Bahia De Research Articles

The complete mitochondrial genome of Chilean Jack Mackerel, Trachurus murphyi Nichols, 1920 (Teleostei, Carangidae)

The Chilean jack mackerel (Trachurus murphyi, Nichols, 1920) is a pelagic fish of high fishery interest, with a global capture of 828,358 mt in 2021. We report the complete mitochondrial genome of T. murphyi (Teleostei, Carangidae), collected in Bahia de Zapallar, Chile (32°33’02.59’’ S, 71°27’55.38’’ W). The size of the mitogenome is 16,561 bp (H-strand composition: 25.9% A, 16.7% C, 29.8% G, and 27.5% T). The mitogenome has the classic vertebrate gene content of 13 protein-coding, two rRNA, and 22 tRNA genes, as found in Carangidae and other Teleostei families. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial genomes of 22 related species revealed that T. murphyi formed a well-supported monophyletic group with the other Trachurus species, being T. simmetricus its closest relative. Sequencing the mitochondrial genome from T. murphyi is the first step in developing traceability tools based on DNA analysis to enforce fishing quotas and trace the processed food and foodstuff containing Chilean jack mackerel following the objective of the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organization (SPRFMO).

Hidden in plain sight: camouflage and hiding behaviour of wild precocial chicks in an open landscape

Camouflage represents an important component of self-protection when animals cannot easily evade predators and is often altered by behavioural responses to a predation threat. The cryptic plumage of many precocial chicks inspired early theoretical work on camouflage mechanisms, but so far, limited efforts have gone towards empirically testing the crypsis of chick plumage properties in their natural environment. We studied background matching and hiding behaviour in precocial snowy plovers Charadrius nivosus in Bahia de Ceuta, Northwest Mexico. This ground-nesting wader breeds in sparsely vegetated open habitats such as salt flats and sandy beaches. The open habitats provide a challenge for young chicks to evade predator detection. Examining background matching of wild chicks for luminance, pattern and colouration at their hiding spots, we found that chicks matched the luminance of their chosen spot better than at unchosen nearby spots. Pattern and colouration matching were age-related, with the plumage of older chicks matching their hiding spots better than those of recently hatched chicks. This suggests that with increasing mobility, chicks may be better able to find hiding places that optimise camouflage. Finally, we found that chicks were more likely to hide in soil cracks than expected by chance, suggesting that chicks chose these soil features in a barren landscape as preferred hideouts. We conclude that the cryptic plumage is an understudied but essential part of the anti-predator repertoire of precocial chicks. The plumage most likely works hand-in-hand with the anti-predator behaviours of chicks and their parents to increase survival chances of precocial young.Significance statementMany chicks rely on effective camouflage to evade predators and survive until fledging. We studied how plumage characteristics and behavioural choices enable snowy plover chicks to hide effectively from approaching predators in an open landscape. These chicks leave their nest scrapes shortly after hatching, relying on their cryptic plumage for several weeks to evade predator detection. We found that chicks chose hiding spots where their plumage had a higher match in luminance and, for older chicks, a higher match in pattern and colouration than at adjacent spots. When available, chicks chose to hide in small cracks that appeared in the soil from the evaporation of moisture. This study represents the first quantitative characterisation of cryptic chick plumage features in a natural population. Our results demonstrate that plumage and behavioural responses jointly contribute to the effective camouflage of small chicks.

Fatty acid composition of whale shark (Rhincodon typus), and zooplankton in two aggregation sites in the Gulf of California

