bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beetles feeding on bugs (Coleoptera, Hemiptera): repeated shifts from mycophagous ancestors
Authors: Leschen Richard A. B.
Published: September 2002

A review of the literature shows that predation on Hemiptera (mainly
Sternorrhyncha) by Coleoptera is widespread in the order, but little
understood, even from a biocontrol perspective. Phylogenetic information
indicates that feeding on hemipterans evolved predominantly in lineages
containing fungus feeders (Derodontidae, Silvanidae, Laemophloeidae,
Nitidulidae, Endomychidae, Anthribidae) and whose ancestors were fungus
feeders (Coccinellidae) or were sap feeders (cetoniine Scarabaeidae). Other
predators on Hemiptera whose ancestry could not be determined unequivocally
(predatory/phytophagy or phytophagy/mycophagy) are included in
families that contain a large number of species that are mycophagous
(Trogossitidae, Mycetophagidae, and Salpingidae). Because changes in diet to
feeding on hemipterans have repeatedly occurred in mycophagous taxa, and this
shift is not present in other largely predatory groups of beetles, it is
presumed that certain preconditions, which have promoted this specialised
behaviour, only exist in these lineages. Ancestral associations with sooty
moulds that grow on honeydew may have mediated shifts from mycophagy to
predation, rather than having ancestors that were predatory and attracted to a
novel prey type. Natural history data show that species that prey on Hemiptera
also feed on honeydew and sooty moulds and a model is presented for the host
shift from mycophagy to feeding on Hemiptera. An annotated list of Hemiptera
prey for beetles (exclusive of Coccinellidae) includes records for species in
the families Adelgidae, Aleyrodidae, Aphididae, Coccidae, Diaspididae,
Kermesidae, Kerriidae, Margarodidae, Membracidae, Phoenicococcidae, and
Pseudococcidae.
On the Darwinulidae (Crustacea : Ostracoda) from Oceania
Authors: Martens Koen , Rossetti Giampaolo
Published: September 2002

This paper reviews the darwinulid ostracods from Australia and Oceanian
islands. Eleven species in three genera have thus far been found in Australia,
only the genera Microdarwinula and
Alicenula are absent.
Vestalenula matildae, sp. nov. is here described from
Western Australia. Some taxonomic notes on other species, as well as a
preliminary discussion on the distribution of the group on this continent, are
also offered.
A revision of the Australian Trichobranchidae (Polychaeta)
Authors: Hutchings Pat , Peart Rachael
Published: September 2002

The family Trichobranchidae is represented inAustralian waters by ten species(Artacamella dibranchiata Knox & Cameron, 1971,A. torulosa, sp. nov.,A. tribranchiata, sp. nov.,Terebellides kowinka, sp. nov.,T. mundora, sp. nov., T. narribri,sp. nov., T. woolawa, sp.nov.,Octobranchus myunus, sp.nov.,Trichobranchus bunnabus, sp. nov.andT. gorreekis, sp. nov.) in four genera, of which ninespecies are new. Previously the ‘cosmopolitan species’Terebellides stroemii Sars, 1835 had been widelyreported from Australia; examination of material from near the type locality,Norway, revealed that the Australian material differed and represented fournew species. Terebellides stroemii does not occur inAustralian waters. Terebellides stroemii is redescribed. Additional charactersare described for the genus which may also facilitate the separation of thesespecies. A key to the genera and species present in Australia is given, aswell as tables summarising the characters of all described species in thesegenera.
A review of Australian Neoseiulus Hughes and Typhlodromips de Leon (Acari : Phytoseiidae : Amblyseiinae)
Authors: Beard Jennifer J. , Beard Jennifer J.
Published: September 2002

The Australian Neoseiulus Hughes and
Typhlodromips de Leon (Acari: Phytoseiidae:
Amblyseiinae) are revised and diagnosed, and three new related genera,
Knopkirie, gen. nov., Olpiseius,
gen. nov. and Pholaseius, gen. nov. are proposed and
diagnosed. In Australia,Neoseiulus contains at least 44
species, 18 of which are newly described here, in six species-groups: the
barkeri-group, womersleyi-group,
cucumeris-group, cangaro-group,
paloratus-group, and the
paspalivorus-group. Typhlodromips
contains six species, two previously described and four new species.
Knopkirie contains four species, three of which are
newly described here, in two species-groups:
thepetri-group and the
banksiae-group. Olpiseius contains
three species, one of which is newly described, all placed in the
noncollyerae-group, and Pholaseius
is monotypic, with one newly described species. Diagnoses and keys are
provided for all Australian species in each of the above genera, as are keys
to the amblyseiine genera currently recognised in Australia.
Seabed habitat on the south-eastern Australian continental shelf: context, vulnerability and monitoring
Authors: Bax Nicholas J. , Williams Alan
Published: September 2002

