Life Sciences Commons^™

Stable Hydrogen And Carbon Isotopic Compositions Of Biogenic Methanes, Roger Allen Burke Jr.

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Stable hydrogen and carbon isotopic compositions of biogenic methanes collected from the sediments of several deep-sea, nearshore marine-estuarine, and freshwater environments were determined. The isotopic compositions of methane samples from eight different DSDP Sites (mean σD-CH₄ = -185⁰>/∞, std. dev. = 7⁰>/∞, n = 75; mean σ¹³C-CH₄ = -71.3⁰/∞, std. dev. = 6.3⁰/∞, n = 44) are generally typical of methane formed via C0₂ reduction in deep-sea sediments.

Methane collected from several freshwater environments was D-depleted (mean σD-CH₄ = -300⁰>/∞ , std. dev. = …

An Analysis Of Mercury Accumulation Within The Upper Estuarine Food Chain Of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jeffrey W. Tingle

LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses

Analysis of the level of mercury contamination within the sediments and fish associated food chain of Lake Charles, Louisiana, an area located within the Calcasieu River system, were assessed. Sediment levels were found to be slightly elevated (0.33µg Hg/g) from natural background levels (0.20 µg Hg/g). Levels found within the fish of the region were also found to be slightly elevated (0.287 µg Hg/g) from natural levels. This is below the hazardous level designated by the Food and Drug Administration (0.50 µg Hg/g). The statistical analysis of the pathway of mercury through a food chain composed of eight different species …

Baltimore Harbor And Channels Aquatic Benthos Investigations : Final Technical Report, Robert J. Diaz, Linda C. Schaffner, Robert J. Byrne, Robert A. Gammisch

Reports

This report describes work performed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science of the College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA, to document the existing preoperational conditions at four locations in the Chesapeake Bay selected as possible dredged material disposal areas for the deepening of the Baltimore Channel. The work was sponsored by the Baltimore District Corps of Engineers.

The objectives of this work were at each of the four potential disposal sites:

1 -document the surface (0-15 em) sediment conditions spatially and temporally

2 - document macrobenthic communities spatially and temporally.

3 - empty …

Comparison Of An Improved Plankton Sampler To The Standard Conical Plankton Net, Ronald S. Schmidt

OES Theses and Dissertations

A comparison of field and tank tests between the standard conical plankton net and an improved version of a plankton sampler is presented. The improved sampler was shown to filter larger quantities of water than the standard net without having the filtration efficiency reduced below 85%. The improved sampler was also shown to capture an increased number of plankton per volume sampled, as a result of eliminating increased avoidance activity by zooplankton. It was not shown that. the improved sampler capture either larger maximum sizes of zooplankton or additional species.

Uptake Of Zn65 And Mn54 Into Body Tissues And Renal Granules By The Southern Quahog, Mercenaria Campechiensis, William Lynn Miller Jr.

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A study was conducted to examine the influence of elevated inorganic phosphate and trace metal concentrations on the uptake and distribution of Zn⁶⁵ and Mn⁵⁴ into the body tissue and phosphoritic renal concretions of a subtropical estuarine bivalve, Mercenaria campechiensis. Chronological sampling of gills, mantle, adductor muscle, viscera, kidneys, and renal granules using gamma ray spectrometry allowed examination of both tissue distribution and accumulation patterns over time. The kidney was the principal site of Mn⁵⁴ accumulation whereas Zn⁶⁵ was concentrated in both the gill and the kidney. The gill initially accumulated zn65 three times faster …

Water Quality In A Virginia Potomac Embayment Aquia Creek, Albert Y. Kuo

Reports

No abstract provided.

Wave Refraction By Warm Core Rings, George R. Mapp, Christopher S. Welch, John C. Munday Jr.

VIMS Articles

No abstract provided.

On The Response Of The Equatorial Thermocline In The Atlantic Ocean To The Seasonally Varying Trade Winds, Robert H. Weisberg, T. Y. Tang

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Measurements made during the Seasonal Response of the Equatorial Atlantic experiment in 1983, when the easterly trade winds near the equator ceased and then intensified as part of their annual cycle, show a sequence of events leading to an adjusted thermocline. Both the duration and extent of the downwelling and upwelling associated with the adjustment process were zonally inhomogeneous along the equator. An analytical reduced gravity model was driven by a hierarchy of easterly wind stress forcing functions representative of the Atlantic to compare the integral nature of the forced long-wave responses with the observations. Qualitative agreement was found with …

The Marine Mammals Of Virginia: With Notes On Identification And Natural History, Robert A. Blaylock

Reports

This guide describes the natural history of marine mammals. The guide is organized by taxonomic orders and families; within a subfamily, species are listed by their frequency of appearance in Virginia waters. Space limits descriptions of the species' habitats and distributions to the western North Atlantic.

