Papers by Alejandro Granados
Regional studies in marine science, Jul 1, 2024
In the context of sandy coastlines under increasing coastal development and squeeze, coupled with... more In the context of sandy coastlines under increasing coastal development and squeeze, coupled with the ongoing loss of global diversity, it is crucial to understand the ecological patterns of benthic macrofauna, which plays a key role in the trophic and biogeochemical functional connectivity between land and sea. Here, we assessed differences in the spatiotemporal patterns of macrofauna diversity and production in exposed sandy beaches of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico across a use and modification gradient and its utility as indicators of impacts. We also estimated the sampling effort for a representative species inventory, considering three tidal zones, and longitudinal spatial scales in four beaches twice a year, and locally after an event of great tourist incidence. The traditional diversity indices could not conclusively detect the stress gradient of the macrofauna in these systems. The abundance pattern of macrofauna species in the upper intertidal zone and the greater secondary production at the lower zone of the unmodified beaches could be useful as indicators of ecological integrity in natural beaches with similar morphodynamic conditions. On the contrary, the most disturbed beach exhibited greater instability in terms of its macrofauna temporal variation in the lower zone. We verified that the ecological integrity approach comprising both natural and anthropogenic factors and multiple stressors is a useful tool showing precisely how beach-intensive use and modification induce instability and less resilience of its macrofauna, reflected in the species’ distribution by tidal zones, and the secondary production patterns. We also provide the first estimate of the optimal sampling effort required to get a representative inventory of the benthic intertidal macrofauna in sandy beaches of the Western Gulf of Mexico within a gradient.
Revista de Biología Tropical, 2019
Variación fenotípica de Eucidaris tribuloides (Cidaroida: Cidaridae) a lo largo del Corredor Arre... more Variación fenotípica de Eucidaris tribuloides (Cidaroida: Cidaridae) a lo largo del Corredor Arrecifal del Suroeste del Golfo de México. El Corredor Arrecifal del Suroeste del Golfo de México (CASGM) está compuesto por arrecifes separados geográficamente que están expuestos a diferentes factores oceanográficos, así como atributos propios con múltiples variables ambientales que pueden influenciar sobre la morfología de poblaciones de especies que ahí se distribuyen. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar la variación morfológica de la linterna de Aristóteles del erizo de mar Eucidaris tribuloides a lo largo del CASGM. Para ello, se analizó la relación alométrica entre la altura de la linterna versus diámetro de la testa de 104 especímenes, también realizamos un análisis de covarianza para detectar diferencias alométricas entre grupos. Se analizó la variación de la forma de una rótula y una semipirámide de cada erizo de mar mediante morfometría geométrica. Los resultados del presente ...
Mémoires du Muséum …, 1994
Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee. VLIZ. Informatie over marien en kustgebonden onderzoek & beleid in ... more Vlaams Instituut voor de Zee. VLIZ. Informatie over marien en kustgebonden onderzoek & beleid in Vlaanderen.
Bulletin of marine science, 1994
Phytotaxa, Dec 10, 2018
The Veracruz Reef System National Park (PNSAV) is located in the central region of Veracruz, off ... more The Veracruz Reef System National Park (PNSAV) is located in the central region of Veracruz, off the coast of the municipalities of Veracruz, Boca del Río and Antón Lizardo. It is a complex and important system within the Gulf of Mexico, since it has been declared a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, a Ramsar wetland and an essential component of the southwestern Gulf of Mexico Reef Corridor. Lobophora contains 28 currently recognized species and has a pantropical distribution that includes the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans in both hemispheres. Recently, some species have been identified from Western Atlantic Ocean, mainly in the Caribbean Sea. However, very little is known about Lobophora species diversity on the Mexican coast. In this study, morphological and molecular analyses (MAAT) using cytochrome c oxidase 3 (COX3) sequences as a barcode gene were used to study Lobophora spp. The results indicate that there are two species on the Mexican coasts, Lobophora declerckii and L. variegata. Lobophora declerckii represents a new record for the southwest of the Gulf of Mexico and, the presence of L. variegata was confirmed for the Mexican Caribbean.
Revista Mexicana De Biodiversidad, May 27, 2019
Taxonomy and systematics New records of subtidal benthic marine algae from the state of Veracruz,... more Taxonomy and systematics New records of subtidal benthic marine algae from the state of Veracruz, southern Gulf of Mexico Nuevos registros de algas marinas bentónicas submareales del estado de Veracruz, sur del golfo de México
El manejo de las Areas Marinas Costeras Protegidas descansa, en gran medida, en la zonificacion q... more El manejo de las Areas Marinas Costeras Protegidas descansa, en gran medida, en la zonificacion que se hace de las mismas. En el presente estudio se propone realizar estas zonificaciones tomando en cuenta un enfoque ecosistemico, el cual considera a los factores abioticos como el principal insumo y permite incorporar el caracter funcional de los espacios protegidos en las zonas costeras. A traves de elementos estructurales y funcionales de los ecosistemas marinos, se plantea una Zonificacion Ecosistemica que permite incluir desde el comienzo el caracter heterogeneo de las areas protegidas para garantizar que las acciones de manejo sobre las mismas esten guiadas por el comportamiento ambiental que las caracteriza. Con base en lo antes expuesto, se genero una propuesta de Zonificacion Ecosistemica para el Parque Nacional Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, la cual permite identificar, bajo un enfoque de escalas anidadas, diferentes subsistemas, paisajes marinos y unidades ambientales. Medi...
