bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of surface-sown pod:seed mixtures on serradella establishment and persistence on rangelands in central New South Wales
Authors: Michalk D. L. , Campbell M. H.
Published: September 2002

Aerial sowing is the only option for introducing improved pasture species into
much of the non-arable, acid soil rangelands in central New South Wales.
However, low germination of seeds in serradella pods is a major problem
causing poor establishment. Sowing different combinations of pod and seed was
investigated as a means of improving germination and subsequent persistence in
an experiment between 1993 and 1997. Results indicated that a pod:seed mixture
of 75:25 was the most suitable ratio for establishing yellow serradella
(Ornithopus compressus) when broadcast into native
grassland on hardsetting, non-arable, acidic hill country. Nodulation failure
observed at this cold tablelands site confirmed the need for a more
winter-active inoculant for yellow serradella.
Effects of sowing method and competitor species and presence on Phalaris and Austrodanthonia establishment and persistence.
Authors: Lodge G. M.
Published: September 2002

Two experiments were conducted on plots sown in autumn 1992, at Tamworth in
northern New South Wales. The first compared the establishment of 3 perennial
grasses when sown as monocultures or with competitors in either broadcast-sown
swards or alternate row-sown plots. Sowing rate and species of competitor were
also examined as factors affecting perennial grass establishment. Perennial
grasses were Austrodanthonia richardsonii (synonym
Danthonia richardsonii) cv. Taranna,
A. bipartita (synonym D. linkii)
cv. Bunderra, and Phalaris aquatica cv. Sirosa.
Competitors were Trifolium subterraneum var.
brachycalycinum cv. Clare,
T. repens cv. Haifa, and
Lolium rigidum cv. Wimmera. In spring 1992, competitors
were removed from 144 of the 288 plots to prevent them from seeding. A second
experiment compared the longer-term (1993–96) dry matter yield and
persistence of these perennial grasses under continuous grazing in plots were
the competitor was present in year 1 (1992) or in all years (1992–96).
In spring 1992, mean dry matter yield of perennial grass was higher
(P<0.001) in row-sown plots then those sown by
broadcasting. Mean dry matter yield of perennial grass was lowest at low
sowing rate, but not significantly different at medium and high sowing rates
(about 350 kg DM/ha). Compared with the monocultures, the presence of a
competitor reduced mean perennial grass dry matter yields by 48, 69 and
85%, respectively for white clover, subterranean clover and annual
ryegrass. Perennial grass plant numbers were highest
(P<0.001) in the medium and high sowing rates of the
monocultures and in white clover competitor plots and lowest
(P<0.001) in all broadcast-sown plots, where annual
ryegrass was the competitor.
By spring 1996, white clover and annual ryegrass had declined to a low level
in the pasture in all plots and the only major competitor was subterranean
clover (1200 kg DM/ha, 40% plant frequency). Mean dry matter yields
were highest (P<0.001) for Sirosa in 1993, but with
dry conditions in 1994 and continuous grazing they were highest for Bunderra
in all other years. The implications of these data for devising sowing
strategies to maximise the establishment of perennial grasses and their
long-term persistence in this environment are discussed.
A. L. Franklin Pty Ltd, scientific instrument makers
Authors: Keentok M.
Published: September 2002

Many of the world's leading industrialists and strategists prophesy that if ever there is a third world war, it shall not be won on the battlefields so famed of old, but rather success shall come to the victor from his superiority in the factory and scientific laboratory.

The 'Post Office Directory' was one of Thorndyke's favourite books of reference; the amount of curious and recondite information that he succeeded in extracting from its matter-of-fact pages would have surprised no one more than it would the compilers of the work.
The unity of characters: ecological and morphological specialisation in larvae of Hawaiian platynine Carabidae (Coleoptera)
Authors: Liebherr James K.
Published: September 2002

Life history information and first instar egg bursters are compared for larvae
of 25 species across the monophyletic radiation of Hawaiian Platynini
(Coleoptera : Carabidae). The plesiotypic larval duration is approximately
five weeks, with derived extension of the larval period having evolved during
phylogenetic diversification of the radiation. This extension in larval
duration is associated with vestigialisation of the metathoracic flight wings.
Egg size is larger in those brachypterous species with slower developing
larvae, reflecting pervasive ecological specialisation of these taxa in the
isolated, favourable, and temporally stable habitats of Hawaiian montane
forests. First instar egg bursters are also compared across these taxa, with
evolution of a keel-like egg burster congruently defining a clade also
characterised by longer larval duration and larger egg size. A functional
linkage between egg burster configuration and egg size is rejected by lack of
any association between egg size and egg burster type in the related genus
Calathus. Such rejection does not reduce the value of
the egg burster for phylogenetic inference. The ability to assess taxa for
both life history traits and egg burster configuration argues for similar
treatment of all such characters, both ecological and morphological, when
estimating phylogeny.
Glypholoma larvae at last: phylogenetic implications for basal Staphylinidae? (Coleoptera : Staphylinidae : Glypholomatinae)
Authors: Thayer Margaret K.
Published: September 2002

