Coast Of Pernambuco Research Articles

Composition and spatial distribution of subtidal decapoda on the "Reef Coast", northeastern Brazil, evaluated through a low-impact visual census technique

This study investigated the composition and spatial distribution of the sublittoral decapods on the reefs of Porto de Galinhas Beach, southern coast of Pernambuco, Brazil, through the Underwater Visual Census technique. Data were collected monthly, at night during full-moon tides in low tide periods from June 2004 to May 2005, using SCUBA diving and a visual census with a fixed belt transect (20 m long). Three sampling areas were defined: Confined Waters (low hydrodynamics) with shallow sites (up to 2.5 m deep); Semi-open Water (3 to 6 m deep), influenced by waves and tidal currents (moderate hydrodynamics); and Open Water (7 to 10 m deep), in the breaker zone (high hydrodynamics). A total of 6,287 individuals of 34 species belonging to the infraorders Brachyura (19 species), Achelata and Anomura (5 species each), Caridea (3 species), and Stenopodidea and Astacidea (1 species each) were collected. Two decapod assemblages were distinguished: in a habitat with low hydrodynamics and shallow (Confined) water; and in a habitat with moderate to high hydrodynamics and depths of 3 to 10 m (Semi-open and Open water). At the sites with high hydrodynamics, i.e., the Open-water Area in the breaker zone, decapod diversity was significantly lower than in the other, protected areas on the reef bench. These results suggest that the distribution of subtidal decapods on coastal reefs is influenced by depth and exposure to water stress caused by waves and currents (hydrodynamics). The visual census technique with SCUBA proved to be suitable for ecological studies on subtidal decapods.

Reproduction of the Brazilian snapper, Lutjanus alexandrei Moura & Lindeman, 2007 (Perciformes: Lutjanidae), off the northern coast of Pernambuco, Brazil

Reproductive aspects of the Brazilian snapper Lutjanus alexandrei, were characterized, including a description of the development of oocytes and spermatogenic cells, size at first sexual maturity, and fecundity. A total of 540 fish were analyzed with 250 having their gonads sectioned to allow microscopic evaluation. Six maturity stages were identified for females and males: immature, maturing, mature, spawning, spawned, and resting. Fish standard length (SL) varied from 13.0 to 28.3 cm and sex ratio was 1.6 males: 1.0 females. Monthly distributions of mean Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and maturity stages suggest that spawning occurs mainly in a protracted period, during the warmer months, from November to March. The size of first sexual maturity was estimated at 17.1 cm SL for females and 16.8 cm SL for males. Oocyte development suggests that L. alexandrei exhibits a multiple batch spawning behavior and batch fecundity varied from 34,000 to 324,000 oocytes.

Environmental Conditions Associated With Shark Attacks Against Humans

This article describes the autopsy findings of a victim of a shark attack that took place off the coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. The victim was rescued and immediately taken to a nearby hospital but did not survive, even though the lapse of time between the attack and verification of death did not exceed 15 minutes. The presence of a single, large, contused and incised, semiarched wound with a serrated aspect was decisive in elucidating the event. Thus, this study discusses aspects related to the aggressor species, to the autopsy, to the type of wound, and to the causes that have led to a significant increase in this type of event in the area. It was concluded that the lesion was produced while the victim was still alive and that it was the cause of death.

Toxicity against Artemia salina of the zoanthid Palythoa caribaeorum (Cnidaria: Anthozoa) used in folk medicine on the coast of Pernambuco, Brazil

Palythoa caribaeorum is a zoanthid whose mucus is traditionally used by fishermen communities on the southern coast of the state of Pernambuco as an anesthetic and anti-inflammatory agent, as well as for the treatment of topical wounds. In order to evaluate a possible toxicity, hexane and ethanol extracts of the zoanthid obtained from the beaches of Piedade (PCP-H; PCP-E), Guadalupe (PCG-H; PCG-E), and Suape (PCS-H; PCS-E) were tested against Artemia salina larvae. Among the six extracts tested, PCP-H, PCP-E, PCS-H, and PCS-E showed low toxicity, with LC50 values above 250µg/mL. On the other hand, PCG-H (80 < LC50 < 250µg/mL) was categorized as moderately toxic, while PCG-E (LC50 < 80µg/mL) was considered as highly toxic, with its degree of toxicity close to that of the standard drug cyclophosphamide (LC50 = 19.7µg/mL). The results indicate the presence of toxic compounds in the zoanthid obtained from Guadalupe and they suggest caution in the use of P. caribaeorum as a folk remedy. The variations found in the extracts of the tested Pernambucan populations of P. caribaeorum corroborate previous reports that the toxic action of this zoanthid is not inherent to the species, but it is influenced by environmental conditions and associated organisms.

