South Brazil Bight Research Articles

The Partitioning of Carbon Biomass among the Pico- and Nano-plankton Community in the South Brazilian Bight during a Strong Summer Intrusion of South Atlantic Central Water

To investigate how pico- and nanoplankton respond to oceanographic conditions in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, we assessed the influence of a summer intrusion of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) on the spatial and vertical dynamics of planktonic abundance and carbon biomass across environmental gradients. Seawater samples were collected from six depths within the euphotic zone at nine oceanographic stations in a transect on the Brazilian continental shelf in January 2013. The abundance of pico- and nanoplankton populations was determined by flow cytometry, and carbon biomass was calculated based on conversion factors from the literature. The autotrophic Synechococcus spp., picoeukaryotes and nanoeukaryotes were more abundant in the surface layers of the innermost stations influenced by Coastal Water (maximum of 1.19x105, 1.5x104, and 8.61x103 cell·mL−1, respectively), whereas Prochlorococcus spp. dominated (max. of 6.57x104 cell·mL−1) at the outermost stations influenced by Tropical Water and in the uplifting layers of the SACW around a depth of 100 m. Numerically, heterotrophic bacterial populations were predominant, with maximum concentrations (2.11x106 cell·mL−1) recorded in the surface layers of the inner and mid shelves in Coastal Water and the upper limits of the SACW. Nutrient-rich (high silicate and phosphate) and relatively less saline waters enhanced the picoeukaryotic biomass, while Synechococcus and heterotrophic bacteria were linked to higher temperatures, lower salinities, and higher inputs of ammonia and dissolved organic carbon. The relative importance of each group to carbon biomass partitioning under upwelling conditions is led by heterotrophic bacteria, followed by picoeukaryotes, Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, and when the SACW is not as influential, the relative contribution of each phytoplanktonic group is more evenly distributed. In addition to habitat preferences, the physical structure of oligotrophic waters has a large impact on the vertical and spatial distribution patterns of picoplankton, reflecting the strong effect of the SACW intrusion.

Marine fishes (Elasmobranchii and Teleostei) from the Santana Archipelago, a Marine Protected Area in the southwestern Atlantic

ABSTRACTThe Santana Archipelago (22°23′S, 41°42′W) is located at the northern limit of the South Brazil Bight in Southeastern Brazil, a major topographic feature of the South American continental shelf relevant in terms of fisheries, biogeography and conservation. Herein, the first inventory of the ichthyofauna of the Santana Archipelago is presented, with information on the distribution and conservation status of 147 species of the Teleostei and Elasmobranchii. Sampling was performed during 15 field expeditions between March 2013 and November 2015. A total of 6931 specimens were collected using bottom trawl, beach seine, hand net and scuba diving. Records of 28 species were based on photographs, and five species were recorded through underwater sighting. The Elasmobranchii was represented by nine species in eight families and six orders, and the Teleostei by 138 species in 54 families and 26 orders. Previous records of fishes from the Archipelago consist of 18 species deposited in fish collections; therefore, 129 species are reported herein for the first time. Most (114, 77.5%) species have large geographic distributions (western Atlantic: 81 species, 55.1%; eastern and western Atlantic: 33 species, 22.4%), but seven recorded species (4.8%) are endemic to the Brazilian Province. At the Global (IUCN) level, 12 species (8.1%) are threatened with extinction. Thirteen (8.8%) species are also considered as threatened at the Regional (Brazilian) level. These results highlight the relevance of the Santana Archipelago in the Brazilian conservationist context. Possible threats to the ichtyofauna of the Archipelago are discussed, and effective measures of conservation are presented.

Do the Brazilian sardine commercial landings respond to local ocean circulation?

It has been reported that sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, flow intensity and mesoscale ocean processes, all affect sardine production, both in eastern and western boundary current systems. Here we tested the hypothesis whether extreme high and low commercial landings of the Brazilian sardine fisheries in the South Brazil Bight (SBB) are sensitive to different oceanic conditions. An ocean model (ROMS) and an individual based model (Ichthyop) were used to assess the relationship between oceanic conditions during the spawning season and commercial landings of the Brazilian sardine one year later. Model output was compared with remote sensing and analysis data showing good consistency. Simulations indicate that mortality of eggs and larvae by low temperature prior to maximum and minimum landings are significantly higher than mortality caused by offshore advection. However, when periods of maximum and minimum sardine landings are compared with respect to these causes of mortality no significant differences were detected. Results indicate that mortality caused by prevailing oceanic conditions at early life stages alone can not be invoked to explain the observed extreme commercial landings of the Brazilian sardine. Likely influencing factors include starvation and predation interacting with the strategy of spawning “at the right place and at the right time”.

