Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Keyword
-
- Climate change (2)
- Eco-engineering (2)
- Predation (2)
- ADCP (1)
- Alpha-diversity (1)
-
- Angling (1)
- Artificial intelligence (1)
- Artificial structures (1)
- Auto-fluorescence (1)
- BRUV (1)
- Beta-diversity (1)
- Biodiversity (1)
- Biodiversity loss (1)
- Biomonitoring (1)
- Blaberidae (1)
- CO2 (1)
- Carotenoids (1)
- Catch and release (1)
- Chemolithoautotrophs (1)
- Coastal (1)
- Coastal engineering (1)
- Computer vision (1)
- Conservation (1)
- Convolutional neural networks (1)
- Currents (1)
- Decomposition (1)
- Dispersal (1)
- Ecological enhancement (1)
- Ecological image analysis (1)
- Ecological light pollution (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 82
Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network
Investigating Spatial And Seasonal Differences In Microgastropod Assemblages Within The Little-Studied Camamu Bay, Brazil: A Potential Bioindicator For Remote Tropical Areas?, Francisco Kelmo, Sol De Maria Cesar Ferreira, Eduardo Henrique Galvão, Martin J. Attrill
Investigating Spatial And Seasonal Differences In Microgastropod Assemblages Within The Little-Studied Camamu Bay, Brazil: A Potential Bioindicator For Remote Tropical Areas?, Francisco Kelmo, Sol De Maria Cesar Ferreira, Eduardo Henrique Galvão, Martin J. Attrill
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
This study investigates spatial and seasonal variation in the assemblages of benthic microgastropods (snails < 5–10 mm in length) within a poorly studied tropical bay. As these organisms are abundant, diverse and relatively easy to sample, with well-established taxonomy, they may prove a highly suitable group for ecological studies in such areas. Sediment samples were collected from three river basins in Camamu Bay, Brazil, during the wet and dry seasons. A total of 132 microgastropod species was recorded, demonstrating high diversity. The most abundant species were Eulithidium affine, Bittiolum varium, Cerithium atratum, Vitta virginea and Schwartziella bryerea. The least abundant species were Tenaturris gemma, Turbinella laevigata, Petaloconchus erectus, Parviturboides interruptus and Vitrinella cupidinensis. Statistical analysis revealed significant seasonal and spatial differences in diversity and assemblage composition, which correlated with environmental gradients. The results suggest that microgastropods are a suitable component of the biota for ecological and applied studies in marine sediments, particularly in remote tropical locations where full macrofaunal analysis may be challenging. Whilst further testing across impact gradients is needed, this approach offers a practical solution for ecological investigations in remote regions with limited taxonomic expertise and highlights microgastropods as a useful indicator taxon for impact biomonitoring in tropical marine sediments.
40 Priority Questions To Advance Understanding Of The Risks And Opportunities Of Uk Marine Heatwaves, Zoe Jacobs, Kathryn E. Smith, Jules B. Kajtar, Dan A. Smale, Pippa J. Moore, Fabrice Stephenson, Michael T. Burrows, Caroline Rowland, Richard Renshaw, Sophy Oliver, Martyn Jakins-Pollard, Freya Ivy Palmer, Alice Kloker, Craig Baker-Austin, Bryony Townhill, Sian Rees, Sarah Coulthard, Ekaterina Popova
40 Priority Questions To Advance Understanding Of The Risks And Opportunities Of Uk Marine Heatwaves, Zoe Jacobs, Kathryn E. Smith, Jules B. Kajtar, Dan A. Smale, Pippa J. Moore, Fabrice Stephenson, Michael T. Burrows, Caroline Rowland, Richard Renshaw, Sophy Oliver, Martyn Jakins-Pollard, Freya Ivy Palmer, Alice Kloker, Craig Baker-Austin, Bryony Townhill, Sian Rees, Sarah Coulthard, Ekaterina Popova
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are periods of anomalously warm sea temperatures that are becoming increasingly recognised as ocean stressors. Globally, MHWs have impacted marine ecosystems, with significant socioeconomic implications for coastal communities and industries. The unprecedented MHW that occurred in the waters surrounding the UK and Ireland in summer 2023 highlighted a crucial gap in our understanding of the region-specific characteristics of MHWs and their impacts on marine ecosystems, the services they underpin, the blue economy and society. Using diverse expert opinion, we propose 40 priority questions for interdisciplinary research in the UK that must urgently be addressed to prepare for …