Species of Glypholoma Jeannel, a genus previously moved
to Staphylinidae from Silphidae, have adult synapomorphies of the Omaliine
Group, a probably basal lineage of about 10 000 species. Adult characters have
not definitively resolved the position of Glypholomatinae within the Omaliine
Group, but suggest that it may be relatively basal. Larvae and pupae recently
collected with adults of Glypholoma pustuliferum Jeannel
are attributable to that species on the basis of that association, a good
match of size and form between pupae and adults, known larval synapomorphies
in Staphylinidae and background knowledge of the Chilean fauna; they are
described and illustrated. Structural and chaetotaxic characters of these and
larvae of 25 other Omaliine Group genera were subjected to phylogenetic
analysis. The position of Glypholomatinae within the Omaliine Group remains
uncertain, although it is weakly supported as forming a clade with Omaliinae
and Microsilphinae. Monophyly of the subfamily Proteininae and its components
and of the tribe Coryphiini of Omaliinae are more strongly supported.
Resumen. Las especies de
Glypholoma Jeannel, un género de Staphylinidae
transferido previamente de Silphidae, presentan en estado adulto sinapomorfias
con el Grupo Omaliine, un linaje probablamente basal constituido por alrededor
de 10 000 especies. Los carácteres de los adultos no han resuelto
definitivamente la posición de Glypholomatinae dentro el Grupo
Omaliine, pero sugieren que es relativamente basal. Se describe e ilustra a
las larvas y pupas de Glypholoma pustuliferum Jeannel
recientemente colectadas en Chile y asignables a dicha especie por su
asociación con adultos y su correspondencia en tamaño y forma
entre pupas y adultos, ademas de sinapomorfias larvales conocidas en
Staphylinidae, y conocimiento sobre otros elementos de la fauna chilena. Se
realizó un análisis filogenético con base en
carácteres estructurales y quetotáxicos de estas larvas,
además de otras pertenecientes a 25 géneros del Grupo Omaliine.
La posición de Glypholomatinae dentro del Grupo Omaliine permanece
incierta aunque hay argumentos débiles de que forman un grupo
monofilético con Omaliinae y Microsilphinae. Se presentan argumentos
que consolidan la monofilia de la subfamilia Proteininae y sus componentes y
de la tribu Coryphiini de Omaliinae.
Larval head morphology of Phycosecis litoralis (Pascoe) (Coleoptera : Phycosecidae) with phylogenetic implications
Authors: Beutel Rolf G. , Pollock Darren A.
Published: September 2002

The larval head of a Phycosecis species is described and
illustrated. Characters are compared to those found in larvae of other groups
of Cucujiformia. Monophyly of all cleroid families examined is supported by
several apomorphic features at least partly correlated with predacious habits:
antennae directed anteriad, absence of the mandibular mola, presence of a
pedunculate seta on the mala, presence of a median endocarina, origin of
antennal muscles exclusively from the head capsule, and presence of a weakly
pigmented, parallel-sided gular plate. A possible apomorphy of Cleroidea
excluding Phloiophilidae is the parallel-sided, prognathous head. A
sister-group relationship between Phycosecidae and Melyridae is supported by
the presence of a plumose lacinia mobilis and secondary loss of the median
endocarina. A monophylum comprising Cleridae + Chaetosomatidae is
characterised by a strongly elongated, sclerotised larval gula, the strongly
protracted position of the ventral mouthparts, and a cardo as long as or
longer than the stipes. Monophyly of Trogossitidae is only weakly supported.
Several apomorphies indicate a sister-group relationship between Cleroidea and
Nitidulidae. These two taxa are characterised by a fully developed
maxillolabial complex, an elongated prepharyngeal tube, and tergal
sclerotisation restricted to the prothorax and tergite IX. A tentorial bridge
completely separated from the remaining tentorium, and a maxillolabial complex
with partly restricted motility of the maxilla are shared derived features of
larvae of Cleroidea, Nitidulidae, Coccinellidae and Endomychidae. An unusual
attachment of a part of the tentoriostipital muscle to the floor of the
prepharyngeal tube is found in all cleroid and cucujoid larvae examined.
Cleroidea are a well-defined monophyletic group and may form a monophylum
together with a paraphyletic assemblage of Cucujoidea. A close relationship
between Cleroidea and Lymexylidae is refuted.
Phylogenetic revision of the flightless Australian genus Apterotheca Gebien (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae : Coelometopinae)
Authors: Bouchard P.
Published: September 2002

Members of the flightless genus Apterotheca Gebien (Coleoptera : Tenebrionidae) are mostly restricted to the high elevation rainforests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area of north-eastern Australia. This region has been recognised as an `epicentre of evolution for low vagility animals'. The genus Apterotheca is the most diverse low vagility insect taxon known in this region. Forty-four species are included here in a revision of the genus. Three of these species were previously included in Apterotheca (A. amaroides (Pascoe), A. besti (Blackburn) and A. punctipennis Carter), four were previously included in other genera (A. australis (Kulzer), comb. nov. and A.�punctifrons (Gebien), comb. nov. in Apterophenus Gebien, A. costata (Buck), comb. nov. in Caxtonana Buck and A. pustulosa (Carter), comb. nov. in Austropeus Carter) and 37 are new. The monotypic genera Austropeus Carter, syn. nov. and Caxtonana Buck, syn. nov. are proposed as new synonyms of Apterotheca. A lectotype for A. punctipennis and A. besti are designated. A key to the species of Apterotheca and a phylogenetic analysis based on the morphological features of adults, as well as a discussion of character evolution, are also included. Data presented here represent the framework for future studies on the determinants of the patterns of diversity found in the Wet Tropics.
Review of the Australian species of the dermestid genus Anthrenocerus Arrow (Coleoptera : Dermestidae)
Authors: Roach Alison M. E.
Published: September 2002

