Synoptic distribution of crab larvae near the mouth of Delaware Bay: Influence of nearshore hydrographic regimes

In this paper we describe results of a study designed to test the hypothesis that coastal regions with weak subtidal flow (i.e., coastal null zones) may serve as retention areas for estuarine larval forms. Our investigation assessed the distribution of 3 taxa of crab larvae (Callinectes sapidus, Uca spp., and Hexapanopeus angustifrons) within a 200-km² region encompassing the mouth of Delaware Bay (ca. 39° N, 75° W). Previous studies had shown that larvae of C. sapidus and Uca spp. are exported to the coastal ocean, while larvae of H. angustifrons are retained within the estuary. In the present investigation, we conducted simultaneous plankton tows at 3 stations during peak spawning season. Samples were collected from a depth of 1 m every 30 min throughout a complete tidal cycle. One station was located 15 km within the bay and was subjected to strong flow at tidal frequency. A second station was located within a southward-flowing coastal current near the southern terminus of the bay at Cape Henlopen. A final station was located in a coastal area of weak subtidal flow near Cape May at the northern terminus of the bay. Results provide a unique synoptic view of larval distributions in 3 distinct hydrographic regimes in the mouth of a major estuary. The coastal-current station was characterized by low concentrations of newly hatched C. sapidus and Uca zoeae, while the null-zone station had high densities of both early and advanced larval stages of these two taxa. In contrast, the station located within the bay had few C. sapidus or Uca zoeae and was dominated by both early and advanced stages of the mud crab H. angustifrons. These data provide clear evidence for the retention of exported larval forms in a coastal null zone associated with the circulation of a large estuary and thus are consistent with our hypothesis.     

Cadmium accumulation,distribution and elimination in the bivalve Macoma balthica: Neither metallothionein nor metallothionein-like proteins are involved

Accumulation and elimination of cadmium was investigated in the tellinid clam, Macoma balthica (L.). Accumulation of Cd was linear in soft tissues (0·35 μg g⁻¹ day⁻¹ dry weight) throughout a 29-day exposure period at 100 μg Cd litre⁻¹. Loss of Cd, measured after transfer of experimentally-contaminated clams to clean seawater, was exponential and relatively slow (biological half-time, 70 days). In contrast, Cd uptake onto the shell of Macoma was characteristic of saturation kinetics, indicative of physical adsorption processes. Amounts of Cd accumulated by the shell were low, and the elimination rate rapid (half-time, 7 days) compared with soft tissues.Gel chromatographic profiles of cytosol extracts from control and experimental groups of M. balthica revealed that most of the Cd was bound to high molecular weight ligands, an unusual feature in bivalve molluscs. Although the proportion of cytosolic Cd associated with very low molecular weight ligands is small (< 15%) this pool may be important in regulating Cd fluxes in Macoma during uptake and elimination phases. No evidence was found of metallothionein (or similar metal-binding protein) involvement in Cd accumulation and storage in either field or laboratory exposed clams.The metabolism of Cd in M. balthica is different from that reported for other bivalve groups in several respects. In particular, the relatively slow rate of Cd accumulation in Macoma may be an important adaptive advantage for survival in contaminated areas and may compensate for the absence of a recognised detoxifying (MT) system in this species.     

Vertical distribution of first stage larvae of the blue crab,Callinectes sapidus,at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay

The vertical distribution of stage I blue crab larvae, near the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, was examined over four diurnal cycles. Each of two stations was occupied for 30 hours twice during the summer of 1979.On each of the four cruises, peak larval abundance occurred after a night time high slack tide, suggesting a synchronized hatch of blue crab larvae. 90–99% of all larvae collected were taken in the neuston layer. The apparent timing of the hatches to coincide with the beginning of an ebb tide and the concentration of larvae in the neuston layer strongly suggests seaward transport of these early stage larvae and the probability of offshore development.     

