Quality of coastal and estuarine essential fish habitats: estimations based on the size of juvenile common sole (Solea solea L.)

Survival and growth of early fish stages are maximal in coastal and estuarine habitats where natural shallow areas serve as nurseries for a variety of widely distributed species on the continental shelf. Processes occurring in these nursery grounds during the juvenile stage affect growth and may be important in regulating the year-class strength of fishes and population size. The need, therefore, exists to protect these essential fish habitats hence to develop indicators to estimate their quality.The purpose of the present study was to use the growth of juvenile sole as a means of comparing the quality of coastal and estuarine nursery habitats in the Bay of Biscay (France). These sole nurseries were clearly identified from studies based on trawl surveys carried out during the last two decades. The size of 1-group juveniles at the end of their second summer, as estimated from these surveys, is an indicator of growth in these habitats during the juvenile phase and can be used to compare habitat quality. A model taking into account the role of seawater temperature in spatial and interannual variations of juvenile size was developed to compare growth performance in the different nursery sectors.This study shows that the size of juvenile sole after two summers of life is not density-dependent, probably because the size of the population adapts to habitat capacity after high mortality during early-juvenile stages. Size is on one hand positively related to temperature and on the other hand higher in estuarine than in non-estuarine habitats. This high growth potential of juvenile fish in estuarine areas confirms the very important role played by estuaries as nursery grounds and the essential ecological interest of these limited areas in spite of their low water quality. If a general conclusion on habitat quality is to be reached about studies based on the growth of juvenile fish, it is necessary to use not only an integrative indicator of growth, like size, representative of the intrinsic habitat quality, but also more sensitive and less integrative means, such as otolith increments or caging experiments, which better respond to anthropogenic disturbance. Moreover, it is necessary to take juvenile densities into account.     

Using oocyte size to assess seasonal ovarian development in Solea solea (L.)

Maximum oocyte size was used to assess seasonal ovarian development in sole. Fish age, especially the adolescent period, appeared to affect the start of vitellogenin-dependent oocyte development in the annual reproductive cycle and the subsequent oocyte growth rate. The majority of oocyte growth occurred between September and March. Several other aspects of ovarian development were also age-dependent, including the increase in ovary condition factor (ovary weight/fish length³) and the size of oocytes commencing nuclear migration. Evidence is presented that in the recruiting year class of sole abortive maturation occurs where oocytes develop yolk but spawning does not take place. The implications of this study on the estimation of female spawning stock biomass are discussed.     

Latitudinal comparison of spawning season and growth of 0-group sole, Solea solea (L.)

0-Group sole, Solea solea (Linnaeus, 1758) were sampled in four nursery grounds: two on the Northern French coast and two on the Portuguese coast. Juvenile sole were collected at the Vilaine estuary (Northern Bay of Biscay) in 1992, in the Authie estuary (Eastern English Channel) in 1997, and in the Douro and Tagus estuary (Northern and central Portugal, respectively) in 2005. Left lapilli otoliths were used to estimate age and investigate variability in growth rates and hatch dates. In the French study areas nursery colonisation ended in early June in the Vilaine estuary and in late June in the Authie estuary. In the Portuguese estuaries nursery colonisation ended in May in the Douro estuary and in late June in the Tagus estuary. Growth rates were higher in the Portuguese estuaries, 0.767 mm d⁻¹ in the Tagus estuary and 0.903 mm d⁻¹ in the Douro estuary. In the French nurseries, growth rates were estimated to be 0.473 mm d⁻¹ in the Villaine estuary and 0.460 mm d⁻¹ in the Authie estuary. Data on growth rates from other studies shows that growth rates are higher at lower latitudes, probably due to higher water temperature. Spawning took place between early January and early April in the Villaine estuary's coastal area in 1992. In 1997, in the Authie estuary spawning started in late January and ended in early April. On the Douro estuary's adjacent coast spawning started in mid-January and ended in late March, in 2005, while on the Tagus estuary's adjacent coast spawning started in mid-February and ended in mid-April, in the same year. Literature analysis of the spawning period of sole along a latitudinal gradient ranging from 38°N to 55°N in the Northeast Atlantic indicated that there is a latitudinal trend, in that spawning starts sooner at lower latitudes. Results support that local conditions, particularly hydrodynamics, may overrule general latitudinal trends.     

