Brigitte Gavio

National University of Colombia | UNAL · Departamento de Biología (Bogotá)

San Andres Island is one of the main touristic places in Colombia, and its main attractions are its sandy beaches and the marine coastal ecosystems, such as coral reef and seagrass beds. However improper behavior of both residents and tourists on solid residue disposal may threaten not only the aesthetic of the island´s beaches, but also poses risk...

Gallinara Island, a small island located 1.5 km off the shore of Liguria (Italy, north-western Mediterranean Sea) was included in a list of proposed Marine Protected Areas (MPA) in the early 90s. Since then, its benthic assemblages have been studied in detail and the main macrophytic communities have been mapped. A detailed assessment of its benthi...

Drifting and wrack seaweeds may originate from the detachment of natural populations and transport by currents until reaching the coast. When this is part of the natural renewal process of the seaweed beds, the drift is normally multispecific. Monospecific drifting biomass are, on the contrary, originating from excessive blooming of ephemeral and o...

During the past decade, phycological research in the Seaflower International Biosphere Reserve has revealed a much more diverse marine flora than historically appreciated. This work aims to contribute to the knowledge of macroalgal biodiversity in the Archipelago of San Andres, Old Providence and Saint Cataline, Colombian Caribbean, adding 11 new r...

Durante dos expediciones al Pacífico norte chocoano en agosto de 2015 y abril de 2016 se estudiaron las algas asociadas a los riscales y morros. Se identificaron 59 especies de algas, entre Rhodophyta (39), Ochrophyta- Phaeophyceae (10), Chlorophyta (6) y Cyanobacteria (4). Como resultado del proyecto cuatro especies se reportaron por primera vez p...

The rocky reefs in the northern Chocó (Colombian Pacific) are locally known as “riscales and morros” and represent suitable environments for settlement of marine algae and another benthic biota. In this study, we report 55 taxa of macroalgae grouped in 37 genera, 27 families, and four phyla. Twenty of these taxa are new records for Colombia, and se...

The roots of the red mangrove, Rhizophora mangle, provide a nursery habitat for many species, due to the tridimensional structure they provide, which delimits an area difficult to access to large predators. Moreover, they provide a hard substrate for many benthonic species, which attach to the roots and contribute to the tridimensional structure of...

ecidos y en interacción directa con corales masivos, y se relacionó su complejidad estructural con la capacidad de retención de sedimentos. Para ello, se determinó la composición taxonómica y se cuantificaron la altura del dosel, la cobertura y densidad de filamentos y la biomasa algal de los céspedes que crecían sobre colonias vivas de cuatro espe...

The book presents the results of the expeditions carried out by Invemar between 2011-2018 to the North Pacific of Chocó to study the biodiversity on the shallow portion (0-40 m deep) of the rocky reefs, locally named riscales and morros. In total, 33 sites were explored across around 200 km of coastline between Cabo Corrientes and Cabo Marzo. 59 sp...

We report new records of four macroalgae species in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, specifically from the rocky reefs of northern Chocó, Colombian Pacific. Among them, three species of Rhodophyta are included-Crouania mageshi-mensis Itono, 1977; Monosporus indicus Børgesen, 1931; Jania articulata N'Yeurt & Payri, 2009-and one species of Chlorophyta-U...

Seaweed communities are important coastal ecosystems representing good indicators of environmental variation related to climate change and other long-term changes. Long-term variation in the distribution of seaweed communities and individual seaweed species has been intensively investigated; however, long-term studies considering the whole seaweed...

Number of species/taxa recorded 133 78 59 111 CHLOROPHYTA-ULVOPHYCEAE Acetabularia acetabulum + + + + Bryopsis corymbosa + + + Bryopsis cupressina + + Bryopsis duplex + Bryopsis feldmannii + Bryopsis hypnoides + + Bryopsis muscosa + Bryopsis pennata + + Bryopsis plumosa + + + Chaetomorpha ligustica + + Chaetomorpha linum + + + Cladophora coelothrix...

