Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano Research Articles

Evolution of the Polygon of the Protected Natural Area “Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano” Due to the Expansion of the Port of Veracruz, Mexico

The Port of Veracruz, Mexico was artificially built at the beginning of the 21st century, dredging the sea floor and removing reefs to allow the entry of large ships, which led to a growth in the traffic of goods and people through it, making it the largest commercial port in all of Mexico. In 1992 the Government of Mexico decreed the area of coastal reefs near the Port of Veracruz as a protected natural area with the name of the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PSNSAV). In 2013, with the demand of international trade, the decision was made to expand the port, generating job growth in the area and an increase in the flow of containers and automobiles, also have a greater capacity to transport cereals, minerals and fuels. In contrast to the disagreements of the society due to the loss of protected space, the Parks polygon had to be modified. This work try to demonstrated that the construction of the port expansion began previous the presentation to the environmental authorities of the Environmental Impact Statement and the change in the protected limits with the disappearance of the Punta Gorda reefs and the dredging of Vergara Bay for the arrival of deep draft vessels. Through a systematic mapping of the scientific literature combined with satellite mapping and visual interpretation of images, and documentary analysis, we determined the damage to the reef system, which has protected species according to Mexican national regulations.

PET-degrading microorganisms isolated from residues of the SAV biosphere reserve and identification of carboxylic ester hydrolase activity during their growth in the presence of polymer

The “Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano” (SAV) is a vital marine ecosystem; its resources are continually perturbed due to contamination by anthropogenic activities, with multiple contaminants such as plastics. In aquatic ecosystems, plastics are almost immediately coated by inorganic and organic matter, which is then colonized by microbes to form a biofilm on plastic surfaces. This work aimed to isolate and identify plastic-degrading microorganisms isolated mainly from plastic residues of the SAV biosphere reserve. Eight bacteria and three fungi were isolated from a biofilm in plastic residues from islands of SAV. All the bacteria and one fungus showed evidence of degrading PET, over 10% for two bacteria and 17% for the fungus. All fungi belong to the genus Aspergillus, and bacteria belong to the genera Aneurinibacillus, Bordetella, Bacillus, and Lysinibacillus. Aneurinibacillus migulanus and Aspergillus flavus showed the highest values for PET degradation. Carboxylic ester hydrolase (CEH) activity was detected in all crude extracts from fungi and bacteria growing with PET triturates as a carbon source; the maximum CEH in bacteria was 255 U mg-1 and 780 U mg-1 for fungi.

Functional diversity in reef fish assemblages in the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, Mexico: Temporal and spatial changes

The Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (hereafter called PNSAV) is the largest coral reef extension in the central region of the Gulf of Mexico. These reefs are unique since they have developed near a coastal environment that is directly influenced by the discharges of Veracruz city, the rivers located on the continental shelf, and the port of Veracruz. This study evaluates the functional diversity, in terms of richness, evenness, and divergence, of the PNSAV fish community. We were interested in quantifying any similarities or differences in functional diversity metrics when one examines reef fish assemblages on a single reef or joint reef subsystems; thus, is there a difference based on scale? A total of 297 fish assemblages were observed in seven PNSAV reefs between May 2006 and April 2021. Significant differences were found in the Functional Richness of the assemblages between subsystems, years, and reef-depth interaction, but none were found among the reefs, or between seascapes. The Functional Diversity presented annual mean values between 0.83 (sd= 0.085) and 0.90 (sd= 0.068) and did not show statistical differences between years, seascape, or reefs. In contrast, statistical differences were found between subsystems, and depth level and the seascape-depth interaction. The annual mean Functional Evenness values ranged between 0.34 (sd= 0.128) and 0.44 (sd= 0.060), and significant differences were detected between years, reef, and reefs-depth level interaction, but no difference were found between subsystems. Reef-fish diversity was greater within the north coral reef subsystem than the southern of the PNSAV. There were no overall tendencies for increased functional diversity throughout the time during this study.

