Embryonic and larval development of Babylonia formosae habei (Altena and Gittenberger, 1981) (Gastropoda:Buccinidae) on China''''s coast

The development of embryos and larvae of Babylonia formosae habei living along the southeast coast of China is observed under laboratory conditions. The egg masses are laid by females on hard substrate at night and each capsule contains 100-500 eggs. Each egg is 250-280 mm in diameter. The first two cleavages of the embryo are meridional and equal, and a polar lobe is produced. Larval kidney, which only consists of a single cell, appears during the gastrula stage on each side of the embryo. The right tentacle develops prior to the left one. At 25-27℃, an intracapsulate veliger stage is reached about 4.5 d after deposition. The larvae hatch on the fifth day as swimming veligers with a shell length of 360 -500 mm. The newly hatched larva can ingest suspended algal cells from the water column and remains in the pelagic stage for 8-10 d. The newly settled juveniles are 900-1 200 mm in shell length.     

Siltation Prediction for Navigation Channels and Harbour Basins on Muddy Beach (II)

5. Application and Popularization of Computational Methods for Siltation The above mentioned computational method covers siltation in navigation channels andharbour basins on muddy beach. This part mainly deals with the possibility of its application tosilty beach and sandy beach and the computation of scouring. The following discussion involvestwo aspects, and then some computational examples are given.     

Studies on the egg, larval and juvenile development of Bostrichthys sinensis (Lacepede)

Artificial hatching and fry culture of Bostrichthys sinensis (Lacepede) has been successful under conditions of enclosed seawater circulation system in the Aquarium Lab, South China Sea Fish. Res. Inst, on the 13th of April, 1984. The development of each stage of the eggs, larvae and juveniles are described, and colour photographs of every development stage were taken. According to their physiological characteristics in each stage, necessary ecological conditions for the developments are preliminarily discussed.     

Study on genetic diversity and resource conservation of amphioxus (Branchiostoma balcheri Gray) population

1 Introduction Branchiostom a belcheri G ray (am phioxus) is aprecious m arine species listed in the nationalprotectedanim als ofsecond class (H uang etal., 1999). Itbe-longs to the subphylum cephalochordata ofthe phylumvertebrata. A m phioxus is the ancestor of vertebrates5×108 a ago, and is a typical transitionalsam ple ofevolution from invertebrates to vertebrates. The re-search of am phioxus,therefore,is ofgreatim portanceboth for anim al taxonom y and organic evolution(N ozakiand G or…     

Effect of oil pollution on gluthione and relative enzyme in oyster(Saccostrea cuculiata)

The oysters ( Saccostrea cuculiata ) were collected from four stations around Xiamen Island (Lundu Port, Xinglin Bay, Tong" an Bay, Huangcuo). The relation between the level of petroleum hydrocarbon in whole tissue and the contents of glutathione (GSH), the activity of selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (Se-GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in digestive gland and gill were investigated. The results showed: (1) The contents of petroleum hydrocarbon in oyster collected from four stations (Lundu Port, Xinglin Bay, Tong'an Bay, Huangcuo) were 380.68, 112.34, 27.31, 20.37μg/g wet weight, respectively; (2) the activity of Se-GPx and GST in digestive gland was lower than that in gill, and the content of GSH seemed reversibly; (3) among the four stations, both Se-GPx and GST activity of digestive gland and gill in Saccostrea cuculiata sampled from the four stations showed a good correlation with whole tissue petroleum hydrocarbon, could be as biomarkers of sea oil pollution.     

Numerical prediction experiment on Typhoon Maggie (9903)

I~IOXTyphoon is a severe and diSaStrous weather phenomenon that affeCts the southeaSt COaStsregion of China. It causes Serious lOSS for the social eCOnondc development as well as the life andproperties Of PeOPle. Therefore, the enhancement to study on the artifice of monitoring, Prediction and public services of typhoon is an i~nent requirement for gove~t and Public.The concern is also a taSk of great Urgency to advanCe meteorolQgical sciences.Starting from the 1980' s, as the deve…     

Temporal and spatial variation in the Nazaré Canyon (Western Iberian margin): Inter-annual and canyon heterogeneity effects on meiofauna biomass and diversity