CHLOROPHYTA-ULVOPHYCEAE Acetabularia acetabulum + + + + Bryopsis corymbosa + + + Bryopsis cupressina + + Bryopsis duplex + + Bryopsis hypnoides + + + + + Bryopsis pennata + Bryopsis plumosa + + + + + Chaetomorpha ligustica + + Chaetomorpha linum + + + + Cladophora coelothrix + Cladophora dalmatica + + Cladophora hutchinsiae + +

We report for the first time great quantities of floating Sargassum to Serranilla Bank, in the Central Caribbean. The island is an important nesting site for sea turtles, and by the time the Sargassum wave arrived, the baby turtles were disclosing. Due to the thick mat of Sargassum along the beach, the baby turtles may have troubles to reach the oc...

Se reporta por primera vez una gran cantidad de Sargassum flotante en Cayo Serranilla, en el Caribe central. La isla es un sitio importante para anidamiento de tortugas marinas, y al momento de la llegada del Sargassum, los nidos estaban eclosionando. Debido al espeso tapete de algas en la playa, las tortuguas puede tener problemas en llegar al mar...

Ten species of red macroalgae are newly reported for the Seaflower International Biosphere Reserve in the Caribbean Sea. Of these taxa, four have been previously reported for the Colombian Caribbean: Dohrniella antillarum, Halydictyon mirabile, Taenioma nanum, and Aglaothamnion cordatum. The remaining six species are new records for the country: Ca...

Se presentan diez nuevos reportes de especies de macroalgas rojas para la Reserva Internacional de la Biosfera Seaflower en el Mar Caribe. Cuatro taxones fueron previamente citados para el Caribe colombiano: Dohrniella antillarum, Halydictyon mirabile, Taenioma nanum y Aglaothamnion cordatum. Las restantes seis especies son nuevos registros para el...

Coastal waters and beaches are the main tourist attraction in the Caribbean, reporting an estimated income of US $ 25 billion dollars a year. However, sewage discharge, solid waste leachates, and oil spills threaten these resources, requiring management strategies to control water quality, which sometimes is difficult given the lack of adequate tec...

Dos nuevos registros de algas pardas (Phaoephyceae), Bachelotia antillarum y Dictyota humifusa son registradas por primera vez para el Archipiélago de San Andrés, Providencia y Santa Catalina, Reserva Internacional de la Biosfera Seaflower algas pardas, Bachelotia, Dictyota , nuevos registros, Seaflower.

Con el propósito de estimar los posibles cambios en el tamaño de playas y manglares en la isla de San Andrés, se adelantó un análisis multitemporal a lo largo de 66 años (1944 a 2010), a partir de aerofotografías e imágenes satelitales. Se analizaron nueve imágenes y se calcularon las áreas de cuatro sectores de playa y cinco bosques de manglar. Un...

The red algal species Griffithsia capitata (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta), native to the Canary Islands and Madeira, is reported for the first time from San Andres Island, International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower, Caribbean Sea. All specimens, which are small and easily overlooked, were found in coral reef habitats, at depths in the range of 9-17 m, gro...

We evaluated the macroalgal diversity associated to the habitat of the gastropod Cittarium pica in the intertidal rocky shore in San Andres island, Colombian Caribbean. The sampling was carried randomly in eight sites on the western site of the island, in December of 2013. We identified 80 species of macroalgae, thirty of which are new records. Des...

In memoriam Profesor Rafael Riosmena.

Las microalgas son fuente alimenticia esencial, sin embargo, pueden representar amenaza para la pesca, acuacultura, turismo y salud humana. Más de 135 especies pueden formar florecimientos nocivos, mientras otras sintetizan potentes venenos. Dentro de estos síndromes se destaca la ciguatera, enfermedad tropical causada por el consumo de peces con c...

During a biodiversity expedition to the northern cays of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Old Providence and Saint Catalina, we collected macroalgal samples along Quitasueño Bank, a submerged 60 km-long coralline bank. This is the first phycological study on the bank. We present a preliminary list of 76 macroalgae, including ten species of cyanobacte...

Nine species of macroalgae are newly reported for the Caribbean International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower. Of these taxa, Neosiphonia sphaerocarpa, Polysiphonia schneideri, Polysiphonia sertularioides, Cladosiphon occidentalis, and Phaeophila dendroides, have been previously reported from Colombian waters, whereas Ulothrix sp., Ulva flexuosa subsp....

We report the presence of persistent blooms of Chaetomorpha linum in San Andres island, Southwestern Caribbean, during the year 2013.

