Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
-
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics (38)
- Environmental Sciences (26)
- Biology (23)
- Biodiversity (22)
- Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (21)
-
- Oceanography and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology (19)
- Animal Sciences (16)
- Natural Resources and Conservation (14)
- Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology (14)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (11)
- Aquaculture and Fisheries (10)
- Earth Sciences (8)
- Genetics and Genomics (8)
- Environmental Studies (6)
- Animal Studies (5)
- Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology (5)
- Population Biology (5)
- Environmental Health and Protection (4)
- Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment (4)
- Natural Resources Management and Policy (4)
- Oceanography (4)
- Bioinformatics (3)
- Education (3)
- Environmental Health (3)
- Environmental Monitoring (3)
- Fresh Water Studies (3)
- Genetics (3)
- Other Animal Sciences (3)
- Institution
-
- Nova Southeastern University (19)
- Old Dominion University (14)
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (6)
- University of Windsor (5)
- The University of Southern Mississippi (4)
-
- Western Washington University (3)
- California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (2)
- City University of New York (CUNY) (2)
- Florida Institute of Technology (2)
- Selected Works (2)
- University of New Hampshire (2)
- University of South Florida (2)
- Cal Poly Humboldt (1)
- Claremont Colleges (1)
- Edith Cowan University (1)
- Florida International University (1)
- Georgia Academy of Science (1)
- Georgia Southern University (1)
- Purdue University (1)
- Regis University (1)
- SIT Graduate Institute/SIT Study Abroad (1)
- Sacred Heart University (1)
- South Dakota State University (1)
- Stephen F. Austin State University (1)
- University of Massachusetts Amherst (1)
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln (1)
- University of New England (1)
- University of San Diego (1)
- University of South Alabama (1)
- University of South Carolina (1)
- Publication Year
- Publication
-
- Biological Sciences Faculty Publications (10)
- HCNSO Student Theses and Dissertations (10)
- School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations (6)
- Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research Publications (5)
- All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations (4)
-
- Electronic Theses and Dissertations (3)
- Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations (2)
- Capstones (2)
- Gulf and Caribbean Research (2)
- HCNSO Student Capstones (2)
- Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles (2)
- Mark P. Simmonds, OBE (2)
- Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2)
- Virginia Journal of Science (2)
- All Theses And Dissertations (1)
- Biology Faculty Publications (1)
- C-IMAGE Publications (1)
- Dissertations (1)
- Doctoral Dissertations (1)
- FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations (1)
- Faculty Scholarship (1)
- Georgia Journal of Science (1)
- HCAS Student Articles (1)
- Honors Theses (1)
- Honors Theses and Capstones (1)
- IdeaFest: Interdisciplinary Journal of Creative Works and Research from Cal Poly Humboldt (1)
- Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection (1)
- Institute Publications (1)
- Maine Collection (1)
- Marine Science Faculty Publications (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 86
Full-Text Articles in Marine Biology
Ecological And Educational Impacts Of A Living Shoreline On St. Simons Island, Georgia, Usa, C. Tate Holbrook, Cameron Atkinson, Jordan Fountain, Stephanie Knox, Jan Mackinnon
Ecological And Educational Impacts Of A Living Shoreline On St. Simons Island, Georgia, Usa, C. Tate Holbrook, Cameron Atkinson, Jordan Fountain, Stephanie Knox, Jan Mackinnon
Georgia Journal of Science
Living shorelines encompass a range of nature-based alternatives to traditional coastal armoring structures. In addition to shoreline stabilization and protection, living shorelines are intended to meet conservation goals such as restoring habitat, delivering ecosystem services, and promoting ecological resilience to climate change. While early results have been promising, further monitoring is needed to better understand and evaluate the performance of living shorelines across a range of designs and environmental contexts, thereby informing coastal management. Nature-based shoreline protection is relatively new in Georgia, USA, where in 2015 the state’s fourth living shoreline was constructed of oyster shell and native plants on …
