Philippe in Patagonia - page 3

Sponges have an important share in the benthic fauna (animals living on the ocean floor) off the eastern shore of the Pacific Ocean. They are often harvested during scientific expeditions, but the coast being so vast, little is known about these animals.

The biogeography of the Chilean coasts where Philippe took part to that survey, is very typical. This means that this area is characterized by particular animals and plants, as a result of the local climatic, geographical and oceanographical circumstances, determined by latitude, coastal structure and ocean currents.

These factors have a considerable influence on the composition of the coastal fauna. Of equal importance is the abundant organic material, produced by tall forests and land dwelling animals, and washed out by the rain to the sea. This fertilizes the ocean with nutrients and reduces salinity, thus generating a prolific fauna.

Northern Patagonia is also a very special area when it comes to marine sponges. The regional characteristics can provoke important endemic phenomena, which means that they simply and solely occur in that particular area. Inventorying sponges along the Chilean shore is therefore very important and will contribute to a correct definition of the marine biogeography of this less-known part of the Pacific Ocean.

Would you like to know more about the deep-sea fauna of Chili?

Marine Field Guide of the South East Pacific, Patagonia, Tierra de Fuego & the Antarctic Peninsula.
http://www.guiamarina.com (*)