The whale shark Rhincodon typus (Smith, 1828) is a filter-feeding species that feeds on zooplankton. There are whale shark aggregation sites in the Gulf of California, Bahia de La Paz in Baja California Sur, and Bahía de Los Angeles in Baja California. Whale shark ecotourism is an important and economically profitable activity for the coastal communities surrounding their habitat areas. Fatty acid (FA) profiles, including arachidonic acid (ARA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), are used as trophic tracers in marine food webs because they are essential for marine fish and provide information on the nutritional quality of zooplankton. In the present study, we analyzed the FA profile of zooplankton to trace them in the stomach contents, blood, liver, and muscle of stranded male whale sharks and the subdermal tissue of live whale sharks. Total lipids were extracted to calculate the energy density. Then lipids were methylated to obtain FA methyl esters (FAMEs) and analyzed in a gas chromatograph with a flame ionization detector. Permutational multivariate analysis of variance was applied to compare FA profiles. Zooplankton of both aggregation sites had 70 % similarity in their FA profiles. The FA profile found in the liver of whale sharks was similar to that of zooplankton in both aggregation sites (DHA > EPA > ARA). However, muscle and subdermal tissue had FA profiles significantly different from zooplankton, and there was preferential ARA assimilation in the subdermal tissue of stranded and live whale sharks. Therefore, FA profiles reflected just 50–60 % of the diet, suggesting that whale shark tissues retain FA according to their metabolic requirements or that surficial zooplankton do not provide ARA detected in subdermal tissue. Future studies should consider night sampling and FA analysis of demersal zooplankton in each aggregation site.

Ammonium loss microbiologically mediated by Fe(III) and Mn(IV) reduction along a coastal lagoon system

Anaerobic ammonium oxidation, associated with both iron (Feammox) and manganese (Mnammox) reduction, is a microbial nitrogen (N) removal mechanism recently identified in natural ecosystems. Nevertheless, the spatial distributions of these non-canonical Anammox (NC-Anammox) pathways and their environmental drivers in subtidal coastal sediments are still unknown. Here, we determined the potential NC-Anammox rates and abundance of dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria (Acidomicrobiaceae A6 and Geobacteraceae) at different horizons (0–20 cm at 5 cm intervals) of subtidal coastal sediments using the 15N isotope-tracing technique and molecular analyses. Sediments were collected across three sectors (inlet, transition, and inner) in a coastal lagoon system (Bahia de San Quintin, Mexico) dominated by seagrass meadows. The positive relationship between 30N2 production rates and dissimilatory Fe and Mn reduction provided evidence for Feammox’s and Mnammox’s co-occurrence. N loss through NC-Anammox was detected in subtidal sediments, with potential rates of 0.07–0.62 μg N g−1 day−1. NC-Anammox process in vegetated sediments tended to be higher than those in adjacent unvegetated ones. NC-Anammox rates showed a subsurface peak (between 5 and 15 cm) in the vegetated sediments but decreased consistently with depth in the adjacent bare bottoms. Thus, the presence/absence of seagrasses and sediment characteristics, particularly the availability of organic carbon and microbiologically reducible Fe(III) and Mn(IV), affected the abundance of dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria, which mediated NC-Anammox activity and the associated N removal. An annual loss of 32.31 ± 3.57 t N was estimated to be associated with Feammox and Mnammox within the investigated area, accounting for 2.8–4.7% of the gross total import of reactive N from the ocean into the Bahia de San Quintin. Taken as a whole, this study reveals the distribution patterns and controlling factors of the NC-Anammox pathways along a coastal lagoon system. It improves our understanding of the coupling between N and trace metal cycles in coastal environments.

Micromollusk families in 2 contrasting seasons in Bahia de los Angeles, Gulf of California, Mexico

Marine mollusks provide important ecosystem services. They create habitats for benthic organisms, filter water, biodeposit organic carbon in the seafloor, and serve as food sources for other organisms. Studies of mollusk diversity require time-consuming methods to process samples and identify species. Thus, it is not surprising that most studies have focused on macromollusks that can be collected and processed easily, ignoring micromollusk species. Without understanding the ecology and distributions of micromollusks properly, it is impossible to assess their populations and implement adequate conservation measures. Here we present microgastropods collected in Bahia de los Angeles at the family level for September 2013 (summer) and February 2014 (winter). During each season, we sampled 6 coastal sediment stations, and analyzed depth, salinity, temperature, granulometry, and organic matter. A total of 20,353 specimens were collected: 15,310 in summer and 5,043 in winter. Seven micromollusk families were identified: Barleeidae, Caecidae, Cerithiidae, Eulimidae, Pyramidellidae, Rissoidae, and Tornidae. Caecidae and Barleeidae exhibited the highest densities among all families in summer and winter, respectively (278,044 ind·m–2, 142,222 ind·m–2). The lowest densities for summer and winter were observed for the Tornidae family (~1,867 ind·m–2, ~1,411 ind·m–2). Barleeidae, Caecidae, Cerithiidae, Rissoidae, and Tornidae were classified as herbivorous and detritivorous; Eulimidae and Pyramidellidae, as carnivorous and ectoparasitic. Tornidae and Eulimidae showed symbiotic relationships with various invertebrate species. The Bayesian analysis of variance indicated a high probability of differences only in summer (BF > 3). When comparing the stations in both periods, all stations, except station 6, showed differences between periods (BF > 3). The canonical correlation analysis indicated some associations between family abundances and temperature. This study provides valuable information that expands the knowledge of micromollusk biodiversity in the coastal area of Bahia de los Angeles, an important site for conservation in Mexico.

