Patagonian Region Research Articles

Vivir en los límites del Gran Chaco y la región pampeana: aportes al estudio de las poblaciones de la costa sur de Laguna Mar Chiquita (Córdoba) desde la Arqueología y la Bioantropología

En este trabajo se presenta una síntesis de las investigaciones realizadas en 25 sitios de la costa sur de la Laguna Mar Chiquita desde distintas líneas de análisis: estudios sobre la historia y evolución biológica de las poblaciones, dieta, usos del cuerpo y estilo de vida a partir de distintos bioindicadores, tales como isótopos estables y microrrestos vegetales, tecnología cerámica y prácticas mortuorias. Los cambios y continuidades detectados son situados en un marco cronológico preciso (32 fechados radiocarbónicos, 4525-375 14C años AP), y con referencia al modelo paleoambiental propuesto para el área. Se propone una ocupación humana desde fines del Holoceno medio, con un hiato entre 3800-2500 años AP y una intensificación notable entre 700 y 500 años AP. Los estudios bioantropológicos permiten diferenciar a estas poblaciones de las que ocuparon la región serrana de Córdoba, y proponen cambios en la composición poblacional a partir de 1200 años AP, sugiriendo similitudes con poblaciones del noreste de Patagonia, noreste de región pampeana y región chaco-santiagueña. Se destaca la importancia del consumo de plantas silvestres durante todo el período, incorporando cultígenos de forma complementaria con posterioridad a 1200 años AP. A partir de este momento se sugiere un incremento en los niveles de actividad física, aumento en la prevalencia de ciertas patologías orales y tendencia secular negativa en la talla de los individuos femeninos. Particularmente a partir de 700 años AP, el crecimiento poblacional, sumado al aumento de las tensiones sociales, podría estar indicando un desmejoramiento en la calidad de vida hacia finales del Holoceno tardío.

The influence of topography and land use on hydrological and nutrient dynamics in two Andean streams from Northern Patagonia

ABSTRACT Fluvial dynamics are driven by multiple environmental factors and scales. Studies coupling hydrological and nutrient dynamics of mountain streams are almost non-existent in the Northern Patagonian region; which is characterised by a temperate-cold climate. We studied two adjacent streams with contrasting drainage basins: Casa de Piedra (41°07′30.11″S 71°27′13.16″W), which originates in a small mountain lake and runs through pristine landscapes, and Gutiérrez (41°09′36.18″S 71°24′37.19″W) that originates in a large piedmont lake and runs through an anthropized landscape. The streams displayed contrasting hydrological and nutrient dynamics. Casa de Piedra had higher discharge flashiness with shorter response delays to precipitation. Whereas the hydrology of Gutiérrez was buffered by the upstream lake, its nutrient exports were not. Differences observed in quality and timing in the export of coarse particulate organic matter and levels of phosphorus and nitrogen are explained by human activities affecting Gutiérrez but not Casa de Piedra. Moreover, the ratio of nitrogen:phosphorus suggests that phosphorus may be the limiting nutrient in the future, at the more densely populated basin. To summarise, Northern Patagonian streams flowing under marked geological and climate similarities, display stark differences in dynamics of their adjacent basins due to differences in topography and land use.

EL FUTURO Y LA INCERTIDUMBRE EN LOS ESTUDIOS HISTÓRICOS INMIGRATORIOS: EL EJEMPLO DE NEUQUÉN, PROVINCIA PATAGÓNICA, 1930-1976

Este artículo busca introducir brevemente una discusiónsobre el análisis de la concepción de futuro en los estudios históricos inmigratorios,a través de ejemplos en la región patagónica. Considerandoque las conjeturas, imágenes y concepciones sobre el futuro –o sobreposibles escenarios en el futuro– se basan en datos e informacionesque afectan a la vida de los individuos y sus sociedades, este artículoidentifica al menos dos formas de indagar sobre el rol de la imagen defuturo en los estudios históricos sobre la inmigración. El artículo discutesobre cómo la concepción respecto del futuro afectó al presente delos inmigrantes y la forma de relacionarse con su pasado, considerandoque las imágenes de futuro formaron parte de la vida cotidiana de todoslos pobladores. Tal perspectiva permite afinar los estudios históricos dela participación de los inmigrantes en los procesos socioeconómicos y políticos, resaltando el papel de la incertidumbre en sus experiencias,prácticas e identificaciones, lográndose así profundizar la comprensiónde la historia inmigratoria y su relación con la historia política, social yeconómica de las zonas de residencia y radicación.

