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Padrões de abundância de Catostylus tagi no estuário do Tejo
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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
A espécie de cifozoário Catostylus tagi (Haeckel, 1869) pode ser encontrada nas
águas da zona costeira portuguesa, especialmente na parte inferior do estuário do rio Tejo
e nas áreas adjacentes, podendo ser observada ao longo do ano, principalmente entre julho
e janeiro. Os fatores ambientais, como a temperatura da superfície da água do mar e o
vento, afetam a abundância desta espécie em sua fase de pólipo e fase medusa, por isso,
a compreensão desta correlação é essencial para prever seus padrões de distribuição. Para
a análise desta relação, foram utilizados dados da plataforma de ciência cidadã GelAvista,
que conta com observações de todo o país. Verificou-se, então, que o vento exerce uma
influência significativa na dispersão dessa espécie, afastando-as das áreas costeiras
durante ventos intensos. A temperatura da superfície do mar, medida 2 e 3 meses antes
das ocorrências de medusas, também afeta a abundância da espécie, refletindo seu ciclo
de vida. Outros fatores ambientais, como temperatura do ar, precipitação e índice de
clorofila a, apresentaram pouca correlação com a abundância de C. tagi, destacando a
complexidade desses processos e a necessidade de abordagens mais aprofundadas. Há
necessidade de futuras pesquisas experimentais para investigar com mais detalhe as
respostas da espécie às variáveis ambientais. Além disso, a inclusão de índices, como o
do afloramento costeiro, em futuros estudos é necessária para uma compreensão mais
completa dos processos que influenciam a ocorrência e abundância da medusa-do-tejo.
ABSTRACT: The scyphozoan species Catostylus tagi (Haeckel, 1869) can be found in the waters of the Portuguese coastal zone, especially in the lower estuary of the Tagus River and adjacent areas, and can be observed throughout the year, mainly between July and January. Environmental factors such as sea surface temperature and wind affect the abundance of this species in its polyp and medusa phases, therefore, understanding this correlation is essential for predicting its distribution patterns. To analyze this relationship, were used data from the citizen science platform GelAvista, which includes observations from across the country. It was observed that wind significantly influences the dispersion of this species, pushing them away from coastal areas during strong winds. Sea surface temperature, measured 2 to 3 months before medusa occurrences, also affects the species' abundance, reflecting its life cycle. Other environmental factors such as air temperature, precipitation, and chlorophyll a index showed little correlation with the abundance of C. tagi, highlighting the complexity of these processes and the need for more in-depth approaches. Further experimental research is needed to investigate the species' responses to environmental variables in greater detail. Additionally, the inclusion of indices such as upwelling in future studies is necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of the processes influencing the occurrence and abundance of the Tagus jellyfish.
ABSTRACT: The scyphozoan species Catostylus tagi (Haeckel, 1869) can be found in the waters of the Portuguese coastal zone, especially in the lower estuary of the Tagus River and adjacent areas, and can be observed throughout the year, mainly between July and January. Environmental factors such as sea surface temperature and wind affect the abundance of this species in its polyp and medusa phases, therefore, understanding this correlation is essential for predicting its distribution patterns. To analyze this relationship, were used data from the citizen science platform GelAvista, which includes observations from across the country. It was observed that wind significantly influences the dispersion of this species, pushing them away from coastal areas during strong winds. Sea surface temperature, measured 2 to 3 months before medusa occurrences, also affects the species' abundance, reflecting its life cycle. Other environmental factors such as air temperature, precipitation, and chlorophyll a index showed little correlation with the abundance of C. tagi, highlighting the complexity of these processes and the need for more in-depth approaches. Further experimental research is needed to investigate the species' responses to environmental variables in greater detail. Additionally, the inclusion of indices such as upwelling in future studies is necessary for a more comprehensive understanding of the processes influencing the occurrence and abundance of the Tagus jellyfish.
Description
Dissertação de Mestrado realizada sob a
orientação da Professora Doutora Antonina dos Santos, apresentada
no Ispa – Instituto Universitário para obtenção
de grau de Mestre na especialidade de Biologia
Marinha e Conservação.
Keywords
Medusa-do-tejo Ciência cidadã Séries temporais Tagus jellyfish Citizen science Temporal series