Helminth Community of the Black Margate Anisotremus surinamensis (Teleostei: Haemulidae), from Coral Reefs off the Veracruz Coast, Mexico, Southern Gulf of Mexico

We describe the composition and structure of the helminth community of the black margate Anisotremus surinamensis in coral reefs from the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) off the Veracruz coast. We examined a total of 78 specimens (total length TL range 21.7–77.9, mean 33.7 cm) (28 males, TL range 22.5–51.5, mean 32.7 cm; 50 females, TL range 21.7–77.9, mean 34.3 cm) of A. surinamensis. At least nine helminth taxa (seven intestinal) were found, for all of which A. surinamensis is a new host. Our inventory includes two new geographic records for the southern Gulf of Mexico: the digeneans Cainocreadium oscitans (Linton, 1910) and Infundiburictus longovatus (Hopkins, 1941). Observed component community richness (S = 9) and infracommunity richness (mean ± SD, S = 2.8 ± 1.3) for A. surinamensis were lower than previously recorded richness for the sympatric A. virginicus and other coral reef fishes from the PNSAV. Numerically dominant taxa were trematodes (four taxa) and monogeneans (two), followed by nematodes (one), acanthocephalans (and) and cestodes (one). The trematode Monorchis latus was the more prevalent, more abundant and numerically dominant helminth species in the community of parasites of A. surinamensis.

The antiproliferative potential of fungi associated with coral and algae collected from a Veracruz Reef System, Gulf of Mexico

Coral reefs are ecosystems with great biodiversity and architectural complexity. Among these, marine fungi constitute one of the least studied groups, despite being potentially an inexhaustible source of bioactive metabolites. For this reason, in this research, we evaluate the antiproliferative activity of 52 fungal strains associated with marine organisms such as algae and coral collected from four islands located in the National Park Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, Mexico. One hundred four chloroform:methanol extracts corresponding to the culture broth, and biomass produced from each fungal strain was obtained from these. Subsequently, they were evaluated against six human solid tumor cell lines (HBL-100, HeLa, SW1573, T-47D, WiDr, and A549). The outcome was that six extracts showed activity against at least one cancer cell line. The identity of these fungi corresponded to the genera Nigrospora , Pestalotiopsis , Cladosporium , and Ochroconis according to their morphological and molecular analysis. In this sense, the strain found to have the highest antiproliferative potential [GI 50 (μg mL -1 ) 4.6, 2.5, 8.0, 5.6, 52.0, 4.0] grouped phylogenetically with a species of Nigrospora sp. The preceding confirms that ecosystems provide.

Helminth Communities of Anisotremus virginicus (Perciformes: Haemulidae) In Veracruz, Mexico.

A helminthological analysis was performed on 91 specimens of the porkfish, Anisotremus virginicus (Linnaeus) (Haemulidae), captured in coral reef habitats of the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) (Veracruz Reef System National Park), in Veracruz, Mexico. A total of 22 helminth taxa were recorded: 9 digeneans, 6 monogeneans, 1 cestode, 4 nematodes, and 2 acanthocephalans. From the 22 taxa, 11 are new host records and 7 are new geographic records. The highest prevalence was found for Monorchis latus Manter, 1942 (69%), and Mexicana anisotremumCezar, Paschoal and Luque, 2012 (68%), and the highest mean intensity was found for M. anisotremum (19.6), M. latus (18.9), and Dollfusentis chandleri Golvan, 1969 (10.8). Other important values were the component community richness (S = 22), diversity (Shannon index H' = 1.6), and infracommunity level (S = 3.1 ± 1.4; Brillouin index, H = 0.52 ± 0.3), which were similar to those found in other marine fish at the same study site. Our result represents a significant range extension for several helminth taxa. The parasite communities of A. virginicus rank among the richer parasite communities of neotropical marine fishes. In addition, the results reveal the PNSAV is a diverse area for the parasite assemblage of neotropical reef marine fishes, particularly of haemulids but also for other fish families.