Descriptions or redescriptions of the genus
Anthrenocerus Arrow and 31 species are provided as well
as a tabular key to all species; the descriptions include adult genitalia and
illustrations. One new combination, Trogoderma niger
(Armstrong, 1943), comb. nov., is proposed.
Trogoderma riguum Erichson, 1842 is recognised as the
senior synonym ofA. australis Hope, 1843 but
A. australis is retained pending application to the
ICZN. Fourteen new species are described; these
are:A. armstrongi, sp. nov.,
A. brindabella, sp.
nov.,A. corrugatus, sp.
nov.,A. decoris, sp. nov.,
A. hirsutus, sp. nov.,
A. intricatus, sp. nov.,
A. musaicus, sp. nov.,
A. nebulosus, sp. nov.,
A. occidentalis, sp. nov.,
A. pilatus, sp. nov., A. pinto,
sp. nov., A. schwarzeneggeri, sp. nov.,
A. stellatus, sp. nov., and
A. tessellatus, sp. nov. The genus is now reported from
Papua New Guinea.
The Australian species of Macrocheles (Acarina : Macrochelidae)
Authors: Halliday R. B.
Published: September 2002

The Australian fauna of the mite genus Macrocheles Latreille is revised. The fauna is shown to comprise 49 species, 26 of which are here described as new:M. agilis, sp. nov., M. angustus,sp. nov., M. borealis, sp. nov.,M. denhamensis, sp. nov., M. eta,sp. nov., M. forceps, sp. nov.,M. fungicolus, sp. nov., M. gamma,sp. nov., M. guttatus, sp. nov.,M. halli, sp. nov., M. holmi, sp.nov., M. howdenorum, sp. nov.,M. lama, sp. nov., M. lambda, sp.nov., M. omicron, sp. nov.,M. peckorum, sp., nov.,M. rimbija, sp., nov.,M. siderolophus, sp. nov.,M. spatei, sp., nov.,M. spiculatus, sp. nov.,M. tesselatus, sp. nov.,M. undoolya, sp., nov.,M. upsilon, sp. nov., M. waitei,sp. nov., M. wallacei, sp. nov. andM. zeta, sp. nov. A further 23 previously describedspecies are now known from Australia: M. aestivusHalliday, M. boudreauxi Krantz,M. faveolus Halliday,M. feehaniHalliday, M. glaber(MÜller), M. kappaHalliday,M. kraepelini (Berlese),M. krantzi Evans & Hyatt,M. mammifer Berlese, M. merdarius(Berlese), M. muscaedomesticae (Scopoli),M. mykytowyczi Womersley,M. novaezelandiae Emberson,M. paralius Halliday,M. penicilliger (Berlese),M. peniculatusBerlese,M. peregrinus Krantz,M. perglaber Filipponi & Pegazzano,M. robustulus (Berlese),M. similis Krantz & Filipponi,M. subbadius(Berlese),M. tenuirostris Krantz & Filipponi,M. virgo Halliday.Macrocheles hyatti Krantz & Filipponi has beenrecorded from Australia in error, and occurs only in New Zealand.Macrocheles scutatus (Berlese) is known from Australiaonly from a quarantine interception.Macrocheles lyallpurensis nom. nov. is proposed as areplacement name for M. krantzi Anwarullah & Irshadfrom Pakistan (preoccupied by M. krantzi Evans & Hyatt). A key is provided for the identification of all Australian species.
A phylogenetic analysis of New Zealand giant and tree weta (Orthoptera : Anostostomatidae : Deinacrida and Hemideina) using morphological and genetic characters
Authors: Morgan-Richards Mary , Gibbs George W.
Published: September 2002

A phylogenetic analysis of New Zealand weta from the sub-family Deinacridinae
is presented. Eighteen species were studied using 27 genetic characters
(allozyme and cytogenetic) and 25 morphological characters. The combined data
set produced a phylogenetic hypothesis with twelve well-supported nodes.
Despite the great diversity of habitats and life styles exhibited by the
eleven Deinacrida White species a well-supported
bipartition separates them from the seven Hemideina
Walker species. Six of the Hemideina species formed a
monophyletic clade, with respect to H. broughi (Buller).
Evolution of stridulatory ridges used for sound production in both defence and
intraspecific communication appears to have occurred at least twice.
Adaptation to the recent New Zealand alpine environment has also had multiple
origins. Biogeographic interpretations from the phylogenetic hypothesis are
discussed.
Recent history of Australia's South East Fishery; a manager's perspective
Authors: Grieve Chris , Richardson Geoff
Published: September 2002

A brief history of the South East Fishery is presented, focussing on the
period 1986–2000. With the realization in the 1980s that natural
resources are finite, active fisheries management became more of a focus for
the Australian Federal Government. This paper describes the Federal
Government’s fisheries management objectives since the mid 1980s as well
as major new policy initiatives, and seeks to measure the performance of the
fishery against key management objectives. A few simple indicators of change
are examined with particular reference to the pursuit of economic efficiency.
Carbon in catchments: connecting terrestrial carbon losses with aquatic metabolism
Authors: Cole Jonathan J. , Cole Jonathan J. , Caraco Nina F. , Caraco Nina F.
Published: September 2002