Investigating flow noise on underwater gliders acoustic data

Since November 2015, two underwater gliders equipped with external hydrophones were deployed in the South Brazilian Bight in order characterize the area's soundscape. Contrasting to standard fixed mooring systems (where flow noise is generated by currents passing by the hydrophones), gliders are subject to noise generated by its own downward and upward motion, which may compromise soundscape characterizations if not properly evaluated. In order to investigate induced flow noise on the hydrophone and its characteristics, 563 hours of acoustic data from the gliders were correlated to the navigation settings. Results can be comparable to previous flow noise descriptions for fixed systems. A high correlation was observed between the glider speed (both vertical and total) and 1/3 octave band levels centered at frequencies below 20 Hz. Estimates of the broadband sound pressure level were accomplished with different lower frequency limits and found to be uncorrelated to the glider speed above 40 Hz.

Damage and mortality of juvenile seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) discarded in a tropical artisanal trawl fishery

Abstract In response to concerns over wastage and negative impacts on stocks, the damage (antennae loss) and collateral mortality of artisanally trawled-and-discarded juvenile seabob shrimp (Xiphopenaeus kroyeri) and the key factors explaining variability were assessed in the South Brazil Bight. During 20 deployments across 7 d of fishing, 1562 X. kroyeri (14.5 ± 3.1 mm carapace length, CL) were discarded into replicate on-board tanks at both the start and end of sorting, with some individuals monitored immediately for antennae loss and mortalities, and the rest assessed after 3 h. Virtually, all X. kroyeri discarded towards the end of sorting (mean ± SD air exposure of 15.9 ± 3.9 min) died. By comparison, those discarded at the start (2.7 ± 2.8 min) had variable temporal mortalities (total of 52.3% immediately vs. 66.2% after 3 h) which, like antennae loss (total mean ± SE of 50.4 ± 34.2%) were positively associated with haul duration/catch weight and deck exposure, and more frequent among individuals with soft than hard exoskeletons. Antennae loss was also negatively correlated with CL. The results support (i) improving trawl selectivity to reduce the catches of small, unwanted X. kroyeri and other bycatch (and therefore total weights of catches) and/or (ii) sorting catches in water (to minimize air exposure). Such modifications might be promoted through awareness of the potential harvest benefits to fishers associated with reducing unaccounted fishing mortality of the targeted species.

Seasonal patterns of cephalopod paralarvae distribution in relation to oceanographic features off South Brazil Bight (SBB)

Seasonal patterns of cephalopod paralarvae distribution in relation to oceanographic features off South Brazil Bight (SBB)

Diel Vertical Dynamics of Gelatinous Zooplankton (Cnidaria, Ctenophora and Thaliacea) in a Subtropical Stratified Ecosystem (South Brazilian Bight).

The diel vertical dynamics of gelatinous zooplankton in physically stratified conditions over the 100-m isobath (~110 km offshore) in the South Brazilian Bight (26°45’S; 47°33’W) and the relationship to hydrography and food availability were analyzed by sampling every six hours over two consecutive days. Zooplankton samples were taken in three depth strata, following the vertical structure of the water column, with cold waters between 17 and 13.1°C, influenced by the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) in the lower layer (>70 m); warm (>20°C) Tropical Water in the upper 40 m; and an intermediate thermocline with a deep chlorophyll-a maximum layer (0.3–0.6 mg m-3). Two distinct general patterns were observed, emphasizing the role of (i) physical and (ii) biological processes: (i) a strong influence of the vertical stratification, with most zooplankton absent or little abundant in the lower layer. The influence of the cold SACW on the bottom layer apparently restricted the vertical occupation of most species, which typically inhabit epipelagic warm waters. Even among migratory species, only a few (Aglaura hemistoma, Abylopsis tetragona eudoxids, Beroe sp., Thalia democratica, Salpa fusiformis) crossed the thermocline and reached the bottom layer. (ii) A general tendency of partial migrations, with variable intensity depending on the different species and developmental stages; populations tended to be more widely distributed through the water column during daylight, and to become more aggregated in the upper layer during the night, which can be explained based on the idea of the “hunger-satiation hypothesis”, maximizing feeding and minimizing the chances of being predated.

