Eleonora Celentano | Universidad de la República (original) (raw)

Papers by Eleonora Celentano

Regional Environmental Change, 2023

Climate change impacts on fishery resources have been widely reported worldwide. Nevertheless, a ... more Climate change impacts on fishery resources have been widely reported worldwide. Nevertheless, a knowledge gap remains for the warm-temperate Southwest Atlantic Ocean-a global warming hotspot that sustains important industrial and smallscale fisheries. By combining a trait-based framework and long-term landing records, we assessed species' sensitivity to climate change and potential changes in the distribution of important fishery resources (n = 28; i.e., bony fishes, chondrichthyans, crustaceans, and mollusks) in Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and the northern shelf of Argentina. Most species showed moderate or high sensitivity, with mollusks (e.g., sedentary bivalves and snails) being the group with the highest sensitivity, followed by chondrichthyans. Bony fishes showed low and moderate sensitivities, while crustacean sensitivities were species-specific. The stock and/or conservation status overall contributed the most to higher sensitivity. Between 1989 and 2019, species with low and moderate sensitivity dominated regional landings, regardless of the jurisdiction analyzed. A considerable fraction of these landings consisted of species scoring high or very high on an indicator for potential to change their current distribution. These results suggest that although the bulk of past landings were from relatively climate-resilient species, future catches and even entire benthic fisheries may be jeopardized because (1) some exploited species showed high or very high sensitivities and (2) the increase in the relative representation of landings in species whose distribution may change. This paper provides novel results and insights relevant for fisheries management from a region where the effects of climate change have been overlooked, and which lacks a coordinated governance system for climate-resilient fisheries. Keywords Trait-based assessment • Climate change vulnerability • Ocean warming • Global change • South America

Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2022

Changes in the structure and dynamics of sandy beach macrofaunal populations result from the simu... more Changes in the structure and dynamics of sandy beach macrofaunal populations result from the simultaneous action of local and regional factors acting synergistically. This is particularly noticeable in transitional interfaces between freshwater and marine ecosystems, where large-scale gradients affect local beach morphodynamics and resident fauna. The wedge clam Donax hanleyanus occurs on beaches with contrasting morphodynamics along the salinity gradient generated by the Rio de la Plata estuary. We conducted sampling surveys to determine a finegrained comprehensive coverage of the species’ distribution in Uruguay to assess the concurrent effects of large-scale variations in salinity and local beach morphodynamics on wedge clam populations along 400 km (16 sandy beaches) over 2 yr. The main factor controlling wedge clam occurrence was salinity, overriding the effects of local habitat features. On beaches where the species was present, total abundance was higher on oceanic dissipative shores, which also harbored a higher abundance and relative representation of recruits. Recruitment was almost lacking in reflective beaches. However, biomass of adults with larger body sizes prevailed on reflective beaches, suggesting a scaling of abundance to body size and potential density-dependent effects. In this metapopulation, estuarine beaches are sinks, whereas oceanic beaches act as source habitats. We concluded that large-scale gradients generated by salinity variations translated into local population patterns (distribution, abundance and population structure) and processes (recruitment), which were secondarily driven by local morphodynamics. The relative importance of pre- and post-settlement processes across the morphodynamic spectrum from reflective to dissipative beaches has yet to be elucidated.

Environmental Pollution, 2021

Despite the global occurrence of microplastic contamination on sandy beaches, evidence of micropl... more Despite the global occurrence of microplastic contamination on sandy beaches, evidence of microplastic distribution within beaches remains contradictory. When conflicting evidence is used to inform sampling surveys, it increases uncertainty in resulting data. Moreover, it hampers spatially explicit risk characterization of microplastic pollution to intertidal fauna. We aimed to guide sampling designs for microplastic monitoring on beaches, and to quantify macroinfauna exposure to microplastics. Microplastic abundance, quantified between 5 mm-66 μm, lacked a significant zonation across the top sediment layer of sub-terrestrial, upper and lower midlittoral, and swash zones at two sites with varying anthropogenic influence on a microtidal dissipative beach in Uruguay. Microplastic abundance decreased exponentially with increasing grain size, as revealed by Bayesian Poisson regression, although the decrease was less steep compared to prior knowledge regarding sedimentplastic interactions obtained for large (millimeter-sized) industrial pellets. Significant differences in microplastic contamination between the two sites with varying anthropogenic influence likely related to their proximity to a freshwater canal. Corresponding field measurements of body burdens of fibers and irregular particles were significantly lower for the polychaete Euzonus (Thoracophelia) furcifera, despite its preference for finer sediments with higher microplastic loads, compared to the isopods Excirolana braziliensis and Excirolana armata. Results provide critical insights toward representative sampling of microplastics within beach sites. Specifically, we caution against sampling limited to the drift line, and instead recommend: 1) reporting beach morphodynamic characteristics; 2) using clearly defined, ecologically-informed zonation schemes; and 3) accounting for sediment grain size as a covariate to normalize among reported contamination levels. The results contribute valuable baseline data toward realistic exposure landscapes relative to the sediment grain size preferences of macroinfauna, needed to inform laboratory experiments.

The MBON Pole to Pole of the Amaricas effort seeks to develop a framework for the collection, use... more The MBON Pole to Pole of the Amaricas effort seeks to develop a framework for the collection, use and sharing of marine biodiversity data in a coordinated, standardized manner leveraging on existing infrastructure managed by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS; IOC-UNESCO), the GEO Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), and the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). The MBON Pole to Pole aims to become a key resource for decision-making and management of living resource across countries in the Americas for reporting requirements under the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), Aichi Targets of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Marine Sciences Lab (UNDECIMAR), of the University of the Republic, Uruguay, covers research disciplines ranging from marine ecology, population dynamics, community benthic ecology to analysis of sandy marine ecos...

