Producción CyT
Libro de Resúmenes del XI SCAR - Delving the knowledge on biodiversity and biogeographic connections of the subantarctic MPA Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank: the case of ascidians, diverse and frequent animals of macrobenthic communities
Congreso
Fecha:
2024Editorial y Lugar de Edición:
SCARResumen *
The plateau of the Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank Marine Protected Area (NMPA/BB) -located in the Scotia Arc region, southeastern of Tierra del Fuego, Argentina- is isolated by deep waters, suggesting a particular importance in terms of endemic species of benthic organisms. With predominance of rocky bottoms and coarse biogenic sand, the NMPA/BB sustains a high biodiversity that requires protection, with the presence of vulnerable structure-forming species such as ascidians (Chordata, Tunicata), important components of macrobenthic communities. The richness of ascidians may be underestimated due to incorrect species identification or a poor understanding of their distribution. In relation to the NMPA/BB, although the diversity of ascidians has been little studied, it is relatively high compared to other areas of the Scotia Arc, with 25 species previously reported. The aim of this study is to deepen the knowledge of ascidian diversity, based on morphological and molecular analyses, in the NMPA/BB and its relationships with adjacent areas: Tierra del Fuego (including Isla de los Estados) and the slopes of the Namuncurá/Burdwood Bank II MPA (NMPA/BB-II). The capture frequency of ascidians at 27 stations and 52 trawls (BO “Puerto Deseado” Campaign, 2016) was high (92%). So far, we have identified 42 species and obtained mitochondrial COI gene sequences (29 species) and nuclear 18S gene sequences (13 species). The ascidian affinities between different zones of the NMPA/BB (Core, Buffer, and Transition), are high (Kulczynski similarity index, 50-66%). Considering the three zones together, the similarity with stations of Tierra del Fuego reaches 50%. The similarity of these three zones is lower with respect to the slope area (NMPA/BB-II) south of the bank (16-19%), suggesting differences with depth. This information will contribute to the establishment of conservation values and the ongoing rezoning necessary for this important MPA management strategies. Información suministrada por el agente en SIGEVAPalabras Clave
BIODIVERSITYASCIDIANSBURDWOOD BANKMARINE PROTECTED AREA