Larvae and macro-crustaceans along the coastline of the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, SW Gulf of Mexico

Larvae and macro-crustaceans along the coastline of the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, SW Gulf of Mexico

Densidad de mysis de Penaeus aztecus Ives, 1891 en un arrecife del suroeste del Golfo de Méxic

Background. The Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) is in the southern Gulf of Mexico and supports an important shrimp fishery based on three species of Dendrobranchiata: the brown shrimp, Penaeus aztecus, the white shrimp, P. setiferus and the pink shrimp, P. duorarum. Objective. Analyze the distribution and abundance of P. aztecus during the mysis stage and determine its relationship with environmental factors in the PNSAV. Methods. We measured temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen in situ. The planktonic samples from four transects were collected during cold fronts and rainy weather conditions from 2011 to 2013. Results. In rainy conditions the temperature varied from 27.49 ± 0.46 to 29.98 ± 0.02°C, salinity from 32.18 ± 0.06 to 35.40 ± 0.52, and dissolved oxygen from 3.64 ± 0.13 to 6.18 ± 0.64 mgL-1; during cold fronts the temperature varied from 23.21 ± 0.05 to 25.74 ± 0.37 °C, salinity from 34.59 ± 0.39 to 35.84 ± 0.17, and dissolved oxygen from 4.04 ± 0.06 to 6.02 ± mgL-1. The highest average density with 6,938 ± 326 mysis 100 m−3, was found during rainy season in 2011 in the southern transect nearshore, followed by 3,321 ± 339 mysis 100 m−3 in the offshoresouth-central transect during cold fronts weather conditions in 2013, and 3,056 ± 236 mysis 100 m−3 in the south-central foreshore transect during cold fronts weather condition in 2011. Conclusions. The highest density of P. aztecus during mysis stage was recorded in southward foreshore area from PNSAV, during rainy conditions and related to large values of dissolved oxygen concentrations.

Distribution and abundance of zoeae I (Crustacea, Brachyura) on a coral reef in the southwest Gulf of Mexico

In this study we analyze both seasonal and inter-annual variations in the community parameters of Brachyura zoea I in the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano. Planktonic samples from four transects were collected during three weather conditions: cold fronts; rainy and dry conditions in 2011 and 2012; and cold fronts and dry conditions in 2013. We measured temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen, in situ, to determine whether these parameters could explain the observed variations in the community patterns of brachyuran zoea I. We collected zoeae I of 18 species of brachyurans. The dominant species were Libinia dubia H. Milne Edwards, 1834; Menippe nodifrons Stimpson, 1859; and Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896. The temperature and dissolved oxygen were the highest during the rainy conditions and the salinity during the dry conditions in the southern transects. The highest species richness (14) and diversity (2.97 bits individual-1) were found in central transects during cold front conditions. However, we found the highest species richness and diversity during the dry conditions, in the southern transects. Libinia dubia presented the highest density during cold fronts with 1592 ± 127 zoeae 100 m−3 in the northern transect, followed by C. sapidus in the north-central transect, this was observed for both species in the offshore zone. In conclusion, the parameters of the community of zoea I were influenced by the physical parameters measured in each sampling zone.

Potential invasion of the Gulf of Mexico by Protemblemaria punctata (Teleostei: Chaenopsidae), a cryptobenthic fish endemic to Venezuela

The movement of species to areas outside their native ranges has greatly intensified over the past few decades. However, detecting invasive species often requires detailed and regular surveys, especially for animals with small body sizes. A cryptobenthic fish endemic to the Caribbean coast of Venezuela, Protemblemaria punctata (Cervigón, 1966), is reported here from the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, based on the collection of 8 specimens (5 males and 3 females) from Bajo Mersey, a coral reef in the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV). The collected specimens were taken from sessile worm tubes that grew on PVC structures previously placed on the reef at a depth of 6 m. The number of P. punctata specimens we collected could indicate that the species has established a viable population on the reefs in the PNSAV. The colonization of P. punctata in the Gulf of Mexico waters may be due to the dispersal of individuals present on offshore oil platforms that are transported from Trinidad to Venezuela and the Gulf of Mexico.

