The distribution of meiofauna on back‐reef sandy platforms in the Maldives (Indian Ocean)

The Maldivian archipelago comprises some of the most characteristic and significant world atoll systems, but the meiobenthic assemblages of these islands continue to be largely unknown. To investigate variations in meiofaunal spatial distribution and biodiversity in back‐reef platforms, three transects were studied, two at Felidhoo (the north and east sides) and one at South Malé. The sedimentological features of the samples obtained were also analyzed to further current knowledge on the relationships that exist between sediments and meiofauna. Our results reveal that the meiofaunal assemblage at these locations is well diversified and includes 20 major taxa. Nematodes and copepods are dominant, together forming 68% of the total meiofauna, followed by platyhelminthes, polychaetes and ostracods. The nematode assemblage is very rich and composed of 34 families and 123 genera – 96 of which (78%) set new records for the Maldives. The structures of the meiofaunal and nematode assemblages are relatively similar on the ‘large‐scale’ level (i.e. when the different platforms are compared) and reveal a low β‐diversity. However, significant dissimilarities were detected within each platform, emphasizing that such ‘small‐scale’ differences are the main factors determining the structure of the meiofauna and, in particular, the nematode assemblages. Although significant differences were not detected between the transects, greater levels of dissimilarity were recognized at North Felidhoo. Here, the building of inclined deposit layers plays a significant role in increasing the heterogeneity of the platform habitats and sediments, confirming the great importance of sediment granulometry as an environmental variable. Indeed, a close relationship is observed between meiofauna (especially for the nematodes) and grain size, which appears to control the structure, diversity and trophic composition of the Maldivian meiofauna assemblages, thus highlighting the high biodiversity existing in the medium‐coarse sands.     

厦门凤林红树林湿地自由生活海洋线虫群落的研究

2004年冬季在集美凤林类似底质类型、盐度和潮位的海湾地段4个断面,就不同红树植物林中的小型底栖动物数量和自由生活海洋线虫群落进行了研究。结果表明:海洋线虫是凤林红树林中小型底栖动物中的绝对优势类群,占到小型底栖动物的76.1%~96.3%;从丰度来看,旧区白骨壤(Avicennia marina)林中小型底栖动物的数量较少,有污水流过的光滩数量较大;4个断面共鉴定出海洋线虫37种(分类实体单元),其中新区秋茄(Kandelia candel)林中的生物多样性指数较低,旧区白骨壤林中群落具有较高的物种多样性;从出现的物种来看,新区秋茄林、旧区白骨壤林和光滩上出现的优势种和摄食功能群的类型各不相同。从4个断面13个站位进行的聚类分析和MDS标序分析结果推断自由生活海洋线虫的群落结构与不同的红树植物形成的沉积物有关。     

Biodiversity of meiofauna in the intertidal khe nhan mudflat,can gio mangrove forest,vietnam with special emphasis on free living nematodes

The ecological aspect of meiofaunal communities in Can Gio mangrove forest, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam has not been investigated before. The composition, distribution, density and biodiversity of meiofaunal communities were studied along an intertidal transect at the Khe Nhan mudflat. Each time, three replicate samples were collected in four stations along a transect following the water line from low tide level up to the mangrove forest edge. In total, 18 meiofaunal taxa were found with the dominant taxa belonging to Nematoda, Copepoda, Sarcomastigophora and Polychaeta. The densities of meiofauna ranged from 1156 inds/10 cm² to 2082 inds/10 cm². The increase in densities from the mangrove forest edge towards the low water line was significant. Along the mudflat transect, the biodiversity (expressed by different indices) was relatively high at different taxonomic levels but did not vary significantly along the mudflat except for taxa richness. Eighty nematode genera belonging to 24 families with Comesomatidae having the highest abundance 33.8 % were found.Theristus andNeochromadora decreased in densities from the lower water line towards the mangrove forest edge, whileParacomesoma andHopperia are typical and more abundant at the middle of the mudflat.Halalaimus increased from high on the mudflat to the low water line.     