A Computational Profile Of Invasive Lionfish In Belize: A New Insight On A Destructive Species, Joshua E. Balan
A Computational Profile Of Invasive Lionfish In Belize: A New Insight On A Destructive Species, Joshua E. Balan
The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research
Since their discovery in the region in 2009, invasive Indonesian-native lionfish have been taking over the Belize Barrier Reef. As a result, populations of local species have dwindled as they are either eaten or outcompeted by the invaders. This has led to devastating losses ecologically and economically; massive industries in the local nations, such as fisheries and tourism, have suffered greatly. Attempting to combat this, local organizations, from nonprofits to ecotourism companies, have been manually spear-hunting them on scuba dives to cull the population. One such company, Reef Conservation Institute (ReefCI), operating out of Tom Owens Caye outside of Placencia, …
Flujos De Servicios Ecosistémicos En Un Área Marina Protegida Del Atlántico Sur: Perspectivas Desde El Análisis De La Teoría De Redes, Mitch Porter
Independent Study Project (ISP) Collection
En cuestiones de gestión de áreas protegidas, los servicios ecosistémicos se tienen cada vez más en cuenta junto con la conservación de la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, las decisiones que se toman sobre la conservación de los servicios ecosistémicos no suelen incluir los posibles efectos en cascada de la pérdida de biodiversidad sobre la provisión de servicios. Los conocimientos de la teoría de redes y los estudios de robustez pueden proporcionar una metodología para evaluar la vulnerabilidad de estos servicios frente la estructura trófica de los ecosistemas que los proveen. A través de una serie de simulaciones de extinción para la …
Applications Of Environmental Dna (Edna) To Detect Subterranean And Aquatic Invasive Species: A Critical Review On The Challenges And Limitations Of Edna Metabarcoding, Sakib Tahmid Rishan, Richard J. Kline, Md Saydur Rahman
Applications Of Environmental Dna (Edna) To Detect Subterranean And Aquatic Invasive Species: A Critical Review On The Challenges And Limitations Of Edna Metabarcoding, Sakib Tahmid Rishan, Richard J. Kline, Md Saydur Rahman
School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
The world is struggling to solve a devastating biodiversity loss that not only affects the extinction of treasured species and irreplaceable genetic variation, but also jeopardizes the food production, health, and safety of people. All initiatives aimed to conserve biodiversity rely heavily on the monitoring of both species and populations to get accurate spatial patterns and overall population assessments. Conventional monitoring techniques, such as visual surveys and counting individuals, are problematic due to challenges in identifying cryptic species or immature life stages. Environmental DNA (eDNA) is a relatively new technology that has the potential to be a faster, non-invasive, and …
Practical Solutions To The Invasion Of Lionfish In Utila, Honduras: Science, Education, Food, And Jewelry, Carolyn Corley
Practical Solutions To The Invasion Of Lionfish In Utila, Honduras: Science, Education, Food, And Jewelry, Carolyn Corley
Undergraduate Honors Theses
Lionfish (Pterois sp.) are invasive species capable of devastating coral reef ecosystems due to their lack of predators, large appetites, generalist diet, high fecundity, and rapid spawning rates. As lionfish have expanded their distribution across the Caribbean, many conservation groups have taken it upon themselves to systematically remove these predators from environments where they are threatening native species. However, few have involved the community the way I observed while interning with the Whale Shark and Oceanic Research Center in Utila, Honduras. Protecting coral reefs is extremely important, especially in small communities like Utila, where the majority of people’s …
Dolphin Behavioral Responses To Uncrewed Aerial Systems As A Function Of Exposure, Height, And Type, Savannah Damiano
Dolphin Behavioral Responses To Uncrewed Aerial Systems As A Function Of Exposure, Height, And Type, Savannah Damiano
