Universidade de São Paulo. Instituto Oceanográfico
Morphodynamic analysis of Barra de Icapara, SP with images obtained by orbital remote sensing system
Age and growth of yellowtail snapper, Ocyururs chrysurus, from Central Coast of Brazil
To age and study the growth of yellowtail snapper, we analyzed readings of otoliths obtained in monthly samplings from commercial landings in the cities of Vitória and Vila Velha, from 1998 to 1999. Marginal increment analysis showed that the formation of a translucent zone occurred in the early fall and during the winter. The observed ages range from 2 to 19 years. Mean back-calculated fork lengths (FL) range from 108 mm for age 1 to 524 mm for age 19. The Von Bertalanffy growth equation fitted to the mean back-calculated FL was FLt = 567,1 (1 - e -0.130 (t + 0.773)), The length-weight relationship was W= 2,68x10-5FL2.914, where W = whole weight in grams. Yellowtail snapper has a slow growth with annual growth increments in weight raising progressively to the maximum of 164 g between the 7 and 8 years. The yellowtail snapper has long lifespan and slow growth rates, features of species that are very sensitive to overfishing.
Modern sedimentation pattern in Ubatumirim and Picinguaba Bay, northern Ubatuba coastal region, São Paulo State, Brazil
This work deals with the identification of the bathymetric, sedimentary distribution, and sedimentary features, as well as with their correlation to hydrodynamic processes which are responsible for the transportation and deposition of particulate materials in Ubatumirim and Picinguaba bays and in the adjacent inner shelf. The methodology comprised the batthymetric characterization, 77 bottom surface sampling and the measurements of temperature and salinity profiles. Results showed the dominance of fine and very fine sands, and secondarily, the existence of NNW-SSE elongated coarse and medium sand features. These features are related to relict sediments. The oceanographic structure shows an anti-clockwise circulation in the bays, with an opposite direction for the longshore currents, which demonstrate rip cell circulation in opposite direction along the coastline This pattern causes the transport of fluvial sediments to the opposite sides of the beaches. The sediment transport and generation of sedimentary features could be associated to the passage of cold fronts over the area.
Fluctuations in the spawning stock biomass and recruitment of the brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) 1977-1997
In the southeastern coast of Brazil, catches of the Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) have been decreasing from more than 200 thousand tons/year in the early '70s to about 32 thousand tons in 1990. From 1994 to 1997, catches recovered slightly (118 thousand tons), dropping then to about 20 thousand tons in 1999-2000. Extensive investigations on biology and stock assessment of Brazilian sardine have been developed in the '80s, providing stock biomass and recruitment estimates based on commercial fishing data obtained from 1977-1992. The present paper aims to update biological and stock assessment parameters from sardine data obtained during two acoustic surveys carried out in 1995 and commercial catches from the 1993-1997 period. Results from both cruises showed the weight-length relationship Wt=0.0000019. Lt3,26 (90-240 mm total length) and four age classes (mostly class II+). In the commercial catches, sardines belonged to ages 0+ and 3+ years old (mostly older than 1-year old) with 90-250 mm total length. Annual growth parameters were: Li=275 mm, K= 0.55 (1996), and Li=273 mm, K=0.50 (1997). Total mortality (Z) and natural mortality (M) coefficients were: Z= 3.8; M= 0.7 -1.2 (1996), and Z= 3.6; M= 0.6 - 1.1 (1997). The variation amplitude of M is due to the application of several different methods. Considering the historical series of 21 years of data (1977-1997), results showed that the stock went through two favorable periods (1980-84, 1989-94) and one unfavorable period (1985-89). 1997 seems to have been the beginning of a new unfavorable period, revealing recruitment cycles likewise other stocks from California and Japan.
Distribution, abundance and biomass of Chaetognaths off São Sebastião region, Brazil in February 1994
The distribution, abundance, biomass, population structure and feeding habits of chaetognaths collected off São Sebastião region, Brazil, in February 1994 are described. Bongo nets were hauled obliquely to collect zooplankton samples. Forty-three samples obtained with the 333 urn mesh were analysed. In this study, 7 chaetognath species belonging to two genera were identified. Sagitta friderici, S. tenuis and S. bipunctata were grouped into the neritic category, and Sagitta enflata, S. hispida, S. minima and Krohnita pacifica into the semi-neritic group. The analysis of the community structure distinguished 3 zones: 1) a nearshore zone evidenced by low richness; 2) an offshore zone evidenced by higher number of species and 3) another offshore zone, located south and south-westward of São Sebastião Island, characterised by higher richness but with dominance of one species. The nearshore zone was dominated by the neritic species S. friderici and S. tenuis, whereas the offshore zone was dominated by S. enflata. Abundance and biomass increase from nearshore toward offshore zones by about two orders of magnitude. Gut content analysis revealed over 90% of empty guts. The chaetognath population was composed mainly of juveniles. The diets among the different chaetognath species was very similar, composed mostly of small copepods and appendicularians.