The Nazaré Canyon on the Portuguese Margin (NE Atlantic) was sampled during spring-summer for three consecutive years (2005–2007), permitting the first inter-annual study of the meiofaunal communities at the Iberian Margin at two abyssal depths (~3500 m and ~4400 m). Using new and already published data, the meiofauna standing stocks (abundance and biomass) and nematode structural and functional diversity were investigated in relation to the sediment biogeochemistry (e.g. organic carbon, nitrogen, chlorophyll a, phaeopigments) and grain size. A conspicuous increase in sand content from 2005 to 2006 and decrease of phytodetritus at both sites, suggested the occurrence of one or more physical disturbance events. Nematode standing stocks and trophic diversity decreased after these events, seemingly followed by a recovery/recolonisation period in 2007, which was strongly correlated with an increase in the quantity and bioavailability of phytodetrital organic matter supplied. Changes in meiofauna assemblages, however, also differed between stations, likely because of the contrasting hydrodynamic and food supply conditions. Higher meiofauna and nematode abundances, biomass and trophic complexity were found at the shallowest canyon station, where the quantity, quality and bioavailability of food material were higher than at the deeper site. The present results suggest that even though inter-annual variations in the sedimentary environment can regulate the meiofauna in the abyssal Nazaré Canyon, heterogeneity between sampling locations in the canyon were more pronounced.     

Field observations on hydrodynamic and coastal geomorphic processes off Harilaid Peninsula (Baltic Sea) in winter and spring 2006–2007

Investigations of multi-layer current regime, variations in sea level and wave parameters using a bottom-mounted RDCP (Recording Doppler Current Profiler) during 20 December 2006–23 May 2007 were integrated with surveys on changes of shorelines and contours of beach ridges at nearby Harilaid Peninsula (Saaremaa Island). A W-storm with a maximum average wind speed of 23 m s⁻¹ occurred on 14–15 January with an accompanying sea level rise of at least 100 cm and a significant wave height of 3.2 m at the 14 m deep RDCP mooring site. It appeared that in practically tideless Estonian coastal waters, Doppler-based “vertical velocity” measurements reflect mainly site-dependent equilibrium between resuspension and sedimentation. The mooring site, 1.5 km off the Kelba Spit of Harilaid, was located in the accumulation zone, where downward fluxes dominated and fine sand settled. As a result of storms in January and April, the distal part of the accumulative gravel spit advanced by 50 m, whereas a 30–50 m retreat of the shoreline in the western and northern parts occurred at Cape Kiipsaare. The location of the beach ridges shows that the development of the spit occurs through relatively short-period but infrequent storm events, roughly 2–3 times each decade.     

Dense aggregations of Pygospio elegans (Claparède): effect on macrofaunal community structure and sediments

Epibenthic biogenic structures such as polychaete tubes are conspicuous features of many marine soft-bottom habitats. This paper compares the benthic macrofauna in patches with high and low densities of the tube-dweller Pygospio elegans on intertidal sandflats in eastern Scotland (UK). The main aim of this study was to determine potential differences in the macrofaunal community structure, the size distribution of individual species and sediment properties.Multivariate data analyses revealed that the macrofaunal community composition (excluding P. elegans) within patches was always significantly different from outside patches, mainly due to variability in the abundances of Cerastoderma edule and Corophium volutator. In addition to P. elegans, 5 taxa were sufficiently abundant for univariate analyses, 4 of these (Capitella capitata, C. edule, Macoma balthica and C. volutator) being significantly more abundant within P. elegans patches than in surrounding, non-patch sediments. The size distribution of P. elegans was significantly different between patches (bimodal distribution) and non-patches (skewed distribution). Similarly, there was a greater proportion of larger C. capitata individuals within patches compared to non-patch sediments. Sediment organic content and silt/clay fraction were always significantly higher in patch sediments while redox profiles showed no differences except at the end of the study period when the top 2 cm within patches were more positive and more negative at 4 cm. These results imply that even relatively small (1–1.5 m²) P. elegans patches can have large effects on the spatial variability of macrofaunal community structure on intertidal sandflats.Towards the end of the study there were marked visual changes in the P. elegans patches, such as wave-ripple marks on the surface, which signified their demise. This coincided with dramatic changes in the invertebrate community structure within patches. Along with the decline in P. elegans numbers, dramatic increases in the densities of the 2 bivalve species C. edule and M. balthica occurred, while remaining comparatively stable outside patches. This suggested that the conditions within P. elegans patches were particularly favourable to successful bivalve spat settlement. We postulate that P. elegans patches have limited longevity and propose that enhanced bivalve competition within them leads to rapid decreases in P. elegans numbers.     

