First data on the distribution and ecology of Vibrio spp. of the Straits of Magellan (South America).

During the austral summer of 1991 a study was carried out on the presence and distribution of the genus Vibrio in the Straits of Magellan. Vibrios strains were isolated using membrane filters and Marine Agar 2216 in anaerobiosis. Variations of the populations of total heterotrophic bacteria and vibrios were observed both on the surface and along the column of water. All vibrios are psychrotrophic and were grouped in 4 cluster among which cluster 1, identified as presumed V. anguillarum, seems the most important including 73% of strains. A certain habitat segregation of clusters was noted. Cluster 4 was found only in a deep and permanently colder water mass. The relations between 20 environmental parameters and the bacterial population were also studied. Significant positive correlations were observed between the vibrios population and various fractions of suspended particulate matter.