Global Change in Marine Systems, 2017

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, 2021

Studies comparing the distribution of genetic diversity may help revealing connectivity patterns ... more Studies comparing the distribution of genetic diversity may help revealing connectivity patterns in marine populations, as they allow identifying factors behind genetic population structure and elucidating the relationship between the habitat and resident species. The macrofauna of sandy beaches constitutes an interesting study subject, since it includes species with contrasting life histories and dispersal strategies, with potential implications on connectivity. In this work, COI sequences of three peracaridan species with direct development (the talitrid amphipod Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis and the cirolanid isopods Excirolana braziliensis and Excirolana armata), and one decapod with planktonic larvae (the hippid mole crab Emerita brasiliensis), were compared in order to evaluate the influence of dispersal and historical processes in the distribution of their genetic diversity in the Uruguayan coast, covering both marine and estuarine beaches located along the Rio de la Plata....

Ecological Modelling, 2018

Structural and functional changes in a sandy beach ecosystem in the southwestern Atlantic (Barra ... more Structural and functional changes in a sandy beach ecosystem in the southwestern Atlantic (Barra del Chuy, Uruguay) were assessed by contrasting four Ecopath trophic models and performing temporal dynamic simulations using Ecosim. Each model (1982, 1989, 1996 and 2012) represents a historical period of a clam fishery in which regulatory structure, management tools and resource status varied substantially. The results showed that this land-ocean interface experienced significant changes reflected at the population and ecosystem levels, owing to a combined effect of fishing and climate variability. Most system biomass (excluding phytoplankton and detritus) consisted of benthic invertebrates. Phytoplankton increased significantly over time, whereas the biomass of benthic macrofaunal components varied among the periods due to bottom-up processes, mass mortalities of the harvested clams and fishing intensity. Major fishing impacts on the targeted clam and mass mortalities occurred concurrently with low phytoplankton biomass, and clam recovery occurred in the absence of harvesting and increasing primary production. Ecosystem-level attributes (e.g., Total System Throughput, Ascendency) showed considerable temporal fluctuations, which were primarily related to changes in system productivity associated with a climatic shift from a cold phase to a warm phase and increasing onshore winds. An analysis of robustness and order showed an ecosystem state lacking the flexibility to adapt to new perturbations. Dynamic simulations showed the prominent bottom-up role of environmental variability on ecosystem function and structure. Temporal dynamics is conducted by changes in primary production forced mainly by temperature patterns. The concurrent role of climate variations and fishing explained the long-term dynamics of this ecosystem, suggesting that sandy beaches are fragile social-ecological systems whose services are increasingly threatened by long-lasting stressors.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2017

Life-history, substrate choice and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences were analysed in populati... more Life-history, substrate choice and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences were analysed in populations of two peracaridans, the supralittoral talitrid Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis and the intertidal cirolanid Excirolana armata. Three populations of each species, from beaches with similar grain size and located at different points along the natural gradient generated by the Rio de la Plata estuary were analysed. Abundance of E. armata increased with distance from the estuary, while the opposite trend was observed for A. brasiliensis. The proportion of females decreased towards high salinities for both species, significantly for E. armata. A test on substrate salinity preference revealed the absence of patterns due to active choice in E. armata. By contrast, A. brasiliensis showed no preference for the population closer to the estuary, while individuals from the other two sites significantly preferred high salinity substrates. Mitochondrial COI sequences were obtained from A. brasiliensis specimens tested for behaviour. Sequence analysis showed the population from the intermediate site to differ significantly from the other two. No significant genetic differentiation was instead found between populations from the two most distant sites, nor between individuals that expressed different salinity preference. Results showed that diverse sets of traits at the population level enable sandy beach species to cope with local environmental changes: life-history and behavioural traits appear to change in response to different ecological conditions, and, in the case of A brasiliensis, independently of the population structure inferred from COI sequence variation. Information from multiple traits allowed detection of population profiles, highlighting the relevance of multidisciplinary information and the concurrent analysis of field data and laboratory experiments, to detect responses of resident biota to environmental changes.

Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2016

Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 2016

Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2016

Sandy beaches are being threatened by a changing climate. However, the effects of this changing e... more Sandy beaches are being threatened by a changing climate. However, the effects of this changing environment, including warming, on these ecosystems, have hitherto been tentative and qualitative. Using concurrent long-term (1984−2007) observations on abundance and individual size, together with laboratory examinations of body abnormalities (morphological anomalies and epibionts), we provide evidence that the sandy beach yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides of the Uruguayan coast has responded to climate change. Regional sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) showed an increasing trend through time, with positive values after 1997. The position of the warm water front (20°C isotherm), a proxy of tropical waters, showed a long-term poleward shift rate of ca. 9 km yr −1. Clam abundance (total and discriminated by population component) decreased through time and was inversely related to variations in SSTA, with higher abundance during cold periods. Length frequency distributions (LFDs) showed polymodal size structures with fully represented clam population components in cool years. By contrast, LFDs showed fewer size classes and larger clams were virtually absent during warm years. Prevalence of body abnormalities in M. mactroides increased through time and was positively correlated with increasing SSTA, suggesting a link with climate stress. The population dynamics of M. mactroides seems to be driven by climatic forcing, mostly related with warming. Our results demonstrate the implications of climate change in the structure of sandy beach fauna, which could be particularly relevant in ectotherms with cold water affinities. Thus, climate change should be given a high priority in sandy beach conservation planning and management.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2002

This paper analyses the spatial and temporal effects of a freshwater discharge (Canal Andreoni) o... more This paper analyses the spatial and temporal effects of a freshwater discharge (Canal Andreoni) on the macroinfauna community and its habitat in a sandy beach of Uruguay. Bimonthly, we examined 17 environmental variables plus macroinfauna abundance, biomass, richness, evenness and diversity of three sites: Andreoni, at the canal mouth, Coronilla, at 1 km, and Barra, at 13 km from the mouth. Both univariate and multivariate techniques showed an increasing degree of perturbation towards the canal. This was reflected by abiotic and biotic differences between sites and by a consistent two-dimensional ordination of the samples. A clear seasonal pattern was found, specially accentuated at Coronilla, where the effects of the canal were stronger in winter and weaker in summer. Multivariate linking between macroinfauna and its habitat highlighted the role of salinity as explanatory variable of the observed trends.

