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

This thesis is based on the following papers. In the text they will be referred to by roman numerals.

We studied the foraging behavior and marine habitats used by Laysan (Phoebastria immutabilis) and Black-footed (Phoebastria nigripes) Albatrosses, during four consecutive breeding seasons to investigate whether these marine predators... more

We studied the foraging behavior and marine habitats used by Laysan (Phoebastria immutabilis) and Black-footed (Phoebastria nigripes) Albatrosses, during four consecutive breeding seasons to investigate whether these marine predators changed habitat preferences, foraging distributions, or both, in accordance with natural interannual variability in the marine environment. We used satellite telemetry to track a total of 37 Laysan and 36 Black-footed Albatrosses during the incubation periods of 2002-2006 at Tern Island, Northwest Hawaiian Islands. First passage time analysis was used to determine search effort of individual albatrosses along their respective tracks, and this metric was then related to oceanographic habitat variables using linear mixed-effects regression. The majority of individuals traveled to pelagic waters of the North Pacific, with Laysan Albatrosses demonstrating a more northwesterly distribution from the breeding colony. Laysan Albatrosses traveled farther, for longer periods, and demonstrated greater interannual variability in trip characteristics than Black-footed Albatrosses. For Laysan Albatrosses, maximum trip distance was negatively correlated with body mass change during foraging and overall breeding success. There was considerable interspecific segregation of foraging habitats, and low overlap of foraging distributions between years. For all years, and both species, sea surface temperature was consistently the most important environmental variable predicting search effort of albatrosses, suggesting that both species use similar environmental cues when searching for prey. In the context of climate variability, our results suggest that Hawaiian albatrosses demonstrate flexibility in foraging strategies and track preferred marine habitats. However, adjusting foraging behavior to climatic variability may have energetic, and subsequent reproductive consequences.

With the ending of the Cold War, the US Department of Energy is responsible for the remediation of

Treated sewage effluent is one of the most common types of pollution found in urban rivers. Both the quality and quantity of effluent result in various impacts on the receiving freshwater as well as marine environment. This paper outlines... more

Treated sewage effluent is one of the most common types of pollution found in urban rivers. Both the quality and quantity of effluent result in various impacts on the receiving freshwater as well as marine environment. This paper outlines these impacts from an ecological, social and economic perspective, and provides some suggestions on the way forward with regards prioritising wastewater

Urban Wastewater Treatment and Marine Outfall Facilities are being planned in accordance with Istanbul Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Master Plan prepared for Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI) in 1999.... more

Urban Wastewater Treatment and Marine Outfall Facilities are being planned in accordance with Istanbul Water Supply and Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Master Plan prepared for Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI) in 1999. According to the Master Plan, ISKI initiated in 1996 the water quality monitoring program of receiving water bodies conducted by the Istanbul University (IU) Institute of Marine Sciences and Management and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Environmental Engineering Department. The monitoring program has been carried out for 10 years in 28 stations in the marine environment. In this paper, the results of experimental investigations conducted for parameters including dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon (TOC), particulate organic carbon (POC), Total-N, Total-P, chlorophyll a, structure of benthic community, turbidity and coliforms have been critically analysed taking into consideration the marine outfall and surface water discharges from Istanbul's major wastewater treatment plants together with the transboundary pollution sourced by the Black Sea. The studies reveal that the water quality in the Marmara Sea is deteriorated more than anticipated before, and it is a necessity to develop international cooperation aimed for taking more effective measures in the area.

An s-triazine species resists degradation and may be a chemical risk for marine coastal communities.

Biomarkers are widely used to measure environmental impacts on marine species. For many biomarkers, it is not clear how the signal levels relate to effects on the whole organism. This paper shows how species sensitivity distributions... more

Biomarkers are widely used to measure environmental impacts on marine species. For many biomarkers, it is not clear how the signal levels relate to effects on the whole organism. This paper shows how species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) can be applied to evaluate multiple biomarker responses in species assemblages. To our knowledge, the present study compared for the first time SSDs based on biomarker response levels for marine species to a SSD for whole-organism responses. The comparison indicates that for exposure to dispersed oil in the marine environment, the selected biomarkers were, on average, 35-to 50-fold more sensitive than the whole-organism effect. At the 5% hazardous concentration derived from the SSD for whole-organism effects, which is a conservative threshold level, the potentially affected fraction of species showing biomarker response corresponds to approximately 80%. Variation in species sensitivity, expressed either as biomarker or as whole-organism response levels, were similar. Although uncertainties exist, the link between biomarkers and risk assessment presented here provides a preliminary guideline for deciding when biomarker responses likely are hazardous and, therefore, require further investigation.

Chloride ion penetration into concrete and the resulting deterioration (cracking and spalling due to the corrosion of reinforcement) is a major concern of engineers and owners of bridges and marine structures. Several publications have... more

Chloride ion penetration into concrete and the resulting deterioration (cracking and spalling due to the corrosion of reinforcement) is a major concern of engineers and owners of bridges and marine structures. Several publications have reported the excellent performance of concrete containing alternative cementitious materials (ACMs), such as pulverised fuel ash (PFA), ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), microsilica (MS) and metakaolin (MK) in marine environment and highway structures. The resistance offered by these concretes has been related to the low mobility of chloride ions due to either the reduction in the number of interconnected pores as a result of the pozzolanic reaction of the ACMs or the chemical binding with the cement hydrates. However, the secondary reaction products are formed slowly in Portland cement concrete containing ACMs and as a result it is likely that the resistance offered to the penetration of chloride ions also increases slowly with time. In order to monitor the continuous behaviour of concretes containing these ACMs in a chloride exposure regime, an investigation was carried out, the results of which are reported in this paper. Ten different concrete mixes were subjected to a cyclic ponding regime with 0.55 M sodium chloride solution and the changes in concrete were monitored by measuring the changes in resistance between pairs of stainless steel electrodes embedded in the concrete at different depths from the exposed surface. The test was continued for nearly one year. The results indicated that, although the resistance of concrete decreased initially due to the penetration of chlorides, in the longer term the resistance of concretes containing ACMs outperformed the control concrete made with ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Drilled dust samples extracted after different durations of ponding were tested for the chloride content, which confirmed that the increase in resistance of the ACMs was due to the combined effects of the reduction in the penetration of chlorides and the continuous hydration activity of the ACMs. (P.A.M. Basheer).

