title: Evaluating fluctuating asymmetry in a stream-dwelling insect as an indicator of low-level thermal stress: a large-scale field experiment

authors: Hogg, Ian D.

subjects: allozymes

abstract: 1.	We examined fluctuating asymmetry (FA) among individuals of the stream-dwelling stonefly Nemoura trispinosa (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) to determine whether individuals exposed to an increase of 2–3•5 °C in water temperature would show greater FA than reference (control) individuals.
2.	Mature nymphs were collected from two adjacent channels (one experimental, one control) in a longitudinally divided stream both before and during a 2-year temperature manipulation. No consistent differences were found between the experimental and control channels for any measure of FA.
3.	Four additional reference sites were studied to estimate ‘natural’ variation in FA, and to assess any relationship between FA and population genetic structure (e.g. heterozygosity). Variation in FA among these sites was greater than that resulting from the manipulation. Allozyme analysis indicated low to moderate levels of genetic differentiation among sites (Wright’s FST mean = 0•06, maximum = 0•13) and there were negative correlations between FA and heterozygosity (Hexp).
4.	We surveyed experimental studies published since 1996 to evaluate the generality of our results. Of 44 comparisons examining an association between an experimental stress and FA, 19 (43•2%) failed to detect any relationship. This pattern did not depend on the taxonomic group or the number or type of traits, although some stressors appeared to be more likely to produce an increase in FA than others.
5.	We conclude that FA may be unreliable for detecting subtle biological changes resulting from small temperature shifts, and concur with others that the technique should be viewed with extreme caution as a monitoring tool.

text: Evaluating fluctuating asymmetry in a stream-dwelling insect as an indicator of low-level thermal stress: a large-scale field experiment 1.	We examined fluctuating asymmetry (FA) among individuals of the stream-dwelling stonefly Nemoura trispinosa (Plecoptera: Nemouridae) to determine whether individuals exposed to an increase of 2–3•5 °C in water temperature would show greater FA than reference (control) individuals.
2.	Mature nymphs were collected from two adjacent channels (one experimental, one control) in a longitudinally divided stream both before and during a 2-year temperature manipulation. No consistent differences were found between the experimental and control channels for any measure of FA.
3.	Four additional reference sites were studied to estimate ‘natural’ variation in FA, and to assess any relationship between FA and population genetic structure (e.g. heterozygosity). Variation in FA among these sites was greater than that resulting from the manipulation. Allozyme analysis indicated low to moderate levels of genetic differentiation among sites (Wright’s FST mean = 0•06, maximum = 0•13) and there were negative correlations between FA and heterozygosity (Hexp).
4.	We surveyed experimental studies published since 1996 to evaluate the generality of our results. Of 44 comparisons examining an association between an experimental stress and FA, 19 (43•2%) failed to detect any relationship. This pattern did not depend on the taxonomic group or the number or type of traits, although some stressors appeared to be more likely to produce an increase in FA than others.
5.	We conclude that FA may be unreliable for detecting subtle biological changes resulting from small temperature shifts, and concur with others that the technique should be viewed with extreme caution as a monitoring tool.

year: 2001

title: Niche partitioning of intertidal seagrasses: evidence of the influence of substrate temperature

authors: Campbell, Marnie L.

subjects: Science & Technology

abstract: • The influence of soil temperature on rhizome depths of four intertidal seagrass species was investigated in central Queensland, Australia. We postulated that certain intertidal seagrass species are soil temperature‐sensitive and vertically stratify rhizome depths.
• Below‐ground vertical stratification of intertidal seagrass rhizome depths was analysed based upon microclimate (soil temperature) and microhabitat (soil type).
• Soil temperature profiles exhibited heat transfer from surface layers to depth that varied by microhabitat, with vertical stratification of rhizome depths between species. Halodule uninervis rhizomes maintain a narrow median soil temperature envelope; compensating for high surface temperatures by occupying deeper, cooler soil substrates. Halophila decipiens, Halophila ovalis and Zostera muelleri rhizomes are shallow‐rooted and exposed to fluctuating temperatures, with broader median temperature envelopes. Halodule uninervis appears to be a niche specialist, with the two Halophila species considered as generalist niche usage species.
• The implications of niche use based upon soil temperature profiles and rhizome rooting depths are discussed in the context of species’ thermal tolerances and below‐ground biomass O₂ demand associated with respiration and maintenance of oxic microshields. This preliminary evidence suggests that soil temperature interaction with rhizome rooting depths may be a factor that influences the distribution of intertidal seagrasses.

