Costa Vicentina Research Articles

Using Fish Assemblages to Assess the Ecological Effects of Marine Protection on Rocky Habitats in a Portuguese Natural Park

Intensive and regular fishing occurs in the marine area of the natural park “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina” (PNSACV; SW coast of continental Portugal). In 2011, this area became a marine park with different protection levels (total, partial, and complementary). We assessed in 2011 and 2012 if partial protection (PP) in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) changed the taxa richness, abundance, size, and community composition of cryptic and non-cryptic fishes. We also determined if these effects were observed outside PP areas in adjacent control areas. Underwater visual censuses (UVC) of cryptic and non-cryptic fish species were conducted in rocky subtidal habitats (~10 m deep) with band transects (25 × 2 m and 25 × 4 m, respectively) to determine abundance and size classes. The northern half of the PNSACV was sampled at a scale of tens (site—two sites per area; 4–6 transects per site) and hundreds (area) of meters. Two PP and six control areas were sampled. The homogeneity and abundance of bottom habitat types were assessed at each site. Effects of protection were not detected in the community structure or univariate analyses (i.e., taxa richness and total abundance) of non-cryptic and cryptic fishes. The early phase of the MPAs may have driven the lack of significant protection effects. Replication in time within a monitoring program is recommended to assess these conservation measures’ ecological effects.

Movements of Hatchery-Reared Dusky Groupers Released in a Northeast Atlantic Coastal Marine Protected Area

No-take areas are key instruments to promote the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), particularly concerning the protection of endangered species such as the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus). However, despite the establishment of no-take areas and the prohibition of catching this species in a southwestern Portuguese MPA (SACVMP—‘Sudoeste Alentejano’ and ‘Costa Vicentina’ Marine Park) since 2011, there is still no evidence of population recovery. By using acoustic biotelemetry, this work aimed to evaluate the feasibility of restocking hatchery-reared adult dusky groupers in two no-take areas within the SACVMP. In 2019 and 2021, thirty groupers were tagged with acoustic transmitters and the site attachment and movements of the groupers were assessed in the releasing sites (no-take areas). None of the tagged fish settled down in either of the areas, leaving the no-take areas mainly at dusk and night. Some individuals displayed extended movements of more than a hundred kilometers along the Portuguese coast which was rarely reported for this species. At least in some coastal stretches, those movements were performed close to the shore, which may evidence the importance of coastal MPAs to protect and promote the connectivity of species more associated with rocky reef habitats. Following studies should focus on the conditions that promote site attachment and fidelity by hatchery-reared dusky groupers so that future large-scale restocking programs can be successful in MPAs with appropriate habitats.

Catches, sales and discards: Small-scale fisheries in a Portuguese Marine park

The natural park “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina” (PNSACV; SW coast of continental Portugal) includes a recently implemented marine protected area of 2 km along its coast, where important, although not quantified, small-scale commercial fisheries are carried out. Conservation measures were implemented since 2011. The present study aimed to estimate the fishing effort, catches, discards and seasonality of the small commercial fleet in the northern part of PNSACV. A total of 32 fishing vessels were selected and their activity was monitored between 2011 and 2013. Fortnight interviews were made to the captains of those vessels (n= 435) together with on board observations (n= 89). The data obtained allowed to estimate a total of 100 commercial fishing vessels operating in the study area. Longlines, bottom-traps and gill/trammel nets were the most frequent fishing gears used. Over the studied period, fishing effort was more intense in the warmer season, from April to September. It was estimated that the annual fish and shellfish catches in the study area reached about 564 t, including 465 t of sales and 99 t of discards. Main species caught were Octopus vulgaris (65%), Conger conger (12%), Argyrosomus regius (2%) and Diplodus sargus (1%). Main species discarded were O. vulgaris (45%) and C. conger (39%), mainly due to its small size. The present pioneer work will serve as a benchmark for future studies concerning the evolution of the PNSACV and phenomena reflecting the implementation of the MPAs. Further studies should be conducted to implement legislation adjustments to improve fisheries management in PNSACV.

