Plant traits and spread of the invasive salt marsh grass,Spartina alterniflora Loisel., in the Great Brak Estuary,South Africa

Spartina alterniflora Loisel., widely recognised as an aggressive invader of estuaries and salt marshes around the world, was discovered growing in the temporarily open/closed Great Brak Estuary on the southern Cape coast of South Africa in 2004. This is the first record of this invasive plant in Africa as well as its first occurrence in an estuary that closes to the sea. Plant traits and sediment characteristics were measured in 2009 and 2011 and found to be comparable to those reported elsewhere. Prior to the 2011 sampling, S. alterniflora stands had been flooded for almost eight months. As a result, sediment redox potential (?268 + 4 mV) was significantly lower in 2011. Sediments were mostly clay in 2009 (71 ± 0.01%) compared to a predominance of sand in 2011 (40 ± 0.02%). These differences were related to the artificial breaching of the estuary one month prior to sampling in March 2011. The grass currently occupies 1.1 ha in the salt marsh, sandflat and mudflat habitats of the estuary where its cover is expanding at a rate of 0.162 ha y^?1. Individual stands numbered about 12 in 2006, but have increased to 24 in 2011. These stands are expanding laterally at 0.9 m y^?1 although the long period of inundation during 2010 reduced this to 0.6 m y^?1. Expansion is due to vegetative spread as an analysis of the sediment seed bank showed no S. alterniflora seeds and very few salt marsh seeds (1 132 seeds m^?2). If left unchecked, S. alterniflora has the potential to replace 42.9 ha or 41% of the total estuary habitat in the Great Brak Estuary, but also has the potential to invade other estuaries in South Africa, especially those with extensive intertidal habitat and containing S. maritima (19 estuaries in total). This study illustrates the adaptive potential of this invasive marsh plant and indicates the possibility of invasion in seasonally closed estuaries in other locations around the world.     

Mapping benthic habitat in regions of gradational substrata: An automated approach utilising geophysical,geological, and biological relationships

The relationship between acoustic backscatter, sediment characteristics and benthic habitat is examined using high-resolution sidescan sonar data collected at the Loch Linnhe artificial reef site on the west coast of Scotland. The site is typical for the continental shelf of NW Europe, with a mix of seabed environments from muddy to coarse, stony substrata on a 10–100 m length scale. A sidescan sonar mosaic was produced and classified according to derived backscatter parameters (mean, median and standard deviation of the backscatter values) using an unsupervised classification procedure. The accuracy of the final classified map was assessed by comparison with a ground-truthing survey in which the biological habitat was derived from underwater video footage. The sidescan correctly predicted seabed surface characteristics of observed biological habitat with 78% accuracy. A second, and more challenging test of the acoustic data to correctly predict biological habitat was made by comparing it with data from 21 grab sampling stations. These stations were divided into three groups using multivariate statistical techniques based on their backscatter properties. Benthic assemblage structure was found to be significantly distinct between the high and low, and the medium and low backscatter stations. There was a low to moderate but significant correlation between the multivariate patterns of acoustic backscatter, benthic assemblage structure, and particle size distribution. The work shows that even in areas with subtle and gradational changes in substratum, the sidescan was able to predict biological community with an acceptable accuracy.     

The interplay of sediment characteristics,depth, water temperature,and ocean currents shaping the biogeography of lancelets (Subphylum Cephalochordata) in the NW Pacific waters

