Benthic marine diversity in Southwestern Atlantic - challenges for taxonomy and conservation.

Abstract

This paper examines some of the challenges facing Taxonomy and conservation of benthic marine biodiversity in the Southwestern Atlantic, an ecologically rich but understudied region spanning the continental margins of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The area supports high levels of species diversity and endemism, shaped by complex geomorphological and oceanographic features-from continental shelves and submarine canyons to deep-sea plains and unique coastal habitats. This region is distinguished by its vast environmental heterogeneity, supporting ecosystems that range from tropical reefs to temperate and even subantarctic benthic zones. However, significant knowledge gaps persist due to a combination of difficulties, such as scarcity of trained specialists, limited institutional backing, and chronic underfunding. This results in inadequate documentation of species, particularly invertebrates, and undermines conservation efforts, especially as benthic systems face accelerating threats from human activities such as bottom trawling, habitat destruction, pollution, and deep-sea exploitation. The paper underscores the crucial role of taxonomy in generating foundational biodiversity data necessary for effective conservation policies. It calls for renewed investment in taxonomic research, advocating for its recognition as a cornerstone for informed environmental management, robust scientific understanding, and inclusive conservation strategies, in the face of mounting anthropogenic pressures.