Coupling spatial pollination supply models with local demand mapping to support collaborative management of ecosystem services

ABSTRACT Mapping of ecosystem services (ES) is a powerful tool for communication and knowledge sharing about the implications of ecosystem management practices for human wellbeing. This research aimed to show the usefulness of ES mapping for decision-making by combining modelling of ES supply with ES demand mapping in a participatory process with the engagement of relevant stakeholders. We used the ESTIMAP-pollination model to map wild bee abundance and pollination supply in the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park (PNSACV) in Portugal. The model was modified by adding a behavioural component that distributes pollinator visits according to floral availability. Balancing pollination supply with crop dependency levels allowed visualising potential areas of satisfied and unsatisfied demand and testing the effectiveness of ecosystem management interventions. The discussion of these results in two participatory workshops triggered the first collective debate about pollination in the PNSACV. This engagement enabled the development of a shared understanding about this ES and highlighted the role of ES maps as tools to support collaborative natural resources management.

Species conservation profiles of spiders (Araneae) endemic to mainland Portugal.

BackgroundThe Iberian Peninsula is a diverse region that contains several different bioclimatic areas within one confined space, leading to high biodiversity. Portugal distinguishes itself in this regard by having a high count of spider species (829) and a remarkable number of endemic spider species (42) for its size (approximately 88,890 km2). However, only one non-endemic species (Macrothele calpeiana) is currently protected by the Natura 2000 network and no endemic spider species (aside from Anapistula ataecina) has been assessed according to the IUCN Red List criteria. The objective of this paper is to assess all non-assessed endemic species (41) as well as M. calpeiana.New informationThe 43 assessed species belong to 15 families, the richest being Zodariidae, Dysderidae, Linyphiidae and Gnaphosidae. In general and despite the lack of information on more than half the species, general patterns and trends could be found.Only 18 species (including M. calpeiana and A. ataecina) had enough data to allow their EOO (extent of occurrence) and AOO (area of occurrence) to be quantified. Of these, we modelled the distribution of 14 epigean species, eight of which were found to be widespread. The remaining six fulfilled at least one of the criteria for threatened species. Four species are troglobiont, all of which meet the EOO and AOO thresholds for threatened species. The remaining 25 Portuguese endemics had no reliable information on their range. Only nine species out of the 43 are estimated to be in decline and 11 are stable, with the majority of species having no information on trends (23 species).Forest areas, sand dunes, shrublands and caves host the majority of species. As such, the threats to Portuguese endemics reflect the diversity of habitats they occupy. Urbanisation and climate change seem to be the most important threats to these species, although other factors are also important and represented across the data.A considerable proportion of the currently known Portuguese endemic species can be found in national protected areas, with higher prominence to the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, Douro Internacional, Vale do Guadiana, Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina and Arrábida Natural Parks. These correspond mostly to areas that have been particularly well sampled during the last two decades.

Combining social media photographs and species distribution models to map cultural ecosystem services: The case of a Natural Park in Portugal

Developing spatially explicit models of Ecosystem Services (ES) distribution and diversity across the territory has been increasingly attracting the interest of researchers and policy-makers due to its potential to operacionalize and mainstream the ES concept into existing planning and policy tools.In this paper we explore the use of social media photographs to model the spatial distribution of people preferences for cultural ecosystem services (CES), map their hotspots, identify the determinant variables as well as the spatial correlation between CES. This research was applied in the Sudoeste Alentejano and Costa Vicentina Natural Park (PNSACV) located in Southwestern Alentejo, Portugal.A collection of 1378 geo-tagged digital images taken inside the Park and posted in the Flickr web platform between 2004 and 2015 were analyzed and classified according to a tailored list of CES. To model CES spatial distribution it was used a species distribution model – Maxent – adapted to combine the observation of CES occurrence with biophysical and infrastructural variables.This method allowed us to identify and map the social preferences for CES in this area. The distance to the ocean and distance to touristic and cultural infrastructure were the most determinant variables to explain CES distribution in PNSACV. Another relevant result of this study was the identification of pairs of CES (such as Recreation & Aesthetics services) with a significant spatial overlap.Using social media data can be an expedite and cost-effective way to identify and map CES, although this approach embodies some challenges and biases that need to be considered. The use of species distribution models, such as Maxent, can be particularly valuable to support the design of future scenarios and assist decision-making on land use planning.

