Tierra Del Fuego Island Research Articles

Removal of a non-climatically induced seven-year cycle from Nothofagus pumilio tree-ring width chronologies from Tierra del Fuego, Argentina for their use in climate reconstructions

A pronounced seven-year cycle is one of the most prominent features of many Fuegian and southern Patagonian Nothofagus pumilio tree-ring width chronologies. However, the source of this variability is still unclear. Here we provide multiple lines of evidence that suggest this phenomenon comes from non-climatically induced ecological factors, most probably triggered by insect outbreaks. To test this hypothesis we removed the seven-year cycle, by means of Singular Spectrum Analysis, from a network of 44 tree-ring width chronologies, from the eastern Tierra del Fuego Island in Argentina. The chronologies that were filtered this way showed a stronger climatic response, and were more successfully modeled using the Vaganov-Shashkin-Lite (VS-Lite) process-based forward model of tree growth. We conclude that the removed periodicity does not have a climatic source. Additional evidence from direct observation of affected and non-affected trees during defoliation, due to Ormiscodes sp. outbreak in 2010, is provided. We also tested the hypothesis of probable masting effects on the growth of N. pumilio at a site with a 12-yr record of seed production, but this hypothesis was not confirmed. Taking into account the non-climatic nature of this signal, we explore the utility of corrected chronologies for reconstruction of climatic parameters in Tierra del Fuego, especially for summer temperature and frost day frequency. This study is the first systematic analysis of the pronounced high-frequency cyclicity in N. pumilio tree growth in southernmost South America.

Drivers of macroinvertebrate metacommunity structure in Tierra del Fuego rivers

Among the different mechanisms that shape metacommunity structure, species sorting and mass effects are the most studied and reported mechanisms. Species sorting is related to environmental filtering, while mass effects are related to high dispersal between communities, which ultimately overrides environmental controls. In this paper, we aimed at studying metacommunity patterns of stream macroinvertebrates on Tierra del Fuego Island at different spatial scales (province, ecoregion and catchment) and at different positions along the river network (upstream, mid-stream and downstream segments) to understand the mechanisms driving metacommunity structure. For this purpose, we used complementary approaches based on the analysis of beta diversity index as well as its turnover and nestedness components, which are associated with the two main underlying mechanisms of metacommunity structure (species sorting and mass effect). Our results indicate that species sorting is the preponderant mechanism structuring these macroinvertebrate metacommunities at larger spatial scales, with an increased importance of mass effects at smaller scales (e.g., catchment). Metacommunities at different positions on the river network exhibit similar total beta diversity values, turnover and nestedness components. On the other hand, turnover and total beta diversity increased with spatial extent, while nestedness remained constant. Those results suggest that at the catchment scale and along the longitudinal axis of the rivers other mechanisms, like randomness and species dispersal, are more important in shaping the macroinvertebrate metacommunity.

Increased litter decomposition rates of exotic invasive species Hieracium pilosella (Asteraceae) in Southern Patagonia, Argentina

Plant invasions can affect key ecosystem processes regulating carbon and nutrient balances, i.e., litter decomposition. Exotic herb Hieracium pilosella (hawkweed, Asteraceae) recently invaded steppes of Tierra del Fuego island, Southern Patagonia, Argentina, where plant communities exhibit different vulnerabilities to invasion. To investigate H. pilosella invasion’s effects on litter decomposition, we conducted a field experiment in two plant communities, a tussock grassland and a grazing lawn, having contrasting environmental conditions and different vulnerabilities of being invaded by H. pilosella. At each community, we decomposed litter of dominant native species and of the exotic herb during 24 months. In addition, we characterized the litter qualities of the different species, and the microclimates of the communities. Exotic litter decomposition was remarkably faster and showed a higher association to microenvironmental variability compared to native litter decomposition. H. pilosella decomposed three-times faster than native litter in the moister, and more susceptible to invasion by H. pilosella plant community, the tussock grassland. By contrast, decomposition of native litter was not associated to the contrasting environmental conditions of the studied communities. Results suggest that introduced species may exhibit different ecosystem process rates and controls compared to resident species, affecting ecosystem nutrient and carbon cycles.

