bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction of trophic pathways between plankton and the North Iberian sardine (Sardina pilchardus) using stable isotopes
Authors: Bode Antonio , Alvarez-Ossorio María Teresa , Carrera Pablo , Lorenzo Jorge
Published: October 2008

Feeding on phyto- and zooplankton by juvenile (< 1 year old) and adult sardines (Sardina pilchardus) was inferred from analyses of natural abundance of stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes in samples from the northwestern Iberian Peninsula (Spain) collected at the beginning of the upwelling season and peak spawning period of sardine. Plankton samples were fractionated through nets of 20, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 ?m mesh-size and the muscle protein of individual sardines was isolated before isotopic determinations. Up to six planktonic components and two sardine feeding types were identified from the modes in the frequency distributions of isotope abundance values. Also, the most probable pathways for carbon and nitrogen flows between compartments were analysed. The resulting food web revealed a relatively large degree of omnivory, both in plankton and sardine components, which confirms that complex trophic interactions could also occur in pelagic upwelling ecosystems. Young sardines had isotope abundance values clustered around a single mode in the frequency distribution, while adult sardines displayed two main modes. These modes are interpreted as representative of two extreme feeding types: one related to the individual capture of zooplankton prey and the other to unselective filter-feeding. Although both types of feeding could include micro- (20-200 ?m) and mesozooplankton (200-2000 ?m) prey, phytoplankton appears to be ingested mainly by filter-feeding. However, even adult sardines must be mainly zoophagous to achieve the observed isotopic abundance values, taking into account current assumptions on stable isotope enrichment through trophic levels. From the differences in the resulting pathways using either carbon or nitrogen isotopes, we interpreted that sardines acquire most of the protein nitrogen from zooplankton while a substantial fraction of their carbon would derive from phytoplankton. These interpretations agree with the information available for this species on the gut contents and the anatomy of the filtering apparatus.
Body size overlap in industrial and artisanal fisheries for five commercial fish species in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Stergiou Konstantinos I. , Moutopoulos Dimitrios K. , Krassas Georgiois
Published: October 2008

In this study we present the length frequency distributions of Boopsboops, Mullus barbatus, Scomber japonicus, Spicara smaris and Trachurusmediterraneus caught with different gears (trawls, purse-seines, beach-seines,gill nets, trammel nets and longlines) in Cyclades during 1995-2000. Trawls generallycaught the smallest sizes for four out of the five species studied (i.e. B.boops, M. barbatus, S. smaris and T. mediterraneus) and purse-seinescaught individuals with intermediate sizes between those caught with trawls andsmall-scale gears. For S. japonicus, gill nets caught smaller individualsthan those caught with purse-seines and trammel nets. The same general patternwas also observed comparing the seasonal length frequencies of the three mostabundant species (i.e. B. boops, T. mediterraneus and S. smaris).Generally, trawls caught immature individuals when compared to small-scale gearsand the vast majority of the individuals caught by all gears (with the exceptionof trammel nets for M. barbatus) was smaller than the optimum exploitation size,indicating that the gears examined are not appropriate for the sustainable exploitationof these resources.
Macroalgal biomass and species variations in the Lagoon of Venice (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy): 1981-1998
Authors: Curiel Daniele , Rismondo Andrea , Bellemo Giorgio , Marzocchi Mara
Published: October 2008

Over the past hundred years, the composition of the submerged aquatic vegetation of the Lagoon of Venice has changed considerably, due to increased anthropic activities and large-scale industrialisation. Seagrasses have gradually been reduced, whereas macroalgae (Ulva rigida, Enteromorpha spp., Cladophora spp., Chaetomorpha spp.) have increased. Macroalgal overgrowths peaked between 1970 and 1990 to the extent that, in order to estimate macroalgal biomass and coverage, the Venice Magistrato alle Acque (the Lagoon water management authority) started a series of investigations including monthly in situ measurements and aerial photo surveys. In the present paper these data are compared with available information on the Lagoon of Venice, and the widespread phenomenon of macroalgal proliferation is described. At the end of the 1980s, in our study area (78 km2 in the central part of the Lagoon) biomass values ranged from 10 to 25 kg wet weight (w.w.) m-2 (sub-areas of Lido and Sacca Sessola), with a total mean biomass of 392,000 t w.w. A slight reduction took place in 1992 and at the end of the 1990s the highest biomass values were relatively low, 5 kg w.w. m-2, with a total mean biomass of 1,600 t w.w. Our qualitative research carried out in 1991 on 130 sampling stations in the study area showed that soft substrates had a greatly reduced floristic composition in the five sub-areas in comparison with the control area (from 18 to 6 taxa), with Chlorophyta (50-80%) prevailing over both Rhodophyta (14-38%) and Phaeophyta (0-14%), and a slight or reduced distribution of seagrasses. The trend in macroalgal reduction during the 1990s corresponded to seagrass recolonisation, mainly of Zostera marina, taking advantage of new, compacted, oxidised and stabilised sediments that were no longer covered by extensive Ulva beds.
Zonation patterns of benthic communities in an upwelling area from the western Medierranean (La Herradura, Alboran Sea)
Authors: Cebrián Emma , Ballesteros Enric
Published: October 2008

