The terete taxa Gracilariopsis (hereafter Gp.) lemaneiformis (Bory) Dawson, Acleto & Foldvik and Gracilaria (hereafter G.) chilensis Bird, McLachlan & Oliveira resemble each other in branching pattern. This study aims to analyze samples attributed to G. chilensis from a southern locality in Peru using molecular tools, in order to differentiate it from Gp. lemaneiformis samples collected along the Peruvian coast. Species identification of the Gracilariaceae, especially of the terete forms, is notoriously difficult due to morphological plasticity and convergence of their thalli, and the correct taxonomic identification of non-reproductive, cylindrical specimens remains a difficult task (Gurgel & Fredericq 2004). Utilizing traditional morphometric techniques, Edding et al. (2006) concluded that G. chilensis, comprising a single morphotype, is the main species of Gracilaria present along the Chilean coast, in which natural populations are distributed between 30°S and 45°S, from Coquimbo to Southern Chiloe (Bird et al. 1986), with farms extending further north to Antofagasta (24°S) (Santelices & Ugarte 1990). Hoffmann & Santelices (1997) found the establishment of G. chilensis on the coast of Coihaique (45°S) mainly due to aquaculture introduction. This species also occurs in the western Pacific Ocean, ranging from southeastern Australia to New Zealand (Nelson 1987). Gracilariopsis Dawson was long merged into Gracilaria until Fredericq & Hommersand (1989) resurrected Gracilariopsis on the basis of lack of nutritive cells in the cystocarp, and with chorda-type surface spermatangia. Gp. lemaneiformis has a geographical range from Paita, Peru to Antofagasta in northern Chile (Ramírez & Tapia 1991). DNA sequence analysis has been the most reliable and widely used molecular technique to infer phylogenic relationships at the species level within the Gracilariaceae (Gurgel & Fredericq 2004), and recognition of Gracilariopsis as a genus distinct from Gracilaria received strong support from the molecular studies of Bird et al. (1994), and Gurgel et al. (2003), among others. According to Gurgel et al. (2003), Gp. lemaneiformis is shown not to have a worldwide distribution but to be restricted to the vicinity of Peru, whereas the species going under the name Gp. “lemaneiformis” from North and South Carolina is now referred to as Gp. carolinensis Liao et Hommersand, and Gp. “lemaneiformis” from China and Japan constitutes an undescribed species that is related to Gp. heteroclada Zhang et Xia.
1. Kelp forests provide habitat for myriad species yet remain poorly studied in some ecoregions, including where there is increasing interest in commercial kelp harvesting for the lucrative alginate industry. 2. To identify indicators for monitoring the impacts of kelp harvesting, the structure and composition of macrobenthic invertebrate assemblages associated with large brown macroalgae, Eisenia cokeri, Lessonia trabeculata and Macrocystis pyrifera, from the Humboldt Current System of Peru were determined.3. Within kelp habitats two distinct habitats were sampled: (a) adult kelp holdfasts; and (b) the benthos adjacent to the kelp sporophyte (hereafter under-canopy rock). For each sample, organisms were identified, enumerated and weighed.4. Totals of 108, 102 and 113 different species were found associated with Eisenia cokeri, M. pyrifera and L. trabeculata, respectively comprising distinct assemblages associated with each kelp forest. Both habitat types (holdfasts and under-canopy rock) supported diverse, but different, macroinvertebrate assemblages, with richness, abundance and functional trophic groups in general higher in holdfasts compared with on under-canopy rock. Lastly, macroinvertebrate abundance, biomass, and species richness significantly increased with holdfast size. 5. Results confirm that each kelp species is unique in terms of associated assemblage composition and indicate that kelp harvesting for the alginate industry may have large impacts. We suggest that these effects on associated biodiversity should be incorporated within kelp harvesting management plans.6. We suggest that holdfast diameter is a good ecological indicator as reductions in holdfast size across the population will indicate a decline in the diversity of macroinvertebrates that are important food sources for higher order organisms. We therefore suggest that monitoring studies include morphological measurements as well as measurement of kelp density.
Addressing swallowing and feeding in a school system is a team effort. Working closely with parents is essential to the student's progress. This article profiles swallowing and feeding intervention by a school-based team with a 5-year-old Down's Syndrome student with dysphagia and behavioral feeding disorders. The team was able to work successfully with the parents which resulted in the student making significant progress both at school and in the home setting.
New in situ records of the sublittoral sea anemone Oulactis coliumensis (Riemann-Zürneck & Gallardo, 1990) are provided from different localities of northern Chile and Peru. Specimens were generally observed buried in shallow soft bottoms (3–25 m depth), near port cities and in areas with a high organic load. This is the first report of the species outside its type locality (off the Bay of Coliumo, Chile; ~36°S), extending its range of distribution to lower latitudes.
Harvest pressure on brown macroalgae of the Lessonia genus has increased in recent years in Peru and Chile, due to the high demand from the global hydrocolloid industry. After a taxonomic review, in 2012, the intertidal species Lessonia nigrescens was segregated into two species, being L. berteroana distributed in southern Peru and northern Chile (17-30°S). Based on genetic tools we confirm the identification as L. berteroana and report its presence up to 15°23’S. It is recommended to update the status of the species into Peruvian regulations and scientific publications.
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