Marine Biology Commons^™

Bioresource Management Via Least Cost Feed Formulation For Red Tilapia (Oreochromis Sp.): Application Of Linear Programming Technique, Boudjema Kamel, Redhouane Benfares, Affaf Kord, Toufik Milla, Belkacem Guenachi, Lynda Frai, Rachida Itcher, Hocine Kherzane

Journal of Bioresource Management

The method of linear programming (LP) was utilized to determine the relationship between the composition of nutrients of each ingredients, specifications for raw materials, cost and requirements for nutrients of the red tilapia (Oreochromis sp.), in order to define: (1) least cost ration formulation, (2) least cost diet, (3) minimum price of producing a particular diet after meeting a number of requirements. The resulting LP models were solved using the simplex algorithm. Therefore, our results show that, formulated feed had high protein content (31.92 %), Lipid (2.53), Moisture (9.10 %) and Ash (9.00 %). The utilization of diet …

From The Ocean To Our Kitchen Table: Anthropogenic Particles In The Edible Tissue Of U.S.. West Coast Seafood Species, Summer D. Traylor, Elise F. Granek, Marilyn Duncan, Susanne Brander

Environmental Science and Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Microplastics (MPs) and other anthropogenic particles (APs) are pervasive environmental contaminants found throughout marine and aquatic environments. We quantified APs in the edible tissue of black rockfish, lingcod, Chinook salmon, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, and pink shrimp, comparing AP burdens across trophic levels and between vessel-retrieved and retail-purchased individuals. Edible tissue was digested and analyzed under a microscope, and a subset of suspected APs was identified using spectroscopy (μFTIR). Anthropogenic particles were found in 180 of 182 individuals. Finfish contained 0.02–1.08 AP/g of muscle tissue. In pink shrimp (Pandalus jordani), the average AP/g was 10.68 for vessel-retrieved and …

Highway Crossing Rates Of Wild Felids Before, During, And After Wildlife Crossing Structure Installation, Sarah E. Lehnen, Mitch Sternberg, Hilary M. Swarts, John H. Young Jr., Victoria Hanley, Richard J. Kline

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

In an environment increasingly dominated by roads, wildlife crossing structures (WCS) have been installed to decrease wildlife mortality and improve habitat linkages. In South Texas, vehicle collisions have been a major mortality source for the endangered ocelot ( Leopardus pardalis ). To mitigate threats to this species, eight WCS, along with associated fencing, were strategically placed along Farm‐to‐Market Road 106 (FM106), which passes through ocelot habitat. We assessed the rate of on‐roadway crossings and WCS use by GPS‐collared animals before, during, and after WCS installation using camera traps to verify WCS use. Because of the rarity of ocelots in this …

Changes In Reef Fish Assemblage And Coral Reef Community In A Newly Established Marine Protected Area, Skye Neal

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Coral reef ecosystems are vital to sustaining marine biodiversity and provide invaluable resources to coastal communities. However, coral reefs across the globe are exposed to harmful local and global anthropogenic pressures that can lead to the mortality of key reef-building corals, consequently disrupting ecosystem functioning. Preserving biodiversity of coral reef systems continues to be a challenging topic in conservation. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are a globally recognised spatial management tool, designed to protect marine species and habitats from anthropogenic induced stressors. Here, using a long-term dataset collected over the last ten years from the unique coral reef system of Banco …

Investigating Climate Change And Nutrient Pollution Effects On Drupella Rugosa Coral Reef Destruction In Koh-Tao, Thailand, Beatrice Canteri

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The introduction and proliferation of invasive species in coral reef ecosystems play a pivotal role as significant contributors to ecological disturbance. These invasive species pose specific threats to the delicate equilibrium of coral reef health by disrupting nutrient cycling, modifying community structure, applying selective pressure on essential coral species, leading to ecosystem degradation. Embarking on an exploration of ecological intricacies, this study focuses on the invasive coral-feeding snail Drupella rugosa in Koh Tao and aims to explore how environmental variables affect its abundance. Although prior research elucidated the impacts of environmental stressors on coral reef degradation, methodological limitations and gaps …

Predictors Of Sedimentary Organic Carbon In Seagrass Vegetated And Unvegetated Sediment In The Tamar Estuary, United Kingdom, Kathryn Pogson