Meiofauna as descriptor of tourism-induced changes at sandy beaches

Tourism has long been considered as a 'clean industry' with almost no negative effects on the environment. This study demonstrated, in two different coastal systems (Mediterranean and Baltic), that tourism related activities are particularly affecting the sandy beach meio- and nematofauna in the upper beach zone, the specific ecotone in which many meiofauna species from both the marine and the terrestrial environment congregate. Tourist upper beaches are characterized by a lower % total organic matter (%TOM), lower densities, lower diversities (absence of Insecta, Harpacticoida, Oligochaeta, terrestrial nematodes and marine Ironidae nematodes) and higher community stress compared to nearby non-tourist locations. The %TOM was found to be the single most important factor for the observed differences in meiofauna assemblage structure at tourist versus non-tourist beaches in both the Mediterranean and the Baltic region. The free-living nematode assemblages from tourist upper zones depart significantly from expectations based on random selections from the regional nematode species pool. Furthermore upper zone assemblages are characterised by a low species diversity consisting of taxonomically closely related nematode species with r-strategist features. Generally, faunal differences between tourist and non-tourist beaches are decreasing towards the lower beach zones.     

中国红树林生态系统的植物种类、多样性、功能及其保护

本文从4个方面对中国红树林生态系统的植物进行论述：（1）中国红树林生态系统的红树植物、半红树植物、伴生植物、红树林区的大型藻类和浮游植物种类；（2）中国红树林生态系统植物的物种多样性、红树植物生理和形态适应的多样性、产物的多样性；（3）红树林的生态功能；（4）中国红树林生态系统的主要保护问题及其保护措施。     

Changes in biotic and abiotic processes following mangrove clearing

Mangrove forests, important tropical coastal habitats, are in decline worldwide primarily due to removal by humans. Changes to mangrove systems can alter ecosystem properties through direct effects on abiotic factors such as temperature, light and nutrient supply or through changes in biotic factors such as primary productivity or species composition. Despite the importance of mangroves as transitional habitats between land and sea, little research has examined changes that occur when they are cleared. We examined changes in a number of biotic and abiotic factors following the anthropogenic removal of red mangroves (Rhizophora mangle) in the Panamanian Caribbean, including algal biomass, algal diversity, algal grazing rates, light penetration, temperature, sedimentation rates and sediment organic content. In this first study examining multiple ecosystem-level effects of mangrove disturbance, we found that areas cleared of mangroves had higher algal biomass and richness than intact mangrove areas. This increase in algal biomass and richness was likely due to changes in abiotic factors (e.g. light intensity, temperature), but not biotic factors (fish herbivory). Additionally the algal and cyanobacterial genera dominating mangrove-cleared areas were rare in intact mangroves and included a number of genera that compete with coral for space on reefs. Interestingly, sedimentation rates did not differ between intact and cleared areas, but the sediments that accumulated in intact mangroves had higher organic content. These findings are the first to demonstrate that anthropogenic clearing of mangroves changes multiple biotic and abiotic processes in mangrove forests and that some of these changes may influence adjacent habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. Additional research is needed to further explore the community and ecosystem-level effects of mangrove clearing and their influence on adjacent habitats, but it is clear that mangrove conservation is an important aspect of managing tropical coastal systems.     

Seasonal and spatial variation in species diversity, abundance, and element accumulation capacities of macroalgae in mangrove forests of Zhanjiang, China

The objective of this study was to investigate whether there was distinctive seasonal and zonal variation in the species diversity, biomass, and element accumulation capacities of macroalgae in two major intertidal mangrove stand types （Avicennia marina assemblage andSonneratia apetala assemblage） in the Zhanjiang region of southern China. Over a year, 31 species in 15 genera were identified in both mangrove assem-blages, of which the dominant species wereCladophoropsis zollingeriand Enteromorpha clathrat.Macroal-gal species were significantly most abundant in spring （p〈0.05）, followed by summer, winter, and autumn. Variation in the zonal distribution of macroalgal species was conspicuous in both intertidal mangrove as-semblages, with the greatest abundance in the middle zone, and the least in the front zone. Patterns in the seasonal and zonal variation in macroalgal biomass in theS. apetalaassemblage were similar to those of macroalgal species diversity in both mangrove assemblages. The seasonal patterns in tissue concentrations of 15 analyzed elements were not uniform among the macroalgaeC. zollingeri,E. clathrata, andGracilaria salicornia in theA. marina assemblage. All three species exhibited variation in their responses to ambient concentrations of different elements, implying their differential ability to absorb and selectively accumulate certain elements.     

