bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhizobial ecology as affected by the soil environment
Authors: Slattery J. F. , Coventry D. R. , Slattery W. J.
Published: September 2002

In this paper we review the influence of various soil factors on the
legume–Rhizobium symbiotic relationship. Abiotic
factors such as extremes in soil pH (highly acidic or alkaline soils),
salinity, tillage, high soil temperature and chemical residues, all of which
can occur in crop and pasture systems in southern Australia, generally reduce
populations of Rhizobium in the soil. Naturally
occurring Rhizobium populations, although often found in
high numbers, are generally poor in their ability to fix nitrogen and can
compete strongly with introduced Rhizobium inoculant.
The introduction of new legume genera as a continuing and essential part of
change in farming systems usually requires the need to identify new and
specific inoculant Rhizobium strains not found in the
soil, but necessary for optimum nitrogen fixation. It is therefore necessary
to characterise the specific requirements or limitations in the soil for
establishing Rhizobium populations to ensure optimal
nitrogen fixation following inoculation of legumes. The ability of the
introduced Rhizobium to form effective nodules is rarely
linked to a single soil attribute; therefore the study of rhizobial ecology
requires an understanding of many soil and environmental factors. This paper
reviews current knowledge of the influence of soil factors on rhizobial
survival, the nodulation process, and nitrogen fixation by legumes.
Development of a low-cost pupal release strategy for Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) with Queensland fruit fly and assessment of climatic constraints for SIT in rural New South Wales
Authors: Dominiak B. C. , McLeod L. J. , Landon R. , Nicol H. I.
Published: September 2002

Sterile pupae of Queensland fruit fly (Qfly)
Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) were released to suppress
wild Qfly populations at 3 sites in New South Wales and to assess a pupal
release strategy using the bed technique. Sterile pupae were released from
September 1997 to June 1998 from sand and vermiculite beds. A total of 24.6
million pupae were released with a male recapture rate of 0.101% (not
corrected for adult emergence rate). Adult emergence rates were 25% at
Tullibigeal; 39% at Ungarie and 46, 41, 71 and 54% respectively
at 4 locations at Lake Cargelligo (mean 46%). Corrected recapture rates
using cue-lure traps were 0.88% at Tullibigeal, 0.08% at Ungarie
and 0.15% at Lake Cargelligo (mean 0.21%). When wild fly
populations increased at Lake Cargelligo, a bait spraying program was used
which substaintially reduced the catches of both sterile and wild flies in
traps. Analyses using the CLIMEX model showed that the climate at Lake
Cargelligo town (with irrigation) was suitable for fruit flies. CLIMEX
indicated that the unmodified rural environment was unsuitable for fruit fly
survival due to a summer moisture deficit. The Meats daily survival rate
decrement of 58–72% was similar to that found for some similar
studies in Australia but lower than for certain other release programs. No
significant bird or ant predation was observed.
Differences in body condition and body size affect the responses of grazing dairy cows to high-energy supplements in early lactation
Authors: Stockdale C. R.
Published: September 2002

Two experiments of 5-weeks duration, using Friesian cows, were conducted at
the Kyabram Dairy Centre during September–October (experiment 1) and
November–December (experiment 2), 1998. The aim of the research was to
determine whether the level of substitution with the feeding of concentrates
to grazing dairy cows would be increased by thinner body condition (3.4
v. 5.2 units) and by larger body size (618
v. 486 kg) because both these factors would be expected
to increase the level of unsupplemented pasture intake. In both experiments,
there were 2 pasture allowances (targets of 25 and 50 kg DM/cow. day) and
2 weeks of supplement (0 and 5 kg DM/cow. day).
In experiment 1, pasture intake increased significantly
(P<0.05) with the increase in pasture allowance and
decreased with supplementation. Levels of substitution averaged 0.56 and 0.47
kg DM/kg DM when concentrates were fed to cows with low and high body
condition, respectively. However, variation in the data meant that body
condition did not have a significant (P>0.05)
influence on the positive relationship between substitution and unsupplemented
pasture intake. The only effects of body condition on animal production were
that the high body condition cows produced milk with a higher fat content, and
they lost more body condition, than the low body condition cows
(P<0.05). The increase in pasture allowance
significantly (P<0.05) increased milk production and
milk urea content, and decreased the loss in body condition. Feeding
concentrates significantly (P<0.05) increased milk
production and prevented any losses in body condition, but milk urea content
declined with supplementation.
In experiment 2, heavy cows ate more pasture than light cows
(P<0.05), and increasing the pasture allowance
increased pasture intake while providing cows with concentrates reduced
pasture intake (P<0.05). When substitution was
considered relative to unsupplemented pasture intake (kg DM/cow.day),
light cows exhibited significantly (P<0.05) more
substitution than heavy cows, but when pasture intake was expressed as a
percentage of liveweight, there were no significant (P>0.05) differences in
substitution between light and heavy cows at common intakes. Heavy cows
produced more (P<0.05) milk with a lower protein content than light cows.
Increasing the pasture allowance and supplementation with concentrates both
significantly (P<0.05) increased milk production and milk protein content,
while the higher pasture allowance reduced body condition loss and
supplementation increased (P<0.05) liveweight. Feed conversion efficiencies
were the same for light and heavy cows, at 1.68 kg FCM/kg DM of total
intake in both cases. The hypothesis that substitution would increase as
intake increased was supported by the results obtained for both body condition
and body size, since body condition affected neither intake nor substitution
while liveweight influenced both.
Occurrence and operation of the lutein epoxide cycle in Quercus species
Authors: García-Plazaola José I. , Hernández Antonio , Errasti Ekaitz , Becerril José M.
Published: September 2002

