Bisexual populations of the brine shrimpArtemia in Sète-Villeroy and Villeneuve Saltworks (Languedoc,France)

So far,Artemia populations in solar saltponds of southern France have been considered as belonging to the Old World parthenogenetic strain. However, two populations sampled monthly in abandoned salinas of Sète-Villeroy and Villeneuve appear to be bisexual throughout their life-cycle. Their sex ratio regularly fluctuates near equilibrium, and mating, present throughout life, is very common in early winter. Morphological characteristics, particularly the male frontal knobs structure, are discussed in relation to the diploid bisexual Mediterranean strain,Artemia tunisiana, which is distributed around the Mediterranean basin. The existence of sexual populations is discussed in regard to variation in environmental conditions in abandoned salinas.     

Distribution and characterization of Chilean populations of the brine shrimp Artemia (Crustacea, Branchiopoda, Anostraca)

Hypersaline habitats in Chile, from marine solar salt pans to saline lagoons and pools in Andean salars, were prospected in search of Artemia populations. These saline ecosystems were characterized through physico-chemical parameters and ionic composition of their brines. Biometrics of cysts and nauplii, as well as morphometrics by using multivariate discriminant analysis for adult specimens evidenced that the Chilean populations of brine shrimp belong to A. franciscana. Cross-breeding results supported the former hypothesis of conspecific Chilean populations, and their differences with A. persimilis, also endemic to the New World, but restricted to Argentinean sites.     

Sustainable management of a coastal lagoonal system (Ria Formosa, Portugal): An ecological model for extensive aquaculture

The Ria Formosa lies in southern Portugal, extending for about 55 km. It is a true barrier island system, comprising mainland, backbarrier lagoons, inlet deltas, barrier islands, barrier platforms and shoreface. Of the Ria Formosa system, which covers a total area of 163 km², 20 km² are occupied by salinas and aquaculture ponds. The main water reservoir of thesalinas and the extensive aquaculture ponds behave like small lagoons where there are one or more openings to a tidal channel. These small lagoons have the advantage of being easy to study and to model. An ecological model was developed to estimate the potential production of the gilthead seabream in the Ria Formosa, in an extensive aquaculture regime. This model was based on information concerning chemical and physical factors (forcing functions) and secondary production estimates from four sites in the Ria Formosa with different environmental conditions, where extensive aquaculture is practised. Published information on optimal growth parameters of the gilthead was used to build the model, which was based on some assumptions concerning the detrimental effect of an excessive increase of salinity and other environmental factors both on gilthead growth (one state variable) and on prey production (divided into two state variables), which is essentially benthic macrofauna. Reservoirs with low water renewal undergo large environmental fluctuations. The growth of gilthead or other fish can be difficult, not only because of the adverse environmental conditions but also because of the low secondary production. The maximum yield of fish is predicted to be less than 6 g m⁻². In reservoirs where the water exchanges on almost every tide, the maximum yield of gilthead can be in excess of 22–25 g m⁻². Nevertheless, the high productivity of these sites in terms of secondary production of benthos and fish, as well as primary production, can lead to oxygen depletion during the night or at day-break. An attempt to further improve fish production by fertilisation or by adding food could provoke a rapid deterioration of the water quality and endanger all production.     

Modern and fossil Potamids (Gastropoda) in saline lakes

Potamids generally live in estuaries, lagoons, and along protected sea shores. However, their ability to colonize intracontinental lakes has been underestimated due to non- or misidentifications. Potamides conicus, the only present lacustrine Potamid currently found in North Africa, belongs to a lagoon-type (thalassoid) malacofauna, dominated by the Cardium Cerastoderma glaucum: this fauna occurs in association with Foraminifera (especially Ammonia beccarii) and Ostracoda (Cyprideis gr. Torosa). Potamids have been found 250 to 900 km from the nearest sea shore: passive dispersal (probably through birds) is the primary dispersal mechanism. Shell morphology and ornamentation can be used to characterize life environment (lacustrine versus marine) but not distance from sea shore. The presence of Potamid-Foraminifera fauna in the fossil record has been interpreted as providing evidence for a sea connection (e.g., gulfs, lagoons). However, more recent paleoecological studies have demonstrated that such assemblages span an ecological gradient from freshwater to hypersaline lacustrine environments. Thus, the occurrence of modern Potamids in lacustrine (in addition to maritime) environments has important implications for Quaternary and Tertiary paleogeographic investigations. Lacustrine Potamids have been recorded from the European Tertiary (France, Spain) and from the Sahara Holocene. More research is required for the better understanding of the distribution and ecology of Potamids in modern and fossil lakes of other continents.This publication is the fifth of a series of papers presented at the Conference on Sedimentary and Paleolimnological Records of Saline Lakes. This Conference was held August 13–16, 1991 at the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada. Dr Evans is serving as Guest Editor.     