中国红树林资源状况及其药用研究调查 Ⅱ.资源现状、保护与管理

对中国红树林物种组成、资源状况和分布特征进行了调查和评价.结果表明,中国红树林天然分布南界为海南三亚(18°12′N),北界为福建福鼎(27°20′N)(人工引种北界为浙江乐清28°25′N).中国红树林区系有红树植物20科26属37种.广东、广西和海南沿海是中国红树林的主要分布地区.近50 年来,红树林面积先是锐减(1950年,48 266 hm2;1997年,14 877 hm2),2000年后略有回升(2002年,22 024.9 hm2;2008年,23 081.5 hm2).合理评估红树林湿地生态效价,完善红树林保护区制度,推进红树林湿地生态修复工程,构建红树林湿地保护网络系统,是中国红树林资源保护性开发利用的可行对策.     

Nematode diversity and its relation to the quantity and quality of sedimentary organic matter in the deep Nazaré Canyon,Western Iberian Margin

Samples collected in the deep Nazaré Canyon and at the adjacent slope, during the HERMES RRS Discovery D297 cruise (2005), were analysed for metazoan meiofauna, nematode structure and diversity and its relation to quality and quantity of sedimentary organic material. The amount and quality of organic matter available for direct consumption was much higher in the canyon compared to the slope and positively correlated with high nematode abundances (795–1171 ind. 10 cm^?2) and biomass (93.2–343.5 μg dry weight 10 cm^?2), thus leading to higher standing stocks. Canyon nematode assemblages also showed particular adaptations (e.g. higher trophic complexity, variability of nematode morphology, and presence of opportunistic genera) to canyon conditions, particularly in the deeper sediment layers. The Nazaré Canyon's nematode diversity was slightly lower than that of the adjacent slope and its assemblages were characterised by a higher dominance of certain genera. Still, the canyon contributes considerably to total Western Iberian Margin diversity due to different assemblages present compared to the slope. Furthermore, the harsh conditions in terms of hydrodynamic disturbance and the high organic matter flux are likely to have a negative impact on the establishment of species rich meiobenthic communities, especially in the canyon axis.     

Meiobenthos assemblages in the mekong estuarine system with special focus on free-living marine nematodes

Meiobenthos assemblages in eight estuaries of the Mekong river system were investigated in August 2008 (from the Cua Tieu estuary to the Tran De estuary). In each estuary, one sampling station was established for meiobenthos sampling. Twelve major taxa of meiobenthos were recorded in this estuarine system, including Nematoda, Copepoda, Turbellaria, Polychaeta, Oligochaeta, Tardigrada, Bivalvia, Ostracoda, Amphipoda, Cumacea, Gastrotricha, Gastropoda, and Crustacean Nauplii larvae. The densities of the meiobenthos range from 581 to 3168 inds/10 cm². Nematodes always occupy the highest numbers with a percentage ranging from 64–99%. There are 135 nematode genera recorded in this study with the following as dominant genera Desmodora, Leptolaimus, Halalaimus, Thalassomonhystera, Theristus, Daptonema, Rhynchonema, Parodontophora, and Oncholaimus. Although the biodiversity of the meiobenthos at higher taxa level is not high compared to other marine environments, the estimates of nematode biodiversity at the genus level indicates high values. The increase in number of genera with increasing sampling intensity illustrate that the diversity is underestimated and would have been higher if the authors had considered a larger number of individuals, more replicates per station, and more sampling stations.     

