Marine Biology Commons^™

Patterns Of Carbon And Nitrogen Accumulation In Seagrass (Posidonia Oceanica) Meadows Of The Eastern Mediterranean Sea, Eugenia T. Apostolaki, Paul S. Lavery, Victoria Litsi-Mizan, Eduard Serrano, Karina Inostroza, Vasilis Gerakaris, Thanos Dailianis, Julius Glampedakis, Tara Holitzki, Erik Johnson, Miguel A. Mateo, Oscar Serrano

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The variability in stocks and accumulation rates of organic carbon (Corg), nitrogen (N), and carbonate (CaCO3) was studied in fifteen Posidonia oceanica meadows spread throughout the South Aegean Sea (Greece). In addition, the abiotic and biotic drivers determining the pattern of variability in the accumulation rates were assessed by exploring the influence of sediment characteristics, seagrass traits, and environmental settings. The meadows supported on average (±STDEV) 14.6 ± 5.0 kg Corg m−2, 0.47 ± 0.17 kg N m−2, and 249 ± 210 kg CaCO3 m−2 in the top meter of their sediments, with mean accumulation rates over the last 500 …

Predation Rates On Flatback Turtle Natator Depressus Eggs And Hatchlings At An Island Rookery, Casper Avenant, Sabrina Fossette, Scott Whiting, Glenn A. Hyndes

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Predation can significantly threaten the vulnerable egg and hatchling stages of sea turtles, yet for most populations this remains poorly quantified for use in conservation. We provided the first quantified predation rates of flatback turtle eggs and hatchlings at Thevenard Island, a medium-sized rookery on the northwest coast of Australia, with a focus on ghost crabs as potential predators. Burrow densities were used as proxy for ghost crab densities, while start- and end-of-season nest inventories and infrared videography were used to quantify egg and hatchling predation, respectively. Inventories of 27 nests suggested a mean hatching success of 74.2 ± 4.6% …

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 …

Red Snapper (Lutjanus Campechanus) Neurocranium, Michelle Bassali, Anthony D'Auria, David Kerstetter

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

No abstract provided.

Assessment And Prioritization Of Contaminants Of Concern Along Florida's Coral Reef, Ellen Regina E. Skelton

All HCAS Student Capstones, Theses, and Dissertations

Florida’s Coral Reef (FCR) is the third largest barrier reef in the world and faces significant stress from localized land, water, and air-based sources of pollution. Numerous chemical contaminants have been found in waters surrounding reefs and within corals, including pesticides, hydrocarbons, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, and trace metals. However, for most current and emergent environmental contaminants, little to no consistent information exists regarding environmental concentrations or toxicological effects on corals. Assessment of the levels of contaminants in coral reef environments is needed to conduct risk assessments to guide management, restoration, and recovery strategies, and the coral reef resource management …

Largemouth Bass Neurocranium, Owen Duerbeck, Ian Thelwell, Oliva Weeks

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

No abstract provided.

Black Grouper Neurocranium, Angelina Trapani-Banyra, Victoria Bruno, Mason Schleicher

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

No abstract provided.

Snakehead Neurocranium, Alexis K. Crass, Megan E. Martiello, Matthew D. Gassmann, David Kerstetter

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

No abstract provided.

Place-Based Conservation In Coastal And Marine Ecosystems: The Importance Of Engagement With Underrepresented Communities, Viniece Jennings, Kelly M. San Antonio, Mya J. Brown, Lalah Choice, Queriah Simpson, Imani Ford, Hyun Jung Cho, Pedro Solis, Ashley Lacey, De’Marcus Robinson

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Through the years, research has described the importance of community-based approaches in the management of coastal and marine ecosystems. Coastal and marine issues are multifaceted and require place-specific approaches developed in partnership with vulnerable communities who are impacted by environmental stressors. Place-based conservation, a management approach that focuses on unique, place-specific characteristics, and other similar methods. It considers the need to integrate human dimensions and location-centered approaches, which are often lacking in typical natural resource management. Meaningful engagement with underrepresented communities can holistically account for socioeconomic factors and cultural knowledge that inform best management practices. As the health of marine …

Black Grouper Neurocranium, Grace K. Triplett, Katelyn A. Mckimmy, Lacey Adamik, David Kerstetter

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

No abstract provided.

Todaro Channeled Apple Snail (Pomacea Canaliculata), Jasmyn Todaro, Amy C. Hirons

Hirons Field Techniques

Channeled Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata) shell.

Results From A Multi-Laboratory Ocean Metaproteomic Intercomparison: Effects Of Lc-Ms Acquisition And Data Analysis Procedures, Mak A. Saito, Jaclyn K. Saunders, Matthew R. Mcilvin, Erin M. Bertrand, John A. Breier, Margaret Mars Brisbin

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Metaproteomics is an increasingly popular methodology that provides information regarding the metabolic functions of specific microbial taxa and has potential for contributing to ocean ecology and biogeochemical studies. A blinded multi-laboratory intercomparison was conducted to assess comparability and reproducibility of taxonomic and functional results and their sensitivity to methodological variables. Euphotic zone samples from the Bermuda Atlantic Time-series Study (BATS) in the North Atlantic Ocean collected by in situ pumps and the autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) Clio were distributed with a paired metagenome, and one-dimensional (1D) liquid chromatographic data-dependent acquisition mass spectrometry analysis was stipulated. Analysis of mass spectra from …

Red Snapper Neurocranium, Roman Devlin, Michael A. Birnbaum, David Kerstetter

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

No abstract provided.

