Marine Ecology Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

This dissertation examines multiple scales of Indigenous history on the Northwest Coast from the disciplinary perspective of archaeology. I focus on cultural lifeways archaeologically represented in two key domains of human existence:... more

This dissertation examines multiple scales of Indigenous history on the Northwest Coast from the disciplinary perspective of archaeology. I focus on cultural lifeways archaeologically represented in two key domains of human existence: food and settlement. The dissertation consists of six individual case studies that demonstrate the utility of applying multiple spatial and temporal scales to refine archaeological understanding of cultural and historical variability on the Northwest Coast over the Mid-to-Late Holocene (ca. 5,000-200 BP). The first of three regionally scaled analyses presents a coast-wide examination of fisheries data indicating that Pacific herring (Clupea pallasii) exhibit a pervasive and previously under-recognized importance in Northwest Coast Indigenous subsistence practices. Next, I use zooarchaeological data from the southern British Columbia coast to identify a pattern of regional coherence in Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth hunting traditions reflecting the scale of intergenerational cultural practice. The third study re-calibrates the settlement history of a small and historically significant locality in Coast Tsimshian territory (Prince Rupert Harbour) to clarify the temporal resolution of existing radiocarbon datasets and test inferences about social and political change. Following this regional exploration of scale, I document site-specific temporal variability in archaeological fisheries data from a Nuu-chah-nulth ‘big-house’ reflecting climatic and socio-economic change. I examine Indigenous oral histories and archaeological datasets to evaluate these parallel records of settlement in the neighbouring territory of an autonomous Nuu-chah-nulth polity before and during the occupation of a large defensive fortress. Finally, I demonstrate how everyday foodways are archaeologically expressed and reflect ecological differences and active management strategies within several spatially associated sites over millennial timescales. These linked case studies offer new clarity into long-standing debates concerning archaeologically relevant scales of cultural-historical variability on the NWC. They collectively demonstrate an enduring regional and temporal coherence for key aspects of Indigenous resource use and settlement and a historical dynamism at finer scales. I argue this has cultural, historical, and archaeological significance as well as relevance for contemporary understandings of the Northwest Coast environment. I conclude that a focus on the pervasive aspects of the everyday over millennia offers insight into individual actions across broader patterns of history.

The movement of strategic reorientation for the sea in Portugal has been given fruits since it was launched almost one generation ago. The proposal for the extension of continental shelf before the United Nations is surely its most... more

The movement of strategic reorientation for the sea in Portugal has been given fruits since it was launched almost one generation ago. The proposal for the extension of continental shelf before the United Nations is surely its most significant aspect, and it can been seen that a completely empty space was filled in terms of political discourse and civil society growing consciousness regarding the dimension and potential of the Portuguese sea and the wealth that can be obtained from its biological and geological resources. So, for the moment, although there are more words than actions, Portugal is in a path of responding to the new challenge that the Atlantic poses once again after nine centuries of history.

Present short communication reports about beach stranding of Porpita porpita (Linnaeus 1758) from the Coast of Mandvi, Kutch during August 2021. Also, this is the first record of the blue button jellyfishes for the northern Gulf of Kutch... more

Present short communication reports about beach stranding of Porpita porpita (Linnaeus 1758) from the Coast of Mandvi, Kutch during August 2021. Also, this is the first record of the blue button jellyfishes for the northern Gulf of Kutch region. A study was carried out by primary observation and measurements of common environmental parameters such as Sea Surface Temperature (SST), Wind Direction & Wind Speed. Aboral and oral parts were observed and described. It is assumed that the large biomass of blue button jellyfish on the beach is due to strong shoreward Monsoon winds.

The dynamics of the seagrass Zostera noltii in established and colonizing meadows were assessed in Ria Formosa lagoon, Southern Portugal. Shoot weight, above:belowground biomass ratio, flowering shoot density, meadow production, and... more

The dynamics of the seagrass Zostera noltii in established and colonizing meadows were assessed in Ria Formosa lagoon, Southern Portugal. Shoot weight, above:belowground biomass ratio, flowering shoot density, meadow production, and biomass-density relationships were investigated. Results indicate that the species population dynamics differ clearly in different development stages of the meadows. The overall mean of flowering shoot density was five times higher in the colonizing (83 flowering shoots m)2) than in the established meadow (16 flowering shoots m)2), revealing a greater contribution of sexual reproduction during the species colonization process. The temporal variation of the biomass-density relationship in the colonizing meadow showed a cyclic seasonal trajectory, a wider range of data, and a simultaneous peak of biomass and density, suggesting no space limitations constraining the internal packing of shoots during the growing season. In the established meadow, density peaked before biomass in agreement to the dominant role of the clonal architecture of seagrasses in the configuration of closed meadows, suggesting the occurrence of self-thinning and ⁄ or regulation of ramet formation. Slope of the biomass-density relationships was similar in the established and colonizing meadows, generally suggesting similar nutritional conditions, regardless of their muddy and sandy sediments. Plants of the colonizing meadow invest mainly on the belowground fraction (above:belowground biomass ratio <1), as meadow expansion is mainly controlled by the elongation of horizontal rhizomes. The annual total production (1163 g C m)2 year)1) and the biomass turnover (34.8 year)1) were also higher in this meadow, corroborating the high investment of the species during the meadow expansion. The faster biomass turnover of the colonizing meadow implies a more limited capacity to accumulate biomass, indicating a greater exportation of organic carbon and nutrients to the coastal area. The different biomass turnover rates suggest different trophic and structural roles of Z. noltii communities in established and colonizing meadows.

Thermoregulation could represent a signicant fraction of the total energy budget of endotherms under unfavourable environmental conditions. This cost affects several traits of the ecology of an organism such as its behaviour,... more

Thermoregulation could represent a signicant fraction of the total energy budget of endotherms under unfavourable environmental conditions. This cost affects several traits of the ecology of an organism such as its behaviour, distribution, or life history. Heat produced by muscle contraction during activity can be used to pay for heat loss or thermoregulation in many species (known as “thermal substitution”). This study seeks to unite the effects of temperature, depth, and activity on the energetic costs of endotherm divers using the Magellanic penguin as model species and to evaluate whether penguins may benet from thermal substitution. This species operates under highly variable temperature and depth conditions along its breeding range and provides an ideal natural experiment. A developed thermodynamic model describing foraging activity predicted that the major element affecting heat loss was depth, exacerbated by temperature. Birds liv- ing in colder waters are predicted to be able to minimize costs by executing shallower dives and bene t from ther- mal substitution by swimming faster, particularly during deeper dives. The model was evaluated in two contrasting scenarios: (1) when birds swim near the surface commuting to the foraging areas and (2) when birds dive to depth to forage. Activity data from tags on free-living penguins indicated two of these predictions were apparent; penguins generally travelled faster while commuting at the surface in colder waters, while birds from warmer water colonies dived deeper while foraging. Contrary to predictions, how- ever, penguins swam slower at deeper depths during both descent and ascent phases of foraging dives. These results suggest that penguins may bene t from thermal substitu- tion by swimming faster when birds perform shallow dives commuting to and back from foraging areas, but they pro- vide no evidence of behavioural response (via swimming faster) for thermoregulation when diving to depth to forage. Reasons for this are discussed and include the relevance of prey abundance in 3-d space and maximizing dive duration by conserving oxygen reserves. The way the bird operates will have profound consequences for the energy needed and therefore necessary energy acquisition rates. Expansion of our ndings to other diving endotherms might help explain both global activity patterns and energy ow in ecosystems.

