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Octocorals are showing resilience to local and global stressors, while the decline in zooxanthellate corals continues. One of the processes that helps explain this ecological succession is the vertical growth of octocorals, which allows colonies to avoid stressors occurring at the substrate level. However, the growth and survival of octocorals could be affected by eutrophication, similar to what has happened with zooxanthellate corals. For this reason, the growth rate, mortality and survival of two octocoral species were determined along a eutrophication gradient in Cuba. A permanent band transect (250 × 2 m) was established on seven frontal reefs, and marked colonies were monitored for one year. The growth rates in height, width and colony area of Eunicea flexuosa and Plexaura kükenthali were significantly greater in the reefs near the polluted river basins. The eutrophication gradient, water visibility, and sediment accumulation on the bottom explained 36-78% of the variability in the growth of both species. The positive and significant correlations between the growth rate and stable nitrogen isotopes in both species and the microbiological variables, suggest that the contributions of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and organic matter from sewage discharge favor the growth of colonies. The eutrophication gradient did not explain the variability in mortality of either species in the short term, while hydrodynamic stress did. The results of this research highlight the resilience of both species and their ability to grow more rapidly in areas with eutrophic conditions, low water visibility, and greater sediment accumulation on the bottom, which may help explain the abundance of octocorals in the western tropical Atlantic.

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Octocorals are important zoobenthic organisms, contributing to structural heterogeneity and species diversity on hardgrounds. Their persistence amidst global coral reef degradation and ocean acidification, has prompted renewed interest in this taxon. Octocoral assemblages at 52 sites in continental Ecuador and Galápagos (23 species, 3742 colonies) were examined for composition, size distributions within and among populations, and connectivity patterns based on ocean current models. Species richness varied from 1 to 14 species per site, with the richest sites on the continent. Three assemblage clusters were recognised based on species richness and population size, one with a mix of sites from the mainland and Galápagos (defined by Muricea fruticosa and Leptogorgia alba, Muricea plantaginea and Pacifigorgia darwinii), the second from Santa Elena in southern Ecuador (defined by M. plantaginea and L. alba) and the third from the northernmost sites on the continent, in Esmeraldas (defined by Muricea fruticosa, Heterogorgia hickmani, Leptogorgia manabiensis). Based on biophysical larval flow models with 30, 60, 90-day Pelagic Larval Duration, good connectivity existed along the South American mainland, and from the continent to Galápagos. Connectivity between Galápagos, Cocos, Malpelo and the Colombian mainland may explain the wide distribution of L. alba. Muricea plantaginea had the densest populations with the largest colonies and therewith was an important habitat provider both in continental Ecuador and Galápagos. Continental Ecuador harbours the most speciose populations of octocorals so far recorded in the southern Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). Most species were uncommon and possibly vulnerable to local extirpation. The present study may serve as a base line to determine local and regional impacts of future disturbances on ETP octocorals.

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This dataset accompanies "Spatio temporal variation in octocoral assemblages along a water quality gradient in the northwestern region of Cuba" [1]. Sampling units were quadrats of 1 m2 (each 1 x 1 m), positioned by a random-systematic design at 10 m depth on the rocky-coral substrate. The number of colonies of octocoral species in thirteen fore reefs was counted to determine the composition, richness and abundance (expressed as density) of octocorals for the period from 2008-2015. Density of six species that most influenced spatial variation of octocoral assemblage structure was compared [1]. Species richness of octocorals was determined in each reef and for the 2008-2015 period. The accumulated species richness was calculated based on 100 randomizations without replacement. This dataset can be used in meta-analysis studies on spatial variations of the structure of octocoral assemblages related to anthropogenic activities and climate variability in the Caribbean Sea, as well as, experimental studies on thresholds to specific pollutants.