Governing Locally for Sustainability: Public and Private Organizations’ Perspective in Surf Tourism at Aljezur, Costa Vicentina, Portugal

ABSTRACTThis study explores how a rural municipality of low population density and strong tourism intensity for the practice of recreational activities can exert a sustainable collective action in the policies and strategies of planning and development of local tourism. The study focuses on the case study of the municipality of Aljezur, in Portugal, and is applied to a dominant tourism-recreational activity, surfing. Based on a survey of relevant stakeholders, namely private and public organizations, it was possible to obtain indicators of local environmental, economic and social convergence. These allowed elaborating a proposal for a municipal sustainable management charter of the surfing tourism in the region. The conception of this charter and the consequent strategies moves the management of local tourism destinations to higher levels of institutional sustainability.

Socio-economic, operational and technical characterisation of the harvesting of gooseneck barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes) in SW Portugal: Insights towards fishery co-management

The present study characterised the socio-economic, operational and technical aspects of harvesting the gooseneck barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes) along the southwestern coast of Portugal. For this purpose, face-to-face interviews were conducted with commercial harvesters of the two most representative fishery associations (covering 51% licensed harvesters) in the area of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. Based on traditional ecological knowledge, this study confirmed the local importance, ancestral character and family traditions of this activity, which constitutes the exclusive occupation of nearly half of the interviewed harvesters and an important source for household incomes. In addition, data was also gathered on preferential fishing zones, harvesting effort and duration, daily catches and selling prices. The main concerns, problems and difficulties experienced in this activity relate to the excessive number of recreational harvesters, creating problems at the levels of exploitation, commercialisation, management and inspection. The study further confirms the rising interest and involvement of the commercial harvesters in enhancing the competences of the local fishery associations. In particular, local harvesters want to encourage the development of a co-management system comprising spatial-temporal measures to avoid conflicts of use over space and resources, as well as innovative marketing strategies to improve the recognition, value and traceability of the shellfish. Overall, the information gathered is most valuable for adopting an alternative approach based on the cooperation and co-responsibility at local and regional levels, involving the stakeholders in the proposal of management measures adapted to the specificities of this area, activity and resource.

Changes in trophic ecology of fish assemblages after no take Marine Protected Area designation in the southwestern coast of Portugal

Changes in fish assemblage structure caused by human activities, such as fishing, can alter trophic relations in fish assemblages. In this context, Marine Protected Areas (MPA) are efficient tools for habitat recovery and ideal environments for evaluating changes on the trophic structure resulting from human activities. The present work targeted fish assemblages from two no-take MPAs from the northern half of South Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Marine Park, established in 2011. Previous works reported positive effects on local fish assemblages after no-take MPA designation, and it is therefore important to further study its impact on local fish assemblages, especially concerning trophic interactions. Local fish assemblages were sampled (summer 2011, winter 2012, summer 2013 and winter 2013) using trammel nets. Diets were characterized and digestive tract contents of the 10 most abundant fish species were compared between the no take MPAs (treatment) and adjacent areas (controls), and changes evaluated as a function of time since protection. Results revealed significant differences between the diets of fish from protected and non protected areas, with crabs being the preferential prey in both protected and control areas but being more ingested outside the no-take areas. However, these differences were evident since the beginning of the study. Fish assemblages from the northern area presented significantly larger niche breadth and significantly increasing with time. This way, the main effects of no-take MPA implementation were directly visible on the niche breadth but did not directly impact the diet composition of the sampled fish assemblages, contributing however to reinforce the already naturally existent differences. This work provides important information regarding the effect of changes in the fish assemblage caused by MPA designation on the trophic ecology of fish.

Changes in fish assemblage structure after implementation of Marine Protected Areas in the south western coast of Portugal

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly being recommended as management tools for biodiversity conservation and fisheries. With the purpose of protecting the region's biodiversity and prevent the over exploitation of marine resources, in February 2011 the no-take MPAs of Ilha do Pessegueiro and Cabo Sardão were implemented within the “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina “(PNSACV) Marine Park, south western coast of Portugal. As such, commercial and recreational fishing became prohibited in these areas. In order to evaluate the effects of these no-take MPAs, the structure of their fish assemblages and of adjacent control areas without fishing restrictions were studied between 2011 (immediately after implementation) and 2013 (two years after implementation). A total of 4 sampling campaigns were conducted (summer 2011, winter 2012, summer 2013 and winter 2013) using trammel nets and bottom trawl. Ichthyofaunal assemblages from the no-take MPAs (treatment) were compared with adjacent areas (controls) and changes evaluated as a function of time since protection. Results revealed significant increase in fish abundance after the implementation of the no-take MPAs. Furthermore, significant differences in the structure of fish assemblages (abundance and fish size) between protected and neighbouring areas were rapidly observed upon the implementation of the no-take MPAs. In addition, specimens of larger size occurred more frequently within Ilha do Pessegueiro no-take MPA in the last year of the study. Overall, despite the young age of these no-take MPAs, changes on the structure of their fish assemblages were already evident after only two years of protection, indicating that management measures such as MPA designation may play an important role to promote fisheries sustainable exploitation as well as to protect species with conservation interest.