Recruitment of flatfish species to an estuarine nursery habitat (Lima estuary, NW Iberian Peninsula)

One of the present concerns of fish biologists involves defining and identifying nursery habitats in the context of conservation and resource management strategies. Fish nursery studies usually report upon nursery occupation during the latter juvenile stages, despite the fact that recruitment to nurseries can start early in life, during the larval phase. Here we investigated the use of a temperate estuarine nursery area, the Lima estuary (NW Portugal), by initial development stages of flatfish species before and after metamorphosis, integrating the larval and juvenile phases. The Lima estuarine flatfish community comprised twelve taxa, seven of which were present as pelagic larvae, six as juveniles and three as adults. There was a general trend of increasing spring–summer abundance of both larvae and juveniles, followed by a sharp winter decrease, mainly of larval flatfishes. The Lima estuary was used by Solea senegalensis, Platichthys flesus and Solea solea as a nursery area, with direct settlement for the two first species. In contrast, indirect settlement was suggested for S. solea, with metamorphosis occurring outside the estuarine area. Estuarine recruitment of S. senegalensis varied between years, with young larvae occurring in the estuary throughout a prolonged period that lasted 6–9 months, corroborating the protracted spawning season. P. flesus, the second most abundant species, exhibited a typical spring estuarine recruitment, without inter-annual variations. Developed larvae arrived in the estuary during spring, whereas the 0-group juveniles emerged in the following summer period. The present study contributes new insight to our understanding of the economically important S. senegalensis, and highlights the importance of integrating the planktonic larval phase into traditional flatfish nursery studies.     

Colonization process by macrobenthic infauna after a managed coastal realignment in the Bidasoa estuary (Bay of Biscay, NE Atlantic)

The colonization process by macrobenthic infauna after the completion of managed realignment on the fertile plain of Jaitzubia, along the Bidasoa estuary, is assessed here. The benthic invertebrate fauna was sampled annually for three years in the newly recovered intertidal areas. The results show a rapid colonization process. Six months after the completion of the restoration works, all the stations exhibited a large number of small opportunistic benthic species, as well as some large individuals of Hediste diversicolor, that dominated the biomass of the community. One year later, a new stage of development or succession towards the settlement of the Scrobicularia plana–Cerastoderma edule community was observed, showing a reduction of both abundance and species richness, and an increase in biomass, mainly due to the presence of individuals of S. plana (which were absent previously). The following year, a further reduction in the abundance and number of species was observed, as well as an increase in biomass, but on this occasion S. plana was the main contributor to community biomass. Evidence of the importance of passive or active dispersion in the adult stage of the species H. diversicolor and S. plana in the recovery process was also observed.     

海州湾春季皮氏叫姑鱼栖息地适宜性研究

根据2011年及2013-2015年春季在海州湾及其邻近海域进行的底拖网调查数据,结合同步采集的底层水温、底层盐度、水深以及资源密度等数据,开展皮氏叫姑鱼（Johnius belangerii）栖息地适宜性的相关研究。利用提升回归树（boosted regression tree,BRT）模型确定各环境因子的权重,分别采用算术平均法（AMM）和几何平均法（GMM）建立栖息地适宜性指数（habitat suitability index,HSI）模型,并通过交叉验证确定最优模型。结果表明,皮氏叫姑鱼幼体最适栖息的底层水温为17.4~18.0℃,底层盐度为29.2~30.8,水深为7 m以浅;成体最适栖息的底层水温为17.3~18.0℃,底层盐度为28.8~30.8,水深为12 m以浅。根据BRT模型的输出结果显示,对皮氏叫姑鱼幼体总偏差贡献率最大的是水深,其次是底层盐度和底层水温;对成体总偏差贡献率最大的是底层水温,其次是水深和底层盐度。通过交叉验证发现,无论幼体还是成体,运用GMM算法,且赋予权重的HSI模型具有较低的赤池信息准则值（akaike information criterion,AIC）。海州湾春季皮氏叫姑鱼的最适栖息地随生长阶段而变化,幼体的最适栖息地（HSI ≥ 0.7）主要分布在7 m等深线以浅的山东、江苏沿岸海域;成体的最适栖息主要分布于12 m等深线以浅的海域。海州湾春季皮氏叫姑鱼幼体和成体最适栖息地的空间分布与其自身的生态习性、外界环境因子以及黄海冷水团、近岸沿岸流等因素密切相关。     