Diversity and genetic differentiation in Artemia species and populations detected by AFLP markers

Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) markers were successfully employed to analyze 15Artemia species and strains for genetic diversity. AFLP markers are extremely sensitive to even a small sequence variation. They are stable and more polymorphic than RAPD. Twelve pairs of primer combinations were used to detect AFLP bands, of which 384 were polymorphic, and DNA fingerprintings were obtained by using silver staining. The polymorphism analysis leads us to the following conclusions: 1.Artemia tibetiana seems to differentiate fromA. sinica. 2. The parthenogenetic populations from inland salt lakes could follow an evolutionary path that is different from that of the coastal parthenogenetic populations.     

International study onArtemia. LI. New survey ofArtemia resources in the People's Republic of China

We have surveyed 7 inland salt lakes and 14 coastal saltworks in the People's Republic of China (P. R. China) which are natural habitats for the brine shrimpArtemia. We report here on the location of the lakes, the mode of reproduction of theArtemia and the opportunities for achieving self sufficiency in cyst production for use in the local aquaculture industry. Because of frequent misunderstandings regarding the identification of a specific habitat, a new identification system for each population is proposed, using a numerical code which identifies the province, the habitat and the date of collection. Information of newArtemia populations is included as well as data on their reproduction mode.International interdisciplinary study onArtemia populations coordinated by the Laboratory of Aquaculture &Artemia Reference Center, University of Ghent, Belgium.     

Variation in chlorophylla concentrations and Margalef’s index of pigment diversity in two solar salt ponds,Aveiro, Portugal

Variations of chlorophylla and Margalef's pigment diversity index were studied in two solar salt ponds at Aveiro (Esmolas and Tanoeiras). Portugal. In the Esmolas ponds, mean chlorophyll a values varied between 2.49 and 13.33 mg m⁻³ in the non-growing season, and between 5.43 and 40.55 mg m⁻³ in the growing season. In the Tanoeiras ponds, mean chlorophylla values were between 8.12 and 14.85 mg m⁻³ in the non-growing season, and 8.65 and 21.19 mg m⁻³ in the growing season. Fluctuations of Margalef's pigment diversity index were more irregular.     

Ecology and population structure of theArtemia parthenogenetica,population inhabiting a major saltern in Sri Lanka

The structure of the naturally occurringArtemia parthenogenetica population inhabiting the Mahalewaya Saltern in Sri Lanka was studied over an annual cycle, together with accompanying variations in the physico-chemical characteristics of its pond waters.Artemia was found only in the serially connected earthen ponds that serve as condenser pans in the saltern. Over the 12-month period of study, salinities in these ponds ranged from 81.5 to 199.6 ppt, temperatures from 28.2 to 33.6°C, pH from 7.9 to 9.1 and dissolved oxygen from, 1.1 to 9.0 mg L^–1. The physico-chemical characters varied along a gradient across the three ponds, with salinity and temperature increasing with proximity of the condenser pans to the crystallizers of the saltern and dissolved, oxygen values showing the opposite trend. The ponds containingArtemia were shallow and had a maximum depth of 37 cm. Gross primary productivity ranged from negative values to 686.4 mg C m^–2 day^–1. Rainfall was distributed non-uniformly almost throughout the year, most of it being experienced from August to October, with a 254 mm maximum in October and lesser rainfall from December to May. Population numbers ranged from zero to 125 individuals L^–1 and declined with increasing salinities and temperatures which related, spatilly, to increasing proximity of ponds to crystallizers and temporally, to the dry weather periods. Recruitment was best at low salinities and temperatures (104 to 114 ppt and 28.2 to 30.5°C) but also took place, although, at reduced intensities, up to 174 ppt salinity and 32.2°C temperature. Populations were mostly dominated by instar I stage nauplii with adult stages predominating only during periods of high salinity and temperature. Water management practices for salt production in the salterns included maintaining shallow depths that lead to high water temperatures and pond irrigation procedures that resulted in abrupt salinity changes. Such practices limited the size of theArtemia population as well as prevented its spread into the numerous ponds of the saltern.     

