UCN-CEAZA
Opportunities and constraints of the institutional framework for the implementation of ecosystem-based management: The case of the Chilean coast.
Cárcamo, P., Garay-Flühmann, R., & Gaymer, C.
The implementation of ecosystem-based management usually develops from existing institutional and governance arrangements in a given area. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the institutional framework of a region or country to assess whether this framework is compatible and whether it will promote or potentially hinder the implementation of new management strategies. This paper explores the possibilities and constraints of institutional frameworks (represented by legislation) concerning the possible implementation of ecosystem-based management of the Chilean coast. We evaluated the functional fit between a conceptual ecosystem defined by stakeholders (and based on ecosystem services, threats and uses/activities) and Chilean legislation related to coastal and marine resource planning and management. First, we measured the functional fit between the defined ecosystem and legislation through a quantitative analysis based on text revision and network analysis. Second, we evaluated different management, conservation and planning instruments existing in Chilean legislation, with respect to their suitability for the implementation of ecosystem-based management. We found that Chilean legislation rarely accounts for relationships defined between the different components of the ecosystem model. We observed low functional fit potential and many gaps in legislation. However, we found that certain existing instruments in the current legislation can be used as a foundation for implementing management based on the principles and criteria of ecosystem-based management (e.g., Multiple-Use Coastal Marine Protected Areas).
Año: 2013
Palabras claves:
Referencia APA: Cárcamo, P., Garay-Flühmann, R., & Gaymer, C. (2013). Opportunities and constraints of the institutional framework for the implementation of ecosystem-based management: The case of the Chilean coast. Ocean & Coastal Management, 84, 193-203.
Interactions Between Spatially Explicit Conservation and Management Measures: Implications for the Governance of Marine Protected Areas.
Cárcamo, P. & Gaymer, C.
Marine protected areas are not established in an institutional and governance vacuum and managers should pay attention to the wider social–ecological system in which they are immersed. This article examines Islas Choros-Damas Marine Reserve, a small marine protected area located in a highly productive and biologically diverse coastal marine ecosystem in northern Chile, and the interactions between human, institutional, and ecological dimensions beyond those existing within its boundaries. Through documents analysis, surveys, and interviews, we described marine reserve implementation (governing system) and the social and natural ecosystem-to-be-governed. We analyzed the interactions and the connections between the marine reserve and other spatially explicit conservation and/or management measures existing in the area and influencing management outcomes and governance. A top-down approach with poor stakeholder involvement characterized the implementation process. The marine reserve is highly connected with other spatially explicit measures and with a wider social–ecological system through various ecological processes and socio-economic interactions. Current institutional interactions with positive effects on the management and governance are scarce, although several potential interactions may be developed. For the study area, any management action must recognize interferences from outside conditions and consider some of them (e.g., ecotourism management) as cross-cutting actions for the entire social–ecological system. We consider that institutional interactions and the development of social networks are opportunities to any collective effort aiming to improve governance of Islas Choros-Damas marine reserve. Communication of connections and interactions between marine protected areas and the wider social–ecological system (as described in this study) is proposed as a strategy to improve stakeholder participation in Chilean marine protected areas.
Año: 2013
Palabras claves: Marine protected areas, Institutional interactions, Chile, Governance, Ecosystem-based management, Social–ecological system.
Referencia APA: Cárcamo, P. & Gaymer, C. (2013). Interactions Between Spatially Explicit Conservation and Management Measures: Implications for the Governance of Marine Protected Areas. Environmental Management, 52(6), 1355-1368.
Sea urchin Tetrapygus niger distribution on elevated surfaces represents a strategy for avoiding predatory sea stars
Urriago, J., Himmelman, J., & Gaymer, C.
We ran field experiments to examine whether the micro-distribution of the sea urchin Tetrapygus niger on elevated surfaces represents a strategy for limiting predation by the sea stars Heliaster helianthus and Meyenaster gelatinosus. Several lines of evidence supported this hypothesis. (1) A survey of the distribution of the urchin and the 2 sea stars showed that urchins occur mainly on elevated surfaces, and sea stars on low surfaces. (2) In trials involving simulated attacks, the time needed by the urchin to sever contact with the sea stars was 48% less on elevated surfaces than on the bottom. (3) In trials involving sustained simulated attacks (high predatory risk) the urchins could detach themselves from the elevated surfaces to avoid being eaten. Finally, tethering experiments indicated that the urchin had a higher survival rate on elevated than low surfaces. Our observations indicate that M. gelatinosus represents a stronger predatory threat to T. niger than H. helianthus.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Tetrapygus niger · Heliaster helianthus · Meyenaster gelatinosus · Predator−prey interactions · Aggregation · Distribution · Tethering
Referencia APA: Urriago, J., Himmelman, J., & Gaymer, C. (2012). Sea urchin Tetrapygus niger distribution on elevated surfaces represents a strategy for avoiding predatory sea stars. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 444, 85-95.
