35 meter long catamaran, by beaching it in a macrotidal beach of Patagonia, Argentina. During the cleaning, all hull biofouling was removed and collected to prevent organisms from falling on the beach. A total of 12.5 m3 of biofouling was deposited in landfill following regulations for fishing discard material. In addition, qualitative and quantitative fouling samples were obtained from different hull locations of the vessel, including niche areas. A total of 53 distinct taxa were identified, including 18 exotic species for Argentina, 7 of which had not been previously reported for the study area. Cleaning by beaching can be used as a convenient biosecurity method to remove hull biofouling from small and medium size vessels when other methods or facilities on the coast are not available. Our results also provide further evidence for the potential risk of recreational vessels as vectors for the secondary spread of marine exotic species.Fil: Castro, Karen Lidia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Grupo de Ecología en Ambientes Costeros (GEAC); Argentina. Universidad Nacional del Comahue. Centro Regional Universitario Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Giachetti, Clara Belen. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Grupo de Ecología en Ambientes Costeros (GEAC); Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Battini, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Grupo de Ecología en Ambientes Costeros (GEAC); Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Bortolus, Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Grupo de Ecología en Ambientes Costeros (GEAC); ArgentinaFil: Schwindt, Evangelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Grupo de Ecología en Ambientes Costeros (GEAC); Argentin

20 años de investigaciones en bioinvasiones marinas: Logros y desafíos para el Atlántico Sudoccidental

The study of marine bioinvasions was not homogenously developed worldwide and it is unclear the amount of research effort currently applied across the Southwestern Atlantic (SWA) countries. Through a comprehensive literature review, in this work, we analyze trends, gaps and achievements in the marine bioinvasion research efforts made along the coastal-marine ecosystems of the SWA and over the last 20 years of development, and we identify current challenges to further strengthening regional and international policies and management decisions concerning coastal-marine invasive species. Our analysis showed an exponential growth in the research effort, mostly focused on ecological patterns of non-native species, while other categories of studies (e.g., processes, management, methodological and socio-ecological) received significantly less attention. We found a high prevalence of national studies, while regional and international collaborations were virtually nil. Although the three countries in the region have made important achievements regarding the study and management of marine bioinvasions, changing this unbalance in the research effort between national and international collaborations, and specifically the limited scientific collaborations across the SWA countries, should be a top priority to better deal with marine bioinvasions in a regional and global context.El estudio de las bioinvasiones marinas no se desarrolló homogéneamente en el mundo y la cantidad de esfuerzo de investigación que se realiza a lo largo de los países del Atlántico Sudoccidental (ASO) no es clara. A través de una exhaustiva revisión de literatura, en este trabajo analizamos tendencias, brechas y logros en el esfuerzo de investigación en bioinvasiones marinas realizado en los ecosistemas marino-costeros del ASO a lo largo de 20 años de desarrollo, e identificamos los desafíos actuales para fortalecer las decisiones políticas y de manejo regional e internacional concerniente a las especies marino costeras invasoras. Nuestros análisis mostraron un crecimiento exponencial en el esfuerzo de investigación, mayormente focalizado en los patrones ecológicos de las especies no nativas, mientras que otras categorías de estudios (e.g., procesos, manejo, metodologías y socio-ecología) recibieron significativamente menos atención. Encontramos una alta prevalencia de estudios nacionales, mientras que las colaboraciones regionales e internacionales fueron virtualmente nulas. A pesar de que los tres países de la región realizaron importantes logros en relación con el estudio y el manejo de bioinvasiones marinas, cambiar este desbalance en el esfuerzo de investigación entre colaboraciones nacionales e internacionales —y específicamente en las limitadas colaboraciones entre países del ASO— debería estar entre las principales prioridades para afrontar las bioinvasiones marinas en un contexto regional y global.Fil: Schwindt, Evangelina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Battini, Nicolás. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos; ArgentinaFil: Bortolus, Alejandro. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; ArgentinaFil: de Oliveira Ribeiro Junqueira, Andrea. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Scarabino, Fabrizio. Universidad de la Republica. Centro Universitario Regional del Este.; Urugua

Current research, pressing issues, and lingering questions in marine invasion science: lessons from the Tenth International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB-X)

© The Author(s), 2020. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Fowler, A. E., Blakeslee, A. M. H., Bortolus, A., Dias, J., Tepolt, C. K., & Schwindt, E. Current research, pressing issues, and lingering questions in marine invasion science: lessons from the Tenth International Conference on Marine Bioinvasions (ICMB-X). Aquatic Invasions, 15(1), (2020): 1-10, doi:10.3391/ai.2020.15.1.01.Research on marine bioinvasions is an inherently international collaboration. Species range boundaries have become more fluid in recent decades as a result of enhanced human globalization, leading to species translocations across international boundaries through high profile vectors (e.g., shipping, hull fouling, aquaculture, etc.) (Ruiz et al. 2000; Seebens et al. 2013). Global trade and anthropogenic activities that promote invasive species spread continue to increase, rising by an average of 70% since 1970, with no sign of saturation (Pagad et al. 2015; Seebens et al. 2017). Even though these numbers are primarily based on terrestrial systems, recent work has demonstrated that marine ecosystems are as severely impacted by invasive species as by other human activities including overfishing, pollution (including plastics), climate change, and ocean acidification (Diaz et al. 2019). Species introductions to seas, coasts, and estuaries are therefore a global threat to human and non-human populations alike. As such, scientists and managers are increasingly focused on prevention and management, risk analysis and prioritization, and innovative technologies to detect novel species.The ICMB-X was supported by CONICET, MINCyT, SCTeIP Chubut, Consejo Federal de Inversiones, Biodiversity Heritage Library, Administración Portuaria de Puerto Madryn (APPM), Office of Naval Research Global, Aluar Aluminio Argentino, Madryn Bureau, Ente Mixto Puerto Madryn, Municipalidad de Puerto Madryn, and FAO-GEF-SAyDS