A new xanthophyll cycle involving de-epoxidation of lutein epoxide into lutein in the light and epoxidation back in the dark has been recently described in parasitic plants. In the present work, the presence of the non-ubiquitous lutein epoxide was detected in many different non-parasitic woody plant species. Phylogenetic constraints are critical for the presence of this xanthophyll, since the largest amounts are found within the Fagaceae family and mainly in the genus Quercus. Irrespective of their ecological characteristics, this xanthophyll was found in eight Quercus species. Under photoinhibitory conditions lutein epoxide decreased in parallel with violaxanthin, and a concomitant increase in lutein was observed, indicating operation of this cycle in the genus Quercus. However, recovery in darkness differed from that of the xanthophyll cycle. It is also shown that lutein epoxide content is higher in shade leaves, especially during summer. The operation of this cycle could also contribute to photoprotection mechanisms of evergreen Quercus species during winter.
Use of the green fluorescent protein to locate α-amylase gene expression in barley grains
Authors: Matthews Peter R. , Thornton Sarah , Gubler Frank , White Rosemary , Jacobsen John V.
Published: September 2002

A green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was cloned between the promoter and 3� regions from a barley high isoelectric point (pI) α-amylase gene, then inserted into barley. GFP fluorescence was used to locate and quantify expression of the transgene in barley grains following hydration. Light and confocal laser microscopy revealed fluorescence in the known regions of α-amylase synthesis in the scutellar epithelium, aleurone layer and embryonic axis. Fluorescence was quantified using a simple fluorescence assay, which showed induction of the transgene to mirror the induction of α-amylase in aleurone exposed to gibberellic acid. Expression from the transgene was also shown to be inhibited by abscisic acid, in the same way as expression of endogenous α-amylase genes. Overall, the transgenic grain revealed patterns of α-amylase expression before and after germination, and showed strong potential for further studies investigating both α-amylase production and transport of gibberellin in malting grain.
Larval Sphindidae (Coleoptera : Cucujoidea): phylogenetic implications and new descriptions
Authors: Chiao Erica , McHugh Joseph V.
Published: September 2002

A new phylogenetic hypothesis of Sphindidae (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) ispresented, based on a cladistic analysis of 15 larval morphology characters inaddition to 39 adult morphology characters modified from a previous study by McHugh (1993). Results from the combined cladistic analyses show larval characters supporting several previously established relationships and resolving the placement of Notosphindus McHugh & Wheeler. The sister-group relationship betweenCarinisphindus McHugh and SphindusMegerle in Dejean is not supported by the combined analyses. Larval charactersdid not show a disproportionately strong impact on the more basal nodes.Incongruence length difference analysis found an insignificant level ofdiscordance (P = 0.197) between the adult andlarval based data sets. Larval Notosphindus slateriMcHugh & Wheeler, Genisphindus minor McHugh andCarinisphindus purpuricephalus McHugh & Lewis aredescribed for the first time, representing the first larval descriptions forthese genera. A literature review of immature stages of sphindid beetles and ageneric level key to larvae of the family are provided.
Relationships of the genera of Australian Strongylurini (Coleoptera : Cerambycidae)
Authors: Calder Andrew A.
Published: September 2002

The composition of the cerambycine tribe Strongylurini is investigated.
Results from cladistic analyses indicate two clades that may together
constitute a single higher clade that represents the tribe Strongylurini
excluding Bebius Pascoe. The first clade comprises
Phantissus McKeown, Exaeretiformis
McKeown and Lygesis Pascoe and the other
Opsidota Pascoe, Strongylurus
Hope, Piesarthrius Hope and
Aprosictus Pascoe.
‘Piesarthrius’ gearyi
McKeown is clearly misplaced in Piesarthrius. The
endophalli of Piesarthrius marginellus Hope and
P. gearyi are illustrated for the first time and provide
some useful characters for assessing phylogenetic relationships.
The fossil record of Mesozoic and Tertiary Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera : Polyphaga)
Authors: Krell Frank-Thorsten
Published: September 2002

Lack of characters, similarity of stem species of adelphotaxa and the
necessity to know the extant world fauna of the studied group of fossils are
the main difficulties in palaeontology of beetles. The paucity of characters
of most of the fossils of supposed Scarabaeoidea prevents their inclusion in a
reliable phylogenetic analysis. Only rarely can an autapomorphy of
Scarabaeoidea be seen in a fossil classified as a member of this group.
Therefore, the classification of Mesozoic and Tertiary fossils is often
tentative. Based on a critical literature review of all recorded fossil
Scarabaeoidea from the Mesozoic and Tertiary, the minimum age for families
and/or subfamilies of this group is determined. An annotated catalogue of
named fossils and ichnofossils of Scarabaeoidea and of their lagerstÄtten
is given. 238 fossil species and subspecies of this group have been described,
of which 27 are doubtful, eight already identified as belonging to other taxa,
and two subspecies synonymised with extant taxa. 189 species and 12
ichnospecies probably or reliably belong to the Scarabaeoidea. Nomenclatural
acts: Hongscarabaeus, nom. nov. for
Proscarabaeus Hong, 1982 (nec Schrank, 1781);
Onthophagus urusheeri, nom. nov. for
Onthophagus urus Heer, 1847 (nec
Ménétries, 1832); Aphodius anteactus, nom.
nov. for Aphodius antiquus Heer, 1847 (nec Faldermann,
1835); Aphodius theobaldi, nom. nov. for
Aphodius incertus Théobald, 1937 (nec Ballion,
1878); Anomala palaeobrunnea, nom. nov. for
Anomala brunnea (Hong, 1985) (nec Klug, 1855);
Eophyllocerus scrobiculatus Haupt, 1950 is designated as
the type species of Eophyllocerus Haupt, 1950;
Cangabola Lengerken, 1955 is a junior synonym of
Coprinisphaera Sauer, 1955.
‘Mais en présence des Coléoptères, sauf très rares exeptions, tout spécialiste sérieux ne peut que se récuser’.
R. Jeannel (1942: 191) on fossil faunas.
Maamingidae, a new family of proctotrupoid wasp (Insecta : Hymenoptera) from New Zealand
Authors: Early J. W. , Masner L. , Naumann I. D. , Austin A. D.
Published: September 2002