Whale shark abundance forecast: The interannual hotspot effect

Abstract Each year, whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) aggregate in the northern Gulf of California at Bahia de los Angeles, a small coastal village that recently developed whale shark swimming as economic activity during the summer and autumn. Since the number of animals using the bay fluctuates annually, we aimed to predict it 1 month before each whale shark season. We based our modelling approach on the hypothesis that interannual warming conditions would spatially restrict whale shark habitats, triggering larger aggregations in areas that remain productive. We photo‐identified whale sharks while surface feeding in Bahia de los Angeles during a 13‐year period, which allowed us to estimate a local abundance index per year through mark–recapture techniques. Then, we fitted these abundances as a function of several competing model structures, based on means of sea surface temperature and chlorophyll‐a, as well as their interannual anomalies from the linear trend, during spring, within the best‐known range of the species in the northern Gulf of California. The results of the ecological model showed that whale sharks visit Bahia de los Angeles in larger numbers during extreme warming conditions, with relatively high surface chlorophyll‐a concentrations, which was especially evident during the 2014–2016 northeast Pacific Marine Heatwave and El Niño. Presumably, the overall reduction in surface productivity associated with these events forced whale sharks to restrict their summer–autumn habitat to productivity hotspots, including Bahia de los Angeles. Our model allowed us to predict the number of animals visiting the site before each season starts, which has crucial proactive management implications, such as allowing authorities to regulate the ecotourism effort dynamically to reduce the probability of ship strikes and/or excessive stress to the animals. We propose an abundance baseline from the prediction for neutral interannual conditions. Synthesis and applications. We recommend local authorities apply the model described in this study during the late spring of each year to obtain predictions of the upcoming whale shark abundance and establish the maximum ecotourism effort allowed accordingly.

Clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with time spent sitting in military police.

To verify the association between clinical and sociodemographic factors and time spent sitting in military police. This is a cross-sectional study, with 432 military police officers from Eastern Regional Policing Command units of the Military Police of Bahia de Feira de Santana. Data collection took place from August to December 2022 through Google Forms using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Men predominated (82.35%), race/color was black (87.04%), the head of the family had completed higher education (47.69%) and police officers with a partner (81.94%). The risk of time spent sitting ≥ 180 minutes per day was lower in males (IRR < 1). Increasing age was associated with a lower risk of time spent sitting ≥ 180 minutes per day (IRR < 1). Male police officers with more years of experience were less exposed to sedentary behavior. Specific interventions and health policies aimed at combating sedentary behavior become relevant, aiming to promote health and prevent diseases.

New record of the prickly shark Echinorhinus cookei (Pietschmann, 1928) and evidence of scavenging by the coyote Canis latrans (Say, 1823) in Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico

Echinorhinus cookei is a rare, large, demersal, deep-sea species of shark inhabitant of the Pacific Ocean basin. A sub-adult female with a total length of 262.7 cm was found naturally stranded in 2021 at Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Central Gulf of California. It presents two spineless dorsal fins closer to the pelvic fins, large star-shaped dermal denticles, and distally oriented multi-cusplet cutting-type teeth. Along the shark, a peninsular coyote Canis latrans peninsulae was observed scavenging on the shark carcass. This study documents the first record of E. cookei in the Bahia de Los Angeles area and the first record of scavenging by the coyote C. latrans on any echinorhiniform shark to date.

