Loligo Gahi Research Articles

Bioactive lipid‐enriched concentrates from squid discards by one‐step and two‐step extractions with non‐halogenated solvents

SummaryThis study focused on the preparation of lipid concentrates with high contents of bioactive molecules. Different one‐step and two‐step extractions with non‐halogenated solvents (hexane, HX; isopropanol, IP) were carried out on Patagonian squid (Doryteuthis gahi) discards. As a first step, HX extractions (one, two or three times) were carried out. The resulting substrates were extracted with IP (two, three or four times). Analysis of lipid extracts included total lipid, phospholipid (PL) and tocopherol values, and fatty acid (FA) profile. HX extractions led to remarkable α‐ and γ‐tocopherol values (ca. 1400 and 23 mg kg−1 lipids, respectively); no effect (P > 0.05) of the number of HX extractions was observed. IP extracts provided high PL values (383–501 mg kg−1 lipids); the highest average values were detected with four IP extractions after three HX extractions. Values obtained for tocopherols and PLs were higher (P < 0.05) than those obtained by employing the conventional (chloroform/methanol, 1:1) lipid extraction (ca. 496 and 11 mg kg−1 lipids and 400 g kg−1 lipids, respectively). Range values detected for eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid values and the ω3/ω6 FA ratio were similar to those obtained by the conventional procedure. A valuable procedure is proposed for obtaining PL‐ and tocopherol‐enriched concentrates from marine waste with non‐halogenated solvents.

Unveiling the wasp-waist structure of the Falkland shelf ecosystem: the role of Doryteuthis gahi as a keystone species and its trophic influences

Abstract The Falkland Shelf is a highly productive ecosystem in the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. It is characterized by upwelling oceanographic dynamics and displays a wasp-waist structure, with few intermediate trophic-level species and many top predators that migrate on the shelf for feeding. One of these resident intermediate trophic-level species, the Patagonian longfin-squid Doryteuthis gahi, is abundant and plays an important role in the ecosystem. We used two methods to estimate the trophic structure of the Falkland Shelf food web, focusing on the trophic niche of D. gahi and its impacts on other species and functional groups to highlight the importance of D. gahi in the ecosystem. First, stable isotope measurements served to calculate trophic levels based on an established nitrogen baseline. Second, an Ecopath model was built to corroborate trophic levels derived from stable isotopes and inform about trophic interactions of D. gahi with other functional groups. The results of both methods placed D. gahi in the centre of the ecosystem with a trophic level of ~ 3. The Ecopath model predicted high impacts and therefore a high keystoneness for both seasonal cohorts of D. gahi. Our results show that the Falkland Shelf is not only controlled by species feeding at the top and the bottom of the trophic chain. The importance of species feeding at the third trophic level (e.g. D. gahi and Patagonotothen ramsayi) and observed architecture of energy flows confirm the ecosystem's wasp-waist structure with middle-out control mechanisms at play.

Optimised extraction of phospholipids and omega‐3 fatty acids from Patagonian squid waste with low‐toxicity solvents

SummaryExtracting conditions of lipid compounds (phospholipids, PLs; ω3 fatty acids, FAs) from Patagonian squid (Doriteuthis gahi) waste were optimised by employment of a Simplex‐Lattice design. For it, different concentrations of low‐toxicity solvents (ethanol, acetone and ethyl acetate; single and binary and ternary mixtures) were tested. As a result, the multiple regression anova proved that the quadratic model was significant (P < 0.05) for PL and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) contents and for total polyunsaturated/total saturated and total ω3/total ω6 FA ratios. Thus, the anova application of the fitting model led to the following optimised values for such parameters: 477.42 g kg−1 lipids, 21.48 g 100 g−1 total FAs, 3.48 and 13.03, respectively. The combination of process variable levels which maximised the desirability function (0.49 value) was ethanol/ethyl acetate (0.50:0.50, v/v) and led to values of 412.50 (g kg−1 lipids), 19.05 (g 100 g−1 total FAs), 2.59 and 12.86, respectively, for the above‐mentioned lipid parameters. Results were compared to those obtained by the conventional chloroform/methanol procedure. By including an advanced mathematical design, a novel eco‐friendly strategy based on the employment of low‐toxicity solvents is proposed for the extraction from a marine waste substrate of highly valuable lipid compounds with healthy and nutritional properties.

