Genetic structure of the tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis in NW Scottish sea lochs

The tall sea pen Funiculina quadrangularis has a patchy distribution around the UK, being found in sheltered waters below 20 m depth on the northwest coast of Scotland and Ireland. The limited distribution and sensitivity to bottom fishing activities make F. quadrangularis vulnerable to reduction in population numbers that may lead to genetic isolation and reduced diversity. Because of this vulnerability and low resilience to physical disturbance, the tall sea pen is recognised as a Species of Principle Importance under the Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act, 2006, UK. ( http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2006/16/contents ) and is also on the Biodiversity Action Plan list of Priority Species for the UK. In the Mediterranean it is recognised as a sensitive and essential fish habitat because it forms habitat for several commercially important crustaceans. The aim of this study was to understand the current state of the genetic structure and gene flow of F. quadrangularis in areas of NW Scotland. We developed 10 microsatellite markers and used them to genotype 176 samples from four populations. Overall, our results suggest that there is high genetic diversity and high gene flow between colonies of F. quadrangularis in and among locations in Loch Linnhe and Loch Duich. As a result of the high rates of gene flow, genetic differentiation between sites was low. This may provide resilience to human impacts if distant populations have a high connectivity. However, care must be taken, as small but significant isolation by distance was found between the most geographically distant sites and only a small part of the species range was examined in this study. The genetic tools developed here will provide a foundation for wider studies of this vulnerable species.     

Protracted oogenesis and annual reproductive periodicity in the deep‐sea pennatulacean Halipteris finmarchica (Anthozoa,Octocorallia)

Halipteris finmarchica is one of the most common species of deep‐sea pennatulacean corals in the Northwest Atlantic; it was recently determined to act as a biogenic substrate for other species and as a nursery for fish larvae. Its reproductive cycle was investigated in colonies sampled in 2006 and 2007 along the continental slope of Newfoundland and Labrador (Canada). Halipteris finmarchica exhibits large oocytes (maximum diameter of 1000 μm), which are consistent with lecithotrophic larval development. Female potential fecundity based on mature oocytes just before spawning was ~6 oocytes · polyp^?1 (500–6300 oocytes · colony^?1); male potential fecundity was 16 spermatocysts · polyp^?1 (5500–57,400 spermatocysts · colony^?1). Based on statistical analysis of size‐probability frequency distributions, males harboured one cohort of spermatocysts that matured inside 8–11 months, whereas females harboured two distinct cohorts of oocytes; a persistent pool of small ones (≤400 μm) and a small number (~20%) of larger ones that grew from ~400 to >800 μm over a year. Despite this difference in the tempo of oogenesis and spermatogenesis, a synchronic annual spawning was detected. A latitudinal shift in the spawning period occurred from south (April in the Laurentian Channel) to north (May in Grand Banks and July–August in Labrador/Lower Arctic), following the development of the phytoplankton bloom (i.e. sinking of phytodetritus). Prolonged oogenesis with the simultaneous presence of different oocyte classes in a given polyp is likely not uncommon in deep‐sea octocorals and could hamper the detection of annual/seasonal reproduction when sample sizes are low and/or time series discontinued or brief.     

Evaluation of Atlantic bluefin tuna reproductive potential in the western Mediterranean Sea

Ovarian tissue samples of Atlantic bluefin tuna (ABFT) spawners (n = 49) caught by purse seine in the Balearic Sea (western Mediterranean) were used to assess the stock reproductive characteristics. The frequency of spawning females estimated by the postovulatory follicle method was 84% and the spawning periodicity 1.2 days. Using an unbiased stereological method, the realized batch fecundity was estimated from counts of postovulatory follicles (POFs), whereas the batch fecundity of the subsequent spawn was estimated by quantification of the number of follicles containing oocytes at maturation stage (OMFs). The number of POFs was used as a reliable proxy of the realized batch fecundity, as it represents the actual number of eggs released in the last spawning event. The average relative realized batch fecundity was estimated to be approximately 48 eggs g^− 1 of total body mass. While the absolute batch fecundity was isometrically related to the fork length, the relative batch fecundity was not dependent on fish size, which leads to the assumption that all length classes contribute proportionally to their size, towards the total number of eggs spawned by the broodstock. Size-related variations in the sex ratio were observed in the study area and in other Mediterranean locations; females were more abundant in mid-size classes while males predominated in large-size classes.     