Hydrographical characteristic of basins of Bahia de Navidad, Jalisco, Mexico

A physical characterization of the drainage area of the Bahía de Navidad, Jalisco, Mexico was carried out, based on different parameters and hydrographic indices. The results allowed to identify and define more precisely the baseline of the hydrographic behavior of three small "sub" basins that drain and flow into Pacific Ocean. 1) Arroyo El Pedregal, a high-risk creek, impacts independently on San Patricio-Melaque. 2) Arroyo El Organito, a moderate risk creek, runs into El Tule lagoon, and surrounds urbanized areas. 3) Arroyo Seco, its low hazard determines the hydrological conditions of Barra de Navidad lagoon. In conclusion, environmental deterioration, high degree of ecological fragmentation and deforestation, coupled with hydrographic specificities calculated by indexes, make them highly susceptible in different degrees to situations of risk and emergency due to floods and alluvial landslides, in face of increasingly frequent and powerful hydrometeorological events in recent years.

A new species of ice cream cone worm in the Gulf of California (Annelida, Pectinariidae).

Pectinaria Lamarck, 1818 is composed of 30 species, three of them were originally described from the west coast of the USA and Mexico: P.californiensis Hartman, 1941 (from Redondo Beach, California, USA), P.newportensis Hartman, 1941 (from Newport Bay, California, USA) and P.hartmanae Reish, 1968 (from Bahia de los Angeles, north-western Gulf of California, Mexico). A new pectinariid polychaete, Pectinariasantii sp. n., is reported from the central-eastern Gulf of California, Mexico. Pectinariasantii sp. n. is clearly distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological features: segment 4 with a ventral crest with six horn-shaped anterior projections; three chaetigers with notopodia (S5, S6 and S7); 12 chaetigers with noto- and neuropodia (from S8-19); 8-10 golden opercular paleae per lobe; a pair of ear-shaped lobes at the base of the cephalic veil; an anterior row of chaetae on notopodia with a deep incision and a bifid process at the lateral end of the shaft; and 13-21 pairs of amber scaphal hooks with distal margin rounded and hooded. A full description, including variation and photographs in live and fixed specimens, is provided, as well as a key to the species of Pectinaria from the Tropical Eastern Pacific and Temperate Northern Pacific.

Ecosystem-atmosphere CO2 exchange from semiarid mangroves in the Gulf of California

Mangrove wetlands play an essential role as blue carbon ecosystems. However, worldwide they also face imminent threats caused by anthropogenic activities and climate change. Mangroves in the semiarid region of the Gulf of California are highly vulnerable to both threats. In this study, we present eddy covariance measurements of net ecosystem exchange of CO2 (NEE), gross primary productivity (GPP), and ecosystem respiration (Reco) at a preserved mangrove (Estero El Sargento) and a site influenced by anthropogenic activities (Bahia del Tobari) located in northwest Mexico. Both sites were net annual carbon sinks but had different dynamics. The net annual carbon gain for Estero El Sargento was −717 g C m−2 y−1 while for Bahia deTobari was −247 g C m−2 y−1. Over the studied year, Estero El Sargento had lower Reco(329 g C m−2) during the winter-spring months and an overall lower annual Reco/GPP (0.42) than Bahia de Tobari. The Reco was notably high during the winter-spring period at Bahia de Tobari when agriculture drainage from the intensive food production activities at the Yaqui Valley reaches the bay. The contrasting NEE patterns and magnitude between both mangrove sites suggest that anthropogenic activities influencing coastal ecosystems exert an important control on the CO2 sink potential.