The new family Maamingidae is proposed for Maaminga,
gen. nov., comprising two species, M. rangi, sp. nov.
and M. marrisi, sp. nov., from New Zealand. The delicate
and slender M. rangi, sp. nov. is common in forest,
particularly kauri forests of the northern part of the North Island. The more
robust and stocky M. marrisi, sp. nov., which is
polymorphic for wing size (brachyterous and fully winged), appears to be
associated with coastal scrub and forest, particularly on offshore islands,
but is also found in alpine snow tussock. Maamingidae is nominally placed
within the Proctotrupoidea, and is probably related to the Diapriidae and
Monomachidae. However, its relationships are unclear, at least in part due to
the lack of phylogenetic resolution among the proctotrupoid families and other
Proctotrupomorpha sensu Rasnitsyn. The relationships of
Maamingidae are briefly discussed in the light of current morphological and
molecular phylogenetic hypotheses.
Revision of the Australian Alysiini (Hymenoptera : Braconidae)
Authors: Wharton Robert A.
Published: September 2002

The Australian species of Alysiini are revised. Fourteen genera are treated,
with eight of these recorded from Australia for the first time. Two of the
genera, one from eastern Australia and one from New Guinea, are described as
new. Two new subgenera are described, Idiasta Foerster
(Apiasta, subgen. nov.) and Leptolarthra Fischer
(Cratocarpa, subgen. nov.). Forty-nine species are
described, 43 of them new: one in Aphaereta Foerster;
eight in Aspilota Foerster; six in
Cratospila Foerster; 13 in
Dinotrema Foerster; one in
Heleomyzophaga, gen. nov.; one in
Heratemis Walker; one in Hovhoa,
gen. nov.; four in Idiasta; three in
Leptolarthra; three in Orthostigma
Ratzeburg; one in Phaenocarpa Foerster; and one in
Tanycarpa Foerster. Keys are presented to all genera of
Alysiinae known from Australia as well as the Australian species of
Asobara, Aspilota,
Cratospila, Dinotrema and
Orthostigma. Additionally, the world genera are reviewed
and their relationships discussed to provide a context for an assessment of
the Australian fauna. The status of 80 available genus-group names is
discussed. The following nomenclatural changes are proposed:
Neorthostigma Belokobylskij and
Patriaspilota Fischer are treated as subgenera of
Orthostigma; Acrobela Foerster as a
synonym of Tanycarpa; Idiolexis
Foerster as a synonym of Phaenocarpa;
Eudinostigma Tobias as a synonym of
Dinotrema; and Leptotrema van
Achterberg as a subgenus of Dinotrema. The following new
combinations are in addition to those associated with the above nomenclatural
changes: Aspilota magnareata (Fischer);
Dinotrema hardyi (Fischer);
Dinotrema parvimaxillatum (Fischer);
Dinotrema rotatum (Fischer);
Dinotrema schoenmanni (Fischer);
Leptolarthra cubiceps (Bischoff); and
Orthostigma orthostigmoides (Fischer). Host records are
included for two of the newly described species.
Heleomyzophaga collessi, gen. nov. et sp. nov. was
reared from a heleomyzid fly and Dinotrema monstrosum,
sp. nov. was reared from a platypezid fly. A third species,
Idiasta minor, sp. nov., was collected from pitfall
traps baited with carrion.
Biogeography and classification of New Guinean Colymbetini (Coleoptera:Dytiscidae:Colymbetinae)
Authors: Balke Michael
Published: September 2002

The systematics of New Guinean Colymbetini is revised. All of the species aremontane and/or subalpine, and include:Carabdytes upin Balke, Hendrich & Wewalka, 1992;Rhantus suturalis (MacLeay, 1825)s.l.; R. papuanus Balfour-Browne,1939; and R. ekari Balke & Hendrich, 1992a. Thefollowing new species are described: R. anggi, sp. nov.;R. bacchusi, sp. nov.; R. dani,sp. nov.; R. kakapupu, sp. nov.;R. riedeli, sp. nov.; andR. supranubicus, sp. nov.Rhantus neoguinensis Guéorguiev & Rocchi,1993 is a junior subjective synonym of R. suturalis s.l.All New Guinean Rhantus Dejean, 1833 belong to themonophyletic R. suturalis-group. Within that group,Rhantus simulans Régimbart, 1908 (southwestAustralia),R. dani, R. suturalis,R. ekari and R. kakapupu form amonophyletic subgroup; the latter two are sister-species. TheR. suturalis-group is suggested to be of Holarcticorigin. Possible scenarios that may explain the biogeographical history ofthis tribe in the Indo-Australian region are discussed. No evidence was foundfor monophyly of New Guinean Rhantus. Thebiogeographical history of Carabdytes upin remainsenigmatic. New Guinean Rhantus inhabit swamps atlakeshores, ponds and ditches, while C. upin Balkeet al., 1992 is a rheobiont. A checklist of worldspecies of the R. suturalis-group is provided.
Australian cuttlefishes (Cephalopoda : Sepiidae): the 'doratosepion' species complex
Authors: Reid A. L.
Published: September 2002

