Abrolhos Bank Research Articles

Revisiting 150 years of coral studies to assess changes in species records, distribution, and functional structure of corals in the Brazilian Province

Historical information serves as a crucial foundation for understanding past natural ecosystems, enabling us to track changes in biodiversity. It plays an indispensable role in both biodiversity conservation and restoration ecology. In the Brazilian Province, there is still an absence of historical accounts relative to the coral assemblage diversity. We compiled historical and modern information on coral species and mapped coral diversity in the Brazilian Province over the past 150 years. Using abundance data, we contrasted the functional structure of coral assemblages sampled 40 years apart (1960–2000) in the Abrolhos Bank, the largest reef complex of the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The number of species records increased over time, especially after the 1960's, with the Abrolhos region amassing numerous historical accounts and harboring the greatest coral richness. This increase in species records reflects the recent accumulation of knowledge about these marginal reefs. Historical declines of two major reef building species, Millepora alcicornis and Mussismilia braziliensis, resulted in temporal changes in their relative contributions to the functional structure of coral assemblages in the Abrolhos Bank. The erosion of such assemblages within the past 40 years highlights the importance of considering historical information to adjust environmental baselines, setting proper conservation and restoration targets.

Multiple events determine the distribution of fishes’ early life stages in the Abrolhos Bank, Southwestern Atlantic

Fluctuations in reef fish settlement and recruitment significantly impact local population dynamics and adult population size. We use light traps to evaluate reef fish settlement in inshore and offshore reefs in the Abrolhos Bank, in addition to the spatio-temporal distribution patterns, and environmental variables' influence. Data were collected from inshore and offshore reefs, and statistical analyses, including GLMs, PERMANOVA and nMDS, aimed to understand spatial-temporal species distribution patterns and the relationship between environmental variables. Results indicate greater species abundance and diversity offshore, influenced by winds, tides, and distance from shore, explaining 50% of larval patterns and highlighting the importance of spatial-temporal variations in early-life reef fish assemblages. However, several factors, including habitat type, quality, complexity, seascape configuration, and MPA location, may influence these patterns. Additionally, we provide evidence that commercially important species like Lutjanids use Abrolhos reef areas as nursery grounds.

Exploring habitat use and movement patterns of humpback whales in a reoccupation area off Brazil: A comparison with the Abrolhos Bank

AbstractAfter the worldwide moratorium on whaling, humpback whale populations began to recover, reoccupying former areas of use, as also observed on the Brazilian coast. Abrolhos Bank represents the area of greatest humpback whale concentration but the number of individuals to the north has increased, as has happened in the region of Serra Grande. To compare relative abundance, habitat use, and movement patterns between a well‐established breeding and a reoccupation area, visual monitoring from land‐based stations was performed: 160 days in the Abrolhos Archipelago located on the Abrolhos Bank and 133 days in Serra Grande in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2019. While relative abundance varied annually in the Abrolhos Archipelago, it gradually increased in Serra Grande, surpassing the number registered in Abrolhos in 2019. Group composition frequency was similar between areas except for mother and calf accompanied by one or more escorts, which were more frequent in Abrolhos. Despite similar movement speed and linearity values, whales in Serra Grande had a higher reorientation rate. Monitoring different areas occupied by this population supports decisions about spatial management of the Brazilian coast in relation to the implementation of anthropogenic activities, especially in areas where whales have recently returned to occupy.