For a majority of aquatic ecosystems, respiration (R)
exceeds autochthonous gross primary production (GPP). These systems have
negative net ecosystem production
([NEP]=[GPP]–R) and
ratios of [GPP]/R of <1. This net
heterotrophy can be sustained only if aquatic respiration is subsidized by
organic inputs from the catchment. Such subsidies imply that organic materials
that escaped decomposition in the terrestrial environment must become
susceptible to decomposition in the linked aquatic environment.
Using a moderate-sized catchment in North America, the Hudson River (catchment
area 33500 km2), evidence is presented for the magnitude
of net heterotrophy. All approaches (CO2 gas flux;
O2 gas flux; budget and gradient of dissolved organic C;
and the summed components of primary production and respiration within the
ecosystem) indicate that system respiration exceeds gross primary production
by ~200 g C m-2 year-1. Highly
14C-depleted C of ancient terrestrial origin
(1000–5000 years old) may be an important source of labile organic
matter to this riverine system and support this excess respiration. The
mechanisms by which organic matter is preserved for centuries to millennia in
terrestrial soils and decomposed in a matter of weeks in a river connect
modern riverine metabolism to historical terrestrial conditions.
Ecology of Cryptomonas at the chemocline of a karstic sulfate-rich lake
Authors: Camacho Antonio , Vicente Eduardo , Miracle María R.
Published: September 2002

In a study from October 1989 to January 1992, a dense population
ofCryptomonas cf. erosa (maximum
density 38 000 cells mL–1) consistently developed
at the chemocline of Lake Arcas, central Spain,where sharp physical and
chemical gradients occurred during stratification. This population developed
following the establishment of vertical water stratification and declined when
the lake was near autumnal mixis. Population growth
in situ, attributable to photosynthetic adaptation to
low light intensities rather than to phagotrophy, causes these algal maxima.
The population densities and net growth rates of C. cf.
erosa in situ were influenced by
the coexisting phototrophic prokaryotes at the chemocline, because their
shading effect and their role in phosphorus accumulation may impede nutrient
diffusion from hypolimnetic waters. C. cf.
erosa cells optimize their physiological characteristics
by migrating downwards into sulfide-rich waters during the evening to reach
higher phosphorus availability, and most migrate upwards in the morning and
afternoon to attain sulfide-free waters, where they can photosynthesize
without sulfide inhibition. The Cryptomonas population
of Lake Arcas suffers intense grazing by aerobic and anaerobic ciliates either
above or below the oxic–anoxic boundary. Consequently, grazing pressure
on Cryptomonas can not be significantly reduced by
migration to anoxic waters.
Reproductive biology of the Caribbean sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon porosus, from northern Brazil
Authors: Mattos Sergio M. G. , Broadhurst Matt , Hazin Fabio H. V. , Jonnes Danillo M.
Published: September 2002

Two hundred and seventy three Caribbean sharpnose
sharks,Rhizoprionodon porosus, were collected from
catches of vessels fishing with gill-nets off the coast of northern Brazil
between April 1996 and July 1997. The total sex ratio
post partum was significantly biased towards females
(1:1.57), but significantly more immature males than immature females were
sampled (1.45:1), indicating sexual segregation. Females and males were
categorized into reproductive stages according to changes in their
reproductive tract. Size at sexual maturity for females was estimated to be
?65 cm total length (TL), and males matured at between ?65
and 70 cm TL. Gravid females had 1 to 8 embryos that approached a size at
parturition of between ?33 and 37 cm TL. The sex ratio of embryos
was significantly biased towards females (1:1.79). Positive linear
relationships were detected between TL of mature females and ovarian and
uterine fecundities. Concurrent ovulation and gestation cycles and a clear
relationship between embryonic development and maturation of the ovary showed
that females are ready to copulate immediately after parturition. Reproduction
occurs annually ,and although a peak in copulation was detected between late
winter and early summer, many females appear capable of mating at any time
throughout the year.
Diel and tidal abundance of fish larvae in a barrier-estuary channel in New South Wales
Authors: Trnski T.
Published: September 2002

In four 24-h series of ichthyoplankton sampling during winter
(June–July) 1996 in Swansea Channel (which connects Lake Macquarie with
coastal waters of central New South Wales, Australia) 3367 fish larvae
representing at least 77 species were collected. The larval fish community
clustered by sampling date and by diel phase. Diel phase had a stronger
influence on abundance of more common taxa than did tide phase, and also most
influence on community structure. For most taxa there was no difference in
abundance between flood and ebb tides, regardless of the estuarine or marine
source of the eggs and larvae. All but two of 16 common species were present
in Swansea Channel throughout their entire larval stage. The sparids
Acanthopagrus australis and
Rhabdosargus sarbawere present in the channel only at
settlement-competent sizes. These two species showed evidence of selective
presence in the channel during a particular diel or tidal phase, with
A. australis apparently preferring night-flood tides,
which would aid migration to the estuarine nursery habitats in Lake Macquarie.
The ability or inclination to escape the strong bi-directional flows in
channels seems limited to only a few taxa that appear to respond to physical
cues and tidal current flows.
Environmentally influenced variability in the morphology of Cinachyrella australiensis (Carter 1886) (Porifera : Spirophorida : Tetillidae)
Authors: McDonald Justin I. , Hooper John N. A. , McGuinness Keith A.
Published: September 2002