Biologia reprodutiva da Anomalocardia brasiliana (Gmelin, 1791) no litoral norte de Pernambuco, Brasil

The clam Anomalocardia brasiliana presents great economic and social importance in the artisan fishing of the north coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. This study aimed to examine the aspects related to the reproductive biology of the natural stock of A. brasiliana in Mangue Seco beach, Municipality of Igarassu, north coast of Pernambuco, Brazil. The reproductive biology of the species was monthly monitored for ten months by histological characterization of the gonadal development, yield (condition index) and sex ratio calculation. The yield and histology analysis results indicated that the species has the potential to reproduce continuously during the study period. These results may be used as a basis for establishing future fisheries management programs and for the development of clam aquaculture in the region.

Characterization of phytoplankton biodiversity in tropical shipwrecks off the coast of Pernambuco, Brazil

The phytoplankton community was studied around two artificial reefs (shipwrecks Servemar-X and Servemar-I), located off the coast of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil, aiming to identify and thus, better describe these environments. Water samples were collected with Nansen bottle at three depths (surface, mid-column and bottom) for chlorophyll a analysis and salinity; temperature and water transparency were also measured. To collect phytoplankton samples, a diver using SCUBA equipment carried out phytoplankton hauls with a 20 µm net around the shipwrecks, about 1.5 m from the bottom for approximatly 3 minutes. Chlorophyll a concentrations at the bottom varied between 0.61 and 5.97 mg.m-3, with an average that indicates a mesotrophic environment. Temperature and salinity registered small seasonal variation, while water transparency showed a seasonal spatial pattern positively related to Chl-a rates. As regards the phytoplankton community, diatoms were the most representative group in the samples, followed by dinoflagellates, and among the species, the cyanobacteria Trichodesmium thiebautii Gomont ex Gomont prevailed quantitatively. The ecological importance of these ecosystems was confirmed by the high diversity and evenness indexes, with the influence of coastal waters playing an essential role in phytoplankton structure and diversity.

Avaliação agroindustrial e parâmetros genético de progênies de cana-de-açúcar em fase inicial na zona canavieira do Litoral Norte de Pernambuco

Neste trabalho, objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho agronômico, industrial e a magnitude dos parâmetros genético de progênies de cana-de-açúcar na zona canavieira do Litoral Norte de Pernambuco. Os experimentos foram desenvolvidos durante o ano agrícola 2006/2007 no Litoral Norte de Pernambuco, no município de Igarassu, dentro de área da Usina São José. O delineamento experimental foi de blocos casualizados, com cinco repetições, utilizando-se como tratamentos 24 genótipos (20 provenientes dos cruzamentos e quatro variedades padrões). A parcela constou de três sulcos de 6 m, espaçados de 1,30 m, com 10 plântulas por sulco, (espaçados de 0,6 m dentro do sulco, totalizando 30 plântulas por parcela), perfazendo uma área total de 23,4 m². O corte foi realizado no décimo mês após o transplantio, onde foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis: tonelada de cana por hectare (TCH), tonelada de pol por hectare (TPH), Fibra (FB), pol % corrigida (PCC), pureza (PZA), Brix (BX) e açúcar total recuperável (ATR). As progênies dos cruzamentos: RB855035 X RB 72454; RB 865230 X RB855035; Tuc71-7 X RB72454 e RB72454 X Tuc71-7, destacaram-se para as variáveis TPH, FB, PZA e BX. Há variabilidade genética entre as progênies dos cruzamentos para todas as variáveis avaliadas. As estimativas de h²m foram expressivas para as variáveis TPH, TCH, PCC, FB, BX e ATR, indicando a possibilidade de êxito na seleção dessas variáveis dentro da região canavieira do Litoral Norte de Pernambuco.