Estuarine resources use by juvenile Flagfin mojarra (Eucinostomus melanopterus) in an inverse tropical estuary (Sine Saloum,Senegal)

The Flagfin mojarra, Eucinostomus melanopterus, is a marine spawner whose young individuals are common in the Sine Saloum inverse estuary (Senegal). The species offers the opportunity to study both the use of the estuarine nursery resources and the impact of the particular environment of the inverse estuary on these resources. This will lead to a better understanding of the functioning of the nursery. We investigated the resources used by juvenile Flagfin mojarra by coupling stomach contents and stable isotopes methods.     

Temporal changes in lipid condition and parasitic infection by digenean metacercariae of young-of-year common sole Solea solea (L.) in an Atlantic nursery ground (Bay of Biscay,France)

Little attention has been paid to flatfish parasitism as a potential factor of variation in year-class strength. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between parasitic infection and nutritional condition of young-of-year (YOY) common sole. Sole were collected monthly from May (early settlement) to November 2004 in a mussel pole culture area, using a push-net or a trawl, and dissected for parasite identification and counts. Total lipids were extracted from the whole body and lipid classes quantified. Triacylglycerols to sterols (free form) ratio (TAG/ST) was used as an index of nutritional status. Digenean metacercariae infection, characterized by two dominant genera, displayed clear seasonal dynamics and the highest records yet reported for sole. Prevalence (P%) and mean abundance (Ab ± SE) increased for Timoniella spp. (Acanthostomidae) from May (P% = 22%; Ab = 1.9 ± 1.1) to August (P% = 100%; Ab = 51.2 ± 10.4), and for Prosorhynchus spp. (Bucephalidae) from June (P% = 8%; Ab = 0.1 ± 0.0) to August (P% = 100%; Ab = 19.5 ± 1.7). Epidemiological values reached a plateau after August. In this shellfish-dominated nursery area, YOY sole accumulated metacercariae in the presence of the first intermediate hosts which live in the same habitat. Total lipids decreased significantly from May to June and then remained constant until autumn, indicating a change in the proximate composition of YOY during this high growth period. Mean (± SD) TAG/ST ratio increased from very low values in May–July (0.10 on average) to a peak in September (0.57 ± 0.31) and then fell back to values as low as before. YOY sole only stored energy as TAG prior to autumn. No relationship was found between YOY parasitic infection levels and lipid condition indices. However, the poor nutritional status and heavy infection level observed in November could dramatically lower over-winter survival of the YOY remaining in this shallow part of the nursery.     

Food and feeding habits of juvenile flounder Platichthys flesus (L.), abd turbot Scophthalmus maximus L. in the åland archipelago, northern Baltic Sea

The food choice of juvenile flounder (Platichthys flesus) and turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) was studied in the northern Baltic Sea during the years 1988, 1989, 1994 and 1995. The diet included organisms from 30 species/taxa in flounder (n = 306) and 10 species/taxa in turbot (n = 41). Flounder 45 mm mainly consumed meiofauna (dominating taxon: Harpacticoida, Copepoda) and larger fish (46–101 mm) consumed macrofauna (dominating taxa: Oligochaeta, Amphipoda and Chironomidae). In terms of biomass, macrofauna dominated for all sizes of flounders, and meiofauna was important only for the smallest fish. A strong seasonal variation could be detected in the diet. In spring, macrofauna dominated for all size classes of fish (only fish > 30 mm were caught in spring), while in summer and autumn meiofauna dominated the diets for fish 45 mm in size. Juvenile turbot (22–88 mm) consumed macrofauna and small fish. Turbot 30 mm consumed mainly amphipods, while > 30 mm turbot consumed mysid shrimps, amphipods and fish.The ontogenetic shift from meio- to macrofauna-sized prey in flounders occurs at a larger fish size in the northern Baltic Sea than reported in other areas, possibly depending on the increased relative importance of meiofauna in the northern Baltic. The seasonal variation in the diet could be due to seasonally changing abundances in the zoobenthos, or for the small fish (1-group, spring), to switching from meio- to macrofauna in order to optimize their energy gain. The 0-group flounders consumed meiofauna for a long period, possibly due to a learning-process or simply due to easy availability of meiofauna. Turbot has a much larger mouth gap than flounders, thus allowing them to consume macrofauna from the beginning of their benthic life.     