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Prostaglandin A2-AcMe (1) and Prostaglandin A2 (2) were isolated from the octocoral Plexaura homomalla and three semisynthetic derivatives (3-5) were then obtained using a reduction protocol. All compounds were identified through one- and two-dimensional (1D and 2D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. Additionally, evaluation of in vitro cytotoxic activity against the breast (MDA-MB-213) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines, in combination with enzymatic activity and molecular docking studies with the enzymes p38α-kinase, Src-kinase, and topoisomerase IIα, were carried out for compounds 1-5 in order to explore their potential as inhibitors of cancer-related molecular targets. Results showed that prostaglandin A2 (2) was the most potent compound with an IC50 of 16.46 and 25.20 µg/mL against MDA-MB-213 and A549 cell lines, respectively. In addition, this compound also inhibited p38α-kinase in 49% and Src-kinase in 59% at 2.5 µM, whereas topoisomerase IIα was inhibited in 64% at 10 µM. Enzymatic activity was found to be consistent with molecular docking simulations, since compound 2 also showed the lowest docking scores against the topoisomerase IIα and Src-kinase (-8.7 and -8.9 kcal/mol, respectively). Thus, molecular docking led to establish some insights into the predicted binding modes. Results suggest that prostaglandin 2 can be considered as a potential lead for development inhibitors against some enzymes present in cancer processes.

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Three azulenoid sesquiterpenes (1 - 3) were isolated from the Antarctic gorgonian Acanthogorgia laxa collected by bottom trawls at -343 m. Besides linderazulene (1), and the known ketolactone 2, a new brominated C16 linderazulene derivative (3) was also identified. This compound has an extra carbon atom at C(7) of the linderazulene framework. The antifouling activity of compounds 1 and 2 was assayed in the laboratory with Artemia salina larvae, and also in field tests, by incorporation in soluble-matrix experimental antifouling paints. The results obtained after a 45 days field trial of the paints, showed that compounds 1 and 2 displayed good antifouling potencies against a wide array of organisms. Compound 3, a benzylic bromide, was unstable and for this reason was not submitted to bioassays. Two known cembranolides: pukalide and epoxypukalide, were also identified as minor components of the extract.

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Information about the distribution and abundance of the habitat-forming sessile organisms in marine ecosystems is of great importance for conservation and natural resource managers. Spatial interpolation methodologies can be useful to generate this information from in situ sampling points, especially in circumstances where remote sensing methodologies cannot be applied due to small-scale spatial variability of the natural communities and low light penetration in the water column. Interpolation methods are widely used in environmental sciences; however, published studies using these methodologies in coral reef science are scarce. We compared the accuracy of the two most commonly used interpolation methods in all disciplines, inverse distance weighting (IDW) and ordinary kriging (OK), to predict the distribution and abundance of hard corals, octocorals, macroalgae, sponges and zoantharians and identify hotspots of these habitat-forming organisms using data sampled at three different spatial scales (5, 10 and 20 m) in Madagascar reef, Gulf of Mexico. The deeper sandy environments of the leeward and windward regions of Madagascar reef were dominated by macroalgae and seconded by octocorals. However, the shallow rocky environments of the reef crest had the highest richness of habitat-forming groups of organisms; here, we registered high abundances of octocorals and macroalgae, with sponges, Millepora alcicornis and zoantharians dominating in some patches, creating high levels of habitat heterogeneity. IDW and OK generated similar maps of distribution for all the taxa; however, cross-validation tests showed that IDW outperformed OK in the prediction of their abundances. When the sampling distance was at 20 m, both interpolation techniques performed poorly, but as the sampling was done at shorter distances prediction accuracies increased, especially for IDW. OK had higher mean prediction errors and failed to correctly interpolate the highest abundance values measured in situ, except for macroalgae, whereas IDW had lower mean prediction errors and high correlations between predicted and measured values in all cases when sampling was every 5 m. The accurate spatial interpolations created using IDW allowed us to see the spatial variability of each taxa at a biological and spatial resolution that remote sensing would not have been able to produce. Our study sets the basis for further research projects and conservation management in Madagascar reef and encourages similar studies in the region and other parts of the world where remote sensing technologies are not suitable for use.