Marine Biology, 2006

The habitat harshness hypothesis (HHH) postulates that in reflective beaches the harsh environmen... more The habitat harshness hypothesis (HHH) postulates that in reflective beaches the harsh environment forces organisms to divert more energy towards maintenance and they therefore have lower abundance, fecundity, growth and survival rates than in dissipative beaches. Recent investigations have tested this hypothesis through single comparisons of only two beaches, and thus the observed trends in population level variables cannot be attributed incontestably to the beach state, but only to location. Here, abundance, reproduction, recruitment, population structure and body size of the intertidal mole crab Emerita brasiliensis were compared between populations from eight microtidal exposed sandy beaches with contrasting morphodynamics, sampled bimonthly during 22 months throughout the 180 km Uruguayan Atlantic coast. Physical variables and compound indices of the beach state were used to categorize sandy beaches. The results of this biannual large-scale analysis were fully consistent with the predictions of the HHH: abundance (total and population components), duration of the reproduction and recruitment seasons and the individual size of megalops and females of the mole crab E. brasiliensis decreased from dissipative to reflective beaches. This was reflected by linear or, mostly, nonlinear relationships between biological and both physical variables and compound indices of beach state. In conclusion, this multi-beach sampling provides compelling evidence of a consistent response of demographic and life history traits of an intertidal beach species to morphodynamic characteristics.

Journal of Coastal Research, 2013

Effects of long-term trends in climatic variability on the morphodynamics of a reflective and a d... more Effects of long-term trends in climatic variability on the morphodynamics of a reflective and a dissipative sandy beach in Uruguay (SW Atlantic Ocean) were analyzed. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) alternates between warm and cold cycles with a periodicity of roughly 70 years, with a shift toward a warm phase since 1995, resulting in an increase of sea surface temperature in the study area. Wind speed anomalies (WSA) also increased through time and were associated with an increasing speed of southerly winds, particularly after 1997. Beach morphodynamics showed no statistically significant trends in grain size, but long-term morphodynamic patterns differed between beaches: the dissipative beach showed an increase in swash and beach width, Dean's parameter, and the Beach Index (a measure of beach morphodynamic state). At the same time, the slope decreased, augmenting the beach's dissipative characteristics. The reflective beach showed an increase in slope and swash width through time, and a decrease in the Beach Index, indicating an intensification of reflective characteristics. Long-term morphodynamic changes were more evident in the dissipative beach and related to climate forcing (e.g. WSA). A higher resilience was observed in the reflective beach, even though an increasing frequency of storms is affecting both beaches. Accelerating erosion, rising sea levels, and expanding urban development in the Uruguayan coast could affect biodiversity and critical habitats. Multidisciplinary investigation programs and conservation strategies are needed to mitigate negative anthropogenic effects on these ecosystems.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2018

Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity influences biodiversity distribution patterns an... more Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity influences biodiversity distribution patterns and dynamics on sandy beaches. In these ecosystems, the microscale vertical distribution adds a dimension to the analysis of biological and physical processes, whose ecological patterns have been rarely described. An intensive across-shore sampling in a dissipative beach was conducted, using a stratified corer to analyze small-scale vertical variations in macrofaunal and physical variables. Sediment temperature decreased towards the swash zone and at deeper sediments. Conversely, moisture, grain size and organic content increased seaward, concurrently with the highest vertical variability. Species richness and density increased from the dunes to the swash zone, being highest at the surface, whereas biomass was higher in sediments deeper than 15 cm as a consequence of larger individual sizes. Sediment moisture and temperature showed a consistent correlation with biological descriptors. Deconstructed by taxonomic group, a significant vertical segregation of body size was observed, suggesting different microhabitat preferences and burrowing abilities. Species spatial patterns varied according to life history traits and differential susceptibility to variations in environmental conditions. This study

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2020

The biophysical mechanisms influencing larval distribution and their impacts on the metapopulatio... more The biophysical mechanisms influencing larval distribution and their impacts on the metapopulation dynamics of sandy beaches, particularly the connectivity patterns associated with larval dispersal, are poorly understood. Here, we identify larval connectivity patterns of the mole crab Emerita brasiliensis in the coast of Uruguay. A biophysical individual based model (IBM) of larval transport was coupled to a regional high-resolution physical model to estimate the monthly and interannual variation of larval connectivity, as well as the impact of the length of the reproductive period on it. Larval connectivity showed marked interannual variations, which were mainly related to interannual changes in seasonal winds and associated ocean circulation patterns, particularly during La Ni˜na years. The southernmost area where E. brasiliensis occurs only received larvae from the nearest release area in November and January spawning events during a strong La Niñaa year, characterized by intense northeasterly winds. The Uruguayan coast constitutes the leading (poleward) edge of the distribution of E. brasiliensis, where climate change effects are projected to intensify. Extrapolation of these results to a climate change scenario with stronger La Ni˜na events, suggest that larval transport to southernmost beaches will become more probable.

Science of The Total Environment, 2021

As a land-sea interface, the fingerprints of climate perturbations may be immediately and profoun... more As a land-sea interface, the fingerprints of climate perturbations may be immediately and profoundly felt in sandy beaches and the macroinvertebrates they harbour. In particular, extreme climatological events can result in long-lasting or irreversible ecological changes, and therefore, it has become critical to understand how these ecosystems respond to strong pulse perturbations. This study assessed the main impacts prompted by the 2015–2016 El Niño on a Southwestern Atlantic sandy beach ecosystem. A long-term (1982–2019) analysis was carried out, attending historical climate components and multilevel indicators of change across levels of ecological organization. The trophic networks of four ecosystem states were compared, and the macroinvertebrate community structure was analysed in terms of species richness, abundance and biomass and deconstructed by taxonomy, beach zone occupied, feeding, and developmentmodes. The potential recovery pathway of the system was also assessed. Climatic effects were reflected in a marked increase in sea surface temperature anomalies, rainfall, and in the discharge of the widest estuary of theworld (Río de la Plata). An abrupt disruption of ecological attributes due to El Niño effects was evidenced. After the event, the ecosystem shifted to a higher organization of the flow structure (Ascendency), a lower adaptive potential (Overhead), and a marked increase in efficiency (Robustness), reflecting a more vulnerable state to absorb disturbances. The decrease in species abundance and biomass was particularly noticeable in molluscs, filter feeders, and low intertidal/subtidal groups. By contrast, polychaetes/deposit feederswere favoured, triggering a transitional community state dominated by opportunistic species. The results highlight how extreme climatic events could prevent the recovery of a sandy beach ecosystem, as pulses may induce lag and legacy effects.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2021