Wave-Current Forces on Small Square Cylinders (Part II)

Based on model tests, the lift and resultant forces on small square cylinders caused by waves (regular and irregular) and currents are analyzed in this paper. The lift and resultant force coefficients CL and Cf related to KC number and the effect of direction of wave propagation are also given, which may be useful for practical engineering application.     

Wave-Current Forces on Small Square Cylinders (Part I)

-Based on the extended Morison Equation and model tests, the in-line forces on small square cylinders caused by waves (regular and irregular) and currents are analyzed in detail in this paper. The hydrodynamic coefficient CD and Cu related to KC number and the effect of direction of wave incidence are also given, which can be used in engineering practice.     

Taxonomic notes on Hydroidomedusae (Cnidaria) from the South China Sea Ⅴ: Families Laodiceidae,Lovenellidae,Malagazziidae,and Mitrocomidae (Leptomedusae)

This study reviews all species belonging to the families Laodiceidae,Lovenellidae,Malagazziidae,and Mitrocomidae in the South China Sea.Two new species,Eucheilota carinata sp.nov.and Halopsis nanhaiensis sp.nov.,are described and illustrated.One genus,Staurostoma,and two species,Staurostoma sp.and Octophialucium aphrodite(Bigelow,1928),are first recorded in China seas.The key to all medusa genera and species of Lovenellidae and Malagazziidae are presented.Other data are briefly summarized to the list and distribution of species presented on the family Laodiceidae,Lovenellidae,Malagazziidae and Mitrocomidae in the South China Sea.The type specimens are deposited in the Third Institute of Oceanography,State Oceanic Administration,China.     

Impact of circulation on high phytoplankton blooms and fish catch in the northern Adriatic (1990–2004)

We analyzed oceanographic, hydrologic and atmospheric conditions in the northern Adriatic (section between the Po River delta and Rovinj) from 1990 to 2004 in which extreme phytoplankton blooms appeared. The largest blooms occurred in February, March, July and October, and were higher in surface layers and in the western, more eutrophic part of the region. They often appeared when the Istrian Coastal Countercurrent (ICCC; strong southward current indicating a “closure” of the northern Adriatic circulation system) was pronounced. They seem to be related to the intensities of surface fluxes and Po River discharge rates. The blooms can float over the northern Adriatic for a long period (up to 30 days; typical for March) and can appear simultaneously in separate circulation systems with a different species distribution. Finally, we present a hypothesis based on comparisons of geostrophic currents and fish stock that specific February northern Adriatic oceanographic conditions play the key role in the Adriatic anchovy stock.     

Impacts of anthropogenic activities on the Changjiang(Yangtze)estuarine ecosystem(1998–2012)

Estuarine ecosystem has greatly changed in the recent decades due to anthropogenic perturbations in the Changjiang Estuary. Change patterns and impact factors were analyzed based on the continuous data...     

Studies on influence of diet on dry weight and chemical element(C, H, N) content of larval Scylla serrata

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Molecular identification of bloom-forming species Phaeocystis globosa(Prymnesiophyta)and its dispersal based on rDNA ITS sequence analysis

Abstract-The colony-forming Phaeocystis species are causative agents of dense bloom occurrences incoastal waters worldwide. It is difficult to separate them because of the different morphologies associatedwith their colonial stages. In this study we applied molecular approaches to analyze the genetic variationof Phaeocystis globosa and Phaeocystis pouchetii from several geogrtaphic regions, and to assist in tracingthe dispersal of bloom-forming Phaeocystis species in coastal waters of China. The Sequences of the inter-nal transcribed sacers (ITS1 and ITS2) of rDNA and the 5.8S ribosomal RNA gene of Phaeocystisstrains were determined. Sequence comparison shows that P.globosa was the most divergent toP. pouchetii, exhibiting sequence divergence higher than 0.08. However, lower genetic divergences ex-isted between strains of P.globosa. The sequence comparison of the Phaeocystis rDNA ITS clearlyshows that the species isolated from the southeast coast of China is identified as P. globosa rather thanP. cf. po     