Current epidemiological status of schistosomiasis in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Uncontrolled peripheral urbanisation coupled with environmental degradation has affected the status of schistosomiasis in Pernambuco (PE), Brazil. This endemic disease continues to perpetuate its transmission in rural areas and has also become a cause for concern in coastal towns of the state. The lack of basic infrastructure (sanitation and health programmes) to support the new urban areas leads to faecal contamination of natural aquatic environments, resulting in consequent infection of vector snails and the emergence of new sources of schistosomiasis transmission. In the present paper, we discuss the current epidemiological status of schistosomiasis in PE. We have consolidated and analysed information from parasitological, malacological and morbidity surveys undertaken by the group of researchers at the Laboratory of Schistosomiasis, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães-Fiocruz. The results of our analysis show: (i) the maintenance of the levels of schistosomiasis in the rural Zona da Mata, PE, (ii) the record of the human cases of schistosomiasis and the foci of infected snails detected along the coast of PE through 2007, (iii) the high record of the severe clinical form of schistosomiasis in the metropolitan region of Recife (RMR) and (iv) new breeding sites of schistosomiasis vector snails that were identified in a 2008 survey covering the RMR and the coastal localities of PE.

Spatial pattern, water use and risk levels associated with the transmission of schistosomiasis on the north coast of Pernambuco, Brazil

This study aimed to describe epidemiological aspects of schistosomiasis in Carne de Vaca, Goiana, on the coast of Pernambuco State, Brazil and analyze the spatial distribution of households' sanitary conditions and patterns of water contact. A parasitological survey was conducted between 2006 and 2007. An indicator was set to establish risk levels for schistosomiasis based on variables of water contact pattern, household characteristics and proximity to the foci of vector snails. The prevalence was 18.71 in men and 15.96 in women. The age groups most affected were 20-29 years among men and 10-19 among women. The most common parasite load was 1-99 eggs per gram of feces. The prevalence was 17.3 cases per 100 inhabitants and its spatial distribution was not homogeneous. The Bayesian analysis proved unsatisfactory. It is concluded that schistosomiasis is endemic in Carne de Vaca and the risk indicator, based on geoprocessing, proved to be satisfactory, highlighting areas where the problem is more acute.

Variação temporal do fitoplâncton em três praias urbanas do litoral sul do estado de Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil

Este trabalho teve como objetivo efetuar uma análise comparativa da estrutura da comunidade fitoplanctônica, variação da biomassa e dados ambientais, na zona de arrebentação das praias arenosas de Brasília Formosa (8º04'S; 34º52'W), Boa Viagem (8º07'S; 34º53'W) e Piedade (8º10'S; 34º54'W) no litoral pernambucano. Amostras com garrafa e com rede foram coletadas durante o período chuvoso (maio, junho e julho/2005) e de estiagem (novembro, dezembro/2005 e janeiro/2006), simultaneamente com os dados ambientais (temperatura da água e do ar, salinidade, material em suspensão, nitrito, nitrato, fosfato, silicato, precipitação pluviométrica, velocidade e direção do vento). Do total de 119 táxons infragenéricos, as diatomáceas obtiveram maior representatividade, em termos de frequência e abundância, destacando-se Asterionellopsis glacialis (Castracane) Round, Bellerochea malleus (Brightwell) Van Heurck, Dactyliosolen fragilissimus (Bergon) Hasle, Helicotheca tamesis (Shrubsole) Ricard e Licmophora abbreviata Agardh. A. glacialis foi dominante durante o período chuvoso e H. tamesis durante o período de estiagem. Os resultados indicaram que as condições ambientais de cada período sazonal refletiram sobre a composição específica, clorofila a e densidade total, propiciando florescimentos esporádicos (2,3 x 10(6) cél.L-1) no período de estiagem. A morfologia e o hidrodinamismo dos ambientes de praia analisados não favoreceram a formação de manchas por acumulação de microalgas.

Vibrio spp. ISOLADOS DE CAMARÃO E ÁGUA DE CULTIVO DE FAZENDA MARINHA EM PERNAMBUCO

Water and shrimp samples were collected monthly, during all cultivation phases, in three located farms at Pernambuco coast, on winter and summer, for Vibrio spp. quantification and identification. The counting’s were correlated, through mathematical models (P KEY WORD: Vibrionaceae, Vibrio spp., shrimp and pond water.