Taxonomic and functional diversity of zooxanthellate corals and hydrocorals in Southwestern Atlantic reefs

The Southwestern Atlantic (SWA) harbors a relatively species poor but highly endemic coral assemblage due to historical processes, environmental and ecological drivers. Despite its low to moderate cover, corals still have a disproportionate contribution to ecosystem function and stability in this region. In the context of global change, it is imperative to know corals’ diversity and biogeographic patterns, yet a comprehensive approach is still missing for SWA corals. We integrated occurrence data from 21 sites and nine functional traits across 20 coral (scleractinian and hydrozoan) species to explore the taxonomic and functional diversity of coral assemblages in the SWA (1°N-27°S). We identified eight regions based on coral species composition, and then described their functional diversity using four metrics: functional richness (FRic), functional dispersion (FDis), functional evenness (FEve), and functional originality (FOri). Taxonomic and functional diversity peak between latitudes 13°S-20°S, decreasing with increasing distance from this diversity center, known as the Abrolhos Bank that harbors a wide continental platform. Our findings reveal a prevalent pattern of high functional redundancy across these eight regions (indicated by low functional originality), with species occupying the edges of the trait space (high functional evenness) and converging around few trait values (low functional dispersion). Such patterns resulted in low taxonomic and functional beta diversity and increased nestedness among regions caused by dispersal barriers and environmental filtering. The Southernmost region (24°-27°S) has the lowest taxonomic and functional diversity and comprises only two species that share similar traits, with these corals being: hermaphrodites, brooders and depth-tolerant, and having a wide corallite. As this region might become critical for corals in a future tropicalization scenario, tropical corals that share similar traits to those of the southernmost region can be more likely to thrive. Knowledge on taxonomic and functional diversity patterns can offer critical information to conservation by helping prioritizing areas with higher diversity and species with traits that enhance survival under climate change.

Projected climate‐driven shifts in coral distribution indicate tropicalisation of Southwestern Atlantic reefs

AbstractAimPredicting and acting on the future of ecosystems requires understanding species distribution shifts due to climate change. We investigated which corals are more likely to shift their distribution in the Southwestern Atlantic under a warming scenario.LocationSouthwestern Atlantic (SWA; 1° N–28° S).MethodsWe used spatial distribution models with a Bayesian approach to predict the current and future (2050 and 2100) coral occurrence probabilities of 12 zooxanthellate corals and hydrocorals under an intermediate scenario of increasing greenhouse gas emissions (RCP6.0) projected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).ResultsWe found a decline in the occurrence probabilities of all 12 taxa within the tropics (1° N–20° S) and an increase towards subtropical sites (20–28° S) as early as 2050. The most significant declines are projected to occur between 9° S and 20° S, a region that currently hosts the richest reef complex in the South Atlantic, the Abrolhos bank. The imminent loss of suitable habitat in the tropics mostly threatens the Brazilian endemics and range restricted corals Mussismilia braziliensis and Mussismilia harttii, while more widely distributed taxa such as Siderastrea spp., Millepora spp. and Porites spp. are expected to expand their ranges southwards.Main ConclusionsThe projected declines in the tropical region are likely to reduce structural complexity causing biodiversity loss. The overall increase in occurrence probabilities in subtropical areas indicates tropicalisation of SWA reefs, which may benefit species already established in these areas and potentially enrich coral assemblages through the range expansion of taxa that currently do not occur in the region. These findings emphasise the need to support ecological corridors that could aid coral migration towards more suitable habitats under climate change.

Reef Fish in the Vitória-Trindade Seamount Chain of the Southwestern Atlantic: Biogeographical Corridors and Impact of Fishing

This paper aimed to study the community structure of large reef fish off the central coast of Brazil by defining the spatial distribution patterns of 34 species in the outer shelf (50 to 100 m) between 13 and 22ºS, including sea banks, seamounts and the Trindade Island, seeking further to interpret these patterns in light of biogeographic knowledge. In addition, this study attempted to estimate the impact of fishing on the community in different regions using mean weight and size distribution data. The data were obtained in four exploratory fishing surveys of demersal resources employing a bottom longline with steel wire under the aegis of the REVIZEE Program between 1996 and 1998. The numerical abundances were standardised in catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) in number, and species matrices per station were subjected to detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and cluster analysis. Reef fauna in the southwestern Atlantic can be divided, in its continental margin, into a tropical component and a subtropical component from latitude 19ºS, which corresponds to the Southern limit of the Abrolhos Bank. North of 19ºS, four distribution patterns were identified (North, Abrolhos, Banks and Trindade). The similarity between the last three enabled the definition of an “Abrolhos-Trindade faunal complex”. Evidence of the impact of commercial fishing on the structure of reef communities was found through differences in the sizes of species studied, which may have occurred differently in each one of the regions of the Abrolhos-Trindade complex. The results also reinforce the importance of the need for conservation measures in these areas.