Susceptibility to Flooding of Urban Areas Puerto Vallarta - Mexico

The Mexican Pacific coast is frequently affected by meteorological systems that cause rain. These events are beneficial when they precipitate in the internal valleys of the basins and water is captured from the highlands by filtration, recharging the aquifers, and allowing surface runoff through rivers and runoffs that are the natural sources of freshwater. On the other hand, these systems are adverse when they precipitate in excess, and additionally, they are associated with bad decisions and urban planning errors that put at risk the life and patrimony of some social sectors, this aspect has become a national security issue for the authorities. The region of Bahia de Banderas has a rainwater drainage network through open-pit channels that partially cover the urban area, a situation that puts the population and its assets at risk since rain considered common causes significant puddles, a situation that is progressively worsening, but the great danger of an extraordinary amount of rain, as has occurred in the past, is represented by the hydrological basins that cross or are adjacent to it, an aspect that will be discussed in greater detail in this article.

Potencial turístico, planificación participativa, diversificación del turismo de sol y playa de Bahías de Huatulco, Oaxaca

El artículo muestra el proceso de planificación participativa con la intención de generar elementos para estructurar y apoyar la diversificación del turismo de sol y playa de Bahías de Huatulco, situado en la costa oaxaqueña al sur de México. Esta investigación parte de un diagnóstico en los municipios aledaños del destino Bahías de Huatulco para la valoración de sus atractivos naturales y culturales, seguidamente se realizó un ejercicio participativo con los prestadores de servicios turísticos, con los comités de gestión turística de los municipios, con las autoridades municipales y la Secretaría de Turismo del estado de Oaxaca, cuyo propósito fue definir el producto turístico, la visión turística de la zona estudiada y proponer un plan estratégico. Para identificar la demanda potencial de turistas se aplicaron encuestas a turistas nacionales y extranjeros en el destino Bahías de Huatulco.

Símbolos, religiosidade e pertencimento. Diálogos entre história do Brasil e da África em três documentários

The persistent search for visibility of the influence of African culture for the history of Brazil, travels through three recently produced documentaries: Àkàrà, no fogo da intolerância; Sankofa: a África que te habita; Chico Rei entre nós. Their narratives promote dialogues between the past and present, religiosity and resistance, culture and ancestral memory, life and death, while exposing the intimate relationship between photography and cinema. Which memory wires do we weave when we connect images of Africa, Bahia, Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro, images in which black bodies are the protagonists? Voices that cross the Atlantic Ocean, in both directions, echoes through the ages.

1455P Clinical factors influencing place of death of oncology patients in palliative care in a primary care district of Cadiz

Death at home is an increasingly more common measure for improving the quality of palliative care services. The study analyzes the factors that may influence the place of death of oncology patients in palliative care (hospital/home), focusing on clinical characteristics. Study design: longitudinal, prospective single-cohort, analytical. 427 people were studied in 2018 in the Bahia de Cadiz-La Janda District (Andalusia, Spain). Data were collected during initial evaluation, follow-up, Last Days and Hours of Life (LDHL) and after death. Among the data gathered: place of death, Palliative Performance Scale (PPS), Palliative Care Complexity Index (IDC-Pal), Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), hospital admissions, advanced treatments and symptoms during follow-up and LDHL. 52.2% of patients died at home and 47.8% died in the hospital. Among the individuals who died at home, the results reveal: - A less complex situation (IDC-Pal) throughout the entire process (60.9%, 84.1% and 88.4%; p<0.02 in all these cases). - Less prognosis of survival at initial evaluation (PPS) (57.2 vs 52.4; p=0.003). - Absence of hospital admissions (26.8% vs 78.6%; p<0.001) or a lower number of admissions (0.32 vs 1.12; p<0.001). - Absence of toxicity to opioids (p=0.05), as well as lower pain intensity during LDHL (3.45 vs 4.31; p=0.01), dyspnea (2.94 vs 3.89; p=0.009), nausea/vomiting (1.31 vs 1.72; p=0.031) and anxiety (4.31 vs 5.10; p=0.030). No significant differences were found in place of death (home/hospital) according to age, sex, advanced complementary treatment and other symptoms/complications studied. The main clinical characteristics that have been found to influence the place of death are: case complexity, survival prognosis, hospital admissions and number of admissions during the process, toxicity to opioids, and intensity of certain symptoms in LDHL, such as: pain, dyspnea, nausea/vomiting and anxiety. It is essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of this type of patient and process, but it may prove especially important to prioritize the aspects herein identified.