Reproduction in rare bathyal octopods Pteroctopus tetracirrhus and Scaeurgus unicirrhus (Cephalopoda: Octopoda) in the east Mediterranean as an apparent response to extremely oligotrophic deep seas

Reproductive patterns of two benthic bathyal octopods, Pteroctopus tetracirrhus and Scaeurgus unicirrhus have been studied in extremely nutrient-poor environment of the deep-sea Eastern Mediterranean. Both species were found to exhibit a reproductive tactics of producing eggs much larger than in the western part of the sea which likely results in larger hatchlings with higher viability. P. tetracirrhus exhibited a typical “deep-sea” spawning strategy of simultaneous maturation of a single batch of large eggs with atresia of excessive oocytes, whereas reproductive strategy of S. unicirrhus is particular for shelf octopodids: asynchronous maturation of numerous batches of small eggs with no obvious regulatory atresia. Existence of these two types of ovary development and utilisation of fecundity are closely related to two types of evolutionary stable reproductive strategies based on existence of either very large or very small eggs with a few species occupying the “intermediate” position.     

Reproductive biology of Ilisha elongata (Teleostei: Pristigasteridae) in Ariake Sound,Japan: Implications for estuarine fish conservation in Asia

Elongate ilisha (Ilisha enlongata) is a commercially important species that contributes to clupeoid fisheries in Asian countries. In the present study, the reproductive biology of I. elongata in Ariake Sound, Japan is determined for the first time. Six maturity stages were described using ovarian and testicular histology throughout the annual cycle. The spawning season in Ariake Sound lasts from May to July, with peak spawning activity in May and June. Age at first maturity was estimated to be 2 years, with a few exceptions of 1 year in well-developed males. Ovaries that contained both tertiary yolk oocytes and postovulatory follicles occurred from late May to late July, indicating that I. elongata is a multiple spawner. The size–frequency distribution of oocytes provided evidence for its multiple spawning and accuracy of the fecundity estimates. The batch fecundity of this species was estimated at between 22,200 and 270,900 eggs per individual, increasing with age between two and six years. The present findings on the reproductive strategy of I. elongata in Ariake Sound are generally consistent with those in temperate or subtropical populations, but quite different from those of tropical population where first maturation occurs around 200 days and life spans are shorter, with a maximum age less than 3 years. The conservation implications of this reproductive strategy in a harsh, variable environment in Asian countries are also discussed.     

Ecology of New Zealand abalones,Haliotis species (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

The spawning season of Haliotis iris Martyn, as indicated by a gonad index and examination of ovaries, was late summer to autumn at Kaikoura, New Zealand, in 1967–68. In contrast, H. australis Gmelin spawned twice, once in the spring and again in the late summer to autumn. Both patterns are typical of haliotids. But in the 1968–69 year neither species spawned; full gonads with apparently ripe eggs were maintained through the winter of 1969. No reason for this inconsistency can be offered. Haliotis iris at Taylors Mistake, 154 km south, followed essentially the same pattern as Kaikoura H. iris through 1968, but spawned slightly in autumn 1969.

Haliotis iris first produces mature eggs when it is about 60 mm long and probably spawns substantially for the first time when it is 4 years old. Although fecundities of larger animals reached about 11 million eggs, not all of these were necessarily spawned. Haliotis australis also first produces mature eggs when it is about 60 mm long, but the age at which first spawning takes place could not be determined; maximum fecundity is about 3 million eggs. The sex ratios did not differ significantly from 1: 1 for either species.     

Fecundity of the snapper Chrysophrys auratus (Pisces: Sparidae) from the Hauraki Gulf

Fecundity estimates were made for snapper Chrysophrys auratus, a serial spawning fish, for the 1974–75 and 1975–76 spawning seasons. Weighed sub‐samples of ovaries were used, and eggs were counted manually. All eggs >0.1 mm diameter were considered potentially capable of being spawned; estimates of these eggs were made at the beginning and end of spawning, and their difference was considered to be the actual fecundity. A log‐log transformation of egg numbers against length offish gave a linear relationship. Fecundity estimates ranged from 297 000 at 25 cm to 4 528 000 at 50 cm in 1974–75, and from 83 000 at 25 cm to 6 164 000 at 50 cm in 1975–76. Counts of ripe eggs were also made, and batch sizes ranging from 13 000 at 25 cm to 104 000 at 50 cm were predicted. By combining these data with fecundity estimates the number of batches spawned was estimated to be 23–44 in 1974–75, depending on and increasing with length; and 6–59 in 1975–76.     