Three cuttlefish belonging to the
‘doratosepion’ species complex
(Sepia braggi Verco, 1907,
S. cottoni Adam, 1979 and
S. vercoi Adam, 1979) were recognised in the most recent
review of the Australian Sepiidae (Lu 1998). Five additional species are
recorded here for the Australian fauna, S. bidhaia, sp.
nov., S. koilados, sp. nov. and
S. tanybracheia, sp. nov., together with two species
previously known only from cuttlebones (and, therefore, of uncertain status),
S. limata (Iredale, 1926a) and
S. rhoda (Iredale, 1954).
Sepia braggi and S. vercoi are
also redescribed. A key to these eight species, and a table of diagnostic
characters for all ‘doratosepion’ species are provided.
Phytoplankton blooms and production sources on the south-east Australian continental shelf
Authors: Bax Nicholas J. , Burford Michele , Clementson Lesley , Davenport Stevie
Published: September 2002

During a large-scale ecosystem study on the south-east Australian shelf in
spring 1994, we opportunistically sampled a widespread phytoplankton bloom.
Thalassiosira partheneia, a small centric diatom, was
the primary species in the bloom, indicating that we had sampled the early
stage of a typical short-lived spring bloom for the area. Pigment analysis
indicated four distinct communities that were coincident with the regional
oceanography. The bloom was strongest over the northern shelf where the East
Australian Current overlaid uplifted nutrient-rich slope water, but absent at
inner stations on the wide southern shelf, where slope water did not reach.
The bloom was patchy over the southern outer shelf where slope water was
present to the surface and local conditions were influenced by topography.
Pigment and stable isotope data indicated that primary production in this area
was almost entirely oceanic. A slight trend for seaward enrichment of sediment
δ13C is best explained by limited macroalgal
growth in shallow waters. There was little fresh organic matter in the
sediment even for stations under the bloom, suggesting that the bloom did not
reach the seabed directly. The lack of specific zooplankton grazing pigments
suggests that zooplankton grazing was minimal.
Reducing the mortality of discarded undersize sand whiting Sillago ciliata in an estuarine seine fishery
Authors: Kennelly Steven J. , Gray Charles A.
Published: September 2002

A field experiment was done to determine the
effects of mesh size in the bunt and codend of an estuarine beach-seine net on
the meshing (gilling) and discarding of undersize sand whiting
Sillago ciliata (Sillaginidae). Four mesh sizes were
examined: 45 mm, 50 mm, 57 mm and 64 mm, in an alternate-haul experiment in
the Clarence River, New South Wales, Australia. A laboratory experiment was
also done to determine the mortality of sand whiting after becoming meshed in
seine nets. The currently allowed mesh size (50 mm) catches a large proportion
of undersize sand whiting that become meshed in the netting and are
subsequently discarded. The laboratory experiment showed that ~40% of
these fish may die within a few weeks whereas no unmeshed fish die. In
contrast, the 57 mm mesh size meshed few undersize sand whiting yet retained
almost the same number of legal-sized fish as the 50 mm mesh. Hence, the
maximum mesh size allowed in the bunts of nets used in this fishery should be
raised to 57 mm to allow the escape of large numbers of undersize sand whiting
that are currently being caught, meshed and discarded in a condition that
leads to significant mortality.
Predictions in catchment hydrology: an Australian perspective
Authors: Croke B. F. W. , Jakeman A. J.
Published: September 2002

Throughout Australia, there are strong regional differences in hydrological
response to landscape and climate; however, in general terms, in Australian
catchments the flows are typically peakier, base flows are of lower
proportion, runoff coefficients are smaller, and dry periods are longer and
more variable, than in European and North American catchments. In this
context, this paper assesses the model types available to improve
understanding and prediction of catchment flows and transport. Included in
this is the concept of information and its influence on appropriate model
complexity, as well as a characterization of the principal factors inhibiting
model performance. The ability to predict the effects on flows and water
quality of anything but major changes in climate and land use is limited.
Improvement of understanding and prediction relies on the following: more
rigorous testing of models to assess their ability to separate climate and
land use effects on hydrological response; the use and improved interpretation
of spatial data; more and better monitoring of hydrological response at a
range of scales; complementary use of conceptual and distributed models; and
integration of modelling with other information such as that from geochemical
studies including tracer analysis.
Impacts of acid leachate on water quality and fisheries resources of a coastal creek in northern Australia
Authors: Russell D. J. , Helmke S. A.
Published: September 2002

Reclamation of ~700 ha of mostly tidal wetlands in north Queensland in the
early 1970s disturbed potential acid sulfate soils resulting in acid leaching
into coastal waterways. The wetlands had been isolated from tidal inundation
through the construction of a levee with tidal gates on the major creeks. Acid
leachate caused the pH values in impounded, freshwater reaches of Firewood
Creek to drop to <4 for much of the year and increased total dissolved
aluminium and iron concentrations. Flood rains caused large volumes of acid
water from the creek to discharge into its tidal reaches, resulting in
environmental problems including episodic fish kills. Factors contributing to
the fish mortalities included a temporary reduction of pH, elevated iron and
aluminium concentrations and occasional low dissolved-oxygen concentrations.
Fish kills were observed on three occasions in three years but did not occur
every time acid water was discharged. Fish species diversity in the tidal
reaches also declined during the wet season and this correlated with high
concentrations of dissolved aluminium. Although episodic flood events resulted
in the acidification of the tidal reaches of Firewood Creek, no major
deleterious effects on the main estuary were found. Rehabilitation options for
this site include restoration of full or partial tidal flooding.
Modelling the effect of spatial variation in postlarval supply and habitat structure on recruitment of Caribbean spiny lobster
Authors: Butler IV Mark J. , Dolan Thomas , Herrnkind William , Hunt John
Published: September 2002