Lancelets (or amphioxus) are often found within the soft bottom of shallow tropical and temperate seas. The present study is the first to provide a fine‐scale biogeography of five species of lancelets (Asymmetron lucayanum, Branchiostoma belcheri, Branchiostoma japonicum, Epigonichthys cultellus, and Epigonichthys maldivensis) in the NW Pacific and examine the effects of multiple environmental parameters. From multivariate analyses, the distribution and abundance patterns of lancelets were explained by a combination of factors comprising depth, temperature of the collecting month, mean temperature of the coldest month in the year, medium particle size and silt/clay ratio of the sediments. In addition, ocean currents also affect their distribution range. The major occurrence of A. lucayanum and E. maldivensis was associated with the warm Kuroshio current, but E. maldivensis exhibited higher tolerance to low salinity and low temperature, and preferred substrata of slightly larger grain size, a lower ratio of suspended sediments, and deeper water. The closely related B. belcheri and B. japonicum exhibited fine‐scale habitat differentiation, and B. japonicum was abundant along the southern coast of China, where the salinity is lower in winter because of the China Coastal Current and the substratum is composed of very coarse sand with suspended sediments. Branchiostoma belcheri occurred in low abundance and was only recorded in Northern Taiwan and the Taiwan Banks. Epigonichthys cultellus was found only at the Taiwan Banks, which had deep water, coarse sand, and a negligible amount of suspended sediments.     

Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait,southern New Zealand

Epifaunal reefs in Foveaux Strait are oyster (Ostrea chilensis Philippi, 1845) habitat. One hundred and thirty years of oyster dredging has diminished the complexity and distribution of these reefs. Commercial densities of blue cod (Parapercis colias (Forster in Bloch and Schneider, 1801)) were discovered on epifaunal reef habitat in 1989 and became the focus of a major blue cod fishery. We document habitat changes that followed the closing of the oyster fishery in 1993 and interactions between the blue cod and oyster fisheries after the oyster fishery was reopened in 1996. Evidence from blue cod fishers and oyster surveys suggests that the benthic habitat of some oyster beds regenerated in the absence of dredging and that the relative density of blue cod, and then oysters, rebuilt to commercial levels. Benthic habitat was modified once more when oyster dredging restarted and the relative density of blue cod on oyster beds fell again. The observations suggest that rotational fishing of oysters could mitigate the effects of dredging on habitat and that marine protected areas could expedite habitat recovery. Increasing habitat complexity and blue cod density on a reef of oyster shells formed by an oyster fisher suggests that habitat enhancement might remedy effects of dredging. The questions raised by the observations could be answered by management experiments on the scale of the fisheries.     

Habitat Structure,Disturbance, and Equilibrium in Crustacean Communities*

Abstract. Using data from studies on alga-dwelling harpacticoid copepods from New Zealand and Britain and shallow water decapods from a variety of habitats in the Pacific and Caribbean, an analysis is made of the contribution of physical and biotic habitat structures to the generation and maintenance of crustacean species richness. The relation between the number of species and the complexity of the habitat is, in equilibrium communities, positive and essentially linear. Accordingly, Gray's (1979) and Stenseth's (1979) theoretical predictions are endorsed whereby species-abundance curves are, at equilibrium, expected to follow a log-normal distribution, whereas departures from the log-normal are anticipated in disturbed environments. Such departures reflect either increased dominance or inequalities in the species-abundance hierarchy. Because of their adaptable life-history traits, certain opportunist species are identified as those contributing most to departure points. The impact on community equilibrium of natural disturbance processes such as turbidity, exposure, and substratum transience is assessed.     

The influence of boulder shape on the spatial distribution of crustose coralline algae (Corallinales,Rhodophyta)

Studies investigating the many ecologically and economically important species in benthic boulder habitats often use artificial boulders for determining species colonization. In some cases square‐edged blocks are used that are shaped much differently than the ovoid or ‘round’ boulders often occurring naturally. Here it was tested if the shape of boulders affects the distribution across the boulder surface of crustose coralline algae (CCA), a taxon that strongly influences ecological dynamics in this habitat. The distance that CCA extends from the edge of boulders toward the centre of the underside was measured, and it was found that CCA extended further underneath boulders that were round‐shaped compared with those that were block‐shaped, probably because of light reaching further underneath round boulders. This result shows how at least one important taxon can be affected by variation in the shape of these boulders. Hypotheses being tested that use artificial substrata to model naturally occurring boulders should be carried out only in places where the artificial and naturally occurring boulders match physically.     