墨西哥湾海洋环境对蓝蟹(Callinectes sapidus)幼体分布和扩散的影响

本文以蓝蟹为例,研究海洋环境对甲壳动物幼体迁移规律和机制的影响。利用不规则三角形网格和有限体积模型(finite-volume coastal ocean model, FVCOM)耦合kinesis模型的方法,分析研究了墨西哥湾物理环境对蓝蟹(Callinectessapidus)幼体的分布和扩散途径的影响。蓝蟹在每年的四、五月份海水落潮期间产卵,通过跟踪算法从产卵区域沿着墨西哥湾海域进行模拟,获得了80天内蓝蟹幼体的粒子移动轨迹,记录并分析了幼体经过海域的盐度值。研究结果证明了该方法可有效模拟蓝蟹幼体在特定海域的迁移规律和扩散机制,进一步研究可为了解海洋物理环境对蓝蟹和其他渔业资源的影响提供借鉴。     

Effects of water-borne copper on metallothionein and lipid peroxidation in the marine amphipod Gammarus locusta

The aim of the current work was to determine over 10 days the effects of water-borne exposure of the marine amphipod Gammarus locusta to 4 microgCu l(-1) on the metallothionein (MT; measured by differential pulse polarography) protection system and lipid peroxidation (LP: thiobarbituric acid-reactive malondialdehyde equivalents) as a measure of oxidative damage. MT levels in exposed animals increased significantly at day 2 (36% > control; P < 0.001) and remained high at days 6 and 10 (55 and 38%, respectively, P < 0.001). The maximum level of MT at day 6 coincided with the highest Cu body-burden. LP increased within I day of exposure, indicative of Cu as an oxidative stressor. However, in contrast to MT, the highest LP level was seen at day 4 (68% > control, P < 0.001) before returning to control values by day 6, indicating a protective role of MT against the pro-oxidant effects of Cu.     

亚洲海域鲎的种类和分布

审核有关亚洲海域鲎种类和分布的历史文献发现,亚洲海域只有圆尾鲎Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda、中国鲎Tachypleus tridentatus和南方鲎Tachypleus gigas3种鲎分布。圆尾鲎分布于中国香港、北部湾、雷州湾以南、印度尼西亚爪哇岛北岸以北、菲律宾南部以西和恒河河口印度东北部以东的海域。中国鲎分布于长江口以南的中国海域、日本濑户内海、九州岛北岸以南、印度尼西亚爪哇岛北岸以北、苏门答腊岛印度洋侧以东和苏拉威西岛以西的海域。南方鲎分布于越南西贡以南、爪哇岛北岸以北、菲律宾南部以西的太平洋海域及印度恒河印度东北部以东的印度洋海域。以前有关中国北部湾海域和香港海域有南方鲎的报道是错误的,把中国鲎的幼体及成体误当成了南方鲎。中国海域只有中国鲎和圆尾鲎2种鲎分布。中国的海南、广西、广东西部和香港(可能还包括台湾)等是圆尾鲎分布的海域。其沿岸要严禁食鲎,以防误食圆尾鲎而引起河豚毒素中毒。     

The effect of supplementary dietary copper on copper and metallothionein levels in the fish, dab, Limanda limanda

Common dab were fed a casein based diet containing copper at a concentration of 1·4 mg copper kg⁻¹ (dry weight) or a similar diet supplemented with 200 mg copper kg⁻¹. Fish were sampled after 10 weeks and 20 weeks and hepatic and renal copper, zinc and metallothionein concentrations were measured. All hepatic cytosolic copper in test and control fish co-eluted from Sephadex G-75 with metallothionein, as did some of the cytosolic zinc. After 20 weeks there was three times as much of this metallothionein-bound copper in the livers of the test fish compared to the control fish, although metallothionein concentration was little elevated. On the basis of these results it is proposed that cytosolic liver copper concentration or heat stable liver copper concentration can be used as an indication of excess dietary copper in the dab Limanda limanda.     