广东省红树林资源变化遥感监测

利用1990年的Landsat-5TM、2000年的Landsat-7ETM+和2008年的CBERS-02BCCD 3期遥感影像对广东省近18a来的红树林湿地资源进行监测,并对其时空变化情况进行分析。结果表明:广东省红树林呈现不断增加的趋势,1990年、2000年和2008年的面积分别为7 733.2,8 722.0和9 593.3hm2;红树林由沿岸分散分布趋于集中分布;天然林减少,人工林增加。     

Particle size shapes the prokaryotic microbial communities in mangrove sediments: A case study of Sanya,China

The prokaryotic microbial communities in the sediments play crucial roles in the ecological functions of mangrove ecosystems. Therefore, the environmental factors that affect the structures of these prokaryotic microbial communities could indirectly participate in the regulation of mangrove functions, which is of great value for mangrove studies. The particle size (PS) of soils is recently demonstrated as a key environmental factor for shaping the microbial communities; however, this hypothesis has rarely been tested for mangrove environments. A case study of three tropical mangroves from Sanya, China was performed in this work to assess the influence of PS on the prokaryotic microbial community structures of bacteria, archaea, diazotrophs, and denitrifiers in the sediments. Results showed the variability in the spatial scale and the stability in the temporal scale for the prokaryotic communities, indicating that the tropical mangrove sediments could be a versatile but stable environment. Among the collected environmental factors, PS, salinity, and humidity had the greatest impacts, and PS mostly affected the structures of these prokaryotic communities based on its highest R2 values of canonical correspondence analysis, Mental test, and linear fitting (p≤0.05). Furthermore, PS was positively correlated with the diversity and abundance of diazotrophic communities and negatively correlated with the abundances of methanogenic communities including Methanobacteriaceae, Methanospirillaceae, Methanoregulaceae, and Methanosaetaceae. Former studies show the increasing trend of PS caused by the rise of sea level and the intensification of human activities. Therefore, our findings indicate that PS could be a potential intermediate that links climate change and human activities with the possible ecological function migration of mangroves; meanwhile, the increase of PS could in turn release the stress of these environmental changes by increasing the abundance and diversity of the diazotrophic community and decreasing the abundances of methanogens.     

Effects of urban wastewater on crab and mollusc assemblages in equatorial and subtropical mangroves of East Africa

Mangrove forests are known to accomplish crucial ecosystem functions and services. They are nursery areas for fish, prawns and crabs, which provide coastal communities with a variety of food, timber and chemicals, and protect coasts from catastrophic events, such as tsunamis. Recently, a novel ecological service has been proposed for mangrove systems, namely natural wastewater treatment wetlands. This hypothesis was based on experimental data collected mainly in Chinese mangrove systems, which proved that mangrove soils were efficient in absorbing nutrients. Moreover, sewage loading seemed harmless to both plants and benthic communities in these systems. However, before promoting the use of natural mangroves as pollution buffers, or constructed mangrove wetlands as sewage treatment facilities, more data are needed on their overall tolerance to organic loading. Differences in macrobenthos patterns were thus investigated between peri-urban mangroves and sites not affected by sewage disposal in East Africa. We assessed differences in epifaunal assemblages, comprising crabs and molluscs, employing multivariate ACI unbalanced analyses to compare peri-urban mangrove swamps with those characteristic of non-urban mangroves with similar ecological traits. The sampling design was spatially nested, replicates being assessed at equatorial (southern Kenya) and subtropical (southern Mozambique) sites. The results manifested a consistent increase in crab biomass at the peri-urban sites in both Kenya and Mozambique. Moreover, the peri-urban systems were richer than the non-urban mangroves, both in terms of fiddler crabs (Uca spp.) which feed on benthic microalgae and bacteria, and sesarmids, such as Perisesarma guttatum and Neosarmatium meinerti, which feed on both substratum and leaf litter. The abundance of gastropods, in contrast, decreased significantly, especially in Kenya, mainly due to the disappearance of the mud whelk Terebralia palustris. The results thus indicate that, in East African mangrove systems, domestic wastewater has detectable effects on crabs and molluscs, suggesting their usefulness as bioindicators of its effects in mangroves. Transformed benthic patterns at the peri-urban sites indicated the need for further study of the actual potential of natural mangrove forests to absorb pollution in sewage treatment.     