Species composition and distribution of marine benthic communities from La Herradura (Alboran Sea, western Mediterranean) are described to characterise its rocky and sedimentary bottoms bionomically. Rocky bottoms were studied by means of several underwater transects and soft bottoms with fixed stations along a bathymetric gradient. The study of the floristic and faunistic composition of the rocky benthic communities highlights depth as the main axis of variation. Factorial Correspondence Analysis segregates deep-water communities below 25 m depth (circalittoral communities) from shallower communities (axis I), and communities thriving between 5 and 25 m depth (lower infralittoral communities) from communities thriving close to the surface (shallow infralittoral communities) (axis II). The study of the sedimentary bottoms also suggests that depth, together with physical sedimentary properties, is the main axis of variation in species distribution. Floristic and faunistic records show the particular composition of La Herradura benthic communities, compared to Mediterranean and Atlantic ones. Mixing of Mediterranean and Atlantic waters, together with deep water upwelling episodes typical of this area, probably determine the peculiar composition of the benthic communities.
Ontogenetic radular variation in species of Tambja Burn, 1962 (Gastropoda, Opisthobranchia, Polyceratidae), from the eastern Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Ocaña Amelia , Sánchez-Tocino Luis , García Francisco J.
Published: October 2008

Of the 10 species in the genus Tambja (Polyceratidae) described in the biogeographical Atlantic-Mediterranean subregion, 6 species were chosen for the present study because of their relative abundance in the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean area. Data are given on the variations in the number of radular tooth rows and their morphology for specimens at different developmental stages from juveniles to adults. Juvenile specimens smaller than 10 mm show a variable number of tooth rows which is always above 20. In juvenile specimens larger than 10 mm in length or the juvenile pre-adult and adult stages, the number of tooth rows is invariably lower than 20, but a positive linear relationship between body length and the number of tooth rows is still shown. The significance of this phenomenon is not known at this time, although different hypotheses have been suggested.
Tracking a big anticyclonic eddy in the western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Font Jordi , Isern-Fontanet Jordi , De Jesus Salas José
Published: October 2008

In May 1998 a big and deep open ocean anticyclonic eddy (AE 98-1) was sampled in the Algerian basin (western Mediterranean sea) in a region south of the Balearic islands. Fifteen surface Lagrangian buoys, tracked by satellite, were released across the eddy and were used for a few months to observe the continuity of the anticyclonic motion and the westward drift of the eddy. This kind of big and intense eddies in the Mediterranean can be detected by satellite altimeter radars. Using a new method, based on the Okubo-Weiss criterion, to identify mesoscale eddies in Sea Level Anomaly maps derived from measurements of the ERS and TOPEX/POSEIDON altimeters, an independent tracking of the same eddy was performed. There is a remarkable agreement between the two results despite the different nature of the information, mainly due to the fact that SLA maps contain interpolated and smoothed measurements while the drifter? trajectories are in situ data obtained from individual drifter fixes. The location of the eddy centre during two months with the two methods agrees within an average distance lower than the spatial resolution of the altimetric maps (0.2º). The size of the eddy, when it is possible to determine it, is also highly coincident in both cases (96.5% in diameter), and its average westwards translation speed is reasonably similar (24% lower from drifters). These results can be considered a good validation of the new tracking method in SLA maps in this specific case.
Daily ration of Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarcticum Boulenger, 1902) in the Eastern Weddell Sea
Authors: Olaso Ignacio , Lombarte Antoni , Velasco Francisco
Published: October 2008

The daily ration of Pleuragramma antarcticum in the Eastern Weddell Sea was investigated from midwater and bottom trawl samples collected in the Antarctic in the summer of 1998. Using a gastric evacuation model that takes into account Weddell Sea temperature below zero and information on the prey type daily ration estimates were: 1.133% BW for immature fish of 10-16 cm and 0.484% BW for mature fish of 17-24 cm. The low daily ration intake was influenced by the low temperatures that limited the rate of gastric evacuation. This model seems more realistic than results from the classic Elliot & Persson and Eggers models that are also used in this paper, since their assumptions on feeding regularity are more rigid and they do not consider data of energy density of the prey.
Fatty acid composition of the Caprellidea (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from the Strait of Gibraltar
Authors: Guerra-García José Manuel , Martínez-Pita Inés , Pita Maria Luisa
Published: October 2008

The total fatty acid composition of nine species of caprellidean amphipods collected from the Strait of Gibraltar was investigated. All caprellids were characterised by high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, mainly eicosapentaenoic acid, 20:5(n-3), and docosahexaenoic acid, 22:6(n-3); other major fatty acids were the saturate palmitic acid, 16:0, and the monounsaturate oleic acid, 18:1(n-9). In spite of this general uniformity, univariate and multivariate analysis showed that Caprella acanthifera and C. grandimana differed from the remaining species (C. danilevskii, C. equilibra, C. liparotensis, C. penantis, C. santosrosai, Phtisica marina and Pseudoprotella phasma). These two species (C. acanthifera and C. grandimana) showed higher concentrations of 18:1(n-7) and 20:4(n-6) and lower percentages of 22:6(n-3). These results, together with higher values of the biomarker ratio 20:5(n-3)/22:6(n-3) and a lower ratio 18:1(n-9)/18:1(n-7), suggested a greater contribution of diatoms and macroalgae in the diet of C. acanthifera and C. grandimana and a lesser contribution of flagellates than in the remaining species. The cluster classification of the caprellid specimens from the Strait of Gibraltar based on the fatty acid composition was in agreement with the Cluster output from data of feeding behaviour. Sex-related changes in the fatty acid composition were also explored in C. acanthifera, C. danilevskii and C. penantis; the percentage of 18:0, 20:4(n-6), and 20:5(n-3) was significantly higher in males, whereas 16:1(n-7) was higher in females. The intraspecific differences of fatty acids in different environmental conditions seem to indicate that the consumption of diatoms in contrast to flagellates increases with the degree of eutrophication.
Composition and distribution of benthic molluscs on intertidal flats of Paranaguá Bay (Paraná, Brazil)
Authors: Boehs Guisla , Monteiro Absher Theresinha , Da Cruz-Kaled Andrea
Published: October 2008