On November 13 th 2002 the tanker Prestige was off the coast of Galicia, Spain, when it suffered severe structural failure of the starboard cargo tanks. The ship was tugged away from the coast. On November 19 th , the vessel broke into... more

On November 13 th 2002 the tanker Prestige was off the coast of Galicia, Spain, when it suffered severe structural failure of the starboard cargo tanks. The ship was tugged away from the coast. On November 19 th , the vessel broke into two sections at about one hundred and thirty miles from the Galicia coast. The two parts of the wreck sank at a 3500 meters depth. More than 60,000 tons of heavy fuel were released into the marine environment. At sea containment and recovery, and aerial surveillance of the oil, were hampered by the weather and the oil remained at sea for a considerable period of time. Diffuse pollution was still reaching the coastline more than six months after the break.

The Balıkdamı Wetland, an impoundment of the upper course of the Sakarya River located near Sivrihisar (Eskişehir, Central Anatolia), is one of the most important bird conservation areas in Turkey. This area also encompasses the mouth of... more

The Balıkdamı Wetland, an impoundment of the upper course of the Sakarya River located near Sivrihisar (Eskişehir, Central Anatolia), is one of the most important bird conservation areas in Turkey. This area also encompasses the mouth of the torrential Göksu Stream, which is partly hyporheic. During this study (2001)(2002)(2003), 1,471 specimens representing 34 taxa of aquatic Oligochaeta were collected from the Balıkdamı Wetland. All the species identified are new records for Balıkdamı. Two species, Coralliodrilus amissus sp. n. and Gianius anatolicus sp. n., are new to science, and five species, Stylodrilus parvus (Hrabě et Černosvitov, 1927), Chaetogaster diastrophus (Gruithuisen, 1828), Peipsidrilus libanus , Tubifex acuticularis Martinez-Ansemil et , and Epirodrilus moubayedi Giani et , are new records for Turkey. Two other species, Peipsidrilus libanus and Tubifex acuticularis, are re-described. The oligochaete fauna of the wetland was dominated by widely distributed tubificid taxa. The lumbriculid Stylodrilus parvus was the most abundant species in the Göksu stream. The two new phallodriline species are remarkable since most representatives of this subfamily live in the marine environment. Due to the species richness and diversity of Oligochaeta, as well as of several other animal groups, the Balıkdamı wetland area deserves conservation.

The toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was determined using mussel, sea-urchin and ascidian embryo-larval bioassays. Fluorescent light exposure enhanced phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene and hydroxypyrene toxicity in... more

The toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was determined using mussel, sea-urchin and ascidian embryo-larval bioassays. Fluorescent light exposure enhanced phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene and hydroxypyrene toxicity in comparison with dark conditions, but not naphthalene and fluorene toxicity. The toxicity of PAHs was inversely related to their K(OW) values following QSAR models derived for baseline toxicity of general narcotics, whereas the obtained regression using toxicity data from photoactivated PAHs significantly departed from the general narcosis model. Also, the mixture toxicity of five PAHs to the larval growth of the sea-urchin was compared with predictions derived from the concentration addition concept, indicating less than additive effects. Finally, we compared our toxicity data with worst-case environmental concentrations in order to provide a preliminary estimate of the risk to the marine environment. Naphthalene, fluorene and pyrene are not considered...

... Marcel Babin1 and Dariusz Stramski Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0238 ... Source Clay Minerals Repository, University of Missouri... more

... Marcel Babin1 and Dariusz Stramski Marine Physical Laboratory, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0238 ... Source Clay Minerals Repository, University of Missouri (ref. no. ...

A Cadastre is normally the basis or core of a land administration system and is defined as a parcel based and up-to-date information system containing a record of interests in land (e.g. rights, restrictions and responsibilities). It... more

A Cadastre is normally the basis or core of a land administration system and is defined as a parcel based and up-to-date information system containing a record of interests in land (e.g. rights, restrictions and responsibilities). It usually includes a geometric description of land parcels linked to other records describing the nature of the interest, and ownership or control of those interest, and often the value of the parcel and its improvements (FIG, 1995). But in the marine environment, the terminology of cadastre is still unclear because there are some problems like discontinuity between land and marine cadastre, standard, technical and legal institutional aspects. A structured administration of land and marine interface area, or coastal zone, is rarely founded. United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as an international regulation, then national and states legislations regulate marine related activities. The objective of the paper is to understand and identify rights, restrictions and responsibilities in the marine environment. It also identifies the problems and needs from various users from marine stakeholders and to discuss the concept of marine cadastre. A particular focus of the research is a review of the administrational interests at the land marine interface. A pilot project will be researched and analysed by integrating its dataset to allow its stakeholders to access the dynamic information. Spatial Data Infrastructures (SDI) in the marine environment will be examined by evaluating the current initiatives and policies

To examine the applicability of C/N and organic carbon stable isotope (δ 13 C) in studies of the Holocene sea level and freshwater discharge in the large river mouth of Yangtze, we observed the distribution of carbon, nitrogen and δ 13 C... more