A Biochemical And Genetic Analysis Of The American Shad Alosa Sapidissima Migrating Into The Chesapeake Bay, Edward Norbert Sismour

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Seven enzymes extracted from heart and liver tissues of American shad Alosa sapidissima captured during migrations into the Chesapeake Bay and Nansemond River were electrophoretically surveyed. Malate dehydrogenase and nonspecific esterase displayed polymorphic loci. The esterase polymorphism was used as a biochemical genetic marker to analyze the shad migration through the southern Chesapeake Bay. The genetic composition of the shad migration changed significantly over time indicating that this migration is probably composed of multiple, genetically divergent spawning populations. Results of this study are subject to differing interpretations. Observed temporal heterogeneity may result from separation of northern and James River stocks …

The Distribution Of Ceratia Over The Mid-Atlantic Bight, Paul V. Zimba

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

The distribution and concentration of Ceratium species, between Cape Hatteras, North Carolina and Long Island, New York ls discussed in relation to specific physical factors and the development of a phytoplankton bloom. The progression of high Ceratium counts Is discussed for the Bight areas of New York, Delaware, and the Chesapeake Bay (April through June). The concentration of Ceratium species declined after June, with highest concentrations along the New York and Delaware coast-lines. Coastal regions (less than 12 km from shore) were associated with high concentrations of several species. Path and regression analysis were used to relate physical factors and …

Equatorial Atlantic Velocity And Temperature Observations: February-November 1981, Robert H. Weisberg

Marine Science Faculty Publications

Upper ocean velocity and temperature measurements were obtained in the central equatorial Atlantic using surface moored current meters from February to November 1981. Distinct seasonal variations were observed in the zonal momentum and temperature on the equator of both the surface South Equatorial Current (SEC) and the subsurface Equatorial Undercurrent (EUC). After initially intensifying during boreal spring the SEC halted abruptly in early summer and the signature associated with this change progressed. At the observational depth of 100 m both speed and temperature increased during early summer with eastward progression and then decreased in fall. Higher frequency motions were also …

Water Quality In A Virginia Potomac Embayment Gunston Cove, Carl F. Cerco

Reports

No abstract provided.

The Reproductive Biology Of The Paddlefish, Polyodon Spathula (Walbaum), In Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, John Hageman

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The reproductive biology of the paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) was studied on specimens collected from Lake Cumberland, Kentucky, from September 1983 to July 1984. A total of 500 specimens was studied. Reproductive activity was observed on 17 April 1984 in the Big South Fork of Lake Cumberland. Seasonal differences were observed in sex ratios with more males than females occurring in the winter and spring. Movements were observed throughout the year, but these were accentuated prior to reproduction in the spring. Lake Cumberland paddlefish became sexually mature by Age Group V in males and VIII in females. In the …

Recent Studies In The United States On Parasites And Pathogens Of Marine Mollusks, With Emphasis On Diseases Of The American Oyster, Crassostrea Virginica Gmelin, William J. Hargis Jr.

VIMS Books and Book Chapters

Morphological, systematic, faunal, and life cycle studies predominated research on marine parasites and pathogens in the United States before World War II. Much was primarily basic or academic in nature. Since then it has grown and diversified under pressure or efforts to: I) Increase yields or invertebrate-based fisheries, In nature and under controlled conditions; and 2) understand , protect, and improve the resources, estuarine and marine environments, and human health and welfare. Over the last 30 yr pathobiologlcal investigations of economically and ecologically important marine Invertebrates have broadened into submlcroscopcal anatomy (TEM and SEM technlques), physiology, Immunology, genetics, host-parasite ecology, …

Laboratory Series 36 Virginia Institute Of Marine Science, Maurice P. Lynch

Miscellaneous

Overview of VIMS, brief history, areas of expertise and current programs, cooperating agencies and unique laboratory features.

Posted with permission of the copyright holder, American Fisheries Society.

The College Of William And Mary, School Of Marine Science, 1985-86 Program, College Of William And Mary, School Of Marine Science

Miscellaneous

Catalog for the Graduate program from the School of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary for the listed academic year.

Morphological Variation Accompanying Cave Evolution In Astyanax Fasciatus (Pisces: Characidae), Aldemaro Romero Jr.

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Pirañas Imposibles, Aldemaro Romero Jr.

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Ontogenetic Change In Phototactic Responses Of Surface And Cave Populations Of Astyanax Fasciatus (Pisces: Characidae), Aldemaro Romero Jr.

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

Specialized Petiole Feeding Behavior In Cichlasoma Tuba, Aldemaro Romero Jr.

Publications and Research

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Dispersed Oil On The Calcification Rate Of The Reef-Building Coral Diploria Strigosa, Richard E. Dodge, A. H. Knap, Sheila C. Wyers, H. R. Frith, T. D. Sleeter, S. R. Smith

Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Proceedings, Presentations, Speeches, Lectures

Hermatypic corals represent environmentally and economically important components of the reef ecosystem. Oil spills and clean-up operations in reef areas are potential sources of pollution impact. This paper presents an evaluation of the calcification rate of specimens of the reef-building coral Diploria strigosa in response to 24 hour treatments of chemically dispersed oil at concentrations of 20 ppm. The concentrations and durations were chosen to represent a scenario of a short-term oil spill treated with dispersant passing over a coral reef.