Whale shark (Rhincodon typus) predatory flexible feeding behaviors on schooling fish

Whale sharks are known to feed primarily on zooplankton all over the world; however, recent findings suggest that they also prey on fish using behaviors that have not been fully described. Here, we provide detailed evidence of whale sharks interacting with schools of anchovy on four occasions in Bahia de Los Angeles, Baja California, Mexico. Three of these were predatory interactions in multi-species feeding frenzies, and one was a non-predatory interaction. In predatory interactions, whale sharks exhibited two types of feeding behaviors: (1) stationary suction-feeding, a previously described behavior for whale sharks, and (2) lunge-feeding, which has not been previously described in whale sharks, but has been observed among other large filter feeders, such as rorqual whales. The whale sharks moved simultaneously around the school of anchovy, lunging simultaneously or one after another into the school, with 66% (N = 17) of these lunges occurring in the same direction. In the non-predatory interaction, whale sharks exhibited “sit-and-wait" behavior. The evidence presented here, along with previous observations, suggests that whale sharks may change their feeding strategy from suction to lunge-feeding when other predators corner schooling fish.

Aggregata polibraxiona n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Aggregatidae) from Octopus bimaculatus Verrill, 1883 (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) from the Gulf of California, Mexico

The Apicomplexa Aggregata spp. are intracellular parasites of cephalopods that infect the intestinal tract of commercially important species such as Octopus bimaculatus, which sustains the octopus fishery in Baja California (B.C.), Mexico. In this study, Aggregata polibraxiona n. sp. was described from the cecum of O. bimaculatus collected from Bahia de Los Angeles, B. C. Light and electron microscopy revealed that oocysts and sporocysts were spherical to ovoid in shape. Sporulated oocysts (293–835 × 177–688 μm) contained 135–674 sporocysts (12–24 × 11–22 μm). The sporocyst wall was covered by tubular projections (0.55–2.19 μm in length) bifurcated in the top, unevenly distributed, covered by a thin membrane. Each sporocyst contains 11–13 sporozoites (16–26 × 1.20–3 μm). Three partial sequences of the 18S rDNA gene were obtained, and two phylogenetic approaches were performed according to Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood. In both phylogenetic reconstructions, the sequences of A. polibraxiona n. sp. were recovered as a monophyletic group within the genus Aggregata and placed as a sister group to Aggregata octopiana Lineage II. Aggregata polibraxiona n. sp. is the first Apicomplexa described from a cephalopod host from Mexico and extends the geographical range of Apicomplexa infecting cephalopods.

Reported capture, fishery perceptions, and attitudes toward fisheries management of urban and rural artisanal, small-scale fishers along the Bahía de Banderas coast, Mexico

Artisanal fishing is a very important activity for the subsistence of coastal inhabitants in Latin American countries. Increasingly, what has traditionally been a rural activity is being enveloped by urban expansion, resulting in urban-based artisanal fishers. We administered 98 questionnaires to artisanal fishers along the Jalisco coast of the Bahia de Banderas, on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. Approximately half of the participants belonged to each of urban (Puerto Vallarta) or rural collectives. The aim of the study was to understand the differences and similarities between urban and rural fishers with respect to demographics, fishing behaviors, assessments of past, current, and future fishing resources, attitudes towards fisheries management, and perceptions of human-environment relationships. The respondents represented an aging demographic with a low level of education. They reported catching 27 different species of fish, primarily of the Family Lutjanidae, although rural fishers reported a greater variety of species captured. Half of the respondents supplement fishing with a second form of income, a trend that is more prevalent in rural fishers. Fishers indicated that fishing was better in the past and predicted it will be poorer in the future; rural fishers were more negative about fishing conditions. Almost all fishers were concerned about the health of fish populations and three-quarters of them felt that fish populations are disappearing. Specific fishing practices were the highest cited problems facing fishing and making changes to these problems was identified to improve fishing. Half the respondents felt that there is conflict between artisanal and commercial sport fishers, but this is more prevalent in urban fishers. Respondents indicated that fishery managers need to do their job (e.g. resource monitoring, enforcement) and apply fisheries laws in order to help improve regional fisheries. Overall, concerns for a future sustainable fishery are reflected in an ecocentric view of humanity and nature by both groups, although it is often statistically greater in urban fishers. These results provide an insight into differences between urban and rural fishers that can be useful for local fisheries collectives, regional and federal fisheries management agencies, as well as global approaches to small-scale fisheries.