Stable Oxygen and Carbon Isotope Composition of Holocene Mytilidae from the Camarones Coast (Chubut, Argentina): Palaeoceanographic Implications

The stable isotope composition of living and of Holocene Mytilidae shells was measured in the area of Camarones (Chubut, Argentina). The most striking results were the high δ18O values measured in samples older than ca. 6.1 cal ka BP. In the younger samples, the δ18O values remained substantially stable and similar to those of living specimens. Analysis of the data revealed the possibility for this isotopic shift to be driven mainly by changes in temperature probably accompanied by minor changes in salinity, suggesting cooler seawater before 6.1 cal ka BP, with a maximum possible temperature shift of ca. 5 °C. A possible explanation of this change can be related to a northward position of the confluence zone of the Falkland and Brazilian currents. This is consistent with the data obtained in marine cores, which indicate a northerly position of the confluence in the first half of the Holocene. Our data are also in line with the changes in wind strength and position of the Southern Westerlies Wind, as reconstructed in terrestrial proxies from the Southernmost Patagonia region.

Penguins of Argentina: a bibliometric analysis

This study analyzes the scientific literature published on penguins in Argentina between 1985 and 2019. It examines the characteristics and the temporal variation in the number of publications, the total number of authors, the percentage of participation of Argentine researchers, the species and region of study, as well as the research topics they address. The results show a tendency towards an increase in papers and studies of these birds, the total number of authors, and the participation of researchers belonging to Argentine research centers during the period analyzed. The most studied penguin species was the Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus), followed by the Southern Rockhopper Penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) and the Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua). The most addressed research topics were foraging and diet, followed by reproduction and reproductive success, conservation and wildlife management, population dynamics and physiology and histology, which were carried out mainly in the Patagonian region and in the Malvinas Islands. The results help to understand the past, present and future state of scientific literature, which will strengthen decision-making on future research on penguins.

Enmienda con compost y fertilización de suelos afectados por incendios: Respuesta de dos especies nativas de la Patagonia bajo condiciones de invernadero

Las actividades humanas alteraron la frecuencia y la intensidad de los incendios, lo cual puede tener consecuencias severas sobre los ecosistemas terrestres. Se sugiere que aplicar enmiendas y trasplantar especies nativas serían alternativas exitosas para recuperar zonas incendiadas. En la región andina de la Patagonia Argentina se produce compost de biosólidos que se podría usar a tal fin. Sin embargo, se conoce poco sobre el efecto de estas enmiendas orgánicas en el crecimiento de las plantas nativas. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la respuesta al agregado de compost y la fertilización nitrogenada de dos especies nativas: ciprés (Austrocedrus chilensis) y roble (Nothofagus obliqua), cultivadas en un sustrato volcánico forestal afectado por un incendio. Después de 4 años se observó que el efecto de los tratamientos (en la planta y en el suelo) dependió de la especie. El efecto principal del compost fue un aumento marcado en la disponibilidad de fósforo en los suelos. El roble incrementó su biomasa y modificó parámetros arquitecturales en respuesta a la fertilización nitrogenada, pero no presentó cambios ante la adición de compost. El ciprés, por el contrario, no respondió a la fertilización nitrogenada, pero sí incrementó su biomasa en el tratamiento con compost y fertilización. Es posible que agregar nitrógeno haya favorecido la absorción de nutrientes que aporta el compost, como fósforo, calcio y magnesio.

Extreme color variation in the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) in Patagonia

From fieldwork begun in 1979 and continuing intermittently until the present, we show the range in variation in pigmentation of Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus) native to the Patagonian region of South America. This variation nearly equals the full range in Peregrine Falcon color variation for all races worldwide. The pallid morph is paler than any other peregrine, and in extreme southern Patagonia, most dark or normal morph adults are as pale or paler than extremely pale arctic peregrines from northern Asia and North America. In the forests of the southern Andes Mountains, there are richly colored (i.e., with deep red-brown ventral background pigmentation) falcons that approach or equal the darkest peregrines anywhere. Some juvenile peregrines are more deeply red-brown ventrally than any other juveniles worldwide. Most important, we introduce the hypothesis that non-pallid adult color variants are largely segregated by habitat type. By inference, this suggests that adjacent ecotypes may represent different subspecies.