Reproductive and recruitment traits as indicators of the invasive potential of Kalanchoe daigremontiana (Crassulaceae) and Stapelia gigantea (Apocynaceae) in a Neotropical arid zone

Populations of two ornamental exotic species, Kalanchoe daigremontiana and Stapelia gigantea, have been recently detected inside a protected area containing arid ecosystems in Venezuela. We indirectly tested their invasive potential by characterizing their reproductive biology and recruitment patterns and comparing our estimates against Baker's Law and reproductive profiles reported for invasive plants. K. daigremontiana is autogamous, produces >16,000 seeds per plant and also reproduces clonally. Despite low seed viability (17.9%) and germination rates (11.9%), seeds were present in the seed bank. Plantlets of asexual origin showed high survival (75–100%) compared to seedlings of sexual origin (10%). S. gigantea is self-incompatible, xenogamous and produces close to 1500 seeds per m² of plant tissue. Seed viability (77%) and germination rates (62%) were high, but this species is not represented in the seed bank. It has a vegetative growth. A combination of reproductive and recruitment attributes, which match those considered in Baker's Law and others reported for invasive plants, confer K. daigremontiana and S. gigantea the potential to invade Neotropical arid zones; the former mainly through selfing and production of numerous asexual plantlets, and the latter through an association with a locally abundant pollinator and production of wind dispersed seeds.     

On the red coloration of saltern crystallizer ponds

To assess, respectively, the contribution of red bacteria of theHalobacterium-Haloferax-Haloarcula group and of the β-carotene-rich green algaDunaliella salina to the red colour of saltern crystallizer ponds, we studied the optical properties of the brines of NaCl-saturated saltern ponds in Eilat, Israel, and quantified the pigments present in their biota. The absorption spectrum of the brines, as measured using the opal glass method to reduce the interference by scattering, or using an integrating sphere, nearly corresponded to thein vivo absorption spectrum of bacterioruberin-containing red archaeobacteria. However, extracts of the microbial community in organic solvents were dominated by β-carotene, a pigment occurring in high concentrations in theDunaliella cells present, and bacterioruberin contributed only between 13 and 28 per cent of the total visible light absorption by the extracts. The apparent discrepancy between these results can be explained by the very small in vivo optical cross-section of β-carotene, which is densely packed in globules inside theD. salina cells.     

Biomonitoring past salinity changes in an athalassic subarctic lake

A short sediment core was taken from a small saline lake located on an intermontane plateau in the central Yukon Territory, Canada. In July 1990, chemical analyses indicated that, although the lake was shallow (Z_max=1.1 m), it was also chemically stratified, with hyposaline (9.9 to 10.0 g L⁻¹) surface waters and slightly mesosaline (22.0 g L⁻¹) deeper waters. The surface water was dominated by Na⁺ and HCO ₃ ⁻ . To our knowledge, this is the northernmost athalassic saline lake yet recorded. Quantification of algal (diatom, chrysophyte, and pigment) and invertebrate (chironomid, ceratopogonid, andChaoborus) fossils at four stratigraphic levels indicated that the lake sediments preserved numerous biological indicators that could be used to infer recent lake development. Many of the taxa are found in other athalassic salt lakes. The most striking stratigraphic change was a remarkable drop in the species richness of diatoms and invertebrates in the recent sediments, which parallels the elimination of species characteristic of less saline conditions. Halophilous taxa dominate the most recent sediments, indicating the development of more saline conditions. At the same time, a significant shift in chrysophyte cyst composition was observed. Fossil carotenoids and chlorophylls indicated a decrease in total algal abundance in recent sediments, as green and blue-green algae replaced diatoms and chrysophytes. Together, these paleolimnological data suggest a recent shift to drier conditions or increased evaporation in the central Yukon Territory.     

