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.     

Rates of oxygen consumption and tolerance of hypoxia and desiccation in Chinese black sleeper(Bostrichthys sinensis) and mudskipper(Boleophthalmus pectinirostris) embryos

1Introduction Afossorialmodeoflifehasbeenadoptedbynu merousfishes(Gibson,1982).Burrowingmodeof lifeclearlyoffersanumberofadvantages,butburro wingfishmustalsobeadaptedtocopewiththespe cialproblemsthatthislifestylepresents.Fishthat constructburrowsininterti…     

Two complete mitogenomes of Ocypodoidea(Decapoda: Brachyura), Cleistostoma dilatatum(Camptandriidae) and Euplax sp.(Macrophthalmidae) and its phylogenetic implications

Complete mitochondrial genomes(mitogenomes) can provide useful information for phylogenetic relationships,gene rearrangement, and molecular evolution. In the present study, two newly sequenced mitogenomes of Ocypodoidea(Cleistostoma dilatatum and Euplax sp.) were reported for the first time, which are 15 444 bp and16 129 bp in length, respectively. Cleistostoma dilatatum is the first species in the family Camptandriidae whose complete mitogenome was sequenced. Each mitogenome contains an entire ...     

Trends in world and extended-length cruising (1985–2002)

This paper documents recent activity of the world and extended-length cruise markets—a neglected area of research within the scholarly literature. A comparative empirical analysis is provided that identifies and reviews the status and trends of these two markets. It also tests and supports three broad hypotheses regarding cruise ship attributes and cruise characteristics. Additional findings of the research are reported regarding change.     

δ~(13)C and δ~(15)N in Humboldt squid beaks: understanding potential geographic population connectivity and movement

We quantified the δ13 C and δ15 N values in the lower beaks of Humboldt squid, Dosidicus gigas, collected from international waters off Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru and Chile by Chinese squid jigging vessels during 2009, 2010 and 2013. There was a significant difference in the isotopic values among regions with the lowest value off Ecuador and the highest off Chile, which were interpreted as a function of trophic effects as well as baseline values. However, constant trophic level of D. gigas across its geographic range showed that spatial variation in the baseline of primary production is the main driver responsible for the observed geographic isotope variability.Inter-regional difference and intra-regional convergence of isotope values indicated squid off Costa Rica, Ecuador and Chile belong to different geographically segregated populations, which were previously proved by integrated population identifying method. In contrast, the higher variations in δ13 C and δ15 N values in a given size group suggest the squid off Peru move and forage in different places. Moreover, potential population exchange could be responsible for the overlap of the isotope values between the squid off Peru and off Chile. On the whole, the spatial difference in isotopic values of Humboldt squid beaks improves our understanding of potential geographic population connectivity and movement.     

Variability of the bottom-simulating reflector (BSR) and its association with tectonic structures in the Chilean margin between Arauco Gulf (37°S) and Valdivia (40°S)

Multichannel seismic reflection data recorded between Arauco Gulf (37°S) and Valdivia (40°S), on the Chilean continental margin, were processed and modeled to obtain seismic images and sub-surface models, in order to characterize the variability of the bottom-simulating reflector (BSR), which is a geophysical marker for the presence of gas hydrates. The BSR is discontinuous and interrupted by submarine valleys, canyons, as well as by faults or fractures. The BSR occurrence is more common south of Mocha Island due to moderate slopes and greater organic matter contribution by rivers in that area. Tectonic uplift and structural instability change the stability gas hydrate zone and consequently the BSR position, creating in some cases missing or double BSRs. Our modeling supports the presence of gas hydrate above the BSR and free gas below it. Higher BSR amplitudes support higher hydrate or free gas concentrations. In the study area, gas hydrate concentration is low (an average of 3.5%) suggesting disseminated gas hydrate distribution within the sediments. Also higher BSR amplitudes are associated with thrust faults in the accretionary prism, which serve as conduits for gas flow from deeper levels. This extra gas supply produces a wider thickness of gas hydrates or free gas.     

Developing yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) and hāpuku (Polyprion oxygeneios) for New Zealand aquaculture

Two high value species, yellowtail kingfish (Seriola lalandi) and hāpuku (groper, Polyprion oxygeneios), have been identified as suitable new candidates for New Zealand aquaculture. This paper reviews the research by NIWA and collaborators conducted to test the biological, technological and economic feasibility of farming these two species. NIWA now has the capability to produce sufficient kingfish fingerlings per year to meet the needs of the early stages of an industry. Advances in hāpuku aquaculture have also been significant, from spawning in captivity through to the selection of juveniles for improved growth. Recently, the first spawning of captive hāpuku F1 broodstock and production of F2 eggs, larvae and juveniles was achieved. Although hāpuku larval survival remains variable, the ability to close the life cycle, and the availability of domesticated broodstock, provide a significant step forward and increase the chances of this species being commercially farmed.     