The Effects of Glacial Cover on Riverine Silicon Isotope Compositions in Chilean Patagonia

Proglacial rivers have been shown to have distinctive silicon (Si) isotope compositions, providing new insights into the mechanisms controlling Si cycling in the subglacial environment and suggesting terrestrial Si isotope exports may have varied between glacial and interglacial periods. However, Si isotope data are currently limited to a small number of glacial systems in the northern hemisphere, and it is unclear how compositions might vary across a spectrum of glacial influence. Using Chilean Patagonia as a unique natural laboratory, we present Si isotope compositions of 0.45 μm filtered (fSi), 0.02 μm filtered (DSi), and reactive amorphous (ASi) fractions from 40 river catchments with variable glacial cover and explore the key controls on Si cycling. The 0.45 μm filtered glacier-fed river samples displayed isotopically light compositions and a positive linear correlation with upstream glacial cover. This relationship was controlled by the inclusion of an isotopically light colloidal-nanoparticulate (0.02–0.45 μm) silicate phase that was only present in glacier-fed rivers and dominated Si budgets in these catchments. This phase was predominately composed of feldspars and its lability in seawater is uncertain, representing a significant unknown in resolving glacial Si isotope exports from this region. When the colloidal-nanoparticulates were removed from solution by ultra-filtration, the resultant DSi isotope compositions of glacier-fed catchments were not isotopically distinct from some non-glacial rivers and exhibited no clear relationship with glacial cover. The colloidal-nanoparticulate concentration of other weathering-sensitive elements (Li, Mg, Ba, Sr) also showed a linear relationship with glacial cover, suggesting that their isotopic compositions could be affected in a similar manner. These findings highlight the benefit of size-fractionated sampling and the need for more research to understand the lability of colloidal-nanoparticulate species, especially in glacier-fed rivers. Finally, we explore the controls on river ASi isotope compositions and show how including these reactive particulate phases is critical to quantifying terrestrial Si isotope budgets, both in Patagonia and other global regions.

Diel differences in blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) dive behavior increase nighttime risk of ship strikes in northern Chilean Patagonia.

The northern Chilean Patagonia region is a key feeding ground and a nursing habitat in the southern hemisphere for blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). From 2014 to 2019, during 6 separate research cruises, the dive behavior of 28 individual blue whales was investigated using bio‐logging tags (DTAGs), generating ≈190 h of data. Whales dove to significantly greater depths during the day compared to nighttime (day: 32.6 ± 18.7 m; night: 6.2 ± 2.7 m; P < 0.01). During the night, most time was spent close to the surface (86% ± 9.4%; P < 0.01) and at depths of less than 12 m. From 2016 to 2019, active acoustics (scientific echosounders) were used to record prey (euphausiids) density and distribution simultaneously with whale diving data. Tagged whales appeared to perform dives relative to the vertical migration of prey during the day. The association between diurnal prey migration and shallow nighttime dive behavior suggests that blue whales are at increased risk of ship collisions during periods of darkness since the estimated maximum ship draft of vessels operating in the region is also ≈12 m. In recent decades, northern Chilean Patagonia has seen a large increase in marine traffic due to a boom in salmon aquaculture and the passenger ship industry. Vessel strike risks for large whales are likely underestimated in this region. Results reported in this study may be valuable for policy and mitigation decisions regarding conservation of the endangered blue whale.

Tectonic segmentation across Patagonia controlled by the subduction of oceanic fracture zones

A set of fracture zones left by transform faults segmenting the active Chile Ridge that separates the Nazca and Antarctica Plates has been subducting beneath western Patagonia in the last 18 Myr. The subduction direction of these fractures zones has remained almost unaltered during this time lapse since these intersected the Chilean trench. In this context, the analyzed Patagonian sector is associated with the subduction of a highly buoyant oceanic floor due to its relatively young age that contrasts with the ocean floor bathymetry to the north where oceanic crust gets progressively older up to the Eocene and consequently isostatically subsides. Short-term elastic deformational patterns associated with the earthquake cycle have been linked to this segmentation imposed by subducting fracture zones in previous works. Similarly, this work explores the relationship between long-term topography, seismicity, gravity, and magnetic anomalies as a proxy for upper crustal structure, deformation, exhumation, and consequently surface geology segmented nature associated with this pattern of oceanic fracture zones. Through these analyses, we have identified a series of ENE structural trends or lineaments across the continental crust that could be directly related to the segmented mechanical behavior of the plate interface and enhanced by particular climatic and tectonic history of the Patagonian region. These evidences could contribute to the understanding of how fracture zones can control, to a certain extent, the segmented nature of the upper plate in a subduction setting.