We report an unusual biomass of floating Sargassum, composed of the species S. fluitans and S. natans, that reached the northeastern coast of San Andres island in September 2014. The time and size of the event is unprecedented to the island.

We report an unusual biomass of floating Sargassum, composed of the species S. fluitans and S. natans, that reached the northeastern coast of San Andres island in September 2014. The time and size of the event is unprecedented to the island.Cantidades masivas de Sargassum pelágicos en las costas de San Andrés Isla, Caribe suroccidentalSe reporta la...

X Congreso de Ficología de Latinoamérica y el Caribe y VIII Reunión Iberoamericana de Ficología, 5-10 de octubre de 2014 – Metepec - México

To assess the composition and abundance of potentially toxic dinoflagellates associated to drift on San Andres island, we selected seven sampling sites along the northern and eastern side of the island. During the wind season, we collected drift samples, identified the main substrates to species, and submerged them in 1:1 filtered seawater and Tran...

The presence of tetrahedrally divided tatrasporangia in Ceramium bisporum Ballantine is reported for the first time. The plant was found as epiphytic on calcareous Halimeda tuna in coral reef environment in Caribbean Colombia. The taxon represents a new record for the country.Presencia de tetrasporangios en Ceramium bisporum(Ceramiales, Rhodophyta)...

To assess the composition and abundance of potentially toxic dinoflagellates associated to drift on San Andres island, we selected seven sampling sites along the northern and eastern side of the island. During the wind season, we collected drift samples, identified the main substrates to species, and submerged them in 1:1 filtered seawater and Tran...

Recent evaluations on the knowledge of biodiversity report that marine species account only 15% of total known taxa. The lack of knowledge on marine diversity is coupled by an accelerated rate of diversity loss, due mainly to human factors. The purpose of this review is to present a revision of the main anthropogenic threats to marine biodiversity,...

Resumen Evaluaciones recientes sobre el conocimiento de la biodiversidad registran que las especies marinas corresponden apenas a un 15% del total de los taxones conocidos en el planeta. La falta de conocimiento de la diversidad marina se suma a una acelerada tasa de pérdida de la misma, debido esencialmente a causas antropogénicas. El objetivo de...

During recent macroalgal surveys around the islands of San Andres, Old Providence and Santa Catalina, Caribbean Colombia, we encountered seven species of Cyanophyta, five of which are new records for Colombia. The new findings are: Brachytrichia quoyi, Lyngbya penicilliformis, Calothrix confervicola, Phormidium dimorphum and Phormidium roseum. Brac...

Fifty seven new records of vascular plants are reported for the Archipelago of San Andres and Old Providence, part of the International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower. Of these, about 81% have been introduced for agriculture or ornamental purpose. With these introductions, we report ten new families and 30 new genera for the Archipelago. The possible...

Fifty seven new records of vascular plants are reported for the Archipelago of San Andres and Old Providence, part of the International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower. Of these, about 81% have been introduced for agriculture or ornamental purpose. With these introductions, we report ten new families and 30 new genera for the Archipelago. The possible...

In the Colombian Caribbean, the marine macroalgal flora of the Seaflower International Biosphere Reserve has been little studied, despite its ecological importance. Historical records have reported only 201 macroalgae species within its area of almost 350,000 km2. However, recent surveys have shown a diversity of small algae previously overlooked....

Crouania pumila sp. nov. (Callithamniaceae: Rhodophyta), una nueva especie de alga roja marina de la Reserva Internacional de la Biosfera Seaflower, Caribe colombiano. In the Colombian Caribbean, the marine macroalgal flora of the Seaflower International Biosphere Reserve has been little studied, despite its ecological importance. Historical record...

On October 29, 2005, the category 1 hurricane Beta passed 15 Km north of the island of Old Providence in the Colombian Caribbean. To determine any changes in the Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König beds, we monitored four beds around the island, one and two years after the hurricane. We selected two sites affected by the hurricane and two not affec...

On October 29, 2005, the category 1 hurricane Beta passed 15 Km north of the island of Old Providence in the Colombian Caribbean. To determine any changes in the Thalassia testudinum Banks ex König beds, we monitored four beds around the island, one and two years after the hurricane. We selected two sites affected by the hurricane and two not affec...