Studies comparing the distribution of genetic diversity may help revealing connectivity patterns ... more Studies comparing the distribution of genetic diversity may help revealing connectivity patterns in marine populations, as they allow identifying factors behind genetic population structure and elucidating the relationship between the habitat and resident species. The macrofauna of sandy beaches constitutes an interesting study subject, since it includes species with contrasting life histories and dispersal strategies, with potential implications on connectivity. In this work, COI sequences of three peracaridan species with direct development (the talitrid amphipod Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis and the cirolanid isopods Excirolana braziliensis and Excirolana armata), and one decapod with planktonic larvae (the hippid mole crab Emerita brasiliensis), were compared in order to evaluate the influence of dispersal and historical processes in the distribution of their genetic diversity in the Uruguayan coast, covering both marine and estuarine beaches located along the Rio de la Plata. The hypothesis that species with similar life histories show similar geographic patterns of genetic diversity did not completely explain the genetic variability observed in these species. The intertidal Emerita brasiliensis and the supralittoral Excirolana braziliensis presented high genetic homogeneity, with evidence of population expansion originated at similar times. This shared pattern of genetic variability could be explained by their tropical origin and recent colonization of the Uruguayan coast. The intertidal Excirolana armata and the supralittoral Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis presented high variability, although differences between them could be associated with the beach zone they inhabit. The role of salinity affecting connectivity patterns was important in Excirolana armata and Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis, which showed genetic differentiation between estuarine and oceanic beaches. Results reinforce the concept that the distribution of genetic variability not always reflects contemporary population structure and that it is important to consider the evolutionary history of the species when studying connectivity in sandy beach populations. Finally, the accelerated rates of warming in the region could favor a demographic explosion of Emerita brasiliensis and Excirolana braziliensis, species with tropical affinities, which is coherent with the documented demographic history of both species.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2019

Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity influences biodiversity distribution patterns an... more Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity influences biodiversity distribution patterns and dynamics on sandy beaches. In these ecosystems, the microscale vertical distribution adds a dimension to the analysis of biological and physical processes, whose ecological patterns have been rarely described. An intensive across-shore sampling in a dissipative beach was conducted, using a stratified corer to analyze small-scale vertical variations in macrofaunal and physical variables. Sediment temperature decreased towards the swash zone and at deeper sediments. Conversely, moisture, grain size and organic content increased seaward, concurrently with the highest vertical variability. Species richness and density increased from the dunes to the swash zone, being highest at the surface, whereas biomass was higher in sediments deeper than 15 cm as a consequence of larger individual sizes. Sediment moisture and temperature showed a consistent correlation with biological descriptors. Deconstructed by taxonomic group, a significant vertical segregation of body size was observed, suggesting different microhabitat preferences and burrowing abilities. Species spatial patterns varied according to life history traits and differential susceptibility to variations in environmental conditions. This study provides novel insights on vertical environmental and biological variations across the dune-shore axis in a dissipative beach. Expanding the findings of this research to larger spatio-temporal scales is a short-term need to decipher the processes underlying the community and population patterns outlined here.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2017

Life-history, substrate choice and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences were analysed in populati... more Life-history, substrate choice and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences were analysed in populations of two peracaridans, the supralittoral talitrid Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis and the intertidal cirolanid Excirolana armata. Three populations of each species, from beaches with similar grain size and located at
different points along the natural gradient generated by the Rio de la Plata estuary were analysed. Abundance of E. armata increased with distance from the estuary, while the opposite trend was observed for A. brasiliensis. The proportion of females decreased towards high salinities for both species, significantly for E. armata. A test on substrate salinity preference revealed the absence of patterns due to active
choice in E. armata. By contrast, A. brasiliensis showed no preference for the population closer to the estuary, while individuals from the other two sites significantly preferred high salinity substrates. Mitochondrial COI sequences were obtained from A. brasiliensis specimens tested for behaviour. Sequence analysis showed the population from the intermediate site to differ significantly from the other two. No significant genetic differentiation was instead found between populations from the two most distant sites, nor between individuals that expressed different salinity preference. Results showed that diverse sets of traits at the population level enable sandy beach species to cope with local environmental changes: life-history and behavioural traits appear to change in response to different ecological conditions, and, in the case of A brasiliensis, independently of the population structure inferred from COI
sequence variation. Information from multiple traits allowed detection of population profiles, highlighting the relevance of multidisciplinary information and the concurrent analysis of field data and laboratory experiments, to detect responses of resident biota to environmental changes.