Effects of water-borne copper on metallothionein and lipid peroxidation in the marine amphipod gammarus locusta

The aim of the current work was to determine over 10 days the effects of water-borne exposure of the marine amphipod Gammarus locusta to 4 μgCu l⁻¹ on the metallothionein (MT; measured by differential pulse polarography) protection system and lipid peroxidation (LP; thiobarbituric acid-reactive malondialdehyde equivalents) as a measure of oxidative damage. MT levels in exposed animals increased significantly at day 2 (36% > control; P<0.001) and remained high at days 6 and 10 (55 and 38%, respectively, P<0.001). The maximum level of MT at day 6 coincided with the highest Cu body-burden. LP increased within 1 day of exposure, indicative of Cu as an oxidative stressor. However, in contrast to MT, the highest LP level was seen at day 4 (68% > control, P<0.001) before returning to control values by day 6, indicating a protective role of MT against the pro-oxidant effects of Cu.     

东海南部海域蟹类种类组成及分布特征

本文根据1998年5月(春)、8月(夏)、11月(秋)和1999年2月(冬)在东海南部海域的蟹类资源调查资料,结合近年相关渔业调查数据,研究分析了该渔场蟹类的种类组成、地理和区系分布及其数量分布的特点.结果表明该渔场蟹类有63种,隶属13科、38属,以热带和亚热带暖水性种为主,属印度-西太平洋区系中的中-日亚区,与南海关系最为密切,而与黄、渤海关系较为疏远.蟹类分布遍及整个调查海区,但时空分布差异明显,调查海区东南部和沿27°45′N一带海域,平均资源密度指数以夏季最高,达276.8kg/km2,秋季最低,仅为40.1kg/km2;同时蟹类数量分布与水深有较大的关系,以水深100~120m海域数量最大,这与主要种类细点圆趾蟹的分布海域区域明显相关;具有开发利用价值的经济种类有十几种,其渔获量占蟹类总渔获量83%,在渔业产量中占主导地位的为细点圆趾蟹、光掌、锈斑和武士等.     

Trace metal uptake by the Chinese mitten crab Eriocheir sinensis: the role of osmoregulation

Changes in salinity affect the bioavailability and consequent uptake of trace metals by euryhaline invertebrates. In many cases, salinity-related effects on metal uptake can be explained by changes in chemical speciation but salinity may also influence uptake indirectly through its action on osmoregulatory mechanisms. Specifically, it can be hypothesised that trace metal uptake may be reduced at salinities approaching the isosmotic point of a species because, at this point, there is reduced activity of ionic exchange pumps. The present study tested this hypothesis using the Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, a hyper-hypoosmoregulator with an isosmotic point around 33 per thousand. Crabs were exposed to radio-labelled cadmium and zinc at 23, 33 and 43 per thousand for 4 days. To eradicate speciation effects, crabs were exposed to the same concentration of the radio-labelled free metal ion (estimated using MineQL computer software) at each salinity. Haemolymph samples were taken daily and radio-labelled metal concentrations were estimated from radioactivity counts and used to provide relative measures of metal uptake. Neither cadmium nor zinc uptake was lowest at the isosmotic point. The uptake of cadmium increased significantly with increase in salinity, while the uptake of zinc showed no significant change with increased salinity. Thus changes in trace metal uptake rates in E. sinensis do not appear to be controlled only by changes in free metal ion concentrations. The different effects of salinity change on the uptake of cadmium and zinc (in the absence of free metal ion change) also indicate that physiological responses to osmotic change alone do not control metal uptake rates for this species.     

Assessment of potential biomarkers, metallothionein and vitellogenin mRNA expressions in various chemically exposed benthic Chironomus riparius larvae

The objective of this study was conducted to identify the possibility of using Chironomus metallothionein (MT) and vitellogenin (VTG) as biomarkers of stress caused by endocrinedisrupting chemicals (EDCs), heavy metals, herbicides and veterinary antibiotics. We characterized the MT and VTG cDNA in Chironomus riparius and evaluated their mRNA expression profiles following exposure to different environmental pollutants. The gene expression analysis showed that the MT mRNA levels increased significantly after long-term exposure to cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Moreover, the VTG mRNA expression increased significantly in C. riparius larvae exposed to BPA, NP, DEHP, Cd, 2,4-D and fenbendazole. Evaluation of the long-term effects of environmental pollutants revealed up regulation of Chironomus MT mRNA in response to DEHP exposure among EDCs, and the level of the VTG mRNA was increased significantly following treatment with Cd and herbicide 2,4-D at all concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that VTG could be used as a potential biomarker of herbicide and Cd as well as EDCs, while MT was a potential biomarker of heavy metals such as Cd, Cu, and Pb in aquatic environments.     

