With around 250 species, the Acroporidae family shows its greatest diversity in the Indo-Pacific, where the genus Montipora, exclusive to this region, ranks second in species richness. This study records this genus, for the first time in the Caribbean, as exotic, represented by 2 species, observed in April 2025 in Boca Seca, Morrocoy National Park, Venezuela. The species were identified as M. aequituberculata and M. digitata based on their morphological characteristics. Both species have high coverage in the areas where they were located, withM. aequituberculata reaching up to 100% coverage in some areas and showing overgrowth over native species. Given the growth rates of the genus Montipora, both species appear to be potential invaders of these reef environments and, therefore, require population control measures.
The Cuban coastal marine system is particularly complex and dynamic. Its management requires increasingly resilient and adaptive approaches. Adaptive law provides a common platform for this type of management, which, guided by the scientific logic of adaptive governance, defines the triadic relationship: structure, methods, and processes. This article assessed the current state of the links between adaptive law and coastal governance in Cuba from 2000 to 2025. Guided by the principles of integrated coastal zone management and the foundations of resilience-based management, an exegetical-legal study was conducted, using the tipping point method and the Driving Forces-Pressures-State-Impacts-Response (DPSIR) framework. The methodology employed to achieve the objective was structured into three analytical stages, which generated scientific proposals to improve the legal framework for coastal governance in Cuba. The results demonstrate structural, interpretative, and application limitations that affect the foundations of adaptive law. Recommendations are formulated to improve Cuban marine and coastal governance from an adaptive legal perspective.
Although Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) causes significant shrimp mortality worldwide, lower mortality rates have been reported in South America. This study analyzed the nucleotide sequences of three plasmids from Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains isolated from infected shrimp in Tumbes, Peru; all sequences are deposited in the GenBank database. The bioinformatic analysis revealed high similarity to the pVA1 plasmid, with complete sequence homology in the genes encoding the PirAB binary toxin in two of the plasmids and a partial deletion in the pirAVP gene in the third. Additionally, all three plasmids harbored mutations in other genes, likely associated with the disease.
The southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has experienced accelerated coastal erosion over recent decades, with Gandoca beach emerging as one of the most critical erosion hotspots in the region. This study analyzes erosion and accretion rates along the Gandoca coastal sector during the 2005–2019 period and examines community perceptions of this process. The methodology comprises two components: shoreline change rates were estimated using the DSAS extension within a Geographic Information System, and local perceptions of coastal erosion were explored through a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. Results indicate that coastal erosion is severe along most of the beach, with rates ranging from -1.37 m/yr to -2.92 m/yr. A notable exception occurs in a sector upstream of the Sixaola River mouth, where accretion is recorded at 1.43 m/yr; by contrast, the river mouth sector exhibits a net landward displacement of -52 m. Community members associate coastal erosion with land loss from beach retreat and beach-face reduction, and with the decline or absence of sea turtle nesting. This last factor has led to a reduction in tourism-derived income, adversely affecting livelihoods within the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
Flatfishes or sole are a grup of great species richness, characterized by bilateral asymmetry, benthic habitat, and striking mimicry, which makes species-level identification difficult. This research reports the presence and range expansion of three flatfish species caught by beach seine trawling between August 2021 and January 2022. Citharichthys mariajorisae (n = 2; 99 - 103 mm standard length [SL]) was collected from the coasts of Guerrero, Mexico, in the eastern Pacific, while Etropus cyclosquamus (n = 6; 52.5 - 62.9 mm SL) and Symphurus urospilus (n = 2; 122 - 126.5 mm SL) were caught in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Morphometric and meristic data supporting the records are presented for each species. In all cases, there are substantial expansions in the previously known distribution of the species. Notably, this is the first record of E. cyclosquamus in Mexico
In 2021, groups of the Indo-Pacific damselfish Neopomacentrus cyanomos were observed on reefs in Aruba, in the southern Caribbean. In 2016, a floating accommodation platform (flotel) used to support offshore petroleum extraction was towed from the southwestern Gulf of Mexico, where the damselfish was widespread and had been recorded on other petroleum platforms, first to Aruba and then to nearby Curacao. In 2025, this study aimed to investigate whether the flotel transported N. cyanomos to those two islands. Previously published underwater videos of the submerged flotel hull, recorded in Curacao in early 2017, were reviewed. In 2025, an information request was posted on social media for sightings of the damselfish in Curacao. The 2017 videos showed many N. cyanomos living on the underside of the flotel that permanently left Curacao in August 2017. In 2025, adult N. cyanomos were recorded living under a dock in Curacao, and in 2026, they were replaced by two small fish. These are the most recent sightings of that species in Curacao. The detection of N. cyanomos on the flotel in 2017 in Curacao, followed by the sightings on the reefs of both islands, five and eight years after the platform passed by Aruba and Curacao, provides evidence that the species was likely transported via the flotel, resulting in the establishment of a population, at least in Aruba.
