title: Monitoring the effects of pulp and paper effluent is restricted in genetically distinct populations of common bully (gobiomorphus cotidianus)

authors: van den Heuvel, Michael R.

subjects: biology

abstract: The common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus), a small-bodied New Zealand native fish species, was used to monitor population impacts of multiple effluents in the Tarawera River, New Zealand. In an initial survey, the absence of reproductive development at the expected spawning time for common bully was observed in a population downstream of effluent discharges. Subsequently, we examined the hypotheses that the observed changes were due to effluent exposure, migratory patterns, or genetic differences between populations. Liver detoxification enzyme activity and stable isotopes provided evidence against upstream migration of sexually mature bully. The observed presence of developed gonads in the downstream population during winter season resulted in the rejection of the hypothesis that reproductive failure was due to effluent exposure, and it was concluded that there were substantial differences in reproductive timing. Genetic analyses of two upstream, one downstream, and one population from a nearby coastal river indicated the upstream (reference) and downstream (effluent exposed) bully in the river formed genetically distinct populations. The identification of a nearby river population with similar reproductive timing and high genetic similarity to the effluent-exposed population suggests that the observed differences in the genetics of the downstream population were not caused by effluent exposure. The genetic analysis did highlight the lack of downstream dispersion and gene flow in the river which could possibly be related to anthropogenic stress.

text: Monitoring the effects of pulp and paper effluent is restricted in genetically distinct populations of common bully (gobiomorphus cotidianus) The common bully (Gobiomorphus cotidianus), a small-bodied New Zealand native fish species, was used to monitor population impacts of multiple effluents in the Tarawera River, New Zealand. In an initial survey, the absence of reproductive development at the expected spawning time for common bully was observed in a population downstream of effluent discharges. Subsequently, we examined the hypotheses that the observed changes were due to effluent exposure, migratory patterns, or genetic differences between populations. Liver detoxification enzyme activity and stable isotopes provided evidence against upstream migration of sexually mature bully. The observed presence of developed gonads in the downstream population during winter season resulted in the rejection of the hypothesis that reproductive failure was due to effluent exposure, and it was concluded that there were substantial differences in reproductive timing. Genetic analyses of two upstream, one downstream, and one population from a nearby coastal river indicated the upstream (reference) and downstream (effluent exposed) bully in the river formed genetically distinct populations. The identification of a nearby river population with similar reproductive timing and high genetic similarity to the effluent-exposed population suggests that the observed differences in the genetics of the downstream population were not caused by effluent exposure. The genetic analysis did highlight the lack of downstream dispersion and gene flow in the river which could possibly be related to anthropogenic stress.

year: 2007-02-16

title: Rangitoto volcano excursion, Auckland. Pre-conference field trip

authors: Lowe, David J.

abstract: Rangitoto is one of Auckland City’s more iconic landscape features. Guarding the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto is a symmetrical, ~6-km wide, basaltic shield volcano that last erupted ~550 years ago shortly after the arrival and settlement of Polynesians in the Auckland region (c. 1280 AD). Rangitoto is by far the largest, and also the youngest, volcano in the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF). The AVF is a monogenetic volcanic field consisting of approximately 53 individual eruptive centres, all of which are within the boundaries of the Auckland urban area. Recent research has revealed more about Rangitoto’s eruptive history, which may date back to c. 1500 years ago (Shane et al. 2013). Some of these findings have been noted below and will be discussed further while we ascend its summit and explore its various landscape and vegetational features.

text: Rangitoto volcano excursion, Auckland. Pre-conference field trip Rangitoto is one of Auckland City’s more iconic landscape features. Guarding the entrance to the Waitemata Harbour, Rangitoto is a symmetrical, ~6-km wide, basaltic shield volcano that last erupted ~550 years ago shortly after the arrival and settlement of Polynesians in the Auckland region (c. 1280 AD). Rangitoto is by far the largest, and also the youngest, volcano in the Auckland Volcanic Field (AVF). The AVF is a monogenetic volcanic field consisting of approximately 53 individual eruptive centres, all of which are within the boundaries of the Auckland urban area. Recent research has revealed more about Rangitoto’s eruptive history, which may date back to c. 1500 years ago (Shane et al. 2013). Some of these findings have been noted below and will be discussed further while we ascend its summit and explore its various landscape and vegetational features.

year: 2014-08-30

title: Ngōku whakaaro – hei maumaharatanga. Maori women facial adornment: A mark of remembrance

authors: Nikora, Linda Waimarie

abstract: To honour the life and memory of the late Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, and the elevation of her son King Tuheitia, a group of women from Tainui iwi under took the process of taking moko kauae - of colouring their chins with traditional patterns. The adornment process took place at Turangawaewae marae with family, friends, elders, and grandchildren. In this presentation we will talk about the journey of these women to prepare themselves for their transformations, the process they went through, and their lives since. We will also consider how their decision also meant exposure to outside opinion, the associated risks of objectification, “image-snatching”, and cultural and intellectual property issues.

text: Ngōku whakaaro – hei maumaharatanga. Maori women facial adornment: A mark of remembrance To honour the life and memory of the late Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, and the elevation of her son King Tuheitia, a group of women from Tainui iwi under took the process of taking moko kauae - of colouring their chins with traditional patterns. The adornment process took place at Turangawaewae marae with family, friends, elders, and grandchildren. In this presentation we will talk about the journey of these women to prepare themselves for their transformations, the process they went through, and their lives since. We will also consider how their decision also meant exposure to outside opinion, the associated risks of objectification, “image-snatching”, and cultural and intellectual property issues.

year: 2008