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) are becoming a standard tool in the study of cetaceans, however, a comparative assessment of animal responses to UAS has not been established to gauge the most effective systems for cetacean study. We utilized Dolphin Quest Bermuda’s eleven bottlenose dolphins as subjects for such an investigation taking place over five weeks in 2022 and five weeks in 2023. The dolphins were evaluated for investigative behavioral responses to six off-the-shelf UAS types and a custom fixed wing system. Each UAS was flown in decreasing height vertically above the main dolphin lagoon to evaluate dolphin behavioral responses in …
Using Podcasts To Bring National Estuarine Research Reserves Into The Classroom For Grades 6-12, Kaitlyn M. Dirr
Using Podcasts To Bring National Estuarine Research Reserves Into The Classroom For Grades 6-12, Kaitlyn M. Dirr
Senior Theses
In a typical classroom setting, there are significant challenges to exposing students to concepts related to earth sciences and the environment. These challenges are exacerbated when conveying lessons about geographic areas with limited access, such as oceans and coastlines (Louv, 2010). It is now more important than ever for environmental education to improve and adapt to our changing world. Educators may have the opportunity to bring these subjects to life by using media content such as podcasts to introduce students to new places and the scientists, managers and educators that work in those spaces. In the United States, there exists …
Eavesdropping On Animals: Can Bioacoustics Help Save Species?, Zoe Grueskin
Eavesdropping On Animals: Can Bioacoustics Help Save Species?, Zoe Grueskin
Capstones
Around the world, scientists are using sound to study the natural world in a growing field called bioacoustics. Researchers are eavesdropping on frogs and fish, elephants and earthworms, and many hope what they hear can inform and inspire conservation action around the world. From the field’s auspicious beginning with accidentally-recorded whales, to researchers today listening to locations as diverse as the Arctic seafloor and India’s Western Ghats mountain range, this capstone project explores the potential — and limitations — of conservation bioacoustics. Read the story, see photos and listen to audio pieces featuring three bioacousticians and their field recordings here: …
List Of Fish Species Present In Galápagos, Ecuador, And California, U.S.A., With Notes On Their Commercial Importance And Conservation Status, Erin J. Hanson, Jose R. Marin Jarrin
List Of Fish Species Present In Galápagos, Ecuador, And California, U.S.A., With Notes On Their Commercial Importance And Conservation Status, Erin J. Hanson, Jose R. Marin Jarrin
IdeaFest: Interdisciplinary Journal of Creative Works and Research from Cal Poly Humboldt
No abstract provided.
Determination Of Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus Oxyrinchus) Population Genetic Structure And Comparison Of Mitogenomic Markers, Marissa Mehlrose
Determination Of Atlantic Shortfin Mako Shark (Isurus Oxyrinchus) Population Genetic Structure And Comparison Of Mitogenomic Markers, Marissa Mehlrose
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
This study provides the first genomics-level, population structure and genetic diversity assessment of the shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) shark. The assessments were based on mitogenome sequences from makos distributed throughout the Atlantic Ocean, with Pacific mako mitogenomes used as a comparative outgroup. In addition to complete mitogenome-based analyses, I assessed individual mitochondrial coding gene and non-coding (Control Region) sequences for their comparative resolution properties as markers for revealing matrilineal population structure and genetic diversity. Sequencing of 125 makos in the western and eastern Atlantic across northern and southern hemispheres yielded 92 complete mitogenomes (16,698-16,702 bp) and 33 partial …
A Genomic Investigation Of Divergence Between Tuna Species, Pavel V. Dimens
A Genomic Investigation Of Divergence Between Tuna Species, Pavel V. Dimens
Dissertations
