BIODIVERSITY OF COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS

In long-term projects we are studying the biogeography of littoral peracarid species and the dispersal of brooding invertebrates via floating objects (rafting).

Biogeography of littoral peracarids : In order to reveal interannual variations in geographic distribution we are monitoring the peracarid fauna of intertidal macroalgae at 20 different sites distributed over 25 degrees of latitude along the Chilean coast.

Rafting: In several research projects we are studying the distribution of floating objects along the coast of Chile . In order to identify the organisms traveling on floating items, we are taking samples that are then carefully analyzed for associated organisms in the lab. Experimental studies are conducted to examine the floating capacity of floating items and the temporal succession of the rafting fauna.