Many field studies have shown that recruitment of the Caribbean spiny lobster,
Panulirus argus, is sensitive to variation in both
postlarval supply and local nursery-habitat structure. We used a spatially
explicit individual-based model, to investigate the effects of (i)
spatio-temporal variation in postlarval supply and (ii) changes in the spatial
structure of the nursery habitat on lobster recruitment to the Florida Keys,
Florida (USA). By simulating eight different regional scenarios describing
postlarval supply, we investigated whether differences in the spatio-temporal
delivery of postlarvae to the Florida Keys alters recruitment of subadult
lobsters. Our results indicate that random geographical variation in
postlarval supply yields the highest predicted recruitment, whereas
persistently patchy settlement yields the lowest. Field observations of
postlarval supply suggest that the random model is the most realistic. In
separate simulations, we determined the sensitivity of the model to changes in
the geographic arrangement of nursery habitat and the spatial resolution of
habitat structure. The most spatially explicit depictions of habitat structure
yielded small, but marginally significant differences in lobster recruitment
as compared with more generalized spatial scenarios. These differences may
well be magnified when more detailed depictions of postlarval settlement are
implemented in the model.
Comparative population demography of elasmobranchs using life history tables, Leslie matrices and stage-based matrix models
Authors: Mollet H. F. , Cailliet G. M.
Published: September 2002

Results of demographic analyses of four species of elasmobranchs were compared
by use of life-history tables, Leslie matrices, and several stage-based matrix
models. Dasyatis violacea, with few age classes, was
used to demonstrate the basics of Leslie-matrix and stage-based matrix model
calculations. The demography for Carcharias taurus, with
a 2-year reproductive cycle, produced higher potential population growth using
actual fertility rather than effective annual fertility. The demography for
Alopias pelagicus, with continuous reproduction,
produced higher potential population growth for a birth-flow than a
birth-pulse population. The Carcharodon carcharias
example demonstrated only a small difference in potential population growth
between step-like and logistic fertility functions. Stage-based models with
fixed stage duration produced potential population growths identical to those
obtained from a life-history table or Leslie matrix, but the net reproductive
rates and generation times differed. Stage-based models with few stages had
different dynamics with shorter recovery to the stable age distribution; they
underestimated the elasticity of juvenile survival and overestimated the
elasticity of adult survival, suggesting that interpretation should be
cautious. Elasticity analyses were used to estimate the number of juvenile age
classes that could be fished and have the same effect on potential population
growth as fishing all the adult age classes.
Use of ichthyoplankton ecology to evaluate ecosystem changes: a case study in a large, semi-enclosed Australian bay
Authors: Neira Francisco J. , Sporcic Miriana I.
Published: September 2002

Intensive night sampling was conducted fortnightly in 1995/96 to
investigate the ichthyoplankton assemblage of Port Phillip Bay. Results are
compared with those from a similar survey in 1983/84, and are used to
ascertain whether major changes have occurred in the composition and abundance
of fish eggs and larvae, and whether these are related to ecosystem changes in
the bay between 1969 and 1995. The 17 157 larvae caught during this study
belonged to 60 taxa from 32 teleost fish families, with Gobiidae
(54.2%), Engraulidae (16.7%), Clinidae (10.0%) and
Odacidae (5.9%) dominating the catches. Larval concentrations peaked
only in summer, in contrast to summer and winter in 1983/84. Larvae from
13 families recorded in 1995/96 did not occur in 1983/84, including
Gobiesocidae (9 spp.) and Odacidae (3 spp.). Larvae absent in 1995/96 but
present in 1983/84 included Acanthopegasus lancifer
(Pegasidae) and taxa from another seven families.
Neoodax balteatus larvae ranked fourth in 1995/96
but were absent in 1983/84, while
Engraulis australis eggs and
Gymnapistes marmoratuslarvae were comparatively fewer in
1995/96. We suggest that some of the main differences between the two
surveys may be attributable to major ecosystem changes in the bay,
particularly the introduction and establishment of exotic marine species.
Effect of macroalgal reduction on coral-reef fish in the Watamu Marine National Park, Kenya
Authors: McClanahan Tim R. , Uku Jacqueline N. , Machano Haji
Published: September 2002

The paper extends by five months the record of effects of reduction of
leathery-macrophyte abundance in plots in a coral reef outcrop in the Watamu
National Park, a site that had eliminated fishing for >20 years. After one
year, leathery macrophytes had not recovered, but articulated green calcareous
algae (Halimeda) had, and replaced leathery macrophytes
as the dominant cover on the experimental plots. Of the 56 fish species
studied, 20 were influenced by the algal reduction. There were increased
numbers of individuals and species of herbivorous surgeonfish (4 species) and
parrotfish (5 species), and increased population densities of
invertebrate-eating fishes including angelfish (2 species), butterflyfish,
emperors and snappers (not identified to species), wrasses (2 species), and a
triggerfish. Negative effects were restricted to three damselfishes and one
wrasse. Parrotfish, snappers and the total fish abundance showed a significant
increase in size and biomass in the algal reduction plots over the year. No
differences were found for macrophyte-feeding parrotfish
(Calotomus carolinus). Increased herbivory was the
likely cause of the slowness of the recovery of leathery macrophytes and the
switch in dominance towards Halimeda.
Japonolycodes, a new genus for Davidijordania abei Matsubara, 1936 (Pisces : Zoarcidae)
Authors: Shinohara G. , Sakurai H. , Machida Y.
Published: September 2002