Ethogram Analysis Reveals New Body Patterning Behavior of the Tropical Arrow Squid Doryteuthis plei off the São Paulo Coast

Squids can express several body patterns, aided by a variety of visual signals that are produced by chromatophore organs. However, for several squid species, body patterning behavior during reproductive activity is still not completely understood. For example, what are the specific patterning changes and other visual signals, how do they appear, and how long do they last? To test the hypothesis that distinct chromatic components appear at different durations on the skin of the tropical arrow squid Doryteuthis plei in the Southern Hemisphere, we identified and described its body patterning behavior. Specimen squids were obtained from off the South Brazil Bight, near the coast of the São Paulo shelf. Animals were maintained and monitored in circular tanks for 62 d over six observation periods, from 2011 through 2013. An ethogram was constructed showing 19 chromatic, 5 locomotor, and 12 postural components, or body patterns, associated with reproductive behavior. New chromatic components (i.e., those not yet reported in the North Atlantic D. plei species), particularly those linked to female sexual maturity, were observed. A postural component, the "J-Posture," linked to defenses and alarm, also was noted. The average time spent for "light" components was 32 s. The corresponding "dark" components had an average duration of 28 s. Females displayed the chromatic components related to calm behavior longer than males. However, males appeared to be more dedicated to disputes over resources, and used rapid, miscellaneous visual signaling. In conclusion, new basic types of body patterns are described for D. plei. The repertoire of chromatic components reported in the ethogram is, to our knowledge, the first record for D. plei of the Southern Hemisphere.

Temporal variation in intertidal community recruitment and its relationships to physical forcings, chlorophyll-a concentration and sea surface temperature

We investigated the recruitment of intertidal barnacles and mussels at three temporal scales (months, weeks and days), and its relationships to physical forcings, chlorophyll-a concentration (Chla) and sea surface temperature (SST), at both a local (km) and a regional (10–100 km) resolution. The study was conducted in the South Brazilian Bight, a subtropical region influenced by upwelling and meteorological fronts, where recruitment rates were measured monthly, biweekly and daily, from 2012 to 2013 using artificial substrates fixed in the intertidal zone. The strength of the relationship between recruitment and physical forcings, Chla and SST depended on the temporal scale, with different trends observed for barnacles and mussels. Barnacle recruitment was positively correlated with wind speed and SST and negatively related to the wind direction, cold front events and Chla. Wind direction was positively correlated with mussel recruitment and negatively covaried with SST. We calculated net recruitment (NR) to estimate the differences in recruitment rates observed at longer time scales (months and weeks), with recruitment rates observed at shorter time scales (weeks and days), and found that NR varied in time and among taxa. These results suggest that wind-driven oceanographic processes might affect onshore abundance of barnacle larvae, causing the observed variation in recruitment. This study highlights the importance of oceanic–climatic variables as predictors of intertidal invertebrate recruitment and shows that climatic fluctuations might have different effects on rocky shore communities.

Are free-floating planktonic hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa) common components of the pelagic fauna from the South Brazilian Bight?

We analysed 267 zooplankton samples collected in the South Brazilian Bight (SBB; 23–27°S) to determine whether hydroids, typically benthic, are common components of the pelagic SBB. Two species, Clytia arborescens, recorded for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean, and Clytia sp. were identified. While these planktonic hydroids were frequent or relatively so in shallow shelf waters (~23% of the samples <50 m isobaths, and 5% of the samples >100 m), abundances were low (up to 61 hydranths m−3) suggesting a low trophic impact. Such colonies are probably fragments of benthic colonies detached by storms and/or tides. Given the good condition of the coenosarc, existence of gastric content, and presence of reproductive structures, development of these species appears to be normal in the pelagic environment. Existence in the plankton may increase their capacity for dispersion.