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The Isla de Aves Wildlife Refuge is the northernmost portion of the Venezuelan territory generating 135 000km² of Exclusive Economic Zone. Studies on coral communities are scarce and old (1970s), due to its location 650km northeast of La Guaira Port and because it has military facilities. To upgrade baseline information we estimated size structure, percent live cover, species composition and abundance of corals and octocorals. We evaluated 16 sites around the island using the AGRRA Protocol (band-transects 10 m²) between 1.5 and 21m depth (n=67 transects), and visual surveys conducted in other five sites. We recorded 2 327 colonies belonging to four hydroid species and 36 species of stony corals in 11 families. The values for diversity, dominance and evenness of the coral community ranged between 0.78 and 2.12 (SW), 0.15 and 0.61 and 0.57 y 0.92 respectively. Most coral species had relative abundance values under 3%, except Porites astreoides (25.57%), Pseudodiploria strigosa (18.22%) and Siderastrea siderea (14.44%). They were represented mostly by smaller colonies, between 3 and 30cm in maximum diameter and between 0 and 5cm high. A total of 13 octocoral species belonging to three families were identified. Pseudopterogorgia americana was the most abundant species. The mean percent of live coral (including hydrocorals) was 22.30% (SE=1.73) (15.45% for dead coral, SE=3.28). Dead coral had the highest percentage of dissimilarity between sites (9.21%) (ANOSIM) and 16.57% contribution (SIMPER analysis). Octocoral live cover ranged from 0 to 21.35% with a mean of 6.38% (SE=0.99). Research on benthic communities of Isla de Aves should continue, especially in the deeper areas, to assess ecological conditions.

El Refugio de Fauna Silvestre Isla de Aves (RFSIA) representa la porción más septentrional del territorio Venezolano, generando 135 000km² de Zona Económica Exclusiva. Los estudios sobre sus comunidades coralinas son escasos y en su mayoría datan de la década de los setenta, por su ubicación a 650km al nor-este del Puerto de la Guaira y por su condición de zona militar. Para actualizar y obtener una línea base cuantitativa sobre la estructura de las comunidades coralinas de la isla, se estimó la cobertura lineal, estructura de tallas, composición y abundancia de corales y octocorales. Evaluamos 16 sitios alrededor de la isla empleando el Protocolo AGGRA (banda-transectas de 10m²) entre 1.5 y 21m de profundidad (n= 67 transectas) y se realizaron censos visuales en 5 sitios más. Observamos un total de 2 327 colonias pertenecientes a cuatro especies de hidrozoos y 36 especies de corales pétreos pertenecientes a 11 familias. Los valores de diversidad, dominancia y equitatividad de la comunidad de corales oscilaron entre 0.78 y 2.12 (S-W); 0.15 y 0.61 y 0.57 y 0.92 respectivamente. La mayor parte de los corales presentaron valores de abundancia relativa menores al 3%, a excepción de Porites astreoides (25.57%), Pseudodiploria strigosa (18.22%) y Siderastrea siderea (14.44%). La estructura de tallas de estas especies estuvo representada en su mayoría por las categorías de tallas más pequeñas, entre los 3 y 30cm de diámetro máximo y entre 0 y 5cm de altura. Se identificaron un total de 13 especies de octocorales pertenecientes a 3 familias, siendo Pseudopterogorgia americana la especie dominante en abundancia. La cobertura promedio de coral vivo (incluyendo hidrocorales) fue de 22.30% (SE=1.73) (coral muerto 15.45%,SE=3.28). El coral muerto es la que presentó el mayor porcentaje de disimilaridad entre sitios (9.21%) (ANOSIM); con un porcentaje de contribución de 16.57% (Análisis SIMPER). La cobertura viva lineal de octocorales varió entre 0 y 21.35% (SE=3.65) con un promedio de 6.38% (SE=0.99). Las investigaciones sobre las comunidades bentónicas de Isla de Aves deben continuar, especialmente en las zonas más profundas, para evaluar las ocndiciones ecológicas.