Mollusc species composition, abundance and spatial distribution were analysed from April 1996 to October 1997 on two tidal flats in Paranaguá Bay (SE Brazil) at the entrance (St. I) (Lat. 25o3´S) and in the intermediate sector (St. II) (Lat. 25o3´S) of the estuary. At St. I, with the highest and least variable salinity, species richness (R = 40) and diversity (H´= 1; DS = 0.85) were higher than at St. II (R = 22 and H´ = 0.54; DS = 0.57). The tropical clam Anomalocardia brasiliana was the most conspicuous mollusc of the two assemblages, followed by Cerithium atratum, Neritina virginea and Crassostrea sp. at St. I and by Macoma constricta and N. virginea at St. II. On the two flats, the decrease in species richness and abundance towards the upper tidal levels suggests a strong relationship between relative tolerance to physiological stress in the organisms and the degree of immersion/submersion.
Models describing mackerel (Scomber scombrus) early life growth in the North and Northwest of the Iberian Peninsula in 2000
Authors: Villamor Begoña , Bernal Miguel , Hernández Carmen
Published: October 2008

Mackerel (Scomber scombrus) in early life stages were captured in 2000 in the north and northwest of the Iberian Peninsula (ICES Divisions VIIIc and IXa North). Daily rings on their otolith sagittae were identified. Otoliths from 377 larvae and post-larvae caught in April and May 2000, ranging in length from 2.3 to 23.7 mm LS (Standard length) and ranging in age from 7 to 38 days after hatching were analysed. Additionally, 68 otoliths from juveniles and pre-recruits caught between July and October 2000 with a length range of 121-202 mm LS and aged between 65-186 days after hatching were analysed. Gompertz and Logistic growth models were fitted to the pooled length at age data of the larvae-postlarvae and juveniles-pre-recruits. As length at hatch is assumed in the literature to be 3.0 mm, the models were applied in two ways; not forced to pass through L0=3.0 mm and forced to pass through L0=3.0 mm. The unforced logistic growth curve appeared to be the most suitable for describing growth during the first year of life of mackerel (L? = 191.6 mm; K= 0.070; t0= 66.7 d).
Food of sand smelt, Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810 (Pisces: Atherinidae) in the estuary of the Mala Neretva River (middle-eastern Adriatic, Croatia)
Authors: Bartulovic Vlasta , Lucic Davor , Conides Alexis , Glamuzina Branko , Dulcic Jakov , Hafner Dubravka , Batistic Mirna
Published: October 2008

The feeding habits of sand smelt, Atherina boyeri Risso, 1810 in the mouth of the Mala Neretva River were studied by examining the stomach contents of 1236 fishes collected from March 2001 to February 2002. Thirteen different food categories were identified. The greatest diversity was recorded in winter, especially in January, when 11 categories were present. The minimum (4) was in September, and was associated with the highest number of empty stomachs. Marine and estuarine species represented the bulk of the prey, while typically fresh-water species (Daphnia spp. and Cyclops spp.) were found only sporadically. Crustaceans were the most common prey and, of these, the most common were copepods (45%), followed by gammarid amphipods (34%), cladocerans (13%), decapod larvae (12%) and mysids (8%). Insects represented 7%. The percentage number of prey showed high seasonal variations. Copepods dominated in autumn and winter, cyclopoids in April, poecilostomatoids and harpacticoids in December, and calanoids in January and February. Decapod larvae dominated in March-May, and mysids in July-August. PCA and clustering analysis was performed on the prey data in order to reveal associations between prey items or seasonal similarities. The opportunistic mode of feeding of the species Atherina boyeri is also discussed.
Demersal resource assemblages in the trawl fishing grounds off the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean)
Authors: Massutí Enric , Reñones Olga
Published: October 2008

The demersal resources distributed in the trawl fishing grounds off the Balearic Islands (western Mediterranean) were studied from two bottom trawl surveys carried out in spring and autumn along the continental shelf and upper slope off the islands of Mallorca and Menorca. A total of 88 hauls, between 41 and 745 m depth, were analysed by means of multivariate analysis and ecological parameter calculation in order to characterise the structure of commercial species assemblages. A different bathymetric distribution of abundance was observed by comparing the main taxonomic groups. Six main species assemblages were identified, primarily associated with depth but also with different macro-epibenthic communities. Seasonal or geographic differences were detected for three of these assemblages, which could be related to differences in habitats and macro-epibenthic communities, as well as to seasonal changes in the abundance of some species related to their life cycle.
Histological study of the gonadal development of Ruditapes decussates (L.) (Mollusca: Bivalvia) and its relationship with available food
Authors: Delgado Marina , Pérez Camacho Alejandro
Published: October 2008