A comparison of rural community perceptions and involvement in conservation between the Fiji Islands and Southwestern Portugal

Community involvement in conservation provides significant benefits including the ownership of resources and initiatives that integrate traditional and local knowledge into decision-making processes and management activities. This study assesses and compares the effectiveness of community involvement in conservation initiatives in two different countries, by examining the community's level of involvement and their perceptions of conservation in Yadua (Fiji) and the Natural Park of Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina (PNSACV) (Portugal). The hypothesis was that “Effective community involvement contributes to the success, ownership, benefits, positive impacts and sustainability of conservation projects”. Using questionnaires, structured interviews and document analyses of past literature, information obtained about community involvement in conservation activities in the two study areas was compared. Results showed that while community members showed high levels of involvement in all conservation activities in the Fiji study (88%), this was not the case in the Portugal study (43%), where results showed that lack of community involvement, leading to ineffective conservation. In both cases, however, the levels of involvement appear to have influenced community perceptions of conservation efforts' impact upon livelihoods. The Fiji study showed that community-focused conservation can be successful given appropriate community involvement. This contrasted with the Portugal study where conservation efforts were not community-focused and often led to conflicts and criticisms. A bottom-up approach has been utilized in Yadua, Fiji, whereas a top-down approach is clearly observed for the PNSACV in Portugal. A more holistic approach to conservation would empower local communities and ensure the successful implementation of conservation programmes.

The stalked barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes) fishery, management, conservation and aquaculture in Portugal: problems and challenges

The stalked barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes) fishery, management, conservation and aquaculture in Portugal: problems and challenges

The state of the fishery, conservation and management of the stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes in Portugal

The stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes is the most important intertidal economical resource in Portugal. The assessment of the state of the fishery, conservation and management of P. pollicipes in Portugal was made for the first time in three regions with different regulations regarding this fishery: two marine protected areas (“Reserva Natural das Berlengas”, RNB; and “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina”, PNSACV); and the Center coast. Different approaches (independent observations, inquiries, logbooks) and sources of data (past and recent) were used. An overall negative tendency of the state of the fishery and conservation of this resource was observed in all regions, with the exception of the stable tendency detected in PNSACV when using the inquiries approach. A weak management was considered to be in practice at Center and at PNSACV, while an acceptable management was inferred for RNB. We recommend a change into a co-management system that should be tested in pilot regions as RNB and/or PNSACV.

Changes in the fish community structure after the implementation of Marine Protected Areas in the south western coast of Portugal