The reproductive biology of a shallow water morid (Salilota australis Günther, 1878), around the Falkland Islands

The reproductive biology of a shelf morid, red cod (Salilota australis) was investigated in the Falkland Islands, in order to expand our knowledge of the reproductive strategy of this relatively unstudied family of fishes. Red cod spawn to the south and south-west of West Falkland between August and October. Length frequency and sex ratio data suggest that females arrive at the spawning grounds first. The greatest spawning activity occurred in early evening and this timing may be an adaptation to reduce predation on eggs. Ripe egg size varied from 0.95 to 1.26 mm and was not dependant on female size. There was no regulative atresia during maturation and the formation of fecundity and fecundity increased with increasing fish total length (L_T) from 300,000 (42-45 cm L_T) to 4.5-9.0 million eggs (75-83 cm L_T). The fecundity of most of the population was between 2 and 5 million eggs. Red cod releases small batches of eggs over the spawning period. Batch size ranged from 30,000-90,000 (39-42 cm L_T) in smaller animals to 400,000-800,000 (>75 cm L_T) in larger animals and the batch size of first spawners was significantly higher than for advanced spawners. The study allows us to discuss the evolutionary relationships between the Gadiformes.     

Reproductive resilience of ice‐dependent Antarctic silverfish in a rapidly changing system along the Western Antarctic Peninsula

The Western Antarctic Peninsula (wAP) is globally one of the systems most heavily impacted by climate change, notably steep declines in sea ice extent. In forage species, reproductive resilience to change is particularly important because population fluctuations are rapidly communicated through the system via trophic interactions. The reproductive traits of the ice‐dependent forage species Antarctic silverfish (Pleuragramma antarctica) from different areas along the wAP and at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula were investigated through macroscopic and histological analyses of gonads, with the aim to assess its reproductive potential and to test for spatial differences in fecundity and spawning season. Fish samples were collected in late summer off Charcot Island, in Marguerite Bay and off Joinville Island; no fish were caught in the central wAP. Samples from Charcot Island and Marguerite Bay consisted of adults in developing gonad stage, whereas those from Joinville consisted almost exclusively of juveniles. Mean GSI was relatively low (2–3%) and similar in both sexes, as specimens were still far from being actively reproducing. Developing females exhibited two discrete, though partially overlapping modes of oocytes of different size, with vitellogenic oocytes measuring 0.5–1.0 mm. Absolute and relative fecundity ranged between 3000 and 12,000 eggs per female and between 80 and 190 eggs·g^?1, with a strong relationship between absolute fecundity and body size. These results were consistent with a single population at Charcot Island and Marguerite Bay and indicated substantial reproductive potential, which may mitigate population isolation and reductions in habitat availability but cannot ultimately offset catastrophic loss of spawning habitat linked to sea‐ice retreat.     

Reproduction in two deep-sea anemones (Actiniaria); Phelliactis hertwigi and P. robusta

Bathymetric distribution, abundance, substrate choice and gametogenesis have been investigated in two species of deep-sea actiniarians found in the northeast Atlantic Ocean. Phelliactis hertwigi occurs at 719–1448m in the Porcupine Seabight, usually encloses a bolus of sediment within its highly concave pedal disc (79.7%), and has abundances of up to 14.5 individuals 1000m⁻². Phelliactis robusta occurs at 1600–2173m in the Porcupine Seabight, but extends deeper in the Bay of Biscay. In areas of soft sediment it is associated strongly with clinker (92.7%) and attains densities of 2.9 individuals 1000m⁻².Both species are dioecious. Their sperm appear similar to those of the related intertidal Calliactis spp. Previtellogenesis and vitellogenesis of the oocytes have been defined by ultrastructural and histochemical studies. In P. hertwigi mature oocytes measure up to 180μm, and to 210μm in P. robusta. In P. hertwigi oogenesis takes 8–9 months, with spawning in October/November, whereas in the deeper-living P. robusta oogenesis occupies 15 to 19 months and spawning occurs in April/ May. Evidence is produced to suggest that these two contrasting cycles are related to the rate and seasonality of deposition of organic matter to the deep-sea floor.     

