Coastal Species Research Articles

Natural history collections help resurrecting Glomeris herzogowinensis Verhoeff, 1898 and further clarify the nomenclature of two Onychoglomeris subspecies of Attems (Diplopoda, Glomerida, Glomeridae)

Based on the study of freshly-collected material and old museum specimens, we have solved a decades-old riddle surrounding the name Onychoglomeris herzogowinensis (Verhoeff, 1898). The southern Dinaric coastal species Glomeris herzogowinensis Verhoeff, 1898 is revived, while Onychoglomeris herzogowinensis australis Attems, 1935 and O. h. media Attems, 1935, are treated here as full species after returning the specific name to Glomeris Latreille, 1902, O. australis Attems, 1935, stat. nov. and O. media Attems, 1935, stat. nov. Besides the designation of lectotypes, we provide comprehensive illustrations, diagnoses, detailed remarks and a distribution map for all three species. In addition, DNA barcoding provided COI sequences for Glomeris herzogowinensis and Onychoglomeris australisstat. nov., along with the first barcoding data of one additional species of Onychoglomeris Verhoeff, 1906, O. ferraniensis Verhoeff, 1909 and two Glomeris species, the Balkan G. balcanica Verhoeff, 1906 and the trans-Adriatic G. pulchra Koch, 1847. The significance of historical specimens from natural history museums is briefly discussed.

Predicting regional cumulative effects of future development on coastal ecosystems to support Indigenous governance

Abstract To achieve better biodiversity outcomes and match local governance capacity, cumulative effects assessment frameworks that combine Indigenous and western knowledge to predict future development impacts on biodiversity are needed. We developed a spatial future‐focused model informed by inclusive elicitation and strategic foresight to assess the regional cumulative effects of development on ecosystem health across the land and sea. We collaborated with three First Nations on the Central Coast of British Columbia, Canada, enabling Indigenous priorities, knowledge and values to drive the process, from the choice of priority ecosystem components (including salmon, herring, seabirds and bears), to identifying future development scenarios (based on forestry, energy/mining, tourism and salmon aquaculture sectors). Bayesian networks were populated with empirical data and expert judgement elicited from knowledge holders to predict the cumulative effects of current and future pressures on species and ecosystems. Under current conditions, the lowest probability of persistence was predicted for Pacific salmon (37%), followed by Pacific herring (43%). Under future conditions, the greatest declines in species health were associated with the intense development of mining, tourism and forestry, with up to a 54% decline from the current baseline health estimates predicted for Marbled Murrelets and old‐growth forest. Future outcomes for overall ecosystem health were predicted to be worst in scenarios with high future forestry activities (>60% decline in some areas). The continuation or development of all four industries resulted in an 8% decline overall in ecosystem health across the Central Coast. In contrast, predicted ecosystem health in the tourism economy scenario increased up to 15% in some marine areas, primarily driven by the removal of salmon aquaculture and forestry activities. Synthesis and applications. Our study demonstrates an inclusive, regional approach to assessing the cumulative effects of future development on coastal species. The novel participatory tools and predictive framework draw upon and interweave multiple forms of knowledge, enabling Indigenous values to drive the process, and appropriately integrate Indigenous knowledge into regional cumulative effects assessment. Our interactive web application provides First Nations partners access to all outputs, supporting Indigenous‐led governance and in situ ecosystem‐based management of their lands and water.

Rapid climate change increases diversity and homogenizes composition of coastal fish at high latitudes.

Rapid warming at high latitudes triggers poleward shifts of species' distributions that impact marine biodiversity. In the open sea, the documented redistributions of fish lead to a borealization of Arctic fauna. A climate-driven borealization and increased species diversity at high latitudes are also expected in coastal fish communities, but they have not been previously documented on a large, biogeographic scale. Here, we investigate the impact of temperature change over the last 25 years on fish communities along the coast of Norway. The study area, spanning different ecoclimatic zones between 62° and 71° N, harbors over 200 species of boreal and Arctic fish. Several of these fish species are harvested by coastal and indigenous communities, influencing settlement geography and livelihood. The long-term data on coastal water temperatures and fish species were obtained from monitoring stations and scientific surveys. Water temperature measured at three fixed sampling stations distributed along the coast show increased temperatures during the study period. The fish species distribution and abundance data were obtained from the annually standardized scientific bottom trawl survey program. Fish species richness, which was highest in the south, increased with warming first in the south and then, gradually, further north, eventually affecting biodiversity in the whole study area. Fish community composition showed a distinct latitudinal pattern early in the study, with Arctic fish species confined to the north and boreal species dominating the south. The poleward shifts eventually eroded this zoogeographic pattern, resulting in more boreal fish species in the north and an increased homogenization of species composition along the Norwegian coast. The climate-driven reorganization of fish communities affects coastal ecosystems that are exposed to fisheries, aquaculture, and other rapidly expanding human activities, stressing the urgent need for a climate adaptation of integrated coastal management.