An update to the inventory of shore-fishes from the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, Veracruz, México.

Data on marine and brackish-water fishes recorded in the area of the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano in the southwest Gulf of Mexico were extracted from online aggregators of georeferenced location records, the recent ichthyological literature reviewed, and collections and observations made to provide a more complete faunal inventory for that park. Those actions added 95 species to a comprehensive inventory published in 2013, and brought the total to 472 species, an increase of 22%. Seventy-four percent of the additions came from online aggregators of georeferenced species records, which clearly demonstrates the value of reviewing and incorporating such data into species inventories. However, different aggregators recorded different sets of species, and some of their data were linked to outdated taxonomy or included identification errors. Hence individual records from multiple aggregators need to be obtained and reviewed for such issues when using such data to compile and revise faunal inventories. Existing lists also need to be carefully reviewed to ensure that errors are not perpetuated during updates.

Planktonic copepod community of a reef zone in the southern Gulf of Mexico

ABSTRACTIn this study, the variation of seasonal and inter-annual density and diversity of the copepod community in the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (PNSAV) was analysed. Samples were collected under nortes, rainy and dry weather conditions in 2011, as well as under nortes and dry weather conditions in 2012 and 2013 in four transects. Surface trawls with 330-μm conical nets were made. The temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were measured in situ. The values obtained were 23.07 ± 0.53 to 29.29 ± 0.27°C for temperature, 33.43 ± 0.49 to 35.91 ± 0.09 for salinity, and 2.52 ± 0.08 to 6.56 ± 0.08 mg l−1 for dissolved oxygen. The copepods collected belonged to 19 families, 28 genera and 62 species. Copepods represented between 69.74% and 76.79% of the abundance of crustaceans present in zooplankton. The highest number of copepods occurred under nortes weather conditions in 2011 with 401,885 ± 28,092 copepods/100 m3 of the species Temora stylifera. In 2012, 256,325 ± 76,872 copepods/100 m3 of the species Paracalanus aculeatus were obtained and in 2013, 311,526 ± 76,872 copepods/100 m3 of the species T. turbinata. The highest specific richness was found in the southern zone with 28 species. In 2013 the highest density was found in the northern zone with 100,323 ± 28,888 copepods/100 m3. The highest diversity was found under dry weather conditions in 2011 with 3.71 bits/individual. In the 3 years of study, 24 species were dominant; 12 of these, appeared in the 3 years of sampling: T. stylifera, T. turbinata, Labidocera scotti, P. aculeatus, O. latus, Pontellopsis villosa, Centropages velificatus, Parvocalanus crassirostris, Corycaeus speciosus, Undinula vulgaris, Oithona plumifera, and Farranula gracilis. Canonical correlation analysis showed the formation of five groups explained by the neritic or oceanic affinity of the species and their tolerance to changes in salinity or temperature.

Morphology of stomatopod larvae from National Parks: Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano and Arrecife Puerto Morelos, Mexico

ABSTRACT The present study provides information on the morphology of stomatopod larvae found in two different reef systems which are also considered national parks: the Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (SAVNP) and Arrecife Puerto Morelos (APMNP). Zooplankton samples were collected at 26 stations of the SAVNP and four stations of the APMNP. Stomatopod larvae were identified and classified by their larval stage. We found representatives of three stomatopod superfamilies: the superfamily Gonodactyloidea Giesbrecht, 1910 was represented by Neogonodactylus oerstedii (Hansen, 1895), Neogonodactylus wennerae Manning and Heard, 1997, and Pseudosquillidae genus and species indeterminate; the superfamily Lysiosquilloidea Giesbrecht, 1910 was represented by Lysiosquilloidea genus and species indeterminate, Lysiosquilla sp., Lysiosquilla scabricauda (Lamarck, 1818) and Nannosquilla adkisoni Camp and Manning, 1982; the superfamily Squilloidea was represented by larvae of Alima neptuni (Linnaeus, 1768), Squilla spp., and Squilla empusa Say, 1818. We were able to identify and describe four stages of larval development for representatives of these superfamilies. This is the first study describing several stages of larval development of different species of the stomatopods from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea.