Life history strategies in zooplankton communities: The significance of female gonad morphology and maturation types for the reproductive biology of marine calanoid copepods

The present review addresses the reproductive strategies of marine calanoid copepods, as affected by their physiological preconditioning, and aims to enhance understanding of their adaptations to specific environmental conditions.Knowledge about oocyte development and internal gonad structure, especially in relation to feeding conditions, is essential for a complete understanding of the reproductive strategies of the copepods. Therefore, the foci of the review are to identify general patterns in oocyte and gonad development in calanoid copepod species from marine ecosystems worldwide and to elucidate the significance of gonad structures for reproductive strategies.Oogenesis is similar in all copepod species. During maturation, the morphology of the oocytes changes distinctly and, according to oocyte size and appearance of ooplasm and nucleus, five oocyte developmental stages are distinguished. In contrast, the gonad structure and its changes during the spawning cycle differ considerably among species, and these differences are related to specific reproductive traits.Four gonad morphology types can be distinguished: the Calanus-type, found in species from all over the world with distinctly different life history traits, is apparently most common in calanoid copepods. In this gonad type, most oocyte developmental stages are present simultaneously, and usually many oocytes mature synchronously, all of which are released in one clutch. The gonad structure allows frequent spawning and large clutches, hence, high egg production rates. This may be a preconditioning for exploiting seasonally high food supply. However, the Calanus-type was also found in species producing eggs at lower rates. In the diverticula of Pseudocalanus-type gonads, only two oocyte developmental stages are present and usually fewer oocytes mature synchronously. Accordingly, the egg production rate is generally lower as compared to the Calanus-type, and apparently only this gonad-type is structurally suitable for ovigerity. Species with Pseudocalanus-type gonads are present from polar seas to the tropics, some of them being key species. The Acartia-type was scarce, found in only one species, Acartia clausi. Here all oocyte developmental stages are present, including intermediate stages, but only a few oocytes mature synchronously and are released together. High spawning frequency compensates for the small clutches, and hence egg production rate may be as high as in Calanus-type gonads. In the Aetidius-type gonad, the total number of oocytes in the diverticula is low as is the number of oocytes maturing synchronously. Less is known about the reproductive biology of species with Aetidius-type gonads; however, their distribution and feeding patterns suggest that this type is common in species inhabiting environments of low food availability.The differences in gonad structures also lead to differences in the egg size:female size ratio, as the space available for each mature oocyte depends on the total number of oocytes. Independent from gonad-type, the eggs are relatively large in species in which the gonads contain only few oocytes, whereas small eggs are produced by species with gonads filled with many oocytes. Since all species carrying their eggs in external sacs until hatching (ovigerous species) have Pseudocalanus-type gonads, the scatter in their egg size:female size ratio is low. The broadcast spawning species are of all gonad-types, and consequently the scatter among them is high.A major factor affecting the timing and magnitude of spawning of calanoid copepods is the energy supply for gonad development. Therefore, part of the review elucidates the role of internal and external resources in fuelling egg production. In many species, freshly assimilated food is transferred into egg material within a short period of time, and clutch size and spawning frequency are the two parameters that allow adjustment of egg production to food availability and temperature. However, internal body reserves may also fuel oocyte development. The extent to which oogenesis depends on ambient feeding conditions varies considerably among species and even within species, apparently reflecting their adaptation to specific environmental conditions. All copepod species continue to release eggs for a short period after the onset of starvation, indicating that a short-term nutrient pool fuels final oocyte maturation. Some species, especially from polar and subpolar regions, are capable of reproducing on internal reserves, either solely or in addition to freshly ingested food, hence, decoupling the reproduction to some extent from the spring bloom. The reproductive strategy of Calanus finmarchicus, which responds with extreme flexibility to variations in food supply, is presented here as an example for the complexity of the reproductive processes in a calanoid copepod.In accordance with their physiological pre-conditioning, the calanoid copepod species exhibit distinctly different reproductive patterns. Polar and sub-polar environments are characterized by strong seasonality in light regime, and hence, phytoplankton concentration. The reproductive activity of many dominant (herbivorous) species peaks during the spring bloom. However, species that utilize internal reserves or food resources other than phytoplankton, reproduce before and after the bloom, or even year-round. In the North Atlantic, presented here as an example for a boreal marine ecosystem, maximum reproduction of the dominant copepod species Calanus finmarchicus occurs during the spring bloom. However, the timing of peak spawning varies between areas, as the onset of the bloom varies with hydrography and climate. The subtropical Gulf of Aqaba, in contrast to other subtropical systems, is characterized by seasonal phytoplankton succession driven by thermal winter convection. These changing environmental conditions, however, did not affect the reproduction of two of the dominant species, Clausocalanus farrani and C. furcatus. In contrast, other calanoid species exhibit reproductive cycles, either related to temperature (Ctenocalanus vanus) or to ontogenetic migration (Rhincalanus nasutus).The information gained from studies of morphology and reproductive traits contributes to standardization of methods in reproductive studies. Based on detailed knowledge of gonad morphology and its changes during maturation and due to food supply, classification schemata have been developed allowing the identification of females ready to spawn. In a next step, egg production may be estimated from preserved females by assessing clutch size through the number of maturing oocytes in the gonads. This approach, however, is as yet applicable only to the species best studied, Calanus finmarchicus.The present review shows that morphological studies on gonad maturation processes may provide significant contributions to fundamental ecological questions. Thus, they extend our knowledge of reproductive ecology from simply relating reproductive traits to abiotic and biotic factors toward a mechanistic understanding of how reproduction is regulated in calanoid copepods.     