This article describes the effects of food availability on the sexual maturation of Ruditapes decussates through histological examination of the gonadal tissue. Three food rations were tested: High (H: 1 mg. organic matter. g live weight–1.day-1 of the microalgae Isochrysis galbana clone T-ISO), intermediate (I: 0.5 mg OM g live weight-1 day-1) and nutritionally restricted (R: 0.25 mg OM g live weight-1 day-1). The tests were carried out at a constant temperature of 18°C for a period of 70 days for diets H and I, and 120 days for diet R. The results showed that in R. decussatus the energy from ingestion was mainly channelled to reproductive processes, especially when food was restricted. The clams matured sexually under all the conditions tested, both with a somatic growth and with a loss of body mass. The available food was directly related to the rate of the gonadal development and with the total quantity of gonad generated. Equally, food restrictions limited gonadal recovery after spawning episodes. Food quantity also affected the dry weight of soft tissues (DW), which increased with the highest ration (H) and decreased notably with the lowest ration (R). Decreases in DW when food was scarce appeared to be more related to loss of reserve tissue rather than to variations in the quantity of reproductive tissue.
The utricular otoliths, lapilli, of teleosts: their morphology and relevance for species identification and systematics studies
Authors: Assis Carlos A.
Published: October 2008

The present study describes the general morphology of the utricular otoliths, lapilli, of teleost fishes, proposes a terminology for their parts, identifies their two major morphological types, provides some examples of their use in species identification, and discusses their usefulness in studies of fish phylogeny and systematics.
Improving selection in south eastern Australian whiting (Sillago spp.) trawls: effects of modifying the body, extension and codend
Authors: Broadhurst Matt K. , Young Damian J. , Gray Charles A. , Wooden Michael E.L.
Published: October 2008

In response to a shift towards directed targeting of whiting, Sillago spp. by some penaeid trawlers in coastal waters off New South Wales, Australia, 3 experiments were done to examine the effects on the size and species selectivity of trawls associated with (i) a 40% increase in mesh size used in the body, (ii) altering the configuration of mesh in the codend, and (iii) a separating grid in the extension section. Each experiment involved paired comparisons between conventional and modified gears during normal commercial fishing operations. The results showed that increasing mesh size in the trawl body from 45 to 63 mm had no effect on any catches and, while the grid has the potential to improve species selection by excluding macrofauna, further refinement and testing are required to minimize the escape of commercial sized whiting. Changing the orientation of mesh in the codend from diamond- (40 mm mesh opening) to square-shaped (41 mm mesh, hung on the bar) had a highly significant effect on the size selection of red spot whiting, Sillago flindersi: reducing the catches of small, unwanted individuals (< 17 cm total length) by up to 99%, with minimal impact on the retention of larger, commercial sized individuals. We conclude that the use of square-mesh codends (with a bar length approaching 20 mm) by trawlers targeting whiting is an appropriate management tool for minimizing the fishing mortality of juvenile and maturing conspecifics.
Burying behaviour of two sympatric crab species: Cancer magister and Cancer productus
Authors: McGaw Iain J.
Published: October 2008

The mechanics and emergence patterns associated with burying behaviour were investigated in the Dungeness crab, Cancer magister, and the red rock crab, Cancer productus. Cancer magister used both the legs and chelae to excavate the sand, whereas Cancer productus used the legs to pull and push itself down into the sediment only using the chelae in a final push beneath the sediment. Several individuals of each species remained buried for over 50 h, which was accomplished by alterations in ventilatory physiology. More commonly, both species exhibited an endogenous rhythm of circadian periodicity, with peak periods of emergence from the sand occurring during nocturnal high tides. Although burial may act as a means of predator evasion and to ambush prey, it appears the primary reason may be to conserve energy. These two species of crabs often occur sympatrically; the difference in behaviours is closely related to previously reported differences in physiological mechanisms between the two species when buried.
Seasonal and inter-annual variability of the phytoplankton communities in an upwelling area of the Alborán Sea (SW Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Mercado Jesús M. , Ramírez Teodoro , Cortés Dolores , Sebastián Marta , Vargas-Yáñez Manuel
Published: October 2008