Daily age, growth rate, and pelagic larval duration of commercially important snapper species in Abrolhos National Marine Park.

The age and daily growth of fish are registered through the deposition of increments in their otoliths, which are concretions formed by the precipitation of substances present in the endolymphatic fluid, mainly calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Faced with the need to fill some of the gaps in the knowledge on the occurrence and duration of the initial stages of snapper species' life cycles in the Abrolhos Bank, this study aimed to describe the growth rates, age, and period of pelagic larval duration (PLD) of three snapper species during the larval pre-settlement phase, in the Abrolhos Bank region. The post-larvae were captured using light traps. Otoliths were removed from 117 samples of snapper species; however, only 69 were viable for age estimation, of which 15 were Lutjanus analis, 25 were Lutjanus jocu, and 29 were Lutjanus synagris. Together, the samples presented individuals with total lengths ranging from 16.14 to 24.76 mm and ages from 21 to 39 days. Settlement marks were found for all three species, and the average PLD was ~25 days. The somatic growth of the snapper species was positively correlated with otolith growth. L. jocu presented the greatest daily growth compared to the other species. The three species use the Abrolhos Bank as a larval settlement site, demonstrating plasticity by using different habitats throughout their lives.

Integration of satellite surveillance and metagenomics for the monitoring and protection of water basins from oil spills

The planetary crisis regarding water resources means that new methods are needed to monitor large areas of water basins that are threatened by chemical and natural pollutants, together with climate change. With the aim to detect oil spill, we applied an algorithm, which could consistently and reliably confirm the presence of oil in four polluted lake waters analyzed. Combined algorithm application and metagenomic analysis from the spill areas that had been detected by the satellite identified drivers of the microbial response to oil pollution. Based on ortholog abundances, metabolic pathway reconstruction carried out in PICRUSt2 highlighted the degradative capacity of these microorganism. These microorganisms could be suitable candidates for treatment of crude oil, aromatic hydrocarbons and the desulfurization of persistent petroleum substances like dibenzothiophene.Environmental changes have been analysed with the combination of satellite monitoring and metagenomic in other studies. Red snow phenomenon, in Franz Josef Land's Arctic observed by satellite, is the result of a microbial succession dominated by Chlamydomonas nivalis, a unicellular, red-colored photosynthetic green algae. Similarly, satellite monitoring and metagenomic monitoring were used to assess the impact on coral reefs of a huge quantity of mud spill from iron ore mining on the Abrolhos Bank reef in Brazil.In our study, the combination of satellite sensing and metagenomics analyses offer useful tools for the real-time monitoring of water bodies threatened by oil spills, as well as for the design of recovery strategies based on the use of valuable hydrocarbonoclastic microorganisms.

Postmortem interval applied to cetacean carcasses: Observations from laboratory and field studies with the Abrolhos Bank Region, Brazil

Estimating the postmortem interval (PMI) in cetaceans is challenging. These mammals often sink after death, later floating and traveling considerable distances before stranding, complicating decomposition stage analysis. Our study investigates decomposition patterns in humpback whale, guiana dolphin, and franciscana dolphin. We analyzed decomposition stages using photographic data from Instituto Baleia Jubarte (IBJ) and conducted a controlled guiana dolphin carcass decomposition study in a laboratory to establish a reliable PMI baseline for carcasses found along Brazil's Abrolhos Bank region. Our findings reveal species-specific decomposition timelines: humpback whale carcasses typically beach within 14 days post-death maximum, while franciscana and guiana dolphins strand within seven to eight days. The most common PMI for whales was five to six days, guiana dolphins four days, and franciscana dolphins four to five days. We used the five decomposition codes: I alive animals, II fresh carcass, III moderate decomposition, IV advanced decomposition, V skeletal remains. For small cetaceans, code II indicates a PMI of two days, III four days, and IV seven days. For large whales, code II signifies a PMI of one day, III three days, and IV seven days. PMI estimation is vital for identifying the period a carcass floated from death site to shoreline. This information supports forensic approaches in understanding anthropogenic impacts on cetacean mortality and aids ecological and conservation studies regarding cetacean strandings, using PMI and backtracking techniques.