SUMMARYVarious management approaches have been proposed to address the alarming depletion of marine coastal resources. Prominent among them are community-based management and the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). The overall... more

SUMMARYVarious management approaches have been proposed to address the alarming depletion of marine coastal resources. Prominent among them are community-based management and the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). The overall poor performance of MPAs can be traced to a failure to effectively include local communities in the design and implementation of relevant measures. Recent efforts have incorporated aspects of community-based management into a hybrid form of management, which ideally builds upon existing local management practices. A key challenge lies in the development of appropriate frameworks that allow for the successful participation of local communities in management. A review of studies on MPA design and community-based marine resource management and fieldwork observations provides suggestions on how to address current socioeconomic shortcomings in MPA design and implementation, successfully involving local communities in order to provide a better local basi...

In recent years, there has been an increasing intensity of human use of coastal areas in Galicia (NW Spain). Actually, there is great concern about rapid and unplanned urban and industrial development on certain locations, as this can... more

In recent years, there has been an increasing intensity of human use of coastal areas in Galicia (NW Spain). Actually, there is great concern about rapid and unplanned urban and industrial development on certain locations, as this can generate adverse impacts on those areas. In this study, we selected three sandy beaches along the Galician coast (Chanteiro, Insuela and Valieros) facing different levels of anthropic pressure, and we analysed Talitrus saltator individuals with the aim of elucidating whether anthropogenic pressures on beaches such as tourism or pollution have an influence on the incidence of morphological developmental alterations in sandhoppers in the field. Specifically, levels of fluctuating asymmetry were selected as indicators of environmental stress. Results of two sampling dates (May and September) show that individuals collected at the most touristy and polluted beach were those showing the highest asymmetry values, although results were only statistically significant for samples collected during spring. Results are in accordance with the hypothesis that beach management and pollution reduce symmetry in sandhoppers living in altered beaches.

A 10-layered, finite-volume advection-dispersion model with real-time meteorological and freshwater runoff drivers investigated the interannual differences in the transport of Downs herring Clupea harengus L. larvae in the southern North... more

A 10-layered, finite-volume advection-dispersion model with real-time meteorological and freshwater runoff drivers investigated the interannual differences in the transport of Downs herring Clupea harengus L. larvae in the southern North Sea. Simulations were carried out for the winters of 1989 and 1996 to 2003. As they grew, the concentrations of herring larvae developed vertical behaviour. Meteorological forcing transported Downs herring larvae to the nursery grounds in the eastern North Sea with large interannual differences. Diel vertical movement was relatively unimportant in the transport of larvae in the hydrographically mixed southern North Sea. Year classes with less transport of larvae from the hatching area (which was generally warmer) were associated with greater abundances of young Downs herring in the ICES International Bottom Trawl Survey. This implies that retention, rather than dispersal or delivery of larvae to nursery grounds, is associated with the determination of year class strength in Downs herring.

The introduction and establishment of the predatory asteroid Asterias amurensis in coastal waters of southern Australia is considered a major threat to benthic marine assemblages and commercial bivalve species. We compare the impact of... more

The introduction and establishment of the predatory asteroid Asterias amurensis in coastal waters of southern Australia is considered a major threat to benthic marine assemblages and commercial bivalve species. We compare the impact of the seastar in experiments on three soft-sediment assemblages. The experiments were carried out immediately beyond the current range of the seastar in southeast Tasmania. This allows us to assess the repeatability, and hence predictability, of the type and magnitude of the impact of A. amurensis on soft-sediment assemblages. Responses to manipulations at the species level were dissimilar across the three experiments, reflecting marked initial differences in the three assemblages at both the species and functional group levels. However, at the functional group level, there were notable similarities in the impact of the seastar on the different assemblages. When potential prey taxa were separated into functional groups reflecting ecological availability (e.g. surface dwelling vs. deep burrowing bivalves), seastar effects were largely restricted to the surface bivalves. While the effect of seastar predation on surface bivalves was common in all three assemblages, the magnitude of the impact varied both among and within assemblages. Variability in the impact of A. amurensis at both levels appeared to be largely due to differences in relative availability of prey species. Overall, the results of these experiments indicate that while the impact of the seastar is broadly predictable at the functional group level, the exact 0022-0981/03/$ -see front matter D nature of seastar effects is likely to be site-and time-specific given the inherent natural variability in soft-sediment assemblages and the seastar's responses to them. D

We report the first observations of settled blue mussels Mytilus edulis L. in the high Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard for the first time since the Viking Age. A scattered population was discovered at a single site at the mouth of... more

We report the first observations of settled blue mussels Mytilus edulis L. in the high Arctic Archipelago of Svalbard for the first time since the Viking Age. A scattered population was discovered at a single site at the mouth of Isfjorden in August 2004. Our data indicate that most mussels settled there as spat in 2002, and that larvae were transported by the West Spitsbergen Current northwards from the Norwegian coast to Svalbard the same year. This extension of the blue mussels' distribution range was made possible by the unusually high northward mass transport of warm Atlantic water resulting in elevated sea-surface temperatures in the North Atlantic and along the west coast of Svalbard.