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Seagrass meadows are considered significant natural carbon sinks due to their ability to store large amounts of organic carbon (C_org) in their sediments. ‘Blue carbon strategies’ aim to utilise and enhance this ability to mitigate climate change. However, assessing the C_org content and the habitat characteristics that influence this, in both seagrass vegetated and adjacent unvegetated sediments is needed to improve ‘Blue Carbon’ assessments. Currently, adjacent unvegetated sediments are excluded from Blue Carbon assessments as investigations rarely incorporate them into study design, despite evidence suggesting that they can also store significant amounts of C_org. Mean …

Assessing The Factors That Contribute To Marine Protected Area (Mpa) Effectiveness And Whether Global Protected Areas Of 30% Can Be Achieved By 2030, Jil L. Heinimann

The Plymouth Student Scientist

The urgency for effective conservation to mitigate the rapid deterioration of our marine habitats, which provide ecological, social, and economic benefits, is widely recognised. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have emerged as a pivotal tool in marine conservation. However, global MPA performance varies, and employed management schemes differ. This report aims to investigate the factors which contribute to MPA effectiveness, therefore success, and assess the feasibility of achieving the global target to conserve 30% of habitats by 2030; outlined in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF, Target 3). To achieve this, a systematic literature review was conducted, employing search-strings, inclusion/exclusion criteria, …

The Impact Of Artificial Light At Night On The Distribution Of Sea Turtles In The Mediterranean, Molly R. Blyth

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Artificial light at night (ALAN) poses a significant threat to a wide array of species across the world. In coastal areas, artificial lighting is known to disrupt sea-finding behaviour of sea turtle hatchlings and to deter females from nesting beaches. Yet, sea turtles spend the majority of their lifetimes in the sea, where the influence of ALAN on sea turtle distribution has not previously been studied. Using a recently published atlas of ALAN under the sea, this study analysed an online dataset of sea turtle sightings throughout the Mediterranean Sea, to look for a relationship using a binomial generalised linear …

Microplastics In The Mix: Types And Retention Of Microplastics Within A Mixed Species Seagrass Meadow In The Tamar Estuary, Ida S. Kreuze

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Microplastic pollution in coastal systems is becoming increasingly prevalent and a commonly discussed topic in science and the media. Seagrass beds have been identified as highly vulnerable environments to microplastic pollution due to their nature as traps for particulate matter in the water column, and their role in habitat production and blue carbon storage makes them of high conservation concern. This study examined a mixed species seagrass bed in the Tamar Estuary in Plymouth Sound, composed of Nanozostera noltei and a morphology of Zostera marina, to identify how seagrass shoot density and sediment particle size impacted the number and …

Rooting For Resilience: Investigating The Success Of Seagrass Restoration Methods, Olivia K. Stockdale

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Seagrasses generate vital ecosystem services to coastal communities, whilst also protecting marine biodiversity. Despite their significance, seagrass ecosystems face a plethora of threats from both anthropogenic and natural sources, causing a 20 % loss of seagrass area over the last century. To combat this, numerous restoration methods exist for seagrass habitats globally, with varying degrees of success. Through a comprehensive systematic review and subsequent meta-analysis, this study illustrates the varying success rates of different transplant and seed-based restoration methods over differing timescales. Accounting for varying timescales, results showed that restoration method had a significant effect on success rate (χ^{2 …}

Using Bivalves As An Indicator For Fecal Bacteria, Kamala Chuss

Honors Scholar Theses

This project focuses on the integration of fecal bacteria from warm-blooded animals into bivalve tissue, and the utilization of bivalves as an indicator for fecal bacteria in waterways. Bivalves may give a more representative long-term average of fecal bacteria in water as compared to direct water testing. The primary objective is to create a standard operating procedure to use bacterial testing of bivalves as a proxy for bacteria concentration in the water. This method can be used in places where bivalves do not already exist by adding them to a body of water, or by collecting bivalves that already exist …

Morphological And Molecular Identification Of Saurida Spp. (Teleostei: Synodontidae) From Saudi Arabia And Indonesia, Muhammad Browijoyo Santanumurti, Suciyono Suciyono, Mohamed Ahmed Abu El-Regal