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Owing to the decrease of reef organisms in general, it has become essential to study populations that are prone to marine diseases, with the purpose of developing accurate survivorship predictions and in turn alarm on triggers and drivers of disease outbreaks. In this study, we quantified the octocorals of Gorgona island, Tropical Eastern Pacific (Colombia), during 2007 and 2009 documenting a mass mortality occurred during 2008. We recorded 16 octocoral species with densities that ranged between 2 and 30 colonies m-2. Most abundant octocorals were Leptogorgia alba and Pacifigorgia spp. (Gorgoniidae: Octocorallia). During 2009 we noticed a mass mortality involving Pacifigorgia irene, P. adamsi, P. rubicunda and P. eximia, with a reduction of 70% of the colonies between 12 and 20 m in water depth. Around 5% of seafans during 2007 had an epizootic disease similar to aspergillosis, which seems the cause of the mass octocoral mortality. This disease outbreak observed in Gorgona island, and other nearby areas of the Colombian Pacific during 2007-2010, corresponded to extended periods of anomalous elevated seawater surface temperatures and thermal anomalies during the upwelling season of 2008. Constant monitoring of seawater temperatures and octocoral populations are urgently needed in this area to understand the nature of this new disease outbreak. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 209-219. Epub 2014 February 01.

Debido a la disminución de los organismos de los arrecifes en general, es fundamental conocer las poblaciones de organismos propensos a enfermedades marinas, con el propósito de desarrollar predicciones precisas de supervivencia y a su vez dar la alarma sobre los motivos y las causas de los brotes de las enfermedades. En este estudio, hemos cuantificado los octocorales de la Isla Gorgona, Pacífico Oriental Tropical (Colombia), durante 2007 y 2009, y documentamos una mortalidad masiva que se produjo durante el año 2008. Se registraron 16 especies de octocorales con densidades que oscilan entre 2 y 30 colonias m-2. Los octocorales más abundantes fueron Leptogorgia alba y Pacifigorgia spp. (Gorgoniidae: Octocorallia). Durante el año 2009 nos dimos cuenta de una mortalidad masiva que afectaba a Pacifigorgia irene, P. adamsi, P. rubicunda y P. eximia, con una reducción del 70% de las colonias entre 12 y 20 m de profundidad. Alrededor del 5% de los abanicos de mar durante el año 2007 tenían una epizootia similar a la aspergilosis, que parece ser la causa de la mortalidad masiva de octocorales. Este brote de la enfermedad observada en la Isla Gorgona, y otras zonas cercanas del Pacífico colombiano durante el período 2007-2010, corresponden a períodos prolongados de altas temperaturas superficiales del mar y de anomalías térmicas durante la temporada de surgencia durante 2008. Se necesita con urgencia un monitoreo constante de las temperaturas marinas y de las poblaciones de octocorales en esta área para comprender la naturaleza de este nuevo brote de enfermedad marina.

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Carijoa riisei (Octocorallia: Cnidaria), a western Atlantic species, has been reported in the Pacific as an invasive species for nearly forty years. C. riisei has been recently observed overgrowing native octocorals at several rocky-coral littorals in the Colombian Tropical Eastern Pacific-(TEP). C. riisei has inhabited these reefs for at least 15 years but the aggressive overgrowth on other octocorals have been noted until recently. Here, we surveyed for the first time the distribution and inter-specific aggression by C. riisei in both coastal and oceanic areas colonized in the Colombian TEP (Malpelo, Gorgona and Cabo Corrientes), including preliminary multiyear surveys during 2007-2013. We observed community-wide octocoral mortalities (including local extinction of some Muricea spp.) and a steady occurrence of competing and overgrowing Pacifigorgia seafans and Leptogorgia seawhips. In Gorgona Island, at two different sites, over 87% (n=77 tagged colonies) of octocorals (Pacifigorgia spp. and Leptogorgia alba) died as a result of C. riisei interaction and/or overgrowth between 2011 and 2013. C. riisei overgrows octocorals with an estimate at linear growth rate of about 1cm m-1. The aggressive overgrowth of this species in TEP deserves more attention and regular monitoring programs. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 199-207. Epub 2014 February 01.