Although Acute Hepatopancreatic Necrosis Disease (AHPND) causes significant shrimp mortality worldwide, lower mortality rates have been reported in South America. This study analyzed the nucleotide sequences of three plasmids from Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains isolated from infected shrimp in Tumbes, Peru; all sequences are deposited in the GenBank database. The bioinformatic analysis revealed high similarity to the pVA1 plasmid, with complete sequence homology in the genes encoding the PirAB binary toxin in two of the plasmids and a partial deletion in the pirA(VP) gene in the third. Additionally, all three plasmids harbored mutations in other genes, likely associated with the disease.
The southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has experienced accelerated coastal erosion over recent decades, with Gandoca beach emerging as one of the most critical erosion hotspots in the region. This study analyzes erosion and accretion rates along the Gandoca coastal sector during the 2005-2019 period and examines community perceptions of this process. The methodology comprises two components: shoreline change rates were estimated using the DSAS extension within a Geographic Information System, and local perceptions of coastal erosion were explored through a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews. Results indicate that coastal erosion is severe along most of the beach, with rates ranging from-1.37 m/yr to-2.92 m/yr. A notable exception occurs in a sector upstream of the Sixaola River mouth, where accretion is recorded at 1.43 m/yr; by contrast, the river mouth sector exhibits a net landward displacement of-52 m. Community members associate coastal erosion with land loss from beach retreat and beach-face reduction, and with the decline or absence of sea turtle nesting. This last factor has led to a reduction in tourism-derived income, adversely affecting livelihoods within the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge.
Flatfishes or sole are a group of great species richness, characterized by bilateral asymmetry, benthic habitat, and striking mimicry, which makes species-level identification difficult. This research reports the presence and range expansion of three flatfish species caught by beach seine trawling between August 2021 and January 2022. Citharichthys mariajorisae (n = 2; 99-103 mm standard length [SL]) was collected from the coasts of Guerrero, Mexico, in the eastern Pacific, while Etropus cyclosquamus (n = 6; 52.5-62.9 mm SL) and Symphurus urospilus (n = 2; 122-126.5 mm SL) were caught in the southern Gulf of Mexico. Morphometric and meristic data supporting the records are presented for each species. In all cases, there are substantial expansions in the previously known distribution of the species. Notably, this is the first record of E. cyclosquamus in Mexico.
A new fiddler crab species of the genus Leptuca, discovered at five sites along the Panamanian Pacific coast, is described here. Specimens were collected from mangrove edges during diurnal low tides between June 2024 and August 2025. Morphological traits were consistent across all sites, with an average carapace width of 12.53 +/- 1.81 mm. Diagnostic features include bacilliform, V-shaped patches of pubescence on the mesogastric region; a squared manus carpal cavity with a distinct distal beaded edge; a robust oblique ridge elevated into a triangular projection; a dactyl ventral margin with a large, rounded tooth; and paired beaded ridges on the posterior surface of the second or third ambulatory carpi. The proposed species name is Leptuca bacillopilosa sp. nov., in reference to the characteristic symmetrical rod-like pile patches on the carapace. This discovery enhances the understanding of fiddler crab diversity in the region and highlights the significance of continued taxonomic surveys.