Survival And Recovery Of Three Shark Species In North-East Atlantic Recreational Fisheries, Francesco Garzon, Ghalia Abel, Ian Burrett, Owen Exeter, Lucy A. Hawkes, Thomas Horton, Mario Lambrette, Alex Plaster, David Righton, Hannah Rudd, Jessica Rudd, Bryce Stewart, Simon Thomas, James Thorburn, Paul Whittaker, Matthew J. Witt
Survival And Recovery Of Three Shark Species In North-East Atlantic Recreational Fisheries, Francesco Garzon, Ghalia Abel, Ian Burrett, Owen Exeter, Lucy A. Hawkes, Thomas Horton, Mario Lambrette, Alex Plaster, David Righton, Hannah Rudd, Jessica Rudd, Bryce Stewart, Simon Thomas, James Thorburn, Paul Whittaker, Matthew J. Witt
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Understanding how sharks respond to catch and release (C&R) recreational fisheries is an important requirement for effective management. Post-release survival and recovery in recreational fisheries can be species- and setting-dependent. Nevertheless, no study on sharks has been conducted in European recreational fisheries, despite their popularity as target. This study presents the first example of biologging to assess C&R effects on blue sharks (Prionace glauca), porbeagle sharks (Lamna nasus) and tope sharks (Galeorhinus galeus) in the UK. Pop-up satellite archival tags (n = 23 blue shark, 20 porbeagle shark, 26 tope shark) revealed high (94.7–96.2%) survival rates in all three species, …
Investigating Behavioural Responses Of Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo Cuvier) To Novel Stimuli By Means Of Benthic Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems, India Brawermann, Alexander Horne, Grant Smith, Alexander Wilson
Investigating Behavioural Responses Of Tiger Sharks (Galeocerdo Cuvier) To Novel Stimuli By Means Of Benthic Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems, India Brawermann, Alexander Horne, Grant Smith, Alexander Wilson
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Inspection behaviour in sharks, involving their approach and assessment of potential prey or threats, is vital for their predatory efficiency and defensive strategies, heavily influencing ecological dynamics and predator-prey interactions. This study investigates object inspection behaviour in tiger sharks (Galeocerdo Cuvier) using Baited Remote Underwater Video systems (BRUVs) deployed within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (IWP) Marine Protected Area, in South Africa. Data collection and analysis focused on quantifying the frequency, duration, and characteristics of tiger shark interactions with BRUVs, and on assessing behavioural trends across demographic groups to facilitate the development of a behavioural ethogram. Key findings revealed adult females …
Practical Application Of Artificial Intelligence For Ecological Image Analysis: Trialling Different Levels Of Taxonomic Classification To Promote Convolutional Neural Network Performance, Amelia E.H. Bridges, Eleanor Cross, Kyran P. Graves, Nils Piechaud, Antony Raymont, Kerry L. Howell
Practical Application Of Artificial Intelligence For Ecological Image Analysis: Trialling Different Levels Of Taxonomic Classification To Promote Convolutional Neural Network Performance, Amelia E.H. Bridges, Eleanor Cross, Kyran P. Graves, Nils Piechaud, Antony Raymont, Kerry L. Howell
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly convolutional neural networks (CNNs), into ecological research presents new opportunities for the automated analysis of image-based data. This study explores the practical application of CNNs for ecological image analysis by trialling annotation to different levels of taxonomic classification to determine their impact on model performance. We systematically compare various annotation strategies, evaluating their effects on the accuracy of CNNs in ecological contexts; as well as considering the feasibility of manually annotating training data to different levels. We demonstrate that variation in annotations groupings (animal, phylum or morphology) has little impact on model performance, …
Animal Personality And Sentience As Distinct Concepts, Mark Briffa
Animal Personality And Sentience As Distinct Concepts, Mark Briffa
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Owens et al (2024) discuss how knowledge of both animal personality and sentience in target populations can be leveraged to enhance wildlife conservation programmes. In this commentary I expand on the distinction between these two concepts. Behavioural differences should be considered broadly across conservation programmes, not just those involving species deemed sentient.