Influence of El Niño Wind Stress Anomalies on South Brazil Bight Ocean Volume Transports

The knowledge of wind stress variability could represent an important contribution to understand the variability over upper layer ocean volume transports. The South Brazilian Bight (SBB) circulation had been studied by numerous researchers who predominantly attempted to estimate its meridional volume transport. The main objective and contribution of this study is to identify and quantify possible interannual variability in the ocean volume transport in the SBB induced by the sea surface wind stress field. A low resolution ocean global circulation model was implemented to investigate the volume transport variability. The results obtained indicate the occurrence of interannual variability in meridional ocean volume transports along three different zonal sections. These results also indicate the influence of a wind driven large-scale atmospheric process that alters locally the SBB and near-offshore region wind stress field and consequently causes interannual variability in the upper layer ocean volume transports. A strengthening of the southward flow in 25°S and 30°S was observed. The deep layer ocean volume transport in the three monitored sections indicates a potential dominance of other remote ocean processes. A small time lag between the integrated meridional volume transports changes in each monitored zonal section was observed.

Sea slugs (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) from a poorly known area in North-east Brazil: filling gaps in Atlantic distributions

Qualitative samples of ‘opisthobranchs’ were collected from different beaches and estuaries in Ceará State, North-east Brazil. Further species distributions from the literature were used to infer patterns of distribution and to analyse faunal similarity among Atlantic biogeographic areas, Brazilian zones and the Ceará State. A total of 35 new records are reported for the Ceará State, including 19 new records from the North-east Brazilian Shelf (NBS), 12 new from the Brazilian Province and two new records from the South Atlantic. More than half of the species in this area are common between the Caribbean and Brazilian provinces, which demonstrates their capacity for crossing the Amazon–Orinoco barrier. The high percentage of occurrence in the NBS and the South Brazilian Bight, when compared to neighbouring zones, may be attributed to the poor knowledge of the Brazilian ‘opisthobranch’ fauna.

Modeling the spawning strategies and larval survival of the Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis)

An Individual Based Model (IBM), coupled with a hydrodynamic model (ROMS), was used to investigate the spawning strategies and larval survival of the Brazilian Sardine in the South Brazil Bight (SBB). ROMS solutions were compared with satellite and field data to assess their representation of the physical environment. Two spawning experiments were performed for the summer along six years, coincident with ichthyoplankton survey cruises. In the first one, eggs were released in spawning habitats inferred from a spatial model. The second experiment simulated a random spawning to test the null hypothesis that there are no preferred spawning sites. Releasing eggs in the predefined spawning habitats increases larval survival, suggesting that the central-southern part of the SBB is more suitable for larvae development because of its thermodynamic characteristics. The Brazilian sardine is also capable of exploring suitable areas for spawning, according to the interannual variability of the SBB. The influence of water temperature, the presence of Cape Frio upwelling, and surface circulation on the spawning process was tested. The Cape Frio upwelling plays an important role in the modulation of Brazilian sardine spawning zones over SBB because of its lower than average water temperature. This has a direct influence on larval survival and on the interannual variability of the Brazilian sardine spawning process. The hydrodynamic condition is crucial in determining the central-southern part of SBB as the most suitable place for spawning because it enhances simulated coastal retention of larvae.

Distribution of planktonic cnidarians in response to South Atlantic Central Water intrusion in the South Brazilian Bight

Five oceanographic cruises were made between November 2005 and June 2006, sampling a cross-shelf transect off the South Brazilian Bight (SBB; 26°46′S) to follow the seasonal development of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) intrusion over the shelf and its influence on the assemblage of planktonic cnidarians. An onshore wind-driven bottom intrusion of the SACW was clearly perceptible, reaching the coast in January. From March onward, the SACW influence was gradually displaced seaward due to wind and tidal mixing. By late June the SACW influence was offshore and the inshore was dominated by low-salinity waters (<34.5). The abundance, distribution, and general taxonomic composition of both medusae and siphonophores were strongly influenced by the onshore intrusion of the SACW. An inshore–offshore gradient was clear. The Canonical Correspondence Analysis suggested that coastal species – dominated by Liriope tetraphylla, actinula larvae and Muggiaea kochi – were mostly related to food availability and a vertically mixed environment inshore, and their abundance and extent were reduced during intrusion periods. In contrast, species with offshore affinities tended to increase their abundance and distribution during intrusion periods, and were mostly related to the presence of thermal stratification and a deep chlorophyll maximum layer. Most of these offshore species, such as Aglaura hemistoma, Rhopalonema velatum and many calycophorans, are associated with the warm upper layer. However, high concentrations of large (>20mm in diameter) Solmaris corona were observed exclusively in cold waters, suggesting this medusa is a SACW indicator.