To examine the applicability of C/N and organic carbon stable isotope (δ 13 C) in studies of the Holocene sea level and freshwater discharge in the large river mouth of Yangtze, we observed the distribution of carbon, nitrogen and δ 13 C in a late-Quaternary core (ZK9) collected from the present subaqueous delta. We also collected published data of the two proxies for the suspended particulate matter (SPM) and surficial sediments from the lower Yangtze River to the adjacent East China Sea. The results show that the estuarine front is an important boundary for terrestrial and marine contribution of the organic component in the modern sedimentary environment. In the core ZK9, sediments deposited during c. 13-9 cal. ka BP are characterized by high values of TOC (0.54-1.16%), CaCO 3 (0.35% on average), and C/N (>12), which reflect an inner tidal estuarine environment dominated by C3 terrestrial organic carbon input. During c. 9-0.7 cal. ka BP, both TOC content (0.57% on average) and C/N ratio (<10) decrease remarkably while TN increases, indicating a lower estuarine or shallow marine environment. An abrupt sea level rise from c. 9 cal. ka BP resulted in a deeper water environment and reduced terrestrial input at the core location. The low δ 13 C values (−24.23‰ on average) before c. 6 cal. ka BP reflect a dominantly terrestrial source of organic matter associated with increased freshwater discharge into the estuary during that time. The sediments since c. 6 cal. ka BP are characterized by increasing δ 13 C up to −24.1 to −23.39‰, reflecting more contribution from marine algae as freshwater discharge fell. We suggest that in the Yangtze River mouth the C/N ratio indicates an abrupt sea level rise at c. 9 cal. ka BP, while δ 13 C is more useful in reflecting freshwater discharge.

We present a novel method for calculating the opportunity costs to fishers from their displacement by the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). We used a fishing community in Kubulau District, Fiji to demonstrate this method. We... more

We present a novel method for calculating the opportunity costs to fishers from their displacement by the establishment of marine protected areas (MPAs). We used a fishing community in Kubulau District, Fiji to demonstrate this method. We modelled opportunity costs as a function of food fish abundance and probability of catch, based on gear type and market value of species. Count models (including Poisson, negative binomial and two zero-inflated models) were used to predict spatial abundance of preferred target fish species and were validated against field surveys. A profit model was used to investigate the effect of restricted access to transport on costs to fishers. Spatial distributions of fish within the three most frequently sighted food fish families (Acanthuridae, Lutjanidae, Scaridae) varied, with greatest densities of Lutjanidae and Acanthuridae on barrier forereefs and greatest densities of Scaridae on submerged reefs. Modelled opportunity cost indicated that highest costs to fishers arise from restricting access to the barrier forereefs. We included our opportunity cost model in Marxan, a decision support tool used for MPA design, to examine potential MPA configurations for Kubulau District, Fiji Islands. We identified optimum areas for protection in Kubulau with: (a) the current MPA network locked in place; and (b) a clean-slate approach. Our method of modelling opportunity cost gives an unbiased estimate for multiple gear types in a marine environment and can be applied to other regions using existing species data.

Ha Long Bay in North Vietnam is characterized by karst towers and bigger islands totalling more than 3000 isles. Karst processes carved hundreds of caves out of the limestone and contributed to the formation of many enclosed and... more

Ha Long Bay in North Vietnam is characterized by karst towers and bigger islands totalling more than 3000 isles. Karst processes carved hundreds of caves out of the limestone and contributed to the formation of many enclosed and semi-enclosed saltwater lakes. Here, we report the results of a general survey of several lakes and the first data on the Hang Du I lake, a small basin devoid of any apparent communication with the surrounding sea. Hang Du I is characterized by the presence of Rhizostomeae, genus Mastigias, suggesting strong similarities with the famous lakes described from the archipelago of Palau. Among the benthic organisms sponges are the most important group. Temperature and abundance of the monsoon rains are the main factors influencing remarkable seasonal variations in physical-chemical parameters and the community structure of the lake. A thermal crisis with water temperatures up to 36 • C was recorded in September 2003. In this period, usually abundant medusae and sea anemones totally disappeared. Sponge populations showed fast growth rates in winter and spring and a partial degeneration to face the harsh conditions of the summer season. When isolated from the surrounding marine environment, the saltwater lakes share the condition of oceanic islands, representing spots of habitats surrounded by a completely different environment. The Ha Long Bay marine lakes are not easy to access, being surrounded by tropical forest, but local people usually exploit them for both fishery and oyster harvesting. There is an urgent need to develop measures of protection for these endangered and unique environments, natural laboratories that facilitate the study of evolution of marine organisms, where biodiversity has been until now totally unexplored.

The intestinal parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia cause gastro-enteritis in humans and can be transmitted via contaminated water. Oysters are filter feeders that have been demonstrated to accumulate pathogens such as Salmonella,... more

The intestinal parasites Cryptosporidium and Giardia cause gastro-enteritis in humans and can be transmitted via contaminated water. Oysters are filter feeders that have been demonstrated to accumulate pathogens such as Salmonella, Vibrio, norovirus and Cryptosporidium from contaminated water and cause foodborne infections. Oysters are economically important shellfish that are generally consumed raw. Commercial and non-commercial oysters (Crassostrea gigas) and oyster culture water from the Oosterschelde, the Netherlands, were examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts. Nine of 133 (6.7%) oysters from two non-commercial harvesting sites contained Cryptosporidium, Giardia or both. Six of 46 (13.0%) commercial oysters harboured Cryptosporidium or Giardia in their intestines. Data on the viability of (oo)cysts recovered from Oosterschelde oysters were not obtained, however viable (oo)cysts were detected in surface waters that enter the Oosterschelde oyster harvesting areas. The detection of Cryptosporidium and Giardia in oysters destined for human consumption has implications for public health only when human pathogenic (oo)cysts that have preserved infectivity during their stay in a marine environment are present. Our data suggest that consumption of raw oysters from the Oosterschelde may occasionally lead to cases of gastro-intestinal illness.