Temporal variation of the sublittoral benthic macrofauna in Urca Beach (RJ) after storms
Preliminary results in the sexual dimorphism determination of the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus variegatus (Lamarck, 1816), Echinoidea, Toxopneustidae
Stationary circulation and salt stratification in estuarine channels: simulation with analitic models
The stationary circulation and salinity stratification in the southern region of Cananéia-Iguape Estuarine-lagoon System and Bertioga Channel are described. The models of Fisher el al. (1972), Prandle (1985) and Miranda (1998) were selected for the simulation of vertical profiles of the longitudinal component of velocity and salinity. The experimental data set used for the calibration of these models were sampled in 41 anchored stations, for one or two semidiurnal tidal cycles. For well mixed and partially mixed conditions, theoretical results and experimental data were in close agreement. The longitudinal density gradient and the river flow were the most important forcing for the stationary circulation and salt stratification. The wind stress had a secondary importance. According to the Stratification-circulation diagram of Hansen & Rattray (1966), the southern region of Cananéia estuarine system presented well-mixed conditions (Type la) and partially mixed conditions (Type 2b), before and after the destruction of the Valo Grande dam, respectively. The Bertioga Channel presented partially mixed conditions (Type 2b) next to the Itapanhaú River and well mixed conditions (Type lb) in other along-channel positions. The theoretical turbulent viscosity coefficients were similar to those calculated by Mesquita el al. (1992).
Morphostratigraphy of the northwestern São João de Pirabas coastal plain (northeastern of Pará State)
A sedimentary pattern, characterized by four marine successions, is identified at the northwestern portion of São João de Pirabas coastal plain (northeastern of Pará State) using morphostratigraphical analysis. The successions are: (i) basal retrogradational marine succession - SB, (intertidal mangrove muds, old beach ridges sand and tidal channel sand); retrogradational marine succession - S1, (sandy sediments of the shoreface); progradational succession - S2 (tidal flat and chêniers associated) and; actual retrogradational succession - S3 (dune-beach ridges, longitudinal sandy bars and bays, migrate over mangrove deposits). The evolution of this plain is related to sea-level changes associated with neotectonic movements since the Pliocene that gave origin to the SB succession during transgressive period related to Upper Pleistocene (?). The S1, S2, and S3 successions were developed due to transgressive and regressive cycles during last 5.100 years B.P. until today.
Variations of metabolic energy demand of juveniles of Haemulon steindachneriÇPerciformes, Haemulidae) as function of temperature
Bioenergetic aspects of juvenile Haemulon steindachneri collected at Ubatuba (23°30'S), SP, Brazil, were evaluated as function of body weight and temperature (15°C, 20°C e 26°C) through the oxygen consumption and ammonia excretion analyses. Q10 values and elevations a of the regression of oxygen consumption on wet weight at 15°C and 20°C were not significantly different. On the other hand, Q10 and elevations a were significantly different between 20°C and 26°C. It is suggested that 15-20°C is a temperature range of thermal metabolic independence for H. steindachneri, and this might be related to physiological adaptation to the environmental constraints. Daily energetic costs of routine metabolism were calculated from oxygen consumption data and other parameters of the bioenergetic equation were estimated following a model proposed in the literature. For a fish of 20g and 70g body weight (the minimum and maximum common weights at the 3 tested temperatures), it was estimated that their daily energetic demand at 15°C were 868.83 cal/day and 3168.65 cal/day; at 20°C are 893.22 cal/day and 2654.04 cal/day and at 26°C were 1390.30 cal/day and 5046.61 cal/day. Results contribute to the understanding of the ecological role of the species and its adaptation to the environment.