The status of sea-floors is increasingly being recognized as a pertinent factor of healthy marine ecosystems and intact coastlines. Globally and at fast pace sea-floors are subjected to multiple marine and land-based stressors and altered... more

The status of sea-floors is increasingly being recognized as a pertinent factor of healthy marine ecosystems and intact coastlines. Globally and at fast pace sea-floors are subjected to multiple marine and land-based stressors and altered by a significant expansion of activities. In this submission we argue that existing international and national management policies and laws governing sea-floor activities do not yet allow for a sustainable exploitation of marine resources, particularly with a view to rational coastline management. Briefly outlining the scale and the environmental impacts of current sea-floor activities as well as existing and emerging regimes governing them, we conclude that sea-floor management has to be understood as an integral part of the larger effort to effectively and sustainably handle human activities in the marine environment. Based on our inquiry, we propose some core elements of a possible future sea-floor management regime that would allow for a more sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

Academic Press, Amsterdam, 2006; 544 pp. ISBN-0-12-088781-9. Hardcover, USD $79.95. While the title of this book 'Marine Metapopulations' is mellifluous and rolls easily off the tongue, the application of metapopulation theory to marine... more

Academic Press, Amsterdam, 2006; 544 pp. ISBN-0-12-088781-9. Hardcover, USD $79.95. While the title of this book 'Marine Metapopulations' is mellifluous and rolls easily off the tongue, the application of metapopulation theory to marine organisms is a less graceful match. Levins ' (1969, 1970) original theory of metapopulations examines a balance between extinction and recolonization rates of local patches that are connected by dispersal. In an attempt to minimize the threat of extinction to species living within increasingly fragmented terrestrial ecosystems, many ecologists and resource managers have evoked the concepts inherent in metapopulation ecology. However, in the marine realm, it remains unclear whether habitat fragmentation is a major threat to the many ecosystems present that have evolved within the constraints of a naturally fragmented world, and how a metapopulation concept could be applied to conservation efforts. Relatively few marine taxa experience extinctions on ecological time scales, in part due to high population connectivity conferred by planktonic larvae. Thus, most authors in this volume relax the extinction requirement to better examine their own system within a metapopulation framework. The theory of marine metapopulations is nascent still, and empirical evidence of its utility is just now surfacing.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained tremendous attention in the policy implementation of some organizations. National governments and societies have developed keen interest in the operations of organizations under this... more

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained tremendous attention in the policy implementation of some organizations. National governments and societies have developed keen interest in the operations of organizations under this jurisdiction. Therefore, companies may not only be profit oriented but would seek to enhance the welfare of the people as they operate in a more sustainable way without harming the environment. It is on this premise that this article attempts to assess stakeholder participation and sustainability of corporate social responsibility programmes implemented by AngloGold Ashanti in Obuasi, Ghana. CSR programmes initiated by AGA-Obuasi are categorized into four main areas: Community Health and Malaria Control Programme, Social Infrastructure, Education and Sports as well as Art, Culture & Heritage programmes (AngloGold Ashanti, 2013). Activities of the mines affect Obuasi and their allocated unit areas environmentally, socially, economically and culturally and hence, the company is not only profit oriented but has assumed responsibility of developing the community through CSR and the reclamation bond or process. CSR programmes are undertaken voluntarily by the mine corporation to facilitate its operations. CSR policies, plans, program and projects are broad and hence, the study was conducted mainly to assess stakeholder participation and sustainability. The relevant stakeholders in various communities in the AGA-Obuasi operational area were involved in the formulation and implementation of CSR programmes through consultative committee meetings, community/public meetings in various allocated communities. Program were formulated and implemented based on request from host communities.

The trophic position and the predator–prey relationship between the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus and the jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas were examined by measuring stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen. Skin samples of sperm... more

The trophic position and the predator–prey relationship between the sperm whale Physeter macrocephalus and the jumbo squid Dosidicus gigas were examined by measuring stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen. Skin samples of sperm whales and muscle samples of small and large jumbo squid were collected between 1996 and 1999 in the Gulf of California. Gender determination through molecular analysis and field identification of size were used to identify adult male, female and immature male sperm whales. The stable isotope ratios of C and N of females and immature males were significantly different from those of adult male sperm whales; however, between females and immature males they did not differ significantly. The δ13C and δ15N values of females and immature males were higher than large jumbo squid by 1.1‰ and 2.7‰ respectively, suggesting a predator–prey relationship between them. A low isotopic interannual variation among the years 1997 to 1999 was observed in the isotopic sign...

Over sixty high schools in Queensland run formal marine studies programs in the senior years of schooling. A key component of these programs is experiential learning in marine environments including the Great Barrier Reef. Year 11 and 12... more

Over sixty high schools in Queensland run formal marine studies programs in the senior years of schooling. A key component of these programs is experiential learning in marine environments including the Great Barrier Reef. Year 11 and 12 students from four high schools were interviewed during organized trips to offshore coral reef sites. This paper presents selected student accounts of reef educational experiences and identifies reported relations of proximity as a focus for analysis. The concept of proximity is important to environmental education when one declared aim is a 'rediscovery' of our connections to the world around us. Results indicate that, as a result of their reef experiences, students talk different reef relations into beingpositioning reefs as being nearer, less far away, and, therefore, in more need of attention and care. Interview data provide evidence to support the argument that outdoor and underwater learning experiences are a necessary part of education for marine sustainability. The pedagogical intention of the Queensland Studies Authority Marine Studies syllabus, which mandates for fieldwork, is confirmed by qualitative student accounts of their learning experiences.

One of the primary challenges of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) of the European Union is to provide a guide for the recovery of surface waters from pollution. However, few studies deal with reference conditions according to the WFD... more

One of the primary challenges of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) of the European Union is to provide a guide for the recovery of surface waters from pollution. However, few studies deal with reference conditions according to the WFD in coastal waters. Using the urbanised Laajalahti Bay (Helsinki, Finland) as an example, reference conditions and pollution history were defined using the stratigraphy of diatoms, sediment geochemistry, stable isotopes, sedimentary pigments, long-term monitoring results of water quality, and nutrient-loading. Principal components analysis was used to generate a multidimensional index of water quality on the basis of the sediment data. We distinguished 5 phases: (1) a pre-industrial phase (before ca. 1815); (2) a phase of slight human disturbance (ca. 1815 to 1900); (3) an onset of anthropogenic impact (ca. 1900 to 1955); (4) a severe pollution phase (ca. 1955 to 1975); (5) basin recovery and a phase of internal loading (from ca. 1975 onwards). Phase 2 was used to define reference conditions. Phase 1 was not used as it occurred before the formation of the semi-enclosed bay by post-glacial isostatic land-uplift. There was good agreement between the sedimentary record and the water-quality data during Phase 4. Despite an improvement in water quality after the local municipal treatment plant closed in 1986, Laajalahti Bay is still far from reference conditions due to internal loading.