Regional Environmental Change, 2023

Climate change impacts on fishery resources have been widely reported worldwide. Nevertheless, a ... more Climate change impacts on fishery resources have been widely reported worldwide. Nevertheless, a knowledge gap remains for the warm-temperate Southwest Atlantic Ocean-a global warming hotspot that sustains important industrial and smallscale fisheries. By combining a trait-based framework and long-term landing records, we assessed species' sensitivity to climate change and potential changes in the distribution of important fishery resources (n = 28; i.e., bony fishes, chondrichthyans, crustaceans, and mollusks) in Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and the northern shelf of Argentina. Most species showed moderate or high sensitivity, with mollusks (e.g., sedentary bivalves and snails) being the group with the highest sensitivity, followed by chondrichthyans. Bony fishes showed low and moderate sensitivities, while crustacean sensitivities were species-specific. The stock and/or conservation status overall contributed the most to higher sensitivity. Between 1989 and 2019, species with low and moderate sensitivity dominated regional landings, regardless of the jurisdiction analyzed. A considerable fraction of these landings consisted of species scoring high or very high on an indicator for potential to change their current distribution. These results suggest that although the bulk of past landings were from relatively climate-resilient species, future catches and even entire benthic fisheries may be jeopardized because (1) some exploited species showed high or very high sensitivities and (2) the increase in the relative representation of landings in species whose distribution may change. This paper provides novel results and insights relevant for fisheries management from a region where the effects of climate change have been overlooked, and which lacks a coordinated governance system for climate-resilient fisheries. Keywords Trait-based assessment • Climate change vulnerability • Ocean warming • Global change • South America

Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2022

Changes in the structure and dynamics of sandy beach macrofaunal populations result from the simu... more Changes in the structure and dynamics of sandy beach macrofaunal populations result from the simultaneous action of local and regional factors acting synergistically. This is particularly noticeable in transitional interfaces between freshwater and marine ecosystems, where large-scale gradients affect local beach morphodynamics and resident fauna. The wedge clam Donax hanleyanus occurs on beaches with contrasting morphodynamics along the salinity gradient generated by the Rio de la Plata estuary. We conducted sampling surveys to determine a finegrained comprehensive coverage of the species’ distribution in Uruguay to assess the concurrent effects of large-scale variations in salinity and local beach morphodynamics on wedge clam populations along 400 km (16 sandy beaches) over 2 yr. The main factor controlling wedge clam occurrence was salinity, overriding the effects of local habitat features. On beaches where the species was present, total abundance was higher on oceanic dissipative shores, which also harbored a higher abundance and relative representation of recruits. Recruitment was almost lacking in reflective beaches. However, biomass of adults with larger body sizes prevailed on reflective beaches, suggesting a scaling of abundance to body size and potential density-dependent effects. In this metapopulation, estuarine beaches are sinks, whereas oceanic beaches act as source habitats. We concluded that large-scale gradients generated by salinity variations translated into local population patterns (distribution, abundance and population structure) and processes (recruitment), which were secondarily driven by local morphodynamics. The relative importance of pre- and post-settlement processes across the morphodynamic spectrum from reflective to dissipative beaches has yet to be elucidated.

Environmental Pollution, 2021

Despite the global occurrence of microplastic contamination on sandy beaches, evidence of micropl... more Despite the global occurrence of microplastic contamination on sandy beaches, evidence of microplastic distribution within beaches remains contradictory. When conflicting evidence is used to inform sampling surveys, it increases uncertainty in resulting data. Moreover, it hampers spatially explicit risk characterization of microplastic pollution to intertidal fauna. We aimed to guide sampling designs for microplastic monitoring on beaches, and to quantify macroinfauna exposure to microplastics. Microplastic abundance, quantified between 5 mm-66 μm, lacked a significant zonation across the top sediment layer of sub-terrestrial, upper and lower midlittoral, and swash zones at two sites with varying anthropogenic influence on a microtidal dissipative beach in Uruguay. Microplastic abundance decreased exponentially with increasing grain size, as revealed by Bayesian Poisson regression, although the decrease was less steep compared to prior knowledge regarding sedimentplastic interactions obtained for large (millimeter-sized) industrial pellets. Significant differences in microplastic contamination between the two sites with varying anthropogenic influence likely related to their proximity to a freshwater canal. Corresponding field measurements of body burdens of fibers and irregular particles were significantly lower for the polychaete Euzonus (Thoracophelia) furcifera, despite its preference for finer sediments with higher microplastic loads, compared to the isopods Excirolana braziliensis and Excirolana armata. Results provide critical insights toward representative sampling of microplastics within beach sites. Specifically, we caution against sampling limited to the drift line, and instead recommend: 1) reporting beach morphodynamic characteristics; 2) using clearly defined, ecologically-informed zonation schemes; and 3) accounting for sediment grain size as a covariate to normalize among reported contamination levels. The results contribute valuable baseline data toward realistic exposure landscapes relative to the sediment grain size preferences of macroinfauna, needed to inform laboratory experiments.

The MBON Pole to Pole of the Amaricas effort seeks to develop a framework for the collection, use... more The MBON Pole to Pole of the Amaricas effort seeks to develop a framework for the collection, use and sharing of marine biodiversity data in a coordinated, standardized manner leveraging on existing infrastructure managed by the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS; IOC-UNESCO), the GEO Biodiversity Observation Network (GEO BON), and the Ocean Biogeographic Information System (OBIS). The MBON Pole to Pole aims to become a key resource for decision-making and management of living resource across countries in the Americas for reporting requirements under the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES), Aichi Targets of the Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD), and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Marine Sciences Lab (UNDECIMAR), of the University of the Republic, Uruguay, covers research disciplines ranging from marine ecology, population dynamics, community benthic ecology to analysis of sandy marine ecos...

Global Change in Marine Systems, 2017

Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, 2021

Studies comparing the distribution of genetic diversity may help revealing connectivity patterns ... more Studies comparing the distribution of genetic diversity may help revealing connectivity patterns in marine populations, as they allow identifying factors behind genetic population structure and elucidating the relationship between the habitat and resident species. The macrofauna of sandy beaches constitutes an interesting study subject, since it includes species with contrasting life histories and dispersal strategies, with potential implications on connectivity. In this work, COI sequences of three peracaridan species with direct development (the talitrid amphipod Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis and the cirolanid isopods Excirolana braziliensis and Excirolana armata), and one decapod with planktonic larvae (the hippid mole crab Emerita brasiliensis), were compared in order to evaluate the influence of dispersal and historical processes in the distribution of their genetic diversity in the Uruguayan coast, covering both marine and estuarine beaches located along the Rio de la Plata....

