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The first report of Apistobranchus Levinsen, 1883 (Family Apistobranchidae) in Antarctica was presented by Hartman (1967). Two species were later described: Apistobranchus glacierae Hartman, 1978 and Apistobranchus gudrunae Hartmann- Schröder & Rosenfeldt, 1988, which differed from A. glacierae mainly by having compound setae. Subsequently, ecological studies in Antarctica have identified both of these species. On the status of Antarctic Apistobranchus, we concluded that there is up to now, only one valid species, A. glacierae. The character ‘compound-setae’ referred for A. gudrunae is in fact simple limbate ones eventually splintered as described for A. glacierae. Other characters, also previously considered as diagnostics for A. gudrunae, did not differ in both species as shown by the observation of several specimens of different sizes and type material of A. glacierae and A. gudrunae. All the reports on the densities of Antarctic apistobranchids, including ours, show that they have higher values in finer sediments of 20 and 40 m depth. The need of additional work, including the rearing of specimens in the laboratory and plankton analysis, is emphasized.

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Stable isotopic analyses have been used for assessing anthropogenic influence in marine communities

Meiofauna is a component of the marine benthos widely used in environmental impact studies, especially in coastal areas. A monitoring program of Admiralty Bay has been underway since 2008 (INCT-APA/CNPq), and in the summer of 2010, the meiofauna and the phytodetritus were sampled at two sites in three areas of Martel Inlet (CF, UP, BP) and at one area in Mackellar Inlet (RE). Densities were in the range of those found in previous studies in the bay and did not differ significantly between the eight sampling sites. Nevertheless lower densities (<3,000 inds. 4.9 cm 2) were found at one site in front of the Brazilian Station (CF1), under the influence of the sewage outfall, and at other three sites. Higher densities (>5,000 inds. 4.9 cm 2) were found at Ullmann Point (UP) and at one site in Botany Point (BP1). Nematodes were the dominant meiofauna group. A change in the meiobenthic community structure was detected at the site under the sewage outfall influence (CF1: low density, different composition), suggesting some influence of human activities on the benthic system in front of the Brazilian Station.