The distribution of life cycle stages of two deep-water pleuronectids,Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) and rex sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus), at the northern extent of their range in the Gulf of Alaska

Dover sole (Microstomus pacificus) and rex sole (Glyptocephalus zachirus) are both commercially valuable, long-lived pleuronectids that are distributed widely throughout the North Pacific. While their ecology and life cycle have been described for southern stocks, few investigations have focused on these species at higher latitudes. We synthesized historical research survey data among critical developmental stages to determine the distribution of life cycle stages for both species in the northern Gulf of Alaska (GOA). Bottom trawl survey data from 1953 to 2004 (25 519 trawls) were used to characterize adult distribution during the non-spawning and spawning seasons, ichthyoplankton data from 1972 to 2003 (10 776 tows) were used to determine the spatial and vertical distribution of eggs and larvae, and small-meshed shrimp trawl survey data from 1972 to 2004 (6536 trawls) were used to characterize areas utilized by immature stages. During the non-spawning season, adult Dover sole and rex sole were widely distributed from the inner shelf to outer slope. While both species concentrated on the continental slope to spawn, Dover sole spawning areas were more geographically specific than rex sole. Although spawned in deep water, eggs of both species were found in surface waters near spawning areas. Dover sole larvae did not appear to have an organized migration from offshore spawning grounds toward coastal nursery areas, and our data indicated facultative settling to their juvenile habitat in winter. Rex sole larvae progressively moved cross-shelf toward shore as they grew from April to September, and larvae presumably settled in coastal nursery areas in the autumn. In contrast with studies in the southern end of their range, we found no evidence in the GOA that Dover or rex sole have pelagic larval stages longer than nine months; however, more sampling for large larvae is needed in winter offshore of the continental shelf as well as sampling for newly settled larvae over the shelf to verify an abbreviated pelagic larval stage for both species at the northern end of their range.     

江苏近岸海域鮸时空分布特征研究

根据2006—2007年4个季度拖网专项调查数据,以鮸为目标种,以机轮底拖网禁渔区线内侧及毗邻海域为目标区域,对鮸资源时空分布特征进行分析,并探讨形成机制,结果表明:(1)江苏海域的鮸主要分布于34°00′N以南海域,主产卵区位于辐射沙脊群海域及周边近岸海域,春季为主要产卵期;(2)江苏省中南部海域为鮸早期幼体的过渡性索饵场所,幼鱼群体随时间推移呈逐步分散趋势;(3)鮸在江苏海域的栖息时间为春、夏、秋3个季节,冬季呈零星分布;(4)海底地形地貌、潮汐和海流类型、辐射沙脊群等特征要素是影响区域生物生态的重要因子。     