Investigating The Effects Of Male Size And Pronotal Glowspots On Female Courtship Behaviour Of The Glowspot Cockroach (Lucihormetica Verrucosa), Ella X. Whitaker, Jane Akerman, Alexander D.M. Wilson
Investigating The Effects Of Male Size And Pronotal Glowspots On Female Courtship Behaviour Of The Glowspot Cockroach (Lucihormetica Verrucosa), Ella X. Whitaker, Jane Akerman, Alexander D.M. Wilson
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Lucihormetica verrucosa (Blattodea, Blaberidae) are highly sexually dimorphic cockroaches, with the males having two symmetrically organised ‘glowspots’ on their pronotum. The spots can range in colour from whitish-yellow to red, depending on the quantity of carotenoids in their diet. These spots auto-fluoresce when exposed to UV wavelengths, with the amount of fluorescence inversely related to the carotenoid content. The diet-dependent aspect of the pronotal spots insinuates that they are a fitness-dependent trait and thus inform sexual selection, but existing studies have not directly investigated the role of the pronotal spots in courtship behaviour. Invertebrate sexual selection is commonly informed by …
Assessing The Impact Of An Offshore Longline Mussel Farm On Local Water Circulation In A Highly Hydrodynamic Energetic Bay, Llucia Mascorda-Cabre, Emma V. Sheehan, Martin J. Attrill, Phil Hosegood
Assessing The Impact Of An Offshore Longline Mussel Farm On Local Water Circulation In A Highly Hydrodynamic Energetic Bay, Llucia Mascorda-Cabre, Emma V. Sheehan, Martin J. Attrill, Phil Hosegood
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Thought to be a sustainable choice, molluscs are the most consumed aquaculture foods after finfish. The expansion of the mussel aquaculture industry offshore reports lower environmental impacts compared to inshore farms. Although an offshore location has the potential to reduce a farm's ecological impacts, the effect of large developments on water currents is still not fully understood. High hydrodynamic regimes can influence the dispersion of farm biodeposits, organic loading, flow alterations with the potential to impact water residence time, particle and sediment dispersal (including larvae and biodeposits) and seabed sediment resuspension, which in turn, can have ecological impacts. Farm-induced flow …
Lessons From Lyme Bay (Uk) To Inform Policy, Management, And Monitoring Of Marine Protected Areas, Chloe Renn, Sian Rees, Adam Rees, Bede F.R. Davies, Amy Y. Cartwright, Sam Fanshawe, Martin J. Attrill, Luke A. Holmes, Emma V. Sheehan
Lessons From Lyme Bay (Uk) To Inform Policy, Management, And Monitoring Of Marine Protected Areas, Chloe Renn, Sian Rees, Adam Rees, Bede F.R. Davies, Amy Y. Cartwright, Sam Fanshawe, Martin J. Attrill, Luke A. Holmes, Emma V. Sheehan
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
This decade represents a critical period to profoundly rethink human–nature interactions in order to address the interwoven climate and biodiversity crises. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) demonstrate promise for increasing ecosystem resilience and reversing habitat and population declines, but outcomes vary considerably from context to context. Partially protected areas offer a compromise between ecological recovery and the social needs of local communities, but their success is contingent on an array of factors. This in-depth review summarizes 15 years of marine conservation research and impact in Lyme Bay (southwest UK), to serve as a model for the future adoption of partially protected …
Shift In Algal Blooms From Micro‐ To Macroalgae Around China With Increasing Eutrophication And Climate Change, Yuan Feng, Yonglong Xiong, Jm Hall‐Spencer, Kailin Liu, John Beardall, K Gao, Jingke Ge, Juntian Xu, G Gao
Shift In Algal Blooms From Micro‐ To Macroalgae Around China With Increasing Eutrophication And Climate Change, Yuan Feng, Yonglong Xiong, Jm Hall‐Spencer, Kailin Liu, John Beardall, K Gao, Jingke Ge, Juntian Xu, G Gao
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Blooms of microalgal red tides and macroalgae (e.g., green and golden tides caused by Ulva and Sargassum) have caused widespread problems around China in recent years, but there is uncertainty around what triggers these blooms and how they interact. Here, we use 30 years of monitoring data to help answer these questions, focusing on the four main species of microalgae Prorocentrum donghaiense, Karenia mikimotoi, Noctiluca scintillans, and Skeletonema costatum) associated with red tides in the region. The frequency of red tides increased from 1991 to 2003 and then decreased until 2020, with S. costatum red tides exhibiting the highest rate …
Taking Sides? Aspect Has Limited Influence On Soil Environment Or Litter Decomposition In Pan-European Study Of Roadside Verges, A. Amstutz, L. B. Firth, J. I. Spicer, P. De Frenne, L. Gómez-Aparicio, B. J. Graae, S. Kuś, S. Lindmo, A. Orczewska, F. Rodríguez-Sánchez, P. Vangansbeke, T. Vanneste, M. E. Hanley