Butterfly Peacock Bass (Cichla Ocellaris) Neurocranium, Jasmyn Todaro, Emma Horton, David Kerstetter

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

No abstract provided.

A Decade Of Monitoring Reveals A Dynamic Fish Assemblage On A Substantial Artificial Reef In The Texas Gulf Of Mexico, David Hicks, Ethan T. Getz, Richard Kline, Carlos E. Cintra-Buenrostro

School of Earth, Environmental, & Marine Sciences Faculty Publications

Fish communities on artificial reefs have rarely been monitored over long periods to evaluate success of reef deployment. Here, we used roving diver surveys to assess changes in fish assemblages on a large, reefed vessel during 2008–2017. Multivariate analyses revealed a dynamic community that stabilized after 5 years. Species richness increased and species dominance decreased during 2008–2017. The fish community shifted toward reef-associated species such as hogfish and pufferfish. Species composition shifted, but trophic structure was relatively stable, which suggested that functional groups may not reflect larger community shifts. Our results indicate that fish communities on artificial reefs are temporally …

Australians Support Multi-Pronged Action To Build Ecosystem Resilience In The Great Barrier Reef, Stewart Lockie, Henry Bartelet, Brent Ritchie, Csilla Demeter, Bruce Taylor, Lintje Sie

Quantitative Methods and Information Technology Faculty Publications

The scale and pace of global environmental change calls for a dramatic upscaling of ecosystem restoration and for actions that build the resilience of ecosystems to future environmental change. This research aimed to quantify public perceptions of threats to the health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, and their support for strategies to address those threats including large-scale restoration and resilience-building actions. We examine how these perceptions change over time and across social cohorts including people living closer to the Reef (n = 2621) and the general Australian population (n = 5825). Respondents were concerned about both …

3d Printed Microfluidic Fabrication Methodology, Characterization, Mechanical Design, And Applications In Electrostatic Artificial Muscles And Benthic Microbial Fuel Cells, Terak B. Hornik

Master's Theses

The fabrication of microfluidic devices often requires specialized methods. The development of these methods requires careful characterization and understanding of the processes involved. Using primarily PolyJet 3D printing technology, microfluidics offers a wide scope of applications such as microfluidic benthic microbial fuel cells (MBMFCs) and electrostatic artificial muscles. MBMFCs benefit from the confinement of the microbes resulting in close proximity between the electrode and the organisms. Using a modular design called the Sponge, assembly and upscaling is possible. Electrostatic artificial muscles benefit from a microfluidic approach due to the non-linearity of electrostatic attraction creating disproportionate benefits when miniaturized. When designed …

In Hot Water: Uncertainties In Projecting Marine Heatwaves Impacts On Seagrass Meadows, Paula S. Hatum, Kathryn Mcmahon, Kerrie Mengersen, Jennifer K. Mcwhorter, Paul P.Y. Wu

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Seagrass ecosystems, vital as primary producer habitats for maintaining high biodiversity and delivering numerous ecosystem services, face increasing threats from climate change, particularly marine heatwaves. This study introduces a pioneering methodology that integrates Dynamic Bayesian Networks of ecosystem resilience with climate projections, aiming to enhance our understanding of seagrass responses to extreme climate events. We developed cutting-edge metrics for measuring shoot density and biomass in terms of population and site extinction, presented as annual ratios relative to their respective baselines. These metrics include associated uncertainties and projected recovery times. This innovative approach was applied in a case study focusing on …

Seagrass Classification Using Unsupervised Curriculum Learning (Ucl), Nosheen Abid, Md Kislu Noman, György Kovács, Syed Mohammed Shamsul Islam, Tosin Adewumi, Paul Lavery, Faisal Shafait, Marcus Liwicki

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Seagrass ecosystems are pivotal in marine environments, serving as crucial habitats for diverse marine species and contributing significantly to carbon sequestration. Accurate classification of seagrass species from underwater images is imperative for monitoring and preserving these ecosystems. This paper introduces Unsupervised Curriculum Learning (UCL) to seagrass classification using the DeepSeagrass dataset. UCL progressively learns from simpler to more complex examples, enhancing the model's ability to discern seagrass features in a curriculum-driven manner. Experiments employing state-of-the-art deep learning architectures, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), show that UCL achieved overall 90.12 % precision and 89 % recall, which significantly improves classification accuracy and …

The Moon Jelly, Adam Krogmann

PANDION: The Osprey Journal of Research and Ideas

Artist Statement

The Moon Jelly is a piece I created as a part of the Scientific Illustration course I participated in during the summer semester of 2023. This piece was inspired by the livestreams of the Monterey Bay Aquarium that film these moon jellies (Aurelia aurita) in their tank. The Moon Jelly is an ink drawing created as part of a collection focused on Monterey Bay Aquarium animals. Through this artwork I hoped to draw attention to smaller marine animals that may otherwise be overlooked even though they provide a vital role in the ecosystem. Moon jellyfish are important marine …