Biological aspects of sharks caught off the Coast of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil

One hundred seventeen specimens of sharks were caught along the coast of Pernambuco State, Northern Brazil, between May 2004 and May 2007, among which 86 were blacknose sharks, Carcharhinus acronotus, enabling a more detailed study of the species. Blacknose sharks were caught in the 2 study areas along the Boa Viagem/Piedade and Paiva beaches, accounting for the highest relative abundance among the species caught (73.5% of total). Potentially dangerous sharks, tiger and bull sharks, were also caught in the same areas, whereas hammerhead and blacktip sharks were only captured off Boa Viagem/Piedade. Concerning the blacknose shark, the total length (TL) ranged from 39.0 to 180.0 cm. Among the 38 females analysed, 32 were juveniles, 11 were maturing, 2 were pre-ovulatory and 21 were pregnant. Sexing was possible for 75 of the 83 embryos, 38 of which were males and 37 were females, with a sex proportion of 1:0.9 and total length ranging between 6.4 and 63.5 cm. Ovarian fecundity ranged from 5 to 10 and uterine fecundity from 1 to 3, with an estimated gestational period of 9 months. Among the 48 males, 6 were juveniles and 42 were adults. Both males and females seem to reach sexual maturity at about 105.0 cm TL. Among the 86 stomachs analysed, only 22.1% had contents, with teleosts as the most frequent item.

Impact of aquaculture on mangrove areas in the northern Pernambuco Coast (Brazil) using remote sensing and geographic information system

The conversion of mangrove areas into shrimp farming ponds has been indicated as the main activity responsible for the reduction in the area of this ecosystem along the northeastern coast of Brazil. The present study was conducted using remote sensing methods and a geographical information system with the aim of quantifying the participation of this activity in the reduction of the mangrove areas along the northern coast of the State of Pernambuco (northeast, Brazil), where shrimp farming has been implanted in last recent years. From 1973 to 2005, there was reduction of about 2.052 ha of mangrove, 197 ha of which were converted into shrimp ponds. Thus, the real contribution of shrimp farming to this reduction was just 9.6% of the total area. Other anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture, urban expansion and tourism, contributed greatly to the reduction in the mangrove areas along the northern coast of the State of Pernambuco.

Unusual coloration pattern in juveniles of Stegastes fuscus (Actinopterygii: Pomacentridae)

The diversity of color patterns in reef fishes, associated with the investigation of areas that had never been studied before, has resulted in a growing number of new species being described (Rocha, 2004; Lima et al. 2005; Rocha et al. 2007). However, the contrary is also true and in some cases recognized species are in reality populations or subspecies with fragile diagnoses (Wiley, 1981). This seems to be the case for Stegastes fuscus and other species of the same genus. Stegastes trindadensis (Gasparini et al. 1999) was separated from S. fuscus because it presents a yellow area in the dorsal fin, during its juvenile phase. Nevertheless, Gasparini and Floeter (2001) recognized that S. trindadensis should be reclassified as a subspecies. Juveniles of S. fuscus with a different color pattern described for the species have been found in natural reefs of Porto de Galinhas and Tamandaré (B.P. Ferreira, pers. comm. 2007), as well as in shipwrecks located along the coast of Pernambuco, with records also for Paraiba (L.A. Rocha, pers. comm. 2007) and the southeastern Brazilian coast (Carvalho-Filho, 1999). Besides the bluish color with scintillating spots, these specimens also have a dorso-anterior band in yellowish and reddish colors (Fig. 1), which is not present on the common color pattern (Fig. 2). This color pattern was previously unknown for this species, and further genetic investigation is necessary to determine if it differs from the normal color morph. The authors thank Dr. George and Mathews Burguess for their suggestions, and Dr. L.A Rocha for the valuable discussion.

Ocorrência de larvas e juvenis de Microdesmus bahianus e M. longipinnis (Teleostei: Microdesmidae) em estuários do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

Microdesmidae includes five gobioid genera of small, slender, burrowing fish found along the coast of tropical seas and estuaries. Microdesmus is&nbsp; distributed in the eastern Pacific, and the eastern and western Atlantic, being the most speciose genus, with 16 species. M. bahianus and M. longipinnis havebeen reported off the Brazilian states of Bahia, Alagoas, Pernambuco and Espírito Santo. Monthly ichthyoplankton samples were taken with a 0.5 mm plankton net. Larvae and juveniles were collected in the estuaries of Jaguaribe, Itapessoca, and Formoso along the coast of Pernambuco between June 2000 and October 2002. Fifteen specimens of M. longipinnis were collected; 12 from Formoso (18.3-60.0 mm SL); 2 in Jaguaribe (18.4 and 19.2 mm SL); and one in Itapessoca (21.1 mm). A single 13.9 mm SL M. bahianus was caught in Jaguaribe in April 2001 and represents the first record for Pernambuco and the northern most distribution of the species along the Brazilian coast.