Taking Sides? Aspect Has Limited Influence On Soil Environment Or Litter Decomposition In Pan-European Study Of Roadside Verges, A. Amstutz, L. B. Firth, J. I. Spicer, P. De Frenne, L. Gómez-Aparicio, B. J. Graae, S. Kuś, S. Lindmo, A. Orczewska, F. Rodríguez-Sánchez, P. Vangansbeke, T. Vanneste, M. E. Hanley
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
In addition to well-known effects on species ecophysiology, phenology, and distributions, climate change is widely predicted to impact essential ecosystem services such as decomposition and nutrient cycling. While temperature and soil moisture are thought to influence litter decomposition, elucidating consistent soil process responses to observed or predicted shifts in climate have proven difficult to evidence. Here we investigated how aspect (i.e., north-south orientation), a natural model for variation in soil temperature, influenced soil physico-chemical conditions and decomposition of two standardised litter types (Green tea and Rooibos teabags) in Pole-facing (PF) and Equator-facing (EF) roadside verges spanning a 3000 km and …
Inconsistent Bioreceptivity Of Three Mortar Mixes In Subtidal Sites, Jessica R. Bone, Alice E. Hall, Rick Stafford, Roger J.H. Herbert
Inconsistent Bioreceptivity Of Three Mortar Mixes In Subtidal Sites, Jessica R. Bone, Alice E. Hall, Rick Stafford, Roger J.H. Herbert
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Concrete is extensively used in coastal engineering and development which, in addition to its high carbon footprint, threatens intertidal habitats and ecosystems. Eco-engineering addresses this by designing habitat features into coastal infrastructure. The chemical bioreceptivity of cement has been shown to vary, but ordinary Portland cement is generally considered to be the least bioreceptive. In this study, we compare two low carbon mortars (a natural, single source cement (VP), and an ordinary Portland cement/ ground granulated blast furnace slag blend (GGBS)) with an ordinary Portland cement-based control mix (OPC). The three mortars were made into smooth blocks which were secured …
Sediment Sorting Within A Relatively Wave-Exposed And Sandy Subtidal Seagrass (Zostera Marina) Meadow, Gerd Masselink, Tom Brown, Tim Scott, Liane Brodie
Sediment Sorting Within A Relatively Wave-Exposed And Sandy Subtidal Seagrass (Zostera Marina) Meadow, Gerd Masselink, Tom Brown, Tim Scott, Liane Brodie
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Seagrasses impact on sedimentary intertidal and subtidal ecosystems by affecting local hydrodynamics, geomorphology and sediment properties. Their influence on hydrodynamics is to reduce flow velocities in their canopies, and this leads to increased net sedimentation rates and reduction of the grain size. Most investigations of the seagrass-hydrodynamics-sediment feedback system has been carried out over silt and fine-sand beds under tide-dominated conditions, mostly in the intertidal zone. Here, we use sedimentological data from a relatively wave-exposed and subtidal seagrass (Zostera marina) meadow in the Isles of Scilly with a fine-to-medium sand bed and show that the sand within the seagrass meadow …
Mesophotic Coral Bleaching Associated With Changes In Thermocline Depth, Clara Diaz, Nicola L. Foster, Martin J. Attrill, Adam Bolton, Peter Ganderton, Kerry L. Howell, Edward Robinson, Phil Hosegood
Mesophotic Coral Bleaching Associated With Changes In Thermocline Depth, Clara Diaz, Nicola L. Foster, Martin J. Attrill, Adam Bolton, Peter Ganderton, Kerry L. Howell, Edward Robinson, Phil Hosegood
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
As global temperatures continue to rise, shallow coral reef bleaching has become more intense and widespread. Mesophotic coral ecosystems (30–150 m) reside in deeper, cooler, water and were thought to offer a refuge to shallow-water reefs. Data now show that mesophotic coral ecosystems instead have limited connectivity with shallow corals but host diverse endemic communities. Given their extensive distribution and high biodiversity, understanding their susceptibility to warming oceans is imperative. In this multidisciplinary study we show evidence of coral bleaching at 90 m in the Indian Ocean, despite the absence of shallow-water bleaching. The bleaching was associated with sustained thermocline …
Metrics Matter: Multiple Diversity Metrics At Different Spatial Scales Are Needed To Understand Species Diversity In Urban Environments, Kathryn A. O'Shaughnessy, Antony M. Knights, Stephen J. Hawkins, Mick E. Hanley, Paul Lunt, Richard C. Thompson, Louise B. Firth
Metrics Matter: Multiple Diversity Metrics At Different Spatial Scales Are Needed To Understand Species Diversity In Urban Environments, Kathryn A. O'Shaughnessy, Antony M. Knights, Stephen J. Hawkins, Mick E. Hanley, Paul Lunt, Richard C. Thompson, Louise B. Firth