Temporal variability (seasonal and inter-annual) in the assembly of phytoplankton communities from the northern Alborán Sea was investigated. For this purpose, the taxonomic composition of the micro- and nano-phytoplankton communities at three fixed stations was determined every three months from 1994 to 2002. A total of 357 different taxa were identified. Most of them (about 54%) were diatom species belonging to 57 genera. Dinoflagellates and coccolitophorids accounted for 118 and 30 taxa respectively. Two time periods could be differentiated with respect to the cell abundance. Thus, the mean abundance from 1994 to 1999 was 338 cell ml-1 and it dropped to about 60 cell ml-1 during the period 2000-2002. Diatoms and un-identified small flagellates dominated the communities during this first period, although a significant increase in the abundance of coccolitophorids occurred after 1997. Pseudo-nitzschia, Leptocylindrus and Chaetoceros were the dominant genera. In contrast, the coccolitophorids Emiliania huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa spp. quantitatively dominated the communities from 2000 to 2002. These shifts in the community assembly were assessed by performing a sample-oriented stepwise discriminant analysis (SDA). The analysis separated the samples into three year-groups, with great inter-annual variability. In contrast, the SDA did not find any seasonal sucessional pattern. In spite of this result, chlorophyll a and cell abundance tended to be higher in the spring period, which has been described for the whole Alborán basin. The nutrient concentrations in the 75 m upper seawater layer had inter-annual fluctuations. Thus, NO3-+NO2-, PO4-3 and Si(OH)4 concentrations decreased significantly in 1997-1998. Additionally, lower Si(OH)4 concentrations and Si:P molar ratios were obtained in 2000. These results suggest that the inter-annual shifts in the phytoplankton taxonomic composition were due to alterations in the nutrient regime. In this paper we discuss the possible rationale for these nutrient changes.
Glycoconjugates in the branchial mucous cells of Cynoscion guatucupa (Cuvier, 1830) (Pisces: Sciaenidae)
Authors: Diaz Alcira O. , Garcia Alicia M. , Goldemberg Adriana L.
Published: October 2008

This study examines the mucous cells from the gills of the stripped weakfish Cynoscion guatucupa. The glycoconjugates (GCs) were identified with: (1) oxidizable vicinal diols; (2) sialic acids and some of their chain variants, C7, C8 or C9; (3) sialic acid residues with O-acyl substitution at C7, C8 or C9; (4) carboxyl groups and (5) sulphate groups. The presence of sugar residues in the oligosaccharide side chain of glycoconjugates was investigated by means of a battery of seven biotinylated lectins. One type of mucous cell was identified in the primary and secondary lamellae, the secretory content of which evidenced neutral, sulphated and sialylated glycoconjugates. The distribution pattern of the mucus was identical in the primary and secondary lamellae. PNA had the most staining in the mucous cell content, while UEA-I had the least, as it was completely negative. Con-A showed weak to no staining and WGA showed weak to moderate staining. The reactions to DBA, SBA and RCA-I were moderate. This work clearly demonstrates the heterogeneity of the mucous cell glycoconjugates, which could be involved in various functions, such as lubrication, protection, inhibition of microorganisms and a role in ion regulation and diffusion.
Annual reproductive cycle and fecundity of Scorpaena notata (Teleostei, Scorpaenidae)
Authors: Muñoz Marta , Sàbat Maria , Vila Silvia , Casadevall Margarida
Published: October 2008

Scorpaena notata (Teleostei: Scorpaenidae) is an oviparous species with external fertilisation that shows some unusual features in its gonadal morphology and gametogenesis. In this work we analyse the annual reproductive cycle and the fecundity of this species by studying the monthly histological changes in the gonads and of various indices related to reproduction. Sexual dimorphism does not occur in the population we studied, which is clearly dominated by males. Multiple spawning takes place between July and October, consisting of between 6,000 and 33,000 eggs per female, each of about 500 µm in diameter. The fecundity of the species is determined by the size and weight of the individuals
Oxidative stress and antioxidant defences generated by solar UV in a Subantarctic marine phytoflagellate
Authors: Pablo Hernando Marcelo , Malanga Gabriela Fabiana , Ferreyra Gustavo Adolfo
Published: October 2008

The reduction of the Antarctic stratospheric ozone resulted in significant increases in ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B, 280-320 nm) reaching the surface of the ocean. The main objective of this work was to study long-term (growth rate scale, days) stress responses (lipid oxidative damage, TBARS, and lipid soluble antioxidants) to UV-B and UV-A of a phytoflagellate species (Asteromonas sp.) isolated from a natural phytoplankton community of the Subantarctic Beagle Channel. The growth rate was inhibited by UV-B and UV-A radiation during the exponential phase. A marked increase in the TBARS content was observed on day 1 of the experiment, with significant differences between algae subjected to UV-B and UV-A treatments, thus suggesting high damage to the cell membrane. During the second day of the experiment TBARS in UV-A treatments were higher than under photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). The concentration of TBARS decreased to the level of the PAR control on day 3, remaining low until the end of the experiment. Lipid antioxidant concentrations (?-tocopherol and ?-carotene) were delayed with respect to variations in TBARS, showing maximum values on day 3 of the experiment. This coincided with the minimum TBARS concentrations in all treatments. The content of both antioxidants increased significantly in cultures exposed to UV-B and UV-A on days 3 and 4. In Antarctic species (phytoflagellate Asteromonas sp., AP and diatom Thalassiosira sp., AT) a-tocopherol was more abundant than b-carotene. The phytoflagellate species showed a lag in reaching the maximum content of both antioxidants in relation to AT, which reached the maximum concentration within a short time scale (3 h) suggesting a more rapid response to oxidative stress. AT was more resistant to UVR stress than the phytoflagellate species. Overall, our results show that UVR damage/repair balance involves the combined action of several internal factors in the cell.
A new species of Mirocaris (Crustacea: Decapoda: Caridea: Alvinocarididae) associated with hydrothermal vents on the Central Indian Ridge, Indian Ocean
Authors: Komai Tomoyuki , Martin Joel W. , Zala Krista , Tsuchida Shinji , Hashimoto Jun
Published: October 2008