Basin evolution,diagenesis and uranium mineralization in the Paleoproterozic Thelon Basin,Nunavut, Canada

The Paleoproterozoic (Statherian) Thelon Basin is located in the Churchill Province of the Canadian Shield, formed following the Trans‐Hudson Orogeny. Basin formation followed an interval of felsic volcanism and weathering of underlying bedrock. The diagenetic evolution of the Thelon lasted about one billion years and was punctuated by fluid movement influenced by tectonic events. Early quartz cements formed in well‐sorted, quartz‐rich facies during diagenetic stage 1; fluids in which these overgrowths formed had δ¹⁸O values near 0‰ (Vienna Standard Mean Ocean Water). Uranium‐rich apatite cement (P1) also formed during diagenetic stage 1 indicating that oxygenated, uranium‐bearing pore water was present in the basin early in its diagenetic history. Syntaxial quartz cement (Q1) formed in water with δ¹⁸O from ?4 to ?0.8‰ in diagenetic stage 2. Diagenetic stage 3 occurred when the Thelon Formation was at ca. 5 km depth, and was marked by extensive illitization, alteration of detrital grains, and uranium mineralization. Basin‐wide, illite crystallized at ～200 °C by fluids with δ¹⁸O values of 5–9‰ and δD values of ?60 to ?31‰, consistent with evolved basinal brines. Tectonism caused by the accretion of Nena at ca. 1600 Ma may have provided the mechanism for brine movement during deep burial. Diagenetic stage 4 is associated with fracturing and emplacement of mafic dikes at ca. 1300 Ma, quartz cement (Q3) in fractures and vugs, further illitization, and recrystallization of uraninite (U2). Q3 cements have fluid inclusions that suggest variable salinities, δ¹⁸O values of 1.5–9‰, and δD values of ?97 to ?83‰ for stage 4 brines. K‐feldspar and Mg‐chlorite formed during diagenetic stage 5 at ca. 1000 Ma in upper stratigraphic sequences, and in the west. These phases precipitated from low‐temperature, isotopically distinct fluids. Their distribution indicates that the basin hydrostratigraphy remained partitioned for >600 Ma.     

Carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition of different strains ofArtemia sp

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios have been determined on 41 strains ofArtemia sp. from different geographic regions around the world. The δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values ranged between −13.7 to−25.0 per mil and −0.7 to 21.2 per mil respectively.Artemia δ¹³C values from coastal environments are consistent with a marine origin for the food sourceArtemia from inland salt lakes have a range of carbon isotope values suggesting C₃, C₄ and CAM based organic matter could form the base of theArtemia food chain. These data indicate thatArtemia having a wide range of carbon and nitrogen isotope values are available for tropho-dynamic research studies that quantify the effect of respired CO₂ on tissue and CaCO₃ shell¹³C/¹²C ratios. Such stable isotope variation also suggests that stable isotope fingerprinting remains a viable technique for identifying specificArtemia collection sites.     

柴达木盆地中西部背斜构造深层卤水水化学特征与成因

柴达木盆地西部背斜构造深层卤水资源勘查和评价成果显示,第三系背斜构造赋存深层卤水,具有良好的资源成矿条件,且潜力大。采集柴达木盆地中西部(一里坪拗陷和三湖拗陷)9处背斜构造深层卤水,分析了其水化学特征与成因。结果表明,深层卤水矿化度一般低于150 g/L,水化学类型均为氯化物型;K⁺、Na⁺、Mg²⁺含量较低,不具找矿价值;而B₂O₃、Li⁺含量普遍高于评价指标,Br-、I-含量普遍高于综合评价指标,为主要成矿元素;卤水的元素特征系数和分布规律及微量离子组成揭示,深层卤水是大气降水溶滤盆地周缘岩浆岩和火山岩及火山热泉的补给后,汇入古近纪—新近纪湖盆经蒸发浓缩封存在地层中的沉积卤水。     

Post-depositional 137Cs Mobility in the Sediments of Three Shallow Coastal Lagoons, SW England

