New records of Microzonia velutina (Syringodermatales, Ochrophyta) in Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego in the sub-Antarctic region
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Abstract
Sub-Antarctic coastal ecosystems are characterized by a high diversity of intertidal and subtidal macroalgae. Recent studies in this region have advanced knowledge of their composition and distribution, as well as adding new species records. During scientific diving expeditions in Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, we documented the subtidal brown macroalga Microzonia velutina, representing a new record for Chile and an additional record for Argentina. Field surveys were conducted at three sites, located in Aguirre Bay (Argentina) and Inútil Bay (Chile). Specimens were identified based on external and internal thallus anatomy, following diagnostic criteria established in studies along the Argentine Atlantic coast. The species occurred at depths of 3–6 m in subtidal habitats dominated by giant kelp forests (Macrocystis pyrifera). Diagnostic features included a fan-shaped thallus less than 3 cm in size, olive-brown coloration, uniseriate filaments bearing unilocular ovoid sporangia, occurring singly or in clusters. This finding expands the known distribution of M. velutina into sub-Antarctic ecosystems, highlighting Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego, an important biogeographic region for macroalgal diversity. Future research should investigate the life cycle of the species and apply molecular approaches to clarify its phylogenetic position and evolutionary origins.
Acknowledgments
We greatly appreciate the in situ logistical support of Fundación Rewilding Chile during our fieldwork in the Inútil Bay, especially Daniel Perez and Jonathan Poblete. We also appreciate the support of Iván Gómez, Jaime Loaiza and Vicente Fernandez from the Algal Ecophysiology Laboratory at the Austral University of Chile. Mauricio Palacios appreciates the support by ANID grant R20F0002 Long Term Socio-Ecological Research in Patagonia (PATSER). Julieta Kaminsky would also like to thank María Bagur and Gonzalo Bravo for providing underwater photographs.
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Research ethics: Not applicable.
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Informed consent: Not applicable.
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Author contributions: MP: collected and analysed the data, writing-original draft, conceptualization, bibliographic research, and methodology. JK: collected and analysed the data, methodology, review and editing. EM: bibliographic research, review and editing. AB: review and editing. MR: collection and photographic recording of samples, MH: review and editing, supervision, resources, funding acquisition, project administration. All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.
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Use of Large Language Models, AI and Machine Learning Tools: None declared.
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Conflict of interest: All authors state no conflict of interest.
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Research funding: This work was made possible by Fundación Rewilding Chile, a Chilean non-profit financially supported by an extensive philanthropic network.
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Data availability: Not applicable.
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