Non‐native Chinook salmon add nutrient subsidies and functional novelty to Patagonian streams

Abstract The impacts of non‐native species are hypothesised to be proportional to the functional distinctiveness of invaders in their invaded ecosystems. Throughout the Patagonia region of southern South America, Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have recently established non‐native populations, and their anadromous, semelparous life cycle could be functionally unique such that marine‐derived nutrients are delivered to streams which have historically lacked such a resource linkage with the ocean. We tested the hypothesis that salmon subsidise biofilm‐associated algae in streams throughout the Aysén province of southern Chile. Using spatial and temporal variation in the presence of salmon among multiple streams and across two spawning seasons, we found strong evidence of salmon‐subsidised algae in three out of four streams examined that have spawning salmon populations. The biofilm of subsidised streams had enriched stable isotopic ratios of nitrogen and carbon, indicating that marine‐derived nutrients were incorporated by biofilms. This nutrient uptake translated into increased algal biomass and percent of total biofilm biomass composed of algae, indicating that the incorporation of marine‐derived nutrients stimulated autotrophic production of biomass. In one stream, the incorporation of marine‐derived nutrients by biofilm occurred in only one of the two studied spawning seasons. Incorporation occurred in a year with low flows of water throughout salmon spawning (4.59 m3/s) and did not occur in a year with much higher flows (41.6 m3/s), suggesting that inter‐annual variation in discharge can mediate the subsidising effect of salmon. These results indicate that Chinook salmon have bridged the historical gap between productive marine ecosystems and nutrient‐poor stream ecosystems in Patagonia. Anadromous salmon can be a significant source of nutrients in nutrient‐limited catchments, and their ongoing expansion in southern South America is likely to entail ecological impacts in stream and riparian food webs.

The Cerro Negro epithermal district, northwestern Deseado Massif (Patagonia, Argentina): New insights from telescoped volcanic-hydrothermal systems

The Cerro Negro district, northwestern Deseado Massif (Patagonia, Argentina), is one of two world-class Au–Ag epithermal mines in the Patagonian region, with combined reserves, resources, and production of about 8 Moz of Au equivalent. The epithermal deposits are hosted by volcanic and intrusive rocks and are related to the evolution of distinct Jurassic magmatic events. Major WNW trending depocenters were filled by a thick sequence of andesitic-dacitic flows and ignimbrites. In the western part of the district, the sequence is intruded by subvolcanic bodies of the same composition and is grouped into the 159-156 Ma Eureka Volcanic Subvolcanic Complex (EVSC). Hydrothermal activity took place during the last stages of the EVSC, producing epithermal Au- and Ag-rich veins of low to intermediate sulfidation style in the Eureka West (156 Ma) and the Marianas-San Marcos veins (155-154 Ma) that were emplaced in NW striking extensional faults and in WNW to E-W trending strike-slip faults. In the eastern part of the district, basal units of the EVSC are overlain by a thick package of 154 Ma rhyodacitic ignimbrites, hosting the NW to EW-striking Vein Zone deposit and the NW-striking Bajo Negro, Silica cap and Gato Salvaje veins. NNE-trending block faulting formed horsts in the western and eastern parts of the district, separated by a central graben. Uplift of the western and eastern horst blocks lowered the water table and caused erosion, exhumation, and telescoping of the vein systems. Volcanism culminated in a late-to post-mineral rhyolitic event composed of lava-domes and volcaniclastic deposits grouped into the Eureka Rhyolitic Complex (ERC). Continued hydrothermal-volcanic explosive activity produced breccias which cap some of the Au–Ag vein deposits. The high geothermal gradient during ERC volcanism generated renewed hydrothermal activity, and hot springs discharged along the boundary faults of the central graben and within the graben in a fluvio-lacustrine environment.The Au–Ag epithermal veins associated with the EVSC (Eureka and Marianas-San Marcos) show a complex paragenetic history. High Au–Ag grades are related to early sulfide-rich ginguro bands formed at 290–230 °C from meteoric and volcanic fluids due to boiling/flashing mechanism at ~600–800 m below the paleowater table. Low-grade to barren quartz stages followed the early Au–Ag stage, and late calcite was deposited due to the collapse of steam heated CO2 waters. The highest Au–Ag grades are related to a late supergene event extending to 400 m depth. The eastern group of epithermal deposits (Vein Zone, Bajo Negro, Silica cap and Gato Salvaje) were emplaced ~300–400 m below the paleowater table indicated by a silica cap on Cerro Negro hill. They are dominated by silica replacement after lattice calcite texture with high Au grades related to low temperature quartz and late hematite-stained brecciation. We conclude that all deposits are genetically related to intrusive activity, and that additional Au–Ag mineralization may be concealed beneath post-mineral volcanic and sedimentary rocks in the central graben.