The influence of environmental variability on body form and tissue structure
of Cinachyrella australiensis is reported for
populations from three sites within Darwin Harbour, Northern Territory,
Australia, that varied considerably in hydrological conditions. External
morphology of these sponges differed among sites ranging from typical
spherical shapes to flattened forms. A large proportion of dry weight
consisted of inorganic matter, i.e. silica spicules, varying between
62.9% and 78.2%. Sites with highest water velocity and sediment
size were significantly correlated with sponge populations having the greatest
inorganic content and lowest organic cellular content and the thickest oxea.
Thicker oxea may in part account for the higher structural content of sponges
at these sites. There was no significant difference in oxea length among
sites. It is concluded that sponges subjected to highly perturbed environs
with large water flow and sedimentation regimes may devote more energy to
spicule reinforcement relative to organic content. These robust sponges have
the potential to make an important structural contribution to their habitats.
A complex quota-managed fishery: science and management in Australia's South East Fishery. Introduction and overview
Authors: Smith Anthony D. M. , Smith David C.
Published: September 2002

The stock assessment process in the South East Fishery involves scientists,
industry, fishery managers, economists and non-government organizations. A
comparison with such processes in other countries, where stakeholder
involvement ranges from government scientists only to involvement of
scientists, industry and conservation non-government organizations, suggests
that Australia is the only country in which fishery managers are active and
integral stock-assessment participants. In Australia, as in several other
countries, the form of advice is comparative (consequences of alternative
decisions) rather than prescriptive. Although all approaches have advantages
and disadvantages, the South East Fishery process has advantages that appear
to clearly outweigh the disadvantages. The advantages include better
communication among interest groups, improved ownership of and hence support
for outcomes and better interactions among groups. The disadvantages include
the cost of the process, lack of consistency among assessments, vulnerability
of scientists and the frustrations of industry.
Reproductive biology of the eastern shovelnose ray, Aptychotrema rostrata (Shaw & Nodder, 1794), from Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia
Authors: Kyne P. M. , Bennett M. B.
Published: September 2002

The eastern shovelnose ray, Aptychotrema rostrata
(Rhinobatidae), is an endemic batoid common to the east coast of Australia.
The reproductive cycle was studied in Moreton Bay, south-eastern Queensland,
over a 14-month period. Aptychotrema rostrata is an
aplacental yolksac viviparous species with an annual, seasonal reproductive
cycle in Moreton Bay. Females mature at 54–66 cm total length, and males
at 60–68 cm total length. Gravid females were observed during
September–November and parturition occurred in November–December.
Vitellogenesis does not proceed in parallel with gestation. Ovulation and
copulation probably occur during July–September, resulting in a
gestational period of 3–5 months. Uterine fecundity ranges from 4 to 18,
with a significant positive relationship between uterine fecundity and
maternal body length. In mature males, a peak in the proportion of mature
spermatocysts in the testes was observed in July, whereas gonadosomatic index
peaked in April.
Antibacterial activity in the haemolymph of western rock lobster,Panulirus cygnus
Authors: Tsvetnenko Elena , Fotedar Seema , Evans Louis
Published: September 2002

Nonspecific antibacterial activity (ABA) of lobster haemolymph was
investigated as an indicator of lobster immune-system status and health
condition. To determine whether ABA was localised in the plasma or in the
haemocytes, we destroyed the haemocyte membrane by sonication and analysed
samples containing plasma and haemocyte lysates for ABA along with sera from
the same lobsters. Haemocytes were the main site of ABA in lobster haemolymph.
In an experiment designed to assess typical handling conditions, lobsters were
placed for 6 h under treatment conditions simulating five
transport/storage approaches: submerged in flow-through water, sprayed
with flow-through water, submerged in recirculating water, sprayed with
recirculating water, and exposed to humid air. The lowest ABA was observed in
the two submerged treatments and the highest in the two spray treatments.
Lobsters that subsequently survived a simulated live-shipment procedure
exhibited significantly lower ABA than did those found dead or weak during a
subsequent 7 days of holding in the tank. We concluded that handling stress is
associated with high ABA level in lobster haemolymph.
Den choice and occupation patterns of shelters by two sympatric lobster species, Panulirus argus and Panulirus guttatus, under experimental conditions
Authors: Lozano-Álvarez Enrique , Briones-Fourzán Patricia
Published: September 2002

Panulirus argus and P. guttatus
are sympatric and commonly share dens. We studied their den-related behaviour
in 3 m-diameter tanks, each holding a casita (low den) and a cave (high den)
(1) separately (2) together (3) together with a triggerfish predator
(Balistes vetula), and (4) separately with the predator.
Most P. argus left shelter at night, and some during the
day, and showed no den preference in any treatment. In caves, individual
P. argus occupied all parts of caves in treatments 1 and
2 and mostly the vault (walls and ceiling) in treatments 3 and 4. Not all
P. guttatus left shelters at night, and none during the
day. Individual P. guttatus showed no den preference in
treatments 1 and 2, preferred the cave in 3 and 4, and always preferred the
cave vault. Presence of congeners did not affect den choice or cave position
for either species, whereas the predator affected den choice
(P. guttatus only) and position in caves (both species).
Videotapes showed aggression between individual
P. guttatus but not between individual
P. argus or between species. The fish cohabited with
lobsters in the casita but attacked them in caves and in the open. Unlike
P. argus, P. guttatus exhibited no
communal defence.
Restructuring the Tasmanian rock-lobster fishery - the effect of two years of management under individual transferable quotas
Authors: Ford Wes , Ford Wes
Published: September 2002