Event Abstract Back to Event Changes in the fish community structure after the implementation of Marine Protected Areas in the south western coast of Portugal Tadeu J. Pereira1, 2*, Joana Manique1, Bernardo Quintella1, 3, Nuno Castro1, Pedro R. Almeida2 and José L. Costa1, 3 1 MARE-ULisboa, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Portugal 2 MARE - UEvora, Departamento de Biologia, Escola de Ciências e Tecnologia, Universidade de Évora, Évora, Portugal., Portugal 3 Departamento de Biologia Animal, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are increasingly being recommended as management tools for biodiversity conservation and fisheries. With the purpose of protecting the region’s biodiversity and prevent the over exploitation of marine resources, in February 2011 the MPAs of Ilha do Pessegueiro and Cabo Sardão were implemented in the “Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina “(PNSACV) Natural Park, south western coast of Portugal. In these areas, commercial and recreational fishing became prohibited. In order to evaluate the effects of these MPAs, the structure of its fish communities and of adjacent control areas without fishing restrictions were studied in 2011/12 (immediately after implementation) and 2013 (two years after implementation). A total of 4 sampling campaigns were conducted (summer 2011, winter 2012, summer 2013 and winter 2013) using bottom trawl and gillnets. Faunal communities from the MPAs (treatment) were compared with adjacent areas (controls) and changes evaluated with time. Results revealed significant changes on abundance, having this parameter a slight increase after the implementation of the MPAs. Also, significant differences were observed on the structure of the protected areas communities when compared with neighbouring areas where fishing was still allowed, even though the small amount of time elapsed. In addition, specimens of larger size occurred more frequently within Ilha do Pessegueiro MPA in the last year of the study. Despite the young age of these MPAs, changes on their fish communities’ structure are already visible after only 3 years of protection, showing that these management measures may promote sustainable exploitation of fishing resources as well as protect species with conservation interest, thus leading to a global biodiversity increase. Acknowledgements This study is part of project PROTECT (31-03-05-FEP-0012; www.protect.uevora.pt) co-funded by Programme PROMAR. Keywords: marine reserve, MPA effectiveness, Fishing prohibition, no take zone, PNSACV Marine Park Conference: XV European Congress of Ichthyology, Porto, Portugal, 7 Sep - 11 Sep, 2015. Presentation Type: Oral Presentation Topic: Ecology, Conservation and Invasive Species Citation: Pereira TJ, Manique J, Quintella B, Castro N, Almeida PR and Costa JL (2015). Changes in the fish community structure after the implementation of Marine Protected Areas in the south western coast of Portugal. Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: XV European Congress of Ichthyology. doi: 10.3389/conf.fmars.2015.03.00025 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 23 Oct 2015; Published Online: 04 Nov 2015. * Correspondence: Dr. Tadeu J Pereira, MARE-ULisboa, Faculdade de Ciências da Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisbon, Portugal, tjpereira@fc.ul.pt Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Tadeu J Pereira Joana Manique Bernardo Quintella Nuno Castro Pedro R Almeida José L Costa Google Tadeu J Pereira Joana Manique Bernardo Quintella Nuno Castro Pedro R Almeida José L Costa Google Scholar Tadeu J Pereira Joana Manique Bernardo Quintella Nuno Castro Pedro R Almeida José L Costa PubMed Tadeu J Pereira Joana Manique Bernardo Quintella Nuno Castro Pedro R Almeida José L Costa Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Evidence of microplastics in samples of zooplankton from Portuguese coastal waters

Records of high concentrations of plastic and microplastic marine debris floating in the ocean have led to investigate the presence of microplastics in samples of zooplankton from Portuguese coastal waters. Zooplankton samples collected at four offshore sites, in surveys conducted between 2002 and 2008, with three different sampling methods, were used in this preliminary study. A total of 152 samples were processed and microplastics were identified in 93 of them, corresponding to 61% of the total. Costa Vicentina, followed by Lisboa, were the regions with higher microplastic concentrations (0.036 and 0.033 no. m−3) and abundances (0.07 and 0.06 cm3 m−3), respectively. Microplastic: zooplankton ratios were also higher in these two regions, which is probably related to the proximity of densely populated areas and inputs from the Tejo and Sado river estuaries. Microplastics polymers were identified using Micro Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (μ-FTIR), as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and polyacrylates (PA). The present work is the first report on the composition of microplastic particles collected with plankton nets in Portuguese coastal waters. Plankton surveys from regular monitoring campaigns conducted worldwide may be used to monitor plastic particles in the oceans and constitute an important and low cost tool to address marine litter within the scope of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC).

Natural capital and ecosystem services for sustainable livelihoods in Costa Vicentina, Portugal