A hierarchical approach to mapping seabed habitat is presented. A provincial
scale survey that included hydrography and geology provided the context for
interpreting habitat use and vulnerability. A megascale map, developed in
cooperation with local fishers, identified major seabed features (kilometres
to 10s of kilometres). Vulnerability of a feature was defined as its
resistance to physical modification and its resilience, or capacity to
recover, on removal of the modifier. Vulnerability was assessed from
geological, biological and oceanological properties. Inner-shelf sandstone and
limestone reefs that were exposed and weathered during the last ice age, and
shelf-break bryozoan patch reefs, appear to be the most vulnerable of the
hard-grounds to physical disturbance. In contrast, larger, high-relief,
outer-shelf fossiliferous limestone reefs appear relatively invulnerable to
physical disturbance from fishing. Megascale features were the focus of
detailed physical and biological sampling at the mesoscale level (10 m to km),
the level of resolution necessary for establishing baseline conditions and
monitoring change. The hierarchical approach used here to map seabed habitat
amalgamates scientific and fishers’ information. Approached in this way,
habitat mapping has the potential to build a common framework of knowledge on
which effective spatial management can be based.
A baited underwater video system for the determination of relative density of carnivorous reef fish
Authors: Willis Trevor J. , Babcock Russell C.
Published: September 2002

Estimates of the relative density of fishes
form the basis of many marine ecological studies as well as the assessment of
effects of fishing or pollution. Plasticity in the behavioural response of
large reef fishes to SCUBA divers means that commonly used underwater visual
census (UVC) techniques do not always provide reliable estimates of relative
density. The paper describes the system configuration, deployment methods,
testing and use of a remotely deployed baited underwater video (BUV) system
for the survey of carnivorous reef fishes (snapper,
Pagrus auratus and blue
cod,Parapercis colias) in marine reserves of northern
New Zealand. Concurrent UVC and BUV surveys inside and outside a marine
reserve showed that, whereas UVC detected few snapper in either area
(resulting in little confidence in statistically significant results), BUV
demonstrated significant differences in relative density. Conversely, blue cod
were found to occur at significantly higher densities within the reserve by
UVC, but not by BUV. The provision of accurate estimates of fish size (<20
mm error) from video footage also illustrated differences in size structure
between protected and fished populations. The data suggest that a combination
of survey techniques is likely to be necessary where multispecies assemblages
are being assessed.
Role of residual biofilm in the recolonization of rocky intermittent streams by benthic algae
Authors: Robson Belinda J.
Published: September 2002

Human use of stream flow for water supply may increase the duration and/or
frequency of dry periods in intermittent streams, but there is little
information on the effect of this change on in-stream flora or fauna. To
predict the effects of dry periods on stream biota, it is necessary to
understand the relative roles of various sources of recolonization. A
transplant experiment was used to test the hypothesis that the dry residual
algal biofilm on stones in intermittent streams is an important source of
algal growth when the streams are re-wetted. Two sites were chosen, one on
each of two intermittent streams in south-eastern Australia. Rocks at the
sites differed in the amount of naturally occurring residual biofilm on them.
Forty rocks were transplanted between the sites and counts of algal densities
were made from samples taken one and five weeks after flow recommenced. At one
of the sites, where the biofilm was dominated by Cyanobacteria, dry residual
biofilm strongly influenced the developing algal community at both one and
five weeks after flow recommenced. At the other site the influence of dry
biofilm was limited after five weeks, implying that other sources of algal
recolonization were influential there.
Age, growth and mortality of redfish Centroberyx affinis
Authors: Morison A. K. , Rowling K. R.
Published: September 2002

Age and growth of 5678 redfish, collected during 1991–98 from
Australia’s South East Fishery, were estimated from thin sections of
otoliths. A maximum age of 44 years was recorded for a 30 cm (fork length)
female, but 80%of females in the commercial catch were <10 years,
and 80%of males were <13 years. The largest was a 34 cm female
estimated to be 36 years old. Repeated age estimates of a subsample revealed
an average error of 3.79%. There was significant variation in the mean
length-at-age among years, and there were significant effects for
age*year, age*sex, age*region, region*year, and
sex*region*year interactions. Assessments of the fishery have assumed
a single stock, because tagging results from the 1980s indicate movement of
redfish along the coast. This study found consistent differences in sex ratio
and growth rate between regions, which indicate some structuring within the
population. However, the differences in growth rates are not consistent among
years and could not be explained by differences in depths fished, suggesting a
more dynamic situation than spatially segregated stocks. Estimates of natural
mortality ranged from 0.07 to 0.11 year–1 and
differed between regions.
Delineating fish-habitat associations for spatially based management: an example from the south-eastern Australian continental shelf
Authors: Williams Alan , Bax Nicholas J.
Published: September 2002

A multi-scale, multi-gear survey identified the spatial structure and
compositions of fish communities from a range of seabed types on the
south-eastern Australian continental shelf (25 m to ~200 m depth). Most
communities are species-rich and contain many shared species. Multivariate
analysis of distributions of 201 fishes showed communities to be correlated
with depth, latitude and seabed type;correlation with hydrodynamic climate is
suggested by patterns in morphology. Depth-related patterns occurred on
soft-sediment and hard substrata; strong latitudinal
(south-west/north-east)patterns identify the area as a faunal transition
zone with a major faunal disjunction extending across the shelf. Community
patterns were overlaid on distributions of substrata to produce a biophysical
map. This mapping process is discussed in the context of spatial
management:the ecologically significant scale at which to map habitat features
and definition of management units for ecosystem-based management. A hierarchy
of scaled ecological units is being developed for Australia’s National
Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA);given the scope of
the NRSMPA initiative, surrogate measures of community structure will be
required. Maps of substrata and topography, interpreted in the context of the
broader depth and latitudinal community structure and as modified by
hydrography, may provide one useful surrogate.
Epibenthic community structure in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia
Authors: Cohen Brian F. , Currie David R. , McArthur Matthew A.
Published: September 2002

