Introduction: Numerous studies have revealed the importance of local support for successful restoration and conservation initiatives. Much less attention has been devoted to identifying the challenges and opportunities that influence community support. Objectives: To identify the challenges and opportunities influencing community engagement in coral reef restoration at Laughing Bird Caye National Park, Belize and its buffer zone. Methods: We interviewed restoration practitioners and key stakeholders, conducted a SWOT analysis with community members engaged in restoration efforts, and surveyed the broader public to evaluate local perceptions of the factors influencing community engagement in coral reef restoration. Results: Participant responses revealed four systems shaping local engagement: management, social, educational, and environmental. Key challenges included limited participation in restoration decisions, social dysfunction, low awareness of coral ecosystems, and environmental threats. Opportunities focused on expanding educational programs, particularly for youth, supporting local economies and livelihoods, promoting environmental stewardship, and strengthening governance through collaboration and local leadership. Conclusions: Our research revealed challenges that deter community engagement but also identified opportunities that may transform obstacles into actions to build trust, institutionalize collaborative participation, and empower local stewardship as a sustainable, community-driven process. Our results are specific to the community in Placencia, Belize but our methodology provides a potential roadmap for identifying stakeholder concerns and developing inclusive and effective programs to promote community engagement in restoration and conservation efforts elsewhere.

Introduction: To date, two species of batfishes of the genus Ogcocephalus have been documented in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Ogcocephalus porrectus, originally described from Isla del Coco, Costa Rica, has been regarded as restricted to waters around Isla del Coco and Isla de Malpelo (Colombia). Objectives: To report and describe the first record of O. porrectus from the Pacific coast of continental Costa Rica, thereby extending its known distribution range. Methods: The specimen supporting this new record was collected with a bottom trawl net off the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica, at 67 m depth. It was deposited in the Ichthyological Collection of the Museo de Zoología, Universidad de Costa Rica, under the catalog number UCR 3368-001. Morphometric and meristic data of the specimen were recorded following standard procedures. Additional material of O. porrectus and O. darwinii was examined for comparison. Results: Morphological and coloration traits of the specimen were consistent with with previous descriptions of O. porrectus, confirming its identification. Conclusions: This record parallels the recent continental occurrence of O. darwini in Ecuador, since both species were previously considered insular. Such a finding highlights the role of larval dispersal and sampling gaps on perceived distribution patterns of batfishes. It also underscores the need for continued ichthyological surveys to document faunal linkages and to anticipate potential responses of marine biodiversity to environmental change in the Eastern Pacific.

Introduction: The Reef Functional Index (RFI) is a tool used to analyze the physical functionality of coral assemblages based on morpho-functional traits that support their geo-ecological roles. This tool has been applied to assess the effects of active restoration on coral reefs under varying levels of stress. However, to date, it has not been used to analyze long-term assisted recovery through restoration activities. Objective: This study evaluated the historical trajectory of physical functionality over the long term (2012–2023) in six coral reef communities within the Islas Marietas National Park (PNIM), considering that active restoration efforts have been in place since 2014, using the RFI as a metric. Methods: The RFI was used as an indicator of physical functionality to assess temporal changes in reef condition throughout the analysis period. The percentage of natural change and change subsidized by restoration was calculated for both RFI and live coral cover (LCC). Results: RFI values revealed that although coral communities in the PNIM had, by 2023, regained LCC levels exceeding those recorded in 1997, physical functionality had not yet been fully restored. Restoration activities have contributed to approaching historical functional values, even under the impact of various natural stressors; however, spatial analysis at the island and site level indicated that recovery has not been uniform. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need to review and adapt restoration strategies, emphasizing greater efforts in sites where coral functionality remains below pre-disturbance levels. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the RFI is a valuable tool for evaluating the long-term success of coral restoration and identifying potential areas of opportunity in degraded reef sites.

Introduction: The condition of coral reefs in the Caribbean has deteriorated sharply over the past few decades, with Acropora palmata — historically a dominant reef-building coral — experiencing a regional decline of over 90 % due to the cumulative impacts of white band disease, hurricanes, and recurrent thermal stress. In response, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been widely implemented across the region, yet their effectiveness in conserving vulnerable coral species remains uncertain. Objective: To document long-term trends in A. palmata cover at Little Reef, a secondary barrier reef located within the Seaflower MPAs surrounding San Andres Island, Colombia. Methods: Using standardized ecological monitoring protocols (CARICOMP, SIMAC, and years in which RRA was conducted), we analyzed coral cover based on five monitoring events (1995, 2002, 2006, 2021, 2024) spanning 29 years at a representative reef site in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. Results: Our results reveal a dramatic and statistically significant decline in A. palmata cover, from ~45 % total coral cover (dominated by A. palmata) in 1995 to just 1.13 % in 2024. The 2023 mass bleaching event led to near-complete mortality, with no visible signs of recovery observed during 2024 surveys. Statistical analyses confirmed a strong negative trend (Kendall’s Tau = –1.0, p = 0.017; R² = 0.865, p = 0.022), indicating sustained decline despite long-term protection. Conclusions: These findings reinforce growing evidence that MPAs alone may be insufficient to prevent coral loss under accelerating climate pressures. We highlight the need for conservation frameworks that combine passive protection with active restoration, climate-adaptive management, and genetic rescue approaches to safeguard A. palmata and other threatened reef-building species across the Caribbean.