Neutron activation analysis(NAA) and geochemical studies of 38 elements in surface sediments from lower reach and estuary of Huanghe(Yellow) River

Using a neutron activation analysis technique, which involves gamma-spectrometry with a Ge(Li) detector coupled to a S40 multichannel analyzer and interfaced to a PDP-11 computer, we determined thirty-eight elements in sediments from the lower reach (downstream from Jinan) and estuary of Huanghe. The results are discussed in this paper.From inter-elemental correlations, it ts found that a large number of metals (Mn.As, Co, Cr.Cs, Rb, Sc, Ti, Ta, V and Zn) correlate positively with Fe. Ba and Ca correlate positively with Al. Whereas some elements (e. g. , Ti and lanthanides) show no correlation with either Fe or Al. On the other hand, Hf and Zr show a negative correlation with Fe. Elements which tend to be scavenged by Fe and Al colloids or suspended particles are enriched in sediments at the Huanghe Estuary relative to its lower reach. On the other hand, the contents of some elements (e. g. , Zr,Hf,U, Ba, etc. )are higher in sediments from the lower reach of Huanghe than in the estuarine sediments,which     

Physiological response and photoacclimation capacity of Caulerpa prolifera (Forsskål) J.V. Lamouroux and Cymodocea nodosa (Ucria) Ascherson meadows in the Mar Menor lagoon (SE Spain)

The macroalga Caulerpa prolifera colonized the Mar Menor coastal lagoon after the enlargement of the main inlet in 1972, coexisting now with the previous Cymodocea nodosa meadows. The physiological response and the photoacclimation capacity of both species were studied. For this purpose in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence, photoprotective mechanisms and oxidative stress were measured in both species in summer 2010 and exposure-recovery experiments were conducted to determine the acclimation capacity of both species. The results suggest that C. prolifera behaves as a shade-adapted species with a low photoprotective capacity, light being one of the main factors governing its distribution in the lagoon. The high photosynthetic capacity and lack of photoinhibition found in C. nodosa suggest that this species is highly photoprotected. It also possesses a high concentration of lutein and a high de-epoxidation degree, related to a much higher NPQ_max value.     

Numerical modeling of wind and waves for Typhoon Betty (8710)

Ｎｕｍｅｒｉｃａｌ　ｍｏｄｅｌｉｎｇ　ｏｆ　ｗｉｎｄ　ａｎｄ　ｗａｖｅｓ　ｆｏｒ　ＴｙｐｈｏｏｎＢｅｔｔｙ（８７１０）TXＮｕｍｅｒｉｃａｌｍｏｄｅｌｉｎｇｏｆｗｉｎｄａｎｄｗａｖｅｓｆｏｒＴｙｐｈｏｏｎＢｅｔｔｙ（８７１０）ＹｕＷｅｉｄｏｎｇ，Ｑｉａ...     

Mantle source heterogeneity and magmatic evolution at Carlsberg Ridge (3.7°N): constrains from elemental and isotopic (Sr,Nd, Pb) data

We present new major element, ICP-MS trace element, and Sr–Nd–Pb isotope data of basalts from four locations along the Carlsberg Ridge (CR), northern Indian Ocean. The basalts are low-K tholeiites with 7.52–9.51 wt% MgO, 49.40–50.60 wt% SiO₂, 0.09–0.27 wt% K₂O, 2.55–2.90 wt% Na₂O, and 0.60–0.68 Mg^#. Trace element contents of the basalts show characteristics similar to those of average normal MORB, such as LREE depleted patterns with (La/Sm)_N ratio of 0.55–0.69; however, some samples are enriched in large-ion lithophile elements such as K and Rb, suggesting probable modification of the mantle source. Poor correlations between the compatible elements [e.g. Ni, Cr, and Sr (related to olivine, clinopyroxene and plagioclase, respectively)] and the incompatible elements (e.g. Zr and Y), and positive correlations in the Zr versus Zr/Y and Nb versus Nb/Y plots suggest a magmatic evolution controlled mainly by mantle melting rather than fractional crystallization. Our results extend the CR basalt range to higher radiogenic Pb isotopes and lower ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd. These basalts and basalts from the northern Indian Ocean Ridge show lower ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd and higher ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values than those of the depleted mantle (DM), defining a trend towards pelagic sediment composition. The Pb isotopic ratios of basalts from CR 3–4°N lie along the compositional mixing lines between the DM and the upper continental crust. However, the low radiogenic Pb of basalts from CR 9–10°N lie on the mixing line between the DM and lower continental crust. Since the Pb isotopic ratio of MORB would decrease if the source mantle was contaminated by continental lithospheric mantle, we suggest that CR contains continental lithospheric material, resulting in heterogeneous mantle beneath different ridge segments. The continental lithospheric material was introduced into the asthenosphere before or during the breakup of the Gondwana. These results support the long-term preservation of continental material in the oceanic mantle which would significantly influence the isotopic anomaly of the Indian Ocean MORB.     