Effective management and conservation of marine pelagic fishes is heavily dependent on a robust understanding of their population structure, their evolutionary history, and the delineation of appropriate management units. The Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) and the Blackfin tuna (Thunnus atlanticus) are two exploited epipelagic marine species with overlapping ranges in the tropical and sub-tropical Atlantic Ocean. This work analyzed genome-wide genetic variation of both species in the Atlantic basin to investigate the occurrence of population subdivision and adaptive variation. A de novo assembly of the Blackfin tuna genome was generated using Illumina paired-end sequencing data and …
Defining The Current Distribution Of The Imperiled Black-Spotted Newt Across South Texas, Usa, Padraic S. Robinson, Drew R. Davis, Sean M. Collins, Richard J. Kline
Defining The Current Distribution Of The Imperiled Black-Spotted Newt Across South Texas, Usa, Padraic S. Robinson, Drew R. Davis, Sean M. Collins, Richard J. Kline
School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
The Black-spotted Newt (Notophthalmus meridionalis) is a chronically understudied salamander species, with many aspects of its natural history, ecology, and distribution poorly known. Previous studies using traditional methodologies have had limited success documenting N. meridionalis on the landscape, detecting individuals at 6% (7 of 114) and 1% (2 of 221) of sites surveyed. A novel environmental DNA (eDNA) assay was designed and implemented with the goals of assessing the current distribution of N. meridionalis across south Texas, USA, and better understanding the conditions for positive eDNA detections. We conducted eDNA sampling and traditional surveys at 80 sites throughout …
A Systematic Review Of The Global Freshwater Mussel Restoration Toolbox, Roland E. Eveleens, Catherine Febria Dr
A Systematic Review Of The Global Freshwater Mussel Restoration Toolbox, Roland E. Eveleens, Catherine Febria Dr
Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research Publications
1. Halting the global decline of freshwater mussels requires an improved understanding of the restoration approaches currently in use and the identification of shortcomings to inform the development of new ones. This article reviews published evaluations of restoration efforts on the ground and those identified or proposed in the literature. 2. This review found few reports of the effectiveness of restoration measures, and of those reported there was strong temporal and geographical bias. Reports were mostly recent and took place within mussel-diverse regions of the Global North (i.e. North America, Europe). 3. Efforts focused on population support encompassed relocation, translocation …
Overfishing Drives Over One-Third Of All Sharks And Rays Toward A Global Extinction Crisis, Nicholas K. Dulvy, Nathan Pacoureau, Cassandra L. Rigby, Riley A. Pollom, Rima W. Jabado, David A. Ebert, Brittany Finucci, Caroline M. Pollock, Jessica Cheok, Danielle H. Derrick, Katelyn B. Herman, C. Samantha Sherman, Wade J. Vanderwright, Julia M. Lawson, Rachel H.L. Walls, John K. Carlson, Patricia Charvet, Kinattumkara K. Bineesh, Daniel Fernando, Gina M. Ralph, Jay H. Matsushiba, Craig Hilton-Taylor, Sonja V. Fordham, Colin A. Simpfendorfer
Overfishing Drives Over One-Third Of All Sharks And Rays Toward A Global Extinction Crisis, Nicholas K. Dulvy, Nathan Pacoureau, Cassandra L. Rigby, Riley A. Pollom, Rima W. Jabado, David A. Ebert, Brittany Finucci, Caroline M. Pollock, Jessica Cheok, Danielle H. Derrick, Katelyn B. Herman, C. Samantha Sherman, Wade J. Vanderwright, Julia M. Lawson, Rachel H.L. Walls, John K. Carlson, Patricia Charvet, Kinattumkara K. Bineesh, Daniel Fernando, Gina M. Ralph, Jay H. Matsushiba, Craig Hilton-Taylor, Sonja V. Fordham, Colin A. Simpfendorfer
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
The scale and drivers of marine biodiversity loss are being revealed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List assessment process. We present the first global reassessment of 1,199 species in Class Chondrichthyes-sharks, rays, and chimeras. The first global assessment (in 2014) concluded that one-quarter (24%) of species were threatened. Now, 391 (32.6%) species are threatened with extinction. When this percentage of threat is applied to Data Deficient species, more than one-third (37.5%) of chondrichthyans are estimated to be threatened, with much of this change resulting from new information. Three species are Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct), representing …
Genetic Population Dynamics Of The Critically Endangered Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna Lewini) In The Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, Sydney P. Harned