Character states of the holotype and additional specimens of
Davidijordania abei Matsubara, 1936 were examined.
External and internal characters suggested that D. abei
differs at the subfamilial level from other species currently placed
inDavidijordania. Although the suborbital bone
configuration indicates a close relationship to the subfamily Lycodinae,
D. abei cannot be included in any lycodine genus, owing
to its unique combination of the following characters: interorbital pore
present, suborbital bones 7 with 6 pores, gill opening extending below ventral
end of pectoral-fin base, pelvic-fin rays present, vomerine and palatine teeth
present, pseudobranch filaments 0–3, submental crests present,
palatopterygoid series well developed, ceratohyal–epihyal articulation
smooth, parasphenoid wing well developed, scapular strut absent and vertebrae
23–25 + 79–82 = 102–107. The new genus
Japonolycodesis therefore proposed for the species.
Differences in vertical distribution and movement of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus orientalis) among areas: the East China Sea, the Sea of Japan and the western North Pacific
Authors: Kitagawa Takashi , Nakata Hideaki , Kimura Shingo , Sugimoto Takashige , Yamada Harumi
Published: September 2002

Immature Pacific bluefin tuna,
Thunnus thynnus orientalis, marked with archival tags,
were released off Tsushima Island in the East China Sea. Timed data on
swimming depth, ambient temperature and peritoneal-cavity temperature were
recorded every 128 s to evaluate seasonal and spatial changes and the effects
of ambient temperature on vertical distribution. The tuna swam within the
surface mixed layer in the East China Sea during both night and day in winter,
whereas they spent most of their time at the surface in summer when a
thermocline developed. Bluefin tuna migrating into the Sea of Japan and the
western North Pacific usually stayed at the surface and did not show large
vertical migrations. This was presumably because the vertical distribution of
their prey in these regions is markedly different from that in the East China
Sea. This suggests that seasonal and spatial differences in the vertical
distribution of water temperature and prey determine the pattern of vertical
distribution and movements of bluefin tuna.
Radiometric age validation of the yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus) from southeastern Alaska
Authors: Andrews Allen H. , Cailliet Gregor M. , Coale Kenneth H. , Munk Kristen M. , Mahoney Melissa M. , O'Connell Victoria M.
Published: September 2002

The yelloweye rockfish (Sebastes ruberrimus), a dominant
component of an important deep-water rockfish fishery of the Gulf of Alaska,
is thought to be long-lived with an estimated longevity exceeding 100 years.
For the purpose of monitoring stocks, age is routinely estimated by counting
growth zones in otolith cross-sections using the break-and-burn technique;
however, such age estimates for this species have remained unvalidated. To
evaluate these age data, age estimations from the break-and-burn technique
were corroborated by comparing results from transverse sectioning of otoliths.
The agreement between the techniques was excellent and each technique had a
very low coefficient of variation (3.6% and 4.5%). Radiometric
age validation of these estimates was performed on the otolith core material
(first three years of growth) of pooled age groups having an average estimated
age of 27.4–101.4 years. Agreement was variable and somewhat subjective,
but radiometric data support ages estimated from otolith growth zone counts.
The strongest support for age that exceeds 100 years comes from the
observation that as age derived from growth zones approached and exceeded 100
years, the sample ratios measured
(210Pb:226Ra) approached
equilibrium. The radiometric results of our study validate the estimates
derived from growth zones and the age estimating procedures, which confirms
that the longevity of yelloweye rockfish exceeds 100 years.
Importance of prey density in relation to the movement patterns of juvenile blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) within a coastal nursery area
Authors: Heupel M. R. , Hueter R. E.
Published: September 2002

Previous research suggests that nursery areas provide an abundant food source
as well as protection from predation for young sharks, and that these benefits
are the reasons they use these areas. This study examined the abundance of
prey species within a known nursery area, Terra Ceia Bay, Florida, and
compared those data with the amount of time blacktip sharks spent within
various geographic zones within the nursery. The most abundant prey species
within the study site were pinfish, Lagodon rhomboides,
pigfish, Orthopristis chrysoptera, spotfin mojarra,
Eucinostomus argenteus, and silver perch,
Bairdiella chrysoura. Prey species were found to be most
abundant in the mid to southern portion of the nursery area, whereas sharks
spent the majority of their time within the northern portion of the study
site. There was no correlation between the amount of time sharks (as a whole
and by individual) spent within a geographic zone and the abundance of prey
species within that area. These results suggest that prey abundance is not the
main factor directing the movement patterns and habitat choice of juvenile
Carcharhinus limbatus within Terra Ceia Bay. Predator
avoidance may be more important in the use of the nursery grounds by these
young animals than prey abundance.
Long-term trends in yield and catch rates of the coral reef fishery at Apo Island, central Philippines
Authors: Maypa A. P. , Russ G. R. , Alcala A. C. , Calumpong H. P.
Published: September 2002