text: Niche partitioning of intertidal seagrasses: evidence of the influence of substrate temperature • The influence of soil temperature on rhizome depths of four intertidal seagrass species was investigated in central Queensland, Australia. We postulated that certain intertidal seagrass species are soil temperature‐sensitive and vertically stratify rhizome depths.
• Below‐ground vertical stratification of intertidal seagrass rhizome depths was analysed based upon microclimate (soil temperature) and microhabitat (soil type).
• Soil temperature profiles exhibited heat transfer from surface layers to depth that varied by microhabitat, with vertical stratification of rhizome depths between species. Halodule uninervis rhizomes maintain a narrow median soil temperature envelope; compensating for high surface temperatures by occupying deeper, cooler soil substrates. Halophila decipiens, Halophila ovalis and Zostera muelleri rhizomes are shallow‐rooted and exposed to fluctuating temperatures, with broader median temperature envelopes. Halodule uninervis appears to be a niche specialist, with the two Halophila species considered as generalist niche usage species.
• The implications of niche use based upon soil temperature profiles and rhizome rooting depths are discussed in the context of species’ thermal tolerances and below‐ground biomass O₂ demand associated with respiration and maintenance of oxic microshields. This preliminary evidence suggests that soil temperature interaction with rhizome rooting depths may be a factor that influences the distribution of intertidal seagrasses.

year: 2018

title: He oranga tō te wai: Māori Pedagogies - A Culturally Responsive View of Aquatic Education and Drowning Prevention in Aotearoa

authors: Haimona, Mark Waihape

abstract: Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death and hospitalisation among Māori in Aotearoa. Drowning reports (Water Safety New Zealand, 2010, 2016, 2019) indicate Māori are over-represented in drowning compared to non-Māori, and on average account for up to a quarter of all drowning fatalities each year. Māori male aged 15-44 years and Māori children under five are most at risk of drowning (WSNZ, 2018, 2). A recent Aotearoa study on children’s water survival skills suggest changes are needed to improve how children develop fundamental aquatic skills and how teachers can best teach those skills (Button et al., 2017). In particular, the teaching of water safety skills for broader use in the open water environments of Aotearoa. 
Māori pedagogies within physical education, health, and education in the outdoors (Hemara, 2000; Jackson et al, 2016; Phillips, 2018) have demonstrated the benefits of Māori teaching methods that foster positive learning outcomes for Māori. (Bishop & Berryman, 2006, 2009). As such, this research investigated core components of Māori pedagogies that can improve aquatic education for Māori. It sought to validate traditional and contemporary aquatic teachings and water safety practices that Māori exercise as an expression of ira tangata (human development) and their relationship with te ao tūroa (the long-standing world). By means of kaupapa Māori research and the development of a new framework - Tāne Whānau Mārama, this thesis offers valuable insights into the importance of culturally responsive pedagogies in aquatic education that will enhance the health, educational achievements, and well-being of Māori whānau and communities.

text: He oranga tō te wai: Māori Pedagogies - A Culturally Responsive View of Aquatic Education and Drowning Prevention in Aotearoa Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death and hospitalisation among Māori in Aotearoa. Drowning reports (Water Safety New Zealand, 2010, 2016, 2019) indicate Māori are over-represented in drowning compared to non-Māori, and on average account for up to a quarter of all drowning fatalities each year. Māori male aged 15-44 years and Māori children under five are most at risk of drowning (WSNZ, 2018, 2). A recent Aotearoa study on children’s water survival skills suggest changes are needed to improve how children develop fundamental aquatic skills and how teachers can best teach those skills (Button et al., 2017). In particular, the teaching of water safety skills for broader use in the open water environments of Aotearoa. 
Māori pedagogies within physical education, health, and education in the outdoors (Hemara, 2000; Jackson et al, 2016; Phillips, 2018) have demonstrated the benefits of Māori teaching methods that foster positive learning outcomes for Māori. (Bishop & Berryman, 2006, 2009). As such, this research investigated core components of Māori pedagogies that can improve aquatic education for Māori. It sought to validate traditional and contemporary aquatic teachings and water safety practices that Māori exercise as an expression of ira tangata (human development) and their relationship with te ao tūroa (the long-standing world). By means of kaupapa Māori research and the development of a new framework - Tāne Whānau Mārama, this thesis offers valuable insights into the importance of culturally responsive pedagogies in aquatic education that will enhance the health, educational achievements, and well-being of Māori whānau and communities.

year: 2023