Assemblages of planktonic cnidarians in winter and their relationship to environmental conditions in the NW Mediterranean Sea

In the present study, we addressed the spatial characterization and species assemblages of the planktonic cnidarian community (Siphonophorae, Hydromedusae, and Scyphomedusae) in winter, a period that has been the subject of few studies in the NW Mediterranean. Data were obtained on two oceanographic cruises, in February 2017 and 2018. In 2017, the early onset of spring conditions and the subsequent phytoplankton bloom favored a mixture of winter and spring species, resulting in a higher species richness but a lower abundance of cnidarians. However, the typical winter oceanographic conditions in 2018 allowed winter species populations to develop, leading to a higher abundance of cnidarians that year. The most abundant species in both winters were Lensia subtilis, Muggiaea kochii, Chelophyes appendiculata, Abylopsis tetragona (eudoxid), Aglaura hemistoma, and Velella velella rataria larvae, while Obelia spp. was particularly numerous in 2017. In both years, the cluster and redundancy analyses showed a coastal-offshore ordination in species assemblages resulting from the effect of environmental variables (particularly bathymetry) and oceanographic structures (water masses and the shelf-slope density front). The presence of submarine canyons, in which great depths are reached close to the coast, modified the circulation patterns, resulting in a mixture of coastal and offshore species in these areas. In the current scenario of global warming, our results will help to provide a baseline for identifying future changes in the structure of the planktonic cnidarian community.

Potentially toxic trace elements in the muscle of coastal South American fish: Implications for human consumption and health risk assessment

Micropogonias furnieri and Urophycis brasiliensis are two coastal demersal fish species distributed in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. Considering that many coastal areas in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean suffer from anthropogenic pressure, the aim of this study was to assess the level of potentially toxic trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, V and Zn) in the muscle of coastal species, and evaluated the human health risk related to the consumption of muscle. Mercury, inorganic As (Asi), V, and Se showed a higher contribution to the total THQ. Considering two possible scenarios, Asi represents 1 % or 5 % of the total As, the total THQ was <1 for general population and of some health concerns for fishermen population (Total THQ > 1; 5 % Asi). Consequently these results show the importance of quantifying As species in muscle to generate more reliable risk estimates for human health.

Analysis of two coastal pelagic fish species (Sardinella aurita and Scomber colias) for early detection of the impact of anthropogenic metals released into the marine environment

In this study, the concentrations of several metals (Al, Cd,Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn) were analyzed in two species of fish (S. aurita and S. colias) in different years, including the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. The highest values of metals such as Al were found in the years 2019 8.661±0.434 mg/kg in S. colias and 6.487±1.485 mg/kg in S. aurita, and the year with the lowest concentration was 2020; 7.5±0.146 mg/kg in S. colias and 4.405±0.823 mg/kg in S. aurita, this pattern of concentrations occurs similarly for the other metals studied. Significant differences were found in the concentrations of these metals in both types of fish over the years. In general, metal concentrations were higher in 2019 and lower in 2020, coinciding with the period of reduced human activity during the pandemic. During the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced human activity led to a decrease in metal pollution in the marine environment, which had a positive impact on fish. However, it was noted that these effects may be temporary and may reverse when normal economic activities resume. These two fish species are sensitive indicators of metal pollution in the marine environment and it is important to take measures to reduce the release of contaminating metals into the environment. The need to adopt sustainable tourism practices and stricter environmental regulations to protect marine ecosystems is also mentioned.