太平洋褶柔鱼冬生群资源丰度变动对ENSO事件的响应研究

太平洋褶柔鱼为大洋性经济鱼种,具有一年生命周期,其资源变动受气候和海洋环境条件的显著影响。本研究根据日本提供的2003-2012年太平洋褶柔鱼冬生群体的渔业统计数据,结合产卵场环境数据以及尼诺指数ONI（定义为Niño 3.4区海表温度距平值）,分析不同气候条件下（厄尔尼诺和拉尼娜）太平洋褶柔鱼冬生群体产卵场海表温度（SST）、叶绿素a（Chl-a）浓度以及适宜产卵面积（SSA）的变动情况及对其资源丰度（CPUE）的影响。结果表明,太平洋褶柔鱼冬生群体产卵场SST、Chl-a浓度和SSA具有明显的季节性变化。相关分析表明,各年CPUE与Chl-a浓度以及SSA具有显著的正相关关系（p<0.05）,但与SST相关性不显著（p>0.05）。此外,厄尔尼诺和拉尼娜事件通过驱动太平洋褶柔鱼冬生群体产卵场SSA和关键海域（25°-29°N,122.5°-130.5°E）内的Chl-a空间分布和大小变化,从而改变其资源丰度,但影响作用随各异常事件的强度不同而变化,具体表现为：发生弱强度厄尔尼诺事件时,产卵场SSA较高,Chl-a浓度处于较低水平,导致资源补充量处于较低水平,CPUE降低;发生中等强度厄尔尼诺事件时,产卵场SSA较低,但Chl-a浓度处于较高水平,导致资源补充量增加,CPUE处于上升水平;发生中等强度拉尼娜事件时,产卵场SSA和Chl-a浓度均处于较高水平,资源补充量显著增加,CPUE显著升高。研究表明,厄尔尼诺和拉尼娜事件对太平洋褶柔鱼冬生群体产卵场摄食孵化环境和资源丰度变动具有显著影响。     

Shifts in the timing of spawning in sole linked to warming sea temperatures

Phenotypic traits such as peak spawning time may vary within and differ between populations in relation to environmental factors, such as temperature. Sole (Solea solea) is a valuable, commercially exploited species that spawns in late winter or spring. The date of peak spawning was estimated for each year for seven stocks from monthly fish samples collected from commercial fisheries since 1970. Four out of seven stocks showed a significant long-term trend towards earlier spawning (Irish Sea, east-central North Sea, southern North Sea, eastern English Channel) at a rate of 1.5 weeks per decade. The other three stocks (Bristol Channel, western English Channel and western-central North Sea) failed to show a relationship, but the available time series were limited for these stocks (< 10 years). Sea surface temperature during winter significantly affected the date of peak spawning, although the effect differed between stocks. The implications of the effect of winter temperature on the timing of spawning for the population dynamics are discussed.     

Geographical implications of seasonal reproduction in the bat star Asterina stellifera

The reproductive cycle and environmental cues that regulate gonad production in Asterina stellifera were studied from April 2009 to April 2011 in a rocky subtidal habitat at the southernmost limit of its distribution (Mar del Plata, Argentina). The geographic variation in reproductive traits between latitudinal range limits was analyzed. The gonadal and pyloric caeca weight varied with sea star size and time in both sexes. Despite a previous study which suggested the absence of recruitment in a 4 year period, our data of the same period demonstrated that spawning happens from early spring to early summer. The gonad and pyloric caeca weight did not show an inverse relationship, this suggested that there is no dependence on energy transfer between the organs and that the bat star presented a good nutritional state. Seawater temperature appears to be the variable explaining gonad proliferation at the range limits of A. stellifera distribution. Furthermore, differences in sex ratio, oocyte production, oogenesis duration and capability of energy transformation into ova were found between range limits.     