Coralline algae and bryozoans as major carbonate sediment components of shallow and mesophotic reefs on the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil, SW Atlantic

The Abrolhos Bank is the largest reef complex in the South Atlantic, harboring unique pinnacle formations (“chapeirões”) and the world's most extensive rhodolith bed. Building organisms (e.g., bryozoans, crustose coralline algae, and corals) interplay with bioeroding groups (e.g., sponges, fishes, echinoderms, and polychaetes) in the carbonate production and erosion processes controlling the reef structure. Many physical, chemical, and biological erosion processes break down these calcareous organisms in several sediment grain sizes. The present study aims to characterize the superficial sediments of three Abrolhos Bank carbonate reefs with increasing depth (6–33 m) and distance from the coast (14–75 km). Surface sediments (∼5 cm surface layer) were analyzed to determine their biological source, mineralogical compositions, and grain size distribution. In the site closer to the coast (Pedra de Leste), values of organic matter and finer terrigenous sediments were higher, while offshore sites (Parcel dos Abrolhos and California Reef) were composed mainly of carbonate bioclastics. The analyzed fragments were composed of 11 large groups, comprising eight invertebrates: Annelida, Ascidiacea, Bryozoa, Cnidaria, Crustacea, Echinodermata, Mollusca, and Porifera, plus Foraminifera, Osteichthyes, and one macroalgae(Rhodophyta). Within these large groups, a total of 61 taxa were identified, including five new records for the Abrolhos Bank (two Bryozoa and three Mollusca). In shallower reefs (Pedra de Leste and Parcel dos Abrolhos), the main bioclastic component was crustose coralline algae, CCA (45 and 49%, respectively), while in the mesophotic reef (California Reef) it was Bryozoa (42%). The sponge chips' contribution to the sediment composition varied from 0.3% to 3% in Pedra de Leste and Parcel dos Abrolhos, respectively. However, it could be underestimated due to the formation of peloids or fine sediment aggregates, which mask the visualization of some fine-grained particles. The main results from sediment analyses highlight the importance of calcifying organisms (CCA and Bryozoa) and bioeroding ones (sponges) to sediment formation on different cross-shelf reefs on the Abrolhos Bank.

The role of waves in the resuspension and transport of fine sediment and mine tailings from the Fundão Dam failure, Doce River, Brazil

In one of the world's worst mining disasters, after flowing 670 km down the Doce River, about 20 million m3 of tailings reached the coast of Brazil in November 2015. The occurrence of persistent northerly winds favored the detachment of the river plume from the coastline and its displacement southward. However, observations of the sediment plume along the coast during the year following the breach, using aerial photographs, indicated that the plume is more extensive and persistent in a northerly direction. Previous studies have shown that although the most persistent winds are from the northern sector (70%), there is a greater incidence of waves from the southern sector (62%), especially with greater heights and periods. In this research, the effect of gravity waves on the transport of sediments is investigated, and, therefore, tailings from the Doce River and deposited on the adjacent inner continental shelf, mixed with the fluvial mud deposit also are investigated. Two mechanisms were investigated: 1) the effect of waves on sediment resuspension and their combination with tidal and wind forcings, using a two-dimensions in the horizontal directions (2DH) numerical model within the DELFT3D software, and 2) the capture of the fluvial plume by littoral drift, calculated by means of analytical models using data from wave propagation modeling. Both mechanisms were studied for 2019, also considering two major meteorological events in the region. Both effects were relevant for the northward dispersion of fine sediment, highlighting the effect of waves on the potential for northward transport of tailings towards the Abrolhos Bank.