Epibenthic community structure in Port Phillip Bay was examined from
quantitative diver samples collected at 30 depth-stratified stations during
1998. Analysis of variance showed a strong trend of decreasing epibenthic
abundance, biomass and species diversity with depth. Reductions in these three
parameters were most pronounced over shallow inshore waters and could be
attributed largely to decreases in the abundance of the heavy, mat-forming
ascidian Pyura stolonifera with depth. Four epifaunal
community groupings, closely reflecting differences in sediment and habitat
type within the bay, were identified from ordinations of species abundance and
biomass data. The four epifaunal groupings also closely matched distributional
patterns observed in other studies in both demersal fish and infaunal
communities. Epifaunal communities in the bay were dominated by filter-feeding
organisms which accounted for nearly 95% of the total species abundance
and 98% of the total species biomass. Seven of the 63 epibenthic
organisms collected during the survey are exotic introductions to the bay
(Sabella spallanzanii,
Ascidiella aspersa, Styela clava,
Styela plicata,
Ciona intestinalis,
Pyromaia tuberculata and
Asterias amurensis). As many of these species are
widespread and abundant (35% of all individuals), their effects on the
ecology of Port Phillip Bay are likely to be significant.
Element mobilities and the Australian regolith - a mineral exploration perspective
Authors: Britt Allison F. , Smith Raymond E. , Gray David J.
Published: September 2002

Much of the Australian regolith ranges from Palaeogene to Late Cretaceous in
age or even older, contrasting with the relatively young landscapes of the
Northern Hemisphere. Hence, many imported geochemical exploration methods are
unsuitable for Australian environments; this has led to successful homegrown
innovation. Exploration geochemistry seeks to track geochemical anomalies
arising from concealed ore deposits to their source. Much is known about
element associations for different types of ore deposits and about observed
patterns of dispersion. Element mobility in a range of Western Australian
environments is discussed, drawing on field examples from the Mt Percy and
Boddington gold mines and the Yandal greenstone belt, with reference to the
effect of modern and past weathering regimes and the influence of groundwater
on element mobility. Soil biota and vegetation affect Au mobility in the
regolith, but specific processes, scale and environmental factors are unknown.
Possible future synergies between biogeochemical or environmental research and
regolith exploration geochemistry include determining the fundamental
biogeochemical processes involved in the formation of geochemical anomalies as
well as environmental concerns such as regolith aspects of land degradation.
Exploration geochemists must study the work of biogeochemical and
environmental researchers, and vice versa. There should also be collaborative
research with regolith scientists and industry.
Denitrification activity in sediment surrounding polychaete (Ceratonereis aequisetis) burrows
Authors: De Roach Robert J. , Rate Andrew W. , Knott Brenton , Davies Peter M.
Published: September 2002

The effect of burrow-dwelling fauna on sediment denitrification within the
Swan River Estuary, Western Australia, was assessed by determining the spatial
profile of potential denitrification activity surrounding individual burrows
of a polychaete. This activity was described for
Ceratonereis aequisetis and compared with uninhabited
sediment. Potential porewater denitrification activity was measured as
N’2O production in the presence of acetylene
(which blocks N2O reduction and
NH4+ oxidation) and
supplementary NO3-(provided as a
substrate for denitrification). Snap-freezing of sediment cores in liquid
nitrogen allowed easy sectioning in both the vertical (perpendicular depth
from surface sediment) and radial (depth from burrow wall) planes. Overall,
potential denitrification activity was significantly greater in inhabited
sediment than in uninhabited sediment, although uninhabited sediment had
higher surficial (0–10 mm) potential denitrification activity. Potential
denitrification activity was also greater closer to the burrow wall (0–9
mm) rather than further into the sediment (9–13 mm). Greater sampling
resolution would be required to determine whether a thin oxygenated surface
layer (of either the vertical or radial plane) exists in which denitrification
is inhibited. Although this study accurately demonstrates the spatial effect
of C. aequisetis on sediment potential denitrification,
the reported denitrification intensity may not reflect the rate
in situ.
Zinc speciation in Lakes Manapouri and Hayes, New Zealand
Authors: Ellwood Michael J. , Ellwood Michael J. , Hunter Keith A. , Hunter Keith A. , Kim Jonathan P. , Kim Jonathan P.
Published: September 2002

A study of zinc complexation in Lakes Manapouri and Hayes revealed that zinc
speciation in both lakes is dominated by its complexation to natural organic
ligands. In Lake Manapouri, dissolved zinc concentrations increased from 0.9
nM in surface waters to ~1.4 nM at depth. Ligand concentrations for this
lake were relatively uniform with depth, with values ranging between 2.9 and
4.2 nM. A similar ligand concentration was measured for Lake Hayes, which had
a surface zinc concentration of 0.46 nM. Conditional stability constants (log
K) for the complexation of zinc to these ligands were high,with values ranging
between 10.0 and 11.1. Calculated free Zn 2+
concentrations for both lakes were in the low picomolar range (5—48
pM). Such low free Zn 2+ levels may limit the
growth of some phytoplankton in both lakes.
The redox speciation of iron in two lakes
Authors: Aldrich Annette P. , van den Berg Constant M. G. , Thies Hansjörg , Nickus Ulrike
Published: September 2002

