INVESTIGADORES
Sergio Neira Alarcón
Investigador Titular Línea 4We investigated the ecological role of the squat lobster (Munida gregaria) and the Fuegian sprat (Sprattus fuegensis) in the food web of the Francisco Coloane Marine Area in the Magellan Strait, Chile. We analyzed the ecosystem impacts of biomass changes in the squat lobster and Fuegian sprat. Food web indicators and simulations were estimated using the Ecopath with Ecosim software. Both species were located in the second trophic level. The squat lobster was preyed upon by 12 functional groups, which highlighted its role as an important prey in the ecosystem and its positive impacts on predators such as red cod, whales, and penguins. As prey, the Fuegian sprat presented a direct interaction with 10 functional groups, which exerted positive impacts on predators such as penguins, seabirds and whales. In summary, the Francisco Coloane Area is an immature ecosystem with productivity and energy flows values within those reported for productive ecosystems; the role of the squat lobster seems to be related to the structure of the food web, while the Fuegian sprat plays a role in the energy transfer to top predators. Although the study area is currently a Marine Protected Area, monitoring squat lobster and Fuegian sprat populations might ensure the conservation of this ecosystem.