Effects of sea urchin (Evechinus chloroticus) grazing in Dusky Sound,Fiordland, New Zealand

Evechinus chloroticus (Val.) is known to be an important grazer of subtidal barren habitats in northern New Zealand but its role in structuring rocky reef communities at colder southern localities is poorly understood. The present study was prompted by a proposal for the establishment of an E. chloroticus fishery in Dusky Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand. To determine the ecological importance of E. chloroticus in Dusky Sound, sea urchins were experimentally removed from shallow fucoid fringe (upper zone), mid‐depth barrens (middle zone), and deeper algal meadow (lower zone), at eight sites and compared with a paired set of eight control sites. Two years of continuous removal of E. chloroticus resulted in conspicuous changes to the algal community at all depth zones examined. The density of fucoid algae (Carpophyllum spp., Sargassum spp., Cystophora spp., and Landsburgia quercifolia) increased mostly in the upper and middle zones, although smaller increases were also observed in the lower zone. Changes in cover of herbaceous, turfing and crustose algae observed in the middle and lower zones were larger than in the upper zone. Density increases of the kelp Ecklonia radiata were observed mainly in the lower zone, although still important in the middle zone. These results show that E. chloroticus can have a strong influence on the structure of algal assemblages in Dusky Sound hence the development of an E. chloroticus fishery in this area should be treated with caution.     

拟穴青蟹大眼幼体和第Ⅰ期仔蟹底质选择的研究

拟穴青蟹大眼幼体和仔蟹对海泥和泥沙底质的选择性显著高于各种粒径的沙底（粒度0.06～2.00mm）.其原因可能与海泥和泥沙底质在流动海水中物理稳定性高于沙砾有关.通过以埋栖选择性和相对埋栖率为指标考察了大眼幼体和仔蟹的栖息方式,发现白昼大眼幼体埋栖在底质中的比例显著高于夜间,也高于仔蟹;夜间大眼幼体栖息方式与仔蟹差别不明显;并发现大眼幼体栖息方式存在着昼夜差异和昼夜节律性.这揭示了拟穴青蟹大眼幼体对底质的选择性和在底质上栖息的方式表现出对FTT机制的适应.     

Tube-forming polychaetes enhance invertebrate diversity and abundance in sandy sediments of Mozambique,Africa

In marine soft-bottom systems, polychaetes can increase habitat complexity by constructing rigid tubes (e.g. several onuphid species) that contrast with surrounding topographically flat sediments. These structures can provide predation refuges and increase larval settlement and thereby increase the richness and abundance of fauna. We collected invertebrate samples from an intertidal flat with low onuphid tube density (2.7 m^–2) in Mozambique and document that more organisms (70 times higher mollusc abundances) and more species (15 times more mollusc species) were found associated with solitary tubes of an onuphid polychaete compared with surrounding sand habitats. These results are in agreement with tube versus sand comparisons from soft-bottom systems in the North Atlantic where polychaete tube densities are often much higher.     

Habitat use and longitudinal distribution patterns of native fish from a near pristine Stewart Island,New Zealand,stream

Distribution, abundance, and habitat preferences of native fish were investigated down the length of a relatively pristine, medium‐sized, fourth‐order stream on Stewart Island, New Zealand. A limited fish fauna was recorded (six species), including three threatened large galaxiid species (Galaxias argenteus, Galaxias fasciatus, and Galaxias brevipinnis), which have restricted distributions on mainland New Zealand. Results indicated that these large galaxiids occupy diverse habitats including pools and backwaters within the mainstems of this stream. Their extensive distributions and wide habitat usage were attributed to factors such as the intact catchment vegetation, unmodified stream channel, and the absence of introduced fishes, particularly salmonids. Results suggest that some native species have been excluded from mainstem habitats elsewhere in New Zealand. It was also evident that interactions among the native species influenced habitat use; G. brevipinnis avoided backwaters, runs, and pools in reaches occupied by G. fasciatus and Anguilla dieffenbachii; whereas G. fasciatus appeared to avoid habitats occupied by G. argenteus and A dieffenbachii. Maximum densities and biomass of galaxiids and eels occurred in deepwater habitats (>0.75 m). Furthermore the fish inhabiting these deeper waters were larger and more likely to be female. These findings have significant implications for the design and application of sampling protocols for native New Zealand fishes and for the protection of their habitats. If deeper waters are not sampled then species, sex, and size biased data may result.     