Mutual facilitation between foundation species Mytilus edulis and Lanice conchilega promotes habitat heterogeneity on tidal flats

Foundation species that modify their habitat can facilitate other species, including other foundation species. Most studies focus solely on a single foundation species, overlooking such facilitation cascades. In this study, we investigated the interactions between the two coastal foundation species Mytilus edulis (blue mussel) and Lanice conchilega (sand mason worm). We investigated whether these species engage in facilitative interactions or if their association simply reflects a shared ecological niche on the soft-sediment intertidal flats of the Dutch Wadden Sea. To do so, we performed species distribution modeling, manipulative field experiments, and field surveys. We found a positive association between both foundation species, with a 2.45 times higher occurrence of both species compared to a random distribution. In addition, these species partially occupied the same ecological niche. We demonstrated that L. conchilega provided settlement substrate for M. edulis spat, increasing densities by 400 times compared to bare plots. Furthermore, M. edulis reefs facilitated L. conchilega occurrence in the wake of the reef. Biogenic reef development revealed that this interspecific facilitation resulted in spatial habitat heterogeneity. Therefore, we conclude that interspecific facilitation can significantly enhance the occurrence of these two important intertidal foundation species. Acknowledgment of such complex facilitation interactions has an untapped potential for improving the success of restoration and conservation programs.

Exoskeletal trade-off between claws and carapace in deep-sea hydrothermal vent decapod crustaceans.

Limitations on energetic resources create evolutionary trade-offs, prompting us to investigate if investment in claw strength remains consistent across crustaceans living in diverse habitats. Decapod crustaceans living in deep-sea hydrothermal vents are ideal for this study due to their extreme environment. In this study, we investigated whether decapods (blind crab Austinograea sp. and the squat lobster Munidopsis lauensis) living in deep-sea hydrothermal vents prioritize investing in strong claws compared to the carapace, like coastal decapods. We analyzed exoskeleton morphology, mechanical properties, structures, and elemental composition in both the carapace and claws of four Decapoda species (two each from Brachyura and Anomura infraorders) in vent and coastal habitats. Coastal decapods had approximately 4 to 9 times more teeth on their claw cutting edge than the vent species. Further, only the coastal species exhibited higher firmness in their claws than in their carapaces. Each infraorder controlled exoskeletal hardness differently: Brachyura changed the stacking height of the Bouligand structure, while Anomura regulated magnesium content in the exoskeleton. The vent decapods may prioritize strengthening their carapace over developing robust claws, allocating resources to adapt to the harsh conditions of deep-sea hydrothermal vents. This choice might enhance their survival in the extreme environment, where carapace strength is crucial for protecting internal organs from environmental factors, rather than relying on the powerful claws seen in coastal decapods for a competitive advantage.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List does not account for intraspecific diversity

Abstract The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List identifies threatened and endangered species and is a key instrument in global biodiversity conservation efforts. Our understanding of the structure and value of genetic biodiversity below the species level is rapidly increasing. Nonetheless, the IUCN assessment criteria overlook genetic variation within species. Here, we address this blind spot and discuss the principles of species conservation status classification relative to intraspecific biodiversity. We focus on coastal species, which thrive in heterogeneous environments known to drive genetic differentiation. The focal example species, Atlantic cod and sugar kelp, have contrasting life histories, are ecologically and economically important constituents of the coastal ecosystem, and are currently not classified as threatened in Norway and Canada. We expose important variation in population structure, the presence of ecotypes and genetic-environment covariation, as well as loss of ecotypes that threatens the conservation of these species. Because the genetic makeup of species directly influences their resilience, omitting this information from conservation status assessments can result in loss of adaptive capacity to future stressors, such as climate change. Consequently, recognizing and preserving intraspecific variation emerges as vital for species’ abilities to adapt to and survive in future ocean conditions.

Assembly structures of coastal woody species of eastern South America: Patterns and drivers

Tropical regions have provided new insights into how ecological communities are assembled. In dry coastal communities, water stress has been hypothesized to determine plant assembly structure by favoring preadapted lineages from neighboring ecosystems, consistent with functional clustering. However, it is unclear whether this hypothesis is sufficient to explain how coastal communities in tropical ecosystems are assembled. Here, we test whether water stress or other factors drive community assembly in woody plant communities across the coastal zone of Brazil, a tropical ecosystem. We characterized functional and phylogenetic structures of these communities and determined the underlying environmental factors (e.g., water stress, historical climate stability, edaphic constraints, and habitat heterogeneity) that drive their community assembly. Assemblages of coastal woody species show geographically varied patterns, including stochastic arrangements, clustering, and overdispersion of species relative to their traits and phylogenetic relatedness. Topographic complexity, water vapor pressure, and soil nutrient availability best explained the gradient in the functional structure. Water deficit, water vapor pressure, and soil organic carbon were the best predictors of variation in phylogenetic structure. Our results support the water-stress conservatism hypothesis on functional and phylogenetic structure, as well as the effect of habitat heterogeneity on functional structure and edaphic constraints on functional and phylogenetic structure. These effects are associated with increased phenotypic and phylogenetic divergence of woody plant assemblages, which is likely mediated by abiotic filtering and niche opportunities, suggesting a complex pattern of ecological assembly.