Assessment of health risks associated with heavy metal concentration in seafood from North-Western Croatia

The following study aims at assessing the health risks associated with the consumption of the most commonly consumed seafood in the north-western part of Croatia due to the presence of heavy metals. Samples of seafood were collected and analysed for lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) content. Analyses of Cd and Pb were carried out by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) whereas Hg content was measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Metal concentrations were in the following order Hg > Pb > Cd for the gilthead seabream, European hake, sardines, and tuna fish whereas in the Patagonian squid cadmium (Cd) was the heavy metal with the highest concentration, with the order of other metals being Cd > Hg > Pb. The heavy metal concentrations have been used to address the health risks using the Estimated Weekly Intake (EWI), Target Hazard Quotients (THQ), and Hazard Indices (HI). The findings revealed that the concentrations of the tested heavy metals, expressed on a per wet weight basis, did not exceed the Maximum Residue Levels (MRL) for those compounds mandated by national Croatian legislation. However, the HI for Hg was above 1, indicating a risk of adverse health effects due to the presence of this heavy metal in the consumed seafood. We conclude that the consumption of certain type of seafood such as the tuna fish should be limited when sensitive segments of the population such as children, elderly and pregnant women are concerned. Our results strongly advocate for a more stringent seafood quality control in the region.

Yield Enhancement of Valuable Lipid Compounds from Squid (Doryteuthis gahi) Waste by Ethanol/Acetone Extraction.

The study focused on the extraction of valuable lipid compounds from squid (Doryteuthis gahi) waste by a low-toxicity solvent mixture (ethanol/acetone, 50:50, v/v). The effect of the waste weight/solvent volume (WW/SV, g·mL-1) ratio and the number of extractions (NoE) on the total lipid (TL), phospholipid (PL), and tocopherol yields and on the fatty acid (FA) profile (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid contents; polyunsaturated FAs/saturated FAs and ω3/ω6 ratios) was investigated. As a result, an increased NoE led to an increased (p < 0.05) TL yield but a decreased (p < 0.05) proportion of PLs in the lipid extract. Additionally, a lower (p < 0.05) polyunsaturated FA/saturated FA ratio was detected by increasing the NoE. Some differences (p < 0.05) could be outlined as a result of increasing the WW/SV ratio; however, a definite trend for this extraction condition could not be concluded for any of the lipid parameters measured. Yield results were compared to those obtained by the conventional chloroform/methanol procedure. In order to attain an increased yield, the NoE required would depend on the polarity degree of the lipid molecule concerned. All ethanol/acetone extracting conditions tested led to remarkable yields for lipid compounds (PLs, α-tocopherol, ω3 FAs) and FA ratios with healthy, nutritional, and preserving properties.

Trophic ecology of the squid Doryteuthis gahi in the Southwest Atlantic inferred from stable isotope analysis

The Patagonian longfin squid Doryteuthis gahi has an annual life cycle with two seasonal cohorts (autumn and spring spawners). Previous studies estimated the trophic level of adult squid by stable isotope analysis of their muscle or gladius tissues, but few studies compared different sizes and spawning cohorts. In this study, mixed models were used to compare carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope signatures of muscle and gladius tissues of the autumn and spring spawning cohorts and squid of different sizes. A published isoscape model provided δ15N baselines to calculate the trophic level of D. gahi. Sampled herbivorous prey such as Euphausiacea, planktonic juveniles Munida gregaria and salps Ihlea supported the trophic level estimates. The autumn spawning cohort had higher δ13C values than the spring spawning cohort. δ15N values increased with increasing dorsal mantle length, suggesting an ontogenetic change towards larger prey. Muscle tissue was enriched in 15N but slightly depleted in 13C compared to gladius tissue. Adult squid had an estimated trophic level of ∼3.2, with no significant differences between spawning cohorts. Stable isotope values followed a seasonal trend, with lower δ15N values and lower δ13C value between July and September. Large individuals of the spring spawning cohort were found to have the least niche overlap with other groups of D. gahi. Our study of the trophic levels and ecology of D. gahi can provide important information on its role in the food chain and can build the basis of studies on interaction with other species, and the impact of environmental changes on their populations. This information can inform the development of management strategies aimed at preserving the balance of the ecosystem and ensuring its sustainable use.