Event Abstract Back to Event Natural capital and ecosystem services for sustainable livelihoods in Costa Vicentina, Portugal Rui Santos1*, Paula Antunes1*, Pedro Clemente1 and Marta Calvache1 1 CENSE – Centre for Environmental and Sustainability Research Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal The OpenNESS project, funded by EC FP7, aims to translate the concepts of Natural Capital (NC) and Ecosystem Services (ES) into operational frameworks that provide tested, practical and tailored solutions for integrating ES into land, water and urban management and decision-making, while promoting local stakeholders well-being. Central to the project is a multi-scale case study approach, designed to ground concepts and theories on real world observations and analysis. This paper presents one of the project case studies, located in the Portuguese southwest coast – Costa Vicentina. This case study is focused on the use of NC and ES concepts to design instruments for sustainable management of living resources (algae, shellfish and fish) and to promote a sustainable nature-based tourism. The research aims to (1) identify the linkages between marine natural capital stocks (e.g. bottom algae, shellfish populations,...) with ES provision; (2) explore the perceptions and importance of ES to local stakeholders’ wellbeing and their economic value; and (3) evaluate the use of ES in land-use planning and conservation, and the potential of different policy instruments and governance arrangements to ensure the delivery of ES and to promote local stakeholders well-being. The combination of methods such as ES mapping, monetary and non-monetary valuation of ES, and system dynamics modelling, will ultimately be used to inform and support decision makers and policy instruments design. The research is rooted on a participatory process involving the main stakeholder groups, thus fostering dialogue and social learning. Keywords: natural capital, ecosystem services, governance, system dynamics modelling, Conservation of Natural Resources Conference: IMMR | International Meeting on Marine Research 2014, Peniche, Portugal, 10 Jul - 11 Jul, 2014. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation Topic: BIODIVERSITY, CONSERVATION AND COASTAL MANAGEMENT Citation: Santos R, Antunes P, Clemente P and Calvache M (2014). Natural capital and ecosystem services for sustainable livelihoods in Costa Vicentina, Portugal. Front. Mar. Sci. Conference Abstract: IMMR | International Meeting on Marine Research 2014. doi: 10.3389/conf.fmars.2014.02.00097 Copyright: The abstracts in this collection have not been subject to any Frontiers peer review or checks, and are not endorsed by Frontiers. They are made available through the Frontiers publishing platform as a service to conference organizers and presenters. The copyright in the individual abstracts is owned by the author of each abstract or his/her employer unless otherwise stated. Each abstract, as well as the collection of abstracts, are published under a Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 (attribution) licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) and may thus be reproduced, translated, adapted and be the subject of derivative works provided the authors and Frontiers are attributed. For Frontiers’ terms and conditions please see https://www.frontiersin.org/legal/terms-and-conditions. Received: 21 May 2014; Published Online: 18 Jul 2014. * Correspondence: Dr. Rui Santos, CENSE – Centre for Environmental and Sustainability Research Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal, rfs@fct.unl.pt Dr. Paula Antunes, CENSE – Centre for Environmental and Sustainability Research Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal, mpa@fct.unl.pt Login Required This action requires you to be registered with Frontiers and logged in. To register or login click here. Abstract Info Abstract The Authors in Frontiers Rui Santos Paula Antunes Pedro Clemente Marta Calvache Google Rui Santos Paula Antunes Pedro Clemente Marta Calvache Google Scholar Rui Santos Paula Antunes Pedro Clemente Marta Calvache PubMed Rui Santos Paula Antunes Pedro Clemente Marta Calvache Related Article in Frontiers Google Scholar PubMed Abstract Close Back to top Javascript is disabled. Please enable Javascript in your browser settings in order to see all the content on this page.

Patterns of distribution and abundance of the stalked barnacle (Pollicipes pollicipes) in the central and southwest coast of continental Portugal

The stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes is a cirriped crustacean that lives on very exposed rocky shores. This barnacle is the most important economical resource on intertidal rocky shores of continental Portugal. It is highly prized as food and heavily exploited (professional and recreational fishery), but fishery data are scarce and do not estimate the real pressure upon this resource.Despite its socio-economic interest, specific regulations on this fishery are recent and different along the Portuguese coast. Four regions with different regulation can be identified: the marine reserve “Reserva Natural das Berlengas” (RNB) and the marine park “Parque Marinho Prof. Luiz Saldanha” (PMLS) (both in central Portugal); the natural park located in SW Portugal (“Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina”, PNSACV); and the rest of the coast.The main objective of the present study was to study the spatial patterns of percentage cover, biomass, density and size structure of P. pollicipes in areas with different exploitation regimes, including harvested areas and no-take areas. Additionally, variability between mid shore and low shore barnacles was also analysed.Seven areas were sampled with a variable number of sites (a total of 24) randomly sampled in each area during 2011. Photographs and image analysis (percentage cover) and destructive sampling (density, biomass and size) were used.In general, percentage cover, biomass and density were higher in mid shore when compared to low shore, namely in harvested areas. Low shore barnacles had a higher proportion of adults with moderate and high commercial value, while juveniles were relatively more abundant at mid shore.There were no consistent differences in the patterns of distribution and abundance of P. pollicipes among areas subject to different exploitation regimes. The most different area was the harvested area by professional fishers in RNB, where the highest biomass within the study was registered (mid shore, 7.7kg·m−2). Barnacles within this area presented a higher proportion of adults with commercial value, while recruits and juveniles were relatively more abundant in other areas.The hypothesis of a highest percentage cover, density and biomass in the low shore of no-take sites was not supported.