Cadmium accumulation by the blue crab, callinectes sapidus: Involvement of hemocyanin and characterization of cadmium-binding proteins

The accumulation of cadmium from seawater by the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus, was studied as a function of metal concentration and exposure time, with special emphasis on cadmium-binding proteins. Cadmium was found, in decreasing order of magnitude, in gills, digestive gland and hemolymph. When exposed to 0·5 ppm cadmium for 2–24h, virtually all of the cadmium in the cytosolic fraction of the gill was associated with a low molecular weight (LMW) cadmium-binding protein (MW 8000). However, after 48h of exposure only 50% of the cadmium in the cytosol was bound to this protein. The rest wasfound to be associated with proteins of a molecular weight of 300 000 and 60 000. This pattern of cadmium distribution did not change over a 12-day depuration period. Similar results were obtained upon exposure to 0·1 ppm cadmium. The pattern of cadmium accumulation in the cytosolic fraction of the digestive gland was in marked contrast to that observed for the gill. Initially, the cadmium was distributed over three low molecular weight fractions. During depuration the distribution of cadmium changed and all of the metal became bound to a low molecular weight protein (MW 9000). The cadmium concentrations in the gill and digestive gland remained essentially constant during depuration (12 days). The LMW cadmium-binding proteins were purified by a combination of gelpermeation and ion-exchange chromatography. Their molecular weight, spectral properties and amino acid composition are characteristic of the vertebrate metallothioneins. During exposure to cadmium the metal rapidly appeared in the hemolymph, mainly associated with hemocyanin. During depuration cadmium was transferred from the hemolymph to the digestive gland, demonstrating that hemocyanin acts as a carrier in trace metal transport.     

Dispersal and recruitment of blue crab larvae in Delaware Bay,U.S.A.

Results of a three-year survey of the occurrence of Callinectes sapidus larvae in the mouth of Delaware Bay indicated that stage I zoea larvae were most abundant insurface water as compared to mid-depths and near bottom. The major peak in abundance of stage I zoea larvae occurred in early August with a secondary peak in early September. Peaks in abundance of megalopae occurred five weeks after the respective peaks in zoeal abundance. Zoea stages II–VIII were not collected in the bay mouth. Results of sampling every 3 h over consecutive tidal cycles showed that stage I zoea larvae were most common in the water column on ebbing tidal currents. Megalopae were most common in the water column on flooding tidal currents, suggesting a tidally related, vertical migration. It was concluded that stage I zoea larvae are flushed from the estuary and undergo development on the continental shelf. Megalopae are then transported back to inshore waters by a combination of winds and currents and invade the estuary by means of migration into the water column on flooding tidal currents and migration to the bottom on ebbing tidal currents.     

Alongshore distribution and abundance of fish larvae off the coast of Kenya

Knowledge is limited on the fish larval assemblage in shallow lagoonal reefs along the Kenyan coast. Fish larvae from five lagoons, spanning 120 km on the Kenyan coast, were sampled in March 2007 and April 2008 to compare interannual spatial variations in species composition, abundance and diversity along the coast. In all, 2 644 fish larvae were sampled, comprising 26 families and 37 species in 2007 and 43 families and 73 species in 2008. The larval assemblage was dominated by Gobiidae, Blenniidae, Pomacentridae and Gerreidae during both years. Larvae hatched from non-pelagic mode of spawning constituting 92% of total numbers. Mean larval abundance (no. 100 m^?3 ± SE) along the coast ranged from 5.0 ± 1.0 to 414 ± 226, with highest densities occurring on the northern sites of Watamu (414 ± 226) and Malindi (31 ± 10). Interannual variation in larval abundance between 2007 (2.17 ± 0.3) and 2008 (2.16 ± 0.1) was not significant (p > 0.05). Shannon-Wiener species diversities between sites ranged from 1.2 ± 0.4 to 2.3 ± 0.3, with highest diversities occurring in Mombasa (2.2 ± 0.5) and Nyali (2.3 ± 0.3). In 2007, the occurrence of preflexion larvae increased northwards from Mombasa (18.2%) to Watamu (86.4%), whereas in 2008, the reverse was the case with the incidence of preflexion larvae reducing northwards from Mombasa Marine Park (76%) to Watamu Marine Park (2%). These trends indicate interannual variation in larval source sites for fish species. Correspondence analysis revealed distinct larval assemblages at sites along the coast, which varied between years.     