Faunistic survey of Hydromedusae (Cnidaria, Medusozoa) from the coast of Paraná State, Southern Brazil.

This study is the first faunistic inventory of hydromedusae from the inner continental shelf of Paraná State. We describe the composition of hydromedusae species, collected with bottom-trawl and Hensen nets, in campaigns carried out from 1997 to 2006. We analyzed 17,797 specimens from 578 samples, and provide descriptions, photographs, and information about the biology of the 22 species found. All species had previous records from the Brazilian coast; however, this is the first record of Bougainvillia frondosa, Ectopleura dumortieri, Cirrholovenia tetranema, Eucheilota maculata, Gossea brachymera, Solmaris corona, and Amphogona apsteini for the coast of Paraná. Most species are typical of tropical and subtropical coastal waters from the South Brazilian Bight. However, Turritopsis nutricula, Niobia dendrotentaculata, Solmaris corona, and Aglaura hemistoma are abundant in oceanic waters, and Olindias sambaquiensis and Solmaris corona are associated with colder waters (&lt;20°C). The current number of species known for the state is 26. Additional collection effort is needed in regions not sampled in this work, such as bays and offshore waters.

Summer/winter stratification variability in the central part of the South Brazil Bight

Analysis of the hydrographic data collected during seven consecutive high resolution summer/winter cruises in the central part of the South Brazil Bight off the coastal city of Ubatuba confirmed an observable summer/winter stratification variability of the shelf waters. The maximum bulk stratification occurred at mean distances of 85.6km and 39.1km from the coast in the austral winter and summer cruises, respectively. Estimates of the equivalent mixing power of the physical processes that increase or decrease the stratification in the inner and middle shelves showed that both shelf regions would be vertically well mixed were it not for buoyancy advection. In the inner shelf, buoyancy advection was associated with the along-shelf transport of low salinity waters originating from river runoff. In the middle shelf, buoyancy advection was due to the oceanic South Atlantic Central Water intrusions toward the coast.

Hydrographic climatology of South Brazil Bight shelf waters between Sao Sebastiao (24°S) and Cabo Sao Tome (22°S)

A hydrographic climatology was created with the goal of establishing the mean hydrographic conditions and oceanic waters intrusion mechanisms in the central and northern parts of the South Brazil Bight on a seasonal timescale. The climatology was constructed by applying objective analysis to a historical temperature and salinity database, by season and depth, considering the anisotropy and coastal and oceanic boundary conditions. The dominance of South Atlantic Central Water (SACW) in the bottom layer, the presence of Tropical Water in the surface layer, the seasonal onshore–offshore displacement of those water masses, and the along-shore remote southward advection of SACW from Cabo Frio (23°S) are well-defined features in the analyzed and derived fields. The inshore displacement increases the volume of SACW in the shelf by approximately 780km3 from winter to spring; the offshore displacement decreases the volume of SACW by approximately 840km3 from summer to autumn. The remote advection is linked to southwestward, along-shelf transport of SACW with temperatures lower than 15°C from Cabo Frio during summer, winter, and spring. In association with the remote advection, a primary intrusion pathway of SACW is identified off Cabo Frio during those same three seasons. In spring, a secondary SACW intrusion pathway is also detected off Ubatuba (23.5°S). The existence of those two SACW intrusion pathways is promoted by the combined effect of three factors: outer shelf deepening, upwelling-favorable winds, and Brazil Current mesoscale variability. Minimum volumes of SACW and maximum volumes of Tropical Water occur in autumn, when wind activity is minimal and the minimum bottom temperature on the shelf is approximately 1°C warmer than in the other seasons (colder than 16°C).

Deep chlorophyll maximum and plankton community response to oceanic bottom intrusions on the continental shelf in the South Brazilian Bight