Taxonomia e distribuição do gênero Caulerpa Lamouroux (Bryopsidales - Chlorophyta) na costa de Pernambuco e Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil

Este trabalho identifica e fornece a distribuição do gênero Caulerpa na costa de Pernambuco (07º30' S e 09º00' W) e no Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha (03º51' S e 32º25' W). As coletas foram realizadas em 32 praias da costa de Pernambuco no período entre abril/2004 a novembro/2005, na região entre-marés. Em Fernando de Noronha as coletas foram feitas em junho/2006, na região entre marés e no infralitoral (10, 15 e 21 m de profundidade), em oito praias. Foram, também, analisadas as exsicatas de Caulerpa depositadas no Herbário Professor Vasconcelos Sobrinho (PEUFR) da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco. Os resultados mostram que o gênero Caulerpa está representado na costa de Pernambuco, por 19 táxons infragenéricos. Algumas espécies apresentaram distribuição restrita como C. kempfii Joly &amp; Pereira, C. lanuginosa J. Agardh e C. serrulata (Forssk.) J. Agardh. Para o Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha foram registrados três táxons infragenéricos.

Magnoliophyta species of restinga, state of Pernambuco, Brazil

Restinga vegetation occurs along the entire coast of Brazil. The 187 km of coastline of the state of Pernambuco demonstrates a diversity of habitats, such as beaches, dunes, and restingas. The present study sought to elaborate a checklist of the phanerogamic species found there. The species listed were compiled from surveys undertaken between 1951 and 2007, as well as from herbaria collections in that state. A total of 477 species distributed among 303 genera and 95 families were encountered. The families with the greatest numbers of species were Poaceae (39 species), Fabaceae (34), Cyperaceae (26), Euphorbiaceae (25), Myrtaceae (24), Rubiaceae (20), Caesalpiniaceae (17), Mimosaceae (16), Asteraceae (14), Orchidaceae (14), Bromeliaceae (9), Boraginaceae (8), Malvaceae (8), Solanaceae (8), and Annonaceae, Araceae, Chrysobalanaceae, Malpighiaceae, and Melastomataceae (7 each). Approximately 60 % of the species were common to other restinga areas in northeastern Brazil, and 39.3 % were restricted to the coast of Pernambuco.

Delimitação de parques aqüícolas para o cultivo de ostra Crassostrea rhizophorae (Guilding, 1828) no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study aimed to delimit collective aquaculture areas to the “native oyster” Crassostrea rhizophorae farming, as part of the of Local Plan Mariculture Development in the north coast of Pernambuco. Indicators were identified, selected and hierarquized to enable the elaboration of a conceptual modelsubsidizing the selection process of potential oyster farming areas. Depth measurements were realized in transversal sections of the estuarine channels using ecobathimeter linked to a GPS (Global Positioning System) and a Palmtop. In the of aquaculture area eight environmental, seven socioeconomic and five production/logistics indicators were identified to subsidize the selection process of the oyster farming potential areas. Three preferential areas were delimited, in which six collective aquaculture areas were demarcated, being three in the municipality of Goiana (estuary of the river Itapessoca), two in Igarassu (estuary of the river Timbó) and one in Itapissuma (Santa Cruz channel), where 263 individual aquaculture areas could be inserted, totalizing 77,2 ha of collective aquaculture areas.

Seleção de variáveis em modelos matemáticos dos parâmetros de cultivo do camarão marinho Litopenaeus vannamei

O objetivo deste trabalho foi selecionar as variáveis de manejo do camarão marinho Litopenaeus vannamei que mais influenciaram nas variáveis-respostas ao cultivo (produção, produtividade, peso final e taxa de sobrevivência), em modelos matemáticos. O banco de dados foi composto por 83 cultivos, realizados no período de 2003 a 2005, obtidos de uma fazenda comercial localizada no litoral sul de Pernambuco. Para estimar os parâmetros dos modelos, utilizou-se a técnica dos mínimos quadrados. A seleção das variáveis foi realizada com o processo "backward elimination" associado ao método de transformação de Box e Cox. A adequação das equações e os pressupostos de normalidade e homocedasticidade, para os erros, foram analisadas com base na análise de variância e análise de resíduo. É possível relacionar essas variáveis e estabelecer predições com as equações.

Ocorrência do bivalve exótico Mytilopsis leucophaeta (Conrad) (Mollusca, Bivalvia), no Brasil

The mussel Mytilopsis leucophaeta (Conrad, 1831) is native to North America. It was found at Pernambuco Coast, northeastern Brazil, in 2004, probably brought by ships’ ballast water. The distribution of this species has been now spread to estuarial area near Recife Harbour. They showed a clumped distribution with a maximum of 176,800 ind./m 2 only in the intertidal zone.