COVID-19 disaster response: an emergency food and supply distribution programme in Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has further challenged the world's most vulnerable populations' access to adequate food. The UN World Food Program estimates that COVID-19 will increase worldwide food insecurity from 135 million to 265 million people by 2021. In March, 2020, Walking Palms Global Health (WPGH) initiated their More than Food Emergency Relief Program in Bahía de Caráquez, Ecuador, working with local government to deliver food and supplies to at-risk households. We aim to assess how WPGH's response affected households early in the 2020 pandemic. MethodsBetween March and July, 2020, rations were delivered to 225 families in rural, urban, and peri-urban communities within the city of Bahia de Caráquez located in the province of Manabí on Ecuador's west coast. These specific communities face frequent piped water disruptions, power outages, and mosquito-transmitted diseases such as dengue are endemic. In June, 2020, WPGH administered evaluations in the urban and rural communities, which included the World Food Program Food Confidence Score to address food consumption, food accessibility stress, and presence of chronic diseases. FindingsEvaluations were conducted in 21 of 45 urban households (47%) and 45 of 50 rural households (90%). Overall, 66 households (69%) completed surveys and 29 (31%) opted out. The association between household income before COVID-19 and food insecurity was significant (p=0·04). Before the first programme delivery, 59 participants (92%) worried that their household would experience food insecurity and most often felt nervous or stressed about possible food insecurity (n=55 [85%]). Insufficient access to food led to 55 respondents (85%) skipping meals. Food confidence scores remained stable over the pandemic's most challenging period (Food confidence score=37·68% before deliveries and 38·11% during deliveries). Respondents (n=61 [95%]) reported that boxes allowed them to prepare enjoyable and culturally appropriate meals. The most common combination of meals cooked with box items was rice and beans, stews, corviche, empanadas, and plantains with 98% of participants finding every box item useful. There was no relation between food insecurity and number of children (p=0·26) or number of people in households (p=1·00). There was no significant association between chronic disease and pre-COVID-19 household income (p=0·24) or respondents' food security (p=0·82). InterpretationIn communities that had high food insecurity before the pandemic, WPGH's response allowed households to maintain overall food consumption throughout the most challenging lockdown period. WPGH is currently working to innovatively and sustainably increase food security in the communities where they work. Limitations include programme administration relying on donor participation for financial support. FundingNone.

CONFLITOS AMBIENTAIS RELACIONADOS À PESCA ARTESANAL NA ZONA COSTEIRA BRASILEIRA

O trabalho teve como objetivo identificar e mapear os conflitos ambientais que abrangem a comunidade pesqueira artesanal na zona costeira brasileira, de forma a proporcionar maior visibilidade aos atores sociais, vitimizados pela desigualdade e injustiça ambiental, em favor de projetos econômicos. Para esta análise foram utilizados os dados do Mapa de Conflitos e Injustiça Ambiental em Saúde no Brasil elaborado pela Fiocruz, de forma a sistematizar uma proposta metodológica focada nos conflitos presentes nos estados costeiros do país e relacionados com a pesca artesanal. Os resultados apontam que os estados da Bahia (14), Ceará (12) e Rio de Janeiro (9) têm o maior número de conflitos na pesca. Entre as principais atividades econômicas geradoras de conflito na pesca artesanal destacam-se a indústria química e de petróleo/gás (35,62%), os portos e estaleiros (32,88%) – predominantes nas regiões Sul e Sudeste –, o turismo (30,14%) e as atividades pesqueiras e de carcinicultura (24,66%) – com maior incidência nas regiões Norte e Nordeste do país.&#x0D; Palavras-chave: conflitos ambientais, pesca artesanal, zona costeira, gestão ambiental, vulnerabilidadesocial.