Maria José de Arruda Campos Rocha Passos
Spatial variation between summer and winter of the meiofauna from São Sebastião Channel (SP)
Spatial and seasonal variation of the density and biomass of meiofauna at higher taxonomic group levels were studied and related to sediment characteristics and water masses in São Sebastião Channel. The sampling was done at ten stations in the channel in February (summer) and August (winter) 1994. In the summer, the mean density was 605 ± 442 individuals per 4.9 cm², and in the winter, the mean density decreased to 213 ± 181 individuals per 4.9 cm². Total mean biomass ranged from 184.7 ± 156.8 ¼g x 4.9 cm-2 to 66.6 ± 48.9 ¼g x 4.9 cm-2, showing similar pattern as the density. Nematoda was the main group at most stations followed by Copepoda, as function of sediment type. Meiofauna characteristics at São Sebastião Channel reflected both the heterogeneous spatial distribution of the sediment along the channel and its seasonal variation, as well.
Food and feeding ecology of Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) larvae from the southeastern Brazilian Bight
Results from depth integrated and vertically stratified plankton samples collected in the southeastern Brazilian Bight were used to study the feeding behavior of Brazilian sardine (Sardinella brasiliensis) larvae. Sampling of the ichthyoplankton was carried out with 60 cm Bongo nets in the Bight during the spawning seasons of 1991/92 and 1992/93. The sampling of microzooplankton was carried out in the coastal region off Ubatuba, using the closing-type plankton net, in December 1995. The feeding study was based on a total of 901 captured larvae. Gut content analysis of the sardine larvae showed a diurnal pattern of food intake. Copepod nauplii dominated the diet of the preflexion and flexion larvae, but they were the second in abundance for the postflexion larvae which fed preferentially on copepodites and adults of Oncaea spp. Averaged feeding incidence of the 901 larvae was 37.6%, but it increased to 58.5% for day-caught larvae. Seventy percent of the food particles were found in the mid-gut and food eaten showed a natural increase in digestion from fore-gut to hind-gut. Vertical distribution of microzooplankton revealed that copepod nauplii were present in densities of 10-20 ind. L-1, mainly in the upper mixed layer (0-20 m depth), but higher densities of copepodite and adult of Oncaea, Oithona and Paracalamis were found within and beneath the thermocline. These results show that Brazilian sardine larvae can successfully adapt their diet, feeding on the most abundant food particles in the upper mixed layer of the survey area.
Observational description of the atmospheric and oceanic boundary layers over the Atlantic Ocean
Time evolution of atmospheric and oceanic boundary layers are described for an upwelling region in the Atlantic Ocean located in Cabo Frio, Brazil (23°00'S, 42°08'W). The observations were obtained during a field campaign carried out by the "Instituto de Estudos do Mar Almirante Paulo Moreira", on board of the oceanographic ship Antares of the Brazilian Navy, between July 7 and 10 of 1992. The analysis shown here was based on 19 simultaneous vertical soundings of atmosphere and ocean, carried out consecutively every 4 hours. The period of observation was characterized by a passage of a cold front that penetrated in Cabo Frio on July 6. During the cold front passage the vertical extension of atmospheric (and oceanic) mixed layer varied from 200 m (and 13 m) to 1000 m (and 59 m). These changes occurred in the first day of observation and were followed by an increase of 1.2°C in the oceanic mixed layer temperature and by a decrease of 6 K and 6 g/kg in the virtual potential temperature and specific humidity of the atmospheric mixed layer. The short time scale variations in the ocean can be explained in terms of the substitution of cold upwelling water by warm downwelling water regime, as the surface winds shift from pre-frontal NE to post-frontal SSW during the cold front passage in Cabo Frio. The large vertical extent of the atmospheric mixed layer can be explained in terms of an intensification of the thermal mixing induced by the warming of the oceanic upper layers combined with the cooling of the lower atmospheric layers during the cold front passage. An intensification of the mechanical mixing, observed during the cold front passage, may also be contributing to the observed variations in the vertical extent of both layers.
A bio-economic appraisal of pair trawl fisheries off southeastern Brazil
A study of the pair trawl fisheries was made in an attempt to introduce bio-economic models into fishery management in southern and southeastern Brazil. The biological parameters of demersal fishes found in the literature were used to mount the bio-economic model. Since there are no historical data on the economics of the fishery industry, the present market values of fish and of the diverse items that compose the costs of the catch have been used. The results show that the fleet was oversized in the period 1976-1981. The number of boats was reduced from 28 pairs to only 11 in 1996, but was still considered too big. The size of the fleet is reflected in the economic results of the analysis which shows negative returns. However, the fact that some of the fixed costs are not actually spent by the owners of the boats, as many of them have no insurance and most of the boats are already completely paid off and do not accrue costs on the capital invested must all be taken into account. On the other hand, the income figures used in this analysis did not take into account the value of the by-catch landed.