The redox speciation of iron was determined by voltammetry in two lakes
(Blelham Tarn, a lowland lake, and Gossenköllesee (GKS), a mountain
lake). The reactive iron (FeR) concentration was ~40 nM
in the epilimnion of Blelham Tarn, and up to 37% of this occurred as
iron(II). In contrast, the FeR concentration in GKS was
much lower at ~1 nM, similar to concentrations found in the open ocean. Under
ice cover the iron(II) concentration peaked in GKS just below the
Chl-a maximum, amounting to 50% of
FeR. In July, the Chl-a
concentration was lower, and iron(II) was present throughout the water column
at ~30% of FeR. This work has demonstrated that
iron occurs to a large extent as iron(II) in lake waters, of greatly differing
conditions, in spite of the presence of oxygen; the main cause for this is not
clear because the iron(II) may have been produced biologically or
photochemically (or both). This, and the unexpectedly low reactive-iron
concentrations in the transparent mountain-lake waters, warrant further work
to evaluate their importance to the microorganisms in the lakes.
Dynamics of bacterial respiration and related growth efficiency, dissolved nutrients and dissolved oxygen concentration in a subarctic coastal embayment
Authors: Lee Choon Weng , Kudo I. , Yokokawa T. , Yanada M. , Maita Y.
Published: September 2002

Temporal variations in dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations and oxygen
utilization rates (<0.7 m fraction) were recorded for almost two years in
the subarctic Funka Bay, Japan. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen ranged from 0 to
26 M, phosphate from 0 to 2 M and silicate from 1 to 64 M. There was evidence
of nitrogen limitation. Dissolved oxygen concentration ranged from 130 to 440
M, and decreased to <150 M in the bottom layer in summer. The rate of
oxygen utilization, attributed to bacterial respiration, ranged from 0.6 to
9.3 M day–1 at 10 m depth, and from 0.8 to 5.0 M
day–1 at 90 m depth, and was the principal
mechanism causing the decrease in dissolved oxygen in the bottom layer in the
summer. Bacterial growth efficiencies calculated for the 10 m and 90 m depths
were similar: 1.6–17.2% and 1.4–23.6%, respectively.
With the bacterial growth efficiencies <25%, the bacteria in Funka
Bay acted as a net sink of carbon, where >75% of the organic matter
flux through bacteria could be mineralized to CO2.
Changes in female lobster (Homarus americanus) size at maturity and implications for the lobster resource in Long Island Sound, Connecticut
Authors: Landers Jr Donald F. , Keser Milan , Saila Saul B.
Published: September 2002

Population theory predicts that, under conditions of high
age/size-specific mortality rates, individuals in highly exploited
populations increase their fitness by decreasing size at sexual maturity,
relative to less exploited populations. The benefit of early reproductive
maturation is that individuals have a higher probability of surviving to
maturity and contributing progeny to maintain the population. Empirical
evidence, based on morphometric data from nearly 60 000 female lobsters
collected since 1981, suggests that size at sexual maturity of female lobsters
in Long Island Sound (USA) has recently decreased. Our findings were supported
by decreases in average size and increases in abundance of egg-bearing females
over the past two decades. Changes in female size at maturity and subsequent
higher egg production may also help to explain the recent increase in lobster
recruitment and landings. It is unclear whether these changes were caused by
density-dependent factors related to the high exploitation of the species, by
natural environmental factors (e.g. higher seawater temperatures), or a
combination of the two.
Effects of temperature on pigmentation and duration of the puerulus stage in Panulirus japonicus metamorphosed from cultured phyllosomas, with reference to wild pueruli
Authors: Matsuda Hirokazu , Takenouchi Taisuke , Yamakawa Takashi
Published: September 2002

The effects of temperature on the development of
Panulirus japonicus pueruli metamorphosed from
laboratory-cultured phyllosomas were investigated. Fifty pueruli were cultured
individually in a still-water system at nine temperatures from 16˚C to
28˚C until moulting to the first-instar juvenile. The puerulus stage was
divided into five developmental phases based on changes in pigmentation. The
duration of each puerulus phase depended on the temperature;
Bêlehrádek’s equation, D =
a(T–α)b,appropriately
expressed the relationship between the duration (D) and
temperature (T), where a,
b, and α are constants. From the equation, the
times taken at 16, 20, 24, and 28˚C to reach the first-instar juvenile
after metamorphosis were estimated at 40.0, 24.1, 16.3, and 11.9 days,
respectively. Field study using collectors at one coastal site in Japan showed
that P. japonicus pueruli settled from May to November
and that the duration of the natural puerulus stage appears to have a rather
wide range depending on the seasonal variation in temperature. Most wild
pueruli of this study were beyond the second phase of development when
collected, so wild pueruli may spend several days offshore before settling in
coastal areas.
Effect of air exposure on the immune system of the rock lobster Panulirus cygnus
Authors: Fotedar Seema , Tsvetnenko Elena , Evans Louis
Published: September 2002