The environmental risks associated with the defouling of artificial structures (e.g., vessels, oil rigs, marina pontoons, aquaculture structures) in the marine environment are gaining international attention. This paper presents a series... more

The environmental risks associated with the defouling of artificial structures (e.g., vessels, oil rigs, marina pontoons, aquaculture structures) in the marine environment are gaining international attention. This paper presents a series of laboratory-and field-based experiments that collectively aimed to elucidate biotic and abiotic factors that influence re-establishment success of biofouling organisms and fragmented colonial organisms defouled to the seabed. Reattachment success of colonial organisms experimentally fragmented was found to be species specific and dependent on fragment size. In both laboratory and field trials, some colonial ascidians had consistently greater reattachment success for larger size classes of fragments, while other encrusting and erect taxa showed poor reattachment capabilities. This study also revealed that sedimentation and turbidity are likely to have a strong influence on the survivorship of defouled material. Furthermore, for both high and low sedimentary environments, survivorship was found to be greater where predators were excluded. Despite risks posed by non-indigenous species (NIS), it is proposed that in-water defouling may be an appropriate management response in situations where a "do nothing" approach is potentially more detrimental. Moreover, results from this study suggest that environmental risks associated with defouling may be mitigated through appropriate defouling strategies (e.g., defouling location, frequency and method). In order to increase our predictive abilities for NIS establishment success resulting from in-water defouling, future studies should aim to further elucidate the relative importance of factors affecting survivorship of defouled material at locations where defouling is routinely undertaken.

Human visitations to Antarctica have increased in recent decades, raising concerns about preserving the continent's environmental quality. To understand the spatial and temporal patterns of anthropogenic disturbances at the largest... more

Human visitations to Antarctica have increased in recent decades, raising concerns about preserving the continent's environmental quality. To understand the spatial and temporal patterns of anthropogenic disturbances at the largest scientific station in Antarctica, McMurdo Station, a long-term monitoring program has been implemented. Results from the first nine years (1999)(2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007) of monitoring are reported. Most physical disturbance of land surfaces occurred prior to 1970 during initial establishment of the station. Hydrocarbons from fuel and anthropogenic metals occur in patches of tens to hundreds of square meters in areas of fuel usage and storage. Most soil contaminant concentrations are not expected to elicit biological responses. Past disposal practices have contaminated marine sediments with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), petroleum hydrocarbons, and metals in close proximity to the station that often exceed concentrations expected to elicit biological responses. Chemical contamination and organic enrichment reduced marine benthic ecological integrity within a few hundred meters offshore of the station. Contaminants were detected in marine benthic organisms confirming bioavailability and uptake. PCBs in sediments are similar to suspected source materials, indicating minimal microbial degradation decades after release. Anthropogenic disturbance of the marine environment is likely to persist for decades. A number of monitoring design elements, indicators and methodologies used in temperate climates were effective and provide guidance for monitoring programs elsewhere in Antarctica.

Patterns of sedimentary trace-metal variation can provide information not only about benthic redox conditions, but also about other water-mass properties in ancient marine depositional systems. Trace metals such as Mo, U, V, and Re... more

Patterns of sedimentary trace-metal variation can provide information not only about benthic redox conditions, but also about other water-mass properties in ancient marine depositional systems. Trace metals such as Mo, U, V, and Re display conservative concentration profi les in the global ocean but varying concentration profi les in modern anoxic silled basins (e.g., the Black Sea, Cariaco Basin, and Framvaren Fjord) as a consequence of enhanced sedimentary uptake, water-mass mixing, microbial cycling, and other processes. Because basinspecifi c patterns of aqueous trace-metal concentrations can be recorded by the sediment, chemostratigraphic studies of ancient anoxic marine facies have the potential to provide information about the degree of water-mass restriction as well as secular changes in aqueous chemistry and basin hydrography. In the Upper Pennsylvanian Hushpuckney and Stark shales of midcontinent North America, strong positive covariation among major trace metals supports extraction from a water mass of unmodifi ed "normal" seawater chemistry with control of sedimentary trace-metal uptake primarily by benthic redox variation.

Optical observations of the marine environment, giving information on ocean colour, have been increasingly used to provide a novel insight into a number of bio-geochemical and physical processes. The term ocean colour is used to indicate... more

Optical observations of the marine environment, giving information on ocean colour, have been increasingly used to provide a novel insight into a number of bio-geochemical and physical processes. The term ocean colour is used to indicate the visible light spectrum as observed at the sea surface that is related, by the processes of absorption and scattering, to the concentration of the water constituents. The feasibility and usefulness of satellite ocean colour remote sensing was first demonstrated by the Coastal Zone Colour Scanner (CZCS) on board Nimbus-7. More than a decade after the pioneer CZCS mission a new generation of ocean colour sensors has emerged. Indian Remote Sensing satellite P4, Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) belongs to this new generation, and is equipped with channels and a resolution that can cater to the needs of the ocean colour community.

Nowadays the corrosion of reinforcement is the most harmful damage that occoured in reinforced concrete structures. The case study is one analysis form utilized for to verify the damages evolution when the structure is exposed in... more

Nowadays the corrosion of reinforcement is the most harmful damage that occoured in reinforced concrete structures. The case study is one analysis form utilized for to verify the damages evolution when the structure is exposed in environment. In a residential building located at saline environment in Brazil was made measures of carbonation depth, chloride ions and to apply an new assessment method for to establish quantitatives boundaries for structures degradation. The results showed that

After the definitive ban on tin-based antifouling substances, new organic compounds have recently been introduced in antifouling paint formulations, as either principal or booster biocides. In most cases, previous risk assessment of these... more