Identifying the components of ecological variation in a marine benthic megafauna
Current work in benthic ecology highlights the importance of the temporal component of ecological variation for distribution and abundance of organisms. However, this approach is limited by the difficulty in separating and measure the constituents of such variation. The present study aims to separate and identify the environmental and temporal components of ecological variation in the abundance of the benthic invertebrate community from the São Sebastião Channel, southeastern Brazil, by canonical correspondence analysis. The area is seasonally submitted to the intrusion of a cold and saline water mass, an important factor influencing benthic communities. The composition and abundance of the megafauna were investigated at five sites from November 1993 to August 1994. A total of 93 species were collected. Average density reached 187 individuals per catch with highest numbers in summer. A striking difference in species composition and abundance was observed in the catches through the year and the results suggested a different structure of the assemblages for each season. Four independent components of the species variation could be separated and identified: pure environmental, pure temporal, environmental with temporal structure and undetermined. The large amount of environmental variation is related to sandy bottoms and depth influence, whereas the time factor can be interpreted as both the seasonal intrusion of the South Atlantic Central Water and the biological cycles of some key-species.
Measurement and modeling of wind waves at the northern coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil
Directional measurements of wind-wave spectra made during the year of 1996 are used in a preliminary investigation of the wind-wave climate and its transformation at the São Francisco do Sul island, northern coast of the Santa Catarina state. Four major sea states and associated meteorological conditions are identified through analyses of joint distributions of observed wave parameters. Transformations of these main sea-state patterns due to refraction and shoaling are investigated through a numerical modeling approach that allows the reconstruction of the wave field within extensive coastal areas, using single point measurements of the wave spectrum in shallow waters. Cross-validation of measured and reconstructed spectra at the study site yield consistent results, suggesting that the proposed methodology works well for the São Francisco do Sul coast.
The marine epilithic diatom Melosira brandinii sp. nov. (Bacillariophyta) from Elephant Island, Antarctic Peninsula, with comments on some related species
A new species of epilithic diatom is described from samples collected near Elephant Island, Antarctic Peninsula. The cells of Melosira brandinii sp. nov. are joined in filamentous chains and attached by means of long mucilaginous stalks. The valves are circular with the valvar surface composed of irregularly arranged pentagonal Ioculi. Each loculus bears 6-12 pores on the external surface, opening to the innerside through rotae. The corona is only composed of coarse granules. A mantle is well developed, presenting rimoportulae and bearing coarse granules, which are more concentrated at the mantle edge. Comparisons with the related species Melosira arctica, M. moniliformis and M. nummuloides are made. Additionally, photomicrographs of M. arctica from the type material and Barents Sea, and of M. moniliformis from estuaries of Southern Brazil are included.
The Brazil current off the Eastern Brazilian Coast
There is relatively few and sparse information in the literature about the Brazil Current, the boundary current that cJoses the western border of the South Atlantic Subtropical Gyre. In this articJe, we present a review of the currently-available literature to give a coherent overview on the kinematic and dynamical aspects of the Brazil Current along the Eastern Brazilian coast. We discuss the current structure in terms of its water mass composition and its vertical extension. We compile the available information on the Brazil Current velocity structure and volume transport along the shelf and shelf break from 90S to 31°S. We also address the Brazil Current meandering and eddy formation, and their possible role in promoting shelf-break upwelling off the Southeast Brazilian coast.
A critical review about the knowledge of the present sedimentation of the State of São Paulo, Brazil
A historical analysis of sedimentologic research of the coast of the State of São Paulo is presented. The analysis concentrates his focus on the second half of the 20th century, where most of the investigation have been developed, but early reports and investigation are also considered dating back as far as the 17th century. Nowadays the growth of research intituition as well as theadoption of modern research methodologies acts as the main factors to the multiplication and consolidation of the diferent research approaches and to an increase in the knowledge ofthe evolution ofthe different sedimentological environrnents.
Marine sponges of Pernambuco State, NE Brazil
Beach morphodynamic state at the moment of observation: an alternative for identification
Determinations of the morphodynamic state of beach and surf zone were made on four beaches in Rio de Janeiro state, with two beaches located northward and two westward of Cabo Frio. Twenty four monthly measurements of beach and surf zone profiles associated to measurements of wave height and period, sediment settling velocity as well as swash climate were made during low spring tide. The beaches were classified by their modal morphodynamic state, a differentiation due to different wave climate and sediment characteristics. With exception for the reflective state, low correlation between the predicted and observed Morphodynamic State were obtained using Dean's parameter (Ω). This is a consequence of the low correlation between the grain size (and settling velocity) of the beach face sediments and the topographic gradient, when applied to a single beach. A new approach for the identification of the Morphodynamic State is proposed by inferring the beach and nearshore morphology through the comparison of the wave height and period in the outer breaker zone to the height and semi-period of wave in the swash zone.