Recently, a novel approach to a highly sensitive and quantitative detection of rare earth element (REE) ions including La3+, Eu3+ and Tb3+, by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, has been reported. The detection of REE ions is... more

Recently, a novel approach to a highly sensitive and quantitative detection of rare earth element (REE) ions including La3+, Eu3+ and Tb3+, by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, has been reported. The detection of REE ions is based on the catalytic nature of REE ions targeting the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), thus monitoring of the ions can be achieved by reading the level of intact DNA by PCR. Despite of its high sensitivity (at ppb to ppt levels), the conventional PCR-based REE detection protocol requires certain length of time (1-2 hours). In the present study, we modified the PCR-based REE detection protocols by employing the high-speed PCR, and performed the automated and rapid detection of La3+ in small-sized aqueous samples within 5min.

The hydrography and plankton community structure was investigated in the Andaman Sea off Phuket, Thailand. Two cruises were conducted in 1996, one representing the calm dry NE monsoon season (March) and the other representing the stormy... more

The hydrography and plankton community structure was investigated in the Andaman Sea off Phuket, Thailand. Two cruises were conducted in 1996, one representing the calm dry NE monsoon season (March) and the other representing the stormy and rainy SW monsoon season (August). Sampling was performed along 3 transects perpendicular to the shelf break, from the coast across the shelf into deep water. The water column at the nearshore stations was vertically mixed, while the water column at off shore stations was strongly stratified, hence a frontal zone was established at the mid shelf. A prominent feature of the area was the pronounced internal wave centred around the pycnocline. The wave was observed from the outermost stations to the mid-shelf front. The height of the wave reached peak values of approximately 60 m in areas of approximately 300 m bottom depth. At all stations in stratified waters the vertical distribution of the phytoplankton showed a pronounced subsurface chl a peak in association with the pycnocline. The highest chl a values and primary production was observed at the front established at the mid shelf where the pycnocline meets the bottom, and salt nutrient-rich water is mixed up in the surface layer. We did not find any relationships between hydrography and the other key components of the microbial food web. No difference in productivity or food web structure was observed between the 2 seasons despite a significant difference in climatic forcing. Pico-and nanoplankton dominated the biomass in both seasons and Synechococcus contributed 72 to 74% of the biomass. Analysis of the microbial food web and establishment of carbon-flow budgets illustrates the importance of the microbial food web for making the primary producers available to the higher trophic levels.

The bycatch of small cetaceans in commercial fisheries is a global wildlife management problem. We used data from skippers' logbooks and independent observers to assess common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) bycatch patterns... more

The bycatch of small cetaceans in commercial fisheries is a global wildlife management problem. We used data from skippers' logbooks and independent observers to assess common bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) bycatch patterns between 2003 and 2009 in the Pilbara Trawl Fishery, Western Australia. Both datasets indicated that dolphins were caught in all fishery areas, across all depths and throughout the year. Over the entire datasets, observer reported bycatch rates (n = 52 dolphins in 4,124 trawls, or 12.6 dolphins/1,000 trawls) were ca. double those reported by skippers (n = 180 dolphins in 27,904 trawls, or 6.5 dolphins/1,000 trawls). Generalised Linear Models based on observer data, which better explained the variation in dolphin bycatch, indicated that the most significant predictors of dolphin catch were: (1) vessel-one trawl vessel caught significantly more dolphins than three others assessed; (2) time of day-the lowest dolphin bycatch rates were between 00:00 and 05:59; and (3) whether nets included bycatch reduction devices (BRDs)-the rate was reduced by ca. 45%, from 18.8 to 10.3 dolphins/1,000 trawls, after their introduction. These results indicated that differences among vessels (or skippers' trawling techniques) and dolphin behavior (a diurnal pattern) influenced the rates of dolphin capture; and that spatial or seasonal adjustments to trawling effort would be unlikely to significantly reduce dolphin bycatch. Recent skipper's logbook data show that dolphin bycatch rates have not declined since those reported in 2006, when BRDs were introduced across the fishery. Modified BRDs, with top-opening escape hatches from which dolphins might escape to the surface, may be a more effective means of further reducing dolphin bycatch. The vulnerability of this dolphin population to trawling-related mortality cannot be assessed in the absence of an ongoing observer program and without information on trawler-associated dolphin community size, broader dolphin population size and connectivity with adjacent populations.

12th Annual Green Economics Institute Conference 10-12th June 2017 3 Days St Hugh's College, University of Oxford, Keeping Social and Environmental Justice Alive in an age of Tyranny.. Reforming Economics. Green Finance, Green... more

12th Annual Green Economics Institute Conference 10-12th June 2017
3 Days St Hugh's College, University of Oxford, Keeping Social and Environmental Justice Alive in an age of Tyranny..
Reforming Economics.
Green Finance, Green Investment & Green Economics
Reclaiming The Economy from Privatisers, Fossil Fuellers, Xenophobes and Divide and Rulers.
Keeping social and environmental justice alive in this new age of Barbarism- Post Truth and Post Science

The influence of large-scale natural disturbance from winter storms (ÔnorthersÕ) and river runoff on the macrobenthic community structure of the southern Gulf of Mexico was investigated in both carbonate and transitional... more

The influence of large-scale natural disturbance from winter storms (ÔnorthersÕ) and river runoff on the macrobenthic community structure of the southern Gulf of Mexico was investigated in both carbonate and transitional carbonate-terrigenous sedimentary environments. Samples of the infauna were obtained in three seasons from 13 stations from two 250 km transects along 80-170 and 20-50 m water depth. Samples after the northers season had the lowest total number of families and individuals, 114 and 2940, respectively, compared to the dry and rainy seasons with 129 and 132 families and 11580 and 15266 individuals, respectively. Spatial patterns of macroinfauna composition varied across and along the shelf as a response to sedimentary environments and depth. Coarser sediments from the carbonate area harboured the highest mean densities per station with 500-24,000 individuals m ÿ2 and 108-122 families in total, compared to the transitional sediment with 500-8200 individuals m ÿ2 and 56-74 families across the three seasons. Univariate and multivariate statistical techniques demonstrated that low densities and number of taxa were associated with winter storms, but storm influence was dependent on depth and sediment type. Multiple linear regression analysis and BIOENV analysis indicated that sediment mean grain size, percentage of clay and organic matter best explained the macroinfauna spatial patterns, although BIOENV indicated that depth has an overriding role. An increase in densities of opportunistic taxa (numerous polychaetes of small sizes) was observed four months after the ÔnorthersÕ and this was more evident in the area of carbonate sediment. Additionally a combined disturbance from northers and river runoff is suspected to be responsible for a naturally impoverished macroinfauna community in the transitional sedimentary environment.

Tropical coral reefs are known to exhibit high levels of biodiversity.