Trends in numbers of crowned cormorants in South Africa,with information on diet

During 2008–2012, the number of crowned cormorants Phalacrocorax coronatus breeding in South Africa was c. 1 900 pairs, compared to 1 700 pairs for 1977–1981. Numbers at 10 islands in the Western Cape province fluctuated around a level of 1 100 pairs from 1991/1992 to 2011/2012, 300 more than from 1978/1979 to 1990/1991. These increases are attributable to the discovery of more colonies and an increased frequency of counting at the 10 islands after 1990/1991. The overall number of crowned cormorants breeding in South Africa is thought stable in the long term. Crowned cormorants feed mainly on small, inshore fish species that are not harvested by humans. Clinidae dominated the diet at 10 colonies adjoining the open sea, whereas Gobiidae contributed most food of birds at three colonies in a lagoon. The stability of the crowned cormorant population contrasts with decreases of some other seabirds endemic to southern Africa that feed primarily on prey that is exploited by fisheries. The crowned cormorant population decreased in the Northern Cape and small numbers initiated breeding at colonies to the east of Cape Agulhas at the turn of the century, but most of the population continues to breed to the west of Cape Agulhas. In some instances the availability of suitable breeding habitat may limit numbers breeding.     

The ichthyofauna in the Port of Ngqura,South Africa

This study provides one of the first quantitative assessments of a fish community within a pre-operational deep-water port system. Between September 2006 and September 2007 a total of 4 559 fish, representing 47 species and 27 different families, were caught within the Port of Ngqura, Africa's deepest port, in 1 713 h of shore-angling (2.3 fish angler^?1 h^?1) and 239 h of boat-based angling (2.8 fish angler^?1 h^?1). Catches included species representative of both estuarine and shore fisheries. The majority (83.0%) of species caught were marine and most were less than size-at-50% maturity (71.4%). The most abundantly caught species were dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus (25.5%), elf Pomatomus saltatrix (24.9%), garrick Lichia amia (17.7%) and dusky sharks Carcharhinus obscurus (10.7%). Fish assemblages differed significantly (p < 0.05) between three habitats within the port: Dolosse, Quay Wall and Sandy Shore. The Dolosse habitat supported the greatest abundance (3.1 fish angler^?1 h^?1) and diversity (43) of fish species. The Port of Ngqura is thus functioning as an important habitat for both juvenile and adult fish. The diversity and abundance of fish suggests the potential use of ports and other artificial structures for enhancing local fisheries in South Africa.     

Patterns of waterbird community composition across a natural and restored wetland landscape mosaic,Yellow River Delta,China

Habitat restoration can help mitigate the extensive loss and degradation of estuarine and coastal wetlands that have consequently eroded the integrity of many migratory flyways and wintering habitat for waterbird populations. Assessing the impact of restoration strategies however relies on empirical data on waterbird community distribution patterns across natural and restored wetland components. We conducted habitat and waterbird surveys across six natural and restored wetland regions in the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve (YRDNR), eastern China, between 2007 and 2009. We recorded 93 waterbird species, including populations of 21 global conservation importance species. Community composition was stratified into distinctive clusters with compositional structure changing across these natural, modified and restored wetland components. NMDS ordination revealed that waterbird communities in restored wetlands were significantly different from those in natural and modified wetland components. Community distribution patterns were strongly influenced by environmental gradients (most noticeably salinity), water-level regulation, vegetation composition and differences in protected status. We found marked temporal patterns in waterbird community composition, which may be predictable for the different wetland components across the YRDNR landscape. Our study highlights the conservation benefits of restoring smaller wetland components in improving the ecological integrity of the wider wetland landscape mosaic for waterbird populations. A more coherent and intensive landscape management of water-level regulation and restoration of salinity gradients will be fundamental for wetland and waterbird conservation throughout the YRDNR.     