After the definitive ban on tin-based antifouling substances, new organic compounds have recently been introduced in antifouling paint formulations, as either principal or booster biocides. In most cases, previous risk assessment of these biocides has been inadequate so that their possible effects on aquatic ecosystems is a matter of great concern. We studied the effects of two new organic biocides often associated in paint formulations, Sea-Nine 211 TM (4,5 dichloro-2-n-octyl-4-isothiazoline-3-one) and chlorothalonil (2,4,5,6-tetrachloroisophthalonitrile), on haemocytes of the compound ascidian Botryllus schlosseri exposed for 60 min to various concentrations (from 0.1 to 10 M) of the xenobiotics. This species had previously proved to be a good bioindicator of organotin compounds. Both compounds, at concentrations of 1 and 10 M, altered the morphology of phagocytes, and these changes were closely related to disrupting effects on cytoskeletal components. At the same concentrations, phagocytosis, which requires cytoskeletal modifications for pseudopod formation, was severely hindered. Both compounds were able to induce apoptosis of Botryllus blood cells, probably as a consequence of severe oxidative stress related to the reported decrease of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) content. In the case of Sea-Nine 211 TM , a substantial increase in intracellular Ca 2+ and a negative effect on Ca 2+-ATPase activity may also be involved in the activation of the cell death machinery. Cytochrome-c-oxidase was also significantly inhibited by the two biocides, indicating perturbation of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Isodynamic mixtures of Sea-Nine 211 TM and chlorothalonil were used to evaluate the occurrence of interactions between the two compounds. Results suggest the combined action of partial additivity when cell-spreading and cytochrome-c-oxidase activity were considered, and were indicative of antagonism in the case of the GSH depletion. On the whole, our results indicate that short-term in vitro exposure of haemocytes to high concentrations of Sea-Nine 211 TM and chlorothalonil provokes a marked reduction in haemocyte functionality, higher than or comparable to that of TBT. These assays of acute toxicity stress the immunosuppressive potential of these compounds, which, although counterbalanced by their short half-life in the marine environment, can lead to biocoenosis dismantling through rapid bioaccumulation by filter-feeding non-target benthic organisms.

Recent fossil discoveries of early cetaceans and sirenians document the functional transitions that occurred as each group adapted to a completely aquatic existence, but the timing and path of their ecological transition remain uncertain.... more

Recent fossil discoveries of early cetaceans and sirenians document the functional transitions that occurred as each group adapted to a completely aquatic existence, but the timing and path of their ecological transition remain uncertain. We analyzed the stable-isotope composition of tooth enamel from several early members of each group to reconstruct the dietary, foraging, and habitat preferences of basal taxa. Carbon isotope (␦ 13 C) values provided evidence of foraging within freshwater, terrestrial, and marine environments, including seagrass beds, whereas oxygen isotope (␦ 18 O) variation was used as a measure of commitment to aquatic habitats. Enamel samples were collected from four regions (south Asia, north and west Africa, and southern Europe) spanning the late early Eocene (ca. 53.5 Ma) to the late Eocene (ca. 36 Ma). Sirenian and cetacean taxa included species that were likely capable of some terrestrial locomotion, and more specialized forms that were morphologically fully aquatic. Cetacean ␦ 13 C and ␦ 18 O values indicate that some early members of this group (some pakicetids) inhabited freshwater environments, but later members (e.g., remingtonocetids, protocetids, and basilosaurids) moved quickly into estuarine and marine environments. Low ␦ 18 O variation confirms that all of these early forms were primarily aquatic, but ␦ 13 C and ␦ 18 O values for early sirenians indicate an early transition to a marine seagrass diet without any evidence of an intermediate connection to freshwater habitats.

In this paper we present 2 years of data obtained during the late summer period (September 2003 and September 2004) for the East Siberian Arctic shelf (ESAS). According to our data, the surface layer of shelf water was supersaturated up... more

In this paper we present 2 years of data obtained during the late summer period (September 2003 and September 2004) for the East Siberian Arctic shelf (ESAS). According to our data, the surface layer of shelf water was supersaturated up to 2500% relative to the present average atmospheric methane content of 1.85 ppm, pointing to the rivers as a strong source of dissolved methane which comes from watersheds which are underlain with permafrost. Anomalously high concentrations (up to 154 nM or 4400% supersaturation) of dissolved methane in the bottom layer of shelf water at a few sites suggest that the bottom layer is somehow affected by near-bottom sources. The net flux of methane from this area of the East Siberian Arctic shelf can reach up to 13.7 × 10 4 g CH 4 km − 2 from plume areas during the period of ice free water, and thus is in the upper range of the estimated global marine methane release. Ongoing environmental change might affect the methane marine cycle since significant changes in the thermal regime of bottom sediments within a few sites were registered. Correlation between calculated methane storage within the water column and both integrated salinity values (r = 0.61) and integrated values of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) (r = 0.62) suggest that higher concentrations of dissolved methane were mostly derived from the marine environment, likely due to in-situ production or release from decaying submarine gas hydrates deposits. The calculated late summer potential methane emissions tend to vary from year to year, reflecting most likely the effect of changing hydrological and meteorological conditions (temperature, wind) on the ESAS rather than riverine export of dissolved methane. We point out additional sources of methane in this region such as submarine taliks, ice complex retreat, submarine permafrost itself and decaying gas hydrates deposits.

Tissues and organs from Stenella coeruleoalba stranded along the Apulian coasts (southern Italy) during the period April-July 1991 were analyzed for their mercury and selenium content. Analysis showed considerable variations in the... more

Tissues and organs from Stenella coeruleoalba stranded along the Apulian coasts (southern Italy) during the period April-July 1991 were analyzed for their mercury and selenium content. Analysis showed considerable variations in the mercury concentration in the examined organs and tissues. The highest concentrations of mercury were found in the liver (from 2.27 to 374.50 mg g À1 wet wt.). After the liver, lung, kidney, muscle and brain were the most contaminated, while the lowest mercury contamination was found in the melon. As mercury, the liver also showed the highest selenium levels. Liver samples were also analyzed for their methyl mercury contents. The role of selenium in detoxification process of methyl mercury has been discussed. Mercury concentrations related to geographic variations and pollution of the marine environment have been examined. The possible implications between mercury accumulation and dolphin death have also been discussed. #

This paper describes the two-phase study of the environmental impact of the SwePol Link submarine electrical energy transfer system between Sweden and Poland. During the first phase (1997 -1998), the potential effects of proposed... more

This paper describes the two-phase study of the environmental impact of the SwePol Link submarine electrical energy transfer system between Sweden and Poland. During the first phase (1997 -1998), the potential effects of proposed technical solutions for the transmission line and different routes across the Baltic Sea were analysed. During the second phase (1999 -2000), studies on environmental and background conditions before cable installation (1999) and studies on the environmental effects after cable system installation were undertaken. During this phase, underwater TV and video inspection of the bottom, observations of the bottom habitats by scuba-divers, sampling and laboratory analysis of macrozoobenthos and measurements of the earth's magnetic field were conducted.