Mirocaris indica, a new species of the caridean family Alvinocarididae, is described based on 17 specimens from hydrothermal vent fields on the Central Indian Ridge near the Rodriguez Triple Junction. The new species closely resembles the only known representative of Mirocaris, the Atlantic species M. fortunata (Martin and Christiansen). Shared major characters include the dorsoventrally flattened, unarmed rostrum, the presence of epipods on the third maxilliped through to the fourth pereopod with corresponding setobranchs on the first to fifth pereopods, and the lack of appendices internae on the third and fourth pleopods. However, the lack of submarginal rows of short to long stiff setae on the external surfaces of the fingers of the first chela distinguishes M. indica from M. fortunata, and may reflect a difference in feeding habit between the two species. Further, M. indica may attain a larger adult size than M. fortunata does.
First record of Taningia danae (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Quetglas Antoni , Fliti Khaled , Massutí Enric , Refes Wahid , Guijarro Beatríz , Zaghdoudi Said
Published: October 2008

The capture of a specimen of the oceanic cephalopod Taningia danae Joubin, 1931, caught during a bottom trawl survey carried out off the Algerian coast, is reported for the first time in the Mediterranean Sea. The individual, which was taken at 385-395 m depth, was a juvenile with a 55.6 mm mantle length and age of 132 days. This finding is important as there are few worldwide records of this species.
Exploitation of tidal power in the Bay of Cadiz: ancient tidal mills
Authors: Alonso del Rosario José J. , Vidal Pérez Juan M. , Pérez Serrano Julio , Mendoza Sánchez Juan C.
Published: October 2008

Tidal mills were the main industrial activity in the Bay of Cadiz for centuries. They were the last step in the production of salt and flour made by grinding grains. They were installed along the shallow channels, called “caños”, around the Bay, where the frictional and geometrical effects are very strong. The authors have analyzed the propagation of the semidiurnal tidal waves along the Caño de Sancti Petri and the available tidal power in the area. The ancient tidal mills were located where the available tidal potential energy is highest, which ensured productivity for grinding salt and wheat in ancient times. Some considerations about the possibility of installing tidal power plants in the Bay of Cadiz now are given, which show that it could be a real and renewal alternative source of energy for the area.
Seasonal evolution of the nutrient pattern on Biscay Bay continental shelf over the years 1999-2000
Authors: Loyer Sophie , Lampert Luis , Menesguen Alain , Cann Philippe , Labasque Thierry
Published: October 2008

The French Atlantic shelf is subjected to strong anthropic influences (urban, industrial and agricultural discharges) of two main rivers (Loire and Gironde). The extension and consequences of these continental loadings for the nutrient and chlorophyll distribution have never been studied before on the Bay of Biscay continental shelf as a whole. We present the first synoptic view of the nutrient distribution and evolution on the French Atlantic shelf. Nutrient concentrations of the surface layer were studied during four cruises in April, June, September 1999 and March 2000. Until June, the freshwater inputs induce a nitrate gradient from river mouths to offshore waters in the vicinity of the 100 m isobath. The Redfield’s ratio study highlights the nitrate excess in river loadings. The early spring situation is characterised by high N:P ratios in front of the two estuaries and by a potential Si-limitation in the northern part. Nitrate removal continues in spite of the P-limitation and the increase in silicate concentrations during summer supposes high regeneration processes. At the end of summer, the water column is thermally stratified and the surface mixed layer is totally depleted in nitrate.
Sources and preservation of organic matter in recent sediment from the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Estuary, China
Authors: Xiaoxia Lü , Zhai Shikui , Niu Lifeng
Published: October 2008

The vertical distributions of bulk and molecular biomarker compositions in the samples from four sediment cores of the Changjiang (Yangtze River) Estuary were determined. The changes in the bulk and molecular compositions with depth suggest that there have been recent changes in the marine autogenic and terrigenous supply. In the site at the boundary of the turbidity maximum (Site 8) and the most southern site (Site 26), the autogenic and allochthonous inputs make almost the same contribution to sedimentary organic matter. In the site close to the river mouth (Site 11), the organic matter mainly comes from the terrestrial input carried by the Changjiang water, whereas, in the most eastern site (Site 17), the organic matter consists of a mixture of recent and ancient Changjiang delta sedimentary residues. Significant downcore fluctuations were observed in the patterns of the bulk and molecular compositions, as well as in several biomarker ratios, which also indicates the different anoxic conditions at different depths of the core besides the source variation. In addition, the distributions of molecular compounds show that the organic matter is a mixture of immature and mature in the sediments of the four cores, which further indicates that the microbial activity is active in anoxic conditions, especially in the surface sediment. The vertical distributions of molecular compounds also show that the autogenic marine organic matter is more easily degraded, and that the molecular compounds evolve from unstable steric configurations to stable ones in the early diagenetic processes.
Analytic salinity-temperature relations for the upper-thermocline waters of the eastern North Atlantic subtropical gyre
Authors: Marrero-Díaz Ángeles , Rodríguez-Santana Ángel , Machín Francisco , Pelegrí Josep Lluis
Published: October 2008