Lecithocladium angustiovum is identified from the stomach (87.33%) and the intestine (12.67%) of Indonesian short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma). The description includes an elongated body; a mean total length of 1018.84 µm; and an... more

Lecithocladium angustiovum is identified from the stomach (87.33%) and the intestine (12.67%) of Indonesian short mackerel (Rastrelliger brachysoma). The description includes an elongated body; a mean total length of 1018.84 µm; and an ecsoma of 47.52% of the total length. The oral and ventral sucker ratio is 1:0.63, and the pharynx length is 97.42 µm. The sequence results were obtained by 18s rDNA gene sequencing of the 354 basepair (bp) DNA segment, and the mean base composition (%) was 17.7 A; 35.7 T; 29.6 G; and 17.1 C. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to demonstrate the genetic distance between L. angustiovum and sequences from Lecithocladium excisum, Dinurus longisinus, Plerurus digitatus and Lecithochirium caesionis obtained from GenBank.

Comau Fjord is a stratified Chilean Patagonian Fjord characterized by a shallow brackish surface layer and a >400 m layer of aragonite-depleted subsurface waters. Despite the energetic burden of low aragonite saturation levels to... more

Comau Fjord is a stratified Chilean Patagonian Fjord characterized by a shallow brackish surface layer and a >400 m layer of aragonite-depleted subsurface waters. Despite the energetic burden of low aragonite saturation levels to calcification, Comau Fjord harbours dense populations of cold-water corals (CWC). While this paradox has been attributed to a rich supply of zooplankton, supporting abundance and biomass data are so far lacking. In this study, we investigated the seasonal and diel changes
of the zooplankton community over the entire water column. We used a Nansen net (100 mm mesh) to take stratified vertical hauls between the surface and the bottom (0-50-100-200-300-400-450 m). Samples were scanned with a ZooScan, and abundance, biovolume and biomass were determined for 41 taxa identified on the web-based platform EcoTaxa 2.0. Zooplankton biomass was the highest in summer (209 g dry massm􀀀2) and the lowest in winter (61 g dry massm􀀀2). Abundance, however, peaked in spring, suggesting a close correspondence between reproduction and phytoplankton spring blooms (Chl a max. 50.86 mgm􀀀3, 3mdepth). Overall, copepods were the most important group of the total zooplankton community, both in abundance (6481%) and biovolume (2070%) followed by mysids and chaetognaths (in terms of biovolume
and biomass), and nauplii and Appendicularia (in terms of abundance). Throughout the year, diel changes in the vertical distribution of biomass were found with a daytime maximum in the 100200 m depth layer and a nighttime maximum in surface waters (050 m), associated with the diel vertical migration of the calanoid copepod family Metridinidae. Diel differences in integrated zooplankton abundance, biovolume and
biomass were probably due to a high zooplankton patchiness driven by biological processes (e.g., diel vertical migration or predation avoidance), and oceanographic processes (estuarine circulation, tidal mixing or water column stratification). Those factors are considered to be the main drivers of the zooplankton vertical distribution in Comau Fjord.

Breeding grey-headed albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma, tracked from Marion Island (Prince Edward Islands) during November-December 1997 and January-February 1998, showed a strong association with mesoscale oceanographic features, as... more

Breeding grey-headed albatross Thalassarche chrysostoma, tracked from Marion Island (Prince Edward Islands) during November-December 1997 and January-February 1998, showed a strong association with mesoscale oceanographic features, as identified by sea surface height anomalies, in the southern Indian Ocean. During incubation, most birds foraged to the north of the island, at the edges of anomalies created by the Agulhas Return Current in the Subtropical Convergence and the Subantarctic zones. In contrast, during chick-rearing all tracked birds foraged to the southwest of the island, at the edges of anomalies along the SouthWest Indian Ridge. Previous work in this area has shown that these anomalies are in fact eddies that are created as the Antarctic Circumpolar Current crosses the SouthWest Indian Ridge. Diet samples taken during the chick-rearing period showed a predominance of fresh specimens of the predatory fish Magnisudis prionosa and the squid Martialia hyadesi. Myctophid fish and amphipods Themisto gaudichaudii, both known prey of M. hyadesi, were also well represented in our samples. Diet samples taken from tracked birds showed birds feeding at edges of positive anomalies returning with fresh specimens of M. prionosa and M. hyadesi. Predatory fish and squid are thus presumably concentrated at these features. Eddies formed at the SouthWest Indian Ridge have also been shown to drift closer to Marion Island, within the foraging range of penguins and seals breeding on Marion Island. We therefore suggest that these mesoscale oceanographic features may be an important component of the 'life-support' system enabling globally significant populations of seabirds and seals to breed at the Prince Edward Islands.

Coral reef have suffered from a range of impacts from local anthropogenic influence to global climate change. These changes adversely affected to switch coral dominated reefs systems to algae dominated systems. However the mechanisms... more

Coral reef have suffered from a range of impacts from local anthropogenic influence to global climate change. These changes adversely affected to switch coral dominated reefs systems to algae dominated systems. However the mechanisms related to these global changes in coral reefs is not well understood to date. We hypothesis that microbial activity in reef waters could be a possible lower scale indication to explain mechanisms related to global change in coral reefs. Within this hypothesis Pigeon Island Coral Reef in Sri Lanka was subjected to benthic monitoring, water chemistry (Dissolved Organic Carbon [DOC] and higher Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen [DIN]) and abundance of microorganisms (Bacteria and Virus) in April 2015 to determine the status of microbial activity. Results shows that the percentage live coral cover was relatively high (higher than 60 %) and the percentage algae cover was relatively low (less than 8%). Microbial abundance was in the range similar to the coral dominated reefs with low algae cover with relation to the DOC (70+12uMC) and DIN (2± 0.6mM) concentrations. The global comparison confirmed the results from this study fit with the DDAM model (DOC, Coral Disease, Algae and Microbes) to explain coral reef microbialization.

This paper identifies and defines ecosystem goods and services provided by marine biodiversity. Case studies have been used to provide an insight into the practical issues associated with the assessment of marine ecosystem goods and... more

This paper identifies and defines ecosystem goods and services provided by marine biodiversity. Case studies have been used to provide an insight into the practical issues associated with the assessment of marine ecosystem goods and services at specific locations. The aim of this research was to validate the definitions of goods and services, and to identify knowledge gaps and likely difficulties of quantifying the goods and services. A validated theoretical framework for the assessment of goods and services is detailed, and examples of the goods and services at a variety of case study areas are documented. These results will enable future assessments of marine ecosystem goods and services. It is concluded that the utilisation of this goods and services approach has the capacity to play a fundamental role in the Ecosystem Approach, by enabling the pressures and demands of society, the economy and the environment to be integrated into environmental management.