Effects of patch size and position above the substratum during early succession of subtidal soft-bottom communities.
Pacheco, A., Thiel, M., Oliva, M., & Riascos, J.
Early macrobenthos succession in small, disturbed patches on subtidal soft bottoms is facilitated by the arrival of post-larval colonizers, in particular by active and passive dispersers along the seafloor or through the water column. Using a field experiment at two contrasting sites (protected vs. exposed to wave action), we evaluated the role of (a) active and passive dispersal through the water column and (b) the influence of small-scale spatial variability during succession of subtidal macrobenthic communities in northern Chile. Containers of two sizes (surface area: small—0.12 m2 and large—0.28 m2) at two positions above the natural substratum (height: low—3 cm and high—26 cm) were filled with defaunated sediment, installed at two sandy sublittoral sites (7–9 m water depth) and sampled after 7, 15, 30, 60 and 90 days, together with the natural bottom sediment. The experiment took place during austral fall (from late March to early July 2010), when both larval and post-larval stages are abundant. At the exposed site, early succession was driven by similar proportions of active and passive dispersers. A sequence from early, late and reference communities was also evident, but container position and size affected the proportional abundance of dispersal types. At the protected site, the successional process started with abundant colonization of active dispersers, but toward the end of the experiment, the proportion of swimmer/crawlers increased, thus resembling the dispersal types found in the natural community. At this site, the position above the sediment affected the proportional abundance of dispersal types, but patch size had no effect. This study highlights that macrobenthic post-larvae can reach at least 26 cm high above the bottom (actively or passively, depending on site exposure), thus playing an important role during early succession of sublittoral soft bottoms. The active or passive use of the sediment–water interphase may also play an important role in the connectivity of benthic populations and in the recovery after large-scale disturbances of sublittoral habitats.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Colonization, Disturbance, Macrobenthos, Size effects, Recruitment, Active and passive dispersal, Humboldt, Current, System.
Referencia APA: Pacheco, A., Thiel, M., Oliva, M., & Riascos, J. (2012). Effects of patch size and position above the substratum during early succession of subtidal soft-bottom communities. Helgoland Marine Research, 66(4), 523-536.
Effects of predation and habitat structure on the abundance and population structure of the rock shrimp Rhynchocinetes typus (Caridea) on temperate rocky reefs.
Ory, N., Dudgeon, D., Dumont, C., Miranda, L., & Thiel, M.
Human disturbances, such as overfishing, may disrupt predator–prey interactions and modify food webs. Underwater surveys were carried out at six shallow-water reef barrens in temperate waters of northern-central Chile from October to December 2010 to describe the effects of predation, habitat complexity (low, medium and high) and refuge availability on the abundance and population structure of the rock shrimp Rhynchocinetes typus (Rhynchocinetidae), an important mesoconsumer on subtidal hard substrata. Three sites were within managed (restricted access) areas for fishermen, and three were unmanaged (open-access). Field observations and tethering experiments were conducted to examine the relationship between fish and shrimp abundances, and the relative predation rates on shrimps. Direct effects of predation on R. typus body-size distribution were examined from shrimps collected in the field and fish stomachs. The presence and the abundance of R. typus increased with habitat reef complexity and refuge availability. Shrimp abundance was negatively related to fish abundance in managed areas, but not in open-access areas, where shrimp densities were the highest. Also, predation rates and body-size distribution of shrimps were unrelated, although fish consumed more large shrimps than should be expected from their distribution in the field. R. typus occurred most often in shelters with wide openings, offering limited protection against predators, but providing potential aggregation sites for shrimps. Overall, direct effects of predation on shrimp densities and population structure were weak, but indirect effects on shrimp distribution within reefs appear to have been mediated through behavioural responses. Our study highlights the need to assess both numerical and behavioural responses of prey to determine the effects of predator loss on mesoconsumer populations.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves:
Referencia APA: Ory, N., Dudgeon, D., Dumont, C., Miranda, L., & Thiel, M. (2012). Effects of predation and habitat structure on the abundance and population structure of the rock shrimp Rhynchocinetes typus (Caridea) on temperate rocky reefs. Marine Biology, 159(9), 2075-2089.