In the marine environment, biofilms on submerged surfaces can promote or discourage the settlement of invertebrate larvae and macroalgal spores. The settlement-mediating effects of biofilms are believed to involve a variety of biofilm... more

In the marine environment, biofilms on submerged surfaces can promote or discourage the settlement of invertebrate larvae and macroalgal spores. The settlement-mediating effects of biofilms are believed to involve a variety of biofilm attributes including surface chemistry, micro-topography, and a wide range of microbial products from smallmolecule metabolites to high-molecular weight extracellular polymers. The settled organisms in turn can modify microbial species composition of biofilms and thus change the biofilm properties and dynamics. A better understanding of biofilm dynamics and chemical signals released and/or stored by biofilms will facilitate the development of antifouling and mariculture technologies. This review provides a brief account of 1) existing knowledge of marine biofilms that are relevant to settlement mediation, 2) biotechnological application of biofilms with respect to developing non-toxic antifouling technologies and improving the operation of aquaculture facilities, and 3) challenges and future directions for advancing our understanding of settlement-mediating functions of biofilms and for applying this knowledge to real-life situations.

This paper proposes a methodology for the location of thalassotherapy resorts to promote sustainable tourism in Galicia, NW Spain. Thalassotherapy is the medical use of seawater and the marine environment as a form of therapy. The... more

This paper proposes a methodology for the location of thalassotherapy resorts to promote sustainable tourism in Galicia, NW Spain. Thalassotherapy is the medical use of seawater and the marine environment as a form of therapy. The proposed methodology is based on a multicriteria evaluation approach that integrates the economic, environmental and social factors that determine the best locations for this activity. A Geographical Information System is used to manage evaluation data and to visualize the results. A total of 211 potential sites were identified, from which 19 suitable locations were selected by applying a conjunctive method based on five criteria. The suitable sites were ranked from the point of view of different stakeholders using a multicriteria evaluation procedure. Results show that the ranking of alternative sites for thalassotherapy resorts is different for promoters, clients and Administration insofar as it is strongly influenced by the weighting of criteria. Accordingly, the proposed multicriteria approach can help stakeholders select the best site according to their interests or objectives and analyze the consequences of the decisions made.

A systematic study has been made of the initial corrosion products which form on mild steel capons exposed near the coastal region of Oman and at some industrial areas. The phases and compositions of the products formed at different... more

A systematic study has been made of the initial corrosion products which form on mild steel capons exposed near the coastal region of Oman and at some industrial areas. The phases and compositions of the products formed at different periods of exposure were examined by using Mössbauer spectroscopy (295 and 78 K) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results show that lepidocorcite and maghemite are early corrosion products and goethite starts to form after 2 months of metal exposure to the atmosphere. Akaganeite is an early corrosion product but it forms in marine environments only, which reflects the role of chlorine effect in the atmosphere. The 12 months coupons showed the presence of goethite, lepidocorcite and maghemite, but no akaganeite being seen in the products of one of the studied areas.

In view of the current increase in atmospheric pCO2 and concomitant changes in the marine environment, it is crucial to assess, understand, and predict future responses of ecologically relevant phytoplankton species. The diazotrophic... more

In view of the current increase in atmospheric pCO2 and concomitant changes in the marine environment, it is crucial to assess, understand, and predict future responses of ecologically relevant phytoplankton species. The diazotrophic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum was found to respond strongly to elevated pCO2 by increasing growth, production rates, and N2 fixation. The magnitude of these CO2 effects exceeds those previously seen in other phytoplankton, raising the question about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we review recent publications on metabolic pathways of Trichodesmium from a gene transcription level to the protein activities and energy fluxes. Diurnal patterns of nitrogenase activity change markedly with CO2 availability, causing higher diel N2 fixation rates under elevated pCO2. The observed responses to elevated pCO2 could not be attributed to enhanced energy generation via gross photosynthesis, although there are indications for CO2-dependent changes in ATP/NADPH + H+ production. The CO2 concentrating mechanism (CCM) in Trichodesmium is primarily based on HCO3− uptake. Although only little CO2 uptake was detected, the NDH complex seems to play a crucial role in internal cycling of inorganic carbon, especially under elevated pCO2. Affinities for inorganic carbon change over the day, closely following the pattern in N2 fixation, and generally decrease with increasing pCO2. This down-regulation of CCM activity and the simultaneously enhanced N2 fixation point to a shift in energy allocation from carbon acquisition to N2 fixation under elevated pCO2 levels. A strong light modulation of CO2 effects further corroborates the role of energy fluxes as a key to understand the responses of Trichodesmium.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in sediment pore water is a complex molecular mixture reflecting various sources and biogeochemical processes. In order to constrain those sources and processes, molecular variations of pore water DOM in... more

