FCTUC researchers study the diversity of fish larvae in the Azores Biosphere Reserves

Starting from a project focused on Portugal's Biosphere reserves, a team of researchers from the Department of Life Sciences (DCV) of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra (FCTUC) dedicated themselves to exploring the diversity of coastal fish larvae in the Azores region.

Until then, there was a significant lack of knowledge about these larvae, leading to the need to delve deeper into the topic. The project "Fish larvae in the Azores islands - structure, dynamics and biodiversity in Northeast Atlantic UNESCO biosphere reserves", funded by the PADI Foundation (USA), focused specifically on the four islands of the Azores classified as Biosphere Reserves: Corvo, Flores, Graciosa and Saint George.

To obtain more profound knowledge about the communities of fish larvae existing along the coast of these islands, FCTUC researchers carried out two years of intensive research. «We identified 38 different species, belonging to 27 different families, and we noticed a greater abundance of species on the islands of Corvo and Flores, although the variations observed may have been influenced by the different years of sampling», reveals Filipe Martinho, a researcher at the CFE and project coordinator.

«It was a great challenge since many of the species identified were unknown and, therefore, the project integrated DNA analyses to help determine the species», says biologist Milene Guerreiro, adding that the weather conditions also proved challenging.

According to the team of researchers, some of these larvae, measuring just 3 millimetres, were very difficult to identify due to the scarcity of research guides. «These organisms were collected using a net pulled by a vessel, concentrating the seawater samples. Identification is done both visually, with the help of a magnifying glass, and through DNA analysis, which made it possible to record the presence of fish larvae that were not yet referenced on those islands», explains Ana Lígia Primo. Among the species analyzed are the Black Horse Mackerel, Sarrajão, Galo Fish and Grouper.

«This project not only contributed to the knowledge of marine biodiversity but also helped to complement the guides on fish larvae, revealing a part of marine life that goes unnoticed by most people. The research represents a significant advance in the knowledge of fish larvae and the protection of Biosphere Reserves in the Azores», they conclude.

In addition to Filipe Martinho, Ana Lígia Primo and Milene Guerreiro, Miguel Pardal, Filipe Costa, Manuel Rodrigues, researchers from DCV, and Ana Veríssimo, researcher from CIBIO & BIOPOLIS, participated in this research.