Introduction: The genus Pocillopora comprises coral species distributed throughout tropical and subtropical regions. In the Central Mexican Pacific region, Pocillopora verrucosa is the main reef-building species. In response to the recent decline in coral coverage, restoration protocols have been implemented over the past decade. However, to date, no genetic diversity records are available as potential markers to evaluate the effect of assisted recruitment on site dynamics in the area. Objective: Determine the genetic diversity of P. verrucosa in an insular (Islas Marietas National Park) and a coastal (Punta de Mita) restoration site within the Central Mexican Pacific. Methods: A 2 cm2 fragment from 15 colonies per site was collected. Mitochondrial markers for the COI and ATP6 genes were amplified. A total of 40 sequences of the COI (n = 19) and ATP6 (n = 21) genes were obtained, and the haplotype and nucleotide diversity were determined. Results: For the COI gene, two haplotypes shared between the sites were identified, with H1 being the most abundant. For the ATP6 gene, one exclusive haplotype was detected in Islas Marietas National Park, and one more abundant haplotype was shared between the two sites. The AMOVA results revealed a homogeneous pattern with Fst values of 0.21603 (p < 0.10655) for COI and Fst = 0.04174 (p < 0.3753) for ATP6. Conclusions: The low genetic diversity suggests that, as previously reported, asexual reproduction has been the predominant mode throughout the site’s history, and that the assisted propagation implemented may promote the maintenance of the individuals that have historically shown resistance to thermal stressors. However, it is essential to explore alternative propagation techniques in future restoration initiatives, as the long-term success of restoration also relies on reducing the vulnerability of these ecosystems to future environmental stressors.

Introduction: Coral reef restoration requires building local capacity and engaging stakeholders throughout planning and implementation to reduce conflicts and enhance ecological and socio-economic outcomes. Objectives: To compare stakeholder perspectives on community engagement in coral reef restoration within the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve (Colombia) and Laughing Bird Caye National Park (Belize), and to develop tailored guidelines for effective engagement strategies. Methods: We conducted a multiple-case study in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve (Colombia) and Laughing Bird Caye National Park (Belize), collecting eight months of field data through interviews, surveys, and SWOT analyses, coding qualitative data and analyzing surveys with unpaired two-sample t-tests. Results: The primary strategy for enhancing engagement in coral reef restoration was building local capacity, complemented by strategic planning, budgeting, and educational initiatives for youth. Respondents from Seaflower Biosphere expressed greater concern for coral declines, a stronger sense of reef identity, and felt personally affected by the issues. In contrast, residents of Laughing Bird Caye focused more on economic opportunities, community meetings, and passive educational approaches. Conclusions: These guidelines provide a flexible framework for community engagement in coral reef restoration, emphasizing the importance of understanding socio-cultural and economic contexts, identifying key stakeholders, and fostering trusting, inclusive, and transparent relationships to empower communities and prioritize their active participation in restoration efforts.

Introduction: Frogs in the genus Hyloxalus are common in the Colombian Andes. However, there are knowledge gaps on their ecology and population dynamics, particularly in high mountain ecosystems such as the paramo. This lack of information hinders their conservation and understanding of their biogeography. Objective: To estimate population size and structure, as well as microhabitat occupation and use by Hyloxalus subpunctatus within a páramo ecosystem in the Colombian Andes of Colombia. Methods: Five sampling surveys were performed between September 2022 and March 2023 in Paramo de Ocetá, Boyacá, including visual censuses and capture-mark-recapture techniques. Forty individuals were captured, and 7 were recaptured. Population size and structure were analyzed using POPAN models, and microhabitat occupation was assessed with hierarchical models. Results: The estimated population size was 298, with a 2:1 sex ratio skewed towards males, and 15 % of juveniles. The species exhibited a marked preference for moss-dominated microhabitats, both on the surface and within vegetation. The presence of shallow ponds increased the probability of occupation, whereas detectability was influenced by sex and time of the day. Conclusions: In Paramo de Ocetá, H. subpunctatus exhibits a structured population and specialized ecological habitats, contributing to its elusive nature. These results provide baseline data to guide conservation strategies and suggest the need for a taxonomical review of this population.