Floating kelps in Patagonian Fjords: an important vehicle for rafting invertebrates and its relevance for biogeography.
Wichmann, C., Hinojosa, I., & Thiel, M.
Floating macroalgae are common dispersal vehicles for associated benthic invertebrates. In order to investigate the importance of kelp rafts for species dispersal in the Patagonian Fjord Region (PFR), the abundance and distribution pattern of floating kelps (Macrocystis pyrifera, Durvillaea antarctica) and of the invertebrate fauna associated with M. pyrifera were evaluated during austral spring of 2002–2005, 2008 and 2010. In the southernmost Magellan Region (MR), benthic M. pyrifera were additionally sampled to compare the community structures in both conditions. Floating kelps were abundant throughout the entire PFR, harbouring a diverse and abundant invertebrate fauna. The density of floating kelps increased towards the south. In the MR, a loss of species was observed between benthic and floating condition (e.g. decapods, echinoderms, several peracarid species), but a high diversity of organisms from all major phyla were observed on rafts. Throughout the PFR, the predominant rafting species belonged to the peracarids, molluscs and annelids, but the community composition differed between floating samples from the northern and southern zones of the PFR. Relative abundances of peracarids were higher in northern zones, whereas molluscs and annelids dominated in the southern areas. Species of the peracarid genera Peramphithoe, Gondogeneia, Bircenna and Limnoria were shared between all areas. The results suggest that kelp rafts not only contribute to local population connectivity in the PFR, but could also be an important dispersal vehicle for rafting species along the PFR in north–south direction, crossing the biogeographic boundary around Taitao Peninsula. Furthermore, the MR appears to be an important stepping stone for species dispersal via kelp rafting in the subantarctic region.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves:
Referencia APA: Wichmann, C., Hinojosa, I., & Thiel, M. (2012). Floating kelps in Patagonian Fjords: an important vehicle for rafting invertebrates and its relevance for biogeography. Marine Biology, 159(9), 2035-2049.
Reproductive biology of two species of squat lobsters – female receptivity and interbrood intervals.
Espinoza-Fuenzalida, N., Acuña, E., Hinojosa, I., & Thiel, M.
The reproductive biology of many species of anomuran crabs is only poorly known. Herein we studied the reproductive biology of two species of squat lobsters, Cervimunida johni Porter, 1903 and Pleuroncodes monodon (H. Milne Edwards, 1837), which are target of a trawl fishery operating on the continental margin along the Chilean coast. During the reproductive period (May-November) we maintained squat lobsters in the laboratory to examine whether mating is related to the reproductive molt of the female and to determine the interbrood interval between successive broods. In both species females mated during the intermolt period. Females became receptive shortly after having released larvae from a previous brood, when they formed pairs with males. The interbrood interval (from larval release until having a subsequent brood) lasted <72<72 hour in the majority of female C. johni, but was longer in P. monodon, where most females took 72-144 hours before producing a new brood. Despite longer interbrood intervals, copulatory mate-guarding was substantially shorter in P. monodon than in C. johni. These differences in reproductive behavior might be due to differences in the general biology of the two species, including mobility and intraspecific aggression. Mating during the intermolt period may have several advantages, namely reducing the risk of cannibalism and energy costs of molting during the reproductive season.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: female receptivity, mating, reproduction, squat lobsters, trawl fishery.
Referencia APA: Espinoza-Fuenzalida, N., Acuña, E., Hinojosa, I., & Thiel, M. (2012). Reproductive biology of two species of squat lobsters – female receptivity and interbrood intervals. Journal Of Crustacean Biology, 32(4), 565-574
Microplastics in the Marine Environment: A Review of the Methods Used for Identification and Quantification.
Hidalgo-Ruz, V., Gutow, L., Thompson, R., & Thiel, M.