Environment and anthropogenic impacts as main drivers of plant assemblages in forest mountain landscapes of Southern Patagonia

Management of natural areas generated multiple trade-offs, and changes in the plant assemblages was identified as one of the most critical ones. In this context, understanding the drivers of change of exotic plant diversity is critically important for biodiversity conservation and land planning. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relationships between environmental gradients in mountain landscapes and anthropogenic impacts related to human uses as drivers for plant assemblages (native and exotic species) in Southern Patagonian forests. The study was located in the Andorra Valley basin (12,934 ha) in the southern Tierra del Fuego Island (Argentina), where mountain landscape units (land-cover and land-use) were identified according to their vegetation types (forests and open-lands), elevational effects (<400 and >400 m.a.s.l.) and anthropogenic impacts derived from economic activities (harvesting and cattle grazing). Classification was based on Landsat 8 OLI images with fieldwork samplings, relevating a total of 101 landscape units. In each unit, forest structure and floristic surveys (dicots, monocots, pteridophytas and bryophytes) were conducted. Data were evaluated using ANOVAs and multivariate analyses (cluster, detrended and canonical correspondence analysis). A total of 104 plant species were surveyed (88% natives and 12% exotics), where managed deciduous forests (Nothofagus pumilio) had the highest values of exotic species occurrence frequency (20%). Multivariate analyses showed that environmental gradients and anthropogenic impacts highly affected the distribution of exotic species. Native species had higher cover values at upper elevations, while exotic plants had a higher cover at lower elevations, where the N-S aspects were strongly correlated with plant preferences for shaded/lighted aspects. The occurrence of exotic species can be specifically related to human activities (e.g., Agrostis stolonifera and Rumex acetosella with cattle grazing; and Poa nemoralis, Ranunculus repens and Stellaria media with harvesting), however one of them (P. trivialis) was related with unharvested forests. We conclude that environmental gradients and anthropogenic impacts define the plant assemblages at landscape level, and they also influence the occurrence of the exotic species, where the main driver was the harvesting. We propose that land-sharing conservation strategy in these mountain landscapes could be the better approach towards sustainability ensuring the preservation of the land-cover and the land-use at the low and upper elevations.

An experimental ethnoarchaeology and analytical approach to fire-related management strategies in a hunter–fisher–gatherer society from the southern tip of Tierra del Fuego (Argentina)

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a synthetic overview of the results of a multidisciplinary approach –archaeological, experimental and ethnographic – that provides new insights into the fire-related management strategies (from firewood procurement to fire use and cleaning activities) adopted by Yamana groups. We bring to the fore the significance of recent results from a chemical, GC-MS and GC-C-IRMS analysis of combustion residues recovered from Túnel VII and Lanashuaia I, two shell-midden excavated in the framework of several Spanish-Argentinean, Experimental Ethnoarchaeology projects developed in Tierra del Fuego Island (Argentina). The molecular and fatty acids isotopic composition allow characterizing the different combustion structures from the perspective of intensity or food processing, informing also about post-depositional factors. Results allow for a critical evaluation of ethnographic sources and thus of direct observation.

Climatic change and human-marine interactions in the uttermost tip of South America in Late Holocene

Palaeoclimatic records from southern tip of South America during the Last Holocene, indicate important climate intervals, such as the Medieval Climate Anomaly and Little Ice Age, which offered new scenarios to hunter-gatherer groups who inhabited the region. The aim of this paper is to explore the social practices carried out by hunter-fisher-gatherer societies of the southern part of the Atlantic Coast of Tierra del Fuego island (53–55°S, 66–74°W) in order to deal with these environmental changes. From our perspective, foragers have played an active role in designing strategies to cope with environmental fluctuations. Consequently, we argue that in a context of ecological uncertainty, these societies would have developed flexible strategies in terms of subsistence, technology and settlement patterns. In order to test this proposal, zooarchaeological and technological analysis of different archaeological assemblages dated between the 1300 to 220 BP were undertaken.The results show that these hunter-fisher-gatherer societies exploited a broad range of faunal resources using a versatile technology which encompassed tools with low production values and high use values. Likewise, the analysis of landscape organization revealed a settlement strategy centered on the most productive habitats, which were preferentially reoccupied.We suggest that these strategies, supported by cumulative knowledge and material conditions, could have enhanced social resilience and sustainability.