Optimisation of Low-Toxicity Solvent Employment for Total Lipid and Tocopherol Compound Extraction from Patagonian Squid By-Products.

The extraction of total lipids and tocopherol compounds from Patagonian squid (Doriteuthis gahi) by-products (viscera, heads, skin, etc.), resulting from squid mantel commercialisation, was studied. An optimisation simplex-lattice design by employing low-toxicity solvents (ethanol, acetone, and ethyl acetate) was carried out taking into account their relative concentrations. The variance analysis of data showed that the quadratic model was statistically significant (p < 0.05); empirical coded equations were obtained as a function of the low-toxicity solvent ratios. The optimised lipid extraction was obtained by employing the 0.642/0.318/0.040 (ethanol/acetone/ethyl acetate) solvent ratio, respectively, leading to an 84% recovery of the total lipids extracted by the traditional procedure. In all extracting systems tested, the presence of α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol compounds was detected, α-tocopherol being the most abundant. For α-, γ-, and δ-tocopherol compounds, the optimisation process showed that acetone extraction led to the highest concentrations in the lipid extract obtained (2736.5, 36.8, and 2.8 mg·kg-1 lipids, respectively). Taking into account the recovery yield on a by-product basis, the values obtained for the three tocopherols were included in the 88.0-97.7%, 80.0-95.0%, and 25-75% ranges, respectively, when compared to the traditional extraction. This study provides a novel and valuable possibility for α-tocopherol extraction from marine by-products.

Comparative Study of Bioactive Lipid Extraction from Squid (Doryteuthis gahi) by-Products by Green Solvents.

A novel approach of bioactive lipid extraction by different green solvents was carried out on squid (Doryteuthis gahi) by-products. By-products (viscera, heads, skin, tails, etc.), considered as a single product, were subjected to the following solvent systems: ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, 1/1 ethanol/acetone, 1/1 ethanol/ethyl acetate, and 1/1 acetone/ethyl acetate. Analyses carried out included lipid yield, lipid class content, and fatty acid (FA) composition. Results were compared to the lipid extract obtained by the traditional procedure (1/1 chloroform/methanol). Lipid yields obtained by green solvents led to a 33.4–73.2% recovery compared to traditional extraction; the highest values (p < 0.05) were obtained by ethanol-containing systems. Compared to the traditional procedure, ethanol systems showed an 85.8–90.3% recovery of phospholipid compounds and no differences (p > 0.05) in the ω3/ω6 ratio. Green-extracting systems led to higher average values for eicosapentaenoic acid content (15.66–18.56 g·100 g−1 total FAs) and polyene index (1.93–3.29) than chloroform/methanol extraction; differences were significant (p < 0.05) for systems including acetone and ethyl acetate. No differences (p > 0.05) were detected for docosahexaenoic acid content between the traditional procedure and green systems, with all values being included in the 31.12–32.61 g·100 g−1 total FA range. The suitability of EtOH-containing green systems for extraction of bioactive lipid compounds from squid by-products was concluded.

Evolution of lipid damage and volatile amine content in Patagonian squid (Doryteuthis gahi) by‐products during frozen storage

SummaryBy‐products (viscera, tails, skin, etc.) resulting from Patagonian squid (Doryteuthis gahi) commercialisation were pooled together and stored at −10 and –18 °C for 12 months. During this storage time, 81.1–83.7 and 1.7–2.4 (g 100 g−1) ranges were detected for moisture and lipid values, respectively. An increased storage time and temperature led to free fatty acid formation and phospholipid content decrease (P &lt; 0.05). Meantime, peroxide levels were low and included in 2.1–3.6 meq. active oxygen kg−1 lipids range. Contrary, substantial formation (P &lt; 0.05) of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and fluorescent compounds was proved, values being higher by increasing the time and temperature of storage of squid by‐products. Related to amine formation, trimethylamine values increased notably (P &lt; 0.05) with storage, higher values being obtained by increasing the storage time and temperature. For total volatile amines, increased levels with storage time were detected in samples stored at −10 °C; contrary, by‐products stored at the lowest temperature tested did not provide differences (P &gt; 0.05), resulting from the storage time. This study shows the need of appropriate storage conditions to offer the current by‐products as a source of valuable marine constituents. Present results meet the present global interests in the search for new and undervalued marine substrates to be employed commercially.