Carijoa riisei (Octocorallia: Cnidaria), una especie nativa del Atlántico Occidental. Sin embargo, se ha reportado como especie exótica invasora en el Pacífico desde hace unos cuarenta años y en la costa occidental de Colombia hace 15-20 años. Recientemente C. riisei se ha observado sobrecreciendo octocorales nativos en varios litorales rocosos coralinos en el Pacífico Oriental Tropical-(POT) de Colombia. C. riisei ha habitado estos arrecifes durante al menos 15 años, pero este comportamiento agresivo frente a otros octocorales no se habían notado hasta hace unos pocos años. En este estudio, se evalúa por primera vez, en las zonas costeras y oceánicas, la distribución e incidencia C. riisei en otros octocorales del POT colombiano (Malpelo, Gorgona y Cabo Corrientes), incluyendo información observaciones entre 2007-2013. Hemos observado mortalidad en toda la comunidad de octocorales (incluyendo la extinción local de algunas especies de Muricea) y una constante competencia y cubrimiento de abanicos de mar Pacifigorgia y gorgonáceos Leptogorgia. C. riisei presento una tasa lineal de crecimiento sobre otros octocorales de aproximadamente 1 cm m-1. El comportamiento agresivo de C. riisei en el POT merece más atención y programas regulares de monitoreo.

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AIM: This study was designed for isolating and characterizing antiplasmodial compounds from marine octocoral-associated bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The organic extract of the Bacillus sp. was subjected to purification using several chromatography techniques guided by bioassays to yield three isocoumarin derivatives (1-3). Chemical structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of HRMS spectra and NMR spectroscopy. The antiplasmodial activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro against the chloroquine-resistant Plasmodium falciparum strain W2. RESULTS: Isolated compounds were identified as bacilosarcin A (1), AI77-F (2), and AI77-H (3). Bacilosarcin A (1) displayed a low micromolar activity (IC(50) = 2.2 µM) against P. falciparum while compounds 2 and 3 showed no activity. CONCLUSIONS: Bacilosarcin A was found to be responsible for the antiplasmodial activity observed in the crude extract obtained from the Bacillus sp.

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Structure and injuries of octocoral communities (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) of Ecological Reserve Siboney-Juticí, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba. In the spur-and-groove reefs of the Ecological Reserve Siboney-Juticí (Southeast Cuba) octocorals are one of the predominant components of the sessile fauna. Main objectives of the present paper are characterizing the composition, structure and conservation status of the octocoral communities and assessing on the prevailing environmental conditions in the study area. For data collection, six sampling sites were located every 2-3km ranging from 12m to 17m depth along the spur-and-groove reefs. In each site, 22-26 1m² quadrants were zigzag arranged every 2m. The density of colonies was determined per site. The severity degree and predictability of environmental conditions were inferred by using the Heterogeneity and Equitability indexes, respectively. Hydrodynamic stress and the Comparative Pollution Index were also assessed. Current affectations of the octocoral communities were also determined and classified into four main categories: mechanical damage, diseases, predation and invertebrate and macroalgae overgrowth. As a result, 25 species represented by 752 colonies were recorded and Eunicea flexuosa and Gorgonia ventalina were the most abundant. The occurrence of Eunicea succinea forma succinea constituted the first report for Eastern Cuba. Site densities ranged from 3.58±1.84 to 7.58±2.16 colonies/m² and considered from moderate to low. The biggest densities were reported at both sides of the San Juan River mouth. Despite of the composition and structure of the octocoral communities, low to high hydrodynamic stress and low and moderate levels of contamination were inferred, it is likely that these indexes could have been overestimated due to the sensitivity of the indicator species to other factors such as sedimentation. The environmental conditions were mostly favorable and stable. In general, the number of dead colonies was low and mostly caused by the detachment of the substrate and overgrowth of Millepora alcicornis. Injuries were mainly brought about by mechanical damage, followed by coenenchyme loss, predation by Cyphoma gibbosum and macroalgae overgrowth. On the other hand, negative effects by Hermodice carunculata predation, bleaching, Red Band and Black Band Disease were not observed. Among sampled species, G. ventalina colonies were the most severely damaged within the community. As a whole, octocoral communities of spur-and-groove reefs in the Ecological Reserve Siboney-Juticí showed a good conservation status. Rev. Biol. Trop. 58 (4): 1211-1221. Epub 2010 December 01.