Reproductive cycle and minimal length at sexual maturity of Engraulis encrasicolus (L.) in the Zrmanja River estuary (Adriatic Sea, Croatia)

The reproductive cycle of anchovy, Engraulis encrasicolus (L.), was studied from monthly random samples of purse seine catches. A total of 1477 anchovy specimens were collected from January to December 2003 in the Zrmanja River estuary (Novigrad Sea). The analysis was based on the temporal evolution of gonadosomatic index, mass and stage of gonads. The total length of anchovy ranged from 4.5 to 14.5 cm and mass from 0.56 to 19.80 g. Sex ratio was slightly different from 1:1; the females were insignificantly predominated (♂/♀ = 0.99). The period of reproductive activity was from April to September coinciding with the most developed stages of gonads as well as with the highest gonad weights, and gonadosomatic indices. To estimate the length at maturity, a sub sample of 454 anchovy was taken from May to July (peak of anchovy spawning period). The length at which 50% of anchovy were mature (L₅₀) was calculated to be 8.2 cm. The length–weight relationship of anchovy was described by the expression: W = 3.51 × 10⁻³ L_T^3.211 (r² = 0.998). The relationships between total length–standard length and total length–fork length are L_T = 1.1405L_S + 0.2420 and L_T = 1.0425 L_F + 0.3944, respectively.     

生物和非生物因子对秋季海州湾长蛇鲻栖息地适宜性的影响

根据2011年和2013−2018年秋季在海州湾及邻近海域进行的底拖网调查数据,结合同步采集的底层水温、底层盐度、水深、资源密度、饵料生物等生物和非生物因子数据,开展长蛇鲻(Saurida elongata)栖息地适宜性的相关研究。利用提升回归树(Boosted Regression Tree, BRT)模型确定各环境因子的权重,分别采用算术平均法和几何平均法建立栖息地适宜性指数(Habitat Suitability Index, HSI)模型,并通过交叉验证确定最优模型。结果表明：海州湾长蛇鲻在秋季最适宜栖息的底层水温范围为17.5～18℃,最适底层盐度范围为31.3～32.0,最适水深范围为24～37 m;选择其3种主要饵料生物作为生物因子,即枪乌贼(Loligo spp.)、戴氏赤虾(Metapenaeopsis dalei)和六丝钝尾鰕虎鱼(Amblychaeturichthys hexanema),与底层水温、底层盐度和水深共同作为影响因子建立HSI模型。结果显示,对长蛇鲻空间分布总偏差贡献率最高的是饵料因子,其次是水深和底层水温。通过交叉验证发现,运用算术平均算法,且赋予权重的HSI模型具有较低的赤池信息准则值(Akaike Information Criterion, AIC)。研究发现,海州湾秋季长蛇鲻的最适栖息地(HSI≥0.7)主要分布在34.5°～36°N,119°～121°E之间,其中35°～36°N海域的最适栖息地分布范围大,而且从近岸至远海,HSI指数有增加的趋势。     

Seasonal abundance and reproductive strategy of Tetrastemma fozensis (Hoplonemertea, Nemertea) in the Villaviciosa estuary (Asturias, Northern Spain)

The seasonal occurrence and reproductive strategy of the nemertean Tetrastemma fozensis, which inhabits the mantle cavity of the bivalve Scrobicularia plana, was studied through the analysis of the temporal diversity of a T. fozensis population. Bimonthly sampling was carried out from February 2001 to January 2002 at mudflats of Villaviciosa estuary (Asturias, Northern Spain). Nemerteans were found throughout the study period, but variations in their abundance were detected, with a maximum during winter months and a minimum during summer months. Moreover, variations in mean size of nemerteans were found, with maximal sizes at the end of the spring and the beginning of the summer and minimum size at early autumn. The annual variations in population parameters (decrease in abundance and complete disappearance of large individuals in summer) suggest that T. fozensis has a distinct reproductive season and a semelparous reproductive strategy.     