Makara Journal of Science

Saurida is a unique fishery commodity because it is difficult to differentiate visually. They can be only effectively con-served once accurately identified. This study aimed to determine the morphology and molecular characteristics of Sau-rida spp. from Banyuwangi (Indonesia) and Jizan (Saudi Arabia). Meristic and morphometric analysis was performed for morphological identification, whereas COI gene analysis was performed for molecular identification. Morphological analysis was performed to identify Saurida in this study, such as S. tumbil (Jizan, Saudi Arabia) and S. micropectoralis (Banyuwangi, Indonesia). S. tumbil did not have dark brown spots on the lateral line and upper caudal fin, whereas S. …

Preliminary Checklist Of Amphipod Crustaceans From Sapelo Island, Ga, Abigail Dugger*, Kristine N. White Ph.D.

Georgia Journal of Science

Amphipods belonging to the subphylum Crustacea inhabit many aquatic habitats, and they can often inform scientists and researchers about various environmental conditions, acting as biological indicators, yet documentation of amphipod species is lacking in the state of Georgia. During this study amphipods were collected from around Sapelo Island, GA, imaged, and identified. A preliminary checklist and identification key to Sapelo Island amphipods is provided. This checklist and key will be useful for researchers and citizen scientists alike, for monitoring the health of the environment, surveying biodiversity, and for use in other applied studies.

Coastal Marine Heatwaves In The Santa Barbara Channel: Decadal Trends And Ecological Implications, Kit Yu Karen Chan, L. Kui, A. M. Mcdonald, A. L. Ritger, G. E. Hofmann

Biology Faculty Works

Marine heatwaves (MHWs) are of increasing concern due to the emerging ecological and socioeconomic impacts on coastal ecosystems. Leveraging the data of the Santa Barbara Coastal Long-Term Ecological Research project, we analyzed the MHW event metrics observed in the kelp forest ecosystem and across Santa Barbara Channel, CA, USA. Not only was there a significant positive trend in the number of MHWs recorded, their duration and intensity were also increasing over time. MHWs were detected year-round, suggesting that marine organisms have exposure risks regardless of their phenology. Exposure at one life history stage could have a legacy effect on the …

The Effects Of Conspecific Stress Cues Caused By Harassment In The Mummichog (Fundulus Heteroclitus), Megan Quinn

Honors Theses

Many organisms, especially fish, participate in herding or schooling behaviors for various benefits such as increased survival rates, better hydrodynamic efficiency, or for hunting tactics. Due to being in a tightly packed group, disturbances or predation in their environment can result in group behavioral changes. Fish release hormones into surrounding water through excretions like urine because of a disturbance which may affect their surrounding conspecifics. In this experiment a lone mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) was exposed to a water sample from other conspecifics who were stressed through harassment. Physical behavioral changes such as changes in swimming activity, respiration rates and position …

Metabolic Response Of The Code Goby (Gobiosoma Robustum) To Estuarine Climate Change Forecasts, Karli S. Corey

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Forage fishes are small bodied species that form a diverse functional group, serving as a primary food source for a wide range of marine predators. This group plays a significant ecological role through energy transfer to higher trophic levels. Gobiosoma robustum (Code Goby) is a substantive diet component of several recreationally significant juvenile sportfishes in Florida estuaries. While the thermal tolerance of this species may be inferred from observational data, the absolute physiological limitations of this species remain unknown. In this study, intermittent-flow respirometry and critical thermal maxima were used to determine the response of G. robustum to chronic and …

Black Grouper (Mycteroperca Bonaci) Neurocranium, Nicholas Burchett, Kelsee Rotering, Marissa Rosas, David Kerstetter, Derek Burkholder

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla Ocellaris), Samuel K. Zellefrow, David Kerstetter, John Nichols

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Species Detection And Discovery Of Zoanthidea Symbiotic With Deep-Sea Gorgonians, Saige Jost