Biodegradability of anionic surfactants in sea water
In order to evaluate the biodegradability of four anionic surfactants (LAS, SDS, n-SDBS, STPBS) in sea water, 19-day biodegradation tests were conducted, according to the method required by the Health Ministry for approval of commercial products. This method was modified for testing in sea water, as it originally had been described for freshwater. The modifications were considered sufficient as the microorganisms remain active till the end of the test. The results suggested that the biodegradation process was slower in sea water than in freshwater.
Macro- and microscopic characterization of yellow-catfish Cathorops spixii (Agassis, 1829) ovaries during reproductive cycle
This study is based on the analysis of macroscopic anatomy and histological structure of 452 ovaries from females of Cathorops spixii caught in the "Pai Matos" islands (Cananéia-Iguape lagoonal-estuarine region - 24°59'42"S 47°54'27"W), São Paulo, Brazil. Six phases of oocyte development are considered, based on cytological characteristics of the germinative cells during the maturation process, and seven ovarian maturity stages, determined by histological structure of ovaries and by the occurrence and relative frequency of the six oocyte phases: "A"(immature), "Bi"(initial maturation), "Bf'(advanced maturation), "Ci"(partially mature), "Cf'(mature), "D"(spent) and "R"(recuperation). The presence of a single patch of oocytes clustered during the spawn by an acellular adhesive substance, suggests total spawning, and the oocyte development is classified as synchronic in groups. The examined ovarian macroscopic anatomy and histological structure are characteristic of the cistovarian type.
Numerical modeling of the coast region of Santos (SP): tidal circulation
The Princeton Ocean Model (p0M) was implemented for the coastal region of Santos (46° - 47°W, 23°40' - 24°30'S), with a regular grid of resolution == 1 km and 11 sigrna levels in the vertical. the model was used in tidal simulations, with the specification of the correspondent oscillations at the boundaries, computed through cotidal maps of the shelf. The model runs considering separately the lunar and solar principal components (M2 and S2), for 5 days each, and the 9 principal tidal constituents composed, for 31 days. The tidal analysis of the resulting time series allowed the obtention of maps with the cotidal lines and the axes of the surface current ellipses. These maps indicate the characteristics of the propagation of the tidal waves in the modeled area, with the spatial distributions of their elevations and currents. The most important aspects discussed in this study are: the contrast of the circulation intensities, between the deeper region and the internal shallow areas; the marked differences of current intensities in both sides of Santos Bay; the currents convergence / divergence in São Vicente and Bertioga Channels; tidal assimetries in the shallow regions; and the counterclockwise rotation of the currents in the coastal area. The model can be used for operational predictions of tides and tidal currents in the study area.
Demersal fish community on the inner shelf of Ubatuba, southeastern Brazil
Fluctuations in the distribution and abundance of demersal fishes collected by otter trawl on the continental shelf of Ubatuba were examined over a two-year sampling period, in an area up to 50 m depth. A total of 111 species were collected. Seasonal and annual fluctuations in species abundance were related to differences in the distribution of Coastal Water and South Atlantic Central Water masses. The demersal fish fauna in the area was divided into three ecologically distinct communities: Tropical Sciaenid, Subtropical Sciaenid, and Gerreid-Haemulid. The most important one is the Tropical Sciaenid Community, characterized by Ctenosciaena gracilicirrhus, Paralonchurus brasiliensis, and Cynoscion jamaicensis.