New Tudivasum Rosenberg &amp; Petit, 1987 (Mollusca: Vasidae) from Queensland and the first report of sinistralism in that genus

Five new Tudivasum species are described from Queensland, Australia. Currently, only Tudivasum armigerum (Adams, 1856) and Tudivasum rasilistoma (Abbott, 1959) are recognized from the east Australian Coast, and are of comparable in size to the new species. An additional species, Tudivasum kurtzi (Macpherson, 1964) from northwestern Australia is included in this study as it is also of comparable size to the new species described here, although it is not found in the same biogeographical area. A coastal species, Tudivasum annettae n. sp. is described from Shoal Point, Central Queensland, where it has been found on intertidal sand/mud flats and near shore reefs. Tudivasum barbaracollinsae n. sp. is described from the far northern region of Queensland off the Cairns coastal trawler grounds. Tudivasum glendae n sp. is described from the northern Queensland trawling grounds off Townsville. Tudivasum amandacantamessae n. sp. is described from the central Queensland trawler grounds off Bowen. Tudivasum variabilis n. sp. is taken from the southern Queensland trawler grounds off Yeppoon. The first example of a sinistral Tudivasum from Australia is also presented.

Hematology and Serum Biochemistry of Coastal Seabirds Rehabilitated on the Southeastern and Southern Coast of Brazil.

Complete blood counts (n=566) and serum biochemistry (n=426) were assessed in seven coastal seabirds species that underwent rehabilitation along the southeastern and southern coast of Brazil from Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro State (22°56'16.44″S, 42°18'24.16″W) to Laguna, Santa Catarina State (28°29'43″S, 48°45'39.2″W), from August 2016 to August 2020. Blood samples were collected from four species of Charadriiformes, including Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus, n=136), South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea, n=25), Cabot's Tern (Thalasseus acuflavidus, n=17), and Common Tern (Sterna hirundo, n=14) as well as three species of Suliformes, the Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster, n=212), Magnificent Frigatebird (Fregata magnificens, n=104), and Neotropic Cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianum, n=58). The individuals were sampled as part of the protocol required before their release into the wild when considered healthy. This work aimed to establish the normal hematologic and biochemical reference values of those seabird species and, when possible, to analyze variations among age class and sex and to compare those with the available data in the literature. In addition, we provide the first baseline data for the South American Tern, Cabot's Tern, and Neotropic Cormorant. Baseline hematologic data are crucial for assessing health status of individuals and to support management and conservation actions, including release of seabirds into the wild.

Using lessons learned from a multidecadal intercept survey of Puerto Rico spear fishers to improve data collection in the U.S. Caribbean

AbstractObjectiveSpearfishing is a common activity used to harvest coastal marine species worldwide and can be a significant contributor to landings of ecologically and economically relevant species. As such, it is important to monitor spearfishing catch and effort. Spearfishing is commonly practiced throughout the Caribbean, yet characteristics of this gear's fishery remain understudied in the region. Thus, the objectives of this study were to provide a description of the Puerto Rico spearfishing fishery utilizing a long‐term MRIP APAIS data set, examine the data set quality of this survey, and provide suggestions to improve MRIP implementation in the U.S. Caribbean.MethodsWe described the Puerto Rico recreational spearfishing fishery using a multidecadal (2000–2015) Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) Access Point Angler Intercept Survey conducted along the coast of Puerto Rico and surrounding territories. Data issues were identified in the survey results, including possible errors in measurement and identification; therefore, we limited analyses to species composition, enumeration, and mean catch rates.ResultThere were 89 species identified, with snappers (family Lutjanidae) being the most encountered family. Other economically relevant finfish frequently reported were Hogfish Lachnolaimus maximus (n = 121), Queen Triggerfish Balistes vetula (n = 115), and Red Hind Epinephelus guttatus (n = 90). Multiple reef fishes were landed during their spawning season, while prohibited by seasonal closures. Further, spearfishing accounted for 25.8% of the total harvest throughout the study period.ConclusionOur results suggest that spearfishing could be a considerable contributor to finfish landings in Puerto Rico, warranting its continued and improved monitoring in the region. Further, modifications in the design of fisheries surveys are warranted. We suggest increasing the allocation of resources, training, data quality assurance and quality control, and funding for the MRIP to maximize the accuracy of data obtained and meet MRIP U.S. Caribbean priorities. Implementation of a recreational fishing license would assist by creating a registry to monitor total recreational fishing effort and by generating funds to supplement the MRIP. The use of electronic reporting can help mitigate discrepancies with species identification and size measurements and enhance overall recreational fisheries data collection.