Genetic Population Dynamics Of The Critically Endangered Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna Lewini) In The Eastern Tropical Pacific Ocean, Sydney P. Harned
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
The scalloped hammerhead shark, Sphyrna lewini, is a Critically Endangered, migratory species known for its tendency to form large aggregations of mostly adult females, especially in the heavily-fished Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP) Ocean. This species forms iconic, visually spectacular, seasonal aggregations in the northern Galápagos Islands, and it is hypothesized based on telemetry studies that pregnant females from these aggregations migrate to mainland coastal nurseries for parturition. This study investigated the population genetic dynamics of the scalloped hammerhead across most of its coastal and offshore distribution (Mexico to Ecuador) in the ETP, focusing on young-of-the-year animals sampled from nursery …
A Landscape-Level Assessment Of Restoration Resource Allocation For The Eastern Monarch Butterfly, Rodrigo Solis-Sosa, Arne Mooers, Maxim Larrivée, Sean Cox, Christina A.D. Semeniuk
A Landscape-Level Assessment Of Restoration Resource Allocation For The Eastern Monarch Butterfly, Rodrigo Solis-Sosa, Arne Mooers, Maxim Larrivée, Sean Cox, Christina A.D. Semeniuk
Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research Publications
The Monarch butterfly eastern population (Danaus plexippus) is in decline primarily due to habitat loss. Current habitat restoration programs focus on re-establishing milkweed, the primary food resource for Monarch caterpillars, in the central United States of America. However, individual components of the Monarch life cycle function as part of an integrated whole. Here we develop the MOBU-SDyM, a migration-wide systems dynamics model of the Monarch butterfly migratory cycle to explore alternative management strategies’ impacts. Our model offers several advances over previous efforts, considering complex variables such as dynamic temperature-dependent developmental times, dynamic habitat availability, and weather-related mortality across the entire …
Assessing The Occurrence Of Trichechus Manatus Latirostris In Mobile Bay, Alabama Using Edna, Elora Pierce
Assessing The Occurrence Of Trichechus Manatus Latirostris In Mobile Bay, Alabama Using Edna, Elora Pierce
Honors Theses
In the past several decades Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) have begun to expand their summer range into the northern Gulf of Mexico. Because this is a recent occurrence, not much is known about their habitat use and distribution in this region. Citizen-sourced sighting data suggests that Florida manatees frequent subembayments of Mobile Bay, Alabama, reaching a sighting peak in August. To assess the occurrence of manatees in this area environmental DNA surveys were used from winter (February 19-20) and summer (August 21-22) of 2018. At each of the 21 sites ranging from the mouth of Mobile Bay, …
Vignette 04: Olympia Oysters, Jodie Toft, Betsy Peabody
Vignette 04: Olympia Oysters, Jodie Toft, Betsy Peabody
Institute Publications
Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) are our only native oyster species here in the Salish Sea. Olympia oysters once covered an estimated 13-26% of the intertidal area in Puget Sound, mostly near the heads of inlets. A combination of overharvest, pollution, and habitat loss reduced the current population to less than 4% of historic numbers, though sparse numbers of Olympia oysters can still be found throughout most of their historic distribution. Looking to the future, as our region’s marine waters experience effects of climate change and ocean acidification (OA), native species such as the Olympia oyster may prove to …
Habitat Loss On The Breeding Grounds Is A Major Contributor To Population Declines In A Long-Distance Migratory Songbird, Michael T. Hallworth, Erin Bayne, Emily Mckinnon, Oliver Love, Junior A. Tremblay, Bruno Drolet, Jacques Ibarzabal, Steven Van Wilgenburg, Peter P. Marra
Habitat Loss On The Breeding Grounds Is A Major Contributor To Population Declines In A Long-Distance Migratory Songbird, Michael T. Hallworth, Erin Bayne, Emily Mckinnon, Oliver Love, Junior A. Tremblay, Bruno Drolet, Jacques Ibarzabal, Steven Van Wilgenburg, Peter P. Marra
Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research Publications
