Southern Patagonian ecosystems are characterized by high environmental heterogeneity. Within this context, Inútil Bay exhibits a complex geomorphology and only fragmentary information on its biodiversity, despite a long history of resource exploitation and increasing human pressures. The objective of this study was to establish a baseline of biodiversity focusing on three key trophic components: zooplankton, megabenthos, and macrobenthos. Samples were collected using both traditional and non-invasive methods, including a bongo net, ROV, and Van Veen grab. A total of 239 taxa were identified, comprising 32 zooplankton species, 61 megabenthic taxa, and 146 macrobenthic taxa. Alpha diversity indices revealed a spatial gradient, with higher mixed-level taxonomic richness near the Whiteside Channel. In contrast to patterns observed in zooplankton and megabenthos, the macrofauna showed significant differences between assemblages at stations located inside and outside the bay. Moreover, a low representation of meroplankton was recorded compared to the high abundance of adult benthic invertebrates. Overall, these results provide a biodiversity baseline, underscore the ecological vulnerability of Inútil Bay, and support its recognition as a priority area for conservation.

The Magellanic region, located in the southernmost part of Chile, is characterized as a sub-Antarctic environment where the complex hydrography and coastal geomorphology shaped by islands, fjords a...

Giant kelp forests, Macrocystis pyrifera, dominate the coasts of southern Patagonia and are particularly abundant in the coastal ecosystems of Cape Froward, where they play a key role in biodiversity conservation and the provision of multiple ecosystem services, establishing themselves as one of the most resilient kelp forest ecosystems on the planet. This study constitutes one of the first spatiotemporal assessments of the diverse components inhabiting kelp forests in the Strait of Magellan (Cape Froward). In total, 238 taxa belonging to zooplankton, benthic invertebrates, fish, and understory of macroalgae inhabiting the understory were identified in these ecosystems, including species that are key to the coastal communities of the Magellan region. In general terms, the results show that the coastal ecosystems of Cape Froward support highly diverse, dynamic, and complex communities, with characteristics representative of ecological systems of regional and global significance. In this regard, the present study provides a solid scientific basis for promoting conservation measures for these ecosystems at the southern tip of Patagonia.