Ecological Modelling, 2018

Structural and functional changes in a sandy beach ecosystem in the southwestern Atlantic (Barra ... more Structural and functional changes in a sandy beach ecosystem in the southwestern Atlantic (Barra del Chuy, Uruguay) were assessed by contrasting four Ecopath trophic models and performing temporal dynamic simulations using Ecosim. Each model (1982, 1989, 1996 and 2012) represents a historical period of a clam fishery in which regulatory structure, management tools and resource status varied substantially. The results showed that this land-ocean interface experienced significant changes reflected at the population and ecosystem levels, owing to a combined effect of fishing and climate variability. Most system biomass (excluding phytoplankton and detritus) consisted of benthic invertebrates. Phytoplankton increased significantly over time, whereas the biomass of benthic macrofaunal components varied among the periods due to bottom-up processes, mass mortalities of the harvested clams and fishing intensity. Major fishing impacts on the targeted clam and mass mortalities occurred concurrently with low phytoplankton biomass, and clam recovery occurred in the absence of harvesting and increasing primary production. Ecosystem-level attributes (e.g., Total System Throughput, Ascendency) showed considerable temporal fluctuations, which were primarily related to changes in system productivity associated with a climatic shift from a cold phase to a warm phase and increasing onshore winds. An analysis of robustness and order showed an ecosystem state lacking the flexibility to adapt to new perturbations. Dynamic simulations showed the prominent bottom-up role of environmental variability on ecosystem function and structure. Temporal dynamics is conducted by changes in primary production forced mainly by temperature patterns. The concurrent role of climate variations and fishing explained the long-term dynamics of this ecosystem, suggesting that sandy beaches are fragile social-ecological systems whose services are increasingly threatened by long-lasting stressors.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2017

Life-history, substrate choice and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences were analysed in populati... more Life-history, substrate choice and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences were analysed in populations of two peracaridans, the supralittoral talitrid Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis and the intertidal cirolanid Excirolana armata. Three populations of each species, from beaches with similar grain size and located at different points along the natural gradient generated by the Rio de la Plata estuary were analysed. Abundance of E. armata increased with distance from the estuary, while the opposite trend was observed for A. brasiliensis. The proportion of females decreased towards high salinities for both species, significantly for E. armata. A test on substrate salinity preference revealed the absence of patterns due to active choice in E. armata. By contrast, A. brasiliensis showed no preference for the population closer to the estuary, while individuals from the other two sites significantly preferred high salinity substrates. Mitochondrial COI sequences were obtained from A. brasiliensis specimens tested for behaviour. Sequence analysis showed the population from the intermediate site to differ significantly from the other two. No significant genetic differentiation was instead found between populations from the two most distant sites, nor between individuals that expressed different salinity preference. Results showed that diverse sets of traits at the population level enable sandy beach species to cope with local environmental changes: life-history and behavioural traits appear to change in response to different ecological conditions, and, in the case of A brasiliensis, independently of the population structure inferred from COI sequence variation. Information from multiple traits allowed detection of population profiles, highlighting the relevance of multidisciplinary information and the concurrent analysis of field data and laboratory experiments, to detect responses of resident biota to environmental changes.

Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2016

Brazilian Journal of Oceanography, 2016

Marine Ecology Progress Series, 2016

Sandy beaches are being threatened by a changing climate. However, the effects of this changing e... more Sandy beaches are being threatened by a changing climate. However, the effects of this changing environment, including warming, on these ecosystems, have hitherto been tentative and qualitative. Using concurrent long-term (1984−2007) observations on abundance and individual size, together with laboratory examinations of body abnormalities (morphological anomalies and epibionts), we provide evidence that the sandy beach yellow clam Mesodesma mactroides of the Uruguayan coast has responded to climate change. Regional sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTA) showed an increasing trend through time, with positive values after 1997. The position of the warm water front (20°C isotherm), a proxy of tropical waters, showed a long-term poleward shift rate of ca. 9 km yr −1. Clam abundance (total and discriminated by population component) decreased through time and was inversely related to variations in SSTA, with higher abundance during cold periods. Length frequency distributions (LFDs) showed polymodal size structures with fully represented clam population components in cool years. By contrast, LFDs showed fewer size classes and larger clams were virtually absent during warm years. Prevalence of body abnormalities in M. mactroides increased through time and was positively correlated with increasing SSTA, suggesting a link with climate stress. The population dynamics of M. mactroides seems to be driven by climatic forcing, mostly related with warming. Our results demonstrate the implications of climate change in the structure of sandy beach fauna, which could be particularly relevant in ectotherms with cold water affinities. Thus, climate change should be given a high priority in sandy beach conservation planning and management.

Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2002

This paper analyses the spatial and temporal effects of a freshwater discharge (Canal Andreoni) o... more This paper analyses the spatial and temporal effects of a freshwater discharge (Canal Andreoni) on the macroinfauna community and its habitat in a sandy beach of Uruguay. Bimonthly, we examined 17 environmental variables plus macroinfauna abundance, biomass, richness, evenness and diversity of three sites: Andreoni, at the canal mouth, Coronilla, at 1 km, and Barra, at 13 km from the mouth. Both univariate and multivariate techniques showed an increasing degree of perturbation towards the canal. This was reflected by abiotic and biotic differences between sites and by a consistent two-dimensional ordination of the samples. A clear seasonal pattern was found, specially accentuated at Coronilla, where the effects of the canal were stronger in winter and weaker in summer. Multivariate linking between macroinfauna and its habitat highlighted the role of salinity as explanatory variable of the observed trends.