Global Journal of Biology, Agriculture & Health Sciences, 2015
In this study the presence of enterococci was analyzed in interstitial water samples collected in... more In this study the presence of enterococci was analyzed in interstitial water samples collected in the intertidal zone of Villa del Mar, Mocambo and Arroyo Jiote beaches located in Veracruz-Boca del Río, México. Sampling conducted in March 2013, included 18 points in each beach considering the level of the tide. The genus Enterococcus was present in 100 per cent of the analysed samples, where a significant difference among the studied beaches was observed. The highest concentrations of the organism occurred in Villa del Mar beach, where 44 percent of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible limit for recreational water. Arroyo Jiote was the beach where the lowest concentrations were recorded. It is necessary to make a follow up to this type of research since the observed levels are indicative of the possible presence of pathogens that could pose a risk to the health of beach users.
Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington., 1997
International Journal of Environmental Research, 2016
In a coastline with growing urbanization, we examined the condition of water and sediments in san... more In a coastline with growing urbanization, we examined the condition of water and sediments in sandy beaches within a gradient of uses and modification, in contrast with a reference unmodified beach, to assess different disturbance sources and environmental impact grades. The gradient was analyzed depending on beaches proximity to the urban nucleus, accessibility, tourism and recreation activities, and construction of breakwater structures. Using an integrated approach, some physical, chemical, microbiological and morphodynamic parameters were measured during two sampling campaigns. The results indicate a higher content of organic matter in sediments of the beaches near to the Veracruz Reef System with respect to the reference beach, and in the cold fronts season than in rainy season. This temporal variation can be explained by the regional pattern of surface circulation, favoring downwelling in cold fronts season and upwelling in rainy season. Water temperature, salinity and dissolv...
Mexico, with 11,500 km of littorals and almost 3.106 km2 of marine Economic Exclusive Zone is ide... more Mexico, with 11,500 km of littorals and almost 3.106 km2 of marine Economic Exclusive Zone is ideally located for a large array of coastal habitats to thrive. Its main sources o f revenue: petroleum, tourism and shrimp catch, are all closely related to the coastal zone. The current booming development of this area which boasts now the highest population growth in the country, contrasts with the lack of knowledge, adequate legislation or ecological protection measures. The Mexican government financed this project in order to have an integrated knowledge of what data already existed to assess water quality in its coasts. A custom-built database would help in defining the necessary policies to ensure its adequate development and recognize what needs to be further done in research. Integrated in the RAISON software and based on a comprehensive bibliographic search, 126 parameters were chosen as indicators o f water quality and divided in: Physico-chemical (32), Persistent Organic Compou...
El objetivo del presente trabajo fue dar una primera aproximacion acerca de la composicion, estru... more El objetivo del presente trabajo fue dar una primera aproximacion acerca de la composicion, estructura, abundancia y distribucion de la macrofauna de fondos blandos de la laguna arrecifal de Sacrificios (Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano: SAV), resaltando su importancia como parte de un corredor de especies de la macrofauna a traves del Golfo de Mexico y su relevancia como un puente de biodiversidad entre los arrecifes coralinos. Este arrecife forma parte de una importante area natural protegida; sin embargo, la macrofauna de fondos blandos es poco conocida a pesar de su riqueza de especies y biodiversidad potencial, si se considera la elevada biodiversidad presente en los arrecifes coralinos y la variedad de habitats que albergan. El muestreo se llevo a cabo en cuatro regiones someras de sedimentos blandos de la laguna arrecifal, considerando tres microhabitats. En total, se recolectaron 2211 individuos y se identificaron 137 especies. Los poliquetos fueron el grupo dominante en abunda...
The aim of the present work was to give a Űrst approach on the composition, abundance and distrib... more The aim of the present work was to give a Űrst approach on the composition, abundance and distribution of the softbottom macrofauna of SacriŰcios reef lagoon (Veracruz Reef System: VRS); highlighting its function as part of a species macrofaunal reef corridor through the Gulf of Mexico and its relevance as a biodiversity bridge among coral reefs. This reef is part of an important protected area, however, the soft-bottom macrofauna is poorly known despite its species richness and biodiversity potential, considering the high biodiversity present in coral reefs and the variety of habitats they host. Sampling was carried out in four shallow soft sediment regions of the reef lagoon, considering three microhabitats. In all, 2211 individuals were collected and 137 species were identiŰed. Polychaetes were the dominant group in abundance and diversity. East (windward) and West (leeward) regions were established based on the environmental analysis. These regions coincided with those proposed ...
