Río Negro estuary identified as fish nursery by researchers

Researchers from the Universidad Nacional de Río Negro (UNRN) have identified a nursery area for several fish species in the outer estuary of the Río Negro. The study, conducted by researchers Víctor Andrés Ulloa, Andrea Diana Tombari, and Aimé Itatí Funes, focused on three specific species: Ramnogaster arcuata (lacha), Brevoortia aurea (saraca), and Patagonotothen sima.

While these species have been recorded elsewhere along the Argentine coast, there was limited information regarding their presence in this specific sector of northern Patagonia. The research, published in the journal Nótulas Faunísticas, highlights the importance of the Río Negro estuary wetlands for biodiversity and local fishing activities. The sampled species play a vital role in the local food web, serving as prey for various birds, marine mammals, and other fish, including the vulnerable Franciscana dolphin.