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Symbiotic marine invertebrates known as Zoanthidea, from the phylum Cnidaria, live on a wide diversity of other organisms. Deep-sea corals such as Gorgonians are one of these clades of hosts. These octocorals and their Zoanthidean symbionts are challenging to collect and consequently difficult to study. However, the Evolution of Marine Symbioses Laboratory at Nova Southeastern University has obtained several samples from the Yale Peabody Museum and other museums or universities with the goal of expanding our knowledge of the diversity of Zoanthideans. Until recently, the existing taxonomic system has been based on morphological characters. A competing molecular parataxonomic system has …

Ices Roadmap For Marine Recreational Fisheries (Mrf), International Council For The Exploration Of The Sea (Ices), Karina L. Ryan

Fisheries Research Articles

Purpose of the roadmap

The overarching goal of this roadmap is to guide the development of robust marine recreational fisheries (MRF) assessments through data and methodological improvements, in line with current and future management needs. To address the requirements of the policy and legislative instruments in relation to MRF and to plan future steps in ICES, there is need to further improve and operationalize the required MRF dataflows and assessment procedures. Better integration of MRF into advice is in line with ICES vision and mission alongside its advisory framework and principles. This will assist not only managers but also the …

Red Grouper (Epinephelus Morio) Neurocranium, David Ferreiro

All Scans: Kerstetter Fisheries and Avian Ecology 3D Scan Series

No abstract provided.

Understanding Bigeye Scad (Selar Crumenophthalmus) In Southeast Florida: Age-Growth, Reproduction, And Diet, Mariah France

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

In southeastern Florida, the bigeye scad (Selar crumenophthalmus) is highly regarded as a baitfish for targeting billfish and other large sportfishes, often commanding market prices as live bait exceeding $180 per dozen. Despite its economic significance, there is limited knowledge regarding the species within the Atlantic Ocean, especially the population that occurs in Florida. Bigeye scad were collected monthly from local bait shops in Pompano Beach, Miami, and Islamorada to assess age-growth, reproductive behaviors, and dietary habits. Specimens from May to August had the highest values for length-weight relationships and gonadsomatic index, indicative of a spawning season during …

Bioindicators Of Mercury In Riverine Systems, Kathryn Mudica

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focuses on the bioaccumulation and biomagnification of mercury in freshwater food webs, with emphasis on bioindicators, such as macroinvertebrates, crayfish, and river otters. Despite regulatory efforts and advancements in monitoring, significant gaps remain in understanding mercury dynamics in freshwater systems—especially regarding its transport, methylation, and bioavailability across different ecosystems. To address these knowledge gaps, this study adopts a biocentric approach, emphasizing the role of living organisms in their environment. By utilizing macroinvertebrates, crayfish, and river otters as bioindicators, we aim to assess mercury bioavailability and distribution. These organisms provide varying temporal and spatial scales of mercury accumulation, offering …

Investigating The Acute Physiological Effects Of Effluent Crystal Violet On The Freshwater Bioindicator Daphnia Pulex, Hoang K. Ho

2024 Fall Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This study examines the effects of acute exposure to crystal violet (CV) on the freshwater zooplankton Daphnia pulex in response to growing concerns over synthetic dyes from industrial runoff in aquatic ecosystems. The primary objective is to assess CV's impact on D. pulex's heart rate, mobility, morphology, and lethality via a series of acute exposure tests. 48-h acute toxicity (0-2000 μg/L), 48-h immobilization (0-180 μg/L), and 9-h heart rate (0-2,000 μg/L) tests were conducted using third-generation daphnids, followed by stereomicroscopic examination and statistical analysis. Results showed increasing mortality and decreasing mobility and heart rate with increasing CV concentration; the …

Global Patterns And Drivers Of Fish Reproductive Potential On Coral Reefs, Jeneen Hadj-Hammou, Joshua E. Cinner, Diego R. Barneche, Iain R. Caldwell, David Mouillot, James P.W. Robinson, Nina M.D. Schiettekatte, Alexandre C. Siqueira, Brett M. Taylor, Nicholas A.J. Graham

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Fish fecundity scales hyperallometrically with body mass, meaning larger females produce disproportionately more eggs than smaller ones. We explore this relationship beyond the species-level to estimate the “reproductive potential” of 1633 coral reef sites distributed globally. We find that, at the site-level, reproductive potential scales hyperallometrically with assemblage biomass, but with a smaller median exponent than at the species-level. Across all families, modelled reproductive potential is greater in fully protected sites versus fished sites. This difference is most pronounced for the important fisheries family, Serranidae. When comparing a scenario where 30% of sites are randomly fully protected to a current …