Se estudió la comunidad de octocorales del arrecife de macizos y canales de la Reserva Ecológica Siboney- Juticí (sur oriente de Cuba) con el objetivo de caracterizar su composición, estructura y estado de conservación, así como inferir a partir de estas las condiciones ambientales imperantes en el área. La investigación se realizó entre enero y junio de 2009, en seis localidades ubicadas entre 12m y 17m de profundidad. Como unidad de muestreo se empleó un marco de 1m², el cual fue puesto en zigzag cada 2m sobre la superficie del arrecife de macizos. Se determinó, por localidad, la densidad de colonias y se infirieron los grados de severidad, constancia ambiental, tensión hidrodinámica y el Índice Comparativo de Contaminación. Se determinaron, además, los daños en la comunidad de octocorales. Se analizaron 752 colonias e identificaron 25 especies de octocorales. Eunicea flexuosa y Gorgonia ventalina fueron las especies más abundantes. La densidad fluctuó entre 3.58±1.84 colonias/m² y 7.58±2.16 colonias/ m² (densidad de baja a moderada tendiendo a baja). En la zona se infirió una tensión hidrodinámica entre baja y alta, con niveles de contaminación bajos y moderados, y un ambiente generalmente favorable y constante. Los daños de tipo mecánico fueron los más frecuentes, siendo G. ventalina la especie con más colonias dañadas. La comunidad de octocorales del hábitat de macizos y canales de la Reserva Ecológica Siboney-Juticí presentó un buen estado de conservación.

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The composition and structure of octocoral communities on coral reefs close to a submarineoutfall were studied at Reparto Flores, west of Havana City, Cuba. Octocoral community changes after thedeployment of the submarine outfall in 2000 were monitored from June 2002 to September 2005, taking asbaseline the data existing before its construction. The area also receives the influence of the polluted river Quibúthat passes through a great part of the west side of the City. Sampling was done by means of SCUBA diving,counting and identifying colonies in situ within a 1 m2 frame that was randomly placed as many times as towarrant stabilized values of Shannon and Weavers heterogeneity index H. In agreement with the availablehydrochemical information, changes in the diversity indexes (Shannon and Weaver`s heterogeneity index H,Pielous equitability index J, and Margalefs species richness index R1), the Herrera-Morenos comparative pollutionindex (ICC), and density of some octocoral species at a depth of 10 m suggest a decrease in the influenceof polluters from 1989 to 2005. Nevertheless, these indicators were affected in 2004 by a sudden intense butbrief colonization of Briareum asbestinum, a species that is not typical of polluted places. At a depth of 20 m,a co-dominance of Plexaura kuekenthali and Eunicea clavigera (resistant and non resistant to pollution, respectively)and an increase of the comparative pollution index (ICC) was observed. The increase of P. kuekenthali,a pollution indicator, suggests a rise in the pollution effect 20 m in depth, because of the recent impact causedby the greater closeness of the outfall mouth 50 m deep. Results corroborate the hypothesis about the pollutionindicator character of P. kuekenthali. However, this could not be explored for Eunicea flexuosa (also considereda pollution-indicator) due to an intensive...(AU)

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The composition and structure of octocoral communities on coral reefs close to a submarine outfall were studied at Reparto Flores, west of Havana City, Cuba. Octocoral community changes after the deployment of the submarine outfall in 2000 were monitored from June 2002 to September 2005, taking as baseline the data existing before its construction. The area also receives the influence of the polluted river Quibú that passes through a great part of the west side of the City. Sampling was done by means of SCUBA diving, counting and identifying colonies in situ within a 1 m2 frame that was randomly placed as many times as to warrant stabilized values of Shannon and Weaver's heterogeneity index H'. In agreement with the available hydrochemical information, changes in the diversity indexes (Shannon and Weaver's heterogeneity index H', Pielou's equitability index J', and Margalef's species richness index R1), the Herrera-Moreno's comparative pollution index (ICC), and density of some octocoral species at a depth of 10 m suggest a decrease in the influence of polluters from 1989 to 2005. Nevertheless, these indicators were affected in 2004 by a sudden intense but brief colonization of Briareum asbestinum, a species that is not typical of polluted places. At a depth of 20 m, a co-dominance of Plexaura kuekenthali and Eunicea clavigera (resistant and non resistant to pollution, respectively) and an increase of the comparative pollution index (ICC) was observed. The increase of P. kuekenthali, a pollution indicator, suggests a rise in the pollution effect 20 m in depth, because of the recent impact caused by the greater closeness of the outfall mouth 50 m deep. Results corroborate the hypothesis about the pollution indicator character of P. kuekenthali. However, this could not be explored for Eunicea flexuosa (also considered a pollution-indicator) due to an intensive illegal selective extraction for lucrative handicraft purposes, which...