We present ¹³⁷Cs profiles for three low lying coastal lagoons in Southwest England that show a decline in activity with sediment depth. ¹³⁷Cs inventories are lower than expected by comparison with local reference inventories despite the fact that sampling was undertaken in the deep-water zone of each lake where sediment and ¹³⁷Cs focusing would be expected. At all three locations, lake sediment ⁷Be and unsupported ²¹⁰Pb (²¹⁰Pb_un) inventories are not significantly lower than the local reference inventory. ¹³⁷Cs inventories in the study cores range from 38 to 95% of local reference inventories. The standing water level and mud: water interface at two sites are below maximum tide level and, at all three sites, salinity increases significantly in the water columns between low and high tide and in the pore waters of the underlying sediments. We suggest that the difference in hydrostatic pressure between sea level and standing water levels in the lagoons forces salt water up through the sediment column and that monovalent cations (especially Na⁺ and K⁺) replace ¹³⁷Cs on exchange sites leading to the upward migration and loss of ¹³⁷Cs. Rising sea levels may therefore contribute to remobilisation and release of ¹³⁷Cs to the aquatic environment from the sediments of coastal lagoons.     

Consequences of artificially opening coastal lagoons on their fish assemblages

The consequences of artificially opening lagoon entrances on the fish assemblages of coastal lagoons in south-eastern Australia were investigated. Impacts of lagoon opening were assessed by comparing changes in the fish assemblages of Werri and Shellharbour Lagoons, both of which intermittently opened to the sea with that of Lake Illawarra, a third coastal lagoon which remained closed during the study period. Numbers of fish species and individuals did not differ significantly after lagoon openings at Werri Lagoon and Shellharbour Lagoon. However, higher numbers of species and individuals were found in Lake Illawarra before the other lagoons had opened. Abundances of some economically significant species (namelyMugil cephalus, Myxus elongatus andLiza argentea) significantly increased after openings, mainly due to small juveniles (<40 mm FL) recruiting to the seagrass beds. In contrast, these species were caught as larger juveniles (>70 mm FL) in Lake Illawarra. Furthermore, their abundance in Lake Illawarra declined during successive months, coinciding with declining salinity. Abundances of resident species (such asPseudomugil olorum andAfurcagobius tamarensis) remained largely unchanged after openings. Although it was clear that marine-spawning species must benefit from lagoon openings, the number and composition of species able to move into lagoons from adjacent waters may be dependent upon the frequency, duration and time of year that the entrance is connected to the sea. The present study thus provides data which may be useful for fisheries management in intermittently open lagoons. However, these results should not be cited as reason to artificially open lagoon entrances as further detailed studies of other aspects of lagoon biota, such as their invertebrate and avian faunas, are also needed to provide sufficient basis for broader management frameworks.     

Habitat, occurrence and conservation of Saharo-Arabian-Turanian element Forsskaolea tenacissima L. in the Iberian Peninsula

The aim of this study is to assess the Iberian populations of Forsskaolea tenacissima L. according to its biogeographical interest, habitat, geographical range and conservation status. Results point out that they are restricted to gravel wadis of Tabernas Desert (SE Spain), are scarcely included in protected areas and represent historically isolated populations with relict behaviour. We also describe a new association, Senecioni-Forsskaoleetum tenacissimae. Conservation status of species is cause for concern and two conservation actions must be carried out. Firstly, protected areas should house Forsskaolea populations and secondly, phytosociological characterization of a community allows inventorying its habitat and directing conservation efforts to community level.     

Distribution of Calanus species off Franz Josef Land (Arctic Barents Sea)

The spatial distribution of Calanus species was examined near Franz Josef Land archipelago in August 2006 and 2007. Surface and bottom water temperatures exceeded the average multiannual values. Calanus species dominated the total mesozooplankton abundance and biomass, accounting for 818 ± 178 individuals m⁻³ (mean ± SE) and 803 ± 163 mg wet weight (WW) m⁻³, respectively, in 2006. In 2007, the values were much lower (153 ± 29 individuals m⁻³ and 192 ± 17 mg WW m⁻³, respectively), reflecting the weaker influence of warm Atlantic water that year. Calanus glacialis dominated the Calanus populations, contributing 95% and 60% of the biomass in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Older copepodite stages (CIV–CV) predominated in the C. finmarchicus (69% and 76%, respectively) and C. hyperboreus populations (80% and 77%, respectively), whereas young copepodites (CI–CIII) were predominant in C. glacialis (45% and 59%, respectively). A clear negative relationship between the average water temperature and the total Calanus biomass was observed in 2006, whereas a positive correlation between these parameters was observed in 2007. The distributions of three Calanus species off Franz Josef Land were mainly associated with hydrological conditions and circulation patterns.     