Fish yields and catch rates recorded in the 1980s were compared with daily
roving creel surveys carried out in 1997/98, 2000 and 2001 at Apo Island.
Total annual fish yields were measured six times over the period
1980–2001. Total fish yield was 19–25 t
km–2 year–1, with reef
and reef-associated fish accounting for 15–20 t
km–2 year–1, for five
measurements. A sixth measurement, made in 1986, estimated 36.7 t
km–2 year–1. Annual
yield remained stable over the study period. Carangidae and Acanthuridae
accounted for 26–47% and 16–27% of the catch,
respectively. Non-reef catches declined over time, from 6.21 t
year–1 in 1980/81 to 1–2 t
year–1 in 2000 and 2001. Estimates of annual hook
and line catch per unit effort (CPUE) increased from 0.13–0.17 kg
man–1 h–1 in
1980/81, to 1–2 kg man–1
h–1 in 1997–2001. For target families, hook
and line CPUE was consistently higher in 1997–2001 than in
1980–86. However, hook and line CPUE for Carangidae and Acanthuridae
declined significantly between 1997 and 2001. Possible reasons for the
long-term patterns of fish yields and catch rates are discussed. Differences
in methods used in estimates, and changes in gears and fishing effort over the
years, make comparisons difficult.
Long-term movement patterns of five temperate-reef fishes (Pisces : Sparidae): implications for marine reserves
Authors: Griffiths M. H. , Wilke C. G.
Published: September 2002

Movements of five warm-temperate, sparid reef fishes were studied on South
Africa’s Agulhas Bank by mark–recapture. A small proportion
(7.4%) of recaptured Petrus rupestris had moved
distances of 200–1000 km towards adult aggregations along the east
coast. Movement patterns of non-migratory P. rupestris
and the other four species were, in spite of scale differences, remarkably
similar: most individuals (57–93%) did not move, with the
remainder demonstrating displacements that were tiny when compared with
distributional ranges. With the exception of
Argyrozona argyrozona, which moved offshore with growth,
movement was not related to fish size, sexual maturity or time at liberty.
Travel range lengths (TRLs) – the radius containing 95% of
displacements – were 21 km for Chemerius nufar, 13
km for Chrysoblephus laticeps, 7 km for
Chrysoblephus gibbiceps, 14 km for non-migratory
P. rupestris, and 15 km for inshore/juvenile and 49
km for offshore/adult A. argyrozona. A minimum
reserve length of 45 km is estimated (based on the TRLs) for South
Africa’s inshore warm-temperate reef ecosystem. Of the eight no-take
reserves protecting this habitat, one is 64 km and the rest are between 3.5
and 25 km. There are no marine reserves protecting adult
A. argyrozona and
P. rupestris because these are largely found offshore of
present reserve boundaries.
Large-scale and long-term, spatial and temporal patterns in demography and landings of the American lobster, Homarus americanus, in Maine
Authors: Steneck Robert S. , Wilson Carl J.
Published: September 2002

The American lobster, Homarus americanus, is abundant
(>1/m2) in spatially complex coastal habitats of
the Gulf of Maine. Quadrat surveys (stratified by exposure, depth, and
substrate) conducted at fixed locations since 1989 revealed consistently
higher lobster population densities west and south of Penobscot Bay in central
Maine. High-resolution surveys in 1999 at 70 closely spaced dive sites
revealed distinct settlement hot spots and cold spots, stable over several
years at least. Densest settlement occurred along a 100-km outer coastal
region westward from the mouth of Penobscot Bay. A settlement cold spot about
60-km in diameter was evident in the north-east corner of Penobscot Bay.
Abundance of older, adolescent-phase, lobsters (40–90 mm carapace
length, CL) corresponded with patterns of settlement. Catch rates per trap
haul of prerecruits (< 83 mm CL) and catch rates per area for lobsters
fully recruited to the fishery (83 mm CL) correspond with local lobster
densities. Until recently, populations increased in three of four regions over
the past decade, most strongly in north-eastern Maine. Landings per length of
coastline corresponded to spatial and temporal patterns of abundance.
Consistent spatial and temporal patterns suggest that population densities can
be reliably determined from calibrated fisherydependent data.
Variability in recruitment of multiple life stages of the Caribbean spiny lobster, Panulirus argus, in the Gulf of Batabanó, Cuba
Authors: Cruz Raúl , Díaz Eugenio , Báez Marysabel , Adriano Roberto
Published: September 2002

Caribbean lobsters Panulirus argus support a large
commercial fishery that is one of the most important at world level. The
biggest theoretical and practical problem for management of the fishery is the
great variation and uncertainty in recruitment. We synthesize the results of
10 years’ study of the abundance variability of the complex life-cycle
stages of spiny lobsters in the Gulf of Batabanó. A total of 38 109
pueruli and postpueruli (1988–1996) were caught with artificial seaweed
collectors, 21 047 juveniles (1982–1994) in concrete-block shelters, and
69 979 adults (1985–1990) in Cuban pesqueros (artificial shelters).
Field studies have increased our understanding of pelagic puerulus and
immature benthic-phase development and behaviour, and the recruitment
variability strategies. The analysis of relative abundance in the earliest
stages allows us to define the recruitment patterns and tendencies, to predict
recruitment, and to establish their relationship with adults and the fishery.
Recruitment overfishing, hurricane phenomenon, and other environmental events
may be responsible for the recruitment decline since 1988. This research will
provide more data to assist in improving the management of this valuable
resource.
Fecundity dynamics of female spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) in a south Florida fishery and Dry Tortugas National Park lobster sanctuary
Authors: Bertelsen Rodney D. , Matthews Thomas R.
Published: September 2002