Calcification rates were determined by the buoyant weight technique at several day intervals for up to 29 days following …

Testis-Ova In Spawning Blue Tilapia, Oreochromis Aureus, B. Clark, H.J. Grier

Gulf and Caribbean Research

Hermaphroditism characterized by the presence of oocytes in the testes is described in the blue tilapia, Oreochromis aureus, for the first time. Testis-ova were observed in three of 24 spawning males exhibiting otherwise normal male morphology. The testis-ova appeared non-vitellogenic and lacked a follicle cell layer. It is speculated that the testis-ova did not become vitellogenic due to their association with Sertoli cells and the hormonal environment of the male.

Biology And Distribution Of Species Of Polyacanthonotus (Pisces, Notacanthiformes) In The Western North-Atlantic, Re Crabtree, Kj Sulak, Ja Musick

VIMS Articles

The notacanthid genus Poiyacanthonotus is represented in the Atlantic by three species of demersal deep-sea fishes at depths from about 500-3,800 m. Recent collections have made available new material from the temperate and tropical western North Atlantic for life history study of P. merretti and P. rissoanus. Species of the genus are browsers on small benthic macrofauna including polychaetes, gammaridean amphipods, and mysids. Reproduction does not appear to be seasonal. Fecundity is positively correlated with size in P. merretti, and ranges between 1,900-5,700 ova. Fecundities are much higher (ca. 20,000-30,000 ova) in P. rissoanus and P. cha/lengeri, which attain a …

Microbial Manganese Reduction By Enrichment Cultures From Coastal Marine Sediments, David J. Burdige, Kenneth H. Nealson

OES Faculty Publications

Manganese reduction was catalyzed by enrichment cultures of anaerobic bacteria obtained from coastal marine sediments. In the absence of oxygen, these enrichment cultures reduced manganates when grown on either lactate, succinate, or acetate in both sulfate-free and sulfate-containing artificial seawaters. Sodium azide as well as oxygen completely inhibited microbial manganese reduction by these enrichment cultures, whereas molybdate had no effect on them. The addition of nitrate to the medium slightly decreased the rate of Mn²⁺ production by these enrichment cultures. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that the manganese-reducing organisms in these enrichment cultures use manganates as terminal …

Monomitopus-Magnus, A New Species Of Deep-Sea Fish (Ophidiidae) From The Western North-Atlantic, Hj Carter, Dm Cohen

VIMS Articles

Monomitopus magnus new species is described from slope waters off the southeastern coast of North America. M. magnus is most closely related to M. american urn from the continental slope of Uruguay and southern Brazil and is more distantly related to the western Pacific M. pallidus. M. magnus differs from M. americanum in having fewer developed gill rakers on the anterior arch (10-11 compared to 14-22) and more precaudal vertebrae (15 compared to 13-14). The 13 nominal species of Monomitopus are divided into three groups based on head shape and degree of ossification.

Distribution Of Demersal Fishes Of The Caribbean Sea Found Below 2,000 Meters, Me Anderson, Re Crabtree, Hj Carter, Et Al

VIMS Articles

Abyssal fishes of the Caribbean Sea are known from the work of six research vessels, yet only one ofthese collections has been reported. The most recent collection, that of the USNS BARTLETTin 1981, contains 13 new records of rare fish to the Caribbean, including two undescribed species. Twelve species accounts are given, documenting the new finds, along with some taxonomic changes from previous reports. Zoogeographical analysis revealed that the abyssal fish fauna of the Caribbean basins reflects a depauperate, tropical, western Atlantic subunit of a broader, circumglobal pattern of the world's abyssal fish fauna.

The Effects Of Seed Size, Shell Bags, Crab Traps, And Netting On The Survival Of The Northern Hard Clam Mercenaria Mercenaria (Linne), John N. Kraeuter, Michael Castagna

VIMS Articles

Seed size at planting is the dominant factor affecting hard clam survival to marketable size when field grow-out techniques are used. The use of plastic mesh nets, crab traps, and wire mesh bags (filled with oyster shells) alone or in combination can be used to increase survival of hard clams of ~ 6 to 8-mm shell height. These techniques do not provide sufficient protection for 2-mm seed. The combination of net + crab trap + shell bag was nearly twice as effective as the net alone when 10 to 14-mm seed was used and over five times as effective as …

Genetic Comparison Of Macoma Balthica (Bivalvia, Telinidae) From The Eastern And Western North Atlantic Ocean, Bw Meehan

VIMS Articles

No abstract provided.

Achievements Of Soviet Scientists In Investigations Of The Helminthofauna Of Marine Animals Of The World Ocean, S. L. Delamure, A. S. Skriabin

Reports

During the last 40 yr (1940 to 1980), Soviet helminthologists have examined about 9,680 specimens of marine mammals In the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, using uniform or standard methods In most cases. As a result, 20 new species of trematodes [digeneids], 19 cestodes, 9 acanthocephalans, and 23 nematodes have been described. Also several new supraspecific taxa have been established. Systematic revisions of Campuidae, Tetrabothriidae, Pseudallidae, and Anisakidae have been undertaken. The morphology, adaptation of helminths to their environments and to the host's mode of life, Infection rates and characteristics, and the seasonal and age dynamics of the helmlnthofauna have been …