Abundance and distribution of rhynchoteuthion larvae of Illex argentlnus (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) in the south-western Atlantic

The results of ichthyoplankton surveys carried out by the Instituto Nacional de Pesca (INAPE) in the Argentine–Uruguayan Common Fishing Zone (AUCFZ) in summer 1980 and the winters of 1980–1982 are presented. In addition, the results of joint research with INIDEP, the Argentine and Japan Fisheries Agency, on larvae, juveniles and adults of the short-finned squid Illex argentinus carried out in winter 1989 are given, as are data obtained during the joint sardine and anchovy recruitment project carried out by R.V. Meteor in November/December 1989. The short-finned squid Illex argentinus is the most important cephalopod resource of the area, and an extended fishery is carried out on the Patagonian shelf and in the proximity of the Falkland Islands. The fishing season in the AUCFZ, for pre-spawning and spawning animals, extends from early autumn to winter (March–August). Abundance of rhynchoteuthion larvae (417–485 larvae·10 m^?2) was greatest in winter in surface temperatures of 12,1–16,9°C and surface salinities of 34,8 – 35,2 × 10^?3. The distribution of the larvae is related to the western boundary of the Brazil Current and the convergence front.     

The role of oxyradicals in intracellular proteolysis and toxicity in mussels

Studies were performed on the common mussel, M. edulis L., to determine whether copper (Cu) exposure can affect the extent to which digestive cell proteins are oxidised and whether such oxidative damage is mediated by free radicals. Three age groups of mussels were exposed for 6 ^-days to environmentally realistic concentrations of Cu and then digestive gland homogenates were examined for evidence of protein carbonyl formation. Significant increases in carbonyls relative to untreated control mussels were seen for the youngest (2–4 year-old) and oldest (≥ 10 year-old) mussels only after exposure for 6 days, followed by recovery from exposure for a further 6 days. Untreated mussels also showed an age-related difference in protein oxidation, with a significantly lower concentration in the youngest animals (2–4 year olds). Copper did not affect the levels of modified tryptophan or tyrosine residues or the extent of total lipid peroxidation in digestive gland homogenate. Significant depletion of total vitamin E (a-tocopherol) was seen only in young and medium-aged mussels following exposure for 6 days. The levels of protein carbonyl groups were increased in digestive cell cytosol and lighter lysosomes but not in heavier lysosomes or digestive gland microsomes following 5 days exposure to Cu. Dihydrohodamine-123 was converted to fluorescent rhodamine-123 following sequestration into digestive cell lysosomes. The results suggest a link between the lysosomal sequestration of copper, a concomitant increase in the production of oxyradicals and the potential for intracellular oxidative damage, as well as an increased capacity for oxidative damage in older animals.     

Transitory hydrographic structures and distribution of fish larvae and neustonic crustaceans in the north-western Mediterranean

A hydrographic and zooplankton survey (neuston and water column) was performed over the Blanes submarine canyon (western Mediterranean) in June 1993. Abundance of fish and crab larvae was very low when compared with previous studies conducted in the same area. The horizontal distribution of fish and crab larvae whose adults inhabit the continental shelf was restricted to the coast. The offshore occurrence of low-salinity waters of continental origin, together with the absence of a component perpendicular to the coast in the system of currents observed throughout the study area, support the observed pattern of distribution. The occurrence of mesopelagic fish larvae and of the oceanic neustonic isopod Idotea metallica in some coastal stations may be associated with episodic inshore-offshore exchanges of water masses identified by drifting buoy trajectories.