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Worldwide, natural habitats are being replaced by artificial structures due to urbanisation. Planning of such modifications should strive for environmental net gain that benefits biodiversity and ecosystems. Alpha (α) and gamma (γ) diversity are often used to assess ‘impact’ but are insensitive metrics. We test several diversity measures across two spatial scales to compare species diversity in natural and artificial habitats. We show γ-diversity indicates equivalency in biodiversity between natural and artificial habitats, but natural habitats support greater taxon (α) and functional richness. Within-site β-diversity was also greater in natural habitats, but among-site β-diversity was greater in artificial habitats, contradicting …
Machine Learning In Marine Ecology: An Overview Of Techniques And Applications, Peter Rubbens, Stephanie Brodie, Tristan Cordier, D Destro Barcellos, Paul Devos, Jose A. Fernandes-Salvador, Jennifer I. Fincham, Alessandra Gomes, Nils Olav Handegard, Kerry Howell, Cédric Jamet, Kyrre Heldal Kartveit, Hassan Moustahfid, Clea Parcerisas, Dimitris Politikos, Raphaëlle Sauzède, Maria Sokolova, Laura Uusitalo, L Van Den Bulcke, Atm Van Helmond, Jordan T. Watson, Heather Welch, Oscar Beltran-Perez, Samuel Chaffron, David S. Greenberg, Bernhard Kühn, Rainer Kiko, Madiop Lo, Rubens M. Lopes, Rubens M. Lopes, William Michaels, Ahmet Pala, Jean Baptiste Romagnan, Pia Schuchert, Vahid Seydi, Sebastian Villasante, Ketil Malde, Jean Olivier Irisson
Machine Learning In Marine Ecology: An Overview Of Techniques And Applications, Peter Rubbens, Stephanie Brodie, Tristan Cordier, D Destro Barcellos, Paul Devos, Jose A. Fernandes-Salvador, Jennifer I. Fincham, Alessandra Gomes, Nils Olav Handegard, Kerry Howell, Cédric Jamet, Kyrre Heldal Kartveit, Hassan Moustahfid, Clea Parcerisas, Dimitris Politikos, Raphaëlle Sauzède, Maria Sokolova, Laura Uusitalo, L Van Den Bulcke, Atm Van Helmond, Jordan T. Watson, Heather Welch, Oscar Beltran-Perez, Samuel Chaffron, David S. Greenberg, Bernhard Kühn, Rainer Kiko, Madiop Lo, Rubens M. Lopes, Rubens M. Lopes, William Michaels, Ahmet Pala, Jean Baptiste Romagnan, Pia Schuchert, Vahid Seydi, Sebastian Villasante, Ketil Malde, Jean Olivier Irisson
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Machine learning covers a large set of algorithms that can be trained to identify patterns in data. Thanks to the increase in the amount of data and computing power available, it has become pervasive across scientific disciplines. We first highlight why machine learning is needed in marine ecology. Then we provide a quick primer on machine learning techniques and vocabulary. We built a database of ∼1000 publications that implement such techniques to analyse marine ecology data. For various data types (images, optical spectra, acoustics, omics, geolocations, biogeochemical profiles, and satellite imagery), we present a historical perspective on applications that proved …
Patterns Of Species Richness And Turnover In Endemic Amphibians Of The Guineo-Congolian Rainforest., Lotanna M. Nneji, Josué A.R. Azevedo, Oyetola O. Oyebanji, Liang Ma, Paul R. Elsen, Gabriel Salako, Robert Puschendorf, Robert M. Pringle
Patterns Of Species Richness And Turnover In Endemic Amphibians Of The Guineo-Congolian Rainforest., Lotanna M. Nneji, Josué A.R. Azevedo, Oyetola O. Oyebanji, Liang Ma, Paul R. Elsen, Gabriel Salako, Robert Puschendorf, Robert M. Pringle
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Aim: The African Guineo-Congolian (GC) region is a global biodiversity hotspot with high species endemism, bioclimatic heterogeneity, complex landscape features, and multiple biogeographic barriers. Bioclimatic and geographic variables influence global patterns of species richness and endemism, but their relative importance varies across taxa and regions and is poorly understood for many faunas. Here, we test the hypoth-esis that turnover in endemic amphibians of the GC biodiversity hotspot is influenced mainly by the geographic distance between grid cells and secondarily by rainfall- and temperature- related variables.Location: West and Central Africa.Major Taxa Studied: Amphibians.Methods: We compiled species-occurrence records via field sampling, online …
Integrating Ocean Observations Across Body‐Size Classes To Deliver Benthic Invertebrate Abundance And Distribution Information, Henry A. Ruhl, Brian J. Bett, Jeroen Ingels, Adrian Martin, Andrew R. Gates, Andrew Yool, Noëlie M.A. Benoist, Ward Appeltans, Kerry L. Howell, Roberto Danovaro
Integrating Ocean Observations Across Body‐Size Classes To Deliver Benthic Invertebrate Abundance And Distribution Information, Henry A. Ruhl, Brian J. Bett, Jeroen Ingels, Adrian Martin, Andrew R. Gates, Andrew Yool, Noëlie M.A. Benoist, Ward Appeltans, Kerry L. Howell, Roberto Danovaro