This review of 68 studies compares the methodologies used for the identification and quantification of microplastics from the marine environment. Three main sampling strategies were identified: selective, volume-reduced, and bulk sampling. Most sediment samples came from sandy beaches at the high tide line, and most seawater samples were taken at the sea surface using neuston nets. Four steps were distinguished during sample processing: density separation, filtration, sieving, and visual sorting of microplastics. Visual sorting was one of the most commonly used methods for the identification of microplastics (using type, shape, degradation stage, and color as criteria). Chemical and physical characteristics (e.g., specific density) were also used. The most reliable method to identify the chemical composition of microplastics is by infrared spectroscopy. Most studies reported that plastic fragments were polyethylene and polypropylene polymers. Units commonly used for abundance estimates are “items per m2” for sediment and sea surface studies and “items per m3” for water column studies. Mesh size of sieves and filters used during sampling or sample processing influence abundance estimates. Most studies reported two main size ranges of microplastics: (i) 500 μm–5 mm, which are retained by a 500 μm sieve/net, and (ii) 1–500 μm, or fractions thereof that are retained on filters. We recommend that future programs of monitoring continue to distinguish these size fractions, but we suggest standardized sampling procedures which allow the spatiotemporal comparison of microplastic abundance across marine environments.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves:
Referencia APA: Hidalgo-Ruz, V., Gutow, L., Thompson, R., & Thiel, M. (2012). Microplastics in the Marine Environment: A Review of the Methods Used for Identification and Quantification. Environmental Science & Technology, 46(6), 3060-3075.
Estimating rat predation on Humboldt Penguin colonies in north-central Chile.
Simeone, A. & Luna-Jorquera, G.
Rats (Rattus spp.) are among the most successful alien predators brought to islands by humans and have had devastating impacts on numerous seabird populations, but studies demonstrating rates of consumption and ecological impacts on penguins are scarce and mostly based on anecdotal evidence. We investigated the effects of rat predation on Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) by simulating unattended clutches with domestic Chicken eggs. Experiments were independently set at two Humboldt Penguin colonies in north (Pájaros Island, 29°S) and central Chile (Algarrobo Island, 33°S). At both colonies, eggs were primarily predated by rats (Rattus rattus = 70.8 % at Pájaros and Rattus norvegicus = 52.6 % at Algarrobo), and secondarily by Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus = 9.7 % at Pájaros and 15.8 % at Algarrobo). Significantly more eggs were predated at night. At both colonies, rates of rat and gull predation were highest within the first 12 h. Our study constitutes the first quantification of rats as important alien predators at Humboldt Penguin colonies. We suggest that rat presence at Humboldt Penguin colonies coupled with events that can cause temporary nest abandonment, such as human perturbation and El Niño events, may impact on the species’ breeding success. Eradication of rats is suggested to improve the nesting habitat of this and other threatened and endemic seabird species in the region.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Introduced species, Island conservation, Nest attendance, Alien predation, RattusPenguins
Referencia APA: Simeone, A. & Luna-Jorquera, G. (2012). Estimating rat predation on Humboldt Penguin colonies in north-central Chile. J Ornithol, 153(4), 1079-1085.
Estimaciones de crecimiento de Haliotis rufescens en cautiverio en el norte de Chile.
Pérez E., Eduardo P. AU - Araya, AndreaTI.
El crecimiento en acuicultura es indicador directo de productividad,permite predecir el desarrollo del cultivo y la cosecha, afecta indirectamente el desempeño de variables tecnológicas y determina el tiempo necesario para obtener individuos de un tamaño específico, lo cual condiciona el beneficio económico de un cultivo. Estas condiciones requieren la toma de datos y descripción adecuada del crecimiento de la especie cultivada. En este trabajo se evalúan tres alternativas de ajuste de parámetros de crecimiento a partir de información recopilada en un centro de cultivo de abalón rojo Haliotis rufescens en Coquimbo, Chile, donde se midieron durante un año individuos de 1,4-4,3 años, por intervalos de tamaño de 15-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55 y 56-65mm de longitud. Para analizar la consistencia en la estimación de crecimiento, se utilizaron tres modelos: la ecuación de von Bertalanffy (ECVB), la versión con crecimiento estacionalizado de ECVB y el modelo generalizado de crecimiento de Schnute y Richards. Los tres modelos resultaron ser confiables para longitudes en edades de 1,4-4,3 años, y las curvas de ajuste pasan a través del centro de la nube de puntos. Coincide esta etapa con la fase de crecimiento exponencial de los organismos. Con un criterio estrictamente estadístico la ECVB en su versión estacionalizada es la más ajustada, por una menor suma de cuadrados. Dado que las extrapolaciones hacia edades mayores y menores resultan más exactas con el modelo generalizado de crecimiento, se concluye que éste representó mejor el crecimiento de H. rufescens en las condiciones locales de cultivo.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves:
Referencia APA: Pérez E., Eduardo P. AU - Araya, AndreaTI. (2012). Estimaciones de crecimiento de Haliotis rufescens en cautiverio en el norte de Chile. Interciencia, VL - 37IS - 2AB.
