Anthropogenic litter on Brazilian beaches: Baseline, trends and recommendations for future approaches.

Beaches are fundamental habitats that regulate the functioning of several coastal processes and key areas contributing to national and local budgets. In this study we provide the first large-scale systematic survey of anthropogenic litter on Brazilian beaches, covering a total of 35 degrees of latitude, recording the litter type, its use and size. Plastic comprised the most abundant litter type, followed by cigarette butts and paper.

Vulnerable sandstone reefs: Biodiversity and habitat at risk.

Sandstone reefs may be considered a unique geomorphologic feature within the subtropical Southwestern Atlantic Ocean region; however, biodiversity on these reefs has received little to no attention. Herein, we recorded the fish assemblage and benthic cover of sandstone reefs between 23 and 29 m depth in Southern Brazil and evidenced potential threats to habitat health. Video analysis and underwater censuses recorded 30 fish species.

First record of Pomacanthus maculosus (Perciformes, Pomacanthidae) in the south-western Atlantic Ocean.

A single Pomacanthus maculosus was filmed during a scuba diving survey on a rocky reef from southern Brazil. The body shape and coloration pattern confirmed the species identification. The biological and ecological characteristics of P.