Response to Seawater Exposure During the Flowering Stage of Two Dune-Building Grasses: Calamagrostis arenaria (L.) Roth and Thinopyrum junceum (L.) Á.Löve

AbstractHuman disturbance and seawater intrusion have unpredictable effects on coastal species. Dune systems are crucial coastal habitats because they provide natural front protection against seawater influence. Adult plant stands in dunes are important since they maintain dune structure. This study evaluated salinity stress responses in adult plants of two key dune-building grasses differing in salt tolerance: Thinopyrum junceum (tolerant) and Calamagrostis arenaria (less tolerant). Cultivated plants were exposed to various seawater (SW) dilutions (Tap-Water, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) and gas exchange measurements and oxidative stress biomarkers were determined after two months of treatment. Stress conditions were maintained until flowering to assess effects on the reproductive effort. The reproductive response showed high plasticity at various inflorescence stages in T. junceum, minimizing abortion processes. C. arenaria showed lower plasticity and higher abortion rates. Physiological traits responded similarly to salinity in both species, with greater effect on Fv/Fm decrease and non-photochemical quenching increase for T. junceum. Biochemical patterns of response were also similar, with increasing enzymatic activities at 25% SW treatment, mainly for glutathione reductase and peroxidase (GSH and GPx), and stress damage occurring at 50% and 100% SW treatments for increased malonaldehyde (MDA) levels. These findings provide insight into the salinity tolerance mechanisms of dune-building grasses. Higher salinity tolerance is suggested for T. junceum based on better reproductive effort. Higher juvenile tolerance, faster growth, and plant cycle adjustments are indicated as key traits for higher salinity tolerance of T. junceum in contrast to C. arenaria.

Habitat variety and behaviour of the Sanderling (Calidris alba) in an urban neotropical coastal wetland

Sanderling Calidris alba is a migratory coastal bird species whose populations are affected by climatic and anthropogenic issues. Additionally, its behavioural patterns depend on habitat variety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation in the frequency and duration of C. alba behaviour in relation to habitat variety in a Peruvian coastal wetland. Based on types of behaviour recorded in a previous study of C. alba during August and September 2019 at low, mid and high tide periods in three habitats of the Coastal Wetland Poza La Arenilla (HCPA) (La Punta, Callao, Peru), differences and diversity in the frequencies and durations of such behaviour between habitats were assessed according to tide condition. Additionally, a correlation analysis between the duration and frequency of behaviour for each habitat according to tide condition was conducted. General differences in behaviour (frequency and duration) between habitats were found, although there was a high similarity of behaviour between areas particularly when mid- and high tide levels were present. The greatest diversity of behaviour, both in frequency and duration, was observed generally during mid-tide conditions in rocky habitats. In most cases, there was a high correlation between the frequency and duration of behaviour for habitats according to tide condition. It is concluded that mid-tide conditions are associated with greater availability of soft substrates, favouring a wide variety of types of behaviour for C. alba, including behaviour related to foraging and locomotion.

Description of a new Korean coastal species of Adota Casey, 1910 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae), with morphological and molecular analysis

Description of a new Korean coastal species of Adota Casey, 1910 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae), with morphological and molecular analysis

The zoogeographic regionalization for cephalopoda linked to the canary current upwelling system

Quantitative data on cephalopods collected in ten multidisciplinary surveys (20–2000 m) between 2004 and 2012, together with original oceanographic and satellite data, were analyzed using multivariate techniques. Statistical analyses were based on presence–absence matrices by species and hydrological variable indices. The results show that cephalopods are distributed in two main zoogeographical groups separated by latitude: “Temperate water” and “Tropical water” clusters. They extended by temperate and tropical regions, separated by a geographical boundary, Cape Blanc, particularly strong in the case of coastal species between these groups. For the total fauna, we have identified a third particular cephalopods’ cluster, the “Upwelling” cluster (22°–17°N), characterized by a higher diversity and dominance of oceanic cephalopods. This is proposed as a new zoogeographical region that would coincide with the area of greatest productivity, intensity and permanence throughout the year of the canary current upwelling, confined between the north of Cape Blanc and the south of Mauritania. The results confirm the strong relationship between the three zoogeographical regions (temperate, tropical, and upwelling) and certain water bodies that characterize the regional hydrology. This paper deepens into the zoogeography of the cephalopods from Northwest Africa (Central-Eastern Atlantic), providing a new, more detailed insight into the region and its boundaries in relation to the oceanography.