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) in sediment pore water is a complex molecular mixture reflecting various sources and biogeochemical processes. In order to constrain those sources and processes, molecular variations of pore water DOM in surface sediments from the NW Iberian shelf were analyzed by ultrahigh-resolution Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR-MS) and compared to river and marine water column DOM. Weighted average molecular element ratios of oxygen to carbon ((O/C) wa ) and hydrogen to carbon ((H/C) wa ) provided general information about DOM sources. DOM in local rivers was more oxygenated ((O/C) wa 0.52) and contained less hydrogen ((H/C) wa 1.15) than marine pore water DOM (mean (O/C) wa 0.50, mean (H/C) wa 1.26). The relative abundance of specific compound groups, such as highly oxygenated aromatic compounds or nitrogen-bearing compounds with low H/C ratios, correspond to a high concentration of lignin phenols (160 lg/g sediment dry weight) and a high TOC/TN ratio (13.3) in the sedimentary organic matter and were therefore assigned to terrestrial sources. The lower degree of unsaturation and a higher relative abundance of nitrogen-bearing compounds in the pore water DOM reflected microbial activity within the sediment. One sampling site on the shelf with a high sediment accumulation, and a humic-rich river sample showed a wide range of sulfur compounds in the DOM, accompanied by a higher abundance of lipid biomarkers for sulfate-reducing bacteria, probably indicating early diagenetic sulfurization of organic matter.

The average age at sexual maturity (ASM) is an important parameter for evaluating the reproductive potential or status of a population. South American sea lions, Otaria flavescens in Patagonia (Argentina) were exploited and reduced to... more

The average age at sexual maturity (ASM) is an important parameter for evaluating the reproductive potential or status of a population. South American sea lions, Otaria flavescens in Patagonia (Argentina) were exploited and reduced to less than 10% of pre-exploitation numbers. At present, the population is recovering at a rate of 6%. In this paper, we studied growth and age at sexual maturity of South American sea lions in the south-western south Atlantic by examining 219 individuals (females and males) collected between 1989-2008. Individuals were aged by counting growth layer groups in tooth sections, standard body length was measured and male and female reproductive organs were examined macroscopically and histologically to establish individual sexual maturity. Maximum recorded length for males and females was 264 cm and 200 cm, respectively, and maximum ages 19 and 21 yrs. ASM defined as the age where 50% of females are mature, was estimated at 4.870.5 years old, corresponding to a mean SL of 147 cm, about 81% of their asymptotic length. First observed ovulation occurred during the 4th year, first birth may occur between 4 and 5 years old. Males physiologically mature between 4-6 years, but the size of the testes shows that all males became sexually mature by the age of 9 years when they reach a mean SL of 212 cm, about 86% of their asymptotic body length. The present information on ASM and growth of O. flavescens will improve the development of population dynamics models, to investigate the impact of recovering sea lions populations on its marine environment, as well as its trophic interactions with commercial fisheries.

There has been an increasing recognition of the inter-relationship between human health and the oceans. Traditionally, the focus of research and concern has been on the impact of human activities on the oceans, particularly through... more

There has been an increasing recognition of the inter-relationship between human health and the oceans. Traditionally, the focus of research and concern has been on the impact of human activities on the oceans, particularly through anthropogenic pollution and the exploitation of marine resources. More recently, there has been recognition of the potential direct impact of the oceans on human health, both detrimental and beneficial. Areas identified include: global change, harmful algal blooms (HABs), microbial and chemical contamination of marine waters and seafood, and marine models and natural products from the seas. It is hoped that through the recognition of the inter-dependence of the health of both humans and the oceans, efforts will be made to restore and preserve the oceans.

CITATIONS 46 READS 99 4 authors, including: Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Kimmeridgian stratigraphy Swiss Jura View project Abrupt climate changes View project Jean-Paul Billon-Bruyat... more

CITATIONS 46 READS 99 4 authors, including: Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Kimmeridgian stratigraphy Swiss Jura View project Abrupt climate changes View project Jean-Paul Billon-Bruyat Office de la culture, République et Cant… Abstract

Coral reefs of the Persian/Arabian Gulf were the last to succumb to the effects of the global-scale mass coral bleaching event that began in 2015. This study examines the causes and consequences of the 2017 bleaching event on eight reefs... more

Coral reefs of the Persian/Arabian Gulf were the last to succumb to the effects of the global-scale mass coral bleaching event that began in 2015. This study examines the causes and consequences of the 2017 bleaching event on eight reefs located across > 350 km of the southern basin of the Gulf. Using a combination of 5 yr (2013–2017) of reef-based temperature observations, local meteorological data and water column modeling, we show that 2017 was characterized by an extended period of mid-summer calm when winds rarely exceeded breeze conditions, reducing evaporative heat loss and inducing dramatic warming compared with non-bleaching years (2013–2016). Reef-bottom temperatures in the Gulf in 2017 were among the hottest on record, with mean daily maxima averaging 35.9 ± 0.1 °C across sites, with hourly temperatures reaching as high as 37.7 °C. Across the southern Gulf, corals spent nearly 2 months (mean 55.1 ± 3.9 d above bleaching temperatures and nearly 2 weeks above lethal temperatures (11.8 ± 2.4 d), substantially longer than in the non-bleaching years (2013–2016) and equating with 5.5 °C-weeks of thermal stress as degree heating weeks. As a result, 94.3% of corals bleached, and two-thirds of corals were lost to mortality between April and September 2017. Mortality continued after peak bleaching, and by April 2018 coral cover averaged just 7.5% across the southern basin, representing an overall loss of nearly three-quarters of coral (73%) in 1 yr. This mass mortality did not cause dramatic shifts in community composition as earlier bleaching events had removed most sensitive taxa. An exception was the already rare Acropora which were locally extirpated in summer 2017. Given the increasing frequency of mass bleaching in the Gulf and the above global rates of regional warming, the capacity for recovery and the prognosis for the future of Gulf reefs are not optimistic.