This study aimed to determine the effect of post harvest operations such as
air exposure on the health status of lobsters. These effects can be assessed
through measurement of selected immune parameters such as total haemocyte
counts, haemolymph clotting time, bacteraemia and the differential proportion
of granular cells in lobster haemolymph. Lobsters were taken from factory
holding tanks and exposed to air for 2, 6, 12, and 18 h through placement in
foam boxes. Controls were sampled at each time point by collecting lobsters
from the same tank as the experimental animals (10 animals /treatment
group) with a different group of lobsters being sampled at each time point.
Air exposure caused a significant increase in clotting time at 12h and 18h.
Total haemocyte counts showed a decreasing trend. The proportion of granular
cells tended to be lower in air-exposed animals, the difference was
significant at 2h exposure. The bacteraemia levels tended to be higher in air
exposed lobsters than in controls and the difference was significant at 12h
exposure. Low total haemocyte counts, high clotting times, low granular cell
numbers and high bacteraemia levels implied increased susceptibility to
infection and lowered immunity. The results show that air exposure has a
significant adverse effect on the immune system and hence on the health status
of the lobsters.
Preliminary assessment of the biogeography of fishes in South African estuaries
Authors: Harrison T. D.
Published: September 2002

The biogeography of the fishes of 42 South African estuaries was investigated
using an extensive synoptic dataset collected over the period 1993–99.
Fish species richness was low on the west (Atlantic Ocean) coast and high in
estuaries on the east (Indian Ocean) coast. Endemic species dominated the
systems on the west and south coasts, whereas species of tropical origin
dominated estuaries on the east coast. Multivariate analyses indicated that
those estuaries on the west and south-west coast were distinct from the
remaining systems, which showed a gradation from estuaries on the south coast
to those on the north-east coast. An analysis of similarities showed that
three biogeographic regions could be delineated. A cool-temperate region
extended from the Orange River, down the west coast and along the south-west
coast to Cape Agulhas; a warm-temperate zone stretched from Cape Agulhas to
just south of Port St Johns; and a subtropical region extended up the east
coast from approximately Port St Johns.
Validated age and growth of the dusky shark, Carcharhinus obscurus, from Western Australian waters
Authors: Simpfendorfer Colin A. , McAuley Rory B. , Chidlow Justin , Unsworth Phil
Published: September 2002

Age and growth of Carcharhinus obscurus was studied by
vertebral ageing techniques. The annual formation of growth bands in the
vertebrae was validated with oxytetracycline-injected individuals at liberty
up to 1481 days. Growth-band counts of vertebral samples from 305 individuals
ranging in size from 63 to 282 cm fork length were used to construct growth
curves. Assuming a mean size at birth of 75.3 cm, estimates of von Bertalanffy
growth parameters for males were:
L∞ = 336.5 cm and
K = 0.045 year–1.
Growth parameters for females were:
L∞= 354.4 cm and
K = 0.043 year–1. The
age at maturity was estimated to be 17–22 years for females
(220–250 cm), and 20 – 23 years for males (230–243 cm). The
oldest animal aged was a 32-year-old female 274 cm in length. Growth-rate
estimates based on vertebral ageing for animals up to 5 years of age are
similar to those from tag–recapture studies on the same population. The
results of the present study were similar to those for
C. obscurus from the south-western Indian Ocean and the
western North Atlantic Ocean, indicating that age and growth are similar among
these populations.
Identification of marine fish eggs in Taiwan using light microscopy, scanning electric microscopy and mtDNA sequencing
Authors: Shao Kwang-Tsao , Chen Kang-Ching , Wu Jui-Hsien
Published: September 2002

A previously published study used light microscopy, SEM and mtDNA sequencing
to identify eggs of 104 taxa to species, 24 to genus and 67 to family levels;
28 of the species were identified by hatching methods and 23 species of eggs
were obtained from aquaculture farms (in which the species were known).
Light-microscopic characters of 10 species that have not previously been
reported are described in the present paper. It is concluded that
(1) more diagnostic characters can be found by SEM than
by light microscopy, (2) different species may share
identical egg morphology even under SEM, so identification using morphological
characters is better applied to the categories of family or genus only, not to
species, and (3) in addition to the hatching method,
molecular sequencing is an alternative way to assign an egg to a species as
well as to verify the correctness of previous morphological identification.
This necessitates use of the same egg for both morphological observations and
DNA sequencing. Its feasibility and experimental process are demonstrated in
the present paper using lizardfish (Synodontidae) as an example.
Declines in regional fish populations: have species responded similarly to environmental change?
Authors: Brooks Andrew J. , Schmitt Russell J. , Holbrook Sally J.
Published: September 2002

Abundances of many coastal species off southern California have undergone
dramatic declines over the past two decades concurrent with a regional climate
shift. This shift in climatic conditions represents a natural, large-scale
perturbation and provides an opportunity to understand whether and how various
components of coastal ecosystems respond. We conducted time-series analyses on
long-term data sets of non-exploited fish populations from the Southern
California Bight to describe their temporal trends and explore the timing and
magnitude of change. The species examined were classified as to trophic level,
mode of reproduction, extent of geographic range, association with benthic or
pelagic food webs, and habitat. In general, the magnitude of decline was
similar for all species, regardless of classification. Trends were similar at
all locations examined within the Bight, suggesting regional declines in
abundances rather than redistribution of individuals. These patterns are
consistent with the explanation that a regional decline in productivity
associated with the shift to an alternate climatic regime is responsible for
regional decline in fish stocks.
Effect of a network of no-take reserves in increasing catch per unit effort and stocks of exploited reef fish at Nabq, South Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Galal N. , Ormond R. F. G. , Hassan O.
Published: September 2002