Morrocoy National Park (MNP), located in the State of Falcón (Venezuela), is one of the main tourist destinations in the country. This study aims to determine the potential ecological risk indices for heavy metals in October 2023 in intertidal beach sediments, taking into account tourist load. Sediment samples were collected from Sombrero Key, the area with the highest tourist load (exceeding the others by 2.5 times); Sal Key, an area with a medium tourist load (by 2 times); and Borracho Key, an area with no tourist load (0). Physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, salinity, organic matter, granulometry, and heavy metal concentration, were considered in the analysis of the samples. Potential ecological risk indices (PERI) were calculated. Results show that pH and organic matter content are affected by tourist load, with the majority of sediments classified as fine. Heavy metal concentration was found in the following sequence: Fe > Mn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cd. Regarding PLI, values did not exceed pollution estimates. PERC was low ecological risk for Cu ˃ Cr ˃ Pb and moderate risk for Cd. At the same time, PERI was classified as a low ecological risk for Borracho Key, close to moderate for Sal Key, and moderate for Sombrero Key. All these indices demonstrate the impact of tourist load on the MNP keys.
Thalamoporella floridana is a colonial bryozoan that inhabits the shallow waters of the western Atlantic. New records are presented of bryozoan colonies photographed and collected from the coast of Tuxpan, Veracruz, Mexico. The report extends the distribution range of T. floridana to the southwestern of the Gulf of Mexico.
The objective of this study was to characterize the 2024 lionfish tournament using the freediving and diving techniques as an alternative to mitigate its invasion and fillet yield to promote its consumption in the southern Caribbean, Costa Rica. For this purpose, 116 lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) were harvested using the Hawaiian hand harpoon fishing method in 4 sites. Total length (LT) ranged from 4.7 to 39.5 cm (24.1 ± 7.6 cm), and body mass (MC) ranged from 1.0 to 669.0 g (232.8 ± 158.8 g), with no significant differences (P > 0.05) found per fishing technique. The distribution of relative frequencies of LT and MC evidenced the presence of three size groups comprised of small, medium, and large fish that could be differentiated with the naked eye. Punta Manzanillo presented the highest catches per unit of effort (CPUE) in number of fish, both with freediving (5.5 fish/h) and diving (7.5 fish/h), and in body mass (1.9 kg/h) with both techniques. The lowest catches with freediving (2.4 fish/h and 0.4 kg/h) and diving (0.2 kg/h) occurred in Punta Mona. Medium fish of 166g gave a better fillet yield (21%) than large fish of 354g (16%) due to the lower proportion of carcasses (72.4% vs. 78.2%, respectively). Low fillet yield and difficulties in catching them have reduced local people’s interest in commercializing them.
Coastal environments worldwide face a significant and growing threat from microplastic pollution. This study quantified microplastic abundance and identified microplastic polymer types in the sand of three beaches in Crucita, Ecuador: Crucita (parish seat), Las Gilces, and La Boca. Sand samples were collected in September 2024 along 100-meter transects in the high tide zone. Ten sampling points were randomly selected per transect, and the subsamples were combined to form three composite samples per beach. The analytical process involved sorting the particles into two-dimensional categories: 1-5 mm (by sieving) and <1 mm (by density separation with NaCl and filtration). Microplastic abundance was quantified in both fractions. Polymer composition of the 1-5 mm fraction was analyzed using FTIR spectroscopy. For the 1-5 mm fraction, mean abundance was between 0.58 and 1.09 items/kg, whereas for the <1 mm fraction, it varied between 653.33 and 1,460 items/kg. Although abundance levels varied, the differences between the beaches were not statistically significant for either size fraction. Polypropylene was the most common polymer in the 1-5 mm fraction, followed by polyethylene and polyurethane. Notably, a terpolymer composed of styrene, acrylonitrile, and methyl methacrylate was identified exclusively at La Boca, the beach located at the mouth of the Portoviejo River. This finding strongly suggests a fluvial transport pathway for less common industrial polymers. These results provide the first baseline assessment of microplastic contamination in this area and highlight the need to implement waste management strategies for both land-based and riverine sources.