Marine Biology, 2006

The habitat harshness hypothesis (HHH) postulates that in reflective beaches the harsh environmen... more The habitat harshness hypothesis (HHH) postulates that in reflective beaches the harsh environment forces organisms to divert more energy towards maintenance and they therefore have lower abundance, fecundity, growth and survival rates than in dissipative beaches. Recent investigations have tested this hypothesis through single comparisons of only two beaches, and thus the observed trends in population level variables cannot be attributed incontestably to the beach state, but only to location. Here, abundance, reproduction, recruitment, population structure and body size of the intertidal mole crab Emerita brasiliensis were compared between populations from eight microtidal exposed sandy beaches with contrasting morphodynamics, sampled bimonthly during 22 months throughout the 180 km Uruguayan Atlantic coast. Physical variables and compound indices of the beach state were used to categorize sandy beaches. The results of this biannual large-scale analysis were fully consistent with the predictions of the HHH: abundance (total and population components), duration of the reproduction and recruitment seasons and the individual size of megalops and females of the mole crab E. brasiliensis decreased from dissipative to reflective beaches. This was reflected by linear or, mostly, nonlinear relationships between biological and both physical variables and compound indices of beach state. In conclusion, this multi-beach sampling provides compelling evidence of a consistent response of demographic and life history traits of an intertidal beach species to morphodynamic characteristics.

Journal of Coastal Research, 2013

Effects of long-term trends in climatic variability on the morphodynamics of a reflective and a d... more Effects of long-term trends in climatic variability on the morphodynamics of a reflective and a dissipative sandy beach in Uruguay (SW Atlantic Ocean) were analyzed. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO) alternates between warm and cold cycles with a periodicity of roughly 70 years, with a shift toward a warm phase since 1995, resulting in an increase of sea surface temperature in the study area. Wind speed anomalies (WSA) also increased through time and were associated with an increasing speed of southerly winds, particularly after 1997. Beach morphodynamics showed no statistically significant trends in grain size, but long-term morphodynamic patterns differed between beaches: the dissipative beach showed an increase in swash and beach width, Dean's parameter, and the Beach Index (a measure of beach morphodynamic state). At the same time, the slope decreased, augmenting the beach's dissipative characteristics. The reflective beach showed an increase in slope and swash width through time, and a decrease in the Beach Index, indicating an intensification of reflective characteristics. Long-term morphodynamic changes were more evident in the dissipative beach and related to climate forcing (e.g. WSA). A higher resilience was observed in the reflective beach, even though an increasing frequency of storms is affecting both beaches. Accelerating erosion, rising sea levels, and expanding urban development in the Uruguayan coast could affect biodiversity and critical habitats. Multidisciplinary investigation programs and conservation strategies are needed to mitigate negative anthropogenic effects on these ecosystems.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2018

Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity influences biodiversity distribution patterns an... more Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity influences biodiversity distribution patterns and dynamics on sandy beaches. In these ecosystems, the microscale vertical distribution adds a dimension to the analysis of biological and physical processes, whose ecological patterns have been rarely described. An intensive across-shore sampling in a dissipative beach was conducted, using a stratified corer to analyze small-scale vertical variations in macrofaunal and physical variables. Sediment temperature decreased towards the swash zone and at deeper sediments. Conversely, moisture, grain size and organic content increased seaward, concurrently with the highest vertical variability. Species richness and density increased from the dunes to the swash zone, being highest at the surface, whereas biomass was higher in sediments deeper than 15 cm as a consequence of larger individual sizes. Sediment moisture and temperature showed a consistent correlation with biological descriptors. Deconstructed by taxonomic group, a significant vertical segregation of body size was observed, suggesting different microhabitat preferences and burrowing abilities. Species spatial patterns varied according to life history traits and differential susceptibility to variations in environmental conditions. This study

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2020

The biophysical mechanisms influencing larval distribution and their impacts on the metapopulatio... more The biophysical mechanisms influencing larval distribution and their impacts on the metapopulation dynamics of sandy beaches, particularly the connectivity patterns associated with larval dispersal, are poorly understood. Here, we identify larval connectivity patterns of the mole crab Emerita brasiliensis in the coast of Uruguay. A biophysical individual based model (IBM) of larval transport was coupled to a regional high-resolution physical model to estimate the monthly and interannual variation of larval connectivity, as well as the impact of the length of the reproductive period on it. Larval connectivity showed marked interannual variations, which were mainly related to interannual changes in seasonal winds and associated ocean circulation patterns, particularly during La Ni˜na years. The southernmost area where E. brasiliensis occurs only received larvae from the nearest release area in November and January spawning events during a strong La Niñaa year, characterized by intense northeasterly winds. The Uruguayan coast constitutes the leading (poleward) edge of the distribution of E. brasiliensis, where climate change effects are projected to intensify. Extrapolation of these results to a climate change scenario with stronger La Ni˜na events, suggest that larval transport to southernmost beaches will become more probable.

Science of The Total Environment, 2021

As a land-sea interface, the fingerprints of climate perturbations may be immediately and profoun... more As a land-sea interface, the fingerprints of climate perturbations may be immediately and profoundly felt in sandy beaches and the macroinvertebrates they harbour. In particular, extreme climatological events can result in long-lasting or irreversible ecological changes, and therefore, it has become critical to understand how these ecosystems respond to strong pulse perturbations. This study assessed the main impacts prompted by the 2015–2016 El Niño on a Southwestern Atlantic sandy beach ecosystem. A long-term (1982–2019) analysis was carried out, attending historical climate components and multilevel indicators of change across levels of ecological organization. The trophic networks of four ecosystem states were compared, and the macroinvertebrate community structure was analysed in terms of species richness, abundance and biomass and deconstructed by taxonomy, beach zone occupied, feeding, and developmentmodes. The potential recovery pathway of the system was also assessed. Climatic effects were reflected in a marked increase in sea surface temperature anomalies, rainfall, and in the discharge of the widest estuary of theworld (Río de la Plata). An abrupt disruption of ecological attributes due to El Niño effects was evidenced. After the event, the ecosystem shifted to a higher organization of the flow structure (Ascendency), a lower adaptive potential (Overhead), and a marked increase in efficiency (Robustness), reflecting a more vulnerable state to absorb disturbances. The decrease in species abundance and biomass was particularly noticeable in molluscs, filter feeders, and low intertidal/subtidal groups. By contrast, polychaetes/deposit feederswere favoured, triggering a transitional community state dominated by opportunistic species. The results highlight how extreme climatic events could prevent the recovery of a sandy beach ecosystem, as pulses may induce lag and legacy effects.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2021

