Biodiversity catalog of Marine Coastal Areas of Indigenous People (MCAIPs / ECMPOs), Chile

Study Extent

The data set incorporates 1,400 records made in 4 MCAIPs in southern Chile (Manquemapu, Bahia San Pedro, Mahui Dantu and Caulin), with representatives of 10 phyla of invertebrates or algae divisions. All observations were made between August 2016 and October 2019. The authors hope to incorporate new records obtained from other MCAIPs and based on literature review in future versions.

Sampling

The records were obtained based on underwater sampling conducted by a marine biologist diver. Two methodological approaches were used, the first based on the use of an underwater transect, and the second based on the use of an underwater quadrant. The dimensions of each sampling unit are presented in the metadata for each record, as well as the organism density observed in the sampled area. The construction of this resource was carried out considering only the observations with a resolution at genus or species level. Functional groups or groups with higher taxonomic complexity were excluded. In the case that there was photographic support of the observations, these photographs were included as metadata. Additionally, records of species observed outside the sampling unit are included without information their abundance.

Quality Control

During the field campaigns, the specimens observed were identified in situ at the lowest possible taxonomic level. These observations were subsequently compared to confirm that the observations were within the ranges of distribution described in literature for each particular species. Additionally, a revision of synonyms was carried out to maintain the most up-to-date nomenclature of each registry based on the information available in World Register of Marine Species using its web service tools. For the creation of this data set, a selection of the records was made with a level of resolution at the level of genus or species, excluding the observations made as functional groups (I.e. Coralline algae crust or algae of the Order Ceramiales) or where identification at the genus or species level would require specialized taxonomists.

Method steps

1. Field sampling: During each sampling campaign the dives were carried out with the support of a fishing vessel, georeferentiation of the stations was carried out with a Garmin GPS device. In each station an underwater transect was deployed, or the evaluation was carried out by underwater quadrants (with pseudo-replicas). The sampling unit varies depending on the taxonomic group to be evaluated.
2. Identification of the specimens: it was carried out by the team of marine biologists in the field.
3. Post process of the records: the records were migrated to an internal database, from which the records that met the minimum quality criteria were selected to be incorporated into this resource. In the event that there were photographs of the record, these were added as metadata.

Because this resource is based on a baseline study of benthic species, it includes a broad spectrum of invertebrates and algae Phyla. Although the studies on which this resource is based report a greater number of records, this resource only presents observations of organism that were identified at genus or species level.

1. Actinopterygii
   common name: Ray-finned fish rank: class
2. Asteroidea
   common name: Sea stars rank: class
3. Holothuroidea
   common name: Sea cucumbers rank: class
4. Echinoidea
   common name: Sea urchins rank: class
5. Gastropoda
   common name: Gastropods rank: class
6. Bivalvia
   common name: Bivalves rank: class
7. Polyplacophora
   common name: Chitons rank: class
8. Anthozoa
   rank: class
9. Crustacea
   rank: subphylum
10. Florideophyceae
    rank: class
11. Ascidiacea
    rank: class
12. Phaeophyceae
    rank: class
13. Porifera
    rank: phylum
14. Rhodophyta
    rank: phylum
15. Chlorophyta
    rank: phylum
16. Ochrophyta
    rank: phylum
17. Mollusca
    rank: phylum
18. Echinodermata
    rank: phylum
19. Annelida
    rank: phylum
20. Chordata
    rank: phylum
21. Cnidaria
    rank: phylum

This resource comprises occurrences gathered in Marine Coastal areas of Indigenous People (MACAIPs) that are currently under the administration of Indigenous Communities. The geographic coverage of this resource will expand as biodiversity information is obtained in a greater number of MCAIPS.