Ekau, Werner ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4844-9654 and Knoppers, Bastiaan (2003) A Review and Re-Definition of the Large Marine Ecosystems of Brazil. In: Large Marine Ecosystems of the World - Trends in Exploitation, Protection, and Research. , ed. by Hempel, Gotthilf and Sherman, Kenneth. Large Marine Ecosystems, 12 . Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 355-372. ISBN 9780444510273

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Abstract

The geographical definition of the current two Brazilian LMEs (Northeast Brazil Shelf and Brazil Current) goes back to the early seventies. It can be argued that the limits of these LMEs were mainly a result of the paucity of information of Brazil's coastal-shelf systems, particularly those of the north-eastern and eastern geographical regions. Since then, many national and international studies have been performed and reviews of different fields of research have emerged, thus permitting a more integrated analysis of the structure and functioning of Brazil's systems. The present synthesis shows that the north-eastern and eastern marine habitats are very similar and may, within the scope of LME criteria, be considered as one unique system. In our opinion, a redefinition of the Brazilian LMEs has thus become necessary and three instead of two LMEs are proposed, namely the North Brazil Shelf, the East Brazil and the South Brazil Shelf LMEs. The East Brazil LME is located between the North and South Brazil LMEs from the Parnaíba estuary in the North to Cape Sao Tome in the South (Figure 15-1-right). It thus incorporates parts of both old LMEs. The East Brazil LME is a typical oligotrophic system dominated by oceanic boundary currents and a diverse food web with low production. It corresponds basically to the geographically defined Northeast and East Brazil Sectors (Table 15-1). In contrast, the North and South Brazil Shelf LME's are more controlled by shelf topography and external material sources, and sustain less diverse food webs and higher production.

Document Type:	Book chapter
Programme Area:	PA Not Applicable
Research affiliation:	Ecology > Fisheries Biology
Date Deposited:	19 Nov 2025 17:42
Last Modified:	19 Nov 2025 18:19
URI:	https://cris.leibniz-zmt.de/id/eprint/3797

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