Composición química proximal y morfométría de cholga (Aulacomya ater, Molina, 1782) y chorito (Mytilus chilensis, Hupé, 1854) comercializados en la Región de Magallanes

We examined the proximal chemical composition, morphometric parameters and the amount of edible portion in the Chilean ribbed mussel (A. ater) and blue mussel (M. chilensis) collected from sites along the Magellan Strait, mainly near National parks at the Sub-Antarctic Magellan region, Chile. The higher morphometric parameters were obtained from blue mussels sampled in bahia Gente Grande, which is the only site near the coast of Tierra del Fuego island, on the Eastern side of the Strait of Magellan. The higher biometric parameters were obtained from ribbed mussels sampled in Puerto Eden, on the western side of the Strait of Magellan. The fresh meat of both mussels had high moisture content. The highest percentage of biochemical component in both bivalve species was protein, followed by carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, lipids. It is important to note that the ribbed mussel has a greater amount of carbohydrates and energy (Kcal/100 g) than the blue mussels. The differences observed between both specie in biochemical compositions, morphometric parameters and in the amount of fresh meat, may be explained by the biological characteristics of each species. A comparison of our results to parameters in international and national tables of food composition, revealsthat the commercial bivalve organisms examined in this study are of very good nutritional quality.

Geometry and structure of the pull-apart basins developed along the western South American-Scotia plate boundary (SW Atlantic Ocean)

The South American-Scotia plate boundary is a left-lateral fault system which runs roughly E-W for more than 3000 km across the SW Atlantic Ocean and the Tierra del Fuego Island, reaching to the west the southern Chile Trench. Analyses of a large dataset of single- and multi-channel seismic reflection profiles acquired offshore has allowed to map the trace of the plate boundary from Tierra del Fuego to the Malvinas Trough, a tectonic depression located in the eastern part of the fault system, and to reconstruct the shape and geometry of the basins formed along the principal displacement zone of the fault system. Three main Neogene pull-apart basins that range from 70 to 100 km in length, and from 12 to 22 km in width, have been identified along this segment of the plate boundary. These basins have elongated shapes with their major axes parallel to the ENE-WSW direction of the fault zone. The sedimentary architecture and the infill geometry of the basins suggest that they represent mostly strike-slip dominated transtension basins which propagated from E to W. The basins imaged by seismic data show in some cases geometrical and structural features linked to the possible reactivation of previous wedge-top basins and inherited structures pertaining to the external front of the Magallanes fold-and-thrust compression belt, along which the South American-Scotia fault system has been superimposed. It is suggested that the sequence of the elongated basins occur symmetrically to a thorough going strike-slip fault, in a left-stepping geometrical arrangement, in a manner similar to those basins seen in other transcurrent environments.

First Record of Fossil Insects from the Middle Holocene of Tierra Del Fuego, Argentina

This paper presents the remains of Migadops latus, the first fossil insect extracted from the peat bogs of Tierra del Fuego Island, at the southernmost extreme of Patagonia. The presence of this species supports the environmental interpretations that propose an increase in humidity and the advance of a closed Nothofagus forests around 3000 years BP. This finding is the first step in the characterization of the Quaternary paleoentomofauna of Tierra del Fuego setting the beetles as bioproxies for paleoclimatic studies in the southernmost area of South America.

Agonistic behavior between introduced beaver (Castor canadensis) and endemic culpeo fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus lycoides) in Tierra del Fuego Island and implications

Over the last 70 years, introduced beavers (Castor canadensis) have been successful in establishing and modifying the landscape of southernmost Patagonia. Habitat availability and lack of large carnivorous predators have contributed to this success. The Fuegian culpeo fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus lycoides) is an endangered subspecies and the largest native predator found in Tierra del Fuego Island. The predatory behavior of a culpeo towards a beaver was studied by analyzing a video footage recovered by tourists, and consumption of beaver was documented with camera traps. An ethogram of the predatory behavior sequence was developed and true durations and percentage of time allocated to each behavior were analyzed. The “capture” and “watch” behaviors had the highest durations within the predatory sequence (61.83 and 42.61 s, respectively), while “rest” was the most frequent maintenance behavior observed (93.82 s). The culpeo may provide the only natural population control for beavers, although up to date, there is no evidence to confirm this ecological role. Based upon photos from camera traps, we confirm the occurrence of fox feeding on beavers. This is the first description of the stages of the interaction between a Fuegian culpeo fox and a North American beaver under natural conditions. We discuss the ecological implications of this interaction.