Zooplankton composition, abundance and spatial distribution in the estuarine complex of Paranaguá during winter 1993 and summer 1994
Zooplankton community structure was investigated in the estuarine complex of Paranaguá (Southern Brazil) during July 1993 (winter) and February-March 1994 (summer). Copepods belonging to the genera Acartia, Paracalanus, Parvocalanus, Pseudodiaptomus, Temora, Oithona and Euterpina dominated the zooplankton associations, attaining up to 90% of total densities. Pseudodiaptomus richardi was the dominant estuarine copepod in oligohaline stretches with salinities below 15. Estuarine marine species such as Acartia tonsa, Oithona hebes and Oithona oswaldocruzi reached high densities in salinities ranging from 17 to 25. Other abundant estuarine marine species including Acartia lilljeborgi and Pseudodiaptomus acutus occurred in a broader salinity range. Marine euryhaline copepods were found in salinities as low as 15, but were usually more abundant in areas under the influence of coastal waters. Several marine stenohaline species associated with the warm waters of the Brazil Current were recorded in the euhaline areas. Other important zooplanktonic groups in this estuarine complex were tintinnids, appendicularians, cladocerans and meroplanktonic larvae of polychaetes and decapods. Density maxima (up to 82400 org.m-³) were found in the intermediate stretches - in salinities varying from 15 to 30 - corresponding approximately to the distributional pattern of phytoplankton biomass.
Effect of shellfish culture on phytodetritus vertical fluxes in tropical waters: southern Brazil
Mussel culture is an expanding activity in shallow and sheltered bays along the coast of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Although mussel culture generates benefits, several environmental impacts are associated with this kind of activity. Its success depends on. factors which inc1ude the environmental impact and the carrying capacity of the system. One conspicuous effect of mussel culture is the enhancement of vertical particle flux to the bottom sediment and depletion of water column phytoplankton biomass. Phytodetritus vertical fluxes was evaluated in a mussel culture area by collecting partic1es with sediment traps and analysing plant pigment by high performance liquid chromatography (RF-HPLC). Results showed that mussel culture, in average, enhances almost 5 times the vertical phytodetritus flux as compared to the reference site. Pheophorbide like pigments were the main chlorophyll-a degradation products collected by the traps. Given the high phytodetritus production, compared to the low water column phytoplankton biomass observed, it is suggested that allocthonous phytoplankton advected to the cultured area is an important process to sustain the mussel growth in the area.
Hydrographic properties in the São Sebastião Channel: daily variations observed in March 1980
A four-day quasi-synoptic survey of hydrographic properties sampled from March 4 to March 7, 1980 was used for a physical description of the daily variations in the thermohaline and mass structures in the São Sebastião Channel. Temperature and salinity were sampled down the water column during events of non-tidal along channel current reversals. The observed temperature decrease and density increase in the southern channel bottom layer were mainly due to cold water transported northward by a subsurface current. The northward bottom current opposed the southward main flow in the upper layer. The low temperature and salinity of the water advected northward by the bottom current indicated influences of the South Atlantic Central Water (SACW), inducing a near bottom thermocline-like structure. By the end of the sampling period, the vertical temperature gradient intensified near the bottom and the salinity distribution reached almost uniform conditions.
Microalgae of the continental shelf off Paraná State, southeastern Brazil: a review of studies
The paper reviews the taxonomic and ecological works on marine microalgae (phytoplankton and microphytobenthos) off Paraná State, Southeastern Brazil. Various studies refer to the taxonomy of benthic diatoms. Few descriptive field works in coastal and adjacent shelf waters contribute to the understanding of phytoplankton dynamics in coastal and shelf areas. Patterns of geographic distribution and changes in the phytoplankton community are described in relation to water masses and seasonal variations in the hydrographic regime. During summertime, when warm oligotrophic waters predominate over the shelf, the phytoplankton is nummerically dominated by small phytotlagellates, dinotlagellates, coccolithophorids and filaments of cyanobacteria. During wintertime, the abundance of micro-size diatoms over the shclf increase due to the dominance of cold nutrient-rich waters from the South Atlantic Central Water and wind-driven vertical circulation. The phytoplankton community off Paraná State may be classified into two categorics: the diatom-dominated coastal assemblage, mainly controlled by nutrient inputs from land drainage and ressuspension of bottom sediments, and the tlagellate-dominated shelf assemblage, more affectcd by the seasonality of local hydrographic regime.
Since the early 1930's, beach profiles have been broadly classified in one of the two types: storm profiles or swell profiles associated, respectively, with steep or low waves. Changes in beach profiles involves so many variables that becomes very difficult to obtain a model which can account for a sucessfull explanation or prediction of these changes. Only in the early 1970's. the sediment characteristics, the process of wave transformation in shallow waters and the coupling between the three-dimensional morphology and the hydrodynamics were sistematically analyzed in order to get a better understanding of the processes responsible for beach changes and its evolutionary sequences. In this paper a brief review about the sucessfull beach morphodynamic models developed by the Australian school of coastal geomorphology is presented as well as some results of this approach applied to some of the southern and southeastern Brazilian beaches.