Submerged Coral Reefs in the Veracruz Reef System, Mexico, and its implications for marine protected area management

Submerged coral reefs (SCRs) are found on the continental shelves of the tropical regions of the world. Unlike shallow reefs, such submerged structures have been little studied in the world despite their ecological importance. We present the results of several explorations carried out between 2015 and 2017 in the Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano National Park (SAVNP) and surrounding areas, which account for the presence of 18 SCRs both inside and outside the National Park. The location of these reefs was based on user information, literature and official documents. Through the use of echo sounder, the dimensions and morphological conformation of the reefs were identified. The protection of submerged coral reefs in the SAVPN is limited. They are not fully considered in the MPA creation decrees, and most of them are located in areas assigned to artisanal fisheries. Connectivity, fisheries, port activities and the lack of scientific information are issues to be attended by environmental authorities to guarantee the protection of these ecosystems.

Annual hydrological variation and hypoxic zone in a tropical coral reef system

The “Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano” (PNSAV), a coastal reef system located in the corridor of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, is an ecosystem with different environmental characteristics when compared to most tropical coral reefs. The current study aims to describe the hydrological variation of temperature, salinity, density, oxygen, nitrogen and chlorophyll-a from March, 2011 to March, 2012. A total of 13 sampling stations distributed along the PNSAV were used to describe the temporal variation of the physicochemical characteristic of the area. There was a good correlation between the physicochemical and biological variables according to a multivariate statistical analysis (cluster and PCA) performed using all variables. The correlation value among the physicochemical and biological variables was about the same for all stations despite the differences in coral coverage. It was found that the PNSAV had different seasons (dry, rainy, northern and transition seasons or southern and northern wind seasons) depending on the variables used to perform the analysis. Finally, some stations depicted a hypoxic area in front of the Jamapa River owing to bacterial activity, which maybe one of the explanation of the absence of coral reef structures in this area.

Anthropogenic pressure indicators associated with vessel groundings on coral reefs in a marine protected area

Historical information was collected on vessel groundings in the Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (Veracruz Reef System National Park, PNSAV) during the periods 1902–1945 and 1970–2010 to generate specific pressure indicators associated with these events. Information on 126 vessel groundings was gathered, and the cause, specific location, season, and type of vessel were analyzed. Three indicators were generated: stranding pressure, annual pressure, and pressure per site. The highest number of vessel groundings occurred in 1925 and on the Anegada de Adentro reef, the most impacted in both periods. The most common causes of strandings were human error and northerly winds (Nortes). Small vessels were the ones that impacted the most against the reefs. The indicators showed that despite technological advances, pressure caused by groundings in PNSAV continues to occur at a medium level. These indicators are relevant for the management of the area in view of the imminent expansion of the port of Veracruz, which will likely lead to increased vessel traffic and a potential increase in vessel groundings.

Helminth parasites of the red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae) from the reef Santiaguillo, Veracruz, Mexico.

A total of 21 helminth species were recovered from 52 specimens of red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus , captured in the reef Santiaguillo, Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, State of Veracruz, in the Southern Gulf of Mexico. These helminths included 9 trematodes (7 adults and 2 metacercariae), 4 nematodes (3 adults and 1 larva), 4 acanthocephalans (1 adult and 3 juvenile), 2 cestodes (both larvae), and 2 monogeneans. Sixteen of the 21 species are new host records; 7 are common species with a prevalence >40% and mean intensity >4.1. The monogenean Euryhaliotrema tubocirrus was the most-prevalent parasite with a prevalence of 78.8%, followed by the intestinal plerocercoids of Tetraphyllidea with a prevalence of 59.6%. The richness (S = 21), and diversity (Shannon index H = 2.17) in the component community, as well as in the infracommunity level (S = 5.1 ± 2.2, H = 0.92 ± 0.4), was similar to those found in other marine fish of temperate and tropical latitudes. The present study suggests that the composition of the parasite community is associated with the host feeding habits because 18/21 of the recorded species are trophically transmitted.