Many migratory species are declining and for most, the proximate causes of their declines remain unknown. For many long-distance Neotropical migratory songbirds, it is assumed that habitat loss on breeding or non-breeding grounds is a primary driver of population declines. We integrated data collected from tracking technology, community science and remote sensing data to quantify migratory connectivity (MC), population trends and habitat loss. We quantified the correlation between forest change throughout the annual cycle and population declines of a long-distance migratory songbird, the Connecticut warbler (Oporornis agilis, observed decline: -8.99% yr -1). MC, the geographic link between populations during two …
Environmental Drivers Of Mesophotic Echinoderm Assemblages Of The Southeastern Pacific Ocean, Ariadna Mecho, Boris Dewitte, Javier Sellanes, Simon Van Gennip, Erin E. Easton, Joao B. Gusmao
Environmental Drivers Of Mesophotic Echinoderm Assemblages Of The Southeastern Pacific Ocean, Ariadna Mecho, Boris Dewitte, Javier Sellanes, Simon Van Gennip, Erin E. Easton, Joao B. Gusmao
School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences Faculty Publications and Presentations
Mesophotic ecosystems (50–400 m depth) of the southeastern Pacific have rarely been studied because of the logistical challenges in sampling across this remote zone. This study assessed how oxygen concentrations and other environmental predictors explain variation in echinoderm assemblages at these mesophotic systems, where this group is among the predominant fauna. We compiled data on echinoderm taxa at 91 sampling stations, from historical and recent surveys (between 1950 and 2019), covering a longitudinal gradient of approximately 3,700 km along with the Nazca, Salas y Gómez, and Juan Fernández ridges. Uni- and multivariate model-based tools were applied to analyze the patterns …
First Record Of Blacknape Large-Eye Bream Gymnocranius Satoi (Perciformes: Lethrinidae) In The Philippines, Nicko Amor Flores, Jade Tifany Rey, Jeffrey T. Williams, Kent Carpenter, Mudjekeewis Santos
First Record Of Blacknape Large-Eye Bream Gymnocranius Satoi (Perciformes: Lethrinidae) In The Philippines, Nicko Amor Flores, Jade Tifany Rey, Jeffrey T. Williams, Kent Carpenter, Mudjekeewis Santos
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
The Philippines has been regarded as the center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity, having the highest number of fish species per square area in the world. The blacknape large-eye bream, Gymnocranius satoi, has been reported to occur from Southern Japan, Taiwan to Northwestern Australia and to the Coral Sea, but has not previously been recorded from the Philippines. From 2011 – 2019, the National Fisheries Research and Development Institute (NFRDI) collaborated with the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution (NMNH/SI), USA, and the Old Dominion University (ODU), Virgina, USA, to inventory all commercial fish …
The Conservation Status Of Marine Biodiversity Of The Western Indian Ocean, R. Bullock, Gina Ralph, E. Stump, F. Al Abdali, J. Al Asfoor, B. Al Buwaiqi, A. Al Kindi, A. Ambuali, Tiffany Birge, P. Borsa, F. Di Dario, B. Everett, S. Fennessy, C. Fonseca, Claire Gorman, A. Govender, H. Ho, W. Holleman, N. Jiddawi, M. Khan, H. Larson, Christi Linardich, P. Matiku, K. Matsuura, C. Maunde, H. Motomura, T. Munroe, R. Nair, C. Obota, B. Polidoro, B. Russell, S. Shaheen, Y. Sithole, W. Smith-Vaniz, F. Uiblein, S. Weerts, A. Williams, S. Yahya, Kent Carpenter
The Conservation Status Of Marine Biodiversity Of The Western Indian Ocean, R. Bullock, Gina Ralph, E. Stump, F. Al Abdali, J. Al Asfoor, B. Al Buwaiqi, A. Al Kindi, A. Ambuali, Tiffany Birge, P. Borsa, F. Di Dario, B. Everett, S. Fennessy, C. Fonseca, Claire Gorman, A. Govender, H. Ho, W. Holleman, N. Jiddawi, M. Khan, H. Larson, Christi Linardich, P. Matiku, K. Matsuura, C. Maunde, H. Motomura, T. Munroe, R. Nair, C. Obota, B. Polidoro, B. Russell, S. Shaheen, Y. Sithole, W. Smith-Vaniz, F. Uiblein, S. Weerts, A. Williams, S. Yahya, Kent Carpenter
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