Drainage Influences Coastal Salt Marsh Productivity and Soil Biogeochemistry

Coastal wetlands display ecohydrological zonation such that horizontal differences in plant zones are driven by soil aeration and varying groundwater levels. However, it is less clear how variable levels of drainage directly impact biotic and abiotic factors in coastal wetland ecosystems. To determine the impacts of drainage levels, simulated tides in mesocosms with varying degrees of drainage were created with Spartina alterniflora and Salicornia pacifica, the dominant coastal salt marsh plant species on the United States’ Atlantic and Pacific coasts respectively. We measured biomass production and photosynthesis as indicators of plant health, and we also measured soil and porewater characteristics to help interpret patterns of productivity. These measures included above and belowground biomass, porewater pH, salinity, ammonium concentration, sulfide concentration, soil redox potential, net ecosystem exchange, photosynthesis rate, respiration rate, and methane flux. We found the greatest plant production in soils with intermediate drainage levels, with production values that were 13.7% higher for S. alterniflora and 57.7% higher for S. pacifica. Understanding how drainage impacts plant species is important for predicting wetland resilience to sea level rise, as increasing water levels alter ecohydrological zonation.

Effects of Warming and Elevated CO2 on Stomatal Conductance and Chlorophyll Fluorescence of C3 and C4 Coastal Wetland Species

Coastal wetland communities provide valuable ecosystem services such as erosion prevention, soil accretion, and essential habitat for coastal wildlife, but are some of the most vulnerable to the threats of climate change. This work investigates the combined effects of two climate stressors, elevated temperature (ambient, + 1.7 °C, + 3.4 °C, and 5.1 °C) and elevated CO2 (eCO2), on leaf physiological traits of dominant salt marsh plant species. The research took place at the Salt Marsh Accretion Response to Temperature eXperiment (SMARTX) at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, which includes two plant communities: a C3 sedge community and a C4 grass community. Here we present data collected over five years on rates of stomatal conductance (gs), quantum efficiency of PSII photochemistry (Fv/Fm), and rates of electron transport (ETRmax). We found that both warming and eCO2 caused declines in all traits, but the warming effects were greater for the C3 sedge. This species showed a strong negative stomatal response to warming in 2017 and 2018 (28% and 17% reduction, respectively in + 5.1 °C). However, in later years the negative response to warming was dampened to < 7%, indicating that S. americanus was able to partially acclimate to the warming over time. In 2022, we found that sedges growing in the combined + 5.1 °C eCO2 plots exhibited more significant declines in gs, Fv/Fm, and ETRmax than in either treatment individually. These results are important for predicting future trends in growth of wetland species, which serve as a large carbon sink that may help mitigate the effects of climate change.

Diversity of marine benthic species of Nostocales (Cyanobacteria) in Veracruz, Mexico

Background: Nostocales is a widely distributed, monophyletic order of cyanobacteria, whose species are mainly characterized by the presence of specialized structures such as heterocytes and akinetes. Despite being the most diverse group in marine environments, little is known about coastal species in Mexico. Particularly in Veracruz, only 17 species have been recorded, without photographic, morphological references, or ecological data; these records are only mentioned in floristic lists.&#x0D; Questions and / or Hypotheses: The present study aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the diversity of benthic marine Nostocales species in Veracruz, Mexico, as well as to provide detailed descriptions and illustrations of the species found, which can serve as a reference in subsequent studies.&#x0D; Study site and dates: Collect of cyanobacterial growths were made in three locations throughout Veracruz in 2020.&#x0D; Methods: The organisms were isolated from the field material. With the use of specialized taxonomic keys, they were morphologically identified, described and photographed.&#x0D; Results: A total of 20 Nostocales species were obtained, of which 17 were additions to the phycoflora of Veracruz, constituting an increase of 55 %. Taxonomic notes are added highlighting their differences with the literature. One of the species was identified as cf. and seven as sp., because their characteristics fully coincided with the generic morphology, but did not completely concur with the literature.&#x0D; Conclusions: These suggest that several records could correspond to new taxon not yet described that must be confirmed with different molecular markers.