Para profundizar en las respuestas de las comunidades de octocorales a la influencia de residuales urbanos se estudió su composición y estructura en sitios de arrecife cercanos a un emisario submarino urbano en el Reparto Flores, La Habana, Cuba. Desde junio del 2002 hasta septiembre del 2005, se efectuó el monitoreo de los cambios ocurridos en las comunidades después de la puesta en operación del emisario en el año 2000, tomando como línea base datos existentes antes del inicio de su construcción. El muestreo se realizó mediante buceo SCUBA, contando e identificando las colonias in situ dentro de cuadricula de 1 m2 de lado. Diversos índices sugieren una disminución de la influencia de la contaminación en la última década.El incremento de P. kuekenthali (indicadora de contaminación, , sugiere un aumento del efecto de la contaminación a 20 m de profundidad debido al impacto reciente de la mayor cercanía del desagüe del emisario que se encuentra a 50 m de profundidad. B. asbestinum y E. clavigera se perfilaron como poco resistentes a la contaminación.

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Herein we present the results of a screening with 349 crude extracts of Brazilian marine sponges, ascidians, bryozoans and octocorals, against 16 strains of susceptible and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, one yeast (Candida albicans), Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, three cancer cell lines MCF-7 (breast), B16 (murine melanoma ) and HCT8 (colon), and Leishmania tarentolae adenine phosphoribosyl transferase (L-APRT) enzyme. Less than 15 percent of marine sponge crude extracts displayed antibacterial activity, both against susceptible and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Up to 40 percent of marine sponge crude extracts displayed antimycobacterial activity against M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Cytotoxicity was observed for 18 percent of marine sponge crude extracts. Finally, less than 3 percent of sponge extracts inhibited L-APRT. Less than 10 percent of ascidian crude extracts displayed antibacterial activity. More than 25 percent of ascidian crude extracts were active against M. tuberculosis and the three cancer cell lines. Only two crude extracts from the ascidian Polysyncraton sp. collected in different seasons (1995 and 1997) displayed activity against L-APRT. Less than 2 percent of bryozoan and octocoral crude extracts presented antibacterial activity, but a high percentage of crude extracts from bryozoan and octororal displayed cytotoxic (11 percent and 30 percent, respectively) and antimycobacterial (60 percent) activities. The extract of only one species of bryozoan, Bugula sp., presented inhibitory activity against L-APRT. Overall, the crude extracts of marine invertebrates herein investigated presented a high level of cytotoxic and antimycobacterial activities, a lower level of antibacterial activity and only a small number of crude extracts inhibited L-APRT. Taxonomic analysis of some of the more potently active crude extracts showed the occurrence of biological activity in taxa that have been previously chemically investigated. These...

No presente estudo apresentamos resultados da triagem biológica realizada com 349 extratos obtidos de esponjas marinhas, ascídias, briozoários e octocorais do Brasil, em testes contra 16 linhagens de bactérias comuns e resistentes à antibióticos, uma levedura (Candida albicans), Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, três linhagens de células tumorais MCF-7 (mama), B16 (melanoma murínico) e HCT8 (cólon), e de inibição da enzima adenina fosforribosil transferase de Leishmania tarentolae (L-APRT). Menos de 15 por cento dos extratos de esponja marinhas apresentaram atividade antibacteriana, contra linhagens resistentes ou não a antibióticos. Quase 40 por cento dos extratos de esponjas marinhas apresentaram atividade antimicobacteriana contra Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. Foi observada citotoxicidade para 18 por cento dos extratos de esponjas marinhas. Finalmente, menos de 3 por cento dos extratos de esponjas apresentaram atividade inibitória da enzima L-APRT. Menos de 10 por cento dos extratos de ascídias apresentaram atividade antibacteriana. Mais de 25 por cento dos extratos de ascídias apresentaram atividade contra M. tuberculosis e as três linhagens de células tumorais. Somente dois extratos obtidos da ascídia Polysyncraton sp. coletada em duas diferentes épocas (1995 e 1997) apresentaram atividade contra L-APRT. Menos de 2 por cento dos extratos de briozoários e octocorais apresentaram atividade antibacteriana, mas uma alta percentagem de extratos destes animais apresentaram atividades citotóxica (11 por cento e 30 por cento, respectivamente) e antimicobacteriana (60 por cento). O extrato de somente uma espécie de briozoário, Bugula sp., apresentou atividade inibitória da enzima L-APRT. A análise taxonômica de algumas espécies de invertebrados que forneceram alguns dos extratos mais ativos, indicou a ocorrência de atividade biológica em espécies pertencentes a grupos taxonômicos que já foram anteriormente investigados do ponto de vista...