The Western Indian Ocean (WIO) is comprised of productive and highly diverse marine ecosystems that are rich sources of food security, livelihoods, and natural wonder. The ecological services that species provide are vital to the productivity of these ecosystems and healthy biodiversity is essential for the continued support of economies and local users. The stability of these valuable resources, however, is being eroded by growing threats to marine life from overexploitation, habitat degradation and climate change, all of which are causing serious reductions in marine ecosystem services and the ability of these ecosystems to support human communities. Quantifying the impacts …
Conservation, Sharks, And The Tragedy Of The Commons: Achieving Human-Nature Holism, Fiona Melady
Conservation, Sharks, And The Tragedy Of The Commons: Achieving Human-Nature Holism, Fiona Melady
Regis University Student Publications (comprehensive collection)
Environmental ethics originates from the idea that the relationship between humans and non-human nature should be considered morally. How we deal with environmental issues depends on our perception of human-environment relationships. Many view nature as something separate from themselves to own, use, and exploit for human benefit; others view nature as something of which humans are a part and having an intrinsic value aside from practicality or usefulness. This thesis examines human-environment relationships through anthropocentrism and ecocentrism and advocates for balancing the two perspectives. Furthermore, this thesis examines the importance of marine environmental conservation, particularly sharks, and how transitioning towards …
Global Conservation Status Of Croaker And Drum (Family: Sciaenidae) And Role Of The Maw Trade, Claire E. Gorman
Global Conservation Status Of Croaker And Drum (Family: Sciaenidae) And Role Of The Maw Trade, Claire E. Gorman
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Understanding threats and drivers of extinction risk is critical to conserving marine biodiversity. Although marine bony fishes are some of the most diverse and abundant vertebrates in the world, overexploitation is the major threat to these taxa. Species in the family Sciaenidae are important marine resources in many parts of the world, supporting small- and large-scale fisheries for consumption and the international maw (dried swimbladder) trade. Sciaenids exhibit a diverse array of life history characteristics, such as high fecundity, large body size, formation of spawning aggregations, and longevity. Some characteristics increase their susceptibility to anthropogenic stressors. Despite being ecologically and …
Connections In The Underworld: A Morphological And Molecular Study Of Diversity And Connectivity Among Anchialine Shrimp., Robert Eugene Ditter
Connections In The Underworld: A Morphological And Molecular Study Of Diversity And Connectivity Among Anchialine Shrimp., Robert Eugene Ditter
FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This research investigates the distribution and population structure of crustaceans, endemic to anchialine systems in the tropical western Atlantic focusing on cave-dwelling shrimp from the family Barbouriidae. Taxonomic and molecular tools (genetic and genomic) are utilized to examine population dynamics and the presence of phenotypic hypervariation (PhyV) of the critically endangered species Barbouria cubensis (von Martens, 1872). The presence of PhyV and its geographic distribution is investigated among anchialine populations of B. cubensis from 34 sites on Abaco, Eleuthera, and San Salvador, Bahamas. Examination of 54 informative morphological characters revealed PhyV present in nearly 90% (n=463) of specimens with no …
Seasonal Movements And Habitat Use Of Juvenile Smooth Hammerhead Sharks In The Western North Atlantic Ocean And Significance For Management, Ryan K. Logan, Jeremy Vaudo, Lara L. Sousa, Mark Sampson, Bradley M. Wetherbee, Mahmood S. Shivji
Seasonal Movements And Habitat Use Of Juvenile Smooth Hammerhead Sharks In The Western North Atlantic Ocean And Significance For Management, Ryan K. Logan, Jeremy Vaudo, Lara L. Sousa, Mark Sampson, Bradley M. Wetherbee, Mahmood S. Shivji
Marine & Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles
Upper trophic level predators dramatically impacted by fisheries include the large-bodied hammerhead sharks, which have become species of conservation concern worldwide. Implementing spatial management for conservation of hammerhead populations requires knowledge of temporal distribution patterns and habitat use, identification of essential habitat for protection, and quantification of interactions with human activities. There is little such information for the smooth hammerhead shark, Sphyrna zygaena. We used fin-mounted satellite tags to examine the movements and habitat use of juvenile smooth hammerheads, a demographic segment particularly threatened by exploitation. Six sharks were tagged off the US mid-Atlantic and tracked for 49–441 days …