Green tides'' are vast accumulations of unattached green macroalgae associated with eutrophicated marine environments. They have major ecological and economic impacts globally, so an understanding of their origin and persistence is... more

Green tides'' are vast accumulations of unattached green macroalgae associated with eutrophicated marine environments. They have major ecological and economic impacts globally, so an understanding of their origin and persistence is required in order to make management decisions. Blooms predominantly consist of two common fouling genera of the Ulvales, Ulva (distromatic sheets) and Enteromorpha (monostromatic tubes). In the Baltic Sea and elsewhere green tides have increased over the last few decades. On the west coast of Finland, summer blooms consist of monostromatic sheets resembling Monostroma (Codiolales). We identified these as Enteromorpha intestinalis by comparative analyses of rDNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S, and ITS2 sequences, the first time monostromatic sheets have been found in the genus Enteromorpha. Ordinary attached E. intestinalis sporulated freely in culture, but the sheets reproduced only by cell regeneration into typical tubular thalli. The ITS sequences were identical to those of attached E. intestinalis populations in southwestern Finland, but differed by two substitutions from other Baltic sequences. We infer that this bloom originated from local attached populations and now reproduces clonally by fragmentation. This study provides further evidence of radical changes in gross morphology of green algae under eutrophicated conditions and the need for molecular identification.

The present sources of anthropogenic radionuclides in the marine environment, consisting of global fallout, nuclear weapons testing, releases from nuclear facilities, radioactive waste dumping, the Chernobyl accident and nuclear submarine... more

The present sources of anthropogenic radionuclides in the marine environment, consisting of global fallout, nuclear weapons testing, releases from nuclear facilities, radioactive waste dumping, the Chernobyl accident and nuclear submarine and aircraft accidents, are reviewed. 90 SrY 137 Cs and Pu isotopes have been chosen as representative of anthropogenic radionuclides to study their distribution and behaviour in the marine environment. The data on their concentrations and inventories in seawater and sediment are presented and discussed. For dose assessment, 137 Cs and 210 Po were chosen as they are the most representative of anthropogenic ( 137 Cs) and natural ( 210 Po) marine radioactivity on a global scale. The average annual individual doses from ingestion of marine food estimated for the world population for the year 2000 are of the order of 0.03 mSv from 137 Cs and 9 mSv from 137 Cs. The annual dose of 137 Cs for a hypothetical critical group living on the NE Atlantic coast and consuming 100 kg of ®sh and 10 kg of shell®sh per year would be 3 mSv, while the contribution from 210 Po would be 160 mSv. These values are well below the accepted value for the public of 1 mSv. #

The Moroccan phosphate industry releases large amounts of heavy metals in the Atlantic Ocean in the surroundings of two places: Safi and Jorf Lasfar. The major waste, called phosphogypsum and composed of calcium sulphate and other... more

The Moroccan phosphate industry releases large amounts of heavy metals in the Atlantic Ocean in the surroundings of two places: Safi and Jorf Lasfar. The major waste, called phosphogypsum and composed of calcium sulphate and other additional salts, is introduced into sea water in particulate form. After dissolution of the particles, heavy metal concentrations can be influenced near the release point. Two multi-element analytical techniques were used to measure 47 element concentrations in various materials involved in the study of the phosphate pollution: Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Water Air Soil Pollut (2007) 178:267-285

Jurisdictions that are contemplating the development of 3D Cadastres cannot afford to ignore the marine 1 environment. Apart from its extreme importance as a resource, the marine environment and its use is volumetric by nature and... more

Jurisdictions that are contemplating the development of 3D Cadastres cannot afford to ignore the marine 1 environment. Apart from its extreme importance as a resource, the marine environment and its use is volumetric by nature and involves the exercising of rights to the surface, water column, seabed, and subsoil. This paper highlights the value of the marine cadastre 2 in providing support for effective and efficient decision making associated with good ocean governance. Its primary focus is the technical framework of a marine cadastre as part of the marine property rights information infrastructure. The paper begins by outlining the importance of coastal and marine areas. This importance is then linked to the three-dimensional mosaic of private and public rights and interests found in marine spaces, showing how this complexity affects ocean governance. The paper then outlines how information on property rights is crucial to ocean governance, and how the technical framework for the marine property rights information infrastructure can be built (by reviewing the various components of a marine cadastre). The paper then concludes by outlining other issues that need to be considered in developing a marine cadastre. (S. Ng'ang'a), d8kw@unb.ca (M. Sutherland), sara@omg.unb.ca (S. Cockburn), nichols@unb.ca (S. Nichols).

Increased development pressures on the marine environment and the potential for multiple use conflicts, arising as a result of the current expansion of offshore wind energy, fishing and aquaculture, dredging, mineral extraction, shipping,... more

Increased development pressures on the marine environment and the potential for multiple use conflicts, arising as a result of the current expansion of offshore wind energy, fishing and aquaculture, dredging, mineral extraction, shipping, and the need to meet international and national commitments to biodiversity conservation, have led to increased interest in sea use planning with particular emphasis on marine spatial planning. Several European countries, on their own initiative or driven by the European Union's Marine Strategy and Maritime Policy, the Bergen Declaration of the North Sea Conference, and the EU Recommendation on Integrated Coastal Zone Management, have taken global leadership in implementing marine spatial planning. Belgium, The Netherlands, and Germany in the North Sea, and the United Kingdom in the Irish Sea, have already completed preliminary sea use plans and zoning proposals for marine areas within their national jurisdictions. This paper discusses the nature and context of marine spatial planning, the international legal and policy framework, and the increasing need for marine spatial planning in Europe. In addition, the authors review briefly three marine spatial planning initiatives in the North Sea and conclude with some initial lessons learned from these experiences.

We write to extol the virtues of filter- feeding bivalve shellfish - clams, mus- sels, oysters and scallops - to give them their due as key players in ecologically sustainable aquaculture in the marine en- vironment and as environmentally... more

We write to extol the virtues of filter- feeding bivalve shellfish - clams, mus- sels, oysters and scallops - to give them their due as key players in ecologically sustainable aquaculture in the marine en- vironment and as environmentally sensi- tive monitors and water purifiers. Shell- fish are successfully farmed throughout the world and shellfish culture represents a legitimate use