Life-history patterns of the salt-marsh killifish Fundulus heteroclitus (L.) introduced in the estuary of the guadalquivir river (South West Spain)

Two thousand four hundred and eighty-four specimens from a population of Fundulus heteroclitus introduced into the southwestern Iberian Peninsula were used to carry out a study on age, growth and reproduction. In this new habitat the species displayed the same life-history tactics as in its original areas. The life-span was shorter, with a winter age-structure of 67·4% in 0 + group, 29·1% in 1 + group, 2·5% in 2 + group and 1·1% in 3 + group. Females showed a higher growth rate and a longer growth period than males and because of this they were always longer than males in all the age-groups. In both sexes growth stopped and the somatic condition was at a minimum from April to June, when the gonadosomatic index reached its highest values. The maximum average gonadosomatic index in females was four times higher than that of males. Specimens achieved maturity during the spawning season the year following birth at a minimum average total length of 45 mm for males and 60 mm for females. Fecundity was related to fish weight, total length and gonad weight. The overall sex ratio did not differ significantly from 1:1.     

Short-term consequences of a benthic cyanobacterial bloom (Lyngbya majuscula Gomont) for fish and penaeid prawns in Moreton Bay (Queensland, Australia)

This study examined the phenology and ecological consequences of a benthic filamentous cyanobacterial bloom (Lyngbya majuscula) in Deception Bay (Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia). Bloom initiation occurred in mid December 1999 and expanded to encompass an 8 km² area by April 2000. Small fish and penaeid prawns (<25 cm total length) were quantitatively sampled through periods designated as before, during and after the bloom using a combination of pop-netting within mangroves and beam trawling over adjacent seagrass beds. Data on larger-bodied fish were compiled from daily fishing logs provided by local commercial fishers. Changes in dry mass of bloom material caught in nets and changes in water chemistry were also measured. Mean concentrations of ammonia-N in residual water within mangroves were several orders of magnitude higher in the affected area than in the control and dissolved oxygen was markedly lower in affected areas. Across the study area, mean density, live mass and number of species declined during the bloom, with fish assemblages using mangroves showing greater decline than assemblages using seagrasses. Response at the species level was highly variable; generally, epibenthic species showed a more sustained decline than demersals. Mean monthly fish catch was significantly lower in bloom than non-bloom years. This study has also demonstrated that throughout the bloom, the affected area continued to support a highly diverse and abundant fish and prawn assemblage, and probably maintained its function as an important nursery habitat for many species.     

海州湾前三岛海域底播刺参群体特征初探

海州湾前三岛海域是中国刺参(Apostichopus japonicus)自然分布的最南界,2013年3月至2014年4月,采用潜水样带法,调查了前三岛海域底播刺参群体的体质量结构及季节变动特征,结合水下观察和视频调查,比较了不同生境类型中的刺参密度。结果表明,前三岛海域刺参密度为0.4~1.33头/m2,生物量为42.69~103 g/m2,刺参群体相对稳定,群体的体质量呈现冬春季节增长、夏秋季节下降的特点。不同生境类型中的刺参密度不同,大型藻类分布的礁石区刺参密度明显大于没有藻类分布的礁石区和砂质区,上述结果为揭示岛屿海域的刺参群体特征和资源养护提供了基础数据。     

Horizontal distribution and population dynamics of the dominant mysid Hyperacanthomysis longirostris along a temperate macrotidal estuary (Chikugo River estuary, Japan)

The estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM) that develops in the lower salinity areas of macrotidal estuaries has been considered as an important nursery for many fish species. Mysids are one of the dominant organisms in the ETM, serving as a key food source for juvenile fish. To investigate the horizontal distribution and population dynamics of dominant mysids in relation to the fluctuation of physical conditions (temperature, salinity, turbidity, and freshwater discharge), we conducted monthly sampling (hauls of a ring net in the surface water) along the macrotidal Chikugo River estuary in Japan from May 2005 to December 2006. Hyperacanthomysis longirostris was the dominant mysid in the estuary, usually showing peaks of density and biomass in or close to the ETM (salinity 1–10). In addition, intra-specific differences (life-cycle stage, sex, and size) in horizontal distribution were found along the estuary. Larger males and females, particularly gravid females, were distributed upstream from the center of distribution where juveniles were overwhelmingly dominant. Juveniles increased in size toward the sea in marked contrast with males and females. The findings suggest a possible system of population maintenance within the estuary; gravid females release juveniles in the upper estuary, juveniles grow during downstream transport, young males and females mature during the upstream migration. Density and biomass were primarily controlled by seasonal changes of temperature, being high at intermediate temperatures (ca. 15–25 °C in late spring and fall) and being low at the extreme temperatures (ca. 10 °C in midwinter and 30 °C in midsummer). High density (up to 666 ind. m⁻³) and biomass (up to 168 mg dry weight m⁻³) of H. longirostris were considered to be comparable with those of copepods in the estuary.     

Habitat selection and quality for multiple cohorts of young-of-the-year bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix): Comparisons between estuarine and ocean beaches in southern New Jersey

In this study, seasonal and annual variability in the use of estuarine and ocean beaches by young-of-the-year bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, was evaluated by indices of abundance in coastal areas of southern New Jersey (1998–2000). Biological and physical factors measured at specific sites were correlated with bluefish abundance to determine the mechanisms underlying habitat selection. In addition, integrative and discrete indicators of bluefish growth were used to examine spatio-temporal dynamics in habitat quality and its effect on habitat selection by multiple cohorts of bluefish. Intra-annual recruitment to coastal areas of southern New Jersey was episodic, and resulted from the ingress of spring-spawned bluefish (hatch-date April) to estuarine beaches in late May to early June, followed by the recruitment of summer-spawned fish (hatch-date early July) to ocean beaches from July to October. Bluefish utilized estuarine and ocean beaches in a facultative manner that was responsive to dynamics in prey composition and temperature conditions. The recruitment and residency of bluefish in the estuary (1998–1999) and ocean beaches (1998), for example, was coincidental with the presence of the Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia and bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli, the principal prey species for bluefish occupying these respective habitat-types. Bluefish abundance in the estuary (2000) and ocean beaches (1999–2000) was also correlated with water temperature, with the greatest catches of juveniles coinciding with their optimal growth temperature (24 °C). Bluefish growth, estimated as the slope of age–length relationships and daily specific growth rates, equaled 1.27–2.63 mm fork length (FL) d⁻¹ and 3.8–8.7% body length increase d⁻¹, respectively. The growth of sagittal otoliths was also used as a proxy for changes in bluefish size during and shortly before their time of capture. Accordingly, otolith growth rates of summer-spawned bluefish were greater at ocean beaches relative to the estuary and were explained by the more suitable temperature conditions found at ocean beaches during the mid- to late summer. Notwithstanding the fast growth of oceanic summer-spawned bluefish, individuals spawned in the spring were still larger in absolute body size at the end of the summer growing season (240 and 50–200 mm FL for spring- and summer-spawned bluefish, respectively). The size discrepancy between spring- and summer-spawned bluefish at the onset of autumn migrations and during overwintering periods may account for the differential recruitment success of the respective cohorts.     

青岛湾潮间带活体底栖有孔虫Ammonia aomoriensis (Asano,1951)壳体δ18O值的季节变化

近岸浅水底栖有孔虫是陆架海区古环境重建的重要手段,但是至今对其活体的研究非常缺乏。2014年6月至2015年5月对青岛湾潮间带活体底栖有孔虫Ammonia aomoriensis进行了连续12个月的采样,用虎红染色以确认活体。对壳径范围在200~550μm的活体壳体,以每增加50μm壳径为一组,进行δ18O测试。结果显示,A.aomoriensis壳体δ18O的月平均值的季节变化趋势与温度和盐度一致,与温度反相关,与盐度正相关,即青岛湾A.aomoriensis壳体δ18O值受温度和海水δ18O的影响,其壳体δ18O值表现出了很好的季节性波动。但是A.aomoriensis壳体δ18O的变化滞后于所测温度和盐度约2个月,其记录的是虫体在生长周期内在真实钙化温度下分馏所得的δ18O值。