Individual transferable quotas were successfully introduced into the Tasmanian
rock-lobster fishery in 1998. In the two years since, significant industry
restructuring has occurred. The move to quota management was intended to meet
two key objectives: to reduce the catch to a sustainable level, allowing the
stock to rebuild, and to provide a mechanism whereby the industry could
achieve economic sustainability. The quota system has achieved early results
on both the sustainability and restructuring objectives and is now well
accepted and supported by the vast majority of fishers and licence holders.
Its effect has been to reduce fishing effort by 29% and number of
fishing vessels by 23%, and the reduction in catch has resulted in a
6% increase in the estimated biomass and substantial increases in egg
production after one year. Fishers now spend fewer days at sea, and catch
rates are improving. These changes are reducing fishing costs, which in time
should increase profitability. Social costs of introducing quotas are that
fewer fishers are employed on vessels and that fishers now find it harder and
more expensive to lease a fishing licence. These costs must be factored into
any assessment of the industry.
Ichthyofauna of the sub-tropical Nhlabane Estuary, KwaZulu-Natal: drought-related changes in the fish community during extended mouth closure
Authors: Vivier L. , Cyrus D. P.
Published: September 2002

The fish fauna of the Nhlabane estuary in northern KwaZulu-Natal was studied
during a drought over the period 1992–95. The estuary mouth closed in
late 1991, due to the drought as well as water abstraction from the system,
and only reopened when the drought ended in late 1995. Fish were sampled by
seine and gill-netting. Of 40 species recorded, most were estuarine-dependent
marine species. Marine and estuarine dependent species dominated during 1992,
whereas freshwater and resident estuarine species dominated in 1995.
Estuarine-dependent marine species declined most in number and abundance and
were most affected by the low salinities and lack of marine influence due to
the lack of post-larval recruitment and the loss of the nursery function of
the estuary. Exploitation of the Nhlabane system as a water resource also
contributed to the extended mouth closure and the decline in the fish
community. Limited post-larval recruitment by means of wave-overtopping did,
however, appear to continue even though the estuary mouth remained closed.
The status of estuarine fish diversity in Thailand
Authors: Vidthayanon Chavalit , Premcharoen Siraprapha
Published: September 2002

The 87 families and 607 species of estuarine fish recorded in Thailand since
1966 comprise 30 elasmobranch species and 577 teleost species. Gobies
(Eleotridae and Gobiidae) are the most diverse Thai estuarine fishes (~134
species of ~60 genera), although several taxa are still poorly known. They are
followed by the clupeioid fishes (4 families: 64 species), ariid catfishes (34
species), croakers (Sciaenidae: 36 species) and halfbeaks (Hemiramphidae: 27
species). The Ariidae, Plotosidae, Mugilidae, Sciaenidae, and the Polynemidae
mainly inhabit the estuaries, but the nurseryfish (Kurtidae) is restricted to
mangrove canals. More than 90 species are commercially important for
small-scale coastal fisheries and in the local economy. Around 40 species are
well known in the global aquarium trade. In the past decade, species diversity
has drastically decreased owing to loss of habitats (over 55% of
mangrove areas have been claimed by deforestation, shrimp ponds and
settlements), overfishing and pollution. There are 75 threatened species, (8
endangered; 67 vulnerable and near threatened). Two alien species introduced
for aquaculture, Mozambique tilapia
Oreochromis mossambicus and sailfin platy
Poecilia sphenops, flourish mainly in the inner Gulf of
Thailand.
Microanatomy of spermatophore formation and male genital ducts in the holocephalan, Callorhynchus milii
Authors: Reardon Matt B. , Walker Terence I. , Hamlett William C.
Published: September 2002

The present study is the first to consider male genital tract histology and
spermatophore development among the holocephalans. Spermatogenesis in
Callorhynchus milii occurs in a spermatocyst containing
sperm laterally embedded in the apex of Sertoli cells. Individual sperm occur
in the proximal tubule of the epididymis where they commence to associate into
laterally aligned bundles. The Leydig gland, a modified anterior mesonephros,
lies laterally to the genital ducts and supplies a seminal matrix to the
epididymis and ductus deferens. The epididymis consists of a thin-walled large
lumen with a smooth epithelium of simple ciliated columnar cells and secretory
pyriform cells. The lumen contains a flocculent granular seminal matrix with a
peripheral area of hyalin material. Sperm are present in the ductus deferens
as bundles embedded in an ovoid-to- elongate spermatophore matrix with a
distinct cortex and medulla. The epithelium of the ductus deferens consists of
simple ciliated columnar cells and secretory pyriform cells. Fully formed
spermatophores occur in the seminal vesicle where laterally aligned sperm are
embedded in a matrix. The development of spermatophores as a mode of sperm
storage may reflect a breeding strategy that is both opportunisitic and
competitive.
Early life history of Acanthopagrus latus and A. schlegeli (Sparidae) on the western coast of Taiwan: temporal and spatial partitioning of recruitment
Authors: Chang Chih-Wei , Hsu Chih-Chieh , Wang Yu-Tzu , Tzeng Wann-Nian
Published: September 2002

Acanthopagrus latus and
A. schlegeli are phylogenetically closely related. The
seasonal occurrence and distribution, age and length at recruitment, growth
rate and hatching dates of their larvae were compared by collecting
fortnightly specimens from four estuaries on the north-eastern and western
coast of Taiwan between September 1997 and August 1998. Age and growth rate
were determined from the daily growth increments in otoliths of the larvae.
Occurrences of A. latus and
A. schlegeli larvae on the western coast of Taiwan were
temporally and spatially separated. Recruitment of the former progressed from
north to south from November through March, whereas the latter progressed from
south to north from December through May. Age and length of the larvae at
estuarine arrival were greater in A. latus; these values
increased southward for A. latus and northward for
A. schlegeli. Age at recruitment was inversely
correlated with growth rate which was positively correlated to water
temperature. A. latus spawned mainly in autumn, whereas
A. schlegeli spawned mainly in spring with a minor
spawning peak in autumn. Coastal currents and the spawning behaviour of the
adults may influence the geographic gradients of the seasonal occurrence and
distribution of the larvae on the western coast of Taiwan.
Coral reef fish communities of Mayotte (western Indian Ocean) two years after the impact of the 1998 bleaching event
Authors: Chabanet P.
Published: September 2002