Given that microplastics (MPs) are present in the aquatic environment, they are highly likely to be ingested by marine fish. Therefore, this study aims to determine the concentrations, characteristics (size, color, and shape), and types of MPs in the digestive tracts of two commercially important marine fish species (Ethmidium maculatum and Sarda chiliensis chiliensis; MA and BO, respectively) during three seasonal periods along the coast of Peru. Artisanal fishermen captured fish between November 2022 and November 2023 at the Port of Chancay, Lima, Peru. Laboratory digestion and microscopy techniques were used to identify, quantify, and characterize MPs in the fish. Results show a similar concentration across the three seasonal periods for BO (BO1= 12.2 ± 9.24 MPs/fish; BO2=10.73 ± 7.10 MPs/fish; BO3=8.73 ± 4.73 MPs/fish) and for MA (MA1=10 ± 7.71 MPs/fish; MA2= 4 ± 3.02 MPs/fish; MA3= 3.8 ± 1.78 MPs/fish). MPs' predominant colors were black and blue, predominant shapes were fibers and fragments, and predominant size range was from 1 mm to 5 mm. Finally, chemical analysis of MPs revealed the presence of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). It is concluded that MPs were present in 100% of the MA and BO specimens.
Chance encounters with stranded cetaceans on beaches are valuable opportunities to document their presence. The discovery of a photograph of a stranded cetacean in 1984 enabled the analysis of its morphological characteristics, which concluded that it was a Ziphius cavirostris. This is the second encounter for Honduras and the first for the island of Roatán.
Given that microplastics (MPs) are present in the aquatic environment, they are highly likely to be ingested by marine fish. Therefore, this study aims to determine the concentrations, characteristics (size, color, and shape), and types of MPs in the digestive tracts of two commercially important marine fish species (Ethmidium maculatum and Sarda chiliensis chiliensis; MA and BO, respectively) during three seasonal periods along the coast of Peru. Artisanal fishermen captured fish between November 2022 and November 2023 at the Port of Chancay, Lima, Peru. Laboratory digestion and microscopy techniques were used to identify, quantify, and characterize MPs in the fish. Results show a similar concentration across the three seasonal periods for BO (BO1=12.2 +/- 9.24 MPs/fish; BO2=10.73 +/- 7.10 MPs/ fish; BO3=8.73 +/- 4.73 MPs/fish) and for MA (MA(1)=10 +/- 7.71 MPs/fish; MA(2)= 4 +/- 3.02 MPs/fish; MA(3)= 3.8 +/- 1.78 MPs/fish). MPs' predominant colors were black and blue, predominant shapes were fibers and fragments, and predominant size range was from 1 mm to 5 mm. Finally, chemical analysis of MPs revealed the presence of polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). It is concluded that MPs were present in 100% of the MA and BO specimens.
Sharks (Chordata: Chondrichthyes) can live in diverse environments and have distinct lifestyles. Several species migrate and are widely distributed worldwide, particularly deep-sea sharks. The Goblin shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) is a deep-sea shark species characterized by its elongated snout and protrusible jaws. The goal of this study was to review the global distribution of M. owstoni using QGIS, based on information from scientific publications in GBIF, BOLD Systems, and GenBank. Additionally, using DNA barcoding, two newly recorded individuals collected in Madeira, Portugal, in 2022, were analyzed, and global levels of genetic diversity and population differentiation were calculated, considering all available DNA sequences of this species. This showed that the Goblin shark is distributed globally and genetic diversity between individuals is low, with only two distinct haplotypes, one of which is present globally. In summary, there is probably only one active population, with no geographic structure and high connectivity between locations, due to this species' migratory behavior.
Chance encounters with stranded cetaceans on beaches are valuable opportunities to document their presence. The discovery of a photograph of a stranded cetacean in 1984 enabled the analysis of its morphological characteristics, which concluded that it was a Ziphius cavirostris. This is the second encounter for Honduras and the first for the island of Roat & aacute;n.
The morphometric and physiological maturity sizes of the mouthless crab Cardisoma crassum in the Gulf of Montijo, Panama, were studied from August 2023 to August 2024. The L-50 parameter for the male morphometric estimate ranged from 54.80 to 63.70 mm carapace width. In contrast, the L-50 estimation based on male gonadal stages was 52.70 mm. For females, the L-50 morphometric estimate ranged from 49.60 to 56.00 mm carapace width, while the L-50 based on the female gonadal stage assessment was 51.50 mm. Gravid females were recorded from July to September, suggesting a reproductive peak during the rainy season. The maturation cycle appears to extend from January to April, followed by peak incubation in July and September. Size variation across sampling sites suggests differences in habitat quality; however, fishing pressure may also shape population structure, as average crab carapace was smaller compared to previous studies in the same region. A minimum landing size of 58 to 60 mm carapace width is recommended to support fishery management in the future.