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Invertebrate animals living at the seafloor make up a prominent component of life globally, spanning 10 orders of magnitude in body size over 71% of Earth's surface. However, integrating information across sizes and sampling methodologies has limited our understanding of the influence of natural variation, climate change and human activity. Here, we outline maturing practices that can underpin both the feasibility and impact of establishing Benthic Invertebrate Abundance and Distribution as a Global Ocean Observing System—Essential Ocean Variable, including: (1) quantifying individual body size, (2) identifying the well‐quantified portions of sampled body‐size spectra, (3) taking advantage of (semi‐)automated information processing, …
Origination Of The Modern-Style Diversity Gradient 15 Million Years Ago, Isabel S. Fenton, Tracy Aze, Alexander Farnsworth, Paul Valdes, Erin E. Saupe
Origination Of The Modern-Style Diversity Gradient 15 Million Years Ago, Isabel S. Fenton, Tracy Aze, Alexander Farnsworth, Paul Valdes, Erin E. Saupe
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
The latitudinal diversity gradient (LDG) is a prevalent feature of modern ecosystems across diverse clades1–4. Recognized for well over a century, the causal mechanisms for LDGs remain disputed, in part because numerous putative drivers simultaneously covary with latitude1,3,5. The past provides the opportunity to disentangle LDG mechanisms because the relationships among biodiversity, latitude and possible causal factors have varied over time6–9. Here we quantify the emergence of the LDG in planktonic foraminifera at high spatiotemporal resolution over the past 40 million years, finding that a modern-style gradient arose only 15 million years ago. Spatial …
The Environmental Cellular Stress Response: The Intertidal As A Multistressor Model, Michael Collins, Melody S. Clark, Manuela Truebano
The Environmental Cellular Stress Response: The Intertidal As A Multistressor Model, Michael Collins, Melody S. Clark, Manuela Truebano
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
The wild poses a multifaceted challenge to the maintenance of cellular function. Therefore, a multistressor approach is essential to predict the cellular mechanisms which promote homeostasis and underpin whole-organism tolerance. The intertidal zone is particularly dynamic, and thus, its inhabitants provide excellent models to assess mechanisms underpinning multistressor tolerance. Here, we critically review our current understanding of the regulation of the cellular stress response (CSR) under multiple abiotic stressors in intertidal organisms and consider to what extent a multistressor approach brings us closer to understanding responses in the wild. The function of the CSR has been well documented in laboratory …
The Restoration Potential Of Offshore Mussel Farming On Degraded Seabed Habitat, D Bridger, Mj Attrill, Bfr Davies, La Holmes, A Cartwright, Se Rees, Lm Cabre, Ev Sheehan
The Restoration Potential Of Offshore Mussel Farming On Degraded Seabed Habitat, D Bridger, Mj Attrill, Bfr Davies, La Holmes, A Cartwright, Se Rees, Lm Cabre, Ev Sheehan
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
The United Kingdom's first large-scale, offshore, long-line mussel farm deployed its first ropes in 2013 in Lyme Bay, southwest United Kingdom, located in an area of seabed that was heavily degraded due to historic bottom-towed fishing. It was hypothesised that due to the artificial structures that accumulate mussels and exclude destructive fishing practices, the seabed could be restored. To assess the restoration potential of the farm and its ecosystem interactions over time, a multi-method, annual monitoring approach was undertaken. Here, we tested the effects of the farm trial stations on the seabed habitat, epifauna and demersal species over 5 years. …
Remote Reef Cryptobenthic Diversity: Integrating Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures And In Situ Environmental Parameters, M Steyaert, M Lindhart, A Khrizman, Rb Dunbar, Mb Bonsall, Da Mucciarone, E Ransome, N Santodomingo, P Winslade, Cei Head
Remote Reef Cryptobenthic Diversity: Integrating Autonomous Reef Monitoring Structures And In Situ Environmental Parameters, M Steyaert, M Lindhart, A Khrizman, Rb Dunbar, Mb Bonsall, Da Mucciarone, E Ransome, N Santodomingo, P Winslade, Cei Head
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Coral reef sessile organisms inhabiting cryptic spaces and cavities of the reef matrix perform vital and varied functional roles but are often understudied in comparison to those on exposed surfaces. Here, we assess the composition of cryptobenthic taxa from three remote tropical reef sites (Central Indian Ocean) alongside a suite of in situ environmental parameters to determine if, or how, significant patterns of diversity are shaped by local abiotic factors. To achieve this, we carried out a point-count analysis of autonomous reef monitoring structure (ARMS) plate images and employed in situ instrumentation to recover long-term (12 months) profiles of flow …