We study the dependence of salinity on temperature in two by two degrees latitude-longitude boxes, for surface and upper-thermocline waters of the eastern North Atlantic subtropical gyre. The initial data set, from historical databases as well as from recent hydrographic cruises in the region, is carefully scrutinized to reject dubious measurements. We search for polynomial relations of variable degree between salinity and temperature, the optimal fit is selected as the polynomial with the lowest degree that satisfies several statistical criteria. An independent hydrographic cruise is used to confirm that the method performs substantially better than estimates from climatological data, and leads to relatively low deviations in geopotential anomaly and other derived quantities. An error propagation analysis using the Monte Carlo method shows equally good results.
Understanding coral reefs as complex systems: degradation and prospects for recovery
Authors: Dizon Raymond T. , Yap Helen T.
Published: October 2008

The present century is witness to unprecedented levels of coral reef degradation worldwide. Current understanding based on traditional ideas is unlikely to capture adequately the dynamics of phenomena accompanying this trend. In this regard, the ideas of complexity are reviewed. Some applications to coral reefs as complex systems have already been discussed in the literature although further progress is warranted as the search for new and more effective management tools continues, and the direction towards more holistic, integrative and large scale approaches gains wider acceptance. We distinguish between the concepts of robustness and resilience in the face of disturbance, highlight the various mechanisms that foster these stability properties and provide some coral reef examples. We identify some of the driving forces behind succession that are critical for community assembly and possible reef recovery. Finally, we consider how self-organization arises out of apparently random and chaotic processes and interactions to exhibit certain regularities and patterns especially when moving up on the scale of space and/or time.
Heavy metals in crustaceans from the Iberian deep sea plain
Authors: Prowe Friederike , Kirf Mathias , Zauke Gerd-Peter
Published: October 2008

Trace metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) were analysed in different well-defined mixed copepod and euphausiid samples as well as in individually analysed decapods collected during a cruise on board “RV Walther Herwig III” to the Iberian Deep Sea Plain in March and April, 2002. We found a substantial interspecific heterogeneity with partially high mean Cd levels in the decapods: 1.9 mg kg-1 dry weight in samples of the genus Sergia; 6.1 mg kg-1 in Acanthephyra pelagica (Risso, 1816) and Acanthephyra acanthithelsonis Bate, 1888; 10.7 mg kg-1 in Bentheogennema intermedia (Bate, 1888); 14.9 mg kg-1 in Benthesicymus iridescens (Bate 1881) and 16.3 mg kg-1 in Systellaspis debilis (A. Milne Edwards, 1881). The agreement of these high Cd concentrations with those reported for polar crustaceans, and Cu concentrations (17–56 mg kg-1) that indicate that the total metabolic requirements have probably not been met, support the hypothesis that the frequently reported Cd-anomaly in polar crustaceans might be extended to other relatively deep ocean waters like the Iberian Deep Sea Plain and that this might be related to a corresponding Cu deficiency. Zn concentrations in decapods from this study (52–80 mg kg-1) are within the worldwide range, which indicates that decapods are able to regulate their Zn body concentrations. Our preliminary data on mixed zooplankton samples suggest that Pb concentrations far below 1 mg Pb kg-1 might serve as a regional background value for comparison in biomonitoring studies. Results for Cd, Cu and Zn are largely within the reported range, especially for data from the Central and Southern North Sea.
Reproductive biology of round sardinella (Sardinella aurita) in north-eastern Mediterranean
Authors: Tsikliras Athanassios C. , Antonopoulou Efthimia
Published: October 2008

The reproductive biology of round sardinella, Sardinella aurita Valenciennes, 1847, was studied for the first time in the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea. Round sardinella has gained much attention lately because of its biomass increase, which might be the result of climatic changes occurring across the Mediterranean Sea. Monthly samples were collected on board commercial purse-seiners for two complete year cycles (September 2000 to August 2002). Round sardinella is a gonochoristic fish. The overall female to male ratio was not statistically different (P=0.34) from unity, although it varied monthly and with the length of the fish. The seasonal changes in the gonadosomatic index and the macroscopic characteristics of gonads showed that round sardinella in the northern Aegean spawns between May and July. Male round sardinella reach first sexual maturity at a smaller total length than females (155.0 and 168.3 mm respectively). Mean absolute fecundity (FA) increased exponentially with body length (FA=0.0949xL4.22) and weight (FA=511.19xW1.02), with an average of ~21,000 oocytes produced per spawning female. Relative fecundity (FR) ranged between 242 and 681 oocytes/g of body weight (average: 445 oocytes/g). The frequency distribution of oocytes showed that round sardinella produces a single batch of oocytes. In general, the reproductive characteristics of round sardinella in the north-eastern Mediterranean Sea differed when compared to stocks from other areas of its distribution.
Phylogenetic relationships of Mediterranean Mullidae species (Perciformes) inferred from genetic and morphologic data
Authors: Turan Cemal
Published: October 2008