Inter-Annual and Seasonal Variation of ANPP and Leaf Nutrient Concentration in Cold-Temperate Wetlands of Tierra del Fuego

We investigated the inter-annual and seasonal variation of the aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP), and leaf nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations across two different types of wet meadows (spring-fed and riparian) in Tierra del Fuego Island, Southern Patagonia. In addition, we estimated grazing effects on ANPP, the nature of nutrient limitation, and the resorption efficiencies for both nutrients. ANPP showed a high inter-annual variation (CV = 49–57%), typical seasonal dynamics with a summer peak, and higher annual means at the spring-fed meadows (532 g∙m−2∙yr.−1) compared to the riparian meadows (310 g∙m−2∙yr.−1) with a higher contribution of graminoids (50–65%). Sheep grazing reduced a 66% the annual mean of ANPP (108 g∙m−2∙yr.−1) in riparian meadows. Leaf nitrogen concentrations were similar to reported values for graminoids from temperate and cold regions (1.5–2.5%), while leaf phosphorus concentrations were markedly higher (0.2–0.3%), indicating a nitrogen limitation. Resorption efficiency was 54.2% for nitrogen and 48.2% for phosphorus, exhibiting incomplete resorption proficiency for both nutrients. Our results represent valuable information to design sustainable management strategies for wetlands according to their spatial and temporal variation, and to define a baseline of vegetation functioning to assess the impact of climate change in high-latitude southern ecosystems.

Early migration and estuary stopover of introduced chinook salmon population in the Lapataia River Basin, southern Tierra del Fuego Island

Established populations of chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) have recently been reported in South America, at both Atlantic and Pacific basins. Several studies have evaluated different aspects of their life histories; however, little is known about the use of the estuaries by the juveniles of these populations. We examined spawning time, seaward migration timing, growth rate, scale patterns, diet, and geometric morphometric, contrasting the early life history during freshwater and estuary residence of a chinook population established in Lapataia Basin. Fall run spawning took place in March–April and the parr emerged in September. Two distinct seaward migration patterns were identified from sein net fishing records: one population segment migrating earlier to the estuary in October and a second group migrating later in February. The growth rate of fish captured at the estuary was significantly higher than the fish captured in freshwater. In addition, higher scale intercirculi distances were observed in estuary fish showing differences in growth rate. The feeding habitat in fish captured in both environments changed through time from bottom feeding to surface feeding and from significant diet overlap to no overlap. The morphology of the fish captured at the estuary was associated with the elongation of the caudal peduncle and a decrease in the condition factor index, both changes related to smolt transformation. The earlier migration and the higher growth rate of juveniles in the estuary together with fish of 1 + yo captured in this environment reveal that the estuary of Lapataia Basin is not only a stopover for the chinook salmon, but also a key habitat to reside and feed previous to the final seaward migration.

Bacterioplankton morphotypes structure and cytometric fingerprint rely on environmental conditions in a sub-Antarctic peatland

Peatland pools usually show a marked gradient regarding their minerotrophic (harder and less acidic waters) versus ombrotrophic (softer and more acidic waters) status, which appears to be crucial in structuring their planktonic food webs. In this study, we analyzed the effect of such habitat diversity in shaping bacterioplankton assemblages. The planktonic bacteria from five pools located in Rancho Hambre peat bog (Tierra del Fuego Island) were studied through morphological and cytometric approaches, over more than one seasonal cycle. The community was always dominated by small cocci with an average cell size of 0.27 × 0.36 µm. Bacterioplankton morphological structure and cytometric fingerprint were correlated (Mantel test: P < 0.001), both methods used to characterize bacterioplankton showed significant differences between minero- and ombrotrophic pools. Variation in bacterial assemblage structure was mainly explained by abiotic variables relevant in peatlands such as pH, total hardness, conductivity, concentration of inorganic nutrients, and concentration and quality of dissolved organic carbon. Notably, these relatively fast approaches detected similar landscape-driven ecological patterns as previous high-throughput sequencing molecular studies of prokaryotes from the same pools, promising to be useful screening tools for limnological surveys as well as for monitoring the response of bacterial assemblages to environmental changes in peatland ecosystems.