Suitability Of Compensatory Saltmarsh Habitat For Feeding And Diet Of Multiple Estuarine Fish Species, Thomas Stamp, Elizabeth West, Steve Colclough, Shaun Plenty, Benjamin Ciotti, Tim Robbins, Emma Sheehan
Suitability Of Compensatory Saltmarsh Habitat For Feeding And Diet Of Multiple Estuarine Fish Species, Thomas Stamp, Elizabeth West, Steve Colclough, Shaun Plenty, Benjamin Ciotti, Tim Robbins, Emma Sheehan
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Saltmarsh provides essential fish feeding and nursery habitat but has globally declined by 50%. We used a statistical block design to compare fish feeding activity within human-engineered or “re-aligned” saltmarsh to established saltmarsh. Linear and multivariate modelling highlighted that Thinlip Mullet (Chelon ramada) and European Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) feeding rates were 16% and 31% lower within re-aligned than established saltmarshes, whereas Gobies (Pomatoschistus spp.) fed at the same rate as in both habitats. Analysis of European bass and Goby gut contents highlighted that important detritivorous prey species were up to 85.6% lower in re-aligned sites. Lower vegetation density may have …
A Roadmap To Understanding Diversity And Function Of Coral Reef-Associated Fungi, Anna Roik, Miriam Reverter, Claudia Pogoreutz
A Roadmap To Understanding Diversity And Function Of Coral Reef-Associated Fungi, Anna Roik, Miriam Reverter, Claudia Pogoreutz
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Tropical coral reefs are hotspots of marine productivity, owing to the association of reef-building corals with endosymbiotic algae and metabolically diverse bacterial communities. However, the functional importance of fungi, well known for their contribution to shaping terrestrial ecosystems and global nutrient cycles, remains underexplored on coral reefs. We here conceptualize how fungal functional traits may have facilitated the spread, diversification, and ecological adaptation of marine fungi on coral reefs. We propose that functions of reef-associated fungi may be diverse and go beyond their hitherto described roles of pathogens and bioeroders, including but not limited to reef-scale biogeochemical cycles and the …
New Microsatellite Markers For The Shallow Coral Madracis Auretenra From The Caribbean, Diana Carolina Ballesteros-Contreras, Lina Maria Barrios, Richard Preziosi
New Microsatellite Markers For The Shallow Coral Madracis Auretenra From The Caribbean, Diana Carolina Ballesteros-Contreras, Lina Maria Barrios, Richard Preziosi
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Coral reefs species represent one-third of all marine species described in the ocean. They are also responsible for providing habitat and support to different species. Recently, Caribbean coral reefs ecosystems have suffered an alarming decrease in their populations as a result of overexploitation. Madracis auretenra in particular, is a widespread shallow coral in marine protected areas (MPAs) of the Caribbean. Due to the important role of MPAs as a biodiversity conservation tool, this species can be used as a model to estimate its dispersion/migration among Caribbean reefs through the use of informative genetic markers (microsatellites) specifically designed for it. Seventeen …
Spatio-Temporal Variability In Drifting Fish Aggregating Device (Dfad) Beaching Events In The Seychelles Archipelago, Isla Macmillan, Martin J. Attrill, Taha Imzilen, Christophe Lett, Simon Walmsley, Clarus Chu, David M. Kaplan
Spatio-Temporal Variability In Drifting Fish Aggregating Device (Dfad) Beaching Events In The Seychelles Archipelago, Isla Macmillan, Martin J. Attrill, Taha Imzilen, Christophe Lett, Simon Walmsley, Clarus Chu, David M. Kaplan
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Abstract Purse-seine fisheries use drifting Fish Aggregating Devices (dFADs), human-made floating objects, to facilitate the capture of tropical tunas. Currently, the majority of dFADs are constructed primarily of highly durable non-biodegradable materials and there is no legal obligation to recover dFADs after deployment, leading to beaching events and potentially negative environmental impacts. We assessed beachings as a function of intra- and inter-annual trends, water depth, distance from land, seasonality, and benthic habitat within the local context of the Seychelles Archipelago using trajectories of dFADs deployed by French purse seiners over 2008–2020. Overall, 3842 beaching events associated with 2371 distinct dFAD …
Big-Data Approaches Lead To An Increased Understanding Of The Ecology Of Animal Movement, Mark A. Whiteside
Big-Data Approaches Lead To An Increased Understanding Of The Ecology Of Animal Movement, Mark A. Whiteside
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
No abstract provided.