The continental shelf of the South Brazilian Bight (Lat 23–28.5°S) is subject to bottom intrusions of the oceanic and nutrient-rich South Atlantic Central Waters (SACW) in summer, to compensate for the Ekman transport of surface waters offshore by northeasterly winds. In winter, shelf waters tend to overturn vertically due to tidal circulation and Ekman convergence of outer-shelf waters driven by southerly winds. From 9 November 2005 to 22 June 2006 the shelf off Santa Catarina State was surveyed to investigate hydrographic conditions and the seasonal dynamics of the plankton cross-shelf distribution and community structure. A strong wind-driven onshore bottom intrusion of the SACW with the formation of two independent deep chlorophyll maximum (DCM) layers on the shelf was clear. Chlorophyll concentrations ranged from 0.07 to 6.2mgm−3 and phytoplankton carbon biomass from 0.2 to 511µgCL−1, mostly as large centric diatoms and in spite of the numerical dominance of small pennates. The mid-shelf DCM was 12m thick between 38 and 50m (1–5% of irradiance) with mean chlorophyll concentrations up to 1.8mgm−3. The DCM on the outer shelf was formed between 60 and 70m depth (1–0.01% surface light) by small pennate diatoms and small phytoflagellates, with chlorophyll concentrations of 0.5–0.7mgm−3. Both DCMs were maintained independently from January to April 2006, and dispersed in June due to water column turnover during cold seasons. In the mid-shelf, the DCM was geographically extended towards the inner shelf and became thicker compared to pre- and post-intrusion periods. The freshwater species Aulacoseira granulata and large centric diatoms including the invasive Coscinodiscus wailesii were frequent along the shelf throughout the sampling period. Oncaea waldemari, Ctenocalanus vanus and Oithona plumifera usually dominated the zooplankton, which ranged from 23 to 7970 individualsm−3. Abundances were always higher on the inner shelf regardless of the season of the year. Abundance on the mid-shelf peaked following the onset of the intrusion of the nutrient-rich oceanic SACW in the lower euphotic zone and the enhancement of the DCM. A 6-step circulation model of diatoms coupled with shelf hydrodynamics is proposed as the main mechanism of retention of diatoms in the shelf system. The model suggests that diatoms resuspended in the nearshore are transported offshore by Ekman forces toward oligotrophic waters, where they sink faster due to poor nutrient conditions. Sinking cells find better nutrient conditions in the pycnocline/nutricline layers, become shade-adapted and increase their buoyancy, contributing to the formation of the DCM. Resting cells sinking out of the euphotic zone reach near-bottom layers or the sediments, from where they are carried back onshore by oceanic intrusions of the SACW. We suggest how this hydrodynamic circulation pattern of diatoms may take place in other subtropical shelf systems dominated by western boundary currents.

The Holocene onset in the southwestern South Atlantic

In this paper we present a paleoceanographic reconstruction of the southwestern South Atlantic for the past 13kyr based on faunal and isotopic analysis of planktonic foraminifera from a high-resolution core retrieved at the South Brazil Bight continental slope. Our record indicates that oceanographic changes in the southwestern South Atlantic during the onset of the Holocene were comparable in strength to those that occurred during the Younger Dryas. Full interglacial conditions started abruptly after 8.2kyrBP with a sharp change in faunal composition and surface hydrography (SST and SSS). Part of the observed events may be explained in terms of changes in thermohaline circulation while the other part suggests a dominant role of winds. Our data indicate that during the Early Holocene upwelling was significantly strengthened in the South Brazil Bight promoting high productivity and preventing the establishment of the typically interglacial menardiiform species. In general terms, oceanographic changes recorded by core KF02 occurred in synchrony with Antarctica's climate.

The influence of the Brazil and Malvinas Currents on the Southwestern Atlantic Shelf circulation

Abstract. The oceanic circulation over the southwestern Atlantic shelf is influenced by large tidal amplitudes, substantial freshwater discharges, high wind speeds and – most importantly – by its proximity to two of the largest western boundary currents of the world ocean: the Brazil and Malvinas currents. This review article aims to discriminate the dynamical processes controlling the interaction between this extensive shelf region and the deep-ocean. The discussion is focused on two broad regions: the South Brazil Bight to the north, and Patagonia to the south. The exchanges between the Brazil Current and the South Brazil Bight are characterized by the intermittent development of eddies and meanders of the Brazil Current at the shelfbreak. However, it is argued that this is not the only – nor the most important – influence of the Brazil Current on the shelf. Numerical simulations show that the thermohaline structure of the South Brazil Bight can be entirely ascribed to steady state, bottom boundary layer interactions between the shelf and the Brazil Current. The Malvinas Current does not show the development of eddies and meanders, but its influence on the Patagonian shelf is not less important. Models and observations indicate that the Malvinas Current not only controls the shelfbreak dynamics and cross-shelf exchanges but also influences the circulation in the shelf's interior.