Births of leopard seals Hydrurga leptonyx in southern Chile

Leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) are widely distributed within the Antarctic pack ice. Recently they have been reported further north, in the fjords of southern Chile, where individuals remain year-round, especially on Tierra del Fuego Island. Little is known of the leopard seals reproductive biology or breeding distribution, and more specifically, whether they use southern Chilean water to breed. Two recent opportunistic sightings of leopard seal adult–pup pairs were observed in Parry Fjord, Almirantazgo Sound, on 2 December 2012 and 6 October 2015. These are the first documented recordings of leopard seal pups in southern South America and the second and third records of leopard seal pups on the continents north of the Polar Front. Although the pups reported here were dead, these observations are important because they add new evidence that leopard seals pup asynchronously, unlike other ice-breeding seals. It provides further information regarding the leopard seals use of South American waters.

First sighting of a live hourglass dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger) in inland waters of southern Chile

The hourglass dolphin (Lagenorhynchus cruciger) has a circumpolar distribution in the Southern Ocean, and although are regularly found south of the Antarctic Polar Front, localized concentrations have also been documented all in pelagic waters around the southern tip of South America, the Falkland Islands, and the South Georgia Islands. On March 8, 2013, a group of three Pealeʼs dolphins and other single individual that was different in color and pattern were sighted in Parry fjord, Tierra del Fuego Island. This atypical individual was identified as an hourglass dolphin, based on the combination of unique characteristics of this species. Although the animal sighted is more likely a vagrant than a migrant to inland waters of southern Chile, it is even more uncertain what biological and/or physical properties were determinants. Seasonal shift in environmental conditions within Drake Passage, thermoregulation, or prey availability have been previously suggested as potential factors in the movements of hourglass dolphin to north of Polar Front.

Landscape-level impact and habitat factors associated with invasive beaver distribution in Tierra del Fuego

Understanding the amount of impact and distribution of invasive species is important for both basic ecological research and making management decisions. Because of their extensive impacts in southern Patagonia, invasive North American beavers (Castor canadensis) are considered both a scientific and conservation priority. However, little is known about the landscape-scale effects of these exotic ecosystem engineers. Using satellite imagery, we estimated the impact of beavers in the Argentine portion of Tierra del Fuego Island and determined the habitat factors (vegetation cover, forest type, stream presence and topography) related to their presence using both non-parametric statistical and information-theoretic approaches. Results indicated that more than 31,000 ha (1.6 % of the study area) were impacted by beavers and that the presence, but not the amount, of beaver impacts were spatially clustered. Impacts were greater in the Mountain ecoregion (2.8 % of the ecoregion) and lower in the Steppe (0.1 %). The best model for predicting beaver presence included variables related to water availability (presence of peatlands and streams), forage availability (forest type cover), and topography (slope and elevation). These findings support previous assertions that this invasion is the largest alteration to the sub-Antarctic forests in the Holocene. They also serve as a foundation for the development of maps based on habitat- and landscape-scale conditions to assist with the orientation of control, eradication, and restoration efforts currently being planned.

Late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of central Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) based on pollen and fungi

This paper presents the main palaeoenvironmental results obtained from two sites located in the eastern (La Correntina peat bog) and southern (Terra Australis peat bog) sectors of the Lake Fagnano area, situated at 54° S on the Tierra del Fuego island, at the southernmost extreme of Patagonia. Here, we provide an overview of the postglacial ecosystem and vegetation dynamics on both slopes of the Fuegian Andes by combining palynological records of pollen and fungal remains analyses, supported by radiocarbon datings and multivariate statistics. The pollen data from the two sites indicate initial shrubby and herbaceous vegetation with scattered trees, under drier and colder climate conditions than today. Expansion of Nothofagus forest began about 11,200 cal BP in the Terra Australis area, while an open vegetation of grasslands and shrubs developed around La Correntina site by 11,500 cal BP followed by the establishment of the forest-steppe ecotone after 9400 cal BP. These vegetation changes implied a modification of the climate toward warmer and drier climate conditions than present. At both sites, the predominance of the mycorrhizal Glomus was related to the presence of open ground grassland, indicating relatively dry local conditions. Closed-canopy forests dominated the landscape after 6500 cal BP at Terra Australis, and after 5000 cal BP at La Correntina, suggesting relatively cold and wet environmental conditions. However, the fungal assemblage in Terra Australis shows high abundances of epiphyllous Microthyriaceae, pointing that the Nothofagus trees grew closer than at La Correntina. These findings allow us to conclude that both mires have experienced dissimilar trends in the environmental evolution since Late-glacial times, probably due to their locations in two distinct flanks of the Andean range.