Introduction: The black neon tetra (Hyphessobrycon herbertaxelrodi) is a popular ornamental fish, and understanding its larval development is crucial for aquaculture practices. Objective: To examine the developmental stages during the larval period of black neon tetra produced under laboratory conditions. Methods: Larvae were sampled daily from hatching until reaching the juvenile stage. Each specimen was photographed and prepared for anatomical observations. Results: Morphological observations indicated that the mean total length (TL) of the larvae was 2.77 ± 0.08 mm on the first day after hatching (DAH) and increased to 12.26 ± 0.96 mm by the 29th-30th DAH when they reached the juvenile stage. Initially, the fins were in a primordial form, with the mouth and anus opening on the 4th and 6th DAH, respectively. The anal and dorsal fins began to differentiate on the 10th and 14th DAH, coinciding with the completion of notochord flexion on the 12th-13th DAH. The second swim bladder developed on the 14th and 15th DAH, and caudal fin bifurcation was observed on the 18th day. Anatomical observations indicated significant changes in the developmental process of black neon tetra larvae. On the 1st DAH, the digestive system of the yolk sac larva was in the shape of a flat long tube. By the early 3rd day, the mouth had opened, and the swim bladder had noticeably swollen, taking the form of a tube in the digestive canal. On the 5th day, the yolk sac had been depleted, and the stomach and intestine began to develop. By the 10th day, the liver had replaced the yolk sac, increasing the folds of the stomach and intestine. The juvenile stage commenced on the 29th-30th DAH, marking the end of the larval process. Conclusions: The findings provide essential insights into the morphological and developmental milestones of black neon tetra larvae, which are vital for enhancing aquaculture techniques and breeding protocols.

Introduction: Fish spawning aggregations (FSAs) are temporary concentrations of individuals of the same species that form for the sole purpose of reproducing. Objective: To document the species, times, and localities where FSAs occur in the Gulf of Chiriqui, Panamanian Pacific. Methods: From 2020 to 2025, SCUBA surveys and photographic documentation were conducted to identify FSAs within Coiba National Park (CNP) and the Islas Secas Archipelago (ISA) in the Gulf of Chiriquí. Environmental data, including temperature, salinity, and pH were collected using a YSI EXO2 multiparameter probe, and temperature was continuously recorded with a HOBO Water Temperature Pro v2. Results: The FSAs were recorded for three snapper species (Lutjanus peru, Lutjanus colorado and Lutjanus aratus); one jack (Caranx sexfasciatus); one grouper (Cephalopholis colonus); and one wrasse (Thalassoma lucasanum). Aggregations were observed at Bajo 20, Sacramento, Sueño del Pescador, and Montaña Rusa within CNP, and at Bajo Rizo in ISA. In the latter location, aggregations were recorded for T. lucasanum, C. colonus, and L. colorado. During aggregations, water column stratification was observed, associated with the intrusion of cold-water masses into the gulf, thermocline shoaling, and a decrease in dissolved oxygen concentrations, all correlated with temperature dynamics. Spawning events were most frequently observed in the morning hours. Conclusion: The number of reported species forming FSAs in CNP increased from three to seven, and FSAs were documented for the first time in ISA for three species.

Introduction: Aquatic dipterans are key components of mountain lotic ecosystems due to their diversity, ecological sensitivity, and bioindicator value. The Combeima River Basin (Tolima, Colombia) is a high-Andean basin essential for water supply, but it is affected by anthropogenic pressures. Objective: To expand knowledge on the diversity and abundance of aquatic dipterans along the Combeima River Basin (Ibagué, Tolima) during contrasting hydrological periods. Methods: Three samplings were conducted over an annual hydrological cycle (September 2022, June and September 2023), covering both the dry and rainy seasons. Five samples were taken at each station using three different sampling methods: Surber net (on sediment, rock, and leaf-litter substrates), screen net, and sieves. All samples were pooled into a unique sample for data treatment. Larvae were separated, preserved, and identified using available taxonomic keys; for Chironomidae, clearing and mounting techniques were applied, considering different diagnostic characters for identification. Diversity was estimated using Hill numbers and rarefaction curves. NMDS and ANOSIM analyses were applied to explore community patterns. Results: A total of 1 586 larvae belonging to 11 families and 28 genera were collected. Chironomidae were the most abundant (74.56 %), followed by Simuliidae (15.76 %) and Blepharoceridae (6.24 %). In contrast, Dolichopodidae, Dixidae, and Stratiomyidae were scarce, with only four, two, and one individual recorded per family, respectively. Differences in richness and dominance were observed among stations and periods, related to altitude and anthropogenic disturbances. NMDS showed grouping by station, with greater heterogeneity in impacted sites. Conclusions: Aquatic dipteran communities reflected the combined influence of natural environmental factors and anthropogenic disturbance. A progressive replacement of sensitive by tolerant genera was observed, indicating a clear ecological tolerance gradient and reinforcing their value as bioindicators of environmental quality. These findings provide a robust ecological baseline for future monitoring and conservation programs in high-Andean microbasins.