ASSOCIATION OF SYNALPHEUS (CRUSTACEA, DECAPODA, ALPHEIDAE) WITH THE SPONGES FROM PARQUE MARINO NACIONAL SISTEMA ARRECIFAL VERACRUZANO, SW GULF OF MEXICO

We assessed the association between five Synalpheus shrimp species (Synalpheus brevicarpus, Synalpheus fritzmuelleri, Synalpheus minus, Synalpheus scaphoceris, and Synalpheus towsendi) and five sponges (Amphimedon compressa, Aplysina fistularis, Ircinia fistularis, Ircinia. strobilina, and Sidonops neptuni) from parque marino nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano. Abundance of shrimp in each sponge species collected was noted. The Jaccard index (J) of association was applied to verify this association in six reefs in the park. Further, the correlation between shrimp carapace depth and sponge canal diameter was assessed. The total number of shrimps collected was 102, with the highest number of individuals (n = 62) for S. fritzmuelleri. The highest association was noted between S. towsendi and A. compressa (J = 1), followed by S. fritzmuelleri and I. fistularis (J = 0.88) and S. minus and I. strobilina (J = 0.66). The largest carapace depth (3.40 ± 0.20 mm) was observed for females of S. minus. A positive and significant correlation was noted between shrimp carapace depth and sponge canal diameter (P < 0.001).

Dinophysiales (Dinophyceae) del Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, Golfo de México, con clave para identificación

Se estudió la morfología de 38 especies de ocho géneros del orden Dinophysiales con base en aproximadamente 700 muestras de red fitoplanctónica (20 μm) tomadas de mayo de 2005 a abril de 2008 en 27 estaciones de muestreo en el Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, la parte suroeste del Golfo de México. Para cada especie se dan descripciones cortas, así como la sinonimia. La variación del tamaño de las células, el promedio y la desviación estándar se presentan para la mayoría de especies. Para 23 se proporcionan notas sobre sus afinidades, al igual que comentarios morfológicos, taxonómicos y nomenclaturales. Se presentan claves dicotómicas para la identificación de los géneros y especies de Amphisolenia (4 especies), Dinophysis (7), Heteroschisma (1), Histioneis (6), Ornithocercus (7), Phalacroma (9), Pseudophalacroma (1) y Sinophysis (3), así como las fotografías en microscopio fotónico y microscopio electrónico de barrido e ilustraciones de todas las entidades encontradas. Se establece Phalacroma equalanti (Balech) Okolodkov comb. nov. Trece especies son nuevos registros para el Estado de Veracruz, e Histioneis isseli y Pseudophalacroma nasutum lo son para el Golfo de México.

The Reef Corridor of the Southwest Gulf of Mexico: Challenges for its management and conservation

Flow of species and spatial continuity of biological processes between geographically separated areas may be achieved using management tools known as Ecological Corridors (EC). In this paper we propose an EC composed of three highly threatened coral reef systems in the Southwest Gulf of Mexico: Sistema Arrecifal Lobos Tuxpan, Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano and Arrecifes de los Tuxtlas. The proposed EC is supported by the concept of Marine Protected Areas Networks, which highlights the biogeographical and habitat heterogeneity representations as the main criteria to the establishment of this kind of networks. These three reef systems represent the coral biodiversity of the western Gulf of Mexico. Nevertheless there are serious shortcomings in its protection. Under this approach, the challenges that Mexican government will face for management and conservation of this EC are discussed. There is an obvious lack of an adequate legal framework to establish networks of protected areas in Mexico, mainly because national legislation does not consider connectivity as an important factor in the selection of MPA.