Distribution and number change of the Littorinidae (Gastropoda) on intertidal hard bed in the Jiulong River Estuary

There are 4 species of Littorinidae on the intertidal hard bed in the Jiulong River Estu-ary. They are Littorina scabra, L. brevicula, Nodilittorina pyramidalis pyramidalis and N.millegrana. Of these species, L. scabra is a dominant species. According to the results of in-vestigation, we find distribution patterns of the Littorinidae on intertidal hard bed in theestuary as follows: (1)There is no Littorinid species at Haicheng Station. (2)There is only Lit-     

Embryonic and larval development of Babylonia formosae habei(Altena and Gittenberger, 1981)(Gastropoda: Buccinidae) on China''s coast

The development of embryos and larvae of Babyloniaformosae habei living along the southeast coast of China is observed under laboratory conditions. The egg masses are laid by females on hard substrate at night and each capsule contains 100-500 eggs. Each egg is 250-280 mm in diameter. The fast two cleavages of the embryo are meridional and equal, and a polar lobe is produced. Larval kidney, which only consists of a single cell, appears during the gastrula stage on each side of the embryo. The right tentacle develops prior to the left one. At 25-27 ℃, an intracapsulate veliger stage is reached about 4.5 d after deposition. The larvae hatch on the fifth day as swimming veligers with a shell length of 360 -500 mm. The newly hatched larva can ingest suspended algal cells from the water column and remains in the pelagic stage for 8-10 d. The newly settled juveniles are 900-1 200 mm in shell length.     

Two cases of probable hybridisation between the pufferfishes Arothron meleagris (Anonymous 1798) and A. nigropunctatus (Bloch and Schneider 1801) on a fringing reef at Réunion Island

Two individuals displaying mixed features of the colour patterns distinctive of Arothron meleagris and A. nigropunctatus were observed on the fringing reef at Réunion Island, between September 2012 and August 2013. Because many hybrid fish have been first identified through colour patterns that are intermediate between two known species, these pufferfish individuals were suspected to be hybrids. However, since no specimen was collected for examination, a hypothesis that the observed individuals could be hybrids is based on comparison of their colouration with colour patterns documented for A. meleagris and A. nigropunctatus. Several factors favouring hybridisation are met on this reef, particularly a difference in abundance between the two putative parental species. Since larval retention and self-recruitment are considered probable at Réunion, these individuals could be the progeny of interbreeding populations of these species on this reef. To our knowledge, only one hybrid has ever been reported in the genus Arothron, although without genetic confirmation. This implies that the existence of potentially interfertile species in this genus remains a hypothesis. Our field observations provide additional data supporting this hypothesis.     

Feeding of Acartia clausi and Pseudodiaptomus hessei (Copepoda: Calanoida) on natural particles in a tropical lagoon (Ebrié, Côte d'Ivoire)

Grazing of the copepods Acartia clausi and Pseudodiaptomus hessei on natural particles was studied from on board experiments during several 24 h time series performed between 1993 and 1997 in four sites of the Ebrié Lagoon (Côte d'Ivoire). Ingestion rates of both species increased linearly with food concentration until a concentration threshold (5.5×10⁹ μm³ l⁻¹ for A. clausi and 5.2×10⁹ mm³ l⁻¹ for P. hessei) beyond which the relation presented a plateau. Both species poorly selected the peak of available particles (range 3–6 mm equivalent spherical diameter, ESD) but A. clausi seek preferentially smaller particles (6–21 μm ESD) than P. hessei (9–33 μm ESD). When the proportion of the preferred particles in the food offered decreased, A. clausi extended its selectivity towards both smaller and larger particles whereas P. hessei extended its selectivity towards larger particles only. As a consequence of these patterns, the useful particle concentration (UPC) was higher for A. clausi than for P. hessei. In addition, the ratio of the UPC for the two species showed a positive relationship with the ratio of their respective biomass. The significance of these results for the adaptation capacities of the two species and for the ecosystem functioning are discussed. A. clausi which is more suited than P. hessei to exploit smaller particles (3–6 μm) which dominate the seston, has a food competitive advantage. The inadequacy between the seston food-size composition and the selective patterns of the two main zooplankton species of the Ebrié Lagoon explains that they could be food limited despite the high trophic level of the lagoon. It could also partly explain the low transfer efficiency between phytoplankton and zooplankton in this ecosystem.