Executive Summary This study reviews the existing costs of marine park management in Australia and overseas. We define management costs as the costs associated with maintenance of established protection zones for marine waters and... more

Executive Summary This study reviews the existing costs of marine park management in Australia and overseas. We define management costs as the costs associated with maintenance of established protection zones for marine waters and offshore islands. After providing background information on the scientific knowledge about management costs, existing reserves and current management of the Coral Sea, and cost of managing the Great Barrier Reef, the report then examines three scenarios for the Coral Sea Conservation ...

Some of most used indicators in marine ecology are nucleic acid-derived indices. They can be divided by target levels in three groups: 1) at the organism level as ecophysiologic indicators, indicators such as RNA:DNA ratios, DNA:dry... more

Some of most used indicators in marine ecology are nucleic acid-derived indices. They can be divided by target levels in three groups: 1) at the organism level as ecophysiologic indicators, indicators such as RNA:DNA ratios, DNA:dry weight and RNA:protein, 2) at the population level, indicators such as growth rate, starvation incidence or fisheries impact indicators, and 3) at the community level, indicators such as trophic interactions, exergy indices and prey identification. The nucleic acids derived indices, especially RNA:DNA ratio, have been applied with success as indicators of nutritional condition, well been and growth in marine organisms. They are also useful as indicators of natural or anthropogenic impacts in marine population and communities, such as upwelling or dredge fisheries, respectively. They can help in understanding important issues of marine ecology such as trophic interactions in marine environment, fish and invertebrate recruitment failure and biodiversity changes, without laborious work of counting, measuring and identification of small marine organisms. Besides the objective of integrate nucleic acid derived indices across levels of organization, the paper will also include a general characterization of most used nucleic acid derived indices in marine ecology and also advantages and limitations of them. We can conclude that using indicators, such RNA:DNA ratios and other nucleic acids derived indices concomitantly with organism and ecosystems measures of responses to climate change (distribution, abundance, activity, metabolic rate, survival) will allow for the development of more rigorous and realistic predictions of the effects of anthropogenic climate change on marine systems.

Fauna associated with selected seaweeds from intertidal areas of Vizhinjam coast was studied during November 2007 to May 2008. The environmental factors viz., Temperature, pH, Salinity, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate and Silicate were also... more

Fauna associated with selected seaweeds from intertidal areas of Vizhinjam coast was studied during November 2007 to May 2008. The environmental factors viz., Temperature, pH, Salinity, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate and Silicate were also monitored during this period. Four morphologically different species of algae viz., Ceramium sp., Chnoospora minima, Padina tetrastromatica and Sargassum wightii were selected for this investigation. Totally four animal groups i.e., Sponges, Polychaetes, Crustaceans (Amphipods, Isopods and Decapods), and Molluscs (Bivalves and Gastropods) were encountered as associates of seaweeds. Maximum number of faunal associates was recorded from filamentous highly branched bushy red alga Ceramium sp. collected during Nov 2007 (564ind./100g ). In the case of coarsely branched alga C. minima, bearing narrow thallus, the associated fauna was maximum during May 2008 i.e., 414ind./100g. The leathery macrophyte S. wightii recorded a maximum of 366 ind./100g during March 2008. And the leafy thalloid, less complicated brown alga P. tetrastromatica showed the lowest faunal density, which recorded a maximum of 344 ind./100g during May 2008. Among the faunal population, amphipods recorded maximum density throughout the study period. The density of amphipod population was high in Ceramium sp. which varied from 17-418 ind./100g, followed by 97-405ind./100g in C. minima, 35-361 ind./100g in S. wightii and 17-216 ind./100g from P. tetrastromatica. Polychaetes were the second most abundant faunal associate of algae. The maximum density was observed in Ceramium sp. (38-209 ind./100g), followed by S. wightii (3-163 ind./100g), P. tetrastromatica (4-143ind./100g) and very less in C. minima. The third dominant group phytal fauna was molluscs, especially gastropods. Other groups, such as sponges, isopods, decapods and bivalves are uncommon and present occasionally. There was no significant correlation between environmental factors and fauna associated with seaweeds. The present study revealed that the morphology of algae plays a crucial role in the colonization of faunal associates.

Kaneohe Bay is often divided into two parts: South bay and North bay. The two bays are different as south bay is more secluded and enclosed by the Mokapu peninsula. This study focuses on the zooplankton abundance of the two bays. North... more

Kaneohe Bay is often divided into two parts: South bay and North bay. The two bays are different as south bay is more secluded and enclosed by the Mokapu peninsula. This study focuses on the zooplankton abundance of the two bays. North bay had a lower average zooplankton abundance (75.320 animals.m-3 ±14.684) than south bay (121.251 animals.m-3± 17.233). The difference between the two averages was not statically significant with p=0.07. This might be due to a disproportionality in the rivers discharge between the two bays or to the frequent temporal fluctuations of zooplankton populations. To further investigate the topic more research has to be done.

Civil engineers have a responsibility to take measures to protect marine biodiversity by selecting more bioreceptive construction materials in the design of marine infrastructure, for better biodiversity conservation. In this study, it... more

Civil engineers have a responsibility to take measures to protect marine biodiversity by selecting more bioreceptive construction materials in the design of marine infrastructure, for better biodiversity conservation. In this study, it was shown that pre-carbonation of cementitious materials accelerates their bacterial colorization by lowering the pH of their surface. It has been shown both in the laboratory and in-situ tests that the bacterial colonization of cementitious materials is influenced by the pH and the type of cement. By comparing the bacterial colonization of Portland cement mortars, CEM I, and slag cement, CEM III, mortars, it was found that the CEM III mortars are more bioreceptive than the CEM I mortars. This study presented and verified a novel experimental laboratory approach which can be used to evaluate the bacterial colonization (bioreceptivity) of cementitious materials in marine environment. The approach could be taken up in future recommendations to enable engineers to eco-design more eco-friendly marine infrastructure and develop green-engineering projects.