In 1995, in collaboration with local Bedouin fishermen, five no-take fisheries
reserves were established within the Nabq Natural Resource Protected Area,
South Sinai, Egyptian Red Sea. The abundance, size structure and catch of
commercially targeted groupers (Serranidae), emperors (Lethrinidae) and
snappers (Lutjanidae) were investigated before the establishment of these
reserves, then in 1997 and again in 2000. By 1997, these fish had shown a
significant increase in mean abundance within two of the no-take reserves. By
2000 each family and three individual species
(Lethrinus obsoletus,
Cephalopholis argus and
Variola louti) had increased in abundance in the
reserves. There were significant increases in mean individual length of the
serranids Epinephelus fasciatus and
C. argus and of the lethrinids
L. nebulosus and
Monotaxis grandoculis. Meanwhile, mean recorded catch
per unit effort (CPUE) within the adjacent fished areas increased by about
two-thirds (P <0.05) during the 5 years. The
establishment of the no-take reserves appears to have played a key role in
maintaining the sustainability of the fishery. The involvement of local
Bedouin and fishermen in the co-management of fisheries resources was critical
to the success of this initiative.
An overview of the LEAR (Lobster Ecology and Recruitment) project: results of field and experimental studies on the juvenile ecology of Homarus gammarus in cobble
Authors: Mercer John P. , Bannister R. Colin A. , van der Meeren Gro I. , Debuse Valerie , Mazzoni David , Lovewell Steve , Browne Ronan , Linnane Adrian , Ball Brendan
Published: September 2002

Field and experimental studies were undertaken in four European countries on
clawed lobster (Homarus gammarus) ecology and
recruitment. The aims were to assess: (a) abundance of early benthic phase
(EBP) lobsters and other benthic species at cobble sites, (b) the effect of
these species on EBP growth and survival, and (c) influence of these factors
on recruitment and/or viability of restocking. Suction sampling of cobble
sites revealed a wide diversity and abundance of potential competitors but no
EBP lobsters. Hatchery-produced EBPs were therefore used for small-scale
mesocosm experiments. In nature, predation on EBP was rapid without shelter,
whereas in-vitro mortality, growth, and behaviour
experiments showed that cover potentially increases survival. Scarcity
per se may not completely explain the apparently absence
of EBP, given that not a single EBP lobster was located either during this
study or during any other of the extensive benthic investigations. The present
paper discusses the implications of their apparent absence and whether it
arises because EBPs are very scarce, cannot be captured by suction sampling,
are not within lobster habitat, or occupy a specialized niche within adult
habitat outside the range of current sampling methods.
Movements, recapture patterns, and factors affecting the return rate of carcharhinid and other sharks tagged off northern Australia
Authors: Stevens J. D. , West G. J. , McLoughlin K. J.
Published: September 2002

Between February 1983 and May 1985, ~10 500
sharks of 23 species were fin-tagged off northern Australia. Tagging
concentrated on the commercially important
Carcharhinus tilstoni and
C. sorrah. Most recaptures were made in 1984 and 1985,
but returns continued until May 1997. In all, 579 tags (5.5%) were
recovered. Tag shedding was estimated to be low (0.025 year
–1 for C. tilstoni) and
tagging mortality was significantly lower for sharks caught by hand-line than
by gill-net. Australian gill-netters, Taiwanese gill-netters (fishing in the
Australian Fishing Zone) and Australian prawn trawlers accounted for most of
the returns. The maximum distance between the release and recapture positions
was >1100 km, but most returns were made within 50 km of the tagging site.
Nearly all the releases were in inshore waters fished by Australian vessels.
Although many recaptures were made by the offshore Taiwanese fishery, the
Taiwanese fishing effort was much higher than for the inshore Australian
fishery, so that relative to fishing effort, relatively few sharks moved from
inshore to offshore waters.
Coarse-scale relationships between seabirds and zooplankton off south-eastern Tasmania
Authors: Reid Timothy A. , Hindell Mark A.
Published: September 2002

Observations were made of seabird and
zooplankton distribution in the waters adjacent to south-easternTasmania to
examine correspondence at coarse scales (tens of kilometres). The distribution
of seabirds was related mainly to changes in the water depth (and distance
from land) over the length of the transect, whereas the distribution of
zooplankton related to temporal changes. Significantly different associations
of seabird species occurred in Storm Bay (mainly species breeding within the
bay), and over the shelf-edge (with many non-breeding species dominant).
Zooplankton diversity varied during the study, being greatest at the beginning
(May) and end (September) of the study. Little correspondence was found
between the distribution of seabirds and zooplankton at the community level,
but there were significant relationships for several species, such as diving
petrels and gannets. The lack of an overall correspondence between seabirds
and zooplankton may have been due to the patchiness of seabird and zooplankton
distribution, limits to the requirements of seabirds to find maximum prey
densities (instead only needing to find ‘enough’), the lack of
certainty about whether seabirds were foraging when observed, and behavioural
interactions among seabirds.
Changes in growth of juvenile southern bluefin tuna (Thunnus maccoyii): an analysis of length-frequency data from the Australian fishery
Authors: Leigh George M. , Hearn William S.
Published: September 2002