Assuntos

RESUMO

The Jaragua National Park is located in a remote area to the SW coast of the Dominican Republic. Fishing and mining are the major human activities. The main reef formations of the Park include: (a) long bank reefs (spur and groove) growing as bands over the platform and running in a SW-NW direction at 12-25 m depth, (b) well developed, deep, fringing reefs at the platform edge (drop-off) areas which could extend from 10 to 45 m depth, and (c) small patch reefs and poorly developed coral-octocoral-sponge-algal communities in shallow platforms near shore, rocky bottoms, and over the submerged walls of the uplifted reef. Nine reef localities were surveyed between Cabo Beata and Bahia Honda using Scuba diving to inventory the diversity and relative abundance of scleractinian corals, octocorals and sponges. Fringing reefs were surveyed starting at the bottom (30 m) and swimming in a zig-zag pattern (50 m on each side) to shallower areas. Bank reefs were surveyed by swimming in zig-zag across the spur-groove formation along 500 m. Sponges were the most diverse group with 83 species in 50 genera followed by the scleractinian corals with 56 species in 26 genera and the octocorals with 47 species in 15 genera. New records included eight coral species, 29 octocoral species and 59 sponges. The diversity, species composition and abundance of particular groups varied across the different localities. Northern reefs within the park and the Los Frailes Island offshore had the highest live cover, relative abundance and diversity for the three groups. In general, the Jaragua National Park had the highest diversity of corals, octocorals and sponges reported for the Dominican Republic and rank amongst the highest reported for the northern Caribbean. It is recommended that the area be protected and that fishing activities be regulated or eliminated altogether.

El Parque Nacional Jaragua está localizado en un área remota al SW de la República Dominicana. La actividad humana se limita a pesquerías y minería. Las principales formaciones arrecifales incluyen (a) arrecifes de banco (montículo) creciendo sobre la plataforma en bandas paralelas, separadas por canales de arena y en dirección SE – NW, entre 12 y 25 m de profundidad, (b) arrecifes de franja profundos que se desarrollan en los bordes de la plataforma entre 10 y 45 m de profundidad, y (c) parches arrecifales y comunidades coralinas con poca o ninguna estructura arrecifal en áreas cercanas a la costa y plataformas someras. Nueve localidades fueron muestreadas intensivamente entre Cabo Beata y Bahía Honda mediante buceo autónomo. Se nadó en un patrón de zig-zag (50 m a cada lado) desde el fondo (30 m) hasta la zona somera en los arrecifes frangeantes. Se uso el mismo patrón pero a lo largo (por 500 m) cubriendo el ancho de las bandas en los arrecifes de montículo. Las abundancias relativas y la diversidad de corales escleractínidos, octocorales y esponjas se estimaron en estas bandas. Las esponjas presentaron la mayor diversidad con 83 especies en 50 géneros, seguidas por los corales escleractínidos con 56 especies en 26 géneros y los octocorales con 47 especies en 15 géneros. Nuevos registros para el área incluyen ocho especies de corales, 21 de octocorales y 59 de esponjas. La diversidad, abundancia y distribución de especies de cada grupo varió entre localidades. En general, las localidades del norte y la isla de Los Frailes mar afuera, mostraron las mayores diversidades y abundancias de los tres grupos. En general, el Parque Nacional Jaragua presenta las diversidades más altas de corales, octocorales y esponjas registradas para la República Dominicana y están entre las más diversas para el norte del Caribe. Se recomienda una protección integral del área que incluya una regulación substancial (o prohibición) de las actividades pesqueras.

Assuntos