Using diver surveys, we compared the size structure, fecundity, and
reproductive season of spiny lobsters (Panulirus argus)
in the Dry Tortugas National Park lobster sanctuary with those of spiny
lobsters in the south Florida fishery. The number of lobsters of both sexes
larger than the legal size limit declined sharply in the fishery but not in
the sanctuary. Clutch sizes were larger in the Dry Tortugas sanctuary,
averaging 0.8 million, than in the fishery, averaging 0.3 million. The
reproductive season was shorter and more intense in the sanctuary than in the
fishery. In addition, lobsters in the sanctuary begin producing eggs at a
larger size and produce more eggs per gram of body mass than lobsters in the
fishery. Peak egg production occurs earlier in larger lobsters than in small
ones. Establishing a fundamental reason for the differences between lobster
reproduction in the sanctuary and that in the fishery is not possible until
the chronological age of lobsters can be determined, but one hypothesis
consistent with these differences is that, if lobsters reproduce at a certain
chronological age, then sublethal fishery practices may account for slower
growth for some lobsters resulting in some smaller but older reproductively
active lobsters.
Composition of eggs in relation to embryonic development and female size in giant crabs [Pseudocarcinus gigas (Lamarck)]
Authors: Gardner Caleb
Published: September 2002

The size and composition of eggs from 22 giant crabs
(Pseudocarcinus gigas) were monitored over 165 days to
determine trends through embryogenesis. Egg composition was most stable during
the early stages of embryogenesis so additional sampling
(n=143) was conducted during this period to
assess the effect of female size, sampling location (east and west
Tasmania)and successive broods between moults, on egg composition. During
embryogenesis, eggs increased in diameter and moisture content while organic
dry mass declined. Total carotenoid and lipid content per egg did not change
significantly, whereas protein declined (as ash-free dry mass per egg). This
indicates that protein was used preferentially to lipid, which may be an
adaptation to the deeper water habitat of P. gigas.
Females with heavy and intermediate carapace wear were considered more likely
to have produced previous clutches and they produced eggs with significantly
less carotenoid. The eggs of larger females contained significantly more
water, less protein and less carotenoid, whereas there was no effect on total
lipid (P<0. 05). Although the effects of female size
on egg composition were significant, the magnitude of the effect was small
(highest for carotenoid,
r2=0. 17). Consequently, it
is unlikely that larval viability is affected, or that larger females
contribute more to recruitment than predicted by fecundity.
Modelling natural and enhanced trace metal concentrations in sediments of Cleveland Bay, Australia
Authors: Doherty G. B. , Coomans D. , Brunskill G. J.
Published: September 2002

The major element and trace metal analytical
results of a strong acid digestion have been used to model natural and
enhanced trace metal concentrations in surface sediment samples from Cleveland
Bay. The natural ranges in concentration of cadmium, cobalt, copper, nickel,
lead and zinc in sediments have been modelled by multiple linear regression
using major elements as independent variables. Sites that exceed the upper
95% prediction interval of the regression model of the natural range in
concentration are classified as enhanced. Enhancement of sites by metals
derived from anthropogenic sources is characterized by enhancement of cadmium,
copper, lead or zinc, and can be identified by Principle Components Analysis.
Sites that contain metals derived from anthropogenic sources occur within the
intertidal and near-shore sediments of western Cleveland Bay. No evidence of
trace metals derived from anthropogenic sources was found within the sediments
of the central bay.
Improving the catch efficiency of the West Coast rock lobster, Jasus lalandii
Authors: Loewenthal D. , Mayfield S. , Branch G. M.
Published: September 2002

The South African commercial rock-lobster industry employs an average soak
time of 22 h for traps. Experiments were undertaken to test
(1) the rate of bait loss with soak time and the effect
that protection of the bait has on bait loss, (2) the
relationship between catch rate (numbers per trap) and soak time for traps
with either protected or unprotected bait, and (3) the
effect of two bait types (whole maasbanker and hake heads) on the catch of
rock lobsters. There were substantial losses of unprotected bait within 6 h;
substantially less weight loss was observed from protected bait even after a
48-h soak time. The numbers of rock lobsters caught in traps with unprotected
bait were low relative to the capture rate with protected bait. The highest
capture rate occurred after 6 h for unprotected bait and 6–12 h for
protected bait. There was no significant effect of bait type (maasbanker
v. hake heads) on the number or size of rock lobsters.
To optimize catch efficiency, the commercial industry should use protected
bait and soak times as short as 6–12 h.
Flow-related disturbance in streams: an experimental test of the role of rock movement in reducing macroinvertebrate population densities
Authors: Bond Nick R. , Downes Barbara J.
Published: September 2002

Densities of hydropsychids (Trichoptera) on
different-sized stones were compared before and after a winter flood, and the
effects of rock movement (a likely form of disturbance during floods) on these
organisms were tested. Before the flood, the density of hydropsychids was an
order of magnitude higher on large than on small stones; after the flood,
densities on larger stones had fallen to levels similar to those on small
stones. In a four-week colonization experiment over the period during which
the flood occurred, densities of hydropsychids were compared on bricks of two
sizes, which were either fixed to the bed of the stream so that they could not
move, or unfixed and able to move with changes in flow. Disturbance rates
generally differed between small and large unfixed bricks, but all unfixed
bricks moved during a large flood, regardless of size. The densities of
hydropsychids on fixed and unfixed bricks were similar, and they reflected
densities on natural stones after the flood, suggesting that even substrata
that do not move during floods may fail to provide a refuge from the effects
of high flows.