Anthropogenic structures as a spatial refuge from predation for the invasive bryozoan Bugula neritina.
Dumont, C., Harris, L., & Gaymer, C.
Anthropogenic structures may play an important role in the marine invasion process by providing novel artificial habitats, often out of the reach of common benthic predators. A survey of piers in northern-central Chile revealed a change in the epibenthic assemblage on pilings at different distances from a rocky shore with abundant grazers and predators. Pilings on soft sediment, away from the rocky shore, were heavily colonized by the invasive bryozoan Bugula neritina. We therefore hypothesized that benthic predators may forage on pilings located on rocky bottom whereas pilings on soft sediment benefit from the absence of generalist benthic predators which do not occur on soft sediment. We examined piling communities using cages directly attached to pilings, where we included or excluded the sea urchin Tetrapygus niger and the rock shrimp Rhyncocinetes typus. Resultant communities differed substantially; a high percentage of bare space occurred in the presence of sea urchins, while turf algae dominated in the presence of shrimp. Both sea urchins and shrimp suppressed the colonization of the invasive B. neritina and, when acting together, totally prevented its recruitment. In contrast, invasive bryozoans colonized 95% of the available substratum in cages where predators were excluded. Our results show the important role of benthic generalist predators in limiting the establishment and spread of non-native species on anthropogenic structures. Further, this study highlights the unprecedented role of shrimp grazing in structuring hard-bottom communities.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: Predation • Rock shrimp • Sea urchin • Invasive species • Fouling • Artificial hábitat.
Referencia APA: Dumont, C., Harris, L., & Gaymer, C. (2012). Anthropogenic structures as a spatial refuge from predation for the invasive bryozoan Bugula neritina. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 427, 95-103.
Conservación de la biodiversidad en Chile: Nuevos desafíos y oportunidades en ecosistemas terrestres y marinos costeros
Jorquera-Jaramillo, C., Vega, J., Aburto, J., Martínez-Tillería, K., F. Leon, M., & A. Pérez, M., Gaymer, C.F., & Squeo, F.A.
La pérdida de la biodiversidad producida por el crecimiento demográfico, la demanda por recursos y la actividad productiva es contradictoria con el reconocimiento de su importancia. En ecosistemas terrestres, el Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas del Estado (SNASPE) contiene cerca del 19 % del territorio de Chile continental; aunque no representa todos los ecosistemas con especies amenazadas, puede ser complementado implementando nuevas áreas protegidas públicas (AP) y privadas (APP). El desarrollo de áreas marinas protegidas (AMP) es incipiente, y algunas iniciativas comparten la responsabilidad de conservación con los usuarios locales. En Chile, un conjunto de reglamentos, normas legales y tratados internacionales promueven distintas oportunidades de conservación en ecosistemas terrestres y marinos costeros, de las cuales emergen nuevos desafíos. Entre estos destacan, estandarizar la clasificación de especies según categorías de conservación en un protocolo internacional y optimizar las metodologías para seleccionar áreas prioritarias, ambos criterios indispensables para decidir qué y dónde conservar. Otro desafío es integrar el valor intrínseco de la biodiversidad con los servicios ecosistémicos que presta para instaurar una cultura participativa. Esto mejoraría la efectividad de las distintas estrategias de protección y uso sustentable de la biodiversidad al incorporar la educación y la participación ciudadana desde una perspectiva biocultural. La educación fomenta la conservación de la naturaleza al hacernos conscientes de nuestro entorno; mientras que la participación involucra a los ciudadanos como un actor más en la toma de decisiones, procurando la aplicación efectiva de las estrategias de conservación de la biodiversidad.
Año: 2012
Palabras claves: áreas marinas protegidas, áreas silvestres protegidas, conservación privada, participación ciudadana.
Referencia APA: Jorquera-Jaramillo, C., Vega, J., Aburto, J., Martínez-Tillería, K., F. Leon, M., & A. Pérez, M., Gaymer, C.F., & Squeo, F.A. (2012). Conservación de la biodiversidad en Chile: Nuevos desafíos y oportunidades en ecosistemas terrestres y marinos costeros. Rev. Chil. Hist. Nat., 85(3), 267-280.