The influence of flushing rates, terrestrial input and low salmon escapement densities on paleolimnological reconstructions of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) nutrient dynamics in Alaska and British Columbia

Recent advances in paleolimnology have enabled reconstructions of past sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) dynamics using a number of proxy-indicators, including diatoms and stable isotopes. Thus far, studies have focused on nursery lakes with high escapement densities and low flushing rates, ensuring that levels of salmon-derived nutrients (SDN) are high and are incorporated into the food chain. This study examines three oligotrophic sockeye salmon nursery lakes in Alaska (Afognak and Saltery lakes) and British Columbia (Hobiton Lake) to determine if sockeye salmon populations can be tracked in nursery systems with lower salmon escapement densities, higher flushing rates and/or higher terrestrial input. We adopted a multi-proxy approach using diatoms, stable isotopes (¹⁵N), organic carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratios and pollen to draw inferences from ²¹⁰Pb-dated sediment cores. ¹⁵N showed little response to historic variation in sockeye salmon populations, even in Saltery Lake, which has a very high escapement density, and in Afognak Lake, in which average escapement is known to have increased. Dilution effects due to high flushing rates were likely partly responsible for the low ¹⁵N and minimal variation throughout the cores, although very high terrestrial input in Hobiton Lake also dampened the salmon signal. Small changes in diatom species assemblages, however, were evident in all three lakes and may be in response to fluctuating loads of salmon-derived nutrients. Most notably, increases of mesotrophic diatom taxa, such as Asterionella formosa and Aulacoseira subarctica, corresponded to increased salmon production in Alaskan lakes as a result of enhancement (fertilization) activities and climatic changes. Changes in the relative abundance of Cyclotella pseudostelligera in Hobiton Lake may also be in response to a significant decline in sockeye salmon populations off the west coast of Vancouver Island in the 1970s. Other factors, however, such as logging and lake fertilization may also have influenced diatom species composition. These results confirm that, while salmon-derived nutrients may be of key importance in juvenile salmonid development in some lakes, this may not be the case in all systems, especially those in which flushing rates are high. Further, in these systems, diatom communities appear to respond more sensitively to fluctuations in salmon populations (and therefore nutrients) than stable isotope methods, provided that other changes in trophic status are minor.     

Quaternary and extant euryhaline Lamprothamnium Groves (Charales) from Australia: Gyrogonite morphology and paleolimnological significance

Charophytes are very common in Australian modern and Quaternary waterbodies, and are quite commonly incorrectly reported as “Chara” sp. or Lamprothamnium papulosum (Wallroth) Groves. This paper is the first attempt at the identification of the widespread euryhaline genus Lamprothamnium in Australia, and its use as a paleoenvironmental indicator. Lamprothamnium is distributed worldwide in all continents, except north and central America. The Australian environment, characterized by increasing aridity during the last 500 ka, has an abundance of saline lakes. We sampled 30 modern lakes and identified extant Lamprothamnium macropogon (A. Braun) Ophel and Lamprothamnium succinctum (A. Braun in Ascherson) Wood. Fossil gyrogonites, from lacustrine sediments ∼65 ka old from Madigan Gulf, Lake Eyre, were identified as Lamprothamnium williamsii sp. nov. We applied statistical analysis (analysis of variance, ANOVA) to the morphometry of the gyrogonites from one fossil and three living Lamprothamnium populations. The ANOVA test suggests all the populations are different, including two separate populations of extant L. macropogon, interpreted in this case as the expression of ecophenotypic variability. Lamprothamnium is a useful paleoenvironmental indicator because it indicates a non-marine environment with varying salinity ranging from fresh (usually 2–3 g l⁻¹) to 70 g l⁻¹, and water bodies holding water for at least 70 consecutive days. Collectively, these parameters provide important information in the study of ephemeral habitats.