Evolution and paleobiogeography of mangroves

We reviewed the geological record of mangroves based on fossil pollen, fruits, and wood evidence of Nypa, Avicennia, Sonneratia, Rhizophoraceae, and mangrove associates to trace the origin, distribution, extinction, and range contraction of paleo‐mangroves during the Late Cretaceous–Miocene time. Our study region covers paleocoastal areas of Indo‐West Pacific (IWP) and Atlantic East Pacific (AEP) region. First, we compiled the mangrove fossil records from the Late Cretaceous till Miocene and identified the migration pattern for Nypa, Avicennia, Sonneratia, Rhizophoraceae members, and mangrove associates such as Acrostichum, Wetherellia, Pelliciera, Aegiceras, Heritiera, Excoecaria, and Barringtonia. Second, we interpreted the paleoclimate shifts which caused the dispersal/extinction of this specialized ecosystem. Lastly, we proposed the future consequences of mangrove diversity for restoration and conservation strategies. First mangroves appeared during the Late Cretaceous, 100–65 Ma, since then their evolution is closely related to sea‐level changes in geological times. The oldest geological record of Nypa palm which prefers broad ecological tolerance is a good example for pantropical distribution of mangroves. High sea‐level and humid climate offered sufficient coastal regions and climate for the development of 12 genera of mangroves in nine families and subsequent proliferation into newer areas during early to middle Eocene (~50–40 Ma). The Eocene/Oligocene boundary crisis heralds the beginning of a biogeographical split between the present‐day eastern and western provinces of mangroves with records of Sonneratia, Rhizophora, Pelliciera, Barringtonia, and Acrostichum. However, during Oligocene and Middle Miocene mangroves occupied the present geographical position with addition of Nypa, Avicennia, and Excoecaria species. Re‐evaluation of Cenozoic records suggests that the climatic conditions of Late Paleocene, end of Eocene, and middle Pliocene were the driving force that led to the evolution and expansion of mangrove flora. During the Neogene, latitudinal contraction, extinction, and migration of mangroves led to the present bipartite distribution. The Himalayan uplift and establishment of Asian summer monsoon toward Late Neogene further affected the coastal dynamics which tailored the mangrove distribution of the Indian subcontinent. Loss of ecological habitats and local extinction forming disjunct distribution of mangroves during the Quaternary have also affected its overall biogeography.     

中国濒危红树植物研究与恢复现状

我国红树植物种类约占全世界的1/3,在世界红树植物多样性保护中占有重要地位.但在我国近一半的红树植物呈现出不同程度的濒危状态,科学保护迫在眉睫.本文从濒危红树植物的濒危现状、濒危机制、保护性研究工作和恢复现状等方面对我国濒危红树植物进行了综述,对濒危红树植物的种群扩大和恢复提出了建议.本文认为我国濒危红树植物濒危特点为...     

Nematode community structure in relation to metals in the southern of Caspian Sea

Spatial distribution and structure of nematode assemblages in coastal sediments of the southern part of the Caspian Sea were studied in relation to environmental factors. By considering metals, organic matter, Shannon diversity index(H), maturity index(MI) and trophic diversity(ITD), ecological quality status of sediment was also determined. Fifteen nematode species belonging to eleven genera were identified at the sampling sites. Average density of nematode inhabiting in sediment of the studied area was 139.78±98.91(ind. per 15.20 cm~2). According to redundancy analysis(RDA), there was high correlation between metals and some species. Based on biological indicators, the studied area had different environmental quality. Generally, chemical and biological indices showed different results while biological indices displayed similar results in more sites.     