Macromolecular Composition And Substrate Range Of Three Marine Fungi Across Major Cell Types, Seth Thomas, Sabine K. Lengger, Kimberley E. Bird, Ro Allen, Michael Cunliffe
Macromolecular Composition And Substrate Range Of Three Marine Fungi Across Major Cell Types, Seth Thomas, Sabine K. Lengger, Kimberley E. Bird, Ro Allen, Michael Cunliffe
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Abstract Marine fungi exist as three major cell types: unicellular yeasts, filamentous hyphae and zoosporic early-diverging forms, such as the Chytridiomycota (chytrids). To begin to understand the ecological and biogeochemical influence of these cell types within the wider context of other plankton groups, cell size and macromolecular composition must be assessed across all three cell types. Using a mass–balance approach to culture, we describe quantitative differences in substrate uptake and subsequent macromolecular distribution in three model marine fungi: the yeast Metschnikowia zobellii, the filamentous Epicoccum nigrum and chytrid Rhizophydium littoreum. We compared these model cell types with select oleaginous phytoplankton …
Non‐Lethal Sampling For The Stable Isotope Analysis Of The Critically Endangered European Eel Anguilla Anguilla : How Fin And Mucus Compare To Dorsal Muscle, Rm Boardman, Ac Pinder, At Piper, Catherine Gutmann Roberts, Rm Wright, Jr Britton
Non‐Lethal Sampling For The Stable Isotope Analysis Of The Critically Endangered European Eel Anguilla Anguilla : How Fin And Mucus Compare To Dorsal Muscle, Rm Boardman, Ac Pinder, At Piper, Catherine Gutmann Roberts, Rm Wright, Jr Britton
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Ecological studies on the critically endangered European eel Anguilla anguilla often incorporate stable isotope analysis that typically uses dorsal muscle sampled from euthanised eels. To minimise the lethal sampling of imperilled populations, fin tissue and/or epidermal mucus can provide non-lethal alternatives to muscle. The results here indicate that δ13 C and δ15 N values of both eel fin and mucus are not significantly different from those of muscle and can be applied directly in comparative SI studies.
11 Pressing Research Questions On How Light Pollution Affects Biodiversity, Franz Holker, Janine Bolliger, Thomas W. Davies, Simone Giavi, Andreas Jechow, Gregor Kalinkat, Travis Longcore, Kamiel Spoelstra, Svenja Tidau, Marcel E. Visser, Eva Knopp
11 Pressing Research Questions On How Light Pollution Affects Biodiversity, Franz Holker, Janine Bolliger, Thomas W. Davies, Simone Giavi, Andreas Jechow, Gregor Kalinkat, Travis Longcore, Kamiel Spoelstra, Svenja Tidau, Marcel E. Visser, Eva Knopp
School of Biological and Marine Sciences
Artificial light at night (ALAN) is closely associated with modern societies and is rapidly increasing worldwide. A dynamically growing body of literature shows that ALAN poses a serious threat to all levels of biodiversity—from genes to ecosystems. Many “unknowns” remain to be addressed however, before we fully understand the impact of ALAN on biodiversity and can design effective mitigation measures. Here, we distilled the findings of a workshop on the effects of ALAN on biodiversity at the first World Biodiversity Forum in Davos attended by several major research groups in the field from across the globe. We argue that 11 …