Physiological response of Symbiodiniaceae to thermal stress: Reactive oxygen species, photosynthesis, and relative cell size.

This study investigates the physiological response to heat stress of three genetically different Symbiodiniaceae strains isolated from the scleractinian coral Mussismilia braziliensis, endemic of the Abrolhos Bank, Brazil. Cultures of two Symbiodinium sp. and one Cladocopium sp. were exposed to a stepwise increase in temperature (2°C every second day) ranging from 26°C (modal temperature in Abrolhos) to 32°C (just above the maximum temperature registered in Abrolhos during the third global bleaching event-TGBE). After the cultures reached their final testing temperature, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, single cell attributes (relative cell size and chlorophyll fluorescence), and photosynthetic efficiency (effective (Y(II)) and maximum (Fv/Fm) quantum yields) were measured within 4 h and 72 h. Non-photochemical coefficient (NPQ) was estimated based on fluorescence values. Population average ROS production was variable across strains and exposure times, reaching up a 2-fold increase at 32°C in one of the Symbiodinium sp. strains. A marked intrapopulation difference was observed in ROS production, with 5 to 25% of the cells producing up to 10 times more than the population average, highlighting the importance of single cell approaches to assess population physiology. Average cell size increases at higher temperatures, likely resulting from cell cycle arrest, whereas chlorophyll fluorescence decreased, especially in 4 h, indicating a photoacclimation response. The conditions tested do not seem to have elicited loss of photosynthetic efficiency nor the activation of non-photochemical mechanisms in the cells. Our results unveiled a generalized thermotolerance in three Symbiodiniaceae strains originated from Abrolhos' corals. Inter and intra-specific variability could be detected, likely reflecting the genetic differences among the strains.

Interchange of Southern Hemisphere humpback whales across the South Atlantic Ocean

The cosmopolitan distribution of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) is largely driven by migrations between winter low-latitude breeding grounds and summer high-latitude feeding grounds. Southern Hemisphere humpback whales faced intensive exploitation during the whaling eras and recently show evidence of population recovery. Gene flow and shared song indicate overlap between the western (A) and eastern (B1, B2) Breeding Stocks in the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans (C1). Here, we investigated photo-identification evidence of population interchange using images of individuals photographed during boat-based tourism and research in Brazil and South Africa from 1989 to 2022. Fluke images were uploaded to Happywhale, a global digital database for marine mammal identification. Six whales were recaptured between countries from 2002 to 2021 with resighting intervals ranging from 0.76 to 12.92 years. Four whales originally photographed off Abrolhos Bank, Brazil were photographed off the Western Cape, South Africa (feeding grounds for B2). Two whales originally photographed off the Western Cape were photographed off Brazil, one traveling to the Eastern Cape in the Southwestern Indian Ocean (a migration corridor for C1) before migrating westward to Brazil. These findings photographically confirm interchange of humpback whales across the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans and the importance of international collaboration to understand population boundaries.

Abundance of humpback whales on the Abrolhos Bank wintering ground, Brazil

Abundance estimates are presented for the humpback whales wintering off Brazil which ‘visit’ a surveyed area off Abrolhos Bank and display fluke-exposing behaviour. The study is based on photo-identification data collected between 1996 and 2000. Chapman-corrected Petersen estimates for all pairs of data result in estimates from 1,948 individuals up to 3,001 with coefficients of variation around 0.25. A more elaborate closed population multiple-recapture maximum-likelihood estimate is 2,393 with 95% profile-likelihood confidence interval (CI=1,924, 3,060). Replacing the closed-population assumption with a population allowed to grow (or decrease) according to some constant rate over the study period, the maximum-likelihood estimate of population size for the year 2000 becomes 3,871 (CI=2,795, 5,542) associated to an estimated annual growth rate of 31% over the study period and in the surveyed area. Although the inclusion of the growth rate results in a less restrictive assumption about population size, it is unclear at this time how to interpret it since the population around the Abrolhos Bank is some (unknown) fraction of whales wintering off Brazil. Alternatively, a fit of Whitehead’s model allowing for emigration and re-immigration gives an estimate of about 3,000 whales (CI=2,500, 3,650).