福建省红树林湿地海洋线虫的优势属及摄食类型

本文于2012年4月、7月与10月以及2013年1月与4月,对福建省云霄县漳江口、龙海市九龙江口、厦门市凤林湾、泉州市洛阳江口、宁德市湾坞5片红树林湿地的海洋线虫进行采样与优势属及摄食类型研究,主要研究结果如下:采样区域优势度大于等于5%的海洋线虫优势属依次为Sabatieria、Ptycholaimellus、Parasphaerolaimus、Terschellingia、Daptonema、Viscosia和Dichromadora,优势度依次为19.82%、7.88%、7.45%、7.26%、6.79%、6.00%和5.25%。在漳江口红树林、九龙江口红树林及洛阳江口红树林均以Sabatieria为第一优势属,优势度分别为27.87%、28.37%和23.40%;凤林红树林以Terschellingia为第一优势属,优势度为18.10%;湾坞红树林以Daptonema为第一优势属,优势度为22.86%。海洋线虫摄食类型数量的季节变化如下,漳江口红树林:1B>2A>2B>1A;九龙江口红树林:1B>2B>2A>1A;凤林红树林:1B>2A>2B>1A;洛阳江口红树林:2B>1B>2A>1A;湾坞红树林:2A>1B>2B>1A。在漳江口红树林、九龙江口红树林和凤林红树林中海洋线虫均以1B型为主导,在湾坞红树林中以2A型为主导,在洛阳江口红树林是2B型为主导,在5个区域内1A型海洋线虫的丰度均为最低。     

Differences in benthic fauna and sediment among mangrove (Avicennia marina var. australasica) stands of different ages in New Zealand

Management of coastal environments requires understanding of ecological relationships among different habitats and their biotas. Changes in abundance and distribution of mangroves, like those of other coastal habitats, have generally been interpreted in terms of changes in biodiversity or fisheries resources within individual stands. In several parts of their range, anthropogenically increased inputs of sediment to estuaries have led to the spread of mangroves. There is, however, little information on the relative ecological properties, or conservational values, of stands of different ages. The faunal, floral and sedimentological properties of mangrove (Avicennia marina var. australasica) stands of two different ages in New Zealand has been compared. Older (>60 years) and younger (3–12 years) stands showed clear separation on the basis of environmental characteristics and benthic macrofauna. Numbers of faunal taxa were generally larger at younger sites, and numbers of individuals of several taxa were also larger at these sites. The total number of individuals was not different between the two age-classes, largely due to the presence of large numbers of the surface-living gastropod Potamopyrgus antipodarum at the older sites. It is hypothesized that as mangrove stands mature, the focus of faunal diversity may shift from the benthos to animals living on the mangrove plants themselves, such as insects and spiders, though these were not included in the present study. Differences in the faunas were coincident with differences in the nature of the sediment. Sediments in older stands were more compacted and contained more organic matter and leaf litter. Measurement of leaf chemistry suggested that mangrove plants in the younger stands were able to take up more N and P than those in the older stands.     

红树林生态退化机制评估指标体系构建与漳江河口案例研究

通过总结目前红树林面临的各类生态退化机制,利用＂压力-状态-响应（PSR）＂分析模型,构建了红树林生态退化机制评估指标体系,并应用于福建省漳江河口红树林生态系统的案例研究.评价结果显示：漳江河口红树林生态退化压力仍处在较小的范围内,主要压力源来自生物入侵以及海岸带水产养殖和围垦;对影响显著的生态退化因子已经采取了有效的控制措施;保持并加强保护措施,将有助于当地红树林生态系统在未来维持稳定的状态.     

Deep-sea nematode assemblage has not recovered 26 years after experimental mining of polymetallic nodules (Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone, Tropical Eastern Pacific)

We investigated nematode assemblages inhabiting the 26-year-old track created by experimental deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules, and two adjacent, undisturbed sites, one with nodules and one without nodules. The aim was to compare density, assemblage structure, and diversity indices in order to assess the process of recovery of the nematode assemblage inhabiting the disturbed site. This experimental dredging was conducted in 1978 by the Ocean Minerals Company (USA) in the area of a French mining claim in the Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone (Tropical Eastern Pacific) at a depth of about 5000 m. The nematode assemblage had not returned its initial state 26 years after the experimental dredging: the total nematode density and biomass within the dredging track were significantly lower than outside the track; the biodiversity indices showed significantly lower nematode diversity within the track; and the structure of the nematode assemblage within the track differed significantly from those in the two undisturbed sites outside the track. However, there were no significant differences in the mean body volumes of adult nematodes and adult-juvenile ratios between the track and reference sites. Parameters such as the rate of sediment restoration (which depends on local hydrological conditions) and the degree and character of the disturbance appeared to be of considerable importance for the recovery rate of the deep-sea nematode assemblages and their ability to recolonize disturbed areas. The rates of recolonization and recovery may vary widely in different deep-sea regions.