Modal analysis is applied to historical
length–frequency records of the Australian southern bluefin tunafishery,
in order to quantify the variation in mean length from year to year. In the
South Australian fishery in the first half of March, the mean length has
ranged between 54 cm and 64 cm for 1-year-old fish, 73 cm and 85 cm for
2-year-old fish, and 85 cm and 100 cm for 3-year-old fish. The mean lengths of
2-, 3- and 4-year-old fish, and the increment from age 1 to age 3, have
increased substantially over the history of the fishery. This increase in
growth is probably a response to a decline in the population due to heavy
fishing. In many years in the Western Australian fishery, two or more groups
of 1-year-old fish were found: the mean lengths of these groups typically
differed by 10 cm. Growth rates also varied markedly according to the season
of the year.
Diets and trophic guilds of demersal fishes of the south-eastern Australian shelf
Authors: Bulman C. , Althaus F. , He X. , Bax N. J. , Williams A.
Published: September 2002

A total of 8200 stomach samples was collected from 102 fish species caught by
trawl or gillnet during research surveys on the south-eastern Australian shelf
from 1993 to 1996. Diet compositions were analysed based on percentages of wet
weight of prey. Of the total fish examined, 70 species had sufficient stomach
samples (i.e. >10) for further analysis. Ten trophic guilds were identified
from cluster analysis. Benthic prey dominated the diets. However, analysis on
a subset of 28 abundant species that were commercially and ecologically
important, showed that pelagic prey was dominant, particularly for 12 quota
species. This suggests that pelagic production contributes significantly to
the trawl fishery production. Further analysis on the diets of these 28
species found that although fish was more important than invertebrate prey,
there was no evidence of significant predation on commercially important
species (quota species)by other fish species. A food web diagram was
constructed, mostly based on the diet compositions, guild structure and
relative abundance of commercially and ecologically important fish species, to
show major trophic interactions of the shelf ecosystem.
Phylogenetic relationships and historical biogeography of melanotaeniid fishes in Australia and New Guinea
Authors: McGuigan K. , Zhu D. , Allen G. R. , Moritz C.
Published: September 2002

Phylogenetic analysis of melanotaeniid mtDNA cytochrome b and tRNA
Pro-control region sequence is broadly consistent with
the current taxonomy. However, the molecular phylogeny supports the elevation
of M. s. australis to full species status and indicates
either that it is a composite species or has introgressed with sympatric
Melanotaenia species. Phenotypically cryptic mtDNA
diversity in north-eastern Australia possibly represents an undescribed
species. Six major monophyletic clades present in the phylogeny were strongly
supported by morphological data. The clades represent three biogeographic
regions. Fish from northern New Guinea form a monophyletic clade, within which
Melanotaenia and Glossolepis are
polyphyletic. The divergence of this clade from those in southern New Guinea
is consistent with the final uplift of the Central Highlands 5 million years
BP. North-western New Guinea and associated islands represent another highly
divergent, monophyletic clade of a similar age to that in northern New Guinea.
The remaining four clades form a monophyletic assemblage restricted to
southern New Guinea and Australia: one in northern Australia, one with a
disjunct distribution in north-western and eastern Australia, one widespread
throughout Australia and southern New Guinea, and one in southern New Guinea
with an outlying species in northern Australia. The phylogenetic relationships
between Australia and southern New Guinea are consistent with episodic
connection via the freshwater Lake Carpentaria during periods of low sea
level.
Distribution of dissolved and particulate 226Ra, 210Pb and 210Po in the Bismarck Sea and western equatorial Pacific Ocean
Authors: Peck Gillian A. , Smith J. David
Published: September 2002

The distribution of the radionuclides 226Ra,
210Pb and 210Po in the dissolved
(<0.45 µm) and 210Pb and
210Po in the particulate (>0.45 µm) phases was
measured in the upper 300 m of the Bismarck Sea off the Sepik River and along
the equator from 143˚E to 152˚E in the western equatorial Pacific
Ocean. 210Pb and 210Po occurred
principally in the dissolved phase with a
210Po/210Pb ratio <1.
Particulate matter had
210Po/210Pb ratios greater
than 1.0. Box model calculations yielded an average atmospheric flux of
210Pb of 4.5 mBq cm-2
year-1 to the ocean surface. The average residence times
for dissolved 210Po and dissolved
210Pb were 0.27 years and 8.0 years respectively (in the
mixed layer) and 1.45 years and 170 years (in the deeper layer). With an
average residence time of 0.08 0.03 years, particulate
210Po varied little between the layers. The difference
in 210Po and 210Pb residence times
reflects the greater particle reactivity of 210Po. The
flux of particulate organic carbon was calculated to be 104 21 mg
m-2 day-1 from the upper 100 m and
180 22 mg m-2 day-1 from
100–300 m.
The molecular regulation of stilbene phytoalexin biosynthesis in Vitis vinifera during grape berry development
Authors: Bais Anthony J. , Murphy Peter J. , Dry Ian B.
Published: September 2002