Batch fecundity and spawning frequency of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) in the southwest Atlantic Ocean

The reproductive biology of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) inhabiting waters of the southwest Atlantic Ocean (52°‐53°S and 57°‐62°W) was studied through histological analysis of the ovaries. During 2003, the spawning peak occurred at the beginning of September south of the Malvinas Islands. Batch fecundity of this species ranged from 35 000 (41 cm total length, TL) to 245 000 (62 cm TL) oocytes and relative batch fecundity was 122 ± 43 (Mean ± SD, n = 24) oocytes per gram somatic weight. The average proportion of mature females with stage‐0 post‐ovulatory follicles was 0.25 for September 2003, which indicated a spawning frequency of 4 days during the peak of the season. Large females produced more egg batches than small spawners during the same period, but no significant relationship was found between oocyte dry weight and female size of southern blue whiting.     

The dynamics of postovulatory follicle degeneration and oocyte growth in Baltic sprat

Ovaries of Baltic sprat (Sprattus sprattus balticus S.) were analysed histologically to identify stages of postovulatory follicles (POF) and to assess the oocyte development pattern. Samples were taken every 3 h during a 24 h trawl survey conducted in the Bornholm Basin in April 2007. Gonad histology revealed spawning of sprat throughout the day which hampered the exact ageing of POFs by the postovulatory follicle method and therefore did not allow direct estimation of spawning frequency. However, it was possible to define four stages of POFs, according to their histological features. The occurrence of these POF stages (I to IV) corresponded clearly to the development of the leading oocyte cohort. Further, the oocyte recruitment pattern revealed that the spawning batch can be identified prior to hydration. The POF stages I and II were present almost exclusively in vitellogenic ovaries, POF III were found in ovaries in the germinal vesicle stage, and the most deteriorated POF stage IV was found in actively spawning fish with hydrated oocytes. Since POF were absent only in very few ovaries (5%), and in each ovary in general only one POF stage was present, the duration of POF degeneration approximately equals the average batch interval, i.e. the time lag between subsequent spawning events. The results of the present study will serve as basis for future studies on Baltic sprat oocyte recruitment and daily spawning fraction.     

The timing and reproductive output of the commercial sea cucumber Holothuria scabra on the Kenyan coast

The sea cucumber Holothuria scabra is a widely distributed and economically important species that has been harvested in Kenya for decades. No previous studies have been carried out on the reproduction of this species in Kenya. Standard gonad index methods were used to analyze reproductive patterns of individuals collected monthly in 1998–1999, 2000–2001 and 2006–2007. Morphological characteristics, gonad tubule lengths and fecundity were also measured. Mean monthly gonad indices were significantly correlated between males and females indicating synchronous gonad development between the sexes. Gonad indices showed a biannual pattern that was consistent in all three years with a minor spawning event occurring between August and September and a major spawning event between November and December. The pattern of gonad growth showed significant variability between years and between months. Temporal changes in gonad growth correlated significantly with gonad tubule length and absolute fecundity. Monthly gonad indices also correlated significantly with monthly measurements of air temperature and light suggesting a possible role for both factors in timing gametogenesis and spawning. There was a shift in sex ratio from unity in the 1998–1999 and 2000–2001 samples to significantly more males in the 2006–2007 samples, as well as a significant reduction in mean sizes (body wall weight) and reproductive output (gonad index) which suggests that the reproductive success of this species is potentially negatively affected by fishing.     

Life cycle of Marphysa sanguinea (Polychaeta: Eunicidae) in the Venice Lagoon (Italy)

The life cycle of a brackish water population of Marphysa sanguinea (Polychaeta Eunicidae), from the Venice Lagoon (Italy), was investigated from April 1993 to August 1994. Marphysa sanguinea is a large‐sized gonochoric species with annual iteroparous strategy and synchronous spawning at population level. The sex‐ratio was close to 1:1. There were no morphological differences between males and females and spawning occurred without epitokal metamorphosis. The gonadial activity was maximum during summer period in both sexes. From May to September in the females, the greater number of immature oocytes could be observed; starting from November immature oocytes decreased and progressively those with a wider diameter increased in number. Spawning took place in April–May and generally not all eggs were spawned, a small proportion being kept as a reserve material for the following gamete production. The pelagic phase (trochophore and metatrochophore stages) was short (2–3 days). The reduction in the dispersal phase, together with the development of a strong anterior musculature, brought to an early acquisition of the benthic habit, which was attained with the construction of the mucous tube inside of which the larva lived. The results highlighted that colonization of brackish environments took place thanks to morphological and physiological features that allow this species to live in a sediment layer characterized by the stability of the physical and chemical characteristics of the substratum.