Effectiveness of fencing and hunting to control Lama guanicoe browsing damage: Implications for Nothofagus pumilio regeneration in harvested forests

Browsing damage by native ungulates is often to be considered one of the reasons of regeneration failure in Nothofagus pumilio silvicultural systems. Fencing and hunting in forests at regeneration phase have been proposed to mitigate browsing effects. This study aims to determine effectiveness of these control methods in harvested forests, evaluating browsing damage over regeneration, as well as climate-related constraints (freezing or desiccation). Forest structure and regeneration plots were established in two exclosures against native ungulates (Lama guanicoe) by wire fences in the Chilean portion of Tierra del Fuego island, where tree regeneration density, growth, abiotic damage and quality (multi-stems and base/stem deformation) were assessed. Exclosures did not influence regeneration density (at the initial stage with < 1.3 m high, and at the advanced stage with >1.3 m high). However, sapling height at 10-years old was significantly lower outside (40–50 cm high) than inside exclosures (80–100 cm), and also increased their annual height growth, probably as a hunting effect. Likewise, quality was better inside exclosures. Alongside browsing, abiotic conditions negatively influenced sapling quality in the regeneration phase (20%–28% of all seedlings), but greatly to taller plants (as those from inside exclosure). This highlights the importance of considering climatic factors when analysing browsing effects. For best results, control of guanaco in recently harvested areas by fencing should be applied in combination with a reduction of guanaco density through continuous hunting. The benefits of mitigation actions (fencing and hunting) on regeneration growth may shorten the regeneration phase period in shelterwood cutting forests (30–50% less time), but incremental costs must be analysed in the framework of management planning by means of long-term studies.

Phytoseiid mites (Acari: Phytoseiidae) from Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego.

Predatory phytoseiid mites have been intensively studied and surveyed in the last decades because of their economic importance as biocontrol agents of agricultural pests. However, many regions of the world remain unexplored and the diversity of the family worldwide is still fragmentary. Up to date no phytoseiid species have been collected in the southernmost part of the Earth down to latitude 45º S. In this study Phytoseiidae were sampled from native vegetation in southern Argentina and Chile in the regions of Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego Island. Thirteen species were collected, five of which were previously described and eight, Chileseius australis n. sp., Neoseiulus mapuche n. sp., Typhlodromips valdivianus n. sp., T. fissuratus n. sp., Amblyseius grandiporus n. sp., A. caliginosus n. sp., Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) anomalos n. sp. and Metaseiulus parabrevicollis n. sp. are proposed as new to science and are described and diagnosed.

Identifying high-value areas to strengthen marine conservation in the channels and fjords of the southern Chile ecoregion

AbstractAlthough Chile has been establishing marine protected areas since the 1960s, studies to identify representative areas for marine biodiversity conservation at the ecoregional scale are lacking. Using the Marxan decision support tool we conducted a systematic planning process to identify High Conservation Value Areas in the channels and fjords of the southern Chile ecoregion. We involved 74 experts and other stakeholders in identifying conservation features, setting targets and compiling distribution data. Current distributions of 39 features were used in Marxan analyses. In one scenario we locked planning units that contained the Francisco Coloane Marine Protected Area. In a second scenario we also excluded planning units that overlapped with Appropriate Areas for Aquaculture, defined by the Chilean government's coastal zoning process. One-hundred percent of the proposed conservation targets were met in both scenarios. Although the distribution of 12 conservation features overlapped to a certain extent (&gt;10%) with Appropriate Areas for Aquaculture, Marxan identified conservation solutions avoiding these areas. Our suggested portfolio of High Conservation Value Areas comprises a network of 33 sites, covering 99,432 km2 (12% of the ecoregion). These results provide the first science-based roadmap for decision makers and conservationists, and were used by the Chilean government in its coastal zoning process to define priority areas for conservation. Consequently, salmon farming has been excluded from Tierra del Fuego island.