The molecular regulation of stilbene
phytoalexin biosynthesis in developing Vitis vinifera L.
grape berries was investigated using a UV induction system. Berries were
collected at 1, 5, 10 and 16 weeks post-flowering from the cultivars Shiraz,
Semillon, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay and the skins analysed for
resveratrol production following irradiation with UV-C light. The rate and
maximal level of resveratrol accumulation increased markedly in berries
sampled from 1–5 weeks post-flowering and then dramatically declined in
maturing berries sampled from 10–16 weeks post-flowering in all
cultivars. In berries sampled at 1 and 5 weeks post-flowering, maximal levels
of resveratrol accumulation were recorded at incubation periods of 24 and 48 h
respectively whereas maximal resveratrol levels were not recorded in week 16
berry skins until 72 h after UV-treatment. Gene expression analysis indicated
that stilbene synthase (STS) mRNA accumulated within 4–8 h of UV
treatment in berries sampled at 1 and 5 weeks post-flowering, but did not
increase in week 16 berries until 24–48 h following UV-irradiation.
Furthermore, the overall level of STS gene expression declined in berries
sampled 10–16 weeks post-flowering. The results demonstrate that
inducible stilbene accumulation in ripening grape berries is highly regulated
at the level of STS gene transcription. This decline in inducible STS gene
expression may be a major factor contributing to the increased susceptibility
of ripening grape berries to Botrytis cinerea infection.
Ethylene inhibitors enhanced sucrose synthase activity and promoted grain filling of basal rice kernels
Authors: Naik Pradeep K. , Mohapatra Pravat K.
Published: September 2002

At the booting stage of development, rice (Oryza sativa
L.) plants were treated with chemicals that either inhibited the action or
synthesis of ethylene, or produced ethylene. Inhibitors of ethylene action
(AgNO3) and synthesis [uniconazole,
paclobutrazol, Co(NO3)2]
promoted grain filling and quality of the kernels of the basal spikelets of
the panicle, while the ethylene-releasing substance CEPA
(2-chloroethylphosphonic acid) depressed these characteristics further. The
inhibitors depressed the concentration of ethylene of the basal primary
branches, but CEPA increased it above the control during the period of grain
filling. The treatments were not effective on the superior apical spikelets of
the panicle. The ethylene inhibitors improved starch synthesis in the kernels
of the basal spikelets, but CEPA reduced it significantly, resulting in
accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in the kernels. During the period of
grain filling, sucrose synthase activity was higher than that of invertase in
the kernels. Activities of sucrose synthase and invertase were higher in the
apical than in the basal kernel. The ethylene inhibitors increased activities
of both enzymes only in the basal kernel, whereas CEPA reduced activities
significantly. Together, the results indicate that starch filling and grain
quality of the basally positioned under-developed rice kernels can be affected
by ethylene, and that key enzymes of sucrose metabolism are also affected in
the process.
Sugarcane sucrose metabolism: scope for molecular manipulation
Authors: Grof Christopher P. L. , Campbell James A.
Published: September 2002

Improvement of the sucrose content of commercial sugarcane by conventional
breeding has reached a plateau, primarily due to the narrow gene pool, and the
potential to introduce novel genes or manipulate native genes to influence
metabolism may have significant application. This review reports on progress
in developing new, and optimising existing, transformation processes for
sugarcane, and confirms that the requisite molecular tools for modifying
sugarcane metabolism are as yet poorly developed when compared with those
currently being applied to dicotyledonous model and crop species. Drawing from
the considerable base of biochemical research into sucrose metabolism in
sugarcane, a number of target steps for metabolic manipulation are reviewed.
Specifically, we review current research into the physiological and
biochemical elucidation of the key processes of sucrose synthesis, transport
and cleavage. Given the focus of this review on molecular manipulation,
particular emphasis is placed on the status of research into the isolation of
genes encoding the key enzymes and transporters in the sucrose accumulation
process.
The influence of glume pubescence on spikelet temperature of wheat under freezing conditions
Authors: Maes Benoit , Trethowan Richard M. , Reynolds Matthew P. , Ginkel Maarten van , Skovmand Bent
Published: September 2002

Synthetic hexaploid wheat lines possessing pubescent glumes were observed to
suffer less frost damage during flowering than non-pubescent plants, after
experiencing a damaging frost in the field during April 1997. In order to test
the potential advantage conferred by glume pubescence, pubescent and
non-pubescent plants were selected from a collection of synthetic hexaploid
wheat lines, as well as from F 4 -derived F 7 lines selected from crosses
between pubescent synthetic parents and non-pubescent elite spring bread wheat
lines. Comparisons of floret temperature between pubescent and non-pubescent
plants were carried out in a controlled temperature chamber. Freezing was
determined by the appearance of an exotherm, the point in time at which water
changed from liquid to solid phase. Flowering plants grown in pots were
subjected to a 6-h period of temperature change ranging from 20 to
–4˚C. Floret temperature was measured using micro-thermocouples
attached to a data logger. Results indicated that the temperature of pubescent
florets was higher than that of their non-pubescent equivalents. Significant
temperature differences between the florets of pubescent and non-pubescent
plants varied between 0.25 and 0.47˚C when the floret temperature of
non-pubescent plants reached 0˚C. The appearance of the exotherm was
delayed by as much as 3.27 min when pubescence was present. Pubescent plants
also produced a higher number of grains per spikelet compared to non-pubescent
plants. These observations suggest that glume pubescence is a factor that will
influence the damaging effects of frost at or following anthesis.