A note on the movement of a humpback whale from Abrolhos Bank, Brazil to South Georgia

Most models of population structure for Southern Hemisphere humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) assume that individuals feeding in the Scotia Sea migrate primarily to breeding and calving areas off Brazil. However data to support this are few and mostly indirect. Abrolhos Bank, Brazil, is the largest breeding and calving ground for humpback whales in the western South Atlantic Ocean. Historically, the waters near South Georgia held the largest concentrations of humpback whales in Antarctic Area II and were among the largest in the Southern Ocean. Photographs of individually distinctive natural markings on humpback whale flukes collected from the Scotia Sea (n=9) were compared with two collections of photographs from Brazilian waters (n=829 and n=735) to identify re-sightings. A humpback whale photographed in August 2000 at Abrolhos Bank was subsequently photographed in December 2004 near Shag Rocks off South Georgia. The migratory distance between these sightings is 3,945km. This finding constitutes the first long-distance individual resighting to be documented from either of these areas.

Relações peso-comprimento de peixes de um estuário do Banco dos Abrolhos, Brasil

Abstract: Aim We investigate the length-weight relationship estimates of seventeen species caught using an artisanal purse seine in the Abrolhos Bank, a tropical estuarine complex in eastern Brazil. Methods From February 2012 to November 2013, fish were collected monthly using an artisanal small purse seine with a total of 84 fish landings. The fish were captured in mangrove margins during high tide and retrieved after six hours at depths ranging from 1.2 to 3 meters. Results A total of 4433 fish specimens from 17 species and nine families were sampled. The coefficient of determination ranged from 0.904 for Centropomus parallelus to 0.987 for Lutjanus cyanopterus. Species presented allometric growing, with Caranx latus, Lutjanus cyanopterus and M. curema exhibing negative allometric while all the other species presented positive allometric growing. We present first data in Brazil to L. cyanopterus and first data in the literature to Lutjanus alexandrei. Conclusions Our results provide novel data of biological attributes for 17 species. By understanding the length-weight relationships and growth patterns of these species, data at stock level may subside proper management initiatives such as fishing restrictions in fishing sites or seasons and mesh size limits.

Spatial modeling reveals a growing threat to the world's largest rhodolith beds

Rhodolith beds comprise a highly biodiverse and productive ecosystem that dominates the mid and outer shelf of the tropical eastern South American coast. Conservation planning and specific conservation measures are lacking, while impacts over rhodolith beds are escalating due to carbonate mining, and other activities such as oil and gas exploration and seaport dredging. Primary data detailing the spatial extent and characteristics of rhodolith beds within the Brazilian Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ) depend on extensive acoustic surveys and ground truthing, which are costly and logistically challenging. Here, we compiled an extensive database of rhodolith occurrence from the scientific and grey literature. ‘Ensemble’ Ecological Niche Modelling (EENM) techniques predicted the total area suitable for rhodoliths across the Brazilian EEZ and gave insight into the environmental variables driving their distribution in this region. Using the suitability map produced from the ensemble model, we compared rhodolith spatial overlap with oil and gas and mining activities and marine protected areas (MPAs). Light, saturation state of calcite and minimum temperature were the main predictors of rhodolith occurrence. Rhodoliths were predicted to occur over ∼167,379 km2 of the Brazilian EEZ largely (∼95%) in the Amazonas (AM), Northeastern Brazil (NB) and Eastern Brazil (EB) ecoregions. The representation of rhodoliths in areas with mining and oil and gas activities was similar for the EEZ as a whole. Within each ecoregion, representation of rhodolith beds in MPAs is negatively related with their overlap with mining and oil and gas activities. Eastern Brazil (EB) stood out as the area with the highest representation of rhodoliths under threat, in an area 6.7 times larger than those represented in MPAs, including the south region of the largest continuous extension of rhodolith beds, in the Abrolhos bank. Within the NB and AM ecoregions, which are under growing industrialization, rhodolith beds are poorly represented in no-take MPAs. Our results provide a basis for moving toward more effective management and conservation strategies for rhodolith beds in Brazil's EEZ.