Intropica, 2020
Datos semanales de la temperatura superficial de río, salinidad, oxígeno disuelto, nitrógeno tota... more Datos semanales de la temperatura superficial de río, salinidad, oxígeno disuelto, nitrógeno total y Clorofila-a fueron usados para conocer las variaciones temporales de las condiciones ambientales del río Jamapa (Boca del Río, Veracruz, México), así como para identificar si existen condiciones no favorables para los seres vivos (hipoxia o concentraciones altas de nitrógeno total). Con los datos obtenidos desde septiembre del 2017 hasta noviembre del 2018 se puede observar que los valores de oxígeno fueron mayores durante la temporada de nortes, debido a la oxigenación producida por el intercambio atmosfera-océano y disminuye drásticamente durante la temporada de lluvias y secas. Esto no afecto los niveles registrados de clorofila-a que fueron casi constantes durante el periodo muestreado. En cambio la temperatura y la salinidad muestran un máximo de febrero (2017) a mayo (2018) y disminuyen cuando inicial la temporada de lluvias.
International Journal of Environment, Agriculture and Biotechnology, 2017
The aim of this study was to determine Lindane and Endosulfan Sulfate isomers in Crassostrea virg... more The aim of this study was to determine Lindane and Endosulfan Sulfate isomers in Crassostrea virginica oyster populations (Gmelin, 1791) in the Mandinga and Alvarado lagoon systems located in the central Gulf of Mexico. Samples were taken from the main oyster banks of each lagoon system, during the three representative seasons of the region, wet, dry and north winds. By means of free diving, 30 commercial size oysters (7 ± 3 cm) were collected in four oyster banks or stations of the Mandinga lagoon system, totaling 360 organisms, while in the Alvarado lagoon system there were a total of 90 oysters during the annual cycle. Concentration of lindane and endosulfan sulfate isotopes in C. virginica was performed with a gas chromatograph
Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad, 2015
Se describen las características morfológicas de Hypoglossum hypoglossoides, un nuevo registro pa... more Se describen las características morfológicas de Hypoglossum hypoglossoides, un nuevo registro para la costa atlántica de México. Esta especie está presente en el Pecio Ana Elena del arrecife Anegada de Afuera, estado de Veracruz, golfo de México, de cuyo hábitat y distribución geográfica se proporciona información. Derechos Reservados © 2015 Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Instituto de Biología. Este es un artículo de acceso abierto distribuido bajo los términos de la Licencia Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.
Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad, 2015
Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington
The National Park Veracruz Reef System was declared a marine protected area by the Mexican govern... more The National Park Veracruz Reef System was declared a marine protected area by the Mexican government in 1992. It contains 23 reefs presenting different degrees of environmental deterioration mainly due to the influence from nearby rivers, its proximity to the port city of Veracruz-Boca del Río and the currents patterns. The degree of deterioration depends also upon the type of use (tourism, fisheries, scuba). A conservation assessment of the system is currently under development. In this paper we incorporate spatial analysis to characterize and map the spatial allocation patterns for different activities taking place in the reef system. Our study includes a preliminary assessment of the economic value of the reef based on the tourism and fishing activities. We use information from SCUBA diving shops; tourists guide groups (boat tours), biomass values, and official information for the value of the captures. The travel cost method for scuba and boat tours and published information is used to assess the benefits from the different zones within the park. The results are discussed and management recommendations for fishing areas are proposed.
El presente libro se planteó con la finalidad de promover la actualización e integración de infor... more El presente libro se planteó con la finalidad de promover la actualización e integración de información científica del Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano (SAV) y en lo específico de la Isla de Sacrificios. Esta obra pretende servir como un libro de consulta que contenga la información existente sobre las investigaciones realizadas en el SAV por el Centro de Ecología y Pesquerías de la Universidad Veracruzana y las instituciones con las que ha estado colaborando desde su creación en el 2000. Esta dirigido a la comunidad científica y/o académicos, no obstante que seguramente será de utilidad para todos los sectores de la sociedad relacionados con esta área, ya que busca cubrir diferentes aspectos de las ciencias marinas, además de proporcionar temas generales relacionados con el manejo y conservación de esta importante área marina protegida. Con éste libro se pretende dejar claro, cuando sea el caso, el estado actual del conocimiento en el Sistema Arrecifal Veracruzano, sus alcances y sus limitaciones.
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Papers by Alejandro Granados