Opportunities and challenges in incorporating benthic foraminifera in marine and coastal environmental biomonitoring of soft sediments: from science to regulation and practice

Author(s):Show less -

Sousa, S. H. M. ; Yamashita, C. ; Semensatto Jr, D. L. ; Santarosa, A. C. A. ; Iwai, F. S. ; Omachi, C. Y. ; Disaro, S. T. ; Martins, M. V. A. ; Barbosa, C. F. ; Bonetti, C. H. C. ; Vilela, C. G. ; Laut, L. ; Turra, A. ; BIOFOM Grp

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS; v. 5, n. 2, p. 9-pg., 2020-06-01.

Abstract

Scientific studies have demonstrated the usefulness of benthic foraminifera as bioindicators to assess the health of marine, coastal, and transitional ecosystems. Similar to macrofauna, these organisms are reliable proxies for biomonitoring. Despite recent scientific advances, Brazilian official monitoring plans using biotic indices on coastal and ocean environments with soft sediment areas remain mostly restricted to a few types of organisms. Therefore, to include benthic foraminifera in Brazilian biomonitoring routines regulated by national environmental guidelines and standards, the paper presents the challenges, which must be overcome, some recommendations and steps to move forward to implement foraminifera as bioindicators in biomonitoring routines. In light of it, it is essential to consider the contribution of the Brazilian foraminiferal research in this implementation process, improving ecological quality indices, adapting methods, and applying genetics tools. This paper is a step in this direction, which aims to strengthen the role of benthic foraminifera as a reliable tool in Brazilian biomonitoring. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/00427-5 - Living benthic foraminifera vertical distribution at mud-belts in the southwestern margin of the South Atlantic Ocean: faunal response to redox condition and organic matter input.
• Grantee: Cintia Yamashita
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 18/20639-0 - Biomonitoring workshop in Brazil: Foraminifera and their use in environmental assessment
• Grantee: Silvia Helena de Mello e Sousa
• Support Opportunities: Organization Grants - Scientific Meeting