Using stable isotope chronologies within squid gladii (Doryteuthis gahi) to evaluate dietary differences by fishing region and season

Stable isotopes are a useful tool for understanding diet and migration in squid, which often play an important role in marine food webs. The Patagonian long-finned squid fishery around Falkland Islands waters is managed separately for each of its biannual fishing seasons and 2 sub-areas of the fishing zone. However, factors driving differences in the timing of recruitment and squid size between sub-areas have never been resolved. To investigate whether seasonal and spatial variation in life history parameters of the Patagonian long-finned squidDoryteuthis gahiis driven by differences in diet, stable isotope profiles (δ13C and δ15N) were measured along the gladius—the internal chitinous shell—to reconstruct a chronological record of habitat and feeding variations and to compare fishing seasons and sub-areas using a mixed modelling approach. Here we show that isotopic niche was distinct between the fishing seasons, but negligible differences in isotopic niche were found between sub-areas of the fishing zone. This suggests that spatial differences in life history parameters are not a result of dietary variation. Substantial variation in δ13C and δ15N values along the gladius indicated versatility in feeding behaviours and dietary habits over time. Squid in the second fishing season occupied a lower trophic level (mean = 3.2) than the first season (mean = 3.5). Patterns in δ13C values indicated more complex and substantial migration patterns in the second fishing season. This coincides with the current knowledge of this species’ spawning migrations. We anticipate that these data may be used for future studies investigating the role of squid within the Patagonian Shelf marine ecosystem. Analysis of the squid gladius has applications for other loliginid squid species in future studies.

Heavy fishery exploitation does not affect sizes at recruitment and maturity of squid Illex argentinus and Doryteuthis gahi, in the Southwest Atlantic

Abstract Commercial exploitation often impacts the life-history parameters of iteroparous and semelparous fishes, and prolonged fishing pressure may lead to fisheries-induced evolution. However, information is lacking on how fishing exploitation affects short-lived semelparous cephalopods. This study examines the impact of heavy commercial fishing on Illex argentinus and Doryteuthis gahi, two annual squid species around the Falkland Islands in the Southwest Atlantic. Changes in two life-history parameters; size at recruitment and size at maturity, were standardized for sea temperature and analysed in relation to relative biomass indices over 34 years for I. argentinus and 31 years for D. gahi. For both squid species, correlations of these life-history parameters were observed with biomass and temperature, but size at recruitment and size at maturity did not change significantly over the extended periods of their commercial exploitation. Sizes at recruitment and maturity of these short-lived squid appear to remain stable in absence of size selection in their respective fisheries. Both jigs and trawls capture the entire size ranges of squid recruited to the fishing grounds, thus avoiding direct fisheries-induced selection on their size-dependent life-history parameters. With only one cohort/generation at a time present during growth-phase fishery, both squid species studied seem to be more resilient to fisheries-induced changes in sizes at recruitment and maturity than short-lived semelparous fish and squid subjected to terminal fisheries. Instead, these size-dependent life-history traits of squid fished during their growth phase are mainly driven by short-term changes in population density and environment, including ambient temperature.

Size-related, seasonal and interdecadal changes in the diet of the Patagonian longfin squid Doryteuthis gahi in the South-western Atlantic

AbstractThe Patagonian longfin squid Doryteuthis gahi has an annual life cycle with two seasonal cohorts (autumn and spring spawners). Earlier studies on the Patagonian shelf found a predominance of Euphausiacea in the D. gahi diet, but no studies to date have investigated differences between feeding spectra of the two cohorts or decadal diet shifts. The present study investigated differences in diet of D. gahi on the Patagonian shelf sampled two decades apart, and differences between seasonal cohorts. Classical stomach content analysis and generalized additive models were used to investigate and model the influence of mantle length, sampling period and spawning cohort on the diet. Results revealed an ontogenetic diet change from ~70% Frequency of Occurrence of Euphausiacea in small squid to more than 60% FO of fish and Cephalopoda at larger sizes. Cannibalism was also frequently observed. Euphausiacea were ingested more frequently and in higher amounts during the austral summer and therefore were consumed more by the autumn spawning cohort, whereas fish was more frequently fed upon during austral winter and also by the spring spawning cohort. Cannibalism was also recorded more in austral winter months but, contrary to feeding on fish, was more prevalent in the autumn spawning cohort. Increased predation of Munida gregaria was observed in 2020 compared with 2001. This study is an important step towards improving the knowledge of D. gahi's two seasonal cohorts, providing data that can be used for future ecosystem modelling.

Nutritional and Healthy Value of Chemical Constituents Obtained from Patagonian Squid (Doryteuthis gahi) By-Products Captured at Different Seasons.

This study focuses on the extraction of nutritional and healthy constituents of whole by-products resulting from the commercialisation of Patagonian squid (Doriteuthis gahi). By-products corresponding to squid individuals captured at different seasons were comparatively analysed for proximate composition, lipid classes content, fatty acid (FA) profile, and macroelement and trace element composition. As a result, moisture, lipid, protein, and ash values were included in the ranges 829.0–842.8, 17.5–21.8, 106.0–123.7, and 9.3–13.3 g·kg−1 by-products, respectively. Phospholipids showed to be the most abundant lipid class (359.2–463.5 g·kg−1 lipids), while triacylglycerols were only present in a 9.5–13.1 g·kg−1 lipids range. Valuable levels were detected for α-tocopherol (539.6–973.3 mg·kg−1 lipids), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; 50.5–52.6 g·100 g−1 FA), ω3 PUFA (47.0–48.6 g·100 g−1 FA), PUFA/saturated FA ratio (1.4–1.6), and ω3/ω6 ratio (12.1–13.4). Among macroelements, S, P, and Na showed to be more abundant than K, Mg, and Ca. Profitable levels of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn were detected in all kinds of individuals. In spite of content variations found as a result of the capture season of Patagonian squid individuals, whole by-products of this cephalopod species can be considered as a profitable source to provide the food and pharmaceutical industries with useful value-added constituents.

A Visitor of Tropical Waters: First Record of a Clymene Dolphin (Stenella clymene) Off the Patagonian Coast of Argentina, With Comments on Diet and Metazoan Parasites

The poorly known Clymene dolphin (Stenella clymene) is a small oceanic cetacean distributed in tropical and subtropical waters of the Atlantic Ocean. In this study, we report, for the first time, a vagrant individual of Clymene dolphin in Argentina (Rada Tilly) that represents the current southern-most record for this cetacean species. We provide a molecular identification of the dolphin, based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, generated from DNA extracted from its metazoan parasites. Three prey species, namely Argentine hake, Patagonian squid and lobster krill were identified from hard pieces collected in the stomach. Seven metazoan parasite taxa (three in adult stage, one immature stage and three in larval stage) were identified using morphological and molecular data, i.e., the digenean Pholeter gastrophilus (new host record), the cestodes Tetrabothrius (Tetrabothrius) forsteri, Clistobothrium grimaldii unidentified phyllobothriid plerocercoids, the nematodes Anisakis pegreffii (new host record), Halocercus delphini and the acanthocephalan Corynosoma australe (new host record). Our study provides the first molecular exploration of the metazoan parasite diversity in delphinids from the southwestern Atlantic, and contributes significantly to understand the poorly known parasite fauna of the Clymene dolphin.

Discrete Spawning Aggregations of the Loliginid Squid Doryteuthis gahi Reveal Life-History Interactions of a Dwarf Morphotype at the Center of Its Distribution Range

Heterogeneous environmental conditions along the Humboldt Current System (HCS) influence the life-history strategy of a variety of species in different ways. There is limited information on latitudinal traits of coastal cephalopods as part of the interacting species in pelagic and benthic environments. The present study used the loliginid squidDoryteuthis gahias a model organism to: (1) evaluate latitudinal traits on egg laying patterns, (2) characterize a particular spawning ground, (3) quantify the isotopic variation from different tissues, (4) evaluate potential trophic ontogenetic changes, (5) determinate trophic position, and (6) isotopically estimate the relative importance of putative preys in the squid’s assimilated diet. Results evidenced that egg-masses collected between 2014 and 2020 presented similar patterns along northern-central Chile (27–36°S), with females attaching small egg-capsules (10–50 mm length) through the year and over a variety of anthropogenic and natural substrates. At a small scale (Coquimbo; 29°S), early life history traits showed distinct patterns depending on SST, with warmer collection periods (∼18°C) evidencing larger capsules and smaller embryos, although small paralarvae were obtained over the 4-year sampling period. In this site, sampling of older ontogenetic stages supported the constant presence of small-sized squids (19–77 mm ML). Males had larger mean sizes compared to females and undetermined specimens, with a high proportion of mature stages. Observations in captivity were extended for up to 110 d, validating that small females (45–64 mm ML) spawn the small egg-capsules typically observed in the field. Differences in stable isotope composition between beaks and soft tissues of adult squids were lower for δ13C values (1.1 vs. 1.4‰, respectively) and higher for δ15N values (5.3 vs. 4.7‰, respectively). Isotopic composition through ontogeny found similar δ13C and δ15N values, suggesting that carbon sources (pelagic origin) and trophic position did not change significantly, with copepods, euphausiids and nereid polychaetes being the most important preys. This study unveils the permanent occurrence of a small reproductive morphotype ofD. gahiin shallow coastal habitats of northern-central Chile (i.e., center of the distribution range), providing the first insights for understanding the species’ potential adaptations to heterogeneous conditions in the HCS and the unexplored distribution gap between the two centers of abundance (Peru and the Falkland/Malvinas islands).

The diet of the Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides, a deep-sea top predator off Southwest Atlantic Ocean

The present study is a valuable contribution to the knowledge of feeding habits of Patagonian toothfish Dissostichus eleginoides in Southwestern Atlantic (53–55°S, 351 to 1073 m depth) near Burdwood Bank/Namuncura marine-protected area, where diet has not been previously investigated. Based on stomach content analyses of 441 specimens ranging from 38 to 190 cm total length (TL), our study tested the hypotheses that diet was influenced by TL, sex, maturity stage, depth, and region, using generalized linear models and information theory selection criteria. The Patagonian toothfish fed primarily on fish (morid cod Notophycis marginata, myctophids, rattails Macrourus holotrachys and Coelorinchus fasciatus, notothenids Patagonotothen ramsayi, and hoki Macruronus magellanicus), followed by cephalopods (Onykia ingens, Doryteuthis gahi) and shrimps (Acanthephyra pelagica). One case of cannibalism was recorded. The trophic level was 4.57 (4.22 juveniles, 4.78 adults). The pelagic fish and bathypelagic shrimp were more consumed in the east region, whereas demersal fish and cephalopods were more consumed in the west one. Ontogenetic dietary changes associated with TL and maturity stage were reported: pelagic fish and shrimp A. pelagica had the main importance in the diet of intermediate-sized toothfish, reinforcing the hypothesis that juveniles exhibited a bento-pelagic behavior. Demersal fish were more heavily consumed by juvenile specimens, and the size of demersal fish predated by Patagonian toothfish increased according to the predator TL. Cephalopods were more consumed by adults. The preference of sexually mature specimens for cephalopods could have a positive effect on spawning and egg quality.

Diet composition of an opportunistic predator from an upwelling area in the Southeastern Pacific

AbstractThe aim of this study was to use scat analysis to analyse the dietary composition of the South American sea lion (SASL, Otaria byronia) over a short temporal scale and in different but closely located colonies in the Humboldt Current System of northern Chile. Scat samples were collected at Arica (18°34′S), Iquique (20°48′S) and Mejillones (23°04′S) during the summer (January to March) and winter (July) of 2015. A total of 16 595 individual prey items from nine species were found in 194 of the 215 scat samples. In general, squat lobster (Pleuroncodes monodon) was the most important prey item for the sea lion diet, both by number and according to the index of relative importance (%IRI), followed by anchovy (Engraulis ringens), which was the most frequent prey item in the scats and the most important by weight. Patagonian squid (Loligo gahi) ranked third in importance in the sea lion diet. However, some spatiotemporal variations in the consumption of prey were found. Squat lobster was the most important prey for sea lions in Arica and Iquique, while anchovy was the dominant prey in Mejillones. Regarding seasonal variation, squat lobster was more important in winter than in summer in the three localities, while anchovy was also more important during winter, except in Mejillones where the levels of consumption of this prey were similar in both seasons. These results show that SASL adjust their dietary preferences, modifying the contribution of different prey both spatially and temporally. Spatiotemporal variations in the SASL diet can be explained by temporal changes in the distribution and abundance of their prey.

Implementation of exclusion devices to mitigate seal (Arctocephalus australis, Otaria flavescens) incidental mortalities during bottom-trawling in the Falkland Islands (Southwest Atlantic)

In the Falkland Islands, the South American fur seal and South American sea lion spatially overlap and interact with bottom-trawling fisheries. Until 2015, interactions of these species with the Patagonian bottom trawl squid fishery were uncommon. During the second fishing season 2017 a dramatic increase in seal interactions was observed, with a corresponding increase in incidental mortalities. Various mitigation measures were applied, seal exclusion devices (SEDs) fitted inside a net extension inserted between the trawl net and cod-end being the most efficient. The SEDs became mandatory in the fishery in September 2017. Since then, the number of seal mortalities remains negligible. SED efficiency is monitored by 100 % observer coverage. To the best of our knowledge, the Falkland Islands Patagonian squid fishery is currently the only trawl fishery in the Southwest Atlantic with full observer coverage and SED usage. It is hoped in the near future similar mitigation measures extend to other coastal countries whose fisheries also interact with these otariids.

South American sea lions Otaria byronia as biological samplers of local cephalopod fauna in the Patagonian shelf marine ecosystem

AbstractCephalopods are important prey in the diet of top predators, such as marine mammals and seabirds. However, detailed information on their trophic relationships in the Patagonian marine ecosystem is scarce, including those cephalopod species with commercial interest. The aims of this study were to evaluate the composition of the cephalopod component in the diet of Otaria byronia and determine the habitat use and trophic levels of their main cephalopod prey by measuring the stable isotopic signature of cephalopod beaks. Between May 2005 and February 2009, fresh faecal samples were collected from two sea lions rookeries in San Matias Gulf. Cephalopods occurred in 39.4% of the 1112 samples collected during the whole period of study. The dominant prey species was Octopus tehuelchus, which occurred in 45.8% of scats containing cephalopod remains, and represented 58.7% in terms of numerical abundance and 52.0% in mass of cephalopods consumed. The second species most consumed was the myopsid Doryteuthis gahi. The significant higher δ15N values of O. tehuelchus beaks in comparison with those of D. gahi showed that these two species have different trophic levels while occupying similar habitat (δ13C values) in neritic waters of the Patagonian shelf.

Size-dependent change in body shape and its possible ecological role in the Patagonian squid (Doryteuthis gahi) in the Southwest Atlantic

Cephalopods are a versatile group with several mechanisms in place to ensure the success of future generations. The Patagonian long-finned squid (Doryteuthis gahi) populations on the southern Patagonian shelf are believed to be genetically homogenous, but the mechanisms connecting them geographically and temporally are unresolved. Individual growth is highly variable within cephalopod populations and is likely to affect individual patterns of migration and, thus, population connectivity as a whole. Therefore, this study aimed to make inferences about population structure by analysing the size at which individuals were mature and aimed to describe the intrapopulation growth (allometric) trajectories of body shape, using landmark-based geometric morphometric techniques to describe phenotypes. Samples were collected from June 1999 to November 2017 around 52°S and 58°W. Smoothing curves from binomial generalised additive models (GAMs) suggested two size modes of maturity in females and one or multiple modes in males dependent on year and season. There was a gradual elongation of the mantle and an increase in the relative fin size throughout ontogeny. Shape scores from geometric morphometric shape coordinates revealed a continuous non-linear allometric trajectory with a significantly different slope angle for males exceeding 20.1 cm dorsal mantle length (DML). At the extreme of this continuum, the largest ‘super-bull’ form had a substantially more elongated body shape, a heavier fin and a larger fin area compared to the rest of the population, a body shape associated with enhanced swimming performance which may help to maintain population connectivity. The prevalence of these rare super-bulls in the fishery varied widely between years, suggestive of phenotypic plasticity. This study provides evidence that the D. gahi population on the southern Patagonian shelf has a complex population structure with high intraspecific variation.