Corrigendum: Bio-optical properties of the Brazilian Abrolhos Bank’s shallow coral-reef waters

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Bio-optical properties of the Brazilian Abrolhos Bank’s shallow coral-reef waters

The Abrolhos Bank harbors the richest coral reef ecosystem in the South Atlantic Ocean. It exhibits unique geomorphologic structures, is localized in shallow depths, and is divided into two reef regions with an inner arc close to the coast (3–20 m depth) and an outer deeper arc (5–30 m depth). This study aims to describe some bio-optical properties of the Abrolhos Bank waters and to evaluate the performance of the inversion Hyperspectral Optimization Processing Exemplar (HOPE) model, developed to retrieve optical properties in shallow waters, in the region. To this end, measurements at 75 stations during two field campaigns conducted during the 2013 and 2016 wet seasons were analyzed, and the HOPE model was applied to both in situ remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) spectra and PRecursore IperSpettrale della Missione Applicativa (PRISMA) imagery. Significant differences in optical and biological properties were found between the two arcs. The empirical relationships between chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a) and absorption coefficient of phytoplankton at 440 nm (aphy(440)) diverged from Bricaud’s models, suggesting differences in phytoplankton diversity and cell size. In both arcs, total non-water absorption coefficient at 440 nm (aT-w(440)) was dominated by colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) by ∼60%. Absorption coefficient by CDOM (acdom) presented a higher variability within the outer arc, with the lowest contribution from non-algal particles (NAPs), and the spectral slopes of aCDOM resembled those of the inner arc. The spectral slopes of the NAP absorption coefficient suggested a dominance by organic rather than mineral particles that probably originated from biological production. The HOPE model applied to in situ Rrs performed satisfactorily for depth in the Abrolhos Bank waters, although retrievals of aphy(440), CDOM plus NAP (adg(440)) and aT-w(440) were underestimated with a relative bias of −27.9%, −32.1% and −45.8%, respectively. The HOPE model retrievals from the PRISMA image exhibited low aphy(440) values over the whole scene and the highest adg(440) values in the Caravelas river plume. Very shallow depths (≤3 m), bottom substrate reflectance used as input in the HOPE model, model parametrization associated with the water complexity in the study site, and uncertainties associated to Rrs measurements used as input might be responsible for differences found when comparing HOPE retrievals with in situ measurements.

New record and a new species of Lissosabinea Christoffersen, 1988 (Decapoda: Caridea: Crangonidae) from Brazil.

Lissosabinea tridentata (Pequegnat, 1970) known hitherto from the Gulf of Mexico off Florida (24N) and only western Atlantic representative of the genus, is reported here for the first time from much further south, Brazil off the coast of Esprito Santo, Vitria-Trindade Seamount Chain, Montague Bank (20S), between 310 and 391 m. A second western Atlantic species, Lissosabinea christofferseni sp. nov., is described here as new from material collected in the Abrolhos Bank, at depth between 340360 m. One exuviae and one damaged specimen, reported in 1988 from off the coast of Chu, Brazil (34S) (at that time mistakenly referred to as Uruguay) and attributed to Lissosabinea cf. tridentata are herein referred to the new species. It has been clarified that Lissosabinea christofferseni sp. nov. and L. tridentata have a transverse row of teeth adjacent to the posterior margin of the sixth pleonal sternite; in crangonids, such a feature is so far known only in Placopsicrangron formosa Komai Chan, 2009.