A Study of Wind Statistics Through Auto-Regressive and Moving-Average (ARMA) Modeling

Statistical properties of winds near the Taichung Harbour are investigated. The 26 years'incomplete data of wind speeds, measured on an hourly basis, are used as reference. The possibility of imputation using simulated results of the Auto-Regressive (AR), Moving-Average (MA), and/ or Auto-Regressive and Moving-Average (ARMA) models is studied. Predictions of the 25-year extreme wind speeds based upon the augmented data are compared with the original series. Based upon the results, predictions of the 50- and 100-year extreme wind speeds are then made.     

Non-Plate-Tectonic (Autonomous) Folding and Thrusting in the Earth’s Crust

Izvestiya, Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics - The formation of fold–thrust dislocations of stratified rocks in the Earth’s crust has been considered as a consequence of the lateral...     

Fluid inclusion and microfabric studies on Zechstein carbonates (Ca2) and related fracture mineralizations – New insights on gas migration in the Lower Saxony Basin (Germany)

New petrographic and fluid inclusion data from core samples of Upper Permian dolomitic limestone (Hauptdolomit, Zechstein group, Stassfurt carbonate sequence) from a gas field located at the northern border of the Lower Saxony Basin (LSB) essentially improve the understanding of the basin development. The gas production at the locality is characterized by very high CO₂ concentrations of 75–100% (with CH₄ and N₂).Samples consist of fine grained, mostly laminated and sometimes brecciated dolomitic limestone (mudstone/wackestone) from the transition zone between the shallow water zone (platform) and the upper slope. The study focuses on migration fluids, entrapped as fluid inclusions in diagenetic anhydrite, calcite, and fluorite, and in syn-diagenetic microfractures, as well as on the geochemistry of fluorite fracture mineralizations, obtained by LA-ICP-MS analysis. Fluid inclusion studies show that the diagenetic fluid was rich in H₂ONaClCaCl₂. Recrystallized anhydrite contains aqueous inclusions with homogenization temperatures (T_h) of ca. 123 °C, but somewhat higher T_h of ca. 142 °C was found for calcite cement followed by early Fluorite A with T_h of 147 °C. A later Fluorite B preserves gas inclusions and brines with maximum T_h of 156 °C. Fluorite B crystallized in fractures during the mobilization of CO₂-bearing brines. Crossing isochores for co-genetic aqueous-carbonic and carbonic inclusions indicate fluid trapping conditions of 180–200 °C and 900–1000 bars. δ¹³C-isotopic ratios of gas trapped in fluid inclusions suggest an organic origin for CH₄, while the CO₂ is likely of inorganic origin.Basin modelling (1D) shows that the fault block structure of the respective reservoir has experienced an uplift of >1000 m since Late Cretaceous times.The fluid inclusion study allows us to, 1) model the evolution of the LSB and fluid evolution by distinguishing different fluid systems, 2) determine the appearance of CO₂ in the geological record and, 3) more accurately estimate burial and uplift events in individual parts of the LSB.     