This study, conducted during the Coral Reef Observatory programme in 2000, was
carried out at 9 localities: 4 on fringing reefs (0 and 3 m depth), 2 on inner
reefs (0 and –3 m) and 3 on outer barrier reefs (3 and 6 m).
Quantitative data were collected by visual census techniques along 50 m 5 m
transects. The ichthyofauna is separated into fringing inner-reef communities
and outer barrier-reef communities. Species richness and abundance were always
higher at the deeper sites. These indices were also lower on fringing reef
flats and higher on the outer barrier reefs. In terms of individual numbers,
browsers of sessile invertebrates (mainly Chaetodontidae) are poorly
represented in the fish community at all sites (3%). Planktivores are
the dominant trophic category on the deeper sites (mean 63%) and
herbivores on the shallower sites (mean 40%, mainly Acanthuridae). The
high abundance of herbivores and the low abundance of browsers of sessile
invertebrates could be due to altered benthic communities resulting from the
1998 bleaching event.
Occurrence of young and small-sized fishes in different habitats within a subtropical South African estuary and adjacent harbour
Authors: Weerts S. P. , Cyrus D. P.
Published: September 2002

This paper investigates the association of assemblages of 0+ juveniles
and small fishes with different shallow-water habitats in Mhlathuze Estuary
and the adjacent Richards Bay Harbour. Prior to harbour development, these
systems comprised a single large estuarine system. Sampling was conducted on a
quarterly basis using a finemesh (1 mm) small seine net (8 m). Habitats
sampled were all important as nursery areas for juvenile fishes but they
supported different fish assemblages. The most distinct assemblage occurred in
eelgrass, which is restricted to the estuary. Several species were strongly
associated with this habitat, and its scarcity in other subtropical South
African estuaries may be limiting to species richness. Mangrove fringes in
both systems and sandbanks in the estuary supported similar fish compositions.
Fishes associated with mudflats in the estuary and harbour were similar in
community structure. Ecologically important prey species used these mangrove,
estuary-sandbank and mudflat habitats as juveniles and adults. Harbour
sandbanks had fish assemblages dissimilar to sandbanks in the estuary and
other habitats in the area.
Single large or several small marine reserves for the Caribbean spiny lobster?
Authors: Stockhausen William T. , Lipcius Romuald N.
Published: September 2002

The ‘SLOSS’ debate—Single Large Or Several Small protected
areas—remains unresolved. We used a heuristic model based on population
dynamics of Caribbean spiny lobster in Exuma Sound, Bahamas, to compare
impacts of regional reserve designs that configured 20% of available
coastal habitat as either a randomly located single large reserve or a network
of six small, randomly located reserves on three performance indicators
(fishery yield, larval production, population growth rate) for a
hypothetical overexploited lobster population. Two
additional management strategies were considered: one reduced effort by
20% (without protected areas), and one did nothing. Effects were
evaluated for two levels of hydrodynamic variability. In general, performance
indicators ranked the management strategies, independent of hydrodynamic
variability, from best to worst in the order (1) single large reserve (2)
several small reserves (3) reduced effort (4) no management action, but
differences were not always significant. Therefore, for the model regional
system investigated here, a single large reserve is preferable to several
small ones. We propose that this conservation strategy is most suitable at the
regional scale (~100s of kilometres) and that such single, large regional
reserves would function most effectively within a broadscale (~1000s of
kilometres) reserve network, barring local catastrophes.
Distribution and abundance of Caribbean spiny lobsters in the Key West National Wildlife Refuge: relationship to habitat features and impact of an intensive recreational fishery
Authors: Eggleston David B. , Dahlgren Craig P.
Published: September 2002

During 1999 we determined abundance and size frequency of the Caribbean spiny
lobster, Panulirus argus, in various habitats within the
‘Lakes’ and ‘Marquesas’ regions (122
km2 ) of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge (KWNWR),
USA, using visual surveys. We also assessed the relationship between lobster
abundance and habitat characteristics. During July–August 2000, we
quantified the impact of a two-day recreational fishing
‘miniseason’ in fished and nonfished areas within the KWNWR.
Lobster density was highest in channels, followed by hard bottom and patch
reefs. P. argus was rarely observed in sea-grass and
never in mangrove prop-roots. Its density was related to density and volume of
large sponges in channel habitats. Although channels represent only
0.06% of the study area, they provide abundant refuges and a likely
corridor for migrating juveniles. The two-day fishing season reduced density
of lobsters >7 cm CL by an average of 80% across several habitats,
including three marine protected areas closed to fishing. The observed decline
was probably due to fishing, because percent change in density was related to
number of recreational boats anchored at a given site. Relatively small marine
protected areas (30–150 ha) may therefore be too small to protect the
population structure of P. argus adequately within the
KWNWR.
Elemental composition of mantle tissue granules in Hyridella depressa (Unionida) from the Hawkesbury-Nepean River system, Australia: inferences from catchment chemistry
Authors: Byrne Maria , Vesk Peter A.
Published: September 2002