Urban vegetation, particularly trees provides a wide spectrum of ecosystem services which include upgradation of air quality, stabilizing temperature, reduction in ultraviolet radiation, oxygen generation, carbon sequestration, habitat of... more

Urban vegetation, particularly trees provides a wide spectrum of ecosystem services which include upgradation of air quality, stabilizing
temperature, reduction in ultraviolet radiation, oxygen generation, carbon sequestration, habitat of several flora and fauna (enhancement of
biodiversity) aesthetic beauty etc. Oxygen production is one of the most commonly cited benefits of urban trees. The purpose of this article is
to estimate the oxygen production by the dominant trees in the urban area of Konnagar, compare it with the estimated oxygen consumption by
the population of the area and illustrate why oxygen production by urban trees is an important ecosystem service

Book on Seabed pockmark craters and seepage of fluids through the seafloor and lake floors

Cymodocea nodosa is a relatively small seagrass species which is common in the Mediterranean. An intensive survey on its growth and production was carried out in a dense, monospecific stand located in a semi-estuarine embayment. Data on... more

Cymodocea nodosa is a relatively small seagrass species which is common in the Mediterranean. An intensive survey on its growth and production was carried out in a dense, monospecific stand located in a semi-estuarine embayment. Data on leaf appearance and growth, shoot recruitment and death, rhizome growth, above-and belowground biomass, and nutrient content in the different parts of the plant were obtained over 2 years. All these variables showed a clear seasonality. In general, maximum growth and production occurred in early summer (July), and maximum biomass was reached between July and September. Biomass, shoot density, growth and production showed clear minima in winter.

The hard substrata of the Mediterranean twilight zone commonly host the large, white, branched Antipathella subpinnata (Antipatharia, Myriopathidae). We discovered one of the largest populations of this black coral ever recorded in the... more

The hard substrata of the Mediterranean twilight zone commonly host the large, white, branched Antipathella subpinnata (Antipatharia, Myriopathidae). We discovered one of the largest populations of this black coral ever recorded in the Mediterranean Sea, forming a meadow of thousands of colonies in the deep waters off the Calabrian coast (South Italy, Tyrrhenian Sea). The meadow extends from 50 to 100 m depth and is a mixed assemblage of black coral and gorgonian colonies showing specific bathymetric ranges. Antipatharians inhabit the northern slopes of the explored rocky pinnacles receiving the northward moving current of the Strait of Messina. Up to 44% of the black corals are colonized by several encrusting epibionts. A. subpinnata deserves protection since it creates an important 3-dimensional habitat and represents the most characteristic component of the lower fringe of the circalittoral twilight environment in the Mediterranean Sea.

Eutrophication degrades numerous estuaries worldwide and a myriad of assessment metrics have been developed. Here, we apply an example of a previously developed metric (Lee et al. 2004) designed to indicate incipient estuarine... more

Eutrophication degrades numerous estuaries worldwide and a myriad of assessment metrics have been developed. Here, we apply an example of a previously developed metric (Lee et al. 2004) designed to indicate incipient estuarine eutrophication to validate this technique in an already eutrophic estuary end-member, Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey. The metric, termed ‘Nutrient Pollution Indicator’ (NPI) uses eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) as a bioindicator and is calculated as the ratio of leaf nitrogen content (%N) to area normalized leaf mass (mg dry weight cm-2). Eelgrass samples were collected along the entire length of the Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor from June to October 2008 to determine if leaf chemistry and morphology reflect eutrophication status and a north-south gradient of nitrogen loading from the Barnegat Bay watershed. Nitrogen content, area normalized leaf mass, and NPI values all significantly (p < 0.05) varied temporally but not spatially. NPI values did not significantly correspond to the north-south gradient of nitrogen loading from the Barnegat Bay watershed. The NPI metric is therefore not deemed to reliably indicate estuarine eutrophic status. Differences between sampling effort (number of stations) and replication did not bias the overall conclusions.

Gastropod assemblages were investigated along intertidal rocky shore in the Qeshm Island in the northern Persian Gulf. Monthly sampling was undertaken from May 2007 to April 2008. Environmental factors were also measured in each site. A... more

Gastropod assemblages were investigated along intertidal rocky shore in the Qeshm Island in the northern Persian Gulf. Monthly sampling was undertaken from May 2007 to April 2008. Environmental factors were also measured in each site. A total of 28 gastropod taxa belonging to 15 families were identified and Cerithiidae was the most abundant family and Cerithium caeruleum was the most abundant species (34.77%). Muricidae with 5 species were the most diverse group followed by Cerithiidae and Cypraeidae each with 4 species. Kruskal-Wallis test yielded no significant differences in gastropod assemblages among months and also different seasons (P>0.05). The analysis of SIMPER showed that spring and autumn had the most dissimilarity among seasons and Clypeomorus bifasciatus was the species of gastropods contributing most to the dissimilarities among seasons (37.54%). December showed the highest value of Shanon-Wiener (2.15) and Simpson (0.85) indices. Lack of significant temporal variation in gastropod assemblages during sampling months suggested that intensity of sampling in future studies could be reduced to seasonal intervals in similar environmental conditions. Where intertidal surveys are restricted by time,and resources such as, personnel and finance.

The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is considered endangered in Mexico. Local extinctions have been documented in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and the only remaining population with a northern distribution is found in the... more

The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is considered endangered in Mexico. Local extinctions have been documented in the northern Gulf of Mexico, and the only remaining population with a northern distribution is found in the Alvarado Lagoon System (ALS). The objective of this study was to determine manatee distribution in ALS. The system covers an area of 267,010 ha and includes hundreds of lagoons, floodable areas, and dozens of rivers. To detect manatees, systematic line transects were done in a boat 7.6 m in length, totaling 332.6 h of search effort with an average of 7.38 h d–1 in 45 surveys. There was a total of 13 manatee sightings: seven direct sightings, five with hydrophones, and one with a side-scan sonar. For each record the geographical coordinates were taken and integrated in a geographical information system to analyze their distribution. Manatee distribution was not uniform throughout the study area. Manatees were sighted in very specific areas of ALS cons...

Background: The toxic effect of Nittol detergent on the haematological parameters of the African catfish (C. gariepinus) sub-adult was investigated. The experiment was conducted in triplicates forthe four treatments. Behavioral changes in... more