A Shark Conservationists Toolbox: Current Dna Methods And Techniques Aiding In The Conservation Of Sharks, Arianna N. Nixon
A Shark Conservationists Toolbox: Current Dna Methods And Techniques Aiding In The Conservation Of Sharks, Arianna N. Nixon
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
Elasmobranchs are important members of their community. Many sharks are important apex predators that help maintain the health of their ecosystem. However, shark populations are globally declining. This is partially due to the fact that sharks are highly targeted for their fins, meat, liver oil, teeth, and skin. However, they are also killed from anthropogenic effects such as habitat destruction and pollution. Most shark species have life history characteristics that also make them more vulnerable to overfishing. Sharks are also difficult to study due to their elusive nature and identification issues. That is why molecular tools are increasingly becoming important …
To Feed Or Not To Feed: Examining The Effects Of Provisioning Tourism On Nurse Sharks In Caye Caulker, Belize, Carlee Jackson
To Feed Or Not To Feed: Examining The Effects Of Provisioning Tourism On Nurse Sharks In Caye Caulker, Belize, Carlee Jackson
All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations
Wildlife tourism is increasing in popularity around the world, creating the need to understand alterations in animal behavior and spatial distributions that may occur due to associated anthropogenic disturbances. Nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum, Bonnaterre 1788) are commonly used for wildlife tourism within the Caye Caulker Marine Reserve in Belize. Shark and Ray Village (SRV) is a site within the reserve where nurse sharks are consistently fed by tour/snorkel boats to create an interactive experience with tourists, termed provisioning tourism. Prior to this experiment, no studies had been conducted in SRV to evaluate the impact of provisioning tourism (tourism …
Using Genetics To Inform Restoration And Predict Resilience In Declining Populations Of A Keystone Marine Sponge, Sarah M. Griffiths, Evelyn D. Taylor-Cox, Donald C. Behringer, Mark J. Butler Iv, Richard F. Preziosi
Using Genetics To Inform Restoration And Predict Resilience In Declining Populations Of A Keystone Marine Sponge, Sarah M. Griffiths, Evelyn D. Taylor-Cox, Donald C. Behringer, Mark J. Butler Iv, Richard F. Preziosi
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
Genetic tools can have a key role in informing conservation management of declining populations. Genetic diversity is an important determinant of population fitness and resilience, and can require careful management to ensure sufficient variation is present. In addition, population genetics data reveal patterns of connectivity and gene flow between locations, enabling mangers to predict recovery and resilience, identify areas of local adaptation, and generate restoration plans. Here, we demonstrate a conservation genetics approach to inform restoration and management of the loggerhead sponge (Spheciospongia vesparium) in the Florida Keys, USA. This species is a dominant, habitat-forming component of marine ecosystems in …
Conserving Spawning Stocks Through Harvest Slot Limits And No-Take Protected Areas, Gaya Gnanalingam, Holly Gaff, Mark J. Butler Iv
Conserving Spawning Stocks Through Harvest Slot Limits And No-Take Protected Areas, Gaya Gnanalingam, Holly Gaff, Mark J. Butler Iv
Biological Sciences Faculty Publications
The key to the conservation of harvested species is the maintenance of reproductive success. Yet for many marine species large, old individuals are targeted despite their disproportionate contribution to reproduction. We hypothesized that a combination of no-take marine protected areas (MPAs) and harvest slot limits (maximum and minimum size limits) would result in the conservation of large spawning individuals under heavy harvest. We tested this approach under different harvest intensities with a 2-sex, stage-structured metapopulation model for the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus). P. argus is intensively harvested in the Caribbean, and in many localities large, mature individuals no longer …