The Australian freshwater mussel
Hyridella depressa sequesters elements in calcium
phosphate (CaP) granules that form extensive aggregations in its tissues.
Elements contained in these granules were determined by X-ray microanalysis of
river and lake mussels from the Hawkesbury–Nepean River system, New
South Wales. Granules in freeze-substituted mantle tissue were analysed to
determine the variation in element profiles in granules among mussels and
among sites. For the common elements Ca, P, Fe, Mg and Mn, granule composition
reflected catchment lithology and site trophic status and indicated exogenous
input. These were most important for differentiation among lake sites and also
indicated differences between lake and river mussels. Site differences seen
with some common elements in granules from lake mussels correlated with
differences in water chemistry. Trace elements, particularly Al, Cu, Zn and
Pb, were also important in lake and river site differentiation. The granules
play a major role in element dynamics in freshwater mussel tissues and provide
a focal structure for direct analysis of element accumulation by these
bivalves. The results indicate that characterization of element content of
granules in mussel populations would provide valuable insights into
animal–element interactions in freshwater systems for ecological and
ecotoxicological investigations.
Factors affecting the catch rates and relative abundance of sea snakes in the by-catch of trawlers targeting tiger and endeavour prawns on the northern Australian continental shelf
Authors: Ward T. M.
Published: September 2002

A total of 4378 sea snakes (14 species; 5 unidentified specimens) were
collected from 21 082 h of sampling effort by trawlers of the Northern Prawn
Fishery. Most species (12) were collected from the southern Gulf of
Carpentaria. Hydrophis elegans and
Disteira major were caught frequently in all areas. The
catch rates of H. elegans and
Lapemis hardwickii were highest in the eastern gulf and
in depths of 31–40 and <20 m respectively.
Hydrophis elegans represented >27% of
specimens from most areas. Other species that represented ≥20% of
specimens from one or more areas were: L. hardwickii,
H. ornatus, D. major and
Aipysurus eydouxii. Catch rates of all species of snakes
combined did not differ significantly between 1984–86 and 1989–90,
and were moderately high around Groote Eylandt where the fishery is centred.
Most by-catch species occur in areas that are not subjected to extensive
trawling, and there are no data to suggest that this fishery seriously
threatens any population of sea snake. However, sea snakes may be more
vulnerable to trawler-induced effects than most other by-catch species, and
formal assessment of the status of populations is needed.
Mortality and breeding failure of little penguins, Eudyptula minor, in Victoria, 1995 - 96, following a widespread mortality of pilchard, Sardinops sagax
Authors: Dann Peter , Norman F. I. , Cullen J. M. , Neira F. J. , Chiaradia A.
Published: September 2002

In May 1995, numbers of little penguins,
Eudyptula minor, coming ashore declined at Phillip
Island and St Kilda concurrently with deaths of many penguins in western
Victoria and a massive mortality of one of their food species (pilchard)
throughout southern Australia. Among 1926 dead penguins reported were 131
banded birdsrecovered from Phillip Island (86% adults and 14%
first-year birds), 26 from Rabbit Island and six from St Kilda. The number of
banded penguins found dead per number of adult Phillip Island birds at risk
was 2.3% in 1995 compared with an annual mean of 0.7% for
1970–93. Of 29 corpses autopsied, at least 26 died of starvation
associated with mild–severe gastro-intestinal parasitism. Following the
pilchard mortality, egg-laying by penguins in the subsequent breeding season
(1995–96) was ~2 weeks later than the long-term mean and 0.3 chicks were
fledged per pair compared with the long-term mean of 1.0. Unlike previous
years, few penguins were recorded in Port Phillip Bay in
September–October 1995, a period when pilchard schools were infrequently
seen. It is concluded that the increase in penguin mortality in northern Bass
Strait and the significant reduction in breeding success were associated with
the widespread pilchard mortality.
Spatial and temporal variation in assemblages of Lutjanidae, Lethrinidae and associated fish species among mid-continental shelf reefs in the central Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Newman Stephen J. , Williams David McB.
Published: September 2002

Visual censuses were used to survey shallow-water assemblages of the
Lutjanidae and Lethrinidae among three mid-continental shelf reefs, and fish
traps were used to survey deeper water assemblages below diveable depths.
Significant differences were found in visual censuses of the Lutjanidae and
Lethrinidae among reefs. Trap catches of the Lutjanidae and Lethrinidae varied
more between depths and diel sampling periods than among reefs or over time.
Lutjanus carponotatus,
L. fulviflamma and
Lethrinus miniatus were more abundant in shallow trap
sets, whereas Lutjanus adetii,
L. russelli, L. sebae,
L. vitta, Gymnocranius audleyi,
Lethrinus sp.2 and
Abalistes stellaris were more abundant in deeper sets.
Additionally, Lutjanus adetii,
L. fulviflamma,
L. quinquelineatus, L. russelli,
L. sebae, L. vitta and
Lethrinus miniatus were more abundant at night, whereas
Lethrinus sp. 2,
Abalistes stellarisand
Plectropomus leopardus were more abundant during the
day. The absence of significant temporal variation in the observed spatial
patterns both among reefs and between depths indicates that these patterns may
persist through time. The use of both visual censuses and fish traps to assess
reef fish assemblages may provide an objective way of repeatedly censusing
reefs for monitoring purposes, especially where differences among reefs and
regions are important.