Genetic and morphological divergence and phylogenetic relationships of four species Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Upeneus moluccensis, Upeneus pori and one subspecies M.b. ponticus of Mullus were investigated using 12 enzymatic systems, corresponding to 17 putative loci. Eight loci (AAT-1*, AAT-2*, ADH*, GAPDH*, G6PDH*, IDHP*, PGI-2*, SOD*) were found to be polymorphic in at least one species, while the remaining nine (mAAT*, CK-1*, CK-2*, G3PDH*, MDH*, ME-1*, ME-2*, PGI-1*, PGM*) were monomorphic in all species. Several loci showed different electrophoretic patterns among species and thus can be used in species taxonomy as diagnostic markers. The PGM* and SOD* loci proved to be especially species-specific. Fisher’s exact test revealed overall highly significant allele frequency differences between M. barbatus and M. b. ponticus (P
Three new exotic fish records from the SE Aegean Greek waters
Authors: Corsini Maria , Margies Panagiotis , Kondilatos Gerasimos , Economidis Panos S.
Published: October 2008

Three exotic fish, Iniistius pavo (Labridae) and Lagocephalus sceleratus (Tetraodontidae), Lessepsian immigrants, and Seriola fasciata (Carangidae) of Atlantic origin, were recorded in the marine area of Rhodes Island (SE Aegean Sea, Greece). The first species is a new record for the Mediterranean Sea, the second is new for Greek waters, while the occurrence of the third is registered for the first time in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.
The role of ciliates within the microbial food web in the eutrophicated part of Kaštela Bay (Middle Adriatic Sea)
Authors: Bojanic Natalia , Šolic Mladen , Krstulovic Nada , Šestanovic Stefanija , Nincevic Gladan Živana , Marasovic Ivona , Brautovic Igor
Published: October 2008

Interactions among phytoplankton, bacterioplankton, heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), ciliated protozoa and copepod nauplii were studied in the eutrophicated part of Kas?tela Bay from May 1998 to November 1999. Special emphasis was placed on relationships between size categories of nonloricate ciliates (NLC) and other microbial food web components. Biomasses of phytoplankton and bacteria were primarily influenced by abiotic parameters. Temperature indirectly controlled variation in HNF biomass through the changes in biomass of bacteria and the smaller phytoplankton fraction. Besides HNF, bacterial biomass was affected by the NLC
Biochemical contents of the ovary and hepatopancreas of Uca longisignalis and Uca nr. minaxContenido bioquímico del ovario y hepatopáncreas de Uca longisignalis y Uca nr. minax
Authors: Hasek Barbara E. , Felder Darryl L.
Published: October 2008

P align=justify>Biochemical composition of ovary and hepatopancreas tissues in wild populations of Uca longisignalis and Uca nr. minax were monitored during the reproductive season. Total lipid (concentration and content), C (carbon), N (nitrogen), and C:N ratios of the ovary and hepatopancreas were quantified over the course of ovarian maturation. Ovary lipid and C concentration varied significantly over the course of ovarian maturation for both species, but there was no relationship between lipid concentration or hepatopancreas content and the stage of ovarian development in females. Hepatopancreatic lipid and C concentration did not differ between sexes of U. nr. minax. Lipid demands of ovarian maturation thus appear to be met in large part by increased dietary intake and not purely by translocating lipid stores from the hepatopancreas. In both Uca longisignalis and U. nr. minax, the color of the hepatopancreas may be used as an indicator of the lipid and C levels of the hepatopancreas. Cadmium-yellow and lemon-yellow hepatopancreas tissues had the highest lipid concentrations. No evidence could be found to demonstrate depletion of lipid or C concentrations in the hepatopancreas concomitant with ovarian maturation.
Growth and reproduction of the gilthead seabream Sparus aurata in Mellah lagoon (north-eastern Algeria)
Authors: Chaoui Lamya , Kara Mohamed Hichem , Faure Eric , Quignard Jean Pierre
Published: October 2008

Gilthead seabream Sparus aurata (L.), a protandrous hermaphrodite, was caught in Mellah lagoon (Algeria) from July 1997 to June 1998. Its age, growth and reproduction were studied. Fish ranged in size from 157 to 610 mm total length and weighed from 60 to 4000 g wet weight. There were fish aged 1+ to 7+ years old in the samples. Direct scale readings were made by counting the number of rings. These were compared with the data obtained by backcalculating the lengths at different ages. These two methods were in agreement and showed that the growth rate of gilthead seabream in Mellah lagoon is very high compared to other study areas. The growth parameters of the Von Bertalanffy equation were: L∞ = 55.33 cm, K = 0.513, t0 = - 0.282, with F’ = 7.359. The fitted length-weight relationship was W = 1.292. 10-2 L3.06. The reproductive season extended from October to January, with a peak in December. Sex inversion occurred at a total length of 44 cm. Sexual maturity was reached at 32.6 cm total length.
Some aspects of the family Chromodorididae (Opisthobranchia: Nudibranchia) from Brazil, with description of a new species
Authors: Domínguez Marta , García Francisco J. , Troncoso Jesús S.
Published: October 2008

This paper describes a study of the nudibranchs from the family Chromodorididae Bergh, 1891 that were sampled in several expeditions along the coast of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Fernando de Noronha (Brazil). A total of eight species of this family were studied and a new species, Chromodoris paulomarcioi n. sp., is described. The taxon Hypselodoris picta lajensis Troncoso, García and Urgorri, 1998, is proposed for consideration within the taxonomic category of species, and new records for some species are provided.