Spatial and temporal changes in reef fish assemblages on disturbed coral reefs,north Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Benthic structure of coral reefs determines the availability of refuges and food sources. Therefore, structural changes caused by natural and anthropogenic disturbances can have negative impacts on reef‐associated communities. During the 1990s, coral reefs from Bahía Culebra were considered among the most diverse ecosystems along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica; however, recently they have undergone severe deterioration as consequence of chronic stressors such as El Niño‐Southern Oscillation and harmful algal blooms. Reef fish populations in this area have also been intensely exploited. This study compared reef fish assemblages during two periods (1995–1996 and 2014–2016), to determine whether they have experienced changes as a result of natural and anthropogenic disturbances. For both periods, benthic composition and reef fish abundance were recorded using underwater visual censuses. Live coral cover (LCC) decreased from 43.09 ± 18.65% in 1995–1996 to 1.25 ± 2.42% in 2014–2016 (U = 36, p < 0.05). Macroalgal cover (%) in 2014–2016 was sixfold higher than mean values reported for the Eastern Tropical Pacific region. Mean (±SD) fish species richness in 1995–1996 (36.67 ± 14.20) was higher than in 2014–2016 (23.00 ± 9.14; U = 20, p < 0.05). Over 40% of reef fish orders observed in 1995–1996 were not detected in the 2014–2016 surveys, including large‐bodied predators. Reduction in abundance of fish predators such as sharks, grunts, and snappers is likely attributed to changes in habitat structure. Herbivorous such as parrotfishes and pufferfishes increased their abundance at sites with low LCC, probably in response to predators decline and increased algal cover. These findings revealed significant degradation and drastic loss of structural complexity in coral reefs from Bahía Culebra, which now are dominated by macroalgae. The large reduction in structural complexity of coral reefs has resulted in the loss of diversity and key ecological roles (e.g., predation and herbivory), thus potentially reducing the resilience of the entire ecosystem.     

中国辽宁-浙江沿海地区川蔓草分布现状、生态特征及其主要威胁

川蔓草(Ruppia)是一种广泛分布在咸水、半咸水生境中的广义海草, 其形成的川蔓草床具有重要的生态学价值。然而, 对于其在中国境内的分布情况尚缺乏大范围的调查。基于此, 本研究于2016—2019年对中国辽宁-浙江沿海区域的川蔓草分布情况进行了初步调查, 探究了调查区域内川蔓草的生境分布类型, 及生态特征, 分析了川蔓草床的主要威胁, 并提出了对川蔓草床科学管理的建议。结果表明: 川蔓草在中国浙江省、江苏省、山东省、天津市、河北省、辽宁省均有分布; 分布面积超过2 100 ha; 该区域内分布的川蔓草物种均为中国川蔓草, 主要分布生境包括咸水养殖池塘、咸水沟渠(池塘)、盐场、瀉湖(湖泊)、潮间带(围堰)5类; 人类活动影响(人工清捞、施药、河道工程等)与极端气候事件(极端干旱事件)都会导致川蔓草床退化, 但大部分川蔓草床可以依靠沉积物中的种子库在环境适宜时进行种群恢复; 不同生境中的川蔓草种群特征差异较大, 因此, 对不同生境中的川蔓草应制定差异性管理措施。     

The distribution of pelagic seabirds in relation to the oceanic environment of Gough Island

The distribution and the abundance of flying seabirds are described in relation to the marine environment near Gough Island in the south Atlantic Ocean. Results from a combined seabird, hydrographic and hydro-acoustic survey are assessed in order to highlight possible biotic-abiotic associations. In accordance with recently published work, the macroscale abundance and species composition of avifauna are explained in terms of Gough Island's position between two major biogeographic zones and by the island's utilization as a breeding site for pelagic seabirds. On the mesoscale, seabird abundance was greatest in areas of hydrographical variability, where results from acoustic transects and net hauls suggested concentration of potential food items (i.e. zooplankton and micronekton).