Investigating Nekton Response To Changing Salinities In The Mississippi Sound: An Experimental And Statistical Approach, Adam Murray

Master's Theses

The Mississippi Sound provides nursery habitats for many coastal species and is recognized for its commercial fisheries. Previous freshening events linked to the Bonnet Carré Spillway, a Mississippi River flood diversion structure, proved catastrophic for oyster populations in the Mississippi Sound, but effects on mobile fish and shellfish species are not well-defined. The planned Mid-Breton Sediment Diversion (MBSD), an initiative to combat wetland loss, is also forecasted to lower salinities in the region, increasing the need to better understand responses of commercially and ecologically important species to freshening events. The objective of this study was to characterize effects of salinity …

Juvenile And Subadult Gulf Sturgeon (Acipenser Desotoi) Use Of The Pascagoula River Estuary, Sarah Stovall

Master's Theses

Gulf Sturgeon (GS) are an anadromous species currently listed as “Threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. They reside in habitats across the northern Gulf of Mexico including coastal rivers, estuaries, and marine waters, making annual migrations between freshwater and marine habitats for spawning/summer resting and feeding, respectively. Since past studies prioritize adult movement, understanding how and when juvenile and subadult GS use the Pascagoula River estuary (PRE), a complex, bifurcated river delta federally designated as critical habitat is necessary to improve conservation efforts. My thesis assessed juvenile and subadult GS use of the PRE across four years (2020-2024) by analyzing …

Socio-Ecological Drivers Of Anthropogenic Marine Debris Effects On Coral Reef Communities In The Florida Keys, Usa, Tokea Payton

All Dissertations

The Florida Keys reef tract has rapidly shifted from a structurally complex, hard coral-dominated reef to a less rugose, soft coral-dominated reef. Persistent anthropogenic stressors facilitate ecological transitions by including recreational and commercial fishing and increased anthropogenic marine debris. These artificial structures are becoming habitats for small marine taxa known as cryptofauna. Cryptofauna are among the most essential yet understudied reef taxa where little is known about their fate considering degrading coral reefs and increasing anthropogenic disturbance. With increased anthropogenic stressors on the marine environment, the SCUBA diving community has initiated extensive marine debris removal efforts to assist in cleaning …

Phytoplankton Responses To Changing Irradiance And Carbon Fertilization, Alison Siersma

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Phytoplankton play a crucial role in marine ecosystems due to their innate ability to fix carbon. As atmospheric CO2 levels continue to rise from fossil fuel combustion, the resulting increase in dissolved CO2 and the concurrent decrease in ocean pH are likely to impact the phytoplankton community. The response of phytoplankton to elevated CO2 can vary significantly among species and environmental conditions (e.g. light, temperature, nutrient availability). To address these variations, an experiment was conducted using a controlled photobioreactor system, maintaining high and low light, constant temperature, nutrient levels, and two pCO2 concentrations. This study focused on two regionally relevant …

Environmental Dna Identifies Coastal Plant Community Shift 1,000 Years Ago In Torrens Island, South Australia, Nicole R. Foster, Alice R. Jones, Oscar Serrano, Anna Lafratta, Paul S. Lavery, Kor-Jent Van Dijk, Ed Biffin, Bronwyn M. Gillanders, Jennifer Young, Pere Masque, Patricia S. Gadd, Geraldine E. Jacobsen, Atun Zawadzki, Andria Greene, Michelle Waycott

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Anthropogenic activities are causing detrimental changes to coastal plants– namely seagrass, mangrove, and tidal marshes. Looking beyond recent times to past vegetation dynamics is critical to assess the response and resilience of an environment to change. Here, we develop a high-resolution multi-proxy approach, providing a new evidence base to decipher long-term change in coastal plant communities. Combining targeted environmental DNA analysis with chemical analysis of soils, we reconstructed 4,000 years of change at a temperate wetland on Torrens Island South Australia and identified an ecosystem shift that occurred ~ 1000 years ago. What was once a subtidal seagrass system shifted …