Património geomorfológico no Litoral Sudoeste de Portugal

GEOMORPHOLOGICAL PATRIMONY ON PORTUGUESE SOUTHWEST COAST - Within the scope of environmental concerns that challenge mankind, namely the management of biodiversity and the preservation and conservation of landscapes, the aim of this paper is to define the geomorphological patrimony and the establishment of geomorphological ways. Landscapes are here regarded as the spatial expression of the interaction between biophysical and socio-economical componets that form the environmental system. In the case of the Portuguese Southwest, the geomorphological component of the environmental system is assumed to be structuring element of the present landscape. In this sense, geomorphological patrimony is taken as a set of landforms (soils and correlative deposits) with clear scientific interest by their genetic and degree of preservation characteristics, by their rarity and/or originality, by their degree of vulnerability or moreover by the way they are connected in terms of space. Such landforms deserve to be preserved.The Portuguese Southwest includes a protected by law area (Protected landscape area of Southwest of Alentejo and Costa Vicentina, set by the Decree-law nº241/88 June 7). It keeps a quite diversified and rich geomorphological patrimony, generally well preserved, in a mainly rural area (fig.1). Its geomorphological evolution is the result of the continental and sea planation, as well as tectonic events, and it is a good example of the coastal landscapes evolution (figs.2,3,4). We therefore propose the creation of spacial protection ways, geomorphological ways (with geomorphological sites with particular interest), on the strength of their scientific interest, and also because they are the record of the landscape evolution and their environmental conditions (fig.5).

The Mesolithic/Neolithic transition on the Costa Vicentina, Portugal

In Portugal, Mesolithic shellfisher/gatherers persisted in estuary environments, long after agricultural economies were established elsewhere. The co-existence of foragers and farmers makes Portugal an interesting region in which to study whether resource depression is a common factor in the adoption of agriculture. It is difficult to generalize about Mesolithic and Neolithic resource use, since faunal remains at archaeological sites reflect the variation in terrestrial and marine species available to inhabitants of rocky shores, sandy estuary environments, and interior zones. On the Costa Vicentina, where the transition to agriculture occurred quite early, assemblages from a variety of Mesolithic and Neolithic sites show a trend toward lower energetic returns from wild resources, both in shifting species compositions, and in shellfish diminution. The most significant decrease in foraging efficiency occurred across the Mesolithic/Neolithic transition, suggesting a causal relationship between resource stress and the emergence of farming.

Contribution to the knowledge of the freshwater Ostracoda fauna in continental Portugal, with an updated checklist of Recent and Quaternary species

Ostracods have a ubiquitous distribution, a high diversity of life history strategies and an extensive fossil record. These characteristics make the group a useful study tool in multiple disciplines. In Portugal, very few studies on recent freshwater ostracods have been published. This is particularly important given the need for an accurate database of both autoecology and geographical distribution of the extant species for a correct use of these crustaceans as environmental proxies. Six temporary ponds were periodically sampled during the wet season 2005/2006, in the natural park Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina (PNSACV) north of Vila Nova de Milfontes, SW Portugal. The relationship between ostracod assemblages and habitat features was analysed. In parallel, to assess relative ostracod species richness and diversity, faunistic results are also presented based on a regional (Alentejo) survey carried out during the same season. The semi-permanent nature of the study area in PNSACV may contribute to the observed relative high ostracod richness. Yet other environmental factors, such as pH and pond hydroperiod variation, may restrict the local ostracod species distribution and its abundance. The most abundant and/or common ostracod species were eurytopic forms: Cypridopsis vidua, Cypris bispinosa and Herpetocypris chevreuxi. A total of 14 species was identified, of which three named and one most probably undescribed candonid species new to Portugal: Bradleycypris obliqua, C. bispinosa, Paralimnocythere psammophila and Fabaeformiscandona sp. ex gr. fabaeformis. In the regional survey nine species were identified. Heterocypris sp., Ilyocypris aff. lacustris and Tonnacypris lutaria were recorded in the regional survey but not present in PNSACV, with the latter two also new in Portugal. To favour further faunistic and ecological research on ostracods in Portugal, a distributional checklist of Recent and Quaternary freshwater inland Ostracoda known from Portuguese mainland is given.