SOIL-GEOMORPHIC RELATIONSHIPS IN A NORTHEASTERN PATAGONIAN TIDAL SALT MARSH, PENINSULA VALDÉS, ARGENTINA

Salt marshes ecosystems have been studied extensively based on the interaction between geo-morphological and geo-ecological processes, but a soil-geochemistry approach is currently unknown in Patagonia. This work was conducted in Riacho salt marsh, Patagonia, Argentina, and, its aim was to establish the soil-geomorphology relationship with a focus on geochemical analysis and vegetation changes (C3 vs. C4 photosynthesis pathway plants). The geochemical analysis was focused on sulfidic material occurrence and their potential acid generation, while the vegetation-geomorphology relationship was determined through the ?13C composition from soil organic matter. To achieve this, soil descriptions and laboratory analyses of soil samples were performed. Riacho salt marsh soils correspond to the Entisol Order and the Suborder Aquents. Soils corresponding to Sarcocornia perennis and Limonium brasiliense vegetation units were classified as Sodic Hydraquents, which were associated with tidal flats between Holocene beaches-ridges systems. On the other hand, the soil corresponding to the Spartina alterniflora vegetation unit was classified as Haplic Sulfaquents related to salt marsh lower levels, where waterlogging soil conditions favor the sulfidic materials formation. These soils are considered potential acid sulfate soils (PASS) due to the generation of sulfuric acid by oxidation processes. Consequently, extreme oxidation of these soils could release metals. The ?13C isotope composition of soil organic matter, in combination with the C/N ratio, indicates that the sandy C horizons from soils corresponding to high salt marsh levels would constitute pioneer salt marshes, which is consistent with the Holocene salt marshes development. The plant zonation model responds to ecological succession according to geomorphology evolution. However, future isotopic studies will be necessary to determine the contributions of different sources, both surface runoff of organic matter from continental ecosystems and organic matter from marine origin

No longer the pristine confines of the world ocean: a survey of exotic marine species in the southwestern Atlantic

We conducted a comprehensive survey of existing knowledge about exotic marine organisms introduced to the southwestern Atlantic Ocean, including coastal and shelf areas of Uruguay and Argentina. This domain is equivalent to the so-called Patagonian Shelf Large Marine Ecosystem, and corresponds to two biogeographic provinces: warm-temperate (Argentine Province) and cold temperate (Magellanic Province). The search included species that can be confidently categorized as introduced (31) and cryptogenic species (46). We present a comprehensive picture of recorded introductions (the first for this region) and some prominent ecological consequences. Most coastal ecosystems between the La Plata River estuary and central Patagonia have already been modified, or are expected to be so in the short term. Five recent, human-mediated biological invasions have already had a significant ecological impact. A barnacle (Balanus glandula) belt has developed on all rocky shores where none was present 30 years ago, a macro-fouler (Limnoperna fortunei) and a reef-builder (Ficopomatus enigmaticus) have strongly modified estuarine ecosystems, Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) reefs are expanding in shallow bays at a fast rate, and kelp (Undaria pinnatifida) is rapidly modifying nearshore benthic communities along the coasts of central Patagonia. At this point, it is uncertain how many of the cordgrasses (Spartina spp.) found in coastal salt marshes correspond to exotic forms. Only exposed sandy beaches appear to be free from the pervasive ecological impact of invasion by exotic species. Poor knowledge of the regional biota makes it difficult to track invasions.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Supporting Spartina: Interdisciplinary perspective shows Spartina as a distinct solid genus

In 2014 a DNA-based phylogenetic study confirming the paraphyly of the grass subtribe Sporobolinae proposed the creation of a large monophyletic genus Sporobolus, including (among others) species previously included in the genera Spartina, Calamovilfa, and Sporobolus. Spartina species have contributed substantially (and continue contributing) to our knowledge in multiple disciplines, including ecology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, biogeography, experimental ecology, environmental management, restoration ecology, history, economics, and sociology. There is no rationale so compelling to subsume the name Spartina as a subgenus that could rival the striking, global iconic history and use of the name Spartina for over 200 years. We do not agree with the arguments underlying the proposal to change Spartina to Sporobolus. We understand the importance of taxonomy and of formalized nomenclature and hope that by opening this debate we will encourage positive feedback that will strengthen taxonomic decisions with an interdisciplinary perspective. We consider the strongly distinct, monophyletic clade Spartina should simply and efficiently be treated as the genus Spartina