Background: The toxic effect of Nittol detergent on the haematological parameters of the African catfish (C. gariepinus) sub-adult was investigated. The experiment was conducted in triplicates forthe four treatments. Behavioral changes in fish exposed to different concentrations of Nittol detergent ranged from erratic swimming, moribund movement, jumping and lack of balance. Similar changes were not observed in the control throughout the experiment. Nittol detergent is composed of linear alkyl benzene sulphonate (LABS), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), sodium carbonate, Original Research Article Ivon et al.; ARRB, 35(4): 53-67, 2020; Article no.ARRB.57597 54 sodium sulphate, sodium per-borate and sodium silicate (perfume) as active ingredients. The fish were exposed to concentrations 1.0 g/L, 2.0 g/L, 3.0 g/L and 4.0g/L. At 1.0 g/l concentration, the mean mortality was 80% with an initial erratic swimming. Results: It was observed that mean mortality increased drastically with increasing Nittol Detergent concentrations. At a concentration 3.0 g/L, total mortality was observed within 72 hours of exposure preceding moribund swimming while total mortality was observed at 4.0 g/L. The concentration at which 50% of the experimental fishes were killed (LC50) was 0.9 g/L. Results from statistical analysis indicated that mortality varied significantly with concentrations as higher values recorded higher mortality rates. However, mean values showed the highest mortality (74%) with Nittol detergent. Haematological results obtained from blood profile analysis showed various degrees of alterations and changes in values when compared to the control. The PCV of the exposed fish was 26% when compared to 27% in the control, HB was 8.9 (GDL) as against 9.0 Gdl of the control, total WBC was 640 x 10 9 /L as against 1280 x 10 9 /L of the control. The RBC reading was 4.7 compared to 5.3 (mm 3) of the control. For the differential counts, the lymphocyte was 80%. Neutrophils were 4 % and monocyte 16% compared to 62%, 8% and 30% of the control respectively. The results revealed a significant decrease in PCV counts for 8.0, 16.0, 25.0, and 50.0ml/l concentration when compared to the control. There revealed significant decrease of haemoglobin count for 8.0 ml/l group (p>0.05) and significant decrease for 16.0 ml/l, 25.0 ml/l and 50.0 ml/l groups (p<0.05), when compared to the control. The results showed insignificant decrease of RBC count for 1.0 g/l (p>0.05) and a significant decrease for the 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 g/l groups (p<0.05), compared to the control. This means that as the toxicant concentration increased, the fish red blood count decreased the more. This further implies that at higher concentration of, RBC reduces correspondingly. Lymphocytes, monocytes, and neutrophils in the control set showed (apparently normal cell after) hematoxylin and eosin staining. Differential blood samples exposed to various concentrations of Nittol Detergent showed denatured cells, haemolysis and blood cell shrinkage. Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that Nittol Detergent has significant toxic effect on the haematological parameters of C. gariepinus and recommended the control disposal of this detergent into aquatic bodies to reduce the negative impact on the blood quality of aquatic organisms.

Sessile invertebrate prey that detect waterborne predator cues often respond by strengthening their structural defenses. Experimental evidence of the functional significance of such modifications using field-raised organisms is lacking.... more

Sessile invertebrate prey that detect waterborne predator cues often respond by strengthening their structural defenses. Experimental evidence of the functional significance of such modifications using field-raised organisms is lacking. This study addresses that gap using intertidal mussels and predatory dogwhelks from Atlantic Canada. During the spring and summer of 2016, we ran a field experiment that manipulated dogwhelk presence to test their nonconsumptive effects on mussel traits. Dogwhelk cues elicited thickening at the lip, centre, and base of mussel shells while simultaneously limiting shell growth in length. As shell mass was unaffected by dogwhelk presence, a trade-off between shell thickening and elongation was revealed. Thickening
was most pronounced at the thinnest parts of the shell. Using the field-raised organisms, a lab experiment found that dogwhelks took, on average, 55% longer to drill and consume mussels previously exposed to dogwhelk cues than mussels grown without such a cue exposure. Dogwhelks drilled at the thinnest parts of the shell, but, nonetheless, the consumed cue-exposed mussels had thicker shells at the borehole than the consumed mussels not previously exposed to cues, which likely explains the observed difference in handling time. As handling time normally decreases predation success, this study indicates that the plastic structural modifications in mussels triggered by dogwhelk cues in the field hinder predation by these drilling predators.

The interaction of coastal and submarine morphology with the hydrodynamic regimes exerts a control on coastal dynamic processes, conditioning the dispersion of sediments and potential pollutants existing in the area. Thus, the study of... more

The interaction of coastal and submarine morphology with the hydrodynamic regimes exerts a control on coastal dynamic processes, conditioning the dispersion of sediments and potential pollutants existing in the area. Thus, the study of such parameters is useful in order to define environmental threats. Within the submerged sector of the Bagnoli coast and particularly in the southern part of the investigated area, there are sediment groups composed of very fine sands located in low-energy zones due to wave refraction and diffraction; they can also be found on the sea bottom and on the manmade structures typical of this zone. These areas show high pollutant levels of N, P, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The northern area, a place of high-energy hydrodynamic processes, also shows high concentration levels of pollutants due to the presence of secondary cell circulation. Morphological research and analysis of textural characteristics of bottom sediments along the Bagnoli coast allowed the actual processes and their evolution in space and time to be defined. It has also been possible to correlate such processes to the seabed morphology system, the wave formations which affect the coast, the complex system of sediment transport, as well as to the man-made interventions in the area. The results of recent chemical analyses of beach sediments and bottom sediments off the Bagnoli coast were also incorporated. They prove the presence of heavy metals, PAHs and PCBs in high and sometimes very high concentrations. Finally, based on the results of research and analyses, a hypothesis for an intervention for environmental restoration has been formulated in order to renaturalise the coast through dredging and treatment of the sand, both on the seabed and on the emerged beach.

Blubber biopsy samples from eastern North Pacific killer whales Orcinus orca were analyzed for fatty acids, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes and organochlorine contaminants. Fatty acid profiles were sufficiently distinct among the 3... more

Blubber biopsy samples from eastern North Pacific killer whales Orcinus orca were analyzed for fatty acids, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes and organochlorine contaminants. Fatty acid profiles were sufficiently distinct among the 3 reported ecotypes ('resident,' 'transient' or 'offshore') to enable individual animals to be correctly classified by ecotype and also by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotype. Profiles of PCBs also enabled unambiguous classification of all 3 killer whale ecotypes, but stable isotope values lacked sufficient resolution. Fatty acid, stable isotope and PCB profiles of the resident and transient ecotypes were consistent with those expected for these whales based on their reported dietary preferences (fish for resident whales, marine mammals for transients). In addition, these ecotype profiles exhibited broad similarity across geographical regions, suggesting that the dietary specialization reported for resident and transient whales in the well-studied eastern North Pacific populations also extends to the less-studied killer whales in the western Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands. Killer whales of the same ecotype were also grouped by region of sample collection. The mean stable isotope ratios of various regional groups differed considerably, suggesting that the prey preferences of these North Pacific killer whales may be both region and ecotype specific. Furthermore, 3 specific ecotypes of killer whales were found to have measured stable isotope values that were consistent with dietary preferences reported in the literature. Finally, although the offshore population had blubber fatty acid profiles implicating fish as its primary prey, contaminant and stable isotope results were equally congruent with predation on marine mammals.