Studies comparing the distribution of genetic diversity may help revealing connectivity patterns ... more Studies comparing the distribution of genetic diversity may help revealing connectivity patterns in marine populations, as they allow identifying factors behind genetic population structure and elucidating the relationship between the habitat and resident species. The macrofauna of sandy beaches constitutes an interesting study subject, since it includes species with contrasting life histories and dispersal strategies, with potential implications on connectivity. In this work, COI sequences of three peracaridan species with direct development (the talitrid amphipod Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis and the cirolanid isopods Excirolana braziliensis and Excirolana armata), and one decapod with planktonic larvae (the hippid mole crab Emerita brasiliensis), were compared in order to evaluate the influence of dispersal and historical processes in the distribution of their genetic diversity in the Uruguayan coast, covering both marine and estuarine beaches located along the Rio de la Plata. The hypothesis that species with similar life histories show similar geographic patterns of genetic diversity did not completely explain the genetic variability observed in these species. The intertidal Emerita brasiliensis and the supralittoral Excirolana braziliensis presented high genetic homogeneity, with evidence of population expansion originated at similar times. This shared pattern of genetic variability could be explained by their tropical origin and recent colonization of the Uruguayan coast. The intertidal Excirolana armata and the supralittoral Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis presented high variability, although differences between them could be associated with the beach zone they inhabit. The role of salinity affecting connectivity patterns was important in Excirolana armata and Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis, which showed genetic differentiation between estuarine and oceanic beaches. Results reinforce the concept that the distribution of genetic variability not always reflects contemporary population structure and that it is important to consider the evolutionary history of the species when studying connectivity in sandy beach populations. Finally, the accelerated rates of warming in the region could favor a demographic explosion of Emerita brasiliensis and Excirolana braziliensis, species with tropical affinities, which is coherent with the documented demographic history of both species.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2019

Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity influences biodiversity distribution patterns an... more Spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity influences biodiversity distribution patterns and dynamics on sandy beaches. In these ecosystems, the microscale vertical distribution adds a dimension to the analysis of biological and physical processes, whose ecological patterns have been rarely described. An intensive across-shore sampling in a dissipative beach was conducted, using a stratified corer to analyze small-scale vertical variations in macrofaunal and physical variables. Sediment temperature decreased towards the swash zone and at deeper sediments. Conversely, moisture, grain size and organic content increased seaward, concurrently with the highest vertical variability. Species richness and density increased from the dunes to the swash zone, being highest at the surface, whereas biomass was higher in sediments deeper than 15 cm as a consequence of larger individual sizes. Sediment moisture and temperature showed a consistent correlation with biological descriptors. Deconstructed by taxonomic group, a significant vertical segregation of body size was observed, suggesting different microhabitat preferences and burrowing abilities. Species spatial patterns varied according to life history traits and differential susceptibility to variations in environmental conditions. This study provides novel insights on vertical environmental and biological variations across the dune-shore axis in a dissipative beach. Expanding the findings of this research to larger spatio-temporal scales is a short-term need to decipher the processes underlying the community and population patterns outlined here.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 2017

Life-history, substrate choice and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences were analysed in populati... more Life-history, substrate choice and Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI) sequences were analysed in populations of two peracaridans, the supralittoral talitrid Atlantorchestoidea brasiliensis and the intertidal cirolanid Excirolana armata. Three populations of each species, from beaches with similar grain size and located at
different points along the natural gradient generated by the Rio de la Plata estuary were analysed. Abundance of E. armata increased with distance from the estuary, while the opposite trend was observed for A. brasiliensis. The proportion of females decreased towards high salinities for both species, significantly for E. armata. A test on substrate salinity preference revealed the absence of patterns due to active
choice in E. armata. By contrast, A. brasiliensis showed no preference for the population closer to the estuary, while individuals from the other two sites significantly preferred high salinity substrates. Mitochondrial COI sequences were obtained from A. brasiliensis specimens tested for behaviour. Sequence analysis showed the population from the intermediate site to differ significantly from the other two. No significant genetic differentiation was instead found between populations from the two most distant sites, nor between individuals that expressed different salinity preference. Results showed that diverse sets of traits at the population level enable sandy beach species to cope with local environmental changes: life-history and behavioural traits appear to change in response to different ecological conditions, and, in the case of A brasiliensis, independently of the population structure inferred from COI
sequence variation. Information from multiple traits allowed detection of population profiles, highlighting the relevance of multidisciplinary information and the concurrent analysis of field data and laboratory experiments, to detect responses of resident biota to environmental changes.

Una gran cantidad de pesquerías a nivel mundial se encuentran sobreexplotadas o colapsadas, en es... more Una gran cantidad de pesquerías a nivel mundial se encuentran sobreexplotadas o colapsadas, en especial las costeras. Esto es de vital importancia, pues la dependencia de los recursos costeros es cada vez mayor. En Uruguay la situación no difi ere de esta realidad, por lo cual son necesarias medidas de manejo pesquero que contemplen un uso sostenible de los recursos y consideren la protección de los ecosistemas en su integridad y complejidad. Este libro va más allá de los criterios convencionalmente empleados en Uruguay en el manejo de los recursos pesqueros, proponiendo por primera vez para el país el desarrollo de un Manejo Ecosistémico Pesquero (MEP). Se hace especial énfasis en la identifi cación de sitios prioritarios para establecer Áreas Marinas Protegidas como herramientas de un MEP. El análisis cuantitativo de largo plazo consideró la variabilidad espacial del esfuerzo pesquero, las características de los ecosistemas y los diferentes servicios que proveen, así como los principales confl ictos derivados de otras actividades antrópicas. Esto permitió identifi car los sitios más sensibles y con mayor prioridad para la implementación de un MEP, contemplando adicionalmente aspectos de conservación de la biota y sus hábitats.