African penguins as predators and prey – coping (or not) with change

African penguins Spheniscus demersus live in the Benguela and western Agulhas ecosystems off southern Africa. Their numbers decreased throughout the 20^th century from at least 1.5 million to about 0.18 million adults, although different regional trends were apparent. They feed to a large extent on shoaling epipelagic fish, notably anchovy Engraulis capensis and sardine Sardinops sagax, and regional trends in the abundance of penguins are associated with trends in the abundance and distribution of these prey fish. Many first-time breeders emigrate from colonies where feeding or other conditions at the time are unfavourable to more favourable breeding localities. This has led to both the extinction and formation of colonies. Food now may limit colonies at relatively small sizes, a fact attributable to industrial fisheries reducing the densities of forage fish. African penguins share their habitat with several other predators, with which they compete for food and breeding space. One of these, the Cape fur seal Arctocephalus p. pusillus, increased through the 20^th century to 1.5 – 2 million animals at its close. Reported observations of predation by fur seals on seabirds have increased in recent decades and threaten the continued existence of small colonies of penguins. Stochastic modelling suggests that colonies of 10 000 pairs have a 9% probability of extinction in 100 years, so smaller populations should be regarded as "Vulnerable". However, in a period of prolonged food scarcity off southern Namibia, the regional population decreased from more than 40 000 pairs in 1956 to about 1 000 pairs in 2000, and many colonies numbering less than 1 000 pairs became extinct. The minimum viable population for African penguins is currently considered to be >40 000 pairs, likely of the order of 50 000 pairs, a figure equivalent to its level in 2000. The chance of survival of the species through the 21^st century is tenuous.     

EU marine strategy framework directive (MSFD) and marine spatial planning (MSP): Which is the more dominant and practicable contributor to maritime policy in the UK?

This paper is a comparative analysis of the contribution to UK marine governance of two recent EU initiatives: the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). MSFD imposed a duty on Member States to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES) in four regional seas, while MSP required Member States to replace their fragmented, sector-based system of maritime decision making with an integrated approach. This paper explains MSFD and MSP, examines their relationship, and compares their practicability, concluding that MSP is both the more dominant and the more practicable instrument, reflecting the UK's preference for sustainable development over conservationism in marine policy. A recent proposal by the European Commission to make MSP and integrated coastal management a Directive reinforces the UK position.     

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.     

Induced Maturation and Spawning by Sex Pheromones in Female Mudskipper (Boleophthalmus pectinirostris)

1 IntroductionMudskipper ( Boleophthalmus pectinirostris ) inhabits muddy burrow in the intertidal mudflats of the temperature zone, feeding mainly on benthic diatoms and adapting to a wide range of salinity[1~3]. Although it is small in size, the mudskipper is delicious, nutritious and has a high market value. Fish farmers in Southeastern Mainland China are eager to culture this species. However, at present the natural resource of the fish has been decreasing or disappearing in some area…     

Physiological characteristics and cryopreservation of sea bass(Lateolabrax japonicus) spermatozoa

Ｐｈｙｓｉｏｌｏｇｉｃａｌｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｉｓｔｉｃｓａｎｄｃｒｙｏｐｒｅｓｅｒｖａｔｉｏｎｏｆｓｅａｂａｓｓ（Ｌａｔｅｏｌａｂｒａｘｊａｐｏｎｉｃｕｓ）ｓｐｅｒｍａｔｏｚｏａＩＮＴＲＯＤＵＣＴＩＯＮＳｅａｂａｓｓ，Ｌａｔｅｏｌａｂｒａｘｊａｐｏｎ...     

Sub-recent nitrogen-isotope trends in sediments from Skagerrak (North Sea) and Kattegat: Changes in N-budgets and N-sources?

We determined ¹⁵N/¹⁴N ratios of total nitrogen in surface sediments and dated sediment cores to reconstruct the history of N-loading of the North Sea. The isotopic N composition in modern surface sediments is equivalent to and reflects the isotopic mixture of oceanic nitrate on the one hand (δ¹⁵N = 5‰) and the imprint of river-borne nitrogen input into the SE North Sea (δ¹⁵N up to 12‰ in estuaries of the SE North Sea) on the other hand. We compare the results with δ¹⁵N records from pre-industrial sediment intervals in cores from the Skagerrak and Kattegat areas, which both constitute significant depositional centres for N in the North Sea and the Baltic Sea/North Sea transition. As expected, isotopically enriched anthropogenic nitrogen was found in the two records from the Kattegat area, which is close to eutrophication sources on land. Enrichment of δ¹⁵N in cores from the Skagerrak – the largest sediment sink for nitrogen in the entire North Sea – was not significant and values were similar to those found in sediment layers representing pre-industrial conditions. We interpret this isotopic uniformity as an indication that most riverine reactive nitrogen with its characteristic isotopic signature is removed by denitrification in shallow shallow-water sediments before reaching the main sedimentary basin of the North Sea.