Drifting and wrack seaweeds were collected from four beaches off San Andres island, Caribbean Colombia, between February and November 2009 for a taxonomic survey of the floating flora in the area. We found 1 species of Cyanophyta, 28 species of Rhodophyta, 26 species of Phaeophyceae, and 26 species of Chlorophyta, for a total of 80 taxa. Of these,...

International researches put to evidence a worrying decrease in science disciplines’ roll in many countries, especially in European Community and a poor quality in scientific competences, as issues of TIMMS (trends in international mathematics and science study) and PISA (programme for international student assessment) have proved, together with a...

Six species of macroalgae are newly reported for the Caribbean International Biosphere Reserve Seaflower. All the algae were found growing epiphytically on Thalassia testudinum in shallow ( < 1 m) meadows around San Andr é s Island. Two of these species, Stylonema alsidii and Colaconema hypneae, have been previously reported from Colombian waters,...

“Discover diversities” is a wide thematic developed within the SEMEP (South-Eastern Mediterranean Environmental Project) project, supported by UNESCO (United Nation Education, Science and Culture Organization). SEMEP is essentially a project for science education, focusing on Mediterranean environment. As the Mediterranean has been the cradle of We...

We report for the first time the presence of the invasive fern Pteridium caudatum (L.) Maxon Old Providence Island, Colombia. The species was found as an ornamental plant in house backyards, as well as in the wild in the locality The Peak, the best preserved area of the island. We discuss the ecological implications associated to the presence of th...

We report for the first time the presence of the invasive fern Pteridium caudatum (L.) Maxon Old Providence Island, Colombia. The species was found as an ornamental plant in house backyards, as well as in the wild in the locality The Peak, the best preserved area of the island. We discuss the ecological implications associated to the presence of th...

Se registra la presencia del helecho invasor Pteridium caudatum (L.) Maxon en la isla de Providencia, Colombia. La especie ha sido encontrada como planta decorativa en jardines y patios, así como naturalizada en El Pico, la localidad boscosa con mejor estado de conservación de la isla. Se discuten las implicaciones ecológicas relativas a la presenc...

In order to determine the occurrence of epiphytic toxic dinoflagellates in the coastal waters of San Andrés Island, Caribbean Colombia, we analyzed the seagrass beds on the northern and eastern sides of the island. We found seven species of toxicogenic dinoflagellates, belonging to the genera Prorocentrum and Ostreopsis. The cell densities were gen...

Conocer la forma adecuada de recolectar, preservar y conservar las macroalgas marinas es indispensable para generar colecciones biológicas que puedan ser utilizadas en diversas investigaciones (taxonomía, sistemática, ecología, evolución, etc.) y de igual forma brinden importantes herramientas para la educación. De esta forma, las colecciones se co...

Conocer la forma adecuada de recolectar, preservar y conservar las macroalgas marinas es indispensable para generar colecciones biológicas que puedan ser utilizadas en diversas investigaciones (taxonomía, sistemática, ecología, evolución, etc.) y de igual forma brinden importantes herramientas para la educación. De esta forma, las colecciones se co...

To understand the coastal water quality of San Andrès Island, and provide tools for the management of its marine resources, we present the historical analysis of the island monitoring, which includes ammonia, nitrites, nitrate, phosphates, fecal and total coliforms. The anthropogenic pressure on the coastal system is heavy, with water nutrification...

Kumanoa), and the Sections Aristata, Helminthoidea and Batrachospermum of Batrachospermum. We also provide a new name, B. montagnei, for the illegitimate B. guyanense. This tax-onomic synthesis increases the level of monophyly within the Batrachospermales, but minimises taxonomic change where data are still needed.

Recent collecting cruises conducted in the Northwestern Gulf of Mexico at 40- to 90-m depth revealed a diverse deepwater flora that is dominated by members of the Cryptonemiales complex. In this article, we describe two species new to science, Platoma chrysymenioides sp. nov. (Schizymeniaceae) and Sebdenia integra sp. nov. (Sebdeniaceae). Chloropla...

Recent collecting cruises in the northern Gulf of Mexico have revealed a surprisingly diverse deepwater flora dominated by members of the Rhodymeniales (Rhodophyta). In this article, we describe four species new to science as inferred from morphological and comparative chloroplast-encoded rbcL sequence analysis: Botryocladia ballantina sp. nov., Gl...