Una propuesta metodológica para el análisis intertemporal de la conmutación laboral: el caso de la Patagonia chilena

El objetivo del presente trabajo es aplicar una propuesta metodológica para identificar las características de la conmutación laboral entre dos periodos en la Patagonia chilena, con datos agrupados. Se analizan los centros nodales principales, el origen, los sectores productivos y el nivel de estudios de los trabajadores. Se utilizó la Encuesta Suplementaria de Ingresos de los años 2011 y 2016. Se propone el cálculo de un índice y se aplica una prueba no paramétrica. Los principales resultados indican que los centros nodales están poco conectados entre ellos y, contrario a lo esperado, los trabajadores con bajo nivel de estudios explican principalmente la conmutación de más larga distancia.

The Analysis Performance of a Grid-Connected 8.2 kWp Photovoltaic System in the Patagonia Region

Solar PV structures for locations at high latitudes in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are increasingly in the spotlight. The work reported in this paper analyses the behaviour of a grid-connected 8.2 kWp photovoltaic system to either feed on-site electrical loads (a public institution, Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF), located 5.5 km south of Punta Arenas, lat. 53° S) or to feed into the electrical grid when the photovoltaic system generation is higher than the on-site load demand. The system simulation uses the PVSyst software with Meteonorm derived and measured climate information sets (ambient temperature, solar irradiation and wind speed). The agreement between the simulated and measured energy yield is analysed including the evaluation of the optimal generation energy of the PV array, the energy that is fed into the network, the performance ratio, and the normalised energy generation per installed kWp. The PV system considered in this work generates 7005.3 kWh/year, out of which only 6778 kWh/year are injected into the grid. The measured annual performance ratio is around 89%. The normalised productions of the inverter output or final system yield, i.e., useful energy, is 3.6 kWh/kWp/day. The measured annual average capacity factor obtained from this study is 15.1%. These performance parameters will encourage greater use of photovoltaic technology in the Chilean Patagonia region.

POTENTIALITIES OF SENTINEL-1 FOR MAPPING AND MONITORING GEOLOGICAL AND CRYOSPHERIC PROCESSES IN THE PATAGONIA REGION (CHILE)

Abstract. This work shows two examples on the use of Sentinel-1 data for monitoring different natural processes, like active geohazards or glacier dynamics in the Patagonia region. Sentinel-1 is a two-satellite constellation, launched by the European Space Agency (ESA), that provides SAR imagery with interferometric capabilities. It is in operation since 2014 and has supposed a significant improvement in the exploitation of these type of data for applications like natural hazards mapping and monitoring. The acquisition policy, that guarantees an acquisition each few days (12 days in Patagonia region) for both ascending and descending trajectories, and the data distribution policy, that allows free access to the images without legal constrains, are the main reasons for this improvement. These two aspects allowed not only to assure the data in the past but also to perform monitoring plans at medium-long term. In this work we show the potentialities of the use of these data in the Patagonia region through the application of two different techniques in two different application test sites: urban areas and glaciers.

First steps towards a dynamical model for forest fire behaviour in Argentinian landscapes

We developed a Reaction Diffusion Convection (RDC) model for forest fire propagation coupled to a visualization platform with several functionalities requested by local firefighters. The dynamical model aims to understand the key mechanisms driving fire propagation in the Patagonian region. We'll show in this work the first tests considering combustion and diffusion in artificial landscapes. The simulator, developed in CUDA/OpenGL, integrates several layers including topography, weather, and fuel data. It allows to visualize the fire propagation and also to interact with the user in simulation time. The Fire Weather Index (FWI), extensively used in Argentina to support operative preventive measures for forest fires management, was also coupled to our visualization platform. This additional functionality allows the user to visualize on the landscape the fire risks, that are closely related to FWI, for Northwest Patagonian forests in Argentina.

Presence of King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) on Elephant Island provides further evidence of range expansion

King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) are a circumpolar sub-Antarctic species inhabiting most of the major sub-Antarctic island chains of the Southern Ocean, the Falkland Islands, and regions of Patagonia. Despite early suggestions to the contrary, there is no conclusive historical evidence of King penguin inhabitation of the Antarctic Peninsula or the South Shetland Islands until the past decade. After a near-complete survey of Elephant Island, we report widespread presence of this species, including documented incubation at one site and molting at another. While we found no evidence of King penguins successfully fledging a chick at any of the sites where individuals were found, their presence across numerous sites suggests the potential for future range expansion in response to warming conditions.

Power Line Communications Aplicado a Generación Eólica Bajo Condiciones Climáticas Severas

El propósito de este artículo es presentar una propuesta de plan de tesis y nivel de avance del mismo. &#x0D; Power Line Communication (PLC) es una técnica ampliamente utilizada, principalmente como medio de comunicación en Smart Grid y redes in-building, sin embargo, en la actualidad se está comenzando a utilizar en zonas rurales o de difícil acceso, similares a las que presenta la Patagonia Austral. A pesar de esto, su utilización en el medio nacional adaptada para este tipo de aplicaciones, no registra muchos antecedentes.El objetivo del presente plan de trabajo es el estudio de las técnicas y protocolos de comunicación PLC, a ser utilizados en la región austral del país, para la comunicación entre un aerogenerador de eje vertical instalado en una zona remota y una central de comando y control alimentada por el mencionado aerogenerador. Dadas las condiciones de la región, es necesario conocer los parámetros, variables estructurales y accionamiento del aerogenerador en tiempo real. Por ello se propone modelar y luego implementar un protocolo de comunicación y control apto para la situación planteada

GC-FID-MS and X-ray Diffraction for the Detailed Evaluation of the Volatiles From Senecio filaginoides

The medicinal aromatic plant Senecio filaginoides DC, which is very widespread in the Patagonia region, was harvested at the vegetative, flowering, and fructification stages. The materials were extracted by hydrodistillation, yielding in average 0.34% v/w of essential oils with a pleasant sweet and greenish scent. A total of 56 components were identified by gas chromatography using flame ionization detection and mass spectra measurements, representing 96.1%-97.6% of the total oil. The sesquiterpenoid 10 αH-furanoeremophil-1-one (1) appeared as a major constituent (16.2%-26.9%) of the oil. It could be isolated by cooling the oil at 4°C, thus yielding yellow crystalline solids. Its stereochemistry was assigned by single-crystal X-ray diffraction since previous studies identified the compound with different stereochemistries. The use of classical separation and analytical methodologies remains as a very useful strategy for the correct identification of compounds present in the volatile fraction of a plant and is a route for potential industrial applications.

Seasonal and spatial variability in condition of age‐0+ Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933, in the San Jorge Gulf (Argentina): A bottom‐up perspective

AbstractIn the north Patagonian region of the Argentinean Continental Shelf, the San Jorge Gulf (SJG; 45°‐47°S, 65°30ʹ‐67°30ʹW) is the main nursery ground of age‐0+ Argentine hake Merluccius hubbsi Marini, 1933, one of the most important fishery resources in Argentina. The gulf exhibits strong seasonal and spatial fluctuations in environmental features, which might affect survival of age‐0+ individuals and recruitment to the adult population. Our main goal was to evaluate the seasonal and spatial dynamics of their nutritional status within the SJG in winter 2016, spring 2016 and summer 2017. Condition indices (relative condition factor Kn, hepatosomatic index HSI and liver lipid content %L) and diet information (feeding incidence and relative importance of prey) were combined with physical (temperature and salinity) and biological (satellite chlorophyll‐a concentration; chl‐a) data. Age‐0+ condition indices and prey intake showed significant seasonal variations, with minimum values in winter, intermediate in summer and maximum in spring, strongly coupled to the mean chl‐a concentration in each season. Herbivorous euphausiids Euphausia spp. were the preferred prey along the study period. A bottom‐up effect on condition of age‐0+ hake is suggested, manifested as lower condition values in winter, the less productive season. Spatially, better conditioned individuals matched sectors of the gulf where chl‐a concentrations were higher, coupled to the presence of frontal systems. Monitoring age‐0+ hake nutritional